getting out of dslr - short list of mirrorless cameras?

<p>Hi</p>

<p>I'm selling my whole Nikon DSLR kit - D300, good glass, speed lights - all of it.<br>

I think over the past couple of years, after a very long time, I just sort of fell out of love with photography.<br>

From the proceeds I'll cut out about $500 (less would be fine, not a lot more) to buy a digital camera that's better than my little point and shoots. I'd like something reasonably fast functioning and fast aperture, decent sensor size, pretty wide at the wide end, makes images that won't be a total disappointment after the D300 with good glass. I don't care about interchangeable lenses but don't have a special problem with them either. A decent flash would be a big plus. Mostly I'll snap portraits, parties, kids sports - basically family stuff.<br>

I've become totally out of touch with the market segment I'm looking to buy in, so if you would please direct me to 3 or 4 cameras that might tick some of the boxes above. If you had to give up your dslr and had $500 for a camera what would you buy?</p>

<p>thanks very much.</p>

<p>You say you want something reasonably fast functioning. Im not sure if auto focus is a must have criteria for this so my recommendations will not take that into account.</p>

<p>I recommend either one of the cheaper Sony NEX or Fuji X cameras using a basic, cheap adapter and manual focus lenses of your choice. This is one of the cheapest ways to get phenomenal performance for very little money.</p>

<p>I suggest KEH for very good quality used bodies as very reasonable prices. They also have a very nice return policy. Go here to check out their selection of mirrorless organized by brand. It will give you a good idea of what you can get for what money.</p>

<p>http://www.keh.com/camera/format-Mirrorless-Digital?s=1&bc=52</p>

<p>Sony E mount NEX cameras and Fuji X cameras have APSC sensors in very small bodies. They are high quality cameras that can produce wonderful images. Older manual focus prime lenses can be had for pretty cheap and mount up to these cameras using inexpensive adapters. Focus Peaking is a neat little manual focus aid that really breathes new life into the old lenses in the new digital world and make using them on these cameras a breeze.</p>

<p>I would suggest getting a model with a built in Electronic View Finder. It just makes using the camera so much easier. For Sony this would be the NEX 6 or 7. For Fuji the XE1 would fall in your price range.</p>

<p>One issue might be the availability of super wide angle lenses since these are APSC so you would always have the crop factor. The wides are available, but of course the wider you go the more money you pay.</p>

<p>Just as an example of what these type of cameras are capable of please view my NEX 7 album on Flickr. Almost all the photos there were shot with old manual focus lenses from the 70's, mostly Yashica and Minolta.</p>

<p>https://www.flickr.com/photos/8539414@N07/sets/72157629936411965/</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>thanks for your reply. I've done a little looking and maybe mirrorless is still more involved in equipment than want to be, Maybe a high-end point and shoot type camera is the call Sorry for wasting your time.<br>

Your photos are beautiful btw<br>

Are cameras like these okaY? <a href="http://www.adorama.com/ICAG1X.html">Canon PowerShot G1 X</a> <a href="http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMCFZ200.html">Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200</a> I assume the sensors are tiny?</p>

Okay Bruce. Basic family photography.

Walking around while travelling stuff.

Surfing. Parties and sometimes drunk or in

bars.

 

I rarely print and usually not bigger than

8x10.

 

Thanks!

<p>Henry,</p>

<p>Join the club! I recently purchased the Lumix FZ200, and am now seriously considering selling off my Pentax DLSR equipment. The FZ200 is just so versatile and so light, I can't see needing the DSLR for anything I like to do. Here is a folder I have on flickr of shots taken with the FZ200: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/107794064@N02/sets/72157644216394417/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/107794064@N02/sets/72157644216394417/</a></p>

<p>For the swan shots, I'd normally have carried my DSLR with the 100-300 lens, and it would feel like I'd had a workout after I was done. With the FZ200, I got greater reach and could literally carry it around for hours without feeling it.</p>

