Who has a DSLR & a Mirrorless System?

chrism_scotland

chrism_scotland

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I read a lot about the various mirrorless systems and its seems a lot of folk are swapping over to them from DSLR's, I've tried most of them (Fuji, Sony, Olympus) and have found it tough to completely replace a DSLR with any of them but I wondered how many people have a DSLR and a mirrorless backup of some sort?

What made you buy it?
 
Ive run both alongside on many occasions, I found I kept trying to duplicate my DSLR lens setup, that meant 2 very expensive sytems. Plus a CSC and equiv aperture lens isn't much smaller than my d750 and a prime.

If I do it again, I'd rather go DSLR and a x100t which is pretty small and fast and I dont have the temptation of lenses.
 
GAS and love, in answer to your last question.
I use a Nex 6 which I fell in love with the first time I saw one. It makes it easy to use older lenses without having to buy loads of different cameras- only one body to get to know.
I also use Nikon DSLRs.
If I'm not too bothered by the weight I take a DSLR (or an SLR!). Going light- I take the Nex. I then have to decide whether to use my Sigma lenses or legacy lenses.
 
I run a Canon EOS 6D with Zeiss primes (for when I want the absolute best IQ) and the 300/4L and 1.4x TC (for nature / sports). I mainly use the 6D for trying out vintage lenses on full frame though.

However...alongside this I have a Fuji X-E1 and X-E2 with a whole bunch of lenses which has now become my main system. The 6D is a truly great camera alebit with crap DR, but with kids I simply can't manage the bulk and weight whilst also holding onto a sprog or two and a nappy bag! :D
 
I run an Oly Omd-EM5 with 14/40/30/60mm primes for street and some family get together stuff with a small flash. All fits into one small bag- em5 needed a grip to make it a bit more comfy in the hand but love it.

Nikon for landscapes, long exposure, rugby photos

Can't see me losing either but if one really had to go then I'd probably stick with the Nikon
 
I do, I own a Fuji XT1 and also a Nikon D810 - I did consider going completely mirrorless but decided against it because as much as I love my Fuji for out and about/holidays when it comes to doing photo sessions it's always my Nikon I reach for!
 
I use a Nikon D800 set-up and a Sony A7R set-up. The Sony goes most places with me due to its size and weight, it is no fun carrying the D800, 24-70, 70-200 plus Sigma 12-24 and/or Sigma macro lenses around the hills for a day, but the Sony results when used within its limitations are stunning.

I would not, however, be happy to rely on the Sony to deliver the goods in too many situations to enable me to sell the Nikon - if I have some shots to take that I know I will only get one chance at, I take the Nikon EVERY time. The Nikon gets the shot due to the fast focus, NO shutter delay, and possibly also because I have used Nikons for so long that they just feel like an extension of my arm!

If a Sony comes out with those issues resolved I may switch, though it will be a difficult move for me.
 
For me it was the other way round and my 5D was a "backup" to my GF1 / G1 or at least the MFT got a lot more use and the 5D only came out occasionally. The Sony A7 replaced my 5D and now I'm completely without mirrors.

On Twist equivalent aperture point, even as a lover of shallow DoF shots myself I actually found that MFT offers enough scope as with my 5D I mostly used f1.4 for reasons of exposure rather than shallow DoF and you can get very shallow DoF from smaller systems by decreasing your camera to subject distance or using longer lenses. You wont get the same framing and DoF combination but you can still get a nice shot with shallow DoF if shallow DoF is your No.1 aim. Of course once you're past f2.8 on FF MFT or APS-C can match the DoF with the added advantage of faster shutter speeds / lower ISO settings.

I have thought about dropping the A7 and MFT and going for an APS-C CSC but at the moment I'm happy enough to have the two.
 
