Capturing Perfection: Canon EOS 700D vs Sony NEX 6 with Sony E 55-210 F4-5.6 3 OSS – The Definitive Camera Comparison You’ve Been Waiting For

Choosing the right camera for wildlife photography can be a daunting task, especially when you’re torn between two popular contenders like the Canon EOS 700D and the Sony NEX-6 with the Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens. Both cameras offer compelling features and capabilities, but their strengths lie in different areas. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison, exploring their key features, performance, and suitability for capturing stunning wildlife images.

The Contenders: Canon EOS 700D and Sony NEX-6 with Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS

Canon EOS 700D: This DSLR packs a powerful 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, a fast and accurate 9-point autofocus system, and a 3.0-inch rotating touchscreen display. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Sony NEX-6: This mirrorless camera boasts a 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, a sophisticated 199-point autofocus system, and a tilting 3.0-inch OLED display. Its compact size and advanced features make it a versatile option for both stills and video capture.
Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS: This telephoto lens is a perfect companion for the NEX-6, offering a versatile focal range (equivalent to 82.5-315mm on a full-frame camera) and Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization for sharp, blur-free shots.

Sensor Performance: Capturing Detail and Dynamic Range

Both cameras utilize APS-C sensors, providing a good balance between image quality and compact size. The Canon EOS 700D’s 18-megapixel sensor offers slightly higher resolution, resulting in more detail in your images. However, the Sony NEX-6’s 16.1-megapixel sensor excels in dynamic range, particularly in low light conditions, allowing for greater detail in shadows and highlights.

Autofocus: Tracking Fast-Moving Subjects

Wildlife photography often involves capturing fleeting moments, necessitating a fast and accurate autofocus system. The Canon EOS 700D’s 9-point autofocus system is reliable and responsive, but it can struggle with tracking fast-moving subjects. The Sony NEX-6’s 199-point autofocus system, with its advanced phase-detection technology, offers superior tracking capabilities, making it a better choice for capturing dynamic wildlife scenes.

Image Stabilization: Reducing Camera Shake

Camera shake is a common problem in wildlife photography, especially when using telephoto lenses. The Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens incorporates Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization, effectively reducing blur caused by camera movement. The Canon EOS 700D relies on digital image stabilization, which is less effective in mitigating camera shake.

Continuous Shooting: Capturing Action

The ability to capture a sequence of images at a fast rate is crucial for wildlife photography. The Canon EOS 700D offers a continuous shooting speed of 4 frames per second (fps), while the Sony NEX-6 can shoot up to 10 fps with continuous autofocus. This significant difference in shooting speed gives the NEX-6 a clear advantage when capturing fast-moving action.

Ease of Use and Interface: Finding Your Comfort Zone

Both cameras offer user-friendly interfaces, catering to photographers of varying skill levels. The Canon EOS 700D features a traditional DSLR layout with dedicated dials and buttons, making it easy to navigate through settings. The Sony NEX-6 utilizes a more intuitive menu system with customizable buttons and a touchscreen interface, offering a more streamlined workflow.

Video Capabilities: Capturing Wildlife in Motion

Both cameras can record high-quality videos at 1080p resolution. The Canon EOS 700D offers a maximum frame rate of 30 fps, while the Sony NEX-6 allows for 60 fps recording, resulting in smoother and more detailed footage. The NEX-6 also benefits from its advanced autofocus system, providing accurate and reliable focus tracking for video recording.

Telephoto Reach: Getting Closer to the Action

The Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens provides a significant telephoto reach, equivalent to 82.5-315mm on a full-frame camera. This allows you to capture distant subjects with greater detail, bringing you closer to the action without disturbing the wildlife.

Battery Life: Powering Your Photography Adventures

The Canon EOS 700D boasts a significantly longer battery life than the Sony NEX-6. This is a crucial factor to consider for wildlife photography, as you may be spending hours in the field. The NEX-6’s battery life is more suited for shorter outings or when using external battery packs.

Size and Weight: Portability and Comfort

The Sony NEX-6 with the Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens is considerably smaller and lighter than the Canon EOS 700D with a comparable telephoto lens. This makes the NEX-6 a more portable option for photographers who prefer to travel light.

Price: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The Canon EOS 700D is generally more affordable than the Sony NEX-6 with the Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens. However, the NEX-6’s advanced features and superior performance justify its slightly higher price tag.

The Verdict: Choosing the Best Camera for Wildlife Photography

So, which camera emerges as the winner for wildlife photography? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities.
The Canon EOS 700D is an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts who prioritize affordability and ease of use. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it a great starting point for wildlife photography.
The Sony NEX-6 with the Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS lens is ideal for more experienced photographers who demand advanced features and exceptional performance. Its superior autofocus system, continuous shooting speed, and image stabilization make it a powerful tool for capturing stunning wildlife images.

Making the Final Decision: Consider Your Needs and Preferences

Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Your budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a camera and lens.
• Your experience level: Choose a camera that is easy to learn and use, especially if you are a beginner.
• Your shooting style: Consider the type of wildlife photography you plan to do (e.g., action shots, portraits, landscapes).
• Your priorities: Decide what features are most important to you (e.g., autofocus, image stabilization, battery life).

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use a different lens on the Sony NEX-6?
A: Yes, the Sony NEX-6 accepts a wide range of E-mount lenses, offering flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
Q: Does the Canon EOS 700D have a built-in flash?
A: Yes, the Canon EOS 700D features a built-in flash for fill-in lighting.
Q: What are the advantages of using a telephoto lens for wildlife photography?
A: Telephoto lenses allow you to capture distant subjects with greater detail, minimizing disturbance and maximizing your chances of getting a close-up shot.
Q: How does image stabilization work?
A: Image stabilization uses a sensor shift or lens element movement to compensate for camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
Q: What are some tips for photographing wildlife?
A:

• Patience is key. Wildlife photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment.
• Respect the animals. Avoid disturbing or harassing wildlife.
• Use a telephoto lens. This will allow you to capture distant subjects without disturbing them.
• Use a tripod or monopod. This will help you to stabilize your camera and get sharper images.
• Learn about your subject. Research the behavior and habits of the animals you plan to photograph.

By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the perfect camera and lens for your wildlife photography adventures.