Thoughts on Dslr - mirrorless switch

Shutterbugbob70

Shutterbugbob70

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Robert
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Hi folks
So I have been deliberating about making the switch from the Canon 5D Mk3 over to a Fuji XT-2.
The main reason for the switch is the weight issue. I am a freelance photographer and do portrait and Event stuff as my income stream. However I have been building my street photography portfolio and aim to make the switch to full-time street photographer over the next couple of years.

I was just wondering what others experiences where from switching over to mirrorless, especially working photographers?

Thanks in advance
 
I haven't switched from DSLR to Mirrorless but I have recently purchased an X-T2 with a few lenses as a 'Travel Kit' (I usually use a Nikon D810 etc).

I was away last weekend for the first time with the X-T2 and it performed very, very well in every situation. The size and weight was a real advantage as I could have the X-T2 and 3 lenses in pretty much the same space/weight as my D810 with a 24-70.

If you can afford it buy or rent one to try alongside your present kit so you know for sure.
 
My advice - don't. I did and regretted it.

I convinced myself too that a smaller, lighter set of kit would be great. And it was. Just everything else wasn't.

There's lots of hype about mirrorless cameras and I GUARANTEE a bunch of Fuji fans will be along soon to tell me I'm wrong. But believe me when I say that for portraits and events a FF DSLR is a better option. For street photography you may feel the smaller, more discreet mirrorless system is a good thing. And it may be. But you're talking two years away. I'd wait if I were you.
 
ryanyboy said:
My advice - don't. I did and regretted it.

I convinced myself too that a smaller, lighter set of kit would be great. And it was. Just everything else wasn't.

There's lots of hype about mirrorless cameras and I GUARANTEE a bunch of Fuji fans will be along soon to tell me I'm wrong. But believe me when I say that for portraits and events a FF DSLR is a better option. For street photography you may feel the smaller, more discreet mirrorless system is a good thing. And it may be. But you're talking two years away. I'd wait if I were you.
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I guess it depends on the individual and what they need out of the equipment, to say there is lots of hype about mirrorless is a little strong, they have plenty of advantages over a DSLR :)
 
Riz_Guru said:
I guess it depends on the individual and what they need out of the equipment, to say there is lots of hype about mirrorless is a little strong, they have plenty of advantages over a DSLR :)
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In actual fact I think I understated it. There's isn't lots of hype over mirrorless camera's there's a MASSIVE, RIDICULOUS amount of hype over mirrorless cameras.
 
ryanyboy said:
In actual fact I think I understated it. There's isn't lots of hype over mirrorless camera's there's a MASSIVE, RIDICULOUS amount of hype over mirrorless cameras.
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Fair enough, that's your opinion which you are entitled to :)
Having owned a Fuji XT-2 and associated lenses, it's a great system if you don't need full-frame.
It would most defiantly tick the original posters requirement of reducing weight.
In my opinion DSLR's are based on technology which doesn't have many strong points anymore compared to the best mirrorless systems.
 
Riz_Guru said:
Fair enough, that's your opinion which you are entitled to :)
Having owned a Fuji XT-2 and associated lenses, it's a great system if you don't need full-frame.
It would most defiantly tick the original posters requirement of reducing weight.
In my opinion DSLR's are based on technology which doesn't have many strong points anymore compared to the best mirrorless systems.
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DSLR = better AF, better high ISO, better image quality, shallower DOF (you may or may not prefer this of course), better lenses, better battery life. I'm sure I could go on.

But as pro photographer the important factors are AF, ISO and image quality. If you're a hobbyist who simply enjoys then craft then sure, go for an XT-2. As a hobbyist it's less important if you miss focus, if the camera hunts in low light, if the images are too noisy etc etc....
 
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I think that mirrorless cameras are great & I do love fuji however as a tool I can use reliably time after time I also think mirrorless, at present, is a step back a few years. In the next couple I can see them being serious contenders but not yet
 
"Better AF" needs qualifying. The best DSLR's at tracking may have better tracking ability than most mirrorless but if consistancy and accuracy are your criterias then you may have to have a rethink. Comparing specific cameras and their abilities may be better than generalising
 
There is a sit on the fence option:-

Keep all your e siting kit, buy a Fuji X100T or X100F for your street work.

That gets you into a lightweight system and you can see if it is for you.

There are plenty of professionals now shooting Street and Event photography on mirrorless, but it's not a system for everyone
 
ryanyboy said:
DSLR = better AF, better high ISO, better image quality, shallower DOF (you may or may not prefer this of course), better lenses, better battery life. I'm sure I could go on.

But as pro photographer the important factors are AF, ISO and image quality. If you're a hobbyist who simply enjoys then craft then sure, go for an XT-2. As a hobbyist it's less important if you miss focus, if the camera hunts in low light, if the images are too noisy etc etc....
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The Sony A9 has better AF, better high ISO, better image quality, shallower DOF including better lenses, great battery life and had much more to offer with things like silent shooting, no EVF black outs and 20fps, I could go on.... Which DSLR were you specifically referring exactly in response to my comment "In my opinion DSLR's are based on technology which doesn't have many strong points anymore compared to the best mirrorless systems." :D
 
Riz_Guru said:
The Sony A9 has better AF, better high ISO, better image quality, shallower DOF including better lenses, great battery life and had much more to offer with things like silent shooting, no EVF black outs and 20fps, I could go on.... Which DSLR were you specifically referring exactly in response to my comment "In my opinion DSLR's are based on technology which doesn't have many strong points anymore compared to the best mirrorless systems." :D
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The OP specifically mentioned the Fuji X-T2 and that's what my advice has been based on having owned one myself.
 
