Read on for a non-scientific look at the cost of switching from Canon to Sony. Note: you`ll need a lot more cash than shown here.
The Sony a9 is here and with the ability to shoot 20 fps with AF-C, it`s likely to make a lot of sports photographers curious about switching to the Sony mirrorless system. We`re already impressed as heck. After all, it is meant to face off directly with the Canon 1DX II and Nikon D5.
We`ve talked about the structural considerations that may prevent some working pros from switching systems. But let`s imagine that those logistical concerns aren`t a problem, or you`re a freelance photographer who isn`t working with an employer`s supply of lenses. What would it actually cost in dollars and cents to switch systems?
We surveyed four Seattle photojournalists and found out what equipment they consider essential on assignments. Interestingly, their kits all consisted of a lot of the same gear and all four shoot Canon. Once we got a sense of what goes into a pro`s bag, we estimated what kind of money that kit might fetch if it were to be flipped. Finally, using our grand total, we looked at how much kit they could replace if they went Sony.
Before diving in, it is worth noting that switching brands is never a cost-effective move. And someone truly considering making the move from Canon to Sony, or Nikon to Canon, or Nikon to Sony, can assume a loss going in. Also all pricing estimates are current as of publishing, but are subject to change with time.
In the bag: the ideal kit
Below we`ve listed out a sports photography kit based on our feedback from working photojournalists. All four photographers shoot with two bodies minimum, and occasionally use a third. Interestingly, none have upgraded to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or 5D Mark IV, though for the `Value if purchased new,` column we used the price of the latest version of each camera, since that`s what they`d likely buy, if anything needed replaci ...
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