When it comes to cameras, I’m pretty clueless. I’m an amateur photographer at best. So, if you’re looking for a complicated technical drawn out explanation by a photography expert, I’m sorry but you’ll have to look elsewhere.
If you’re anything like me though- pretty much only concerned with taking pretty pictures conveniently and with little knowledge or effort, and won’t get much out of reading a long list of the camera’s specific features and stats –then lucky you, you landed in the right place!
Disclaimer: If you’re not really into cameras or not currently in the process of shopping around for a new one, this post may bore you a bit. I give you full permission to scroll down past all the camera blab and skip to the pictures!
For the rest of you, meet my new camera: the SONY Alpha 6000!
Don’t we look happy together?!
Why the switch to something smaller?
I have a love-hate relationship with my Canon DSLR. When I take it along on my adventures, it takes an amazing picture (when I use it right that is). Almost always, I get great results.
The problem? My DSLR equipped with 17-50mm Sigma Lens is just SO DAMN BIG AND HEAVY.
As someone who grew up using simple compact point and shoots, I obviously realized the camera was huge when I bought it. The thing was, it didn’t really bother me. The large size and big bag of extra accessories, felt like an upgrade of sorts. Like I was now some fancy know-it-all professional photographer.
Well, that feeling faded…….. fast.
For someone who doesn’t know a lot about photography, has never taken a class, or taken the time to really figure out all the bells and whistles, a DSLR camera can prove to be one big pain the ass. If you know what you’re doing, the size, weight and huge pile of accessories that come along with a DSLR are totally worth it. If you don’t, well, maybe it’s not.
Because I had invested so much in this camera, I stuck with it for a long time. I’m talking years. BUT recently the issue came to a head when I was planning what to bring on my 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu. When packing for the trek, I had to plan each and every item I was going to bring along due to an extremely limited amount of space. Not to mention I would be walking for five days straight and weight was a real factor to be considered. After lots of thought and back and forth, I finally decided not to bring my DSLR on the trek. I would stick to my iPhone for pictures and my GoPro for videos, as they were both small, light and portable.
After a full five days spent walking through one of the most beautiful places in the world, I wasn’t completely happy with my photos, all because once again I had decided not to bring along my bulky DSLR along. I finally realized that I wasn’t getting significant use out of my DSLR anymore. For the majority of trips I was going on, I had stopped even packing it based on inconvenience.
Enough was enough. It was time for a change. I needed something more portable. You know, a camera that I could throw in a handbag, one that I could easily carry with me on tours and hikes, one that I didn’t dread bringing with me when traveling.
I wasn’t happy with the quality of my iPhone photos or the size of my DSLR. What I needed was a happy medium.
The Compact Point and Shoot vs Mirrorless Decision
In my search for something smaller, I began researching compact cameras. Compact cameras have a lot to offer, most obviously, their compact size and portability. They are light, often cheaper than more advanced camera models and very easy to use.
I scoured Google reading all of the articles, advice and reviews that I could find and over and over one name kept showing up- Sony RX100. So many bloggers and customers were raving about the Sony RX100 series. And so it became my top contender.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Sony RX100 series, read this and this.
Still, after having a DSLR for so long, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to downgrade all the way to a simple point and shoot. Even though I don’t know much about cameras now, I have hope for the future. Eventually I do want to invest more time and energy in learning more about complex photography, which is pretty impossible to do with a point and shoot. I want to have the option to upgrade and change lenses, as well as shoot in manual mode.
And that’s what eventually brought me to look into mirrorless systems.
Why the Sony Alpha 6000?
Finally in what seemed to be my never-ending search, I came across the Sony Alpha 6000 in this article by National Geographic.
The article says:
Pick for Travelers: This is a mirrorless camera with the familiar APS-C sensor used by most affordable DSLRs. If you’re looking to replace your standard digital camera with a smaller version but still want a relatively high megapixel count, this incredibly affordable camera is a good choice.
Uh HELLO?!….. It sounded PERFECT!!
Looking more into the SonyA6000, it received nothing but rave reviews. There was no doubt about it- this was the camera for me.
Features that sealed the deal:
- Small and compact
- 24.3 Megapixels
- Electric view finder
- Interchangeable lens
- Incredible, super fast auto focus
- Shoots continuously at 11 frames per second (awesome for action shots!!)
- Full HD video
- WIFI Capable
For a more detailed, technically sound and way-over-my-head explanation of the Sony A6000 click here.
So, how’s the SonyA6000 treating me so far?
