Ditched the DSLR's

danwoodward100

danwoodward100

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So I got into photography in a big way around 4 or so years ago, over that time I've definitely learnt a lot and been through many of the processes most of us do, in terms of learning and gear. Along with the GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) that comes with it. Over that time I built up a pretty decent set of gear. I'd got up to a Nikon D7000 and a D200, along with some good quality glass, mostly Sigma 2.8 zooms and Nikon primes, along with various accessories, flashes, bags etc.

However, around about 6 months ago I started to lose the enthusiasm for my photography. It took me a while to figure out exactly what the issue was, and why I had lost some of the passion. I eventually worked out the issue was related to gear. There were two main issues really.

I'd become bogged down with too much gear, and every outing was started by lots of deep thought about various scenarios and what gear I should take with me, what lenses should I take, do I need to take this that and the other, what bag do I take? Then what if this happens and I don't have X lens. I'd run through this scenario and feel unhappy about the amount of gear I needed to take, or unhappy that I would miss stuff if i didn't take the right gear with me.

The other factor, was the shear bulk and weight of the equipment. Most of my photography is done outdoors, walking around different places. And i found myself saying oh I really cant be bothered to lug around a big heavy camera bag all day and feel uncomfortable and bogged down the whole time. I'd end up just taking photos on my phone, and then of course not being particularly happy with the results.

After a lot of research and thought, and now seeing that the technology has developed in the mirrorless systems (I don't think the first generation of cameras were quite there yet) I decided to give it a go. I started by buying a Sony a5000, initially as an additional camera to use as a lighter easier to carry alternative. It was such a revelation to have great quality in such a small package I decided mirrorless was the way to go for me. More research and some hands on playing in camera shops led me to the Fuji X system. I traded in the DSLR kit immediately. I now use an X-E2 as my main camera and the Sony is a backup/even smaller pocket camera option. I've been blown away with the quality of construction in the Fuji camera body and the lenses, the optical quality of the lenses, and the image quality produced by the Fuji sensor.

Most importantly, this new lighter, compact system and its wonderful results has rejuvenated my passion for photography, in fact it is now stronger than ever. Using the Fuji with its mechanical feel and metal construction is an absolute pleasure. I guess i'd liken it to using an Apple product in terms of that solid quality feel. Now for me it works brilliantly, and I think mirrorless is now an option in most situations. If you shoot sports seriously or wildlife though, probably best to stick with the DSLR system for a bit longer.

Just wanted to share my experience and hope this is of interest to some...
 
Just don't let it become a cycle. Buying in and out of DSLR's [latest and greatest, shutter response this, AF speed that...] makes for an expensive hobby. I learned the hard way. Now, unlike you I found out I'm happiest with an SLR, but I only really use two primes [35/400 and nothing in between] - works for me. It's all about finding a comfortable spot to stick in. Sounds like you've found yours!
 
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Dan - that is so familiar - sure I was\am Canon (I just can't let go of the 135L) and I chose the O-MD E-M10 \ m43 line - but the scenario of what to take then ending up lugging round something a Sherpa would be proud to carry was a daily event - and I don't even use tripods (mostly).

GAS is a mare - I suffer from it still - ever looking for that impossible thing - for me it was always AF speed - even the 5D3 + 400 5.6 (commonly regarded as one of the fastest combinations still wasn't good enough).

Mirrorless so far though has been a revelation - knowing that AF is poor so I forgive it - IQ is excellent, although GAS is setting in a bit even with this - so far I've a 60mm 2.8 (wanting the 75mm 1.8), the 40-150 II, a 75-300 (not sure about this one as its big for a mirrorless).
 
I was looking through the Advertisement pages of the "Amateur Photographer" last night, and what struck me was the vast number of undifferentiated DSLR cameras. Most are so ordinary as to be near invisible among their fellows.
Now I have been involved with Photography and by association all sorts of cameras since the 1940's and I have never felt that way before.
I think we are at a rather scary turning point for the manufacturers, who will have to make some many bold decisions to remain relevant in the market place. It is no longer enough to be a "me too" manufacturer.
Big is sometimes necessary, but Big is no longer beautiful. And small is becoming what people want to use. And new technology means it can produce equally fine results as the big and clunky.