<p>I've printed some shots at 13x19 on my Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer, and they look just as good as the ones from the DSLR (now I'm no professional mind you - but my sister-in-law was certainly thrilled with the one I gave her). I also have a folder here on photo.net showing some 100% crops I made doing some testing. Basically, I went from 100 ISO to 1600 ISO alternating with noise reduction on and off.</p>

<p>There are some excellent vids on youtube about the FZ200. Price-wise it seems to fluctuate between around $400 to $600, so you just have to keep watching. If you have specific questions about it, feel free to email me. I personally didn't consider the 4/3 cameras because with the interchangeable lenses, they were really no different from a DSLR, but lots of folk seem to be going that direction. For me, the FZ200 has made photography really fun because I can carry it anywhere and get pretty much any shot, and what more can you ask as someone who just likes to take pictures.</p>

<p>Henry, <br>

Canon G1X II and I have APS-C sensors, as does the EOS M.<br>

JD</p>

<p>[[Canon G1X II and I have APS-C sensors, as does the EOS M.]]</p>

<p>The G1X II and G1X do not have APS-C sensors.</p>

<p>You can see the relative sensor size in the G1X review here: <br /> http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1x</p>

<p>The sensor in the G1X and G1X II is much larger than your average point and shoot, to be sure, but not as large as APS-C. </p>

<p>You might look into the Sony DSC-RX100M (II and III as well). I have the II and it's about all one can ask for in a point and shoot. Full manual to full auto and all points in between. It also has a large 1" sensor.</p>

<h1 id="title" > </h1>

<blockquote>

<p>Okay Bruce. Basic family photography. Walking around while travelling stuff. Surfing. Parties and sometimes drunk or in bars.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Let me second Jim Larson's suggestion of the Sony RX100. I have one. <br>

The Panasonic GX7 + 20mm f 1.7 lens would yield higher image quality and and slightly larger physical size but blows your budget. A used RX100 I should be $400. </p>

<p>Higher end P&S like the RX100 and the Fuji X20 are great in good light, but they've still got tiny sensors compared with what you're used to. If you want to stay in the larger sensor segment, look at any of the Sony NEX series (or the Alpha-branded cameras that are replacing them, e.g. the Alpha A5000, which sells for about $450 with kit lens) or the lower end of the Fuji line (X-A1 with kit lens for around $500).</p>

<p>I recommend the Canon G1X I better than the second version for many reasons. Especially, you may get a G1X I for under $500. However, I prefer the handling of a DSLR, even one like the Canon 30D</p>

<p>For $500 it's tough to find the perfect new all-purpose mirrorless camera. But a good used, demo or refurb Olympus or Panasonic Micro 4:3 might do the trick. Those offer a good compromise between the image quality of an APS sensor dSLR or mirrorless model, and the ultra-quick AF and overall performance of Nikon's CX sensor 1 System. Good built-in flashes, adapters for use with a variety of lenses.</p>

<p>Purely in terms of image quality the best bargain right now in a new camera for around $500 is the Fuji X-A1 with 16-50 kit zoom, their only Bayer sensor APS sensor X-model. I've had one for over a month and am very satisfied overall, particularly with the IQ. I do very little editing - the out of camera JPEGs are excellent. And Fuji seems to have a clear direction for the X-system. However it's not my first choice for candid photography. The balance is a little odd with the kit zoom because the body is so lightweight and not ergonomically ideal for one-handed operation - although it might be with the lighter weight primes.</p>