So far, my SonyA6000 and I are in a state of blissful new love! And, I’m hoping this feeling won’t fade anytime soon …
But- truthfully, I haven’t had too much time to play around with it yet. Things have been pretty crazy over here lately and I haven’t been traveling as often as I’d like. When I’ve used it, though it seems to be just what I was looking for.
2nd BUT- I have a lotttttt of exciting travel plans coming up (which I can’t wait to share!,) so I’m sure I’ll be reporting back soon with plenty of SonyA6000 updates (and hopefully lots of pretty pictures to show off!)
For now, I thought it would be fun to compare a few pictures taken on my iPhone vs the Sony on a recent trip to Valparaíso. As you can see (I hope), the camera pictures are a major step up! They are wider angle, the colors are more vivid and they’re much more detailed!
What type of camera do you use to document your travels?
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Disclosure: Some of the above links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. They have been provided for your convenience, but if you decide to purchase, Lauren on Location will receive a small percentage of the profits at no added cost to you.
Welcome to Wanderful Wednesdays!
Consider yourself a wanderer?! Well then, this Blog Hop is for you!
Meet your hosts: Lauren of Lauren on Location, Van of Snow in Tromso, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This and Marcella of What a Wonderful World.
Here on Wanderful Wednesday we hope to promote an open and supportive community for like-minded bloggers- expats, travelers and all kinds of wanderers!
The linkup will take place every Wednesday at 8AM GMT.
Wanderful Wednesday Guidelines:
- Link up a wanderful travel related post below! One per blogger per week please!
- Spread the LOVE! Blog Hops are all about hopping around & getting to know others within the community! At the very least please try to comment on one other post before you go!
- Let’s get Social! Really liked a post you read? Don’t be shy! Share your favorites on Social Media! You can use the hashtag: #wanderfulwednesday
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You can also pin your post to our new Pinterest Board! Let me know if you’d like the invite.
This week I’m highlighting A Tour of our Roomette on the Amtrak Empire Builder by Rachel at A Nesting Nomad. It was so cool to get an inside look at this little private overnight room and this post will definitely have you giggling! If you haven’t already, be sure to go check out her post and spread the love! Thanks for linking up with us Rachel! 😀
**Wanderful Wednesday Announcement- Facebook Group- add to our community with open conversations. If you would like to be added message me on my Facebook – Lauren Bonheim or Lauren on Location and I will add you 😀 .. Been having a hard time finding everyone by name on Facebook..
Happy Hopping Friends!! 😀
I’m currently having the same struggle. We have the Canon EOS something something and I can take great photos when it works properly, but there are some days its too complicated for me to figure everything out, and even though its a small camera and relatively light, its still big and bulky and I would rather have something that I can press and shoot without complications. #WanderfulWednesday
Seems like you know exactly how I feel. I feel like now when we’re all trying to travel with less, bulky electronics just get in the way!
I got tired of lugging my Nikon DSLR around and decided to make the switch to a smaller, mirrorless camera last year and ended up with the Sony Alpha 6000 as well. While I generally love it, two things generally bother me: (1) the macro is crap, and (2) my screen regularly cuts out. Living in Dublin, I spend a lot of time in low-lit pubs and I can’t use my camera’s auto features in there to get good pictures. More times than not I end up pulling out my iPhone for those moments which drives me bonkers.
Oh nooo.. That scares me a bit because that’s exactly what I was doing for my DSLR haha .. Switching to my iphone when I just couldn’t figure it out… Hopefully I’ll have better luck with this one!
I might need to buy a new camera too:) #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks for reading Tanja
I have an Olympus EM10 which is mirrorless but still quite bulky to carry around – the Sony sounds like the Goldilocks of cameras, not too big, a lot better quality than an iphone – just right! I’ve just started a beginners photography class – after 2 years I finally got off auto 🙂
Ah that’s awesome! I really need to get around to that one day!!
I never had one of those big DSLR’s but I did have a smaller one, which got stolen. I realized that I didn’t like carrying it around anyway, and now I have the Canon G7X, which fits in my jacket pocket, and I love the size. It looks like it’s about the same size as yours. It takes SO much better pictures than my iphone. But I don’t know the full potential of it either. I really need to learn a little about photography!
The Canon G7X was actually up in my top 5! How are you liking it?! I heard it’s a great camera and so awesome that it fits in your pocket 😀
I love it! But I feel like I need to learn some photography skills or something haha. I’ve been putting off doing a post on it for soooo long. Maybe it’s time!
