Four Generations of Sony Mirrorless: What’s Still Viable?
Thunder Bay – TECH – Sony’s mirrorless evolution over the last eight years has produced some iconic tools — from the revolutionary Sony A9 (2017) to the feature-packed A6600 (2019), the hybrid all-star A7 IV (2021), and now the flagship A9 III (2023) with global shutter tech.
For many photographers, moving past the smartphone camera, it is not difficult to see the benefits of a mirrorless camera.
However, choosing first a platform, Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Leica. If you want the absolute flagship models for each brand, look at Sony A1 II, Canon R1, or Nikon Z9. For lighter pro work, Nikon Z8 and Fujifilm X-H2S are killer values.
Video-first creators should eyeball Panasonic S5IIX.
Wildlife shooters love OM-1 Mark II. If money’s no object and you want that premium build/glass, Leica SL3 is a premier choice.
Quick Camera Brand Picker (by use case)
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Sports/news (pro): Sony A1 II, Canon R1, Nikon Z9.
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Hybrid weddings/doc (light kit): Nikon Z8, Sony A7 IV, Canon R6 II.
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Wildlife/birds: OM-1 Mark II (compact reach), Nikon Z9/Z8 (with long Z glass).
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Travel & street: Fujifilm X-T5 (small lenses, 40MP), Leica SL3 (if budget allows).
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Video-first creators: Panasonic S5IIX (open-gate/ProRes), Sony A1 II (8K/4K120).
The top model in each brand can cost you close to what your first used car probably cost.
And so many budding or energetic photographers are left looking for more affordable options. Those include older models of some of the top brands.
On my photographic journey, I choose the Sony cameras and lenses. I felt and still do that they are a solid option. My first camera was a Minolta Sr-t 201, which then shifted to a Minolta XD-5. Next was a fully manual Olympus OM-1. I returned to the digital world of photography first with a Nikon, and then a Canon. That shifted to a digital Olympus OM-5D that I still use sometimes. It is a small digital mirrorless that fits in a jacket pocket.
Remember, the best camera is the camera you have with you.
My next step in my photo journey has been into Sony. They have a solid feel, great glass, and I like the feel in my hands.
Truth is despite some who would argue for hours on the best camera brand, within the top cameras, you really can’t go wrong.
However, with technology advancing rapidly and AI autofocus now standard on newer models, it’s natural to ask: Are these older cameras still good investments in 2025? And which one fits your needs best?
Spec Sheets vs Real-World Use
| Feature | A9 (2017) | A6600 (2019) | A7 IV (2021) | A9 III (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP stacked FF | 24.2MP APS-C | 33MP BSI FF | 24.6MP global shutter |
| Burst Speed | 20fps e-shutter | 11fps mechanical | 10fps mechanical | 120fps full-res raw |
| Autofocus System | 693 PDAF | 425 phase + Eye AF | AI Real-Time AF | Next-gen AI + no rolling shutter |
| IBIS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Video | 4K/30p (8-bit) | 4K/30p (8-bit) | 4K/60p, 10-bit | 4K/120p, 10-bit |
| ISO Range | 100–204,800 | 100–32,000 | 100–51,200 | 250–25,600 (global) |
| Battery (Z-type) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price in 2025 (CAD) | ~$1,800 used | ~$1,000–1,200 used | ~$3,200 new | ~$6,999 new |
Used Camera by Camera: A Practical Breakdown
🥇 Sony A9 (2017): The Silent Speed King
The original A9 remains a workhorse for sports and wildlife shooters. Its 20fps blackout-free burst shooting and responsive AF tracking still rival mid-tier bodies in 2025. The only real limitation is lack of AI subject detection and dated video specs.
Best for:
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Wildlife, sports, photojournalism
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Local event photography in Thunder Bay
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Anyone needing pro speed on a used gear budget
Sony A6600 (2019): The Compact Pro Hybrid
The A6600 brings IBIS, Real-Time Eye AF, and strong 4K to the APS-C format. Lightweight and affordable, it’s excellent for vloggers, travelers, and content creators who don’t need full-frame.
Best for:
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Lightweight hybrid shooting
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Documentary or mobile creator work
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New shooters upgrading to mirrorless
Sony A7 IV (2021): The Hybrid All-Rounder
The A7 IV is the perfect middle ground in 2025. With 33MP resolution, AI autofocus, 10-bit 4K video, and excellent ergonomics, it’s a do-everything body for creators who shoot both stills and video professionally.
Best for:
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Wedding, portrait, and landscape photographers
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Social media content creators
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Video shooters who don’t need 8K
Sony A9 III (2023): The Cutting Edge
The A9 III introduced a global shutter, eliminating rolling shutter and enabling 120fps full-res burst, flash sync at any shutter speed, and next-level autofocus. It’s the top-tier tool for high-performance shooters who need speed and reliability under pressure.
Best for:
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Elite sports and wildlife photographers
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High-speed commercial work
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Pros who push their gear to the limit
Who Should Use What in 2025?
| Shooter Type | Best Camera Choice |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious sports photographer | Sony A9 (used) |
| Lightweight hybrid content creator | Sony A6600 (used) |
| Versatile photo + video professional | Sony A7 IV |
| Elite wildlife or sports pro | Sony A9 III |
| Student/entry-level creator | A6600 + kit zoom |
| Documentary/news freelancer | A7 IV or A9 (used) |
Real-World Relevance in Thunder Bay & NWO
Of course without a camera body, lenses are for the most part not really going to enter into the discussion. So assuming you have made a camera body choice, here are some combinations to consider.
📍Wildlife in Quetico / Sleeping Giant/ Across the North
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A9 + 200–600mm: Still a wildlife beast, even in 2025.
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A9 III: Best-in-class tracking, silent operation, no distortion — worth the price if you’re serious.
📍 Community Events & News
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A7 IV + 24–105mm: Ideal for local storytelling, social coverage, and environmental portraits.
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A6600: Discreet and powerful for run-and-gun shooting.
📍 Sports (Hockey, Football, Lacrosse)
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A9 III or A9 (used): For fast-paced action, the A9 series remains the gold standard.
📍 Video & Hybrid Content Creation
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A7 IV: 4K/60p, 10-bit color, flippy screen — perfect for Thunder Bay content creators.
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A6600: A budget-friendly alternative that still delivers.
Final Verdict: Old, New, and Still Relevant
In 2025, not every camera needs to be brand new. Each of these Sony bodies still brings unique value:
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Sony A9: Fast, pro-level stills machine at a used price that makes it a steal.
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Sony A6600: A compact, capable workhorse for travel and video under $1,200.
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Sony A7 IV: A true hybrid that remains the best all-purpose camera in its class.
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Sony A9 III: Cutting-edge performance for the pros who can justify the price.
The bottom line?
If you’re in Thunder Bay or anywhere in Northwestern Ontario, choosing the right camera is less about what’s new — and more about what works. These bodies, new or used, still get the job done when matched to the right purpose.
The real story on photography is it is your eye, vision for your images, and your growing knowledge that will make the biggest difference in your photography journey.
Happy Travels.
James Murray
