Why My Next Camera Will Be Mirrorless Pt. II

Sony RX1

So as the title implies, this is a follow-up to the “Why My Next Camera Will Be Mirrorless” post written in July of 2012. Back then, I hadn’t purchased the Canon 5D MKIII yet and Canon had not yet released its own mirrorless camera; and I had my eye on the Sony NEX-7 with its 24 megapixel, APS-C sensor. With interchangeable lenses, I was considering the Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 lens. Then everything changed when Sony announced the RX1.

First, let me say, that I as I indicated in the post, I did indeed get the 5D MKIII. I need it for my profession; shooting interiors. But I never got excited about it. It’s a tool that I need for work. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great camera and I wouldn’t part with it…but it’s a tool none the less. The RX1 is the first camera in a long time that I can remember actually being excited about.

You may have heard by now that the RX1 is the world’s first full frame compact camera. That’s right, it packs a 24MP full frame sensor in a small body with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens. Just how small is it? Do a Google image search of “RX1” and you’ll see some images of it in people’s hands.

The reviews have been off the charts. Steve Huff did an extensive two-part review of the RX1 and calls it one of the best cameras ever. Additionally, you can read reviews at Pop-Photo with lab test results and it was rated right up there with the Nikon D800. Here’s another in-depth review calling the RX1 “the best lightweight digital camera I’ve ever put my hands on, and has become one of my favorite cameras ever. Period.”

Why am I so excited about this camera? As I mentioned in Part 1 of this post, I want a camera I can travel with that has the quality of a DSLR but not the size and weight. I have some trips planned this year, including a 2-week visit to Italy in the Spring. I really don’t want to lug around my MKIII and worry about it getting damaged, lost or stolen. Yes, I have insurance, but if something happens to it, I can’t go right back to work when I return from the trip. It’s my bread and butter. The iPhone and compacts just don’t have large enough sensors to produce quality results. That’s why I was looking at the NEX-7.

I do have a few concerns; not the least of which is the $2800 price tag. I could save money and get an NEX (I’ve read the NEX-6 is slightly better than the 7). OR, I could just buy a lens; perhaps a 24-105 or 35mm for my Canon. But I don’t think I would get the same results from the NEX and the second option still has me travelling with a big DSLR.

There is no viewfinder; you compose images from the LCD screen. You can buy an optical or electronic viewfinder, but those are really expensive. Even the lens hood is an optional and expensive accessory.

I also worry about the fixed 35mm lens. Will I be restricted? It’s a classic travel photography focal length; just not one I am used to.

Having said all that, I am not saying YOU need to go out and buy an RX1. But it occurred to me that if someone asked me what camera they should buy, I would tell them to get a mirrorless camera. The average person thinks they need a DSLR, but that’s just not true anymore. I would point them to the popular Olympus OMD-5 ranked by readers of Digital Photography Review as the 2012 Camera of the Year; ahead of the MKIII and D800! I would tell them about the new line of Fuji X-series cameras. I would still recommend Sony’s NEX line. Yes, Nikon has a line but it’s been met with lukewarm reception; and Canon’s foray into the mirrorless party with the EOS-M is likewise less than inspiring. Speaking of mirrorless party, check out this video which kind of sums it up:

There will always be a need for DSLRs among professionals. But the parent who wants to take pictures of their kids or a tourist on vacation doesn’t really need one. I think mirrorless cameras fill the space between the cell phone Instagramer and the pro shooter. Someone who just wants a good camera without the size, weight and price (the RX1 excluded on that count) of a DSLR.

Why My Next Camera Will be Mirrorless: Part 1

Sony NEX-7

I’ll admit I was a little late to the mirrorless party. I’d heard about Micro 4/3rds, EVIL, MILC, etc. and I was just too busy or too arrogant to pay attention. I figured anything with a small sensor wasn’t worth my time. In truth, my next camera will be the Canon 5D MKIII; I still need the full frame capabilities for my profession.

My interest in mirrorless cameras came from a desire for a system I can use for my personal use. I hate lugging around a big DSLR when traveling and a point-and-shoot or iPhone just doesn’t get me the quality I need. Enter mirrorless cameras: small form factor with a sensor larger than point-and shoots; in some cases just as large as a DSLR.

In case you’re new to this too, let me go over a few things. First, terminology:

• Micro 4/3 (four-thirds) refers to the size of the sensor. Check out “Size Matters in Photography” for an explanation on sensor sizes.
• “EVIL” stands for “Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens”. Most mirrorless cameras do not have an optical viewfinder, but an electronic one instead.
• MILC stand for “Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera”.

In case you don’t know how a DSLR works, check out the diagram below:

Image from Vimeo Video School

When you look through the viewfinder, you can see through the lens because light bounces off a mirror which gets reflected off a prism and then through the viewfinder. When you click the shutter, the mirror flips up and light hits the sensor directly. This is why your viewfinder goes black when you press the shutter.

The prism inside a DSLR is also what makes it so bulky. The mirror is, of course, a moving part which fails after time. That’s why cameras are rated at certain “shutter actuations” or the number of shots you can take. Most are in the 50,000 to 150,000 range. Some high-end DSLRs are rated at 200,000 actuations.