I’m using the Sony A6000 too! You can read about my experience with it here:
http://bumblebeemum.net/2016/02/24/camera-for-mothers-sony-a6000-review/
I bought it for all the same reasons as you. It was my first interchangeable lens camera and I love it to bits. Though after using it for more than a year, I feel so tempted to switch to full frame because there is a limit to what I can do with the A6000 under low light and without carry a tripod (I’m with you on travelling light). But the Sony A7 series is sooooo expensive! *cries* I’ll just stick to my A6000 for now. 🙂
Oh! My dad bought an A6300 and I borrowed it for a weekend. The autofocus system on the A6300 was significantly better than my A6000. But pricing wise, I think A6000 was still more value-for-money.
Oops, I forgot. #WanderfulWednesday
I was stuck between those two because I didn’t know if the upgrade was worth it. Glad you think the A6000 is a better buy, because that’s what I got out of it as well! 😀
All of the reasons that you mentioned for making the switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera are the exact reasons why we decided to switch too! When we went to Europe one of our biggest goals was to only pack in a carry on, and when my husband and I started looking at the cameras that we were going to take, it just seemed like taking 2 DSLRs was going to be a huge and heavy burden. We started doing research and found out about the mirrorless cameras and ended up going with the Olympus, although we almost got the Sony. They take great pictures, are so portable, and are easy to use too! I’m glad that you’re loving your camera so far!
Sounds like we’re on the same page when it comes to [trying] to pack light! 😀 .. Having a mirrorless seriously just reduce everything you have to bring and YES, loving it so far! Glad you’re enjoying yours as well! 😀
I am toying with replacing my Canon DSLR with its 18-250 lens for the same reason, it is bulky and heavy. My husband uses a Canon Photosmart with excellent results. I think I’m a bit of a camera snob and like the “prestige” of my DSLR, LOL. But I, too, find I use my phone rather than carry the big one around town.
I’m hoping to get a mirrorless camera in the future. I hate the weight of my DSLR, but I want the quality that comes with it too. Thanks for sharing your review of your new mirrorless. Hopefully it will help me when I get the money ready to start looking. 🙂 #wanderfulWednesday
I used to have a DSLR that I LOVED. Unfortunately and ridiculously, I left it on a ferry boat in San Fransisco 🙁 Since then I haven’t been able to afford a new one (knowing the feeling of losing one!) so I’ve just been using my iphone. I edit my photos a lot, and I get a lot of compliments on them but I know the quality just isn’t there! Which I can TOTALLY see now after you posted comparisons… This mirrorless camera seems like the perfect deal, I’m definitely going to check it out!!
The difference in the colours is amazing! I should really learn how to take proper pictures with a real camera. At the moment I’m using the same little Samsung point and shoot that I’ve had for at least eight years.
Could I get an invite to the pinterest board please?
I’ve only heard good things about the SonyA6000 so far and I’m sure it’d be great for travel! While you make the switch from a DSLR though, I finally am going to buy one. Photographing Northern Lights and whales in the wild just kinda need heavy equipment. Although I’m happy to say that I found a DSLR which only weighs 500 grams and lenses which weigh not that much either. We’ll see how it goes 😀
I’ve been following your blog since the spring because I wanted to learn more about Northern Norway and your blog was the first thing that popped up for me on google. I would think that the SonyA6000 would be a great choice for you in the dark winter months because the cameras sensor does really really good low light shooting. They have a very expensive camera you might have heard of called the Sony A7s which does even better at night (but it’s like $2000 dollars which is ridiculously expensive). Hope you find gear that works for your needs 🙂
I love my Sony A6000 and I’m so glad that you love it as well! Have you bought any lenses for it?!
This was a really interesting post! I wanted a DSLR for ages and finally, I have to admit I am totally happy with my phone’s camera, which is supposed to be one of the best phone cameras on the market today. It really performs better than my Canon non-DSLR 🙂 But good to hear about your choice… I am not sure I would go down the DSLR route after reading some blog posts about them…
Great points! I’ve been doing research on which DSLR to get and didn’t even consider a non-DSLR one!
I’ll keep this camera in mind when I’m looking for a new camera (which will hopefully be in the next year or two.) My current camera is so big and bulky I don’t enjoy lugging it around on my travels. #wanderfulwednesday
I’m encouraged that you consider yourself an amateur photographer, because your photos are lovely. I would also love to take better photos without having to learn a lot of tech and editing skills!
I’m planning to upgrade from a point and shoot to a mirrorless as soon as my budget allows it, so I appreciate the info about this camera!
Love this!! I also am really glad that I invested in a mirrorless, though I still adore my DSLR too! I just don’t like taking photos with my phone, call me old fashioned but I love the feel of holding a camera, it’s special 🙂 So excited by the quality of your new camera, you can really see it in the comparison shots! YAY.
