p.4 #1 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
photoomaha wrote:
Just a basic ramble and my take on all the cool, hip "fuji" type cameras coming out. I am a strong Canon user, all the way back to an original rebel film camera, to Elan 7, and then the digital craze. Like everyone else lately, I thought the Fuji x100 would be absolutely perfect for my style of shooting. Well, the focus was really tough to get used to. I didn't like the menu structure. And I had trouble adapting to different software. For my workflow, it just wasn't going to work. I returned it after a week. So, I have been thinking about all this and have decided, why not just throw a 24mm 2.8 on a Rebel T1I that I already own? The high iso is great. It makes it a small, light camera. I know the software very well. Autofocus works great. It honestly isn't that much bigger than what is coming out from the alternative crowd. And I just saved about $1000.00 by not buying anything!
I hope this helps some folks that are in the same situation. I have been enjoying shooting with this setup quite a bit. Your thoughts?...Show more →
I have used a T1i as my small camera in the past but then switched to the m43 (currently panasonic G3 + a 20mm 1.7 is my typical small setup)
First you have to keep in mind that X100 is not a representative of mirror-less cameras in terms of AF performance or responsiveness. My panasonic G3 is faster than my T1i was in terms of single-shot AF. (Not so in continuous tracking AF, but then T1i is hardly a sports camera anyway).
Second a G3 + 20mm 1.7 is significantly smaller than the T1i + 35mm f2 that I had. And a GX1 + 20mm will be even smaller.
Third in terms of high-ISO the G3 seems to be as good as T1i (unfortunately I don't own both so can't do a direct comparison). The first generation bodies like G1 and GF1 etc had a not so great sensor but things have improved a lot with the second-gen sensor in G3/GH2/GX1. Coupled with a faster f1.7 lens it should be able to easily outperform your T1i+24mm 2.8 combination in terms of low light.
If you really want an APS-C sensor, NX200 with a 30mm f2 is another great option, though a bit more expensive at this stage.
But at the end of the day it really depends on how much emphasis you place on size. If you are OK with the T1i form factor then no reason to switch. Personally for me there were many occasions where I did not want to take my full DSLR along . The G3 setup sits in a corner of my laptop bag and can go pretty much everywhere that I go and available whenever I find anything of interest to capture. At other times it can go in my coat pocket or even my wife's handbag and so on.
p.4 #2 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
As the old saying goes "There is no replacement for displacement"........yet. But I agree they are making ground quickly and there are some very impressive little packages available. We should see some nasty little cameras with large sensors in the next couple years that will definitely affect DSLR sales. Will Canon jump in the game or just continue to make 5D's with center point only focus systems?
p.4 #4 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
I tried micro four thirds, initially a Pany GF1 with Pany 20/1.7 lens, as an upgrade to a P&S (G10) for better quality when traveling light ( I have a bad back and a bad heart.) I had and continue to have no expectations of M43 replacing my 1Ds2 and L glass - they have a secure home. My current travel kit is a Pany G3, Pana-Leica 25/1.4, Pana-Leica 45/2.8 and Oly-Zuiko 12/2, with total weight with a spare battery of 40 ounces. The IQ of this kit is orders of magnitude better than the P&S, and in the right conditions actually can approach the IQ of the 1Ds2. This was a bigger investment than I had intended, and I sold a 1D2 to help finance it, but as it meets my objectives admirably, it feels worth it to me. So in response to the OP, whether you "are missing something" depends completely upon your needs and circumstances.
p.4 #5 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
My NEX 5n is an outstanding little kit. I use it all the time, despite owning a 5DII and nice glass. IQ is outstanding, IMO, up there with the 7D or any of the modern sensors.
I have an old E-P1, since the body is worth so little on the used market, I keep it in the car for good IQ shots when needed. The M4/3 sensor was actually pretty disappoining in that camera, but certainly leagues better than a p&s, ALTHOUGH, there is alot of progress in that area, too. Exciting times (and wallet draining)
p.4 #6 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
curious80 wrote:
My panasonic G3 is faster than my T1i was in terms of single-shot AF. (Not so in continuous tracking AF, but then T1i is hardly a sports camera anyway).
For owners of m43 or NEX cameras, how do their single-shot AF in low light compare against DSLRs? I am very curious about this.
"The J1 and V1's contrast-detection AF systems, which take over when light levels are too low for effective phase-detection AF (and remember that this is the camera's decision, not the photographer's) are less impressive. Focussing is less positive (AF wobbles quickly around the target rather than locking straight on it) but impressively accurate when it gets a 'lock'. The problem is that even in average interior room light, both cameras struggle to find that lock. They rarely give up completely (and built-in AF illuminators are on hand in both cameras) but we've been surprised by how frequently they falter."