<p>For candids I still prefer the Nikon V1. It's quick, has a good eye level finder, the IQ is better than any teensy sensor P&S or bridge digicam (tho' inferior to Micro 4:3 above ISO 400), and it was a bargain in December 2012 at the then-heavily discounted price. The balance, build quality and overall reflexes are great for available light snapshots. The electronic shutter is silent, very helpful for some situations such as live theater photography. The LCD and EVF are bright even in dim lighting (but not an accurate gauge of exposure). But it lacks a built in flash and the proprietary outboard flashes are expensive and not equal to Nikon's best TTL flashes. I like it but it's quirky, more of an expert's or enthusiast's camera than a user-friendly system for beginners or intermediate photographers, and Nikon lacks a clear direction for its 1 System.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>thanks for your reply. I've done a little looking and maybe mirrorless is still more involved in equipment than want to be, Maybe a high-end point and shoot type camera is the call Sorry for wasting your time.<br />Your photos are beautiful btw</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>Thank you for the compliment Henry. And it was no waste of time at all. :)</p>

<p>The Olympus E-PM2 can still be found with kit lens for $299 or in a 2 lens kit for $399. Hard to beat for size, price, performance and you're still left with some money from the $500 budget.</p>

iPhone 5s. Enough said

<p>You might try looking at some site like Steve's Digicam etc. All he does is review various digital cameras at all ranges. Just to get an idea that's out there and basically what they do and what they will cost.</p>

<p>How about the Sony RX10? A really neat, one-size-fits-all camera and you give up very little compared to the D300. It's not really small though, but it's not big either in my book. So versatile.</p>

 

<p>Actually, Richards suggestion for the iPhone 5s reminded me. A really good cell phone camera and simple processing apps may completely negate the reason for you to carry around any extra camera at all. </p>

<p>Im not sure if you even have cell service or who your provider is, but the Nokia Lumia 1020 is a wonderful Widows Phone 8 device that has a 41mp camera with high performance Carl Zeiss glass on it. And it has a really cool accessory grip/case that really turns it into a mini dslr. Check out the phone and grip here.</p>

<p>http://www.nokia.com/us-en/accessories/accessory/pd-95g/</p>

<p>It really can be an all in one solution for mobile device and photo gear all rolled into one. I have a Lumia 925 with only an 8mp camera and it takes great photos. But the proof is in the pudding so to speak so check out the Lumia 1020 group on Flickr to see what the camera is capable of.</p>

<p>https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumia1020/</p>

<p>And here is one of my favorites from the group. https://www.flickr.com/photos/112077330@N03/11858051793/in/faves-8539414@N07/</p>

<p>Anyway, just a thought. Widows Phone 8 (and 8.1 coming soon) is a phenomenal operating system that blows away iOS and Android. Problem is Microsoft was late to the party and their market share is low. But its going up all the time. If you decide this route might be for you dont be afraid to try a Windows Phone. You wont be disappointed. A setup like the above may be a cost effective and super portable solution to your changing photography needs. </p>

<p>Before convincing yourself that you want brand "x", I suggest you try to handle them at a store; first see how they feel to you and look at the menu systems and controls. I never really felt comfortable with the menus and the size of the Sony NEX-6 coming from having Nikons for almost fifty years-no complaints however about Sony image quality. I sold the NEX 6 and purchased the Fujifilm XT-1, which I like better from both the standpoints of handling and the menu system, as well as providing excellent image quality for an APS-C sensor-the point is that these are individual preferences you have to weigh.</p>

<p>I was a stauch fan of the bridge camera until the design went the 'wrong way' in my opinion and I went to MFT<br>

... sticking with Panasonic .... brand loyalty :-) .... as a result I feel that MFT is the answer and unless you actually want the 600mm equivalent of the FZ200 as a APS-C ex-owner it will not satisfy you and with something like a 2/h G3 and kit lens, or two, from reputable sellers such as B&H, KEH, Adorama you will be within your budget or indeed less.<br>

Until I bought a bug-eye lens I only had one lens for my MFT ... interchangable lens is nice for if I want to use my extension tubes/bellow from film days ... but I have yet to in two years of MFT :-) Admittedly I have a 14-140 which gives me 28-280 AoV and is my larger sensored 'bridge' camera ... similar to my first Nikon bridge before I went to Pany. [ 35-280 ]</p>

