DSLR or Mirrorless?

[blueroom]

If you have an iOS or Android device the Sony iOS remote control WiFi uploader and very cool (Playmemories Home)

Strange that Sony lets you directly WiFi upload to your computer on your home WiFi network but you can't do that with their iOS app (you have to use an Ad-Hoc WiFi hotspot).

 

[dollystereo]

Why every1 ignores Fuji Cameras, the Xtrans II sensor is out of this world!

 

[Zyiros]

Why every1 ignores Fuji Cameras, the Xtrans II sensor is out of this world!

Fuji cameras do have excellent color reproduction and sensor quality! However, my experience with Fuji has been limited to super-zooms. After getting a T3i, I've never looked back!

 

[dollystereo]

For mirrorless Fuji is a winner! X100 or X100s, are incredible.
For DSLR, Canon hands down.

 

[phrehdd]

Why every1 ignores Fuji Cameras, the Xtrans II sensor is out of this world!

I have 2 Fuji Cameras - X-E1 and X-E2. I think they are both excellent cameras. My lenses so far - 35 1.4, 18-55 and the 55-200. After some careful consideration, I find that the best RAW/RAF processing is done with the following and yields amazing results that put some FF cameras to shame -

Capture One Pro (I already owned this one from my Nikon days)
Iridient
Photo Ninja

I wont be going back to DSLR any time soon as Fuji keeps moving forward with great cameras and hopefully by the X-E3 or 4, the speed of focus will have caught up with the brilliant sensors (both I and II).

 

[jjk454ss]

If you have an iOS or Android device the Sony iOS remote control WiFi uploader and very cool (Playmemories Home)

Strange that Sony lets you directly WiFi upload to your computer on your home WiFi network but you can't do that with their iOS app (you have to use an Ad-Hoc WiFi hotspot).

I love having the iOS app to transfer pics, it saved me from buying a WiFi SD Card.

 

[ronjon10]

If you're interested in shooting flash photography, I'd stick with a Nikon or Canon dSLR. They have killer flash systems which I don't believe the competitors have rivaled.

If that's not such a big thing for you, I'd say go with the one you want. That's the one you'll use the most.

 

[Ubele]

Thanks for checking. I'm not sure what you mean by 1.02 firmware upgrade. On the link you sent it says Ver05, my camera is on V01. But somewhere, the US site, your link is to the UK site, it had specific models of the NEX5 listed. Do you think that V05 in the link is for all NEX5 cameras including the NEX5T?

The 1.02 firmware is the upgrade to the 1.01 firmware for the NEX 6, which confirms that the NEX 5 and NEX 6 have different firmware. It looks like blueroom figured out the answer for your NEX 5T, though.

 

[Commy1]

Depends on your budget entirely..
In the DSLR world I believe it's a safe assumption that the more money you dump into a camera, the better off you'll be. I'm a Canon man and can say that if you ever settle for something like the EOS 70D, you're going to start wondering why the 5D Mark III is considered better and then you'll find out and be like "I wish I'd spent just a little more for that".
But of course, it must be said that the camera body makes up 25% of a great shot, the rest is your intuition, set up and what lens you choose to use and they are what is going to gut-shot your wallet the hardest.

The results though, regardless of the body, assuming all of these things come together can equal a great image. I say, go with your budget and research research research before you buy. If you can get your hands on anything you plan to purchase to try first, then do that.

I'm afraid I can't say much for Mirrorless as I've never used them.

 

[iTiki]

Check out the new Fuji XT-1. Official announcement is tomorrow. Roadmap for new lenes is exciting as well.

FYI, I had Nikon gear and glass covering 10mm to 300mm. It's not that I was unhappy with the PQ using the Nikon gear, I just got tired of lugging around all the bulk and I found myself not going out to shoot as often. Tested the waters with the X100 and quickly decided to sell the DSLR and go with the X-Po1. No regrets. For what I shoot (mostly landscapes), PQ is every bit as good as I what got with the DSLR and I'm out shooting a lot more often because it is so much more portable.

 

[Flat-Line]

I'm looking to get my first real camera. Photography is new to me but it's something I always wanted to explore. I picked up a new macbook pro today (13" 2.6) to replace my 15" 2010. I figured this would be plenty good to run Aperture or Lightroom. I'll be getting a monitor to hook up to.

Now I need to figure out the camera. I'm intrigued by mirrorless cameras because I like how small they are and I'm attracted to new tech. I was thinking of something like a Canon Eos M, or a Nikon 1 J4 (I know it's not out yet but I expect it to be released at CES.)

Or am I going to get better performance with a DSLR? I was thinking Nikon D5300. I think I'm going to want to experiment with shooting 1080p video too with whatever camera I choose and using Final Cut Pro.