Addendum 2:
DPReview seems to have a much better impression of AF on the NEX and G3 cameras. From this review:
"Of course, the Achilles heel of any contrast-detection AF system is low light, poor subject contrast or a combination of the two. Overall, we found performance in these environments to be on par with that of entry-level DSLRs. As such, the G3 wouldn't be our first choice for shooting a sports event, but in daily outdoor use with the kit lens, we have found that it very rarely lets us down."
p.4 #7 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
I have hasselblad mf digital and quite a bit of canon DSLR including 1DsmkIII and i have to say i am impressed with the panasonic GH2. I travel a lot for work and sometimes a bit of free time. I can pack in small bag a camera, flash, and lenses from 14mm to 600mm 35mm equivalent and a great macro lens. THere are clearly some situations where having a 35mm DSLR would be much better and in general I prefer shooting with the 35mm DSLRs in terms of IQ and fast moving objects but the compactness of the micro 4/3 is priceless...
p.4 #8 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
The Olympus E-P3 with Oly 12mm f/2 looks pretty sexy. I'm tempted to sell some canon gear for that kit. So yes, I would say in certain cases you could be missing something.
I think the m4/3 and Nikon (!) is on the right track with the smaller sensors and consequently smaller lenses. The NEX system look ridiculous with the huge lenses attached to the smaller body. Though admittedly the NEX-7 looks awesome.
p.4 #9 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
artd wrote:
I doesn't have to. It just makes life easier.
Carrying a DSLR around all the time is a burden. I mean if I'm going out to dinner with my wife, or going to the movies, or going over to a friend's house, why do I want to take a DSLR with me? If I'm going out specifically to take photos, that's a different story. But if I'm just heading out of my house going about my daily life, I am not going to want to take a DSLR. I will, however, have no problem taking a camera in my pocket because every once in awhile I see something unexpected and I think wow that would make a good photo. Previous to having my NEX, I did not have a camera with me 98% of the time....Show more →
The whole concept that "you must carry a camera with you all the time" is just a bit silly. And that that camera must fit inside your pocket. And also have very good image quality.
When I go to dinner with my wife, I don't have to bring a camera in my pocket. And stop eating or walking now and then to do photography for 15 minutes while she is waiting
I also play football and guitar. But I don't bring any of those with me all the time
p.4 #10 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
Sven Jeppesen wrote:
The whole concept that "you must carry a camera with you all the time" is just a bit silly. And that that camera must fit inside your pocket. And also have very good image quality.
When I go to dinner with my wife, I don't have to bring a camera in my pocket. And stop eating or walking now and then to do photography for 15 minutes while she is waiting
I also play football and guitar. But I don't bring any of those with me all the time
Some people basically "live" photography. It's like a drug and an able escape from the boredom of real life. My problem is I nearly always have both camera and guitar with me. Feel pretty nekid without them.
p.4 #12 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
Sven Jeppesen wrote:
The whole concept that "you must carry a camera with you all the time" is just a bit silly. And that that camera must fit inside your pocket. And also have very good image quality.
I love having high IQ pics of when DH and I go out for special events. My family album is smashingly well done with big prints, and I'd like to keep it that way.
p.4 #15 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
mco_970 wrote:
I love having high IQ pics of when DH and I go out for special events. My family album is smashingly well done with big prints, and I'd like to keep it that way.
It's good fun for you taking photo's all the time. But for the person you went to dinner or walk with it's really boring
And how could all the people here that must have a mirrorless in the pocket manage before those cameras started to sell
p.4 #16 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
splathrop wrote:
Please let me know 6 months before the 35mm SLR market collapses like the medium format film market did. I don't want to get stuck with another bag full of obsolete stuff.
You obviously don't follow eBay...MF gear is going for silly money ( in the UK anyway )...probably 50% up on a year ago.....
p.4 #18 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
anthonygh wrote:
...You obviously don't follow eBay...MF gear is going for silly money ( in the UK anyway )...probably 50% up on a year ago.....
Prices are going up on this side, too.
Jan 20, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.4 #19 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
mco_970 wrote:
I love having high IQ pics of when DH and I go out for special events. My family album is smashingly well done with big prints, and I'd like to keep it that way.
But why do you keep all your equipment if the Nex is so fantastic. Because 95% of the equipment that I see in your profile is impossible to carry in your pocket
p.4 #20 · Mirrorless craze - Am I missing something?
Sven Jeppesen wrote:
It's good fun for you taking photo's all the time. But for the person you went to dinner or walk with it's really boring
And how could all the people here that must have a mirrorless in the pocket manage before those cameras started to sell
People bore each other after being married for about 100 years it feels like? It's just the way it goes. We talk about football and computer programming to his hearts content, a minute or two to snap a photo is not too much to ask. I did not marry an impatient jerk, and neither did he. So it's all good.
