Sony Alpha A6100

Mark H

Nov 11, 2021

Hi Joseph, I am planning to replace my older MacBook Pro in the next few months with one of the new M1 Pro machines. One idea is to replace my Logitech Brio main camera with a Sony Alpha A6100 at the same time. The manual control of both exposure and FOV might provide advantages over the Brio. I’d like to add some light for what promises to be a long, dark and wet winter here while not over- or under-exposing the white piano keys. Do you think the Sony is adding too much complexity for a student? My hope is to use the Elgato Camlink - not in 4K - and my existing audio equipment without OBS software. It obviously involves expense, yet for someone studying as a hybrid student for the long-term, the expense amortizes. Plus the left-over equipment would get used at the organ when we add that instrument. Thanks, Joseph.

2 comments

Joseph @ Flex Lessons

Nov 11, 2021

I definitely have thoughts on this. First of all, let me state that the Sony A6100 or any mirrorless camera really will provide massive advantages over the Logitech Brio as well as any webcam on the market. I actually talk about this subject in an upcoming YouTube video where I give some impressions about the Elgato Facecam (it releases next Tuesday). It would immediately be clear that this type of camera is in an entirely different league.

However, there is a significant learning curve when it comes to maximizing the value out of this type of camera. It is a big expense that comes with other expenses. I only made this jump because I believe this camera is a much better tool to create content. If you aren't making content and shooting photos regularly, I don't recommend it for most people. I definitely believe it adds too much complexity for someone who isn't making professional content. The iPhone (11 and up) offers a similar presentation with vastly greater ease of use (even with the complex exposure). For anything recorded, and also for photography, it makes sense to just use an iPhone if you have one. It is inconvenient to try to use the iPhone as a camera in lessons, but it can be done, especially if you are only using it once per week (Apps like EpocCam or using a "clean HDMI out" from Filmic).

Another option is to test out the new 1080p webcam in that new MacBook M1 Pro. The image signal processing is likely much better than the Bio, and the other 1080p camera solutions seem to do a really good job with exposure. I think it would be very convenient to not require a separate camera solution.

Generally speaking, based on my experience, I would come up with a solution that avoids the mirrorless option unless you have a reason that it is necessary. Live video calls do so much video compression that many of the effects of the fancy camera option are lost, and there is quite a bit to know about the camera itself to maximize it's use. I did enjoy figuring it all out, but it did take me a while. On a side note, I did enjoy the Elgato Facecam much more than the Brio when used in a natural light setting. I just didn't like it in my studio compared to my Sony.

I hope this helps!

Mark H

Nov 11, 2021

Thank you for sharing the results of your hard work and experience, Joseph. Your post helps provide a way forward while offering options to consider that make more sense for most of us. Good tech is important to me as a hybrid student, and an important aspect of good tech is lack of complexity with minimum time spent on the tech. I will start with just the new Mac and keep you apprised as other camera options you suggested are considered. That helps a lot!