A6000 advice (or alternatives)

[seggy]

I am just about to buy this camera as a beginners camera. I am wondering whether or not I should go for the A5100 instead and miss out on the viewfinder and the hotshoe...

Depends on what you want out of a beginner's camera.

Personally while I don't have any problems with the menus, etc I think the A6000's quite obtuse to use, especially for someone who's starting out and wants to get away from auto/Program. It's got one control dial and another at the back which also controls the user interface - and I think it hides some key controls away that are best accessed directly for you to be learning about photography. The plus is that image quality is beyond reproach though, with decent lenses it's at least as good as the new $1,700 Fuji. If you are going to be shooting in full auto most of the time, then it's a great choice. Beyond that though, and as a tool to extend your skills, you may regret making the choice later.

The Panasonic LX100 is a really good beginner's camera to consider IMO. It's got everything in a box, respectable - though definitely well below the A6000 - image quality, and most importantly it's quick in everything it does, and has directly accessible key controls - exposure comp, aperture, shutter speed. The Panasonic image transfer / remote control apps are also pretty decent and relatively easy to use.

 

[OzBok]

Another vote for olympus OM-D's. I just got dad onto one recently, and he's not the best with modern technology, but has mastered it pretty quickly. Got the option of panasonic or olympus lenses as well. I forget the reason, but apparently there is somewhat of a hiccup if you go for a panasonic micro four thirds body, and use olympus lenses, stabilisation maybe?

 

[kenoh]

Another vote for olympus OM-D's. I just got dad onto one recently, and he's not the best with modern technology, but has mastered it pretty quickly. Got the option of panasonic or olympus lenses as well. I forget the reason, but apparently there is somewhat of a hiccup if you go for a panasonic micro four thirds body, and use olympus lenses, stabilisation maybe?

Good heads up!

 

[3568378]

The A6300 isn't just about 4K - it's the 400+ AF points - fastest in the world they claim. I have one and whether or not it's fastest in the world I don't know, but it's fast! 4K is gorgeous too and while I realize many have called 4K a future technology that is presently more of a gimmick, I would say that this is not 2013 anymore and while I was saying the same thing, I think you'll find the majority of TV's being sold right now are now in that camp...and it's no longer unaffordable. We recently bought a 50" LG TV for HDR and an IPS display that is 4k and it cost $530 shipped with tax. That would have been unheard of a few years ago.

Spend the extra $$ and get the A6300. Get the body only and don't waste your time with the kit lens. Grab either a 35mm f/1.8 prime or a 50mm f/1.8 prime. Both are VERY sharp and in the case of the 50mm especially the reviews are stellar and the price is very reasonable for the results.

 

[seggy]

It's fastest in theory, but nowhere near as consistently accurate in nailing focus than e.g. Panasonic DfD, let alone DSLR's in the same price range.

It's also exactly as control-compromised as the A6000, which IMO really puts it back again among its price peers.

4K overheats the camera in a disturbinigly short period of time, so it's much less useful as it could have been.

The A6000 is much better value for what both are capable of now, especially as there's barely any difference in stills quality.

And the kit lens is a great-to-have. Sure it's optically compromised but it's super compact and does its just (EDIT: job, damned typos) just fine.

 

[3568378]

I've never had it overheat personally but I've heard the rumors. What controls are you looking for that are missing?!

 

[seggy]

You don't know?

 

[3568378]

You don't know?

No, I don't know?! Every ounce of customization I've ever needed for manual shooting has been right there. Also would disagree on the kit lens. It seriously compromises what the camera is able to do, especially considering that the cost to get something really nice (i.e. the 50mm f/1.8) would probably cost $100 more than the kit version of the A6300 camera.

 

[seggy]

Oh I don't dispute all the abilities to change the exposure settings are eventually there.

The problem is, direct access.