NEX-6 for first camera?

[James Crybaby Ng]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to buy my first camera. I have a rough idea of what to buy, but I would like to seek more advice. I am thinking about getting a Sony NEX-6.

Since most of my friends who own a DSLR normally don't bring it out due to it's weight and bulkiness, I narrow down my options to mirrorless cameras. NEX-6 functions like a DSLR(the mode dial, control dial and control wheel), which allow me to control the settings when I want and change the mode quickly.

I am thinking about using the camera to take both photos and videos. Is getting a NEX-6 too much for my first camera?

 

[Rashkae]

It's as good a choice as any. Easy to use, uses a DSLR sensor, great image quality.

 

[James Crybaby Ng]

But having said that, I am opening up my options to other cameras as well. Or I might just get a compact or a powerzoom camera,

I am actually hoping that Sony would improve their UI and allow other developers to make apps for the camera.

Samsung NX300 seems nice, the touchscreen and the WIFI seems pretty cool, the UI is really friendly as well. But I just kinda doubt Samsung's camera quality, though they are doing a good job catching up i guess, and it's not that Sony is known for their cameras as well.

Having said that, rumors have it that Sony is working on a NEX-fullframe right now, hence I thought it would be nice to invest in NEX-6 for now. But that just lead to another point, if Sony is really gonna succeed in making a mirrorless fullframe, other companies are probably gonna follow suit and have one in the near future isn't it?

 

[CasualBear]

But having said that, I am opening up my options to other cameras as well. Or I might just get a compact or a powerzoom camera,

I am actually hoping that Sony would improve their UI and allow other developers to make apps for the camera.

Samsung NX300 seems nice, the touchscreen and the WIFI seems pretty cool, the UI is really friendly as well. But I just kinda doubt Samsung's camera quality, though they are doing a good job catching up i guess, and it's not that Sony is known for their cameras as well.

Having said that, rumors have it that Sony is working on a NEX-fullframe right now, hence I thought it would be nice to invest in NEX-6 for now. But that just lead to another point, if Sony is really gonna succeed in making a mirrorless fullframe, other companies are probably gonna follow suit and have one in the near future isn't it?

Isn't the rx1 ff?

 

[Rashkae]

Isn't the rx1 ff?

It's not interchangeable lens mirrorless system.

 

[rhino123]

Why not the NEX-7? Afterall I think the price difference is not really that great (might be wrong though).

 

[kei1309]

i think the NEX-6 is a good camera to start photography with.

it also opens up many doors to poisonous legacy lenses

 

[Edwin Francis]

But having said that, I am opening up my options to other cameras as well. Or I might just get a compact or a powerzoom camera,

I am actually hoping that Sony would improve their UI and allow other developers to make apps for the camera.

Samsung NX300 seems nice, the touchscreen and the WIFI seems pretty cool, the UI is really friendly as well. But I just kinda doubt Samsung's camera quality, though they are doing a good job catching up i guess, and it's not that Sony is known for their cameras as well.

Having said that, rumors have it that Sony is working on a NEX-fullframe right now, hence I thought it would be nice to invest in NEX-6 for now. But that just lead to another point, if Sony is really gonna succeed in making a mirrorless fullframe, other companies are probably gonna follow suit and have one in the near future isn't it?

A lot of speculation about what MIGHT happen. Stop over-thinking and go get a camera you like now, not pine for one that might come out sometime.

"Sony is not known for their cameras"? -- if you mean it is a small part of the Sony empire, yes. But they firmly in the top three, and probably the ONLY manufacturer that covers all common camera types well (DSLR/T, mirrorless & compact).

Oh, camera gear is rarely an "investment" unless you're a working pro, or a (serious) collector

 

[James Crybaby Ng]

Why not the NEX-7? Afterall I think the price difference is not really that great (might be wrong though).

The price difference is actually pretty huge. A NEX-7 body itself cost S$ 1,549.00. You can actually buy a NEX-6 with 2 lenses with that price.

And it is not just that, NEX-6 has a hybrid af, multi-interface hot shoe, wifi capability, and it functions like a DSLR. If I were to get an NEX-7, I am actually paying for the higher megapixels along with magnesium alloy body(which makes it more rigid) and the trinavi control.

Well, this is my first camera and I don't think I need to get such a high-end product. I do not need to work with 24.3MP as I am not gonna print them out into life size, nor am I gonna cropped it a lot.

I was actually looking for a cheaper alternative from NEX-6, yet functions the same way. And I can actually use the money to by other equipments, accessories and lenses. I am actually looking forward to the next IT show to see what do they have to offer for NEX-6, but I doubt it would be much.

Isn't the rx1 ff?

Nope, I'm not referring to RX1. But I did consider it, but put the idea aside.

Sony is currently working on a NEX-FF system which is not out yet. It is expected to be out roughly next year. At that time, they would probably improve on the NEX-7 model to make it better than NEX-6, NEX-7 is still their current flagship after all.

 

[NikF601]

Buying a camera is the most easiest task to do, so buy one that you like and start learning to take good photos (difficult task for many)..IMO

 

[G-man]

I just got my NEX-6 as a secondary camera to my DSLR. I am not too sure how long it will stay secondary though.

Although many I know have commented on the less than stellar UI, I personally find it pretty acceptable.

TS, I reckon the NEX-6 is a good first camera. Price is relatively low, it has pretty decent specs and a standard hotshoe should you also want to do flash photography next time

 

[Arnhem]

The 6 is a fantastic choice. It checked all the right boxes for me when I was looking for a replacement for my venerable D70. If you will forgive my bluntness a FF camera would be wasted on you if it's your first camera. You also mentioned waiting for an upgrade/improvement to the series, that's like waiting for the next CPU/GPU to come along, ultimately pointless. The 6 has enough bells and whistles for you to play around with and learn your craft for a long time to come. Technically speaking, it's a great blend of form and function, buy it and the only thing left for you to do would be like what NikF601 says, get out there and use it. And that is always and by far the more difficult thing to do. Buy it, USE it. End of story.

 

[kei1309]

When in doubt...

BBB first, think about it later

 

[Daoyin]

James, your musing reminds me of an incident in the classic tale "Alice in Wonderland". In the story, Alice and her friends came to a fork in the road on which sat a cat (the Cheshire Cat). Being undecided, Alice asked the cat which path should they take - to which the cat asked where are they heading? Alice replied no where in particular. The cat then replied, "Then any path will take you there".

Good luck in your journey.

 

[jfxberns]

I have a Nikon D600 and an NEX-7. The NEX gets more use because of its size.

You only take great pictures when you have a camera with you.

 

[silvermoon1407]

Nex6 is a good first camera for a starter. Period. Just buy.

 

[novice72]

Well, honestly speaking, Sony NEX-6 is definitely a good camera to start with. I also nearly bought it but end up buying Olympus m43 due to its availability of lens and prices.

 

[giantcanopy]

I am thinking about using the camera to take both photos and videos. Is getting a NEX-6 too much for my first camera?

Not at all.