The Lens Ecosystem
If you choose Sony, you get cheap third-party lenses. If you choose Canon, you get expensive but brilliant proprietary lenses. Choose the system, not just the body.
One camera to rule them all. These hybrid workhorses deliver 33MP+ high-resolution stills for clients and 10-bit 4K video for YouTube, all in a single body.
| Model | Best For | Megapixels | Video Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony A7 IV | The Standard | 33 MP | 4K60 (Crop) | Check Price |
| Panasonic S5II | Value / Video | 24 MP | 6K Open Gate | Check Price |
| Canon R6 Mark II | Speed / Action | 24 MP | 4K60 (None) | Check Price |
This is the camera that defines "modern hybrid." With a 33MP sensor, it offers significantly more cropping room for photos than its 24MP rivals. The autofocus is legendary—it tracks eyes like a magnet.
It has a huge ecosystem of third-party lenses from Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang, making it the most affordable system to build long-term.
Panasonic finally fixed their autofocus. The S5II uses Phase Detect AF (PDAF), making it reliable for solo shooters. But its superpower is "Open Gate" 6K video, which lets you record the full sensor height.
Why does that matter? It allows you to crop a vertical 9:16 (TikTok) and a horizontal 16:9 (YouTube) video from the same clip without losing quality. It also has a built-in fan for unlimited recording.
Need speed? The R6 Mark II shoots a blistering 40 frames per second electronically. It’s a monster for sports and wildlife. For video, it’s the only camera in this price range that shoots 4K 60p using the full width of the sensor (no crop).
The ergonomics are fantastic, and the autofocus sticks to subjects tenaciously. It’s a pure joy to use if you prioritize speed and usability.
If you choose Sony, you get cheap third-party lenses. If you choose Canon, you get expensive but brilliant proprietary lenses. Choose the system, not just the body.
24MP is plenty for 4K video and social media. Only pay extra for the Sony A7 IV's 33MP if you crop heavily or print huge billboards.