Introduction
Whether you’re just starting your photography career or are a seasoned photographer, having the perfect camera is an absolute must. However, with so much debate between the top two brands, it can be hard to pick between Sony or Canon.
Each camera has its selling points, and it is a very close race between these two popular brands. Let’s look at what each brand offers individually, then compare the key features of both. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll know which brand is best for your next purchase!
Sony: An Overview
While the Sony brand first emerged in 1946, they did not produce digital cameras until 1988 when the Mavica came out. It took them almost ten years to create another one, but they have proved themselves a prominent camera producer despite the slow start.
They made digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras for only a short period. Because of the existing competition in that area, they decided to invest more in creating mirrorless interchangeable lens models, which have become a booming success.
They currently offer the A7 and A9 series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. The A7 is a more generic full-frame model but still great for professional photographers. The A9 full-frame series is explicitly for top-notch sports and wildlife photography.
Even though these full-frame series have arrived on the market relatively late, the Alpha full-frame series offers numerous features that give other brands (like Canon and Nikon) a run for their money. Despite being available for less than ten years, Sony has produced three generations of the A7 series and has dozens of full-frame models available.
In addition to these high-quality full-frame camera series, they offer advanced photo system type-C (APS-C) options at a lower price for people looking for excellence on a budget. They also have several point-and-shoots, the most notable series being the RX.
Advantages of Sony
The sheer number of first-rate cameras that Sony has produced in the past decade speaks to its innovation. By focusing on mirrorless options, they have quickly gained an edge over competing brands.
Our two favorite aspects of these products are the incredible full-frame sensors that create high-quality images and the autofocus that tracks the subject of our photo. They utilize both Real-Time Eye Autofocus and Real-Time Tracking to ensure you never have an unfocused image again.
Also, these full-frame cameras are generally smaller and lighter-weight, making it easier for photographers to handle and manage long photo shoots.
Disadvantages of Sony
One of the biggest complaints about Sony cameras is the menu system. Many photographers find the organization just too confusing. Not only are there many settings options, but the company also renamed standard tools, which makes finding them even more complicated.
While it is evident that the menu system needs some renovation, part of the complexity comes from the numerous options Sony offers you. However, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to learn the complete set-up before a professional gig.
Despite the dozens of features that these cameras offer, their lens selection is not as diverse as possible. Other brands, such as Canon and Nikon, offer many more options for all photographing scenarios.
Another area of complaint from Sony camera users is color processing. If you’re photographing in conditions with unnatural lighting, particularly with artificial lighting set-up in a studio, the colors may be strange.
You can quickly fix these color oddities in post-processing, but it adds an extra, unwanted step to getting flawless pictures.
Canon: An Overview
Canon has been a prominent camera brand since 1934 when they produced a 35mm camera under the name “Kwanon.” For nearly 100 years, they have been one of the leading brands, working to develop new technology for relaxed, professional photoshoots.
In 1987, they created the first completely electronic system which connects the camera and lens. The Electro-Optical System (or EOS) name can still be seen in their current models.
Where Sony focuses on mirrorless cameras, Canon takes the lead with DSLRs. However, they also produce a few mirrorless, point-and-shoot, and compact options that are ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
The most expensive DSLR options are the EOS-1D full-frame series, which offers a 20-megapixel sensor and 20fps burst. Just like the A9 full-frame series, this particular line of full-frame cameras in Canon is for sports and wildlife photography.
Other DSLR favorites include the Canon EOS 5D, 6D, and 7D. The 5D and 6D full-frame models are ideal for videos, with the 6D being slightly cheaper. The 7D full-frame options are semi-professional options with a crop-sensor.
For more intermediate photographers, they offer APS-C DSLRs that aren’t for complete beginners as they give the user more customization options. For absolute beginners, the Rebel options are easy to use and more affordable.
This company doesn’t provide as many mirrorless camera options as Sony, but it has the EOS M (for beginners) and the EOS R mirrorless camera (for professionals). Similarly, they have point-and-shoots for both novices (the SX and ELPH options) and advanced photographers (the G series).
