When I first jumped into the photography world, I had the age old question, “Which camera should I buy?” I didn’t really know any photographers so I ended up going with a Canon Rebel kit from Costco simply because I had heard more positive things about Canon than Nikon at that time.
Now, years later, I’m seriously considering migrating to a mirrorless system and again, I have the same question, “Which camera should I buy?” (Yes, I am this close to jumping the Canon ship, don’t try to stop me). This time around, I actually have resources to help me in my decision-making process. Not only am I re-reading all the mirrorless articles we’ve written here and asking questions of all the staff writers, I’ve somehow talked them to let me review one of the mirrorless cameras (which I may never return, but shh, don’t tell).
[REWIND: SHOULD YOU SWITCH TO A MIRRORLESS CAMERA SYSTEM?]
One video series I’ve found helpful in this camera buying process has been Matt Granger’s Small Cameras in the Big Apple where he compares 5 of the best mirrorless cameras on the market right now: Olympus OMD-EM1, Fuji X-T1, Sony A7R, Panasonic GH4, and Leica M240. In the videos, Matt takes each camera to a different borough of New York City. The following video is the conclusion to the videos, where he briefly gives his overall thoughts on the 5 cameras. It’s a helpful little video in case you were on the fence about which mirrorless to invest in.
If you’re interesting in seeing each of Matt Granger’s video reviews, you can find them here:
Olympus OMD-EM1 – Mirrorless in the Bronx
Fuji X-T1 – Mirrorless in Brooklyn
Sony A7R – Mirrorless in Queens
Panasonic GH4 – Mirrorless in Manhattan
Leica M240 – Mirrorless on Staten Island
And speaking of New York City, SLR Lounge will be representing at PhotoExpoPlus in a few weeks! Join Anthony Thurston, Kishore Sawh, Jay Cassario, Chris Natchtwey and I as we take over the Big Apple. If you’re going, let us know. We’d love to say howdy!
[Via Matt Granger YouTube]
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reading specs of cameras was boring,
images side by side of the mentioned cameras and experience results would have been nice to see.
still, thanks for the info
Cheers
Paul
Sometimes I think the criteria should be does it feel good.
Hi Peter, although that can be part of the equation (does it feel good), I personally feel that accounts for very little. My top 3 requirements are:
1) Focus (or Autofocus) – I’ve used far too many cameras that frustrate me that can’t seem to quickly focus on a subject or properly focus on a subject.
2) Image quality – if a camera can’t take high quality photos then it doesn’t matter how comfortable it is shooting with the camera. Lenses play a large factor in this but so does the camera’s processor.
3) FPS – with the type of shooting I primarily do (Wildlife) I need fast rapid shooting. But this point works closely with point 1. A camera that can shoot fast must also be able to focus fast or this point is moot.
I agree comfort/feel is a factor but I personally have forgone some very comfortable cameras for the sake of getting the quality/performance that I need.
My primary cameras are Fuji X cameras. Probably 85% of what I shoot is with that kit. But they don’t perform well in every situations. They can be slow to focus with fast action. Until recently lenses have been limited (I haven’t explored the new lenses).
Occasionally I’ll shoot the St. Louis Blues hockey team or various bike & running events and these cameras don’t come close to what I can get from my Nikon D7100. So I can’t completely make the jump to a mirrorless system, but I don’t doubt it’s possible in the next couple of years, at least with Fuji. Sony is probably already there with their full frame and a larger selection of lenses.
I ended up picking up a Fuji X-T1 for travel/everyday use. I really like the size of it and the photos that come out of it are really nice. There are still a bunch of settings that I need to play with.
I love my Canon, but the size of the mirrorless really appeals to me. My DSLR is just a pain to lug around on everyday activities… esp if I have both of my kids with me. They are pricey though, so its either all or nothing & I’m not willing to let go of my Canon glass just yet.
Exactly where I am at! I want something lighter…and I’m kinda ready to say goodbye to my Canon…
I have a 70D and while the image quality/size of mirrorless cameras are appealing (I’ve been eyeballing the Sony a7R) I can’t decide if I want to “start over” learning a new system/buying new glass… Decisions, decisions, decisions…
I’ve already dipped my feet with a Nikon 1 AW1 and Panny GF2 but haven’t fully committed yet. Still hanging on to my Canons for the bright primes.
But on the other hand I still have a number of film cameras as well.
I love my Oly, but still keep my Nikon for some jobs.
Wish they would have included the Sony a6000…have been very impressed by it’s results. That being said…I like where mirrorless cameras are going. They keep getting better and better!