JohnN said:
Dan - that is so familiar - sure I was\am Canon (I just can't let go of the 135L) and I chose the O-MD E-M10 \ m43 line - but the scenario of what to take then ending up lugging round something a Sherpa would be proud to carry was a daily event - and I don't even use tripods (mostly).

GAS is a mare - I suffer from it still - ever looking for that impossible thing - for me it was always AF speed - even the 5D3 + 400 5.6 (commonly regarded as one of the fastest combinations still wasn't good enough).

Mirrorless so far though has been a revelation - knowing that AF is poor so I forgive it - IQ is excellent, although GAS is setting in a bit even with this - so far I've a 60mm 2.8 (wanting the 75mm 1.8), the 40-150 II, a 75-300 (not sure about this one as its big for a mirrorless).
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You will find that the hybrid Af in Fuji cameras to be as fast as it gets in any camera.

What might be still missing is the Predictive processing power available in the larger Pro DSLR's, which is so useful to sports activities.
However This is solely down to the power of the processor and could easily be included in any camera with Hybrid AF. But the cost of such power still places it out side of the price range of Lesser DSLR's as well. Focussing speeds on cameras like the XT1 far exceed the last generation of professional film Cameras. and is only exceeded in predictive focus by the top one or two Dslr's.
 
lol, you'll be setting me off again ;)
 
At the age of ten I started out with my first camera, a Kodak instamatic, before years later moving on to something only slightly better and I still have a place in my heart for simple cameras that you just point and shoot. Eventually I weakened and moved to a 35mm Nikon SLR's and later I reluctantly moved to digital but I was never really happy with the bulk and weight of a DSLR+lens and I really wanted a smaller and more discrete system and I therefore bought into MFT when the GF1 came out.

I never really liked back screen shooting so the GF1 gave way to a G1 and later I added a GX7 and now my MFT stuff together with a Sony A7 have replaced my Canon DSLR kit. Three things appeal to me with mirrorless - Firstly a mirrorless setup is much closer to the size and even weight of the quality 35mm and SLR film kit I used to use. Secondly with a couple of reservations I've mostly embraced EVF's as I like the WYSIWYG and I'm pretty much in love with the in view histogram and lastly as far as I'm concerned mirrorless rules if you want to focus manually :D

My G1 is excellent at low to medium ISO settings and it's lack of great dynamic range is mitigated to a degree by the in view histogram helping me to avoid blowing my highlights and indeed in difficult lighting I found that I was much more likely to get a useable shot first time with my G1 than I was with my 5D as with the 5D I'd have to guess and dial in compo, chimp and reshoot if necessary. With the G1 it's all in the EVF :D My GX7 moves the image quality on and it's very good and the A7 gives me the best image quality I've ever had from any camera I've ever owned.

I don't really like fly by wire no marking and no end stop lenses and I have a niggle or two with the EVF's but I'm still mostly happy and I can't see myself ever going back to a conventional DSLR.
 
I absolutely agree about the EVF - I love the WYSIWYG approach - the only thin I don't like is when I shoot high speed (no often now) theres periods where you cannot see whats happening at all - I tested that yesterday taking some shots of my dog jumping for a ball and there were some five frames with nothing in because I didn't guess correctly where she was going to be - not an issue with SLRs.
 
I'm glad you posted this as I am in exactly the position, in fact I started a thread last week asking if it was time to trade DSLR for mirrorless. I have come to the conclusion that at my age (ancient....) lugging a bl**dy big DSLR up Lake District hills is daft and sometimes dangerous not only to me but also to the camera. I slipped on some loose stones on Saturday and it was only good fortune (and a handily placed clump of long grass) that saved my Nikon from crashing into the hard rock.
I'm now looking at an X-T1 with a couple of lenses to save myself from a hernia.

Andy
 
Up until i was unable to, lugging gear around was not a problem for me just part of photography,having to much gear or to little :rolleyes:,i always worked within what gear i had or didnt,now i do use ccs because i cant carry around the gear that i used to anymore :)
 
I bought a fuji X100s last year, with the idea of leaving the heavy gear at home more often, get out and do some lighter shooting. Every time I headed out with the fuji alone .... I just felt I was missing something, and ended up wishing I'd brought the dslr ... sold the X100s after a few months, wasn't making good use of it.

