I create photos with the Sony a7riv, a6000, DSLT-A99 and the DSLR-A850.
The a7riv camera features:
- 61 megapixel full frame back illuminated CMOS sensor
- Bionz X image processor
- AF system with 557 focus points
- Multi-Interface Shoe
- 10 fps continuous shooting with subject, face, and eye tracking
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.4M dots
- OLED electronic viewfinder with 5.76M dots
- Full HD video recording at 4k/30p and 24p; clean HDMI output
- Wi-Fi 80211ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
The a6000 camera features:
- 24.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- Bionz X image processor
- Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase-detect points
- Built-in flash + Multi-Interface Shoe
- 11 fps continuous shooting with subject-tracking
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots
- OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots
- Diffraction correction, area-specific noise reduction, and detail reproduction technology
- Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; clean HDMI output
- Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps
The DSLT-A99 camera features:
- 24.3 million total pixels
- Worlds first Dual AF system and Translucent Mirror Technology
- 35.9 x 24.0 mm CMOS sensor 'Exmor'
- Maximum image resolution of 6000 x 4000
- Ability to record HD Video at 1080p 60fps
- OLED High Resolution Electronic View Finder
- Live View with 3 way articulated LCD Screen
- Super Steady Shot image stabilization
- Compatibility with Minolta A mount lenses
- 6 shots per second burst speed
- 19-point AF system, 11 cross type and 102 AF points on the image sensor
- Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) of up to 5 shots at .3ev, .7ev, 3 shots at 2.0ev
I purchased this camera in May of 2013.
The DSLR-A850 camera features:
- 25.7 million total pixels
- 35.9 x 24.0 mm CMOS sensor 'Exmor'
- Maximum image resolution of 6048 x 4032
- Super Steady Shot image stabilization
- Compatibility with Minolta A mount lenses
- 3 shots per second burst speed
- Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) of up to 5 shots at .7ev, 3 shots at 2.0ev
I purchased this camera in October of 2009.
Why Sony, why not a Nikon or Canon?
Back in the 1980's I worked for a guy who purchased the Minolta Maxxum 7000 which was the first Autofocusing SLR camera in the world. About a year later, I was ready to buy my own SLR. I chose the Maxxum 9000 with a 50mm F1.7 lens. Over the years I purchased several more Minolta AF lenses. With the advent of Digital photography my camera and lenses sat in the dark unused for many years. Then I heard that Konica had purchased Minolta and later on found out that Sony had purchased Konica/Minolta's camera technology and began development of a DSLR that would use the Minolta "A" lens mount. It began to look like my old lenses might see sunlight again. Sony released the DSLR-A100 and I almost bought it but then I heard they were close to releasing a much more capable camera. That camera became the DSLR-A700.
Lenses:
I prefer ultra wide angle lenses. I use the Sigma 14mm F2.8 on the full frame DSLR-A850 and the Sony SAL-1118, 11-18mm DT lens on the cropped sensor DSLR-A700. I also use the Lensbaby Composer for selective focus effects and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 for low light and macro photography.
Camera Support:
I use the Induro Carbon 8x C313 tripod. Rock solid and very light weight due to it's carbon fiber construction. I also use the Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head. I prefer this to the typical ball head. This design allows me to use only one hand to position the camera and lock it in place. For shooting locations that do not allow tripods I often find success by using theGorillapod Focus and Gorillapod SLR Zoom articulated camera supports. Manufactured by Joby, they stand behind their products and have great customer service.