SONY A6700 vs SONY A7IV — which is actually better?

THAT ICELANDIC GUY.
10 Nov 202309:20

TLDRThe video script compares the Sony a6700 and Sony a74 hybrid cameras, highlighting their differences in size, sensor, features, and performance. The a6700 is compact with a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor and advanced AI autofocus, while the a74 is larger, with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and better low-light performance. Both cameras share features like 10-bit 4K video, 5-axis image stabilization, and high frame rates, but differ in price, with the a74 being more expensive. The choice depends on the user's preferences for size, budget, and specific features.

Takeaways

  • 📷 The Sony a6700 is more compact with a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the Sony a74 is larger and features a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor.
  • 🔍 The a6700 boasts a new AI-powered autofocus system, similar to the one found in the high-end A7R5, offering fast and accurate performance.
  • 🎥 The a6700 can record 4K at 120 frames per second, albeit with a crop, while the a74 offers a higher 4K frame rate without a crop but limited to 60 frames per second.
  • 🖼️ Both cameras can film 10-bit 4:2:0 footage with high bitrates and have advanced picture profiles like S-Log 3 and C-Log.
  • 🔒 The a74 has a wider ISO range, better low-light performance, and additional RAW file settings compared to the a6700.
  • 💰 Price difference is notable, with the a74 costing around $2,500 for the body and the a6700 priced at approximately $1,400 for the body.
  • 🖱️ The a74 features two memory card slots, including support for fast CF Express cards, a feature not present on the a6700.
  • 🎞️ Both cameras have 5-axis image stabilization, with the a74 offering slightly better stabilization at 5.5 stops compared to 5 stops on the a6700.
  • 🌟 The a74 can downsample 7K footage to 4K for potentially sharper images, while the a6700 downscales 6K footage to 4K.
  • 📸 Both cameras are compatible with Sony's E-mount lenses, allowing for a wide range of lens options for photographers and videographers.

Q & A

  • What are the key differences between the Sony a6700 and the Sony a74 in terms of size and sensor?

    -The Sony a6700 is smaller and more compact, featuring a 26-megapixel back-illuminated APS-C sensor. In contrast, the Sony a74 is larger and bulkier, equipped with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor.

  • How does the autofocus system differ between the two cameras?

    -The a6700 is equipped with a new AI-powered autofocus system, similar to the one found in the A7R5, which is noted for its speed and accuracy. The a74 also has a good autofocus system, but the a6700's is the latest and greatest, offering better performance.

  • What unique video capabilities does the a6700 offer that the a74 does not?

    -The a6700 can film at 4K 120 frames per second, although this is with a significant crop. It also features a new auto framing mode found in the Sony SV E1.

  • What advantages does the Sony a74 have over the a6700 in terms of still image quality?

    -The a74 has a wider ISO range, better low light performance, and a slightly better dynamic range. It also captures 7K footage that is down-sampled to 4K, resulting in a sharper image compared to the 6K footage from the a6700.

  • What do both cameras have in common in terms of video features?

    -Both cameras can film 10-bit 4:2:2 footage with up to 600 MB/s using the All-Intra compression, have advanced picture profiles like S-Log 3 or HL (Hybrid Log-Gamma), offer a web camera mode with breathing compensation for video, and have variable shutter speed settings.

  • How do the image stabilization systems of the two cameras compare?

    -Both cameras are equipped with 5-axis image stabilization. The a74 has slightly better stabilization with 5.5 stops, while the a6700 offers 5.0 stops of stabilization. They also both have an active mode image stabilization for video, which uses electronic stabilization with a 1.1x crop.

  • What is the significance of the memory card slots in the Sony a74 that the a6700 lacks?

    -The a74 has two memory card slots, one of which can accommodate a CF Express card, offering faster write speeds. This is particularly useful for high-resolution video and photo storage, but it is not available in the smaller a6700.

  • How do the viewfinder and grip size differ between the two cameras?

    -The a74 has a larger viewfinder and grip due to its bigger body, which may provide a more comfortable experience for some users.

  • What is the price difference between the Sony a6700 and the Sony a74 at the time of recording?

    -At the time of recording, the Sony a74 costs around $2,500 for just the body, while the a6700 costs around $1,400 for just the body.

  • What factors should one consider when choosing between the a6700 and a74?

    -When choosing between the two cameras, one should consider their budget, preference for a full-frame or APS-C sensor, the importance of video capabilities like high frame rates and image stabilization, and the need for additional features like the AI-powered autofocus and auto framing mode.

  • What is the main takeaway from the video regarding the 4K 120 frames per second footage of the a6700?

    -The video suggests that while the a6700 can film 4K at 120 frames per second, it is worth considering whether this feature, which is quite cropped, is valuable for one's specific needs and whether the smaller size and other features of the a6700 outweigh the a74's advantages in still image quality.

Outlines

00:00

📸 Sony a6700 vs a74: A Detailed Comparison

This paragraph introduces the video's purpose, which is to compare two hybrid cameras, the Sony a6700 and the Sony a74, and determine which one is the perfect fit for the viewer. It highlights the differences in size and sensor between the two cameras, with the a6700 being more compact and equipped with a 26-megapixel sensor, while the a74 is larger and features a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor. The paragraph also touches on the different handling experiences due to the size differences and introduces some of the unique features of the a6700, such as AI-powered autofocus and high frame rate capabilities, while noting that the a74 also has its advantages, including a wider ISO range and additional RAW file settings.

