Beginner Mirrorless help....

jordanogrady

jordanogrady

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Hi Everyone,
I've started to look into these mirrorless cameras, I currently have a D90 with a couple of lenses, but id like something a little more portable, I'm finding that I'm not using the camera as much anymore purely because its a lot of gear for me to carry about... I'm no pro at all, so its more just family photo's etc...

I was just looking for some advice on a decent mirrorless camea at a low fish price, so around £300-£400 something like that...

I've been reading reviews, and its tough deciding what will work best for me..

any help greatly appreciated.

Jordan
 
I think that for me the decision would start with if I wanted an EVF or if I was happy to use only the back screen. Another consideration is if you want a mini DSLR or a mini RF like camera. Personally I'm much happier with a camera with an EVF. I have both DSLR and RF style cameras with an in built EVF and although they both have their drawbacks and charms the mini RF style camera is the more compact and less obtrusive.

These decisions will filter out quite a few and leave you with a clearer idea of what you want and what the options are.

Next you have a choice of sensor size, from MFT (and even smaller) through APS-C and even FF although TBH I think that your budget will rule out a FF Sony A7 set up :D

This decision will thin down the options a bit more :D

Personally I'd go MFT or APS-C and stick to Panasonic or Olympus MFT or Sony APS-C although the Fuji APS-C has a massive following on this site.

For your budget I think it'd be possible to get a MFT camera with a kit lens and maybe a fast prime too and I think at this budget MFT may be a good option and of course MFT gives you the biggest chance to keep the bulk and weight down if that's one of your main priorities.

Good luck choosing :D
 
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:ty: Thanks for the reply, I now need to decrypt all the abbreviations as I have no clue what they mean hahah :ROFLMAO:

I was only looking into the mirrorless because they seem to be funky and small... and i thought id get more use from one.
 
jordanogrady said:
:ty: Thanks for the reply, I now need to decrypt all the abbreviations as I have no clue what they mean hahah :ROFLMAO:

I was only looking into the mirrorless because they seem to be funky and small... and i thought id get more use from one.
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MFT = Micro Four Thirds. It's a sensor size just like APS-C and FF. The MFT sensor is a bit smaller than APS-C.
DSLR = A camera with a view finder hump at the top, in the middle. Just like your D90.
RF = Rangfinder. The cameras aren't actually rangefinder cameras but RF style is what a lot of people call them. The don't have a viewfinder hump and instead have a viewfinder on the left hand side of the body as you look at it from the back.

Have a look here...

http://camerasize.com/compact/#535.410,472.383,487.394,621.383,179.455,ha,b
 
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jordanogrady said:
I can't see that section at the moment buddy, i haven't posted for a while so must have been removed.
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Shame. If you were near enough I'm sure the OP of that thread wouldn't mind holding on. Get posting in the mean time [emoji1]
 
jordanogrady said:
is it a decent camera?
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I'm lead to believe it's very similar if not identical to the Fuji X-T10 (which I have).

Only thing really missing is the tilting LCD. Some even prefer the X-E2 style as it's a simpler layout button wise and aesthetically is cleaner looking.
 
Ian W said:
I'm lead to believe it's very similar if not identical to the Fuji X-T10 (which I have).

Only thing really missing is the tilting LCD. Some even prefer the X-E2 style as it's a simpler layout button wise and aesthetically is cleaner looking.
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Ah thank you!

Ive no idea how to see the post, so i'll just have to wait and see.. its always difficult for me as I'm just a keen enthusiast, so i don't post for a while but still read things...i'll just have to keep posting from time to time to keep up

was it a decent price?

I'm sure there will be more available.
 
jordanogrady said:
Ah thank you!

Ive no idea how to see the post, so i'll just have to wait and see.. its always difficult for me as I'm just a keen enthusiast, so i don't post for a while but still read things...i'll just have to keep posting from time to time to keep up

was it a decent price?

I'm sure there will be more available.
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In general, the X-T10 and X-E2 are very well priced right now. Have a look at the Fuji refurb store for an idea on price. Think mine with the 18-55mm was around £540 and the X-E2 in the classifieds was up for £285 delivered (body only).
 