Sony A9: £3,649.00
Fuji XT-2: £1,395.00

I agree that the future is probably mirrorless. That said I went from mirrorless m4/3 to full frame DSLR. I so wanted to like the A7II but just couldn't get on with it. Maybe the A9 improves on the weaknesses; maybe not.

fwiw I've used the Olympus twice in the last 18 months or so, once to decide whether to sell a particular lens and a second time when hiking up mountains with the family.
 
Don't do it mk2.

I went from a D750 to an XT2 system and also regretted it.

In the studio it was great, no complaints.

I discovered "artifacts" in foliage (making it look like a watercolour painting in certain circumstances). Also skin can take on a waxwork dummy appearance.

People will say this is down to the processing but I saw they were in the unedited RAW files too.

Borrow one and test thoroughly before chopping the FF kit is my advice.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
Don't do it mk2.

I went from a D750 to an XT2 system and also regretted it.

In the studio it was great, no complaints.

I discovered "artifacts" in foliage (making it look like a watercolour painting in certain circumstances). Also skin can take on a waxwork dummy appearance.

People will say this is down to the processing but I saw they were in the unedited RAW files too.

Borrow one and test thoroughly before chopping the FF kit is my advice.
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Hell yes!! The artefacts are shocking. And VERY true with the waxy skin. I call it the "Kryten Filter" after the robot from Red Dwarf. If you want your clients to look like Kryten the X-T2 is DEFINITELY the mirrorless camera for you!

On the subject of the sony A9. A camera I HAVEN'T used I must add. This video review would be enough to frighten me off!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pTwwK9dfRk


I also find this guy hilarious :D
 
Dave70D said:
Well it is up to the OP what he does :)
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I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
 
Until a Sony A9 becomes affordable I'll stick with my dslr.

Admittedly I started off mirrorless with Sony Nex and they were great and I love mirrorless cams. I do however find phase detection af better in most situations.
 
ryanyboy said:
I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
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I am NOT trying to lead the OP with MISLEADING, but each to their own. Some of the members could be a pro.
 
Full time street photography with a big DSLR and FF lenses. No thanks, I don't like black eyes from chivalrous boyfriends shouting "Oi that's my bird" just before assaulting me :hungover::hungover::hungover:

Sneaking around with a modded X100T with the lights taped over and screen turned off would save some teeth perhaps
 
Shutterbugbob70.

Just google Fuji XT2 waxy skin and make your own mind up.


For the record, and I'm sick of saying this, I'm not out to crap on Fuji X-Trans technology. I was very peed off that I found what I found.
I love the Fuji colours but once you've seen the artifacts and waxy skin "problem" as I did you cannot unsee it. In fact you find yourself looking for it in every shot in case it's there.

But do peruse the thread mentioned. You'll find some waxy skin shots in there too if you look.

I wish you the best in what you eventually decide to do.

You may be very happy with Fuji kit.

I wish I had been.



Terry.
 
GTG said:
Full time street photography with a big DSLR and FF lenses. No thanks, I don't like black eyes from chivalrous boyfriends shouting "Oi that's my bird" just before assaulting me :hungover::hungover::hungover:

Sneaking around with a modded X100T with the lights taped over and screen turned off would save some teeth perhaps
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Until you're accosted and you have to explain why you're trying to hide or disguise your camera.

To my mind it makes you appear more dodgy.
 
ryanyboy said:
I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
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Definitely not mostly pros but some do pop in from time to time, here's a quote from one of them :D

ryanyboy said:
Some people have far too much time on their hands!!

Modern cameras are great. They do far more than most people will ever need. Pick up your cameras and go shoot. So it's a little noisy in the shadows. So what? It's not critically sharp at 400%. Does it matter?

These Fuji cameras are a joy to use IMO and I'm enjoying my photography all the more for it.

My advice - don't obsess over the technical aspects and get snapping. If you're not happy with your images practice more.
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ryanyboy said:
The OP specifically mentioned the Fuji X-T2 and that's what my advice has been based on having owned one myself.
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But in that case you compared the X-T2 to DSLR's in general. Trust me the X-T2 out performs a lot of DSLR's... maybe you can be more specific what DSLR are you talking about? The OP is using a 5D MK3, are you saying that the AF is better on that??
 
I have found that my A6000 isn't as good at focusing an object coming towards me fast as my D3 was but that could be down to the lens as well.
 
GTG said:
Full time street photography with a big DSLR and FF lenses. No thanks, I don't like black eyes from chivalrous boyfriends shouting "Oi that's my bird" just before assaulting me :hungover::hungover::hungover:

Sneaking around with a modded X100T with the lights taped over and screen turned off would save some teeth perhaps
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Sneaking around even with an iPhone won't make you many friends!