Everyone's different ...

I don't find carrying a bag with dslr and a couple of lenses about a burden, and I have a bad back. I see people go on about their new mirrorless or cut down gear or whatever, but they're still carrying a bag about for bits and bobs to go along with ... so I see it as no more freedom, just a tad lighter overall.
 
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JohnN said:
I absolutely agree about the EVF - I love the WYSIWYG approach - the only thin I don't like is when I shoot high speed (no often now) theres periods where you cannot see whats happening at all - I tested that yesterday taking some shots of my dog jumping for a ball and there were some five frames with nothing in because I didn't guess correctly where she was going to be - not an issue with SLRs.
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Maybe this is going to be more or less of an issue with different models. I've just tried my G1, GX1 and A7 and all behave differently. Maybe this'll get better with more powerful and faster cameras in future generation.
 
As others have said. We are all different. And some of it for sure is psychology. Some of us are happy lugging heavy large systems around. Some of us aren't.
It would be pretty boring if we all liked the same gear and had the same style.
For me it's a great fit.
 
I tried some CSC, but anything less than my 5DM3 for IQ would not satisfy me. I bought an RX1R and I'm very happy :) I can leave the DSLR at home and am confident I'm getting equally good IQ if not better DR with the little beast.
 
ST4 said:
I personally do not find a D800 and 24-70 to be big and cumbersome. But each to their own.
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We looked at the Nikon D800 (and more importantly, handled it) and then bought a Sony a7r - more or less the same size as our OM cameras. History repeated itself, as the Nikon F2 was passed over in favour of an OM1 back in 1974, and for the same reason, the size and weight. If I'm going to carry a hulking great camera, I'll stick to a 5x4. If I am out and about with either a 5x4 or an RZ67, I stick to one lens. Even when I'm by the car with other lenses available, using anything other than the standard lens is extremely rare.
 
StephenM said:
We looked at the Nikon D800 (and more importantly, handled it) and then bought a Sony a7r - more or less the same size as our OM cameras. History repeated itself, as the Nikon F2 was passed over in favour of an OM1 back in 1974, and for the same reason, the size and weight. If I'm going to carry a hulking great camera, I'll stick to a 5x4. If I am out and about with either a 5x4 or an RZ67, I stick to one lens. Even when I'm by the car with other lenses available, using anything other than the standard lens is extremely rare.
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Ah, MF. Money no object I'd go that.
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
I was looking through the Advertisement pages of the "Amateur Photographer" last night, and what struck me was the vast number of undifferentiated DSLR cameras. Most are so ordinary as to be near invisible among their fellows.
Now I have been involved with Photography and by association all sorts of cameras since the 1940's and I have never felt that way before.
I think we are at a rather scary turning point for the manufacturers, who will have to make some many bold decisions to remain relevant in the market place. It is no longer enough to be a "me too" manufacturer.
Big is sometimes necessary, but Big is no longer beautiful. And small is becoming what people want to use. And new technology means it can produce equally fine results as the big and clunky.



You will find that the hybrid Af in Fuji cameras to be as fast as it gets in any camera.

What might be still missing is the Predictive processing power available in the larger Pro DSLR's, which is so useful to sports activities.
However This is solely down to the power of the processor and could easily be included in any camera with Hybrid AF. But the cost of such power still places it out side of the price range of Lesser DSLR's as well. Focussing speeds on cameras like the XT1 far exceed the last generation of professional film Cameras. and is only exceeded in predictive focus by the top one or two Dslr's.
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I don't agree that people want smaller bodies. Quite the opposite in fact, I see some of the newer 'smaller' bodied DSLRs being criticised for being made smaller. I for one always prefer a larger, gripped body.
 
Does it depend on the shape? I always think, when looking at DSLRs in dealers, that the body shape looks very awkward to hold. 35mm cameras could be held at either side, but DSLRs don't seem to want to let you do that.

The OM cameras were described as too small by some, but I found them perfect. On the other hand, when I first moved to medium format, I found the Hasselblad difficult to hold and the RB67 easy.