I have the Canon 5D3 and a Fuji X100S which im happy both :) the Fuji is quite compact and fits well inside a jacket and i like the 35mm focal length and its image quality when i don't want the size and bulk on 5D3,
The 5D3 gives plenty decent lens options and decent AF system for me keeping up with the kids or dog running about :)
I'm very tempted to get a X-T1 as i owned one prior to buying the 5D3 ( Only sold the X-T1 and lenses to fund 5D3 :( ) i really like the X-T1 and the lenses so i always had it in my mind getting them again at a later date :D

I have had the OM-D EM-5 which ages ago i used to really like but after buying one again quite recently due to a decent price i couldn't get along with it just finding it fiddly to use :banghead: so i soon decided after getting it to sell it back on again,
I've also had the Sony A6000 which i found best out of the NEX range yet apart from its decent AF system it just wasnt a camera i liked that much and the lenses like fixed f4 tele seemed high priced compared to other CSC tele F2.8 lenses :thinking: So i sold the A6000 after little time of owning it.
 
I have a Nikon d700 and a heap of lenses as well as a Fuji X-Pro that came with the 18 and 35mm lenses. While the Fuji isn't exactly small, when compared with the Nikon and an equivalent fast prime, it is far lighter and less bulky and more suitable for chucking in my bag when I travel or on days out with the family.
What it lacks though is speed of operation (I bought it a week before the XT-1 was announced and that would probably have been a better option), and I'd like a wider lens, but they aren't cheap and I don't want to end up investing in a complete parallel system. An XT-1 or its successor could ultimately replace both cameras at some point, but having used a full frame DSLR for 6-7 years I'd really need to be convinced of its image quality and speed of operation first!
 
Nikon D7200 and Lumix G5. The G5 only gets brought out when the primary purpose of the excursion isn't to take photos. It's small and light, takes nice photos and the Panasonic 100-300mm lens in the bag can take some surprisingly good wildlife shots. It's also pretty good for candids where the flipscreen and silent shutter can make it unobtrusive. But it is useless for in-flight shots or any other situation where quick accurate focussing is important.
 
eccles said:
Nikon D7200 and Lumix G5. The G5 only gets brought out when the primary purpose of the excursion isn't to take photos. It's small and light, takes nice photos and the Panasonic 100-300mm lens in the bag can take some surprisingly good wildlife shots. It's also pretty good for candids where the flipscreen and silent shutter can make it unobtrusive. But it is useless for in-flight shots or any other situation where quick accurate focussing is important.
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I have the GX7 and D750, pretty much agree with the post above. The 1-300 zoom is equivalent to a 2-600, so good for static subjects,crap for birds in flight for example. But it is so light and compact compared to a DSLR and big prime. I only take the GX7 on hoilday,perfectly adequate for that.
 
I added a Canon Eos M & 2 lenses 18-55 and 22mm f2.8 but I find the zoom very slow and hit and miss with focussing
I'm more than disappointed to say the least as it's not what I would have expected from Canon.

so I now tend to use my Dslr's mainly Nikon or my Canon Dslr's.
I find it hard to believe Canon hasn't issued more firmware updates for the M which wasn't the cheapest Mirrorless system I could have chosen and certainly not the best
 
Nikon 1 and D7100.use the 1 for none photographic days out mostly
 
Still have my old 40D body and a Tamron 10-24mm but had an X100 for the last few years and now just ordered the X-Pro 1. I've taken the 40D out maybe once or twice. Each time I've been utterly sick of lumping around the extra weight.
 
Nikon D810 and V2 - the V2 gives me some extra reach (via the FT1adaptor) for stationary wildlife. It really needs tripod mounting for best results though.

The plan is to buy a small 1 series lens to use on the V2 for holidays and days out when the D810 would be too bulky - not got round to it yet though.

Dave.
 
I have a D610 and bought an Oly EM10 at the start of the year, not picked up the Nikon since (but then I don't do sports or BIF) but have also bought an EM1 and a load of lenses.

If only they could double the battery life it would be the perfect system for me.
 
Have had numerous DSLR systems and complete Sony and Fuji set-ups both of which were mirrorless. Personally, I prefer the DSLR gear but mirrorless has wtsiwyg advantages and the evfs are excellent in terms of the information in view. Prefer the responsiveness and light capture capabilities of DSLR cameras though.
 
I'm shooting a Nikon D750 with Nikon 24-70 and Nikon 70-200. I also shoot with a Sony NEX 6 with Sigma 30 DN and Sigma 60 DN. I'm finding that I'm carrying the Nikon more, regardless of size/weight as the Sony can't keep up with the kids (both in terms of AF speed and changing focal lengths).
 