So naturally, a mirrorless camera does not have a mirror or a prism which allows for a more compact body. It also means super fast frames per second, because there is no mirror that needs to flip up and reset before the next shot.

As I mentioned before, I am looking for something I can travel with that’s small enough to pack but that has DSLR-like quality. The guy who created the Instapaper App recently blogged about transitioning from DSLRs to an iPhone. When he wanted high-resolution images for his retina display he found the iPhone images just were not good enough. My first reaction was “did you really think the tiny sensor in an iPhone would give you quality good enough for a retina display?” My thoughts were echoed in this Cult of Mac article. But I also felt empathy.

On a recent trip to St. Thomas I decided not to bring my DSLR. I took pictures with my iPhone primarily so I could quickly share photos on Facebook. I also used a Canon Powershot 310HS when I wanted a little better quality. Below is an image from my iPhone 4S:

iPhone 4S:  f/2.4, 1/15, ISO 800.

I find the noise from the iPhone to be unacceptable, even in broad daylight at ISO 64.

iPhone 4S:  f/2.4, 1/3000, ISO 64

Look at all the noise in the sky. It’s only slightly better on the Powershot (granted it was at ISO 1600).

Powershot 310HS:  f/3.2, 1/8, ISO 1600

It all has to do with the size of the sensor. A bigger sensor, among other things, will allow for less noise (up to a point). The Sony NEX-7 (pictured at the top of this post) has a 24-megapixel APS-C sized sensor; the same size found on most consumer Canon and Nikon DSLRs.

I really believe we are at a point where the market is going in three directions: One is DSLRs, the other is small cameras with larger sensors. Everything else is taken by camera phones because they are so accessible. But anyone who wants quality photos will fall in one or both of the other camps. Check out this blog post about a CNBC reporter forecasting the death of point-and-shoots.

The New York Times recently reviewed the new Sony RX100 and David Pouge raved about the 1-inch sensor on a tiny body. Some of the comments and even a blog attacked him for his praise; but they miss the point. What Pouge is saying is that a sensor that big on a camera small enough to fit in your pocket is going to rival other point-and-shoots with smaller sensors.

Now, mind you, you can’t fit most mirrorless cameras in your pocket due to the size of the lenses. But that’s something I like: big sensor, big lens, small body. Small and light enough for me to pack on a trip.

I credit well-known photographer Trey Ratcliff for enlightening me to the possibilities of mirrorless cameras. He makes a very good case in his “DLSRs Are a Dying Breed” blog post. Definitely worth a read.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to mirrorless cameras; from Olympus to Sony and even Nikon. Fuji made a big splash with its X100 and X10. Now, Canon is rumored to introduce a mirrorless later this month. Some have interchangeable lenses and others do not. The sensor sizes also vary, so you’ll have to do some research.

For a good primer on mirrorless cameras, check out this guide by Neo Camera.

So if you’re looking for a camera that’s small enough to carry around but will still deliver DSLR-like quality, I suggest you take a look at mirrorless cameras. It’s what I’ll be carrying on my next trip.

You can read Part 2 of this blog by clicking here

Holiday Gifts for Photographers 2011

I like to live in a state of denial. Florida doesn’t really have “seasons”, but when the weather got cooler and I had to start raking my front yard, I had to admit it was Fall (or at least Fall-ish). I’m still not used to the time change and despite the commercials, ads and displays, I don’t want to think about Christmas just yet. But alas time marches on without me. So with that, I want to start sharing some gift ideas for photographers in case you’re the type that likes to wrap presents before you dress your turkey.

Let’s begin with Adorama’s “100 Photo-tastic Gifts for under $100.” Considering most photography gear is in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, this is a good list of stuff that is actually useful; from camera bags and light modifiers, to memory, software and books.

I am a dork. (You see how I moved past denial and straight into acceptance?) My mouse pad has a camera dial on it and I have two Canon lens mugs. I also like to wear photography-related t-shirts. The best place to find them is over at Cafe Press. They’re having a sale right now, so most shirts will run you in the $23 range. Here’s a tip: don’t pay extra for faster shipping; I got my most recent order much faster than anticipated. Try coupon code “GLOW” for an extra 15% off.

Since I mentioned mouse pads, there’s one for Nikon shooters here; and more designs here.

UPDATE 11/29/11:  I just ran across this link from the LensPro To Go blog. I like how they divide the categories based on price range. Check out the $100-$200 category. The Steadicam Smoothee is an interesting item. A DSLR steadicam will run you about 800-bucks! Also, check out the Spider Holster which I mentioned in a past blog post.

Lastly, check out the posts I wrote last year in case you missed them:

Gift Ideas for Photographers

Stocking Stuffers For Your Favorite Photographers

That’s it for now. As the holiday’s get closer and retailers announce deals, I’ll try to post them. If you noticed, I’m looking for items that won’t break the bank; because let’s face it, no one in my family is going to get me the $2,400 5D MKII…which is why I’m giving them socks.

Nikon’s New Red D3100

Last June, Canon launched a red Rebel T3. Now Nikon is out with a red version of its D3100 DSLR. Monkey see, monkey do?

Would you buy a red DSLR? Do you wish other models