I had no idea there was a refurb store! I'll have to check that out for sure?
 
jordanogrady said:
I had no idea there was a refurb store! I'll have to check that out for sure?
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I would do. Personally, I'd check out X-T10's and even X-T1's given the recent prices they've been going for.

I prefer that style over the RF style mind you.
 
Ian W said:
I would do. Personally, I'd check out X-T10's and even X-T1's given the recent prices they've been going for.

I prefer that style over the RF style mind you.
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They seem to be out of stock at the moment, so I've left my email for notifications!

What are the Olympus pen's like?

Jordan
 
Having worked thru the stages of cameras without a viewfinder, ie just a back screen, I would recommend having a viewfinder, if only an electronic one.

Olympus Em10 is a very good economic camera with a flash on it as well. Hold one first as they are on the smaller side, which is a bonus for carrying around but not so good if you have big hands..........

If you can't see adverts here, Ebay has some good items, or even a local camera shop. Always good to hold it and take a few pictures to asses its suitability

Good luck
 
jordanogrady said:
They seem to be out of stock at the moment, so I've left my email for notifications!

What are the Olympus pen's like?

Jordan
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If you do buy a refurb from Fuji then remember to use the Paypal12 code, it gets you a few quid off :)
 
jordanogrady said:
They seem to be out of stock at the moment, so I've left my email for notifications!

What are the Olympus pen's like?

Jordan
Click to expand...

Looks like some great Fuji deals around but if you're interested in the Olympus pen range, bear in mind that all but the pen f lack a viewfinder. That would be a show stopper for me personally but not everyone. The pen F is a lovely camera, a real work of art but it's quite expensive and arguably not as capable as the cheaper EM-5ii. I think you really have to have fallen in love with pen F to make a strong case for buying one.
 
Hi,
No not at all, I'm just comparing them at the moment.
As soon as I've sold a lens that I have listed on eBay, i will have the funds to buy something, so I keep looking around till then.

Jordan
 
Just been to currys to try and look at the Fuji's but they didn't have any in this store.
The Sony A5000 caught my eye... but not sure if it would be as good as the Fuji X-T10? Or X-E2?
 
jordanogrady said:
Just been to currys to try and look at the Fuji's but they didn't have any in this store.
The Sony A5000 caught my eye... but not sure if it would be as good as the Fuji X-T10? Or X-E2?
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A couple of family members have this camera and the JPEG (which is what they both shoot) image quality with just the kit lens seems excellent even the night time shots but as I and others have noted you need to be sure you can live without a VF.

My first serious mirrorless camera was a Panasonic GF1 and lovely though it was after the honeymoon period I decided that I just didn't like back screen shooting and much preferred using a VF so I changed my GF1 for a G1 which was a mini SLR mirrorless camera and that camera became one of my favourite ever cameras.

If you're sure that you can do without a VF and just use the back screen then I'm pretty sure that a Sony A5000 will give you very good image quality.

PS.
You sure it was a A5000? They're a bit old now and I thought later ones had replaced it? Ah! I see it's still for sale.
 
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woof woof said:
A couple of family members have this camera and the JPEG (which is what they both shoot) image quality with just the kit lens seems excellent even the night time shots but as I and others have noted you need to be sure you can live without a VF.

My first serious mirrorless camera was a Panasonic GF1 and lovely though it was after the honeymoon period I decided that I just didn't like back screen shooting and much preferred using a VF so I changed my GF1 for a G1 which was a mini SLR mirrorless camera and that camera became one of my favourite ever cameras.

If you're sure that you can do without a VF and just use the back screen then I'm pretty sure that a Sony A5000 will give you very good image quality.

PS.
You sure it was a A5000? They're a bit old now and I thought later ones had replaced it? Ah! I see it's still for sale.
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Yeah it was in curry's for £350 i believe, they just didn't have the fuji's in for me to take a look at, so its probably going to be a trip to jessops to take a look at those.