I've been doing the same as you, looking to get into learning photography and finding the best suited camera to start with.
For me finding the best option for something to learn on that could produce high quality photos, smaller footprint (something that could be integrated into my EDC, in turn allow me to get more use out of, interchangeable lenses, and most importantly (as this was only a hobby for me w/no financial ROI) wouldn't be putting me on a ramen diet.
I ended up with a Sony NEX 6 and a 18-55mm PZ. To me the build quality felt more solid than the NEX 3 and NEX 5, which I considered prior to buying. The built in viewfinder is the win really. At first I didn't factor that as a big deal since you could buy the optional hotshoe viewfinder but having it built in is so much more convenient and less bulk. The size of the NEX 3 and NEX 5 was a plus but after comparing to the NEX 6 it's not much difference. The dials also make it feel more like a "real" camera to me as well. I would've loved to buy a Sony RX1 but again this is a hobby for me not a profession. Building a small collection of e-mount lenses as my budget permits is my next step (hopefully will be useable if I ever upgrade in the future).
From what I read (CES) Sony is also releasing another camera A5000 (E-mount system) and rebranding (removing the NEX mono-cur) to just Alpha. This camera looks very promising if you aren't in a rush.
This is just my opinion and outcome to a similar situation as yours and hope will help in some way.

 

[phrehdd]

If you're interested in shooting flash photography, I'd stick with a Nikon or Canon dSLR. They have killer flash systems which I don't believe the competitors have rivaled.

If that's not such a big thing for you, I'd say go with the one you want. That's the one you'll use the most.

I'll just reference the Fuji X line up and say you are absolutely right. Fuji (and perhaps others) ignore the value of multi-flash set up needs. Then again, perhaps Fuji considers their mirrorless not meant for such type of work. This is a pity.

Canon and Nikon have done a really excellent job of developing a full on flash system for their DSLR cameras and now we'll have to see if mirrorless cameras (their makers) attempt to catch up with the DSLR flash ability.

 

[OreoCookie]

I'll just reference the Fuji X line up and say you are absolutely right. Fuji (and perhaps others) ignore the value of multi-flash set up needs. Then again, perhaps Fuji considers their mirrorless not meant for such type of work. This is a pity.

Can't you use several flashes using radio triggers, for instance? The X100s, for instance, has a central shutter which allows you to use flash at all shutter speeds.

 

[compuwar]

Outside of Japan, mirrorless camera sales aren't doing well at all. World-wide digital camera sales are in a slump for the first time in about ten years.

The camera market is finally in contraction, and everyone not named Canon, Nikon or Sony are likely to be hurting at the end of the year, if not before.

Nikon's already revised earnings estimates down twice. There's at least one analyst who thinks Nikon might not last five years. If #2 is questionable, then I wouldn't bet on Fuji, Oly, etc. as a long-term vendor.

Paul

 

[phrehdd]

Can't you use several flashes using radio triggers, for instance? The X100s, for instance, has a central shutter which allows you to use flash at all shutter speeds.

I should have been more specific - while a multi-strobe set up is possible, the value of 'smart' flash system where TTL is involved is not as common with mirrorless systems.

----------

Outside of Japan, mirrorless camera sales aren't doing well at all. World-wide digital camera sales are in a slump for the first time in about ten years.

The camera market is finally in contraction, and everyone not named Canon, Nikon or Sony are likely to be hurting at the end of the year, if not before.

Nikon's already revised earnings estimates down twice. There's at least one analyst who thinks Nikon might not last five years. If #2 is questionable, then I wouldn't bet on Fuji, Oly, etc. as a long-term vendor.

Paul

The idea of cameras and photography itself has changed with much thanks to the in cell phone cameras. Perhaps we will see some camera makers start to morph the cameras. Sony if I recall, has already made a "camera" that clips onto an iphone. I would be surprised to see similar with other makers and then perhaps cameras with no "back" on them and you simply clip your phone to the camera back to be the "LCD" and touch controls. This should get interesting though I admit not to my liking.

 

[compuwar]

I should have been more specific - while a multi-strobe set up is possible, the value of 'smart' flash system where TTL is involved is not as common with mirrorless systems.

Honestly, how many people do you know who rely on TTL for multiple flash setups? I can't think of anyone I know who does.

The idea of cameras and photography itself has changed with much thanks to the in cell phone cameras. Perhaps we will see some camera makers start to morph the cameras. Sony if I recall, has already made a "camera" that clips onto an iphone. I would be surprised to see similar with other makers and then perhaps cameras with no "back" on them and you simply clip your phone to the camera back to be the "LCD" and touch controls. This should get interesting though I admit not to my liking.

The Sony "Lens camera" doesn't actually NEED to clip to the phone, but I bet that the market for that isn't going to be half a dozen manufacturers, it's going to be 2-3 names and 2-3 knock-offs if that-- the built-in cameras are getting "good enough."