I've got D700s and a Canon EOS M. Like above if the primary reason is taking photos the D700 goes. I've recently invested some decent money in some quality primes which I really love using, I'm 26 and 6"2 so the a bit of extra weight doesn't bother me much.

That said I took the EOS on holiday last year and it was perfect for it, especially in the 40 degree heat. It was good light and I was really happy with the results, low light it struggled abit with the variable aperture of the zoom but there you go.

I played about with an OMD EM10 today (I think that was the model) and was seriously impressed, the focus speed was brilliant. The only thing putting me off is the investment in lenses that would equate to my current 35/85 1.4 lineup.
 
The only Canon gear I have left now is a 5D2 & 135L neither of which have been used since I picked up my Sony A7 two months ago...... I sold a 450D kit, 28/1.8, 17-40L. 50/1.4, 77mm filters & my Lee Grad set up.

I now take the A7, Voigtlander 40/1.4 & Leica 90/2.8 everywhere with me & I think the whole lot weighs in about the same as just the 135L on it's own....!

I think a lot of it depends on what you shoot. Weddings, wildlife, sports, etc then I can understand people sticking with a DSLR but none of that applies to me so I swapped out [after 6 years of Canon DSLR]
 
Since buying the Olympus EM5 then EM1 using pro lenses I haven't touched my Canon Pro gear, I find the images excellent, the camera is a lot easier for Street Photography & when hiking around doing my landscapes.
 
I got an EOS M when the price dropped to below £200 and loved it for reducing the size of my kit when travelling. There were just too many compromises however, when compared to my DSLR so I used both depending on the occasion. When the M3 came out i jumped on it and with the EVF and manual dials, there's no longer a need to go back to my DSLR (at least I haven't found one yet) so it's been packed away.
 
Brought an E-M1 and lenses at the start of the year, great camera and the lenses are seriously good but missed having a FF camera.

Purchased a D750 and I forgotten how good DSLR's are, having used EVF's for a while, peering into an OVF is like day and night.

Find myself going for the D750 more and more, the E-M1 is not getting a look in anymore.
 
I take my a7s everywhere and have a 5dm3 for special occasions :)
 
I have the D3 + D700 +V1

Using the FT1 on the V1 means I stick to Nikon F mount lenses. However, I also use a Helios, Zeis zebra etc on the V1 which I enjoy using. Really finding it hard not to buy an XT-1 though.
 
D800E and OM-D E-M1

FF for work and the M43 for everything else.

Having spent years dragging around the FF stuff, moving the M43 gear about is a pleasure. The compromise in image quality is there but not so much that it spoils my photographic enjoyment. I've only ever been impressed by the E-M1s image quality and actually prefer the handling over the D800. It does take a little time to dial back into the Olys menu after using the Nikon all week.

I can see me staying with 2 systems for the foreseeable.
 
I have the D750 and EM5-II. The D750 is for most things, especially when I want the best IQ and performance. The Olly is mainly for travel. The IQ of the Olly is actually very good, but obviously subject isolation is limited compared to FF, and AF isn't a patch on the D750.

I recently decided I needed a super tele lens and have been trying to decide between the Tammy and Sigma 150-600mm but I just got my hands on a cheap Panny 100-300mm so will see how that performs first. I know AF-C/tracking will be pants but has anyone got this lens and a Tammy/sigma and can comment on IQ comparisons?
 
I can see why you would have both. I'm running a Fuji X-T1 and recently had a Nikon D800. They do different jobs. The Nikon's focussing is light years ahead of anything mirrorless that I've tried but the files from the Fuji are beautiful.

In the end, I kept the Fuji system but it's down to use case.
 
Same as above, I run Fuji XT1s and a d800. The d800 only gets used for commercial work nowdays, weddings and portraits xt1 every time
 
DSLR: Canon 6D & 70D, lots of mostly "L" series lenses.

Mirrorless: Sony NEX5N, Zeiss 16-70 ZA, Sony 55-210 f4.5-f6.3 & Sony 16mm f2.8 "pancake" lens, plus VCL-ECU1 and VCL-ECF1 convertor lenses.

