Sony A7 IV

Way back in 2011, I got interested in photograph and bought a Nikon D3100 DSLR with a kit lens. Over the next few years, I added a wide angle zoom and a much better standard zoom. All told, I shot around 25,000 images with that camera before I eventually felt like I’d outgrown it.

Cell phone cameras improved dramatically over those years so I eventually sold the DSLR and exclusively used my phone for the next several years. I always felt that if I got back into photograph, I’d want to go with a full frame mirrorless body. Before our trip to Greece this fall, I did just that and picked up a Sony A7 IV along with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens.

First, let me say up front that cell phone cameras today are incredible. 10 years ago they struggled to match the dynamic range of even a mid-grade DSLR but that’s largely not the case anymore. Most cell phones today also offer multiple focal lengths via different lenses. They can even shoot in RAW format if you want more advanced editing capabilities.

That said, there are still advantages to a camera body with interchangable lenses. Beyond any any spec comparison, there’s something about the experience of shooting with a camera body that feels more purposeful than pulling out a phone and snapping a quick selfie.

Here’s a practical example from our trip to Greece to illustrate the benefit of interchangable lenses. On the left is a photo I shot with the A7IV at 70mm. On the right is a photo my wife took with her iPhone 13 Pro. The background compression from the longer lens pulls the village into the image

I hope to add a longer zoom lens and a fast wide angle prime in the future. For now, the 24-70mm is a great all-around lens that’ll serve most of my needs very well.