Is it Worth Upgrading from Canon 650D to Sony A7Rii? A Guide for Night and Car Photography Enthusiasts
When considering a camera upgrade, especially a significant one, the decision shouldn't be taken lightly. In today's context, if you were to upgrade from a Canon 650D to a Sony A7Rii, it would be similar to going from a 5-year-old economic car, such as a Toyota Corolla, to a luxury or sports car, like a Tesla or BMW. Let's dissect the pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros and Cons of Upgrading to Sony A7Rii
The Sony A7Rii is a fantastic camera, far superior to the Canon 650D in nearly every aspect. However, there are some factors to consider before making the switch.
1. Lens Compatibility
To fully leverage the capabilities of the Sony A7Rii, you will need to invest in Sony lenses. This is a significant factor, as lenses are expensive and often a crucial part of your photography equipment.
2. Lens Selection
If you currently own no lenses, upgrading to the Sony A7Rii is an excellent choice. However, if you already have a collection of Canon EF-S lenses, you should strongly consider upgrading to a Canon camera instead. Sony and Canon lenses cannot be used interchangeably, so selling your EF-S lenses at a discount may be your best option.
3. Upgrading to Canon 6D Mk1 or Mk2
If you have some high-quality lenses, it might be more beneficial to upgrade to a Canon 6D Mk1 or Mk2. The Canon 650D or T4i, while an 18-megapixel crop camera, only utilizes 62.5% of what a full-frame camera captures. This difference is significant, especially when it comes to low-light and nighttime photography.
Understanding the Impact of Crop Factor on Photography
To better understand the difference, it's essential to grasp the concept of crop factor. A crop factor system, like the one used by Canon, essentially means that the camera's sensor size is smaller than a full-frame sensor. This results in a narrower field of view, which can limit your ability to take detailed images in dim lighting conditions.
1. Full Frame vs Crop Sensor
While both the Sony A7Rii and the Canon 6D Mk1/Mk2 are full-frame cameras, the A7Rii has double the megapixels. However, the key to successful low-light photography isn't just about the number of megapixels but also the size of the sensor. A larger sensor can capture more light, which is crucial in low-light scenarios.
2. Pixel Size and Light Capture
Full-frame sensors have larger pixels, which means they can capture more light. This can make the difference between a great low-light photo and a poorly exposed image. The A7Rii, with its 42-megapixel sensor, has smaller pixels, which can be a disadvantage when shooting in low light. The Canon 6D Mk2, with its 26-megapixel sensor, has larger pixels, making it more suitable for low-light conditions.
Practical Considerations for Night and Car Photography
Night photography and car photography both benefit from cameras that can capture more light. Below are some practical considerations to help you decide whether to upgrade to the Sony A7Rii, Canon 6D Mk1, or Mk2.
1. Light Sensitivity
Night photography often requires lower light sensitivity settings, and a full-frame camera like the Canon 6D Mk1 or Mk2 can help you achieve this with its larger sensor and larger pixels. This means you can consistently take sharp, well-exposed photos even in poorly lit environments.
2. Image Quality
The A7Rii's 42-megapixel sensor might seem impressive, but in practice, you will likely not use all of its megapixels. Many photographers prefer to shoot in a lower resolution mode for faster and more efficient data transfer. For instance, shooting at 5-megapixels can significantly reduce file size and provide faster performance.
3. File Size and Storage
Despite the A7Rii’s appeal, its high-resolution files can quickly fill up your memory card. For instance, a 20-megapixel shot in RAW can take up around 60MB, while a 42-megapixel shot can take up 126MB. This means that on a 64GB card, you can only store around 500 shots in 42-megapixel mode. If you plan to shoot in RAW and 4K video, you'll need to carefully consider your memory card needs and budget.
Conclusion
Upgrading your camera is a significant investment, and the decision should be based on your specific needs and goals. If you are primarily focused on night and car photography, the Canon 6D Mk1 or Mk2 is a worthy upgrade. These cameras offer excellent performance in low-light conditions and provide a more functional and budget-friendly solution than the Sony A7Rii.
On the other hand, if you enjoy capturing every detail of your subject, the A7Rii's high resolution might be more appealing. However, the difference in image quality may not be as noticeable as you might expect, and the increased file size can pose practical challenges.
Ultimately, the best camera is the one that you are most comfortable with and willing to use. Whether you choose the Canon 6D Mk1, Mk2, or the Sony A7Rii, make sure that your decision aligns with your photography goals and preferences.