Regarding the VF, I'm not totally sure, i use my phone all the time, and that doesn't have one, but as for a camera, couldn't really say as i haven't really thought about it to be honest.
 
Maybe VF's are just an older guy thing :D

I prefer a VF as there's much less chance of the sun washing out the image and there are a couple of other benefits, I find shooting with the camera at my eye gives a more stable position than holding the camera in front of my face and looking at the back screen and I find fine detail easier to see with a VF such as when manually focusing.

But... if you're happy to shoot with a phone you may be perfectly happy with a camera with just a back screen.

I may be over thinking this and being too cautious on your behalf but I just think that screen or VF shooting is a big decision if you're spending hundreds of pounds. Best to be sure :D
 
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woof woof said:
Maybe VF's are just an older guy thing :D

I prefer a VF as there's much less chance of the sun washing out the image and there are a couple of other benefits, I find shooting with the camera at my eye gives a more stable position than holding the camera in front of my face and looking at the back screen and I find fine detail easier to see with a VF such as when manually focusing.

But... if you're happy to shoot with a phone you may be perfectly happy with a camera with just a back screen.

I may be over thinking this and being too caution on your behalf but I just think that screen or VF shooting is a big decision if your spending hundreds of pounds.
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yes definitely, and I really appreciate the help and your opinion! its helping me read about different cameras that I maybe wouldn't have looked at before!

Jordan
 
If you settle on the A5000 you might find a bargain used one. Here's a used A5100 which I think is newer and has the 24mp chip rather than the A5000's 20mp chip...

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16102610490281

You'd need to add a lens.

PS.
There's a Nex 7 on that same site with a kit lens...

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16101015180681

They don't do the Nex 7 anymore but as far as I know it was a very well regarded camera.

There's a Nex 7 review here...

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonynex7
 
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woof woof said:
If you settle on the A5000 you might find a bargain used one. Here's a used A5100 which I think is newer and has the 24mp chip rather than the A5000's 20mp chip...

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16102610490281

You'd need to add a lens.

PS.
There's a Nex 7 on that same site with a kit lens...

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16101015180681

They don't do the Nex 7 anymore but as far as I know it was a very well regarded camera.
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Thats a great site that I wasn't aware of!
 
I've bought quite a bit from Ffordes but I don't work for them and other used sellers are available :D
 
Sorry I don't quite understand what you mean.

I think Ffordes have a physical shop but certainly they sell on line and they'll also sell your gear for a commission... I think... but I've never done that, I've only bought from them.

If I'm looking for anything I normally check the for sale section here and Ffordes before looking elsewhere.
 
Separate sellers could be ebay presumably, I've always found mpb photographic to be very good (getting a warranty is particularly useful).
 
woof woof said:
Sorry I don't quite understand what you mean.

I think Ffordes have a physical shop but certainly they sell on line and they'll also sell your gear for a commission... I think... but I've never done that, I've only bought from them.

If I'm looking for anything I normally check the for sale section here and Ffordes before looking elsewhere.
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I didn't know how the site worked, if it was actually a shop that people sent stuff in, or
If you email them and list your own products. Then you'd have to check feedback of the seller etc
 
Ah, I see... I'm not sure how it all works but I think they collect your kit and check it before it's listed. I'm sure all will be explained somewhere on the site.

I've only ever bought from them but the service seems to be good and they exchanged a lens I wasn't happy with no problem. They do list new kit too and even unused legacy lenses which must have sat in a warehouse or something for 30 years. The legacy lenses interest me and I've bought a few off them.

Anyway, there are lots of used sellers out there if you're interested in buying used.
 
woof woof said:
Ah, I see... I'm not sure how it all works but I think they collect your kit and check it before it's listed. I'm sure all will be explained somewhere on the site.

I've only ever bought from them but the service seems to be good and they exchanged a lens I wasn't happy with no problem. They do list new kit too and even unused legacy lenses which must have sat in a warehouse or something for 30 years. The legacy lenses interest me and I've bought a few off them.