<p>Dear Lex,</p>

<blockquote>

<p>the Fuji X-A1 with 16-50 kit zoom, their only Bayer sensor APS sensor X-model. I've had one for over a month</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I haven't had a chance to play with it but someone told me that the top dial is used for EC in Auto modes and for setting shutter speed in manual mode. So please explain how the camera deals with EC in manual mode. Is the EC has to be fixed before getting in manual mode?</p>

<p>Henry:<br>

For $500 you'll have a rough time getting a mirrorless camera with flash, lenses, and filters to rival your D300. I've got a fleet of cameras--large format through 35mm film and several digital cameras--but my favorite "small" camera is my Canon G12. I had a G10 and moved my accessories up with it. Larger than a small point-and-shoot--but not much--it has a shoe for an external flash for when you want to light up a relatively large area. The Rule of Squares isn't suspended because you use a smartphone or compact point-and-shoot.<br>

<br />The G series also has the ability to shoot Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Custom and Video. You can buy after-market wide-angle, telephoto, and filter adapters. There's no substitute for a polarizing filter--so the ability to add a filter is nice. You can get the little Cokin filter adapter for a point-and-shoot, but it requires a tripod screw hole relatively in line with the lens.<br>

<br />Used you can get a G12 at KEH for $265. Add the flash and filter holder and you're still under $200.<br>

<br />I also have a Canon PS110, which is similar as far as electronics, controls, and sensor--although it is a generation newer sensor than the G12 as I recall. I carry this camera with me nearly everywhere.</p>

<p>Neither of these is good for low-light sports, but for daylight sports they are fine.</p>

<p>Check out www.dxomark.com for objective comparisons based on measurable factors.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"I haven't had a chance to play with it but someone told me that the top dial is used for EC in Auto modes and for setting shutter speed in manual mode. So please explain how the camera deals with EC in manual mode. Is the EC has to be fixed before getting in manual mode?"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I'm not seeing any option on the Fuji X-A1 to combine manual exposure mode with exposure compensation, either with auto ISO or selected single ISO. The only way to accomplish this - assuming we wish to maintain a specific shutter speed and aperture - would be through manually shifting the ISO.<br>

<br>

I understand that some folks would like to see exposure compensation combined with manual exposure mode - this issue comes up occasionally on the Nikon forum. But none of my cameras has this option and I'm not sure I'd get much use from it. If I'm using manual exposure mode it's because I have enough time to select the shutter speed and aperture. Usually that's on static subjects. If I have time for that, I also have time to manually adjust the ISO if necessary as a form of exposure compensation. More often I'll use a fixed ISO and adjust the shutter speed or aperture to compensate for strong backlighting, etc.<br>

<br>

I don't know whether any of the more advanced Fuji X-cameras offer exposure compensation in manual exposure mode. The X-A1 is pretty much a reasonably sophisticated P&S with manual override available, but the positioning and assignment of controls for manual exposure is non-standard and might not suit the preferences of folks who are accustomed to dSLRs and mirrorless cameras that place the aperture control toward the front for access with the index finger, and shutter speed to the rear for the thumb.</p>

<p>Take a look at the XE-1. $700 with a great kit lens.</p>

<p>Some images here https://imgur.com/a/RkBWl</p>

<p>IMO the fuji XE1 is pretty close to a perfect mirrorless camera *, and the 18-55/2.8-4 OIS lens you get with it is a cut above basic kit lens blahdom. if you want something more pocketable and, er, less interchangeable, i'd go for a Sony RX100 or Canon G15 or G1X. besides great IQ and glass, the reason the Fuji kicks ass for candid/night/street shooting, though, is the high-ISO performance, which is about two stops BETTER than a d300. the smaller-sensor cams can't really match that. it's one of the best deals going at the current sale price.</p>

<p>(*except it's sucky at AF-C. for everything else than demanding action shooting, it's great. but the Sony RX's and Canon G1's dont really have great AF either, so there's your tradeoff)</p>