Advantages of Canon
The fact that this company has been creating cameras for so many decades attests to their quality and reliability. Their models have been on lists of the best photography tools for decades, and that isn’t changing.
One definite strength of the full-frame camera in Canon is that it uses Dual Pixel Autofocus for perfect focus while filming. Just touch the object you want to track on the LCD screen, and it does the rest. Another significant aspect of filming is the “C-Log” found in the 5D Mark IV, which means more quality colors and a higher dynamic range.
This brand takes the lead over Sony with their lenses, as they offer numerous different types to give you that perfect image while shooting. A favorite option among photographers is the L-series EOS R and EF options. These lenses are specifically for professional photographers (particularly wedding photographers) to give them sharper, more vibrant image quality.
Disadvantages of Canon
Despite being around for decades, this brand is not a leader of innovation. Within just a couple of years, Sony took the lead on mirrorless cameras over this well-known brand. However, this brand does produce improved products to provide its customers with excellent tools – just at a slower rate.
Furthermore, their prices are steep compared to other brands. While they have experience and popularity on their side, the cost of an intermediate model may steer people away and cause them to choose a more professional choice from another brand for about the same price.
Nevertheless, many photographers will still choose the more expensive options because of their features, like lenses and filming options.
Even though Canon offers excellent autofocus for filming, many of their cameras do not provide 4K resolution videos. Since this is the new standard resolution, it may be a considerable drawback that not all the options give you a clear resolution of 4K.
Sony vs. Canon: Key Comparisons
Lens Options
The main camera body isn’t everything in photography – quite the contrary. Professional photographers have an array of additional lenses that they switch between for different projects. A superior lens can make the difference between a good and an excellent photograph.
There are options for various types of photography, from wildlife to portraits to zooming. However, one lens does not necessarily work for different kinds of cameras. There are many factors to consider when choosing a new lens, such as if you want one that fits only the APS-C version vs one that fits both an APS-C and a full-frame camera.
So, which brand offers the best selection?
If you remember, the lenses were a weakness to Sony brands because they don’t offer the best variety for their cameras. This lack of diversity is understandable since their products have not been on the market for long. While they are making great strides in providing more lenses, at the moment, they fall far behind Canon’s options.
One option, though, is to use a lens adapter on your Sony camera. Of course, this is an added hassle, but it may be worth it if you don’t want to invest in buying a whole new device.
Canon provides many different types of lenses for each camera model. The EF mount lenses fit both the full-frame and the APS-C models, but the EF-S version is only for APS-C devices. Additionally, the mirrorless series uses E mount lenses only.
Overall Size
While the feel of a camera may not be on the top of your list of things you want to look for, it is crucial you feel comfortable with your equipment. If you are on your feet all day shooting weddings or hiking up mountains to get the perfect wildlife shot, you may want a lightweight option. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feel of a heavier device, size may not be an issue for you.
The Sony cameras are by far much lighter than their competition. Even the largest option, the A9, which weighs 673 grams, is lighter than Canon’s lightest model, the 6D.
Weather Sealing Capabilities
Shooting outdoors is a favorite for a lot of photographers. Outdoor photography isn’t only for wildlife and landscape images; it can include portraits, sports, and weddings. There is nothing better than a beautiful photograph with natural lighting.
However, when you get caught in a sudden rainstorm, or you want to capture that perfect image of snow falling in a forest, you don’t want to worry about water damage with your camera. Thankfully, both brands of cameras offer sufficient water sealing on their models.
Performance: Autofocus and Speed
When evaluating camera performance, autofocus capability is crucial, especially for sports, wildlife, and any fast-action photography. Both Sony and Canon offer advanced autofocus systems, but they excel in different areas.
Canon's Autofocus
Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF) technology is renowned for its accuracy and speed. It is particularly effective in live view and video mode, providing smooth and reliable focusing that is ideal for filmmakers and vloggers. The DPAF system is a phase-detection autofocus system, meaning it can quickly and accurately track subjects across the frame. This technology is present in many of Canon's cameras, from their entry-level models to their high-end professional gear.