Paul

 

[thaifood]

I'm seriously considering a X100S or maybe even the rumoured update later on this year as a supplement to my DSLR. Sometimes I just don't want to lug around a heavy camera. Particularly to family events or quick outings when I feel like taking some photos.

I should hire one for a few days and see how it goes!

 

[Lunfai]

I'm seriously considering a X100S or maybe even the rumoured update later on this year as a supplement to my DSLR. Sometimes I just don't want to lug around a heavy camera. Particularly to family events or quick outings when I feel like taking some photos.

I should hire one for a few days and see how it goes!

Beautiful camera, although I opted for the RX100ii since it was an upgrade to my previous RX. I'm hoping to get a mirrorless soon to compliment it since I'm not a heavy fan of DSLRs.

 

[OreoCookie]

I should have been more specific - while a multi-strobe set up is possible, the value of 'smart' flash system where TTL is involved is not as common with mirrorless systems.

Ok, that makes sense. I really wish the TTL mode of my Speedlights would work on the X100s.

 

[phrehdd]

Ok, that makes sense. I really wish the TTL mode of my Speedlights would work on the X100s.

Ditto - I think it would be truly a far more usable "system" if Fuji wasn't so anemic on their flash round up. Perhaps with the X-T1 they will consider a comprehensive TTL system. We have seen some truly excellent work with Fuji X being used in studios.

 

[Unami]

just my 2c - i've owned a sony alpha 200 SLR and now own a panasonic gh3 mirrorless cam. imho the pictures looked better on the sony (bigger chip, way bigger pixels at 10mp vs 16mp with the gh3).

as i bought the gh3 mainly for video, i'm still pretty happy with it, but it bugs me that it's a step down in picture quality compared to a 5 year old camera that sold for less than half the price.

it's probably taste, but for me the panasonic looks more like pictures taken with a mobile phone cam - even if using the same optics as the sony. they are (digitally looking) sharper/more pixelated/less organic than the sony and got a worse rolloff in overexposed highlights.

maybe i haven't found the right way of shooting with the panasonic yet.

 

[fa8362]

maybe i haven't found the right way of shooting with the panasonic yet.

No, that's just Panasonic and micro four thirds.

 

[Ubele]

Outside of Japan, mirrorless camera sales aren't doing well at all. World-wide digital camera sales are in a slump for the first time in about ten years.

The camera market is finally in contraction, and everyone not named Canon, Nikon or Sony are likely to be hurting at the end of the year, if not before.

Nikon's already revised earnings estimates down twice. There's at least one analyst who thinks Nikon might not last five years. If #2 is questionable, then I wouldn't bet on Fuji, Oly, etc. as a long-term vendor.

Paul

I'd like to see that data broken down by camera type. My guess is that cell-phone cameras are replacing point-and-shoot cameras for most people, and that point-and-shoot cameras represented the majority of revenue for the big camera manufacturers until recently. But are DSLR and mirrorless camera sales declining? I would think that the primary market for these has always consisted of people who want to do more than is possible with a point-and-shoot or cell-phone camera. In other words, it's hard to imagine someone saying, "I was planning to get a Nikon or Canon DSLR, but I've decided to go with an iPhone 5S instead."

I think there will always be a market for interchangeable-lens cameras, so it's hard to imagine Nikon et al. going out of business entirely. Now, at least, add-on lenses for cell-phone cameras can do only so much. I had an Olloclip macro/zoom/fisheye lens kit for my iPhone 4. It was nice, and it extended the functionality of my iPhone's camera, but it had several drawbacks: 1) It wasn't part of the camera, obviously, so I still had to take it out of my pocket, put it on my iPhone, and screw on the lens I wanted. 2) It didn't fit over a case, so I had to take the case off my iPhone first. 3) Apple changes the iPhone's form factor every two generations, so that Olloclip doesn't fit on my iPhone 5. In other words, add-on lenses negate the instantaneous convenience factor of an iPhone, and you can't build a lens collection (not that many exist) that you can move from one generation of iPhone to the next, as you can with camera bodies and interchangeable lenses.

 

[compuwar]

I'd like to see that data broken down by camera type.

The data is out there, but not "official" until we get the fiscal year annual reports in May. I started another thread to discuss the implications, but nobody seems to want to play.

Anyway, if you want to go deeper, https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1705247/

But to answer your question, yes, DSLR and MILC sales are both down significantly for most manufacturers.

Thom Hogan's take is pretty good:

http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/camera-company-financials.html

Paul

 

[Lumix G team]

The data is out there, but not "official" until we get the fiscal year annual reports in May. I started another thread to discuss the implications, but nobody seems to want to play.

Anyway, if you want to go deeper, https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1705247/

But to answer your question, yes, DSLR and MILC sales are both down significantly for most manufacturers.

Thom Hogan's take is pretty good:

http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/camera-company-financials.html

Paul

It doesn't mean that mirrorless or DSLR cameras are dead Paul