05:01

🎥 Common Features and Price Considerations

In this paragraph, the script discusses the common features shared by both the Sony a6700 and a74 cameras, such as the ability to film 10-bit 4:2 footage, advanced picture profiles, webcam mode, breathing compensation, variable shutter, and 5-axis image stabilization. It also mentions the difference in stabilization effectiveness, with the a74 having 5.5 stops and the a6700 having 5.0 stops. The paragraph highlights the shared feature of active mode image stabilization for video and the presence of a large battery in both cameras. The price difference is also addressed, with the a74 being more expensive than the a6700. The paragraph concludes by encouraging the viewer to consider their priorities and preferences when choosing between the two cameras, whether it be picture quality, budget, or video-making capabilities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sony a6700

The Sony a6700 is presented as a new, compact hybrid camera with a 26 megapixel back illuminated sensor, showcasing advanced features such as AI-powered autofocus and the ability to shoot 4K at 120 frames per second. Its compact size and technological innovations make it suitable for enthusiasts and professionals looking for a portable yet powerful camera. The script emphasizes its novelties like the auto framing mode and the capacity to load custom LUTs, positioning it as a cutting-edge option for both photography and videography.

💡Sony a74

The Sony a74 is described as a bulkier, full-frame camera with a 33 megapixel sensor, offering higher image quality, a wider ISO range, and additional raw file options compared to the a6700. It's highlighted for its professional-grade features such as dual memory card slots, CF Express card compatibility, and superior low light performance. The video script contrasts it with the a6700, focusing on its strengths in photography and high-quality video recording capabilities, albeit at a higher price point.

💡Back illuminated sensor

A back illuminated sensor is a type of digital camera image sensor that improves image quality in low light conditions. By placing the wiring behind the light-receiving surface, more light is captured, leading to better photographs and videos. The script mentions this technology in context with the Sony a6700, indicating its capability to produce high-quality images even in less than ideal lighting conditions.

💡AI-powered autofocus

AI-powered autofocus refers to the advanced focusing system used by the Sony a6700, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance the speed and accuracy of autofocus. This feature is highlighted as a key advantage of the a6700, making it particularly effective for capturing fast-moving subjects in both photo and video modes. The script aligns this technology with cutting-edge performance, similar to that found in Sony's higher-end models.

💡4K 120 frames per second

This term refers to the camera's ability to record video at a 4K resolution with a frame rate of 120 frames per second, allowing for smooth slow-motion footage. The script mentions this capability in the context of the Sony a6700, contrasting it with the a74's lower frame rate options and noting the a6700's superiority in this aspect for videographers looking to capture high-quality slow-motion sequences.

💡Full-frame sensor

A full-frame sensor is larger than APS-C size sensors, offering improved image quality, better performance in low light, and a shallower depth of field. The Sony a74's full-frame sensor is mentioned as a distinguishing feature, making it more suitable for professional use where image quality and low light performance are critical. This contrasts with the a6700's smaller sensor, highlighting the trade-offs between the two cameras.

💡ISO range

ISO range indicates the camera sensor's sensitivity to light, affecting the quality of photos taken in various lighting conditions. The script notes the Sony a74's wider ISO range as an advantage, allowing for more flexibility in low light photography and videography, illustrating the camera's adaptability to challenging lighting environments.

💡Electronic shutter

An electronic shutter allows the camera to capture images silently and at high speeds, without the physical movement of a mechanical shutter. The script mentions this feature in the context of achieving higher maximum shutter speeds with the Sony a74, useful for capturing fast-moving subjects without blur.

💡Image stabilization

Image stabilization reduces blurring associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. Both the Sony a6700 and a74 are said to have 5-axis image stabilization, with the a74 having a slight edge. This feature is crucial for shooting stable video footage and sharp still images, especially in low light or at slow shutter speeds.

💡Price point

The term 'price point' refers to the set price of a product in the market. In the video script, the distinction in price between the Sony a6700 and a74 is significant, with the a6700 being more affordable. This difference is crucial for potential buyers, balancing between budget considerations and the desired camera features.

Highlights

The Sony a6700 and a74 are two hybrid cameras with distinct features.

The a6700 is more compact with a 26-megapixel back-illuminated sensor.

The a74 is larger, featuring a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor.

The a6700 introduces a new AI-powered autofocus system.

The a74 has a wider ISO range and additional RAW file settings.

The a74 offers a higher maximum shutter speed with electronic shutter.

The a74 has two memory card slots, unlike the a6700.

Both cameras can film 10-bit 4:2:0 footage with high bit rates.

They share advanced picture profiles like S-Log 3 and S-Cinetone.

Both have 5-axis image stabilization, with the a74 having 5.5 stops and a6700 having 5.0.

The a74 has better low-light performance due to its full-frame sensor.

The a74 can film 4K at 60 frames per second, albeit with a crop.

The a6700 can film 4K at 120 frames per second, but it's quite cropped.

Both cameras use the Sony E-mount, compatible with both full-frame and APS-C lenses.

The a74 is priced higher at around $2,500, while the a6700 is around $1,400.

The a74 provides a slightly better dynamic range and less noise.

The a74's 4K footage is downsampled from 7K, offering a sharper image.

The a6700 may be more suitable for those on a budget or who prefer a smaller form factor.

The a74 is better for those valuing image quality and doesn't mind the extra size and cost.