gdanmitchell Offline Upload & Sell: Off
|
I'm largely with you when it comes to the things that you recommend our OP (and others considering the same question) should look at. Things I agree with:
1. The point about lens size and bulk. If one wants a significant weight/bulk reduction, it probably needs to go beyond the smaller change brought about by the smaller and lighter body alone. And this leads to some questions about what sort of lenses one plans to use.
2. While I like full frame (and DSLR) for similar work, I agree that the best of the smaller-sensor cameras today can produce excellent quality — more than enough for many wedding photography needs. (There are outliers at both ends of the spectrum, given that wedding photography covers a fair amount of stylistic ground. I recently saw excellent work done by one photographer whose "thing" is to shoot entire weddings with a single prime lens. I've also seen others who use multiple photographers, a wide range of equipment, and more.)
3. I'm only partially in agreement with you on the build issue. I agree the the cameras you list are sufficiently solid cameras for such work, but I certainly wouldn't rule out a number of others — and I would not rule out the Sony A7rii-type cameras either. (That said, your point about lenses and the goal of reducing system size and weight is important — unless the photographer wants to go retro and work with small, manual lenses.)
4. Your points about functionality are critical. For example, with the Fujifilm (a system I like a lot) photographers who rely on various types of electronic flash had better check ahead of time to see how they'll replicate that. The AF question is also one to think through carefully. Some mirrorless systems are now sufficiently accurate and fast with AF for such work, though DSLR systems still are better as a breed — so it becomes a question of which compromises play out best for the individual photographer.
Dan
BSPhotog wrote:
This thread is interesting, but seems to be deviating from the point. The OP is satisfied with her 5DII performance-wise, but is just flirting with the idea of a lighter system, while also being concerned about not looking the part of a professional without a huge camera.
My thoughts:
1) Lenses are the bulkier part of a camera system. Many are as big or bigger than the body and you probably have more lenses than cameras. Lens size is the same between mirrorless and DSLR cameras (less a negligible bit for the flange distance). What does determine lens size is sensor size. Want a smaller/lighter system? Get a smaller sensor.
2) 5DII is full frame, but quite old (8 years!). If the OP doesn't want to shoot everything with a paper thin DOF, then most of the APS-C & M43 mirrorless options will be the same or better on ISO performance and probably similar on IQ (lots of variables, but speaking generally).
3) Build. The 5D is a solid camera designed for professional use. This is not the case for many mirrorless cameras. Olympus OM-D E-M1, Fuji XT-1 & X-Pro2, Panasonic GH4 are the only ones that I can think of that might be considered of even close to the same build quality.
4) Function. Specifically, does the body have AF performance to match your use? How are the ergonomics and controls? Does the camera have dual card slots (a necessity for me if shooting weddings)? What is the lens lineup like? How does the camera interact with existing lighting gear or other accessories?
There have been a few replies mentioning the Sony A7xxx cameras. IMO, Sony is a tech company, not a camera company. They make beautiful image sensors and consumer electronics (along with some kooky proprietary stuff that never catches on), but that is no replacement for the R&D and experience that dedicated camera companies have from their decades of work in the industry. The A7 cameras have great sensors, but simply aren't going to give the OP the thing she is looking for: A lighter camera system. The lenses will be as big or in some cases bigger (Sony G lenses). The body would shave about a 1/3 of it's weight (640g vs 950g), but the OP would loose weather sealing & build quality, a change in ergonomics, battery life, and dual card slots. Yes, there would be a gain in IQ and resolution (assuming an A7RI/II), but that isn't her stated objective.
To the final point of the OP, will she still look like a professional? Sure. If you are confident in what you're doing and making good images, that's what matters. Your images and demeanor say a lot more about your professionalism than the size of the camera you're holding.
A good read from the wedding forum here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1437415...Show more →
|