Anyway, there are lots of used sellers out there if you're interested in buying used.
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Yeah I've got no issue buying something used as long as it's been looked after.

I'm just struggling to pick what will be best for me, on a budget price, that's all.

Jordan
 
So, would the Sony A6000 be better than the fuji's x-e or X10's?
 
jordanogrady said:
So, would the Sony A6000 be better than the fuji's x-e or X10's?
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I'd pick the A6000 every time but the Fuji's have a big following here.

I like the thought of the Fuji's retro styling and manual dials and I've been tempted to buy into the system a few times but in actual use and that's what cameras are for I'd prefer the Sony's more modernly conventional styling and dials.

On the negative side the Fuji raw files arguably need more careful processing with some claiming better results from various raw processors and there are the odd mutterings about heavier than normal noise reduction and smeared detail and more inaccurate than usual ISO settings. On the more positive side many people like the Fuji look and JPEG's but arguably this look could be duplicated in post capture processing. Fuji do have a nice lens line up but some are at the more expensive end. Sony have their expensive lenses too and whilst some of the A6xxx series lenses are widely regarded as being very good others are maybe a bit average. Even with the omissions in the A6xxx lens line up (for example no quality APS-C f2.8 zoom range) I'd still go for the Sony as it's a more conventional camera system and is very compact and unobtrusive which is important to me.

Another couple of cameras you could look at are the Panasonic G8 and GX80 but these would blow the budget in your original post. I have the older GX7 and G7 which for various reasons I'm not going to recommend to you but the newer cameras look good and there are some excellent lenses and a healthy used market. I've bought most of my lenses used.

There are lots of options out there... :D

Good luck choosing! :D
 
woof woof said:
I'd pick the A6000 every time but the Fuji's have a big following here.

I like the thought of the Fuji's retro styling and manual dials and I've been tempted to buy into the system a few times but in actual use and that's what cameras are for I'd prefer the Sony's more modernly conventional styling and dials.

On the negative side the Fuji raw files arguably need more careful processing with some claiming better results from various raw processors and there are the odd mutterings about heavier than normal noise reduction and smeared detail and more inaccurate than usual ISO settings. On the more positive side many people like the Fuji look and JPEG's but arguably this look could be duplicated in post capture processing. Fuji do have a nice lens line up but some are at the more expensive end. Sony have their expensive lenses too and whilst some of the A6xxx series lenses are widely regarded as being very good others are maybe a bit average. Even with the omissions in the A6xxx lens line up (for example no quality APS-C f2.8 zoom range) I'd still go for the Sony as it's a more conventional camera system and is very compact and unobtrusive which is important to me.

Another couple of cameras you could look at are the Panasonic G8 and GX80 but these would blow the budget in your original post. I have the older GX7 and G7 which for various reasons I'm not going to recommend to you but the newer cameras look good and there are some excellent lenses and a healthy used market. I've bought most of my lenses used.

There are lots of options out there... :D

Good luck choosing! :D
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Even more to read...
Much appreciated help again...

I'm considering selling my Nikon D90 kit to get something with a lens or 2 I think.... I need to re consider.
 
Image quality wise I think that any of the modern cameras will be an improvement over the D90 and if you take that as a given and not something to worry too much about then you can think about other issues such as if you are ready to move away from the optical view system DSLR's use to the Electronic View Finder / back screen shooting offered by mirrorles cameras.

Some people much prefer optical viewfinders but I've adjusted to electronic viewfinders now and in fact I find them better because of the in view aids such as the histogram, focusing aids, the magnified view, the consistently accurate focusing and the ability to see the scene that your camera will capture, What You See Is What You Get, rather than looking down at a mirror and a glass tube which is effectively what you do with a DSLR.

You have a lot to think about :D
 
jordanogrady said:
Just not sure if I'd regret selling the D90 for it.. z
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I did exactly the same recently sold my D90 whilst is still had some good resale in it and moved to an Olympus M10.
Then picked up a cracking 40-150 off here for a great price. Not regretting the move one bit.
 
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