Mirrorless cameras

[Pokka]

Hi,
Want to tap onto the knowledge of the camera enthusiasts here.

I'm currently using the Nikon D7100 with a suite of lens including the 50mm f1.8, tamron 17-50 f2.8, nikon 12-24 f4, etc.

Want to find out more about mirrorless. Any particular camera you recommend and the pros of it?

Cheers!

Terence

 

[one eye jack]

Honestly I don't see the rationale of having another camera system that will cost you what you paid for your nikon.Mirrorless is not cheap! Go online and read all the reviews and user experiences you want.Only go mirrorless if APSC format has a "disadvantage" like weight and bulk,M43 not to mention a smaller sensor although they do have a decent resolution which curently is at 16Mp.One area where mirorless excel is portability (those that don't have bulit-in viewfinders) and stealth for street photography but then having a viewfinder is useful.

If you really want then buy a second hand Olympus,Panasonic Lumix.You can also get adapters to use your nikon lenses but at 2X focal length crop factor.The advantage of olympus is that they have image stabaliser in the body versus panasonic in the lens but both brand are interchangeable but if you have
a panasonic then no stabalisation and manual focus for the nikon lenses on both cam bodies.To be fair I do have 2 M43 bodies, old 12mp ones... haha.If you do manual focusing it might be wise to choose one that has peak focusing feature like epl6 and for stablisation those that offer 5 axis.

Ps your nikon lenses don't have focusing ring...oops! I mean old manual lenses of many brands too.

If you are thinking of APSC/full frame mirrorless...if got money no one's stopping you.

 

[Ah Keong]

Hi,
Want to tap onto the knowledge of the camera enthusiasts here.

I'm currently using the Nikon D7100 with a suite of lens including the 50mm f1.8, tamron 17-50 f2.8, nikon 12-24 f4, etc.

Want to find out more about mirrorless. Any particular camera you recommend and the pros of it?

Cheers!

Terence

Hi Terence,

I was using the Olympus m43(micro four-thirds) of the pen series (E-PL3) before I got myself a Canon 7D (APS-C).
mirrorless has its advantages and disadvantages so it would be beneficial for you if you can identify the primary purpose(s) of getting a mirrorless camera.

I was using m43 for travel and occasionally street shooting, but soon find the ergonomics (lack of dials) kinda lacking when I was learning to shoot on M mode. It was good to shoot with in good light but the disadvantages came when I was trying to shoot in low-light situations and indoor sports. Did some more research and ask my friends for advice and end up getting a Canon 7D.

If you are aiming to shed size and weight, I would recommend you to look into Olympus OM-D E-M1 (stills) or the Panasonic GH4 (video) where the design is more DSLR alike and packed with the latest technologies.

If you do not want to compromise on image quality, I would recommend you to look into Sony a6300(APS-C) or the a7 series(35mm).

Each have its own pros and cons.
Happy choosing!

 

[Bluesubm6]

Just to share, I use the E-M5 mk II with the 12-40 pro and 40-150 pro lenses, and an EP5 with a 17mm lens.

I can pack both cameras into my back pack and walk around, taking one or the other out to shoot depending on subject.

On weekends I could just sling the EP5 and take casual street shots.

For me micro four thirds is okay, since I rarely print bigger than 4 by 6. Weight and size was a heavy influence, and for me weather sealing was important, as I find that I often shoot in drizzling rain. I also factor in weight of water bottle and umbrella on some shoot occasions.

The EP5 is not weather sealed, so I just shield it with my arms if caught outside in drizzling rain (without a bag)

 

[richiemccaw1]

I agree that it is not cheap switching systems. You would probably have to ask yourself what is pushing you away from your current DX set-up, and towards mirrorless, and have a look to see what you shoot mostly.

If it's strictly a weight and size perspective, then something like m43 cameras or even the 1-inch cameras would provide a more marked difference as compared to APSC mirrorless cameras. To obtain significant weight and size savings with mirrorless APSC or full frame cameras, you would probably find yourself with small primes. Fast zooms would definitely not come small and light.

 

[oksoks]

You need to decide first what you want a) do you prefer 16mp, 24mp or higher b) M43 or APC or full frame c) brands/available lenses d) does your current setup limit your creativity e) are you willing to sell your existing camera/lenses and lose $$.