A dslr and ff lenses don't have to be big, a small dslr and prime can be very compact and let's face it, have taken many of the worlds best street images long before mirrorless was even a twinkle in the eye of Sony Corporation.
 
Dave70D said:
Here you go Robert, most of the members who have posted in this link could be pros, hope it helps.


https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/fuji-x-t1-x-t2-x-t10-owners-thread.527428/
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ryanyboy said:
I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
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If you read my post, you will see I said COULD BE, you say I said ARE :) Two different words and meanings.
 
ryanyboy said:
I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
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OK this link might help http://fujifilm-x.com/photographers/ you can filter on Photographers

There are one on two pros on the Equipment thread but not many!!!

For UK people have a look at Kevin Mullins and Matt Hart

Fujiholics is also a very street-centred group of Fuji shooters.
 
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Went from 5d2 and 1d3 to two Fuji Xt1-2's a few months ago because of shoulder problems. I would never go back. So much lighter, fantastic picture quality and great lenses. I've shot a few weddings with my old kit but don't regret the change other than I now need to replace my Canon flashes with something to use on my Fuji's
 
ryanyboy said:
Hell yes!! The artefacts are shocking. And VERY true with the waxy skin. I call it the "Kryten Filter" after the robot from Red Dwarf. If you want your clients to look like Kryten the X-T2 is DEFINITELY the mirrorless camera for you!
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Show us some examples please, because I switched from a D800E to an XT-1 and I am not experiencing any of this 'waxy skin' phenomenon you like to rant about [I think this is about the third thread I've seen you claim all this ]
I have a lot of experience with both dslr and mirror-less cameras.

I will just say to OP, ignore a lot of the negative stuff people claim, a lot of it is merely down to their own lack of skill IMO. DO the research, don't just take anyone's word on here for it when there is such mixed messages.

ryanyboy said:
I meant it's unlikely that most of the people contributing to that thread are pros. A ridiculous statement which can only have been intended to mislead the OP who is clearly new to the forum. Bad form.
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Why not stop telling others they are giving people bad advice, when it is only you who seems to be?. Also who cares if the people in that thread [inc myself] are pros or not? Pro = gets paid, nothing more. I know plenty of 'pros' who are not very good [IMO] at photography, they just have good business sense.

Barrysprout said:
Definitely not mostly pros but some do pop in from time to time, here's a quote from one of them :D
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Well spotted on that one, was going to do similar myself as I remember ryanboy posting in there frequently a while back.
 
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Cagey75 said:
Show us some examples please, because I switched from a D800E to an XT-1 and I am not experiencing any of this 'waxy skin' phenomenon you like to rant about [I think this is about the third thread I've seen you claim all this ]
I have a lot of experience with both dslr and mirror-less cameras. I will just say to OP, ignore a lot of the negative nonsense people claim, a lot of it is merely down to their own lack of skill IMO.



And stop telling others they are giving people bad advice, when it is only you who seems to be. Also who cares if the people in that thread [inc myself] are pros or not? Pro = gets paid, nothing more. I know plenty of 'pros' who are not very good [IMO] at photography, they just have good business sense.



Well spotted on that one, was going to do similar myself as I remember ryanboy posting in there frequently a while back.
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Firstly, I'm not the only person talking about the waxy skin. So by all means pick on me but please don't assume I'm the only one who has experienced this issue. Secondly, you are comparing your X-T1 to my experiences with an X-T2. I think with your "lots of experience with DSLR and mirror-less cameras" you can work out that we are talking about two different cameras. Thirdly, DO NOT dismiss my opinions and DO NOT imply I have a lack of skill. Because if you do you are going to look like a very silly little man.

The comment you quoted and Barry Sprout quoted was made by me to amateur photographers. And I stand by the comment. The FUJI is a joy to use (I Still own a X-Pro2) and I can live with it's weaknesses (ISO/sharpness) for my own personal use. But for pro use it's not as good as my Nikon's. Simple fact. For amateur use go for it. Fun to use and decent JPEGs. Noisy RAW files that don't play well with Adobe. No thanks.

On your other point, I'll tell people they are giving bad advice if I believe they are. All day long. You won't stop me and neither will anyone else. Dave70D made a misleading and completely inaccurate statement, suggesting that members of the fuji thread "could" be pros. What a joke! Sure they COULD be. But anyone who's been a member of the forum for any length of time will know that the vast majority of the forum are amateurs/hobbyists. And that thread is no different. You clearly have a chip on your shoulder about professional photographers. Whilst it's easy to sling the "pros are not very good" label around it's just a pathetic insult from a bitter man. Get over it.

To the poor OP who by now will have given up on TP, I would just say this. I have used DSLR and mirror less in real world professional environments and at this stage I would strongly suggest you stick with your Canon cameras for your portrait and event work. If you want to get a mirrorless for your street photography it might be worth dipping your toe in. But whatever you do don't ditch the Canons.

Oh and did I forewarn the Fuji Fanboys would be beating the door down to get into this thread. I think I may have.
 
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