I have both the Sony rx10 iv and a canon 7d ii, which I use with the
100-400 lens, often with a 1.4x extender. I bought the Sony as I was
looking for a lighter more compact camera for traveling (and when my back
is sore!) I would say I’m a moderately (+) serious amateur photographer
(and birder). While I am still getting used to the Sony (after using it
intermittently for about a year) and am not sure I am optimizing it for
birding, here is what I’ve concluded. Compared to the 7d (and not to other
compact bridge cameras) the Sony is far lighter and more compact. It gives
the advantage for traveling of being able to do scenics and birds without
changing lenses. It does have remarkable reach with its lens, and the
quality is very good (although less so than my canon). It is my go to
camera if I’m primarily NOT birding but I want to be able to get a bird if
I see one. Handheld video is also easier and more successful in my hands
with the Sony. The major disadvantages of the Sony are (again compared to
the 7d) that it takes a few seconds to go from standby to shooting (whereas
the 7d is near instantaneous) and that can be enough to miss some (many?)
shots. Also it hasn’t been possible for me to be as adept with it when
photographing birds that are partly obscured by branches etc. (that may be
a function of settings, but so far I’m not convinced.) also tracking birds
in flight is better with my 7d.
So, I use both cameras. I use the 7d if I’m going birding and want to
maximize my chances of getting the shot. I use the Sony if I’m traveling
light and am primarily doing nonbirding activities. The Sony also proved to
be a great backup when I was in Iceland last year and my canon telephoto
steamed up for a couple of days after a very wet whale watching excursion.
Obviously the Sony is less expensive than my canon kit, albeit considerably
more so than most bridge cameras. Good luck
Hope this helps.
Michael
On Fri, Jan 18, 2019 at 7:13 AM Mark Greenfield <sauviemark@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Much thanks for all the input on cameras for bird photography.Michael Krall
I bought the Canon SX50 when it first came out and really liked that
camera. I kept it for several years, until it died. My photos must have
been pretty good, because others would see the pictures it took and decide
to buy the same camera. After the camera died, I bought the Canon SX65,
which I intensely disliked. It was heavier, the photos were not as sharp,
and I gave it away in favor of a Lumix 24-600 zoom. I much prefer the
Lumix, but as with both Canon cameras, there is often a lack of sharpness,
especially when I enlarge the photo. I have found this to be a constant
problem with point and shoot zoom cameras.
I have now read two articles about the Sony RX10IV, and I really
appreciated hearing on OBOL from a few folks who have purchased it. I was
hoping that would happen. I would love to hear from others who have
purchased this camera. I do not want to be carrying gigantic lenses around
with me when I bird, and this sounds like the best way to go.
Mark Greenfield
Sauvie Island, Oregon
sauviemark@xxxxxxxxx
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