john_merriman1

<p>Yes, what current Canon software can download photos from a SD card placed in the card reader of a Windows 10 PC laptop? EOS Utility seems to want the SD card in the camera and USB tethered to the laptop. But that is cumbersome and slow. I don't see current versions of Zoombrowser or Imagebrowser available. And DPP 4.5 doesn't look like it has any function to import from an SD card reader? Maybe I am overlooking something? </p>

<p>I have a Fotodiox adapter to use my Canon lenses on the A6000 and A7 series Sony cameras. The adapter was a little over $100 directly from Fotodiox USA. While autofocus mostly works it is VERY slow. The Sonys have a wonderful system of focus peaking and magnification in the viewfinder that makes manual focus simple, easy and fast. Not as fast as Canon autofocus. But focus is very accurate every shot. The Canon lenses with IS work with the adapter. If you can live with slow autofocus or manual focus the Canon lenses work very well.<br> The 19mm Sigma is very good, as is the Sony 10-18. Also the Sony 50 1.8 and Rokinon 12 2.0. Much more expensive but an excellent lens is the Zeiss 24mm 1.8.</p>

<p>If the Sonnar T* FE 35mm F2.8 is your maximum size, that's what I would get. The Loxia 35f2 is a great lens but it is more than twice the weight of the Sonnar FE 35f2.8 and only does manual focusing. I have used the Canon EF 35f2 IS on the A7s. It works well, and has the IS, but is bigger than the Sonnar and Loxia, and weighs the same as the Loxia. I just bought the Sonnar and it is very small and light. It also has a unique lens hood that reduces the overall size of the lens in use. So far the pics on the A7s are very sharp with great color, even at f2.8. Autofocus is quick and manual works fine, especially with peaking and magnify active. My initial reason for switching to the Sony mirrorless A7 series was for the weight and size reduction of the camera bodies. The Sonnar FE 35f2.8 is a great lens for a full-frame compact system.</p>

<p>I don't know about the textured surface you are seeing - my RX100 III has a smooth surface. But I did add the Sony accessory grip and like it a lot. <br> There may also be some internal differences (like NTSC/PAL, video rates, etc) between USA versions and grey market. </p>

<p>As I said above, there is nothing at this point that would replace my 7DII and 100-400II. But I have been looking for a light compact system to complement that outfit. The 70D I have is a great camera but the size and weight are too close to the 7DII. The SL1 is a very good camera - I have given it to several family members. But the autofocus system (mainly the limited focus points) and non-articulating LCD are negatives for me. I had a Sony RX 100 v1 but the 1" sensor was ultimately too small. I was hoping the EOS M3 was going to fix the negatives of my EOS M1. Then I came across the Sony A6000. 24mb APS-C sensor, very light and compact, very fast phase and contrast autofocus and a number of other great features including a very usable EVF. Add a couple of small light E-mount 1.8 primes and it has become my take anywhere camera.<br> Here are couple of things I was pleasantly surprised about. I shoot in Manual mode 90% of the time. With the A6000 I can be in Manual with Auto ISO and am able to use the Exposure Compensation wheel which affects the ISO. So I can be in Auto ISO with say +1 compensation applied to the ISO. I use it all the time. Very handy. It would be hard to give up this feature.<br> When I use the pop up flash on the A6000 and am in Auto ISO it doesn't default to 400 ISO. It acts more like a fill flash that uses the ambient ISO so the picture isn't all flash exposure. Yes I can manually set a higher ISO when using a flash with the Canon but the Sony does it automatically. <br> This is not to bash Canon. I love most of their gear. But for small, compact, lightweight mirrorless APS-C and full frame cameras I am having to look elsewhere.</p>

<p>I kept my EOS M-1 because of the small size, decent sensor and the fantastic 22mm lens. I was considering an upgrade to the EOS M-3 but Canon doesn't seem interested in marketing it in the US. Guess I will be keeping the Sony A6000 I bought recently and selling the M-1. BTW, where is a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera? Size and weight have become very important to me lately for some of my shooting. I sold my 5D III and am looking at Sony's full frame options (I will keep the EOS 7DII and 100-400II). I have used Canon exclusively for over 30 years and and am disappointed that I am having to look at other options.</p>

<p>The 70D is a great wildlife camera, plus excellent video. If weight is an issue I would consider the SL-1. The new STM lenses are very good. I use the Canon 100-400 with the 70D, but when I need a light and small outfit I take the SL-1 with the 18-55 STM and 55-250 STM. </p>

<p>I wouldn't hesitate buying a Canon refurb camera or lens from Adorama. I have done that myself and the items have been indistinguishable from new. </p>