One significant advantage of Canon's DPAF is its ease of use. The touch-to-focus functionality on Canon's LCD screens allows photographers to simply tap on the subject they want to focus on, making it incredibly intuitive, especially for those new to photography.
Sony's Autofocus
Sony, however, pushes the envelope with its Real-Time Eye Autofocus and Real-Time Tracking systems. Sony’s autofocus technology uses a combination of phase-detection and contrast-detection, with artificial intelligence to recognize and track subjects with exceptional accuracy. This is particularly useful for portrait and wildlife photographers who need to capture spontaneous moments with precision.
Sony’s autofocus is not just limited to the eyes of humans; it can also track animal eyes, which is a significant advantage for wildlife photographers. The speed and reliability of Sony’s autofocus make it a preferred choice for professionals who need to ensure every shot is sharp and well-focused.
In summary, if you are a videographer or someone who values ease of use and smooth focus transitions, Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus might be more appealing. However, for photographers who need the most advanced tracking capabilities, especially in dynamic environments, Sony’s Real-Time Eye Autofocus and Real-Time Tracking are hard to beat.
Shooting Speed and Buffer Capacity
Another critical aspect of camera performance is the shooting speed and buffer capacity, which determine how many continuous shots you can take before the camera needs to pause to write data to the memory card.
Canon
Canon's professional DSLRs, like the EOS-1D X Mark III, offer impressive burst rates, reaching up to 20 frames per second (fps) with the electronic shutter and 16 fps with the mechanical shutter. This makes Canon a formidable choice for sports and action photography. Additionally, Canon cameras tend to have generous buffer capacities, allowing photographers to capture extended bursts without significant slowdown.
Sony
Sony's flagship models, such as the A9 II, also boast high burst rates, matching Canon with up to 20 fps. Sony’s mirrorless cameras often benefit from faster readout speeds due to their advanced sensor technology, which minimizes rolling shutter effects and ensures quicker, more accurate continuous shooting.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor, particularly for photographers who shoot in the field for extended periods without access to power. Here, Canon generally holds an advantage.
Canon
Canon's DSLRs are known for their robust battery life. For instance, the EOS 5D Mark IV can shoot up to 900 shots on a single charge. Even their mirrorless models, such as the EOS R, offer respectable battery life compared to competitors.
Sony
Sony’s mirrorless cameras, while feature-rich, tend to have shorter battery life. The compact design of mirrorless systems often means smaller batteries. Models like the Sony A7 III have improved significantly, offering around 710 shots per charge, but they still fall short of Canon’s DSLR longevity.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization (IS) helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths.
Canon
Canon has traditionally relied on lens-based stabilization (optical IS). Many of their lenses, particularly the professional L-series, come with built-in stabilization. However, with the introduction of the EOS R5 and R6, Canon has implemented in-body image stabilization (IBIS), offering up to 8 stops of correction when used with stabilized RF lenses.
Sony
Sony was an early adopter of IBIS in their mirrorless cameras. All current Sony mirrorless models, including the A7 and A9 series, feature 5-axis in-body stabilization. This system works effectively with all lenses, providing more flexibility and better stabilization performance, particularly when using non-stabilized lenses.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Canon and Sony
Deciding between Canon and Sony ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer or videographer.
Choose Canon If:
- You value extensive lens options and high-quality glass.
- You prefer a more intuitive menu system.
- You require robust battery life for long shoots.
- You prioritize reliable Dual Pixel Autofocus for video work.
Choose Sony If:
- You want cutting-edge autofocus technology with Real-Time Eye and Subject Tracking.
- You prefer the compact and lightweight design of mirrorless cameras.
- You need advanced sensor technology with excellent low-light performance and dynamic range.
- You require in-body image stabilization for versatile shooting scenarios.
In the end, both Canon and Sony offer exceptional cameras that can meet the demands of professional and amateur photographers alike. The best choice will depend on your personal shooting style, the types of photography you engage in, and which features you prioritize the most. Whichever brand you choose, you’re investing in a powerful tool capable of capturing stunning images and videos.