At first, I prefer FF due to ISO capability (only that) but I don't have enough budget for that so I only target mirror-less with APC sensor. I previously own a Fuji X-E1 (it was a very good camera coming from a D600 user that time) but later decided to sell it because I want a 24mp and a faster AF. Try to look at Fuji X-Series (you will love the contrast/colors of pics) and Sony A6000 (best value) /A6300 cameras and get reviews online.

 

[gnesgnoy]

I came out Nikon D90 before moving into Mirrorless. Went for a Olympus EPL6 but sold off quickly due to ergonomics not suitable and lack of buttons for quick access. Now own a Olympus EM1 with 12-40pro lens (equivalent to your 17-50). Reason for switching is due to size and weight. Now with Mirrorless, I found that I bring out more often than before. The selling point for Olympus is the stabilization which claimed that you can take 1 min shutter speed. Good for handheld low light. For me, I'm able to manage 1/20 good photo.
For mirrorless, there are other brands like panasonic, sony, fuji etc.
You may look for reviews online if you are interested.

Good Luck!

 

[DSolZ]

Fuji current offering or last gen offering would offer similar or superior noise performance compare to what you have currently. There is no difference in sensor size if you go for Fuji. There would be weight saving if you jump to Fuji ...but it will not be as much as that if you jump to Olympus.

If weight and size if not an issue for you, you should stick to what you have.

 

[Pokka]

Hi there.

Thanks for all the sharing of your experience! It was a good read early Saturday morning.

The reason why I'm contemplating the mirrorless (Looking at the Sony A7II as its highly recommended by a friend) is because of the weight and size. I have 3 young children and I always love photographing them. When we head out as a family, the pram, diapers, milk and etc certainly carries its weight. :bsmilie::bsmilie:.

Looking at something light that I can side sling (i'm using a Peak Design slide strap) and which is not too heavy.

For the lens wise, after speaking to a few gurus, am comtemplating smaller light primes to match with the Sony A7II.

I went down to Bugis Junction to try out the A7II. Seems quite solid. Ergonomics is ok too (but of course my current Nikon D7100 is better in terms of handling I feel).

Do you all think the Sony A7II's image quality is ok? I usually just print 4R and occasionally 5R so I guess the resolution should be fine.

Cheers!

Terence

 

[richiemccaw1]

Terence, I'm in a similar situation with you. Maybe you would want something with better AF like the m43 or even the a6300. Esp since kids do move about quite a lot.

 

[DSolZ]

Hmm a7 series is not light .. Compare to what m43 can achieve .. For you requirement ... M43 shld more then meet it with spare cash in ur pocket. Smaller sensor is make up for cheaper and faster prime (f1.8) . personally for ur requirement I got for m43

 

[ziggy]

For 4R/5R prints, small, light and fast, I also agree with richiemccaw1 that an m43 or Sony A6300 would be the answer. The quality should be good enough for 12R prints especially on the APSC Sony.

I use a Sony A7II but if I am shooting active kids, and want the best possible quality prints in low light especially, I would need the Sony fast lenses which as just as big and heavy as the DSLR lenses, and therefore not what you need.

 

[Pokka]

Hi ziggy, DSolZ, thanks for your recommendations on the m45.
WHich model do you recommend?
Will do some research on the Sony A6300 you recommend.

Cheers!

Terence

 

[DSolZ]

Hi ziggy, DSolZ, thanks for your recommendations on the m45.
WHich model do you recommend?
Will do some research on the Sony A6300 you recommend.

Cheers!

Terence

really depends on your budget ... if i want it cheap .. i go for em5 resale .... or em10 ... EM10m2 same sensor as em10 so I wont spend money there. If you have time can consider wait for a while to see if they release the new em1. But that one will be more expensive.

personally to me the beauty of the m43 system is the small body size and the pancake primes.

I have used m43 as well as fuji aspc. The only reason I settle for fuji is because of the fuji colors as well as the bigger sensor and better iso performance. Also I just like using the Fuji better then Olympus.

olympus m43 pic up to iso 1600 is quite usable out of camera.for fuji i am ok to go up to 3200. If your requirement is 4r size print then... i think you don't have an issue to further increase the iso.

there was a very good fuji xt1 deal last two month .. if done correctly.. xt1 can be sub 800 sgd. I do like fuji film simulation jpg skin tone.
If you go fuji .. I would highly recommend the 35mm lens. personally I like using the 18mm F2 lens as a general purpose lens. This two lens is usually what I need for what I shoot. If you want versatility ... I will also highly recommend the 18-55 F2.8 - F4 kit lens ... (the performance is much superior to kit lens and give the 16-55 F2.8 a run for the money -- 17-55 is sharper then 18-55. 18-55 is 3.5 times cheaper, not a whole lot slower at the long end and it has stabilization).