For me, a hand camera should be one that light and easy to use in the hand, or there's no point in using a miniature format. But that's me speaking as basically a film camera user.

I have seen comments that people do want smaller bodies, and that's why (so it's said) DSLR sales are dropping and CSC sales rising.
 
odd jim said:
I don't agree that people want smaller bodies. Quite the opposite in fact, I see some of the newer 'smaller' bodied DSLRs being criticised for being made smaller. I for one always prefer a larger, gripped body.
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If you must have a DSLR one the size of an OM1 would be Ideal for me. But I can not see the point at all of making one much smaller. I always preferred the more angular shape of the earlier all metal SLR cameras, to the Rounded shapes of the later plastic ones. I found them far more secure in my hands.

So I am far happier with the Fuji shapes of their CSC's.

There certainly are people who like larger curvaceous bodies (on their cameras too) but the trend is for compact more traditional styled shapes, and certainly there is a desire for more compact lenses, however difficult this may be to accommodate the focus and anti shake systems. Miniaturising of components always has cost/ design benefits what ever design size they are contained with in.

It is rarely a question of hand size, mine are large (with some difficulty buying suitable gloves) But I have no difficulty holding and using any but the smallest cameras.
 
I keep thinking about camera size, I'd love to have the cash to have both my DSLR and a smaller system - I love the image quality from my D800 but I do find the weight and size problematic at times. I often think back to when I had an Olympus EM5 - I could carry the camera, 3 lenses (100-300, 25 f1.4 and 12mm f2) along with all the gubbins (Grip, Cards, Batteries) and it barely weighed anything.

The struggle I have is that going from a D800 to anything else is likely to be a large image quality loss, so I almost feel "stuck"
 
Not picking on you Chris :D but just a general comment on the smaller stuff v DSLR thing...

I only print now and again and in fact I haven't done an A3 print this year. I do print something most weeks but not all weeks and mostly I just do small prints. Anyway, most of my pictures are viewed on my pc or on family and friends pc's, tablets and even smartphones these days and when I give pictures to family and friends it's normally in electronic format and often at 2000 pixels wide unless someone specifically wants a full sized file and I find that my MFT cameras are usually easily good enough other than my G1 at the higher ISO's but even that old thing :D is excellent at low to mid ISO's. Often I even do 100% crops and they look great on my screen.

When I went through a phase of comparing my 5D and 20D to MFT I decided that it was only the highest ISO's and when pixel peeping that any differences even began to be significant and these days with my GX7 and A7 I think that if anything the gap has even close a little.

I do wonder if I should visit Specsaver more often (other spec companies are available) or if maybe part of the DSLR v smaller stuff thing / worry is that some people just like having kit that'll be great at ISO stratospheric and like the idea that they can make a print which will look good 12 feet wide even though the chances that they'll use these abilities are extremely remote? Maybe?
 
Your right Alan - I have done quite a few "big" prints this year from my D800 that I just wouldn't be able to do with M4/3 but generally its smaller images and sharing on-line which doesn't need the 36MP of the D800.

I think if either of the small compact systems had 24MP (Fuji or Olympus) I'd be happier to make the move - I would consider the Sony A7 at 24mp but theres not many lenses around and even then the lenses are no smaller than those on my D800!

I do a lot of night shooting and alot of tripod work - I don't tend to go over ISO 3200 (and prefer not to use above 800) on the D800 so ISO may not bother me too much.
 
I think that the recent Sony lens announcements may satisfy many people - other than the prices :confused: as they seem to be aiming at the higher end of the market.

PS (after being called away...) I use old manual lenses on my A7 and even when pixel peeping I can't see any significant issues, beyond vignetting that is. I think that the A7 + prime is a significant bulk and weight saving over my 5D and even an A7+28-70mm seems reasonable to me. AT the moment I carry my A7+5-mm f1.4 mounted in a bag with 28mm f2.8 and 85mm f1.8. All manual of course.

My G1 or GX7 is very compact with 20mm f1.7 or 25mm f1.8, 45mm f2.8 and 14mm f2.5.
 
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woof woof said:
I think that the recent Sony lens announcements may satisfy many people - other than the prices :confused: as they seem to be aiming at the higher end of the market.