I totally understand you. I bought a DSLR some time ago and ended up not using it. Like you said, it is heavy and bulky. Plus, my battery was dying very fast. Now, I use a small Cannon point and shoot with a very good zoom (30x). I have been thinking of of getting a mirrorless camera for some. Maybe it is the time to switch since I am looking into improving my photography. #wanderfulwednesday
You are the third blogger I’ve read who has extolled on the virtues of a mirror-less camera, Lauren. I think I’d like to add one to my collection as it would be easier to bring on hikes.
This is a great post for people thinking about what type of camera to get for travels. I had a very similar experience with my DSLR – bought it because I love photography, and had hopes of being an expert (still have those hopes, haven’t progressed nearly as much as I’d like!) – but then started seriously travelling and realised it’s really quite inconvenient to carry all those lenses around with me. Plus safety is a big thing in a lot of places. I’ve also recently invested in a similar high quality camera to you (different make and model but similar) and I’m so happy with it. Much easier to carry with me on my wanderings 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that your new camera is working out for you! If I were doing as many hikes and treks as you do, I’d definitely consider making the switch. I’m bummed that you weren’t totally content with your Machu Picchu pics, but I’m sure that your Go Pro videos are epic enough to make up for it 😉
Okay I’m obsessed with this. I love my Nikon D3300, but it doesn’t exactly fit in my purse hahaha. I may have to look into this myself! I definitely want the new GoPro too
I switched to the Olympus mirrorless and like you, love my choice. I would have gone Sony, but it is too difficult to get lens and repairs in New Zealand (where I live).
What I’ve always appreciated about Olympus is the quality of their lenses and hardware in general. The imaging is not quite up there with Sony but I’ve owned a few different Olympus mirrorless cameras that were durable and functional (other than the menus which I hate). I’ve been shooting with Olympus since 2011 and other than one cheap lens that gave up on me after thousands of photos and a couple of years of shooting with it, I have not once ever had an issue with their cameras.
I have a Sony mirrorless that I carry when I don’t want to carry my 5DM2 but I still find myself gravitating to my Canon. The Sony is a fantastic camera though!
You have no idea what god timing reading this post was! I have been trying to work out what camera to get for a LONG time! I wanted to get a Canon DSLR but like you said, would be pointless if I know nothing about it! I currently just use my Samsung S6 for photos and edit them on Snapseed! I was looking at the Song A5000 but when I went in to buy it they told me it was discontinued so I probably won’t get it anywhere – the A6000 is the obvious next choice, but slightly pricey for me atm. But I wil most definitely be pinning this !! Thank you #WanderfulWednesday
I thought about making the switch myself, but they were a bit out of my price range. My friend who uses a Sony Mirrorless loves his.
UGH! It’s so scary having to pick out new technology. Glad you like the new camera though! Been thinking of adding another one to my arsenal 😉
I love my mirrorless Fuji XT1. I have the compact Sony RX100 II as well. I take the smaller RX100 when I want to carry a tiny camera. The quality of pics from the RX100 is amazing. The Fuji XT1 is for serious trips though as I have a huge wide lens for it. At first I used it like a DSLR – I did a course and then went around taking photos in manual. Recently I just switched back to auto – I cannot compete with the camera, it seems – and I now use it like a compact but switch lenses on it a lot. I love mirrorless. Only problem is they are not fast and you can get blurring on people pictures. How fast is the Sony A6000?
I don’t own a sony but have been doing a lot of research lately on different brands. Sony reports to have some of the best and fasting focusing systems of the mirrorless market. The camera has about 180 some focusing points (which trust me is a lot). The only thing is that when you use manual focus you have to select your points with a wheel, which you are probably are used to coming from Fuji. I use an Olympus Pen camera and it focuses really well. The autofocus is speedy and the best thing is it has a touchscreen and you can manually select focus points with your finger. I use it all the time now to shoot pictures of wildlife near my house with just my kit lens. I believe the Canon EOS series of mirrorless also has a touchscreen autofocus features too. Technology is incredible!
I use my iPhone as I really find it so portable and easy to use plus I always have it on me! But I am looking for a new camera and this one would fit the bill perfectly! I am going to hint to my husband for Xmas!!!!
Great post! I’ve been using different Olympus Mirrorless models since 2011 and am so glad I got used to the system early on. I’ve been able to take so many high quality photos with a camera I can take absolutely anywhere when I travel. Sony looks amazing! I’m really curious to try it out sometime because the specs are so good but I’m in love with the Olympus ergonomics.