 

[DSolZ]

For 4R/5R prints, small, light and fast, I also agree with richiemccaw1 that an m43 or Sony A6300 would be the answer. The quality should be good enough for 12R prints especially on the APSC Sony.

I use a Sony A7II but if I am shooting active kids, and want the best possible quality prints in low light especially, I would need the Sony fast lenses which as just as big and heavy as the DSLR lenses, and therefore not what you need.

yea 16mp is good enough for 12r without putting effort to upsample.

 

[Levis]

really depends on your budget ... if i want it cheap .. i go for em5 resale .... or em10 ... EM10m2 same sensor as em10 so I wont spend money there. If you have time can consider wait for a while to see if they release the new em1. But that one will be more expensive.

personally to me the beauty of the m43 system is the small body size and the pancake primes.

I have used m43 as well as fuji aspc. The only reason I settle for fuji is because of the fuji colors as well as the bigger sensor and better iso performance. Also I just like using the Fuji better then Olympus.

olympus m43 pic up to iso 1600 is quite usable out of camera.for fuji i am ok to go up to 3200. If your requirement is 4r size print then... i think you don't have an issue to further increase the iso.

there was a very good fuji xt1 deal last two month .. if done correctly.. xt1 can be sub 800 sgd. I do like fuji film simulation jpg skin tone.
If you go fuji .. I would highly recommend the 35mm lens. personally I like using the 18mm F2 lens as a general purpose lens. This two lens is usually what I need for what I shoot. If you want versatility ... I will also highly recommend the 18-55 F2.8 - F3.5 kit lens ... (the performance is much superior to kit lens and give the 17-55 F2.8 a run for the money -- 17-55 is sharper then 18-55. 18-55 is 3.5 times cheaper, not a whole lot slower at the long end and it has stabilization).

Correct your spelling error, they should be:
1) 18-55 F2.8-4 &
2) 16-55 F2.8

 

[one eye jack]

Hi ziggy, DSolZ, thanks for your recommendations on the m45.
WHich model do you recommend?
Will do some research on the Sony A6300 you recommend.

Cheers!


Terence

What I say may be predijucial to olympus EM5 MK1 the 1st generation but reading online, I would give it a miss..
high potential of failure ( image stabalizer ,just days ago bns offering dead em5mk1 for $50 no charger or batttery
for parts unless you have other failures that this is really a piece of junk too expensive to repair/replace might as well buy one that is working). EM5 mk2 will be more expensive so that makes EM10 MK2 a better option considering features it comes with vs MK1. Of course if you like Fuji by all means.

 

[DSolZ]

Correct your spelling error, they should be:
1) 18-55 F2.8-4 &
2) 16-55 F2.8

thanks.... change it at my end ...
technically not a spell error .... but something more serious ...haha

 

[Wzierbovsky]

I came from a Nikon system too: from the early 80s using film, dabbled also with the Konica-Minolta DSLRs when they showed up, then Nikon DSLRs for 6 years before moving onto m4/3s now. Have to say: the Nikon DSLRs I had were all ergonomically wonderful to use, and I never thought twice carrying them around with heavy zooms and primes when traveling then. All when I was younger.

But now that I'm older and middle-age and have kids, moving away from Nikon DSLRs was the right decision for me. They just occupied too much space amidst all the other stuff I carry, and the subject of my photography has also changed (I used to do macro, landscape, general nature when I traveled alone) to be more kid-centered; and my kids typically react better when I'm using smaller and more discrete equipment than large ones.

So; m4/3s for me for more than 5 years now, and extremely satisfied for the kind of pictures I take, and I print only up to A4. I tot around the E-PL6 as my day to day, and either of the E-M bodies when I'm traveling alongside the 12-40/40-150mm f2.8s. The latter combos cover just about everything I need to at this point when on vacation.

 

[Nikonzen]

Spend extra money on the children and their mother is my advice...seriously! Life with others is like a bank account...deposit more than you withdraw...save until you can withdraw for self without any qualms...your turn in que will come soon enough...the snaps you'll get from this strategy will be superior because your family will know you put them before yourself to get the snaps.

Best camera is one in your hand...the Kodak moment is the trick!