PS (after being called away...) I use old manual lenses on my A7 and even when pixel peeping I can't see any significant issues, beyond vignetting that is. I think that the A7 + prime is a significant bulk and weight saving over my 5D and even an A7+28-70mm seems reasonable to me. AT the moment I carry my A7+5-mm f1.4 mounted in a bag with 28mm f2.8 and 85mm f1.8. All manual of course.

My G1 or GX7 is very compact with 20mm f1.7 or 25mm f1.8, 45mm f2.8 and 14mm f2.5.
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To be honest I think what I'm likely to do is pickup a used camera, something thats not going to break the bank and I can run alongside my D800 and see what I think, probably an EM5 or X-Pro 1 as they appear to be available for relative buttons these days!
 
Good plan, that's how I'm doing it, there is a wee snag though and that's the point when you realise you're trying to compare a low end body and kit lens with your top of the line DSLR. That's where I am at at the moment.
 
You can pick up bargains.

All but one of my MFT lenses have been bought through forums and they'll all perfect.

There seem to be quite a few Fuji bodies for sale at the moment so it'll probably be possible to save several hundred £. Even some of the well regarded lenses seem to be cropping up quite often.

I think it'll be possible to get some really nice kit and to sell it if you're not happy without losing a fortune. Good God, I even sold some of my DSLR kit for more than I paid! :D
 
There are certainly bargains out there right now there's been a lot of new bodies released recently. Its also part of my reluctance to part with my D800 as I'd take a fairly big hit on it.

As I said I'm going to look at a few options - 1. Used X-Pro 1 and either the 18mm or 35mm 2. X100S 3. High Quality Smaller Lens for my D800 such as the 50mm f1.8 (I've got a 24 f2.8 but it doesn't seem to stack up well on the D800)
 
chrism_scotland said:
There are certainly bargains out there right now there's been a lot of new bodies released recently. Its also part of my reluctance to part with my D800 as I'd take a fairly big hit on it.

As I said I'm going to look at a few options - 1. Used X-Pro 1 and either the 18mm or 35mm 2. X100S 3. High Quality Smaller Lens for my D800 such as the 50mm f1.8 (I've got a 24 f2.8 but it doesn't seem to stack up well on the D800)
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Why an XP1, you can get a refurb XE2 which is better in almost every way for less money. That camera is a bargain at the moment.
 
I only use my D600 and lenses for weddings....

For family days out I either grab a bridge camera or more often my recent (£80 off here) purchase of a Olympus EP1 which is lovely and small and produces great photos

I always have a chuckle when I see people with HUGE cameras on family days out - total overkill
 
chrism_scotland said:
There are certainly bargains out there right now there's been a lot of new bodies released recently. Its also part of my reluctance to part with my D800 as I'd take a fairly big hit on it.

As I said I'm going to look at a few options - 1. Used X-Pro 1 and either the 18mm or 35mm 2. X100S 3. High Quality Smaller Lens for my D800 such as the 50mm f1.8 (I've got a 24 f2.8 but it doesn't seem to stack up well on the D800)
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If finances allow you could do what I did... dip your toe in the water by buying a camera and one lens and use it alongside the DSLR kit that you know and love. I had both MFT and my DSLR kit (in my case 20D and then 5D + 7 lenses) for several years until I decided that the DSLR kit simply wasn't getting used and decided to sell it all.

If you aren't happy / confident in the new kit you can either just keep it as a minimalist small setup or sell it and continue with the DSLR. If you're happy with the CSC you can expand your kit whilst slowly selling off the DSLR kit. Luckily I'm in the happy position that I don't have to worry about the cost beyond keeping my conscience quiet.
 
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twist said:
Why an XP1, you can get a refurb XE2 which is better in almost every way for less money. That camera is a bargain at the moment.
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+1
The refurb XE-2 bodies are the current bargain of the x-series lineup (£360 and include a refurb warranty) - cheaper than most people seem prepared to sell one secondhand. You need patience to wait for the next restock in the Fuji shop - and to be quick as they sell out on an hour or two at the most.

Not many bargain refurb lenses at the moment, but a 23mm would let you see the system at its best if you found one at the right price.
 
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