Pocket: Sony RX100

I often take the Sony mirrorless outfit in a small shoulder bag if I don't want to carry a large backpack of SLR stuff.
I hate the LCD only viewfinders of the Sonys and much prefer a "proper" optical viewfinder that's useable in bright sunlight.
For a lot of things it's pretty difficult to see any difference in IQ between the DSLR and the NEX, but if I know I'm going to have large prints made, you can't beat the IQ of the full-frame 6D.
 
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I had a D7000 and then brought an XPro1. I used both, Xp1 for travel and days out and the Nikon for more purposeful shots. I then brought an XT-1 and the nikon never got a look in. It got sold a couple of weeks later. I still have the xpro but for the price of these used lately, i'd rather keep it.It does take beautiful pictures, but the AF is slow compared to the XT.

I'm looking forward to seeing what v4.00 firmware and the AF updates bring to the XT. I'd like a FF at some point but can't justify the extra cost or the hassle of selling the XT to get a system, especially when the XT takes stunning images.

Only trouble with the fuji is that the lenses are quite expensive and therefore out of reach for the average enthusiast (me). Trying to tell my wife that I need to spend £600+ on a prime lens doesn't go down well.....
 
I work mainly with a Fuji X-T1 and Fuji XPro-1 but also use a Nikon D600. So i've moved 90% over. Give or take. Not sure i'm ready to sell my Nikon just yet but I barely touch it when I have wedding work. Mainly for commercial stuff only these days. Maybe by the end of the year i'll sell it on.
 
Jimbo_468 said:
Only trouble with the fuji is that the lenses are quite expensive and therefore out of reach for the average enthusiast (me). Trying to tell my wife that I need to spend £600+ on a prime lens doesn't go down well.....
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Just about all the Fuji primes are either less than £600 or can be had for less than £600 s/h, and then there are the Samyang lenses as well. Only the new 16mm and the fancy version of the 56mm are above £600
 
Mr Perceptive said:
Just about all the Fuji primes are either less than £600 or can be had for less than £600 s/h, and then there are the Samyang lenses as well. Only the new 16mm and the fancy version of the 56mm are above £600
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Yes, you can get them less than £600 second hand, when they are in the classifieds which is not that often.
Current Wex prices for the 23mm and 14mm is £649 and £729 for the 'basic' 56mm. I know theres a cashback deal on at the moment, but splitting hairs aside, the primes are very expensive for an enthusiast.
 
Jimbo_468 said:
Yes, you can get them less than £600 second hand, when they are in the classifieds which is not that often.
Current Wex prices for the 23mm and 14mm is £649 and £729 for the 'basic' 56mm. I know theres a cashback deal on at the moment, but splitting hairs aside, the primes are very expensive for an enthusiast.
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Are they? Youre talking F1.2 / F1.4 lenses with very high build/optical quality, have you priced those kind of lens/apertures up for other systems? There are other places to look besides this forums classifieds.

fyi 23 = 630 less 75 cashback = 555, all the lenses are less 75 and if you buy 2-3 the discounts are even more.
 
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Ok, I stand corrected. All the primes are available for less than £600 when the cashback offers are on - which is not all the time.

Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that the lenses are expensive compared to DSLR systems. My Nikon 50mm f1.8D cost me £95. My 35mm f1.8 cost me £135. All brand new. If i want something similar, then the fuji's are a lot more than that. The closet thing to the 50mm (currently £140 in Wex) is possibly the 60mm macro f2.4 which is £350 with cashback.

Thats a big difference......but then the Fuji glass is nice.
 
Jimbo_468 said:
Ok, I stand corrected. All the primes are available for less than £600 when the cashback offers are on - which is not all the time.

Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that the lenses are expensive compared to DSLR systems. My Nikon 50mm f1.8D cost me £95. My 35mm f1.8 cost me £135. All brand new. If i want something similar, then the fuji's are a lot more than that. The closet thing to the 50mm (currently £140 in Wex) is possibly the 60mm macro f2.4 which is £350 with cashback.

Thats a big difference......but then the Fuji glass is nice.
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Youre not comparing like for like. Those lenses aren't f1.2 or f1.4 and they certainly aren't up to fuji quality. f1.8 lenses are generally cheaper than f1.4 premium lenses. You can't compare a hot hatch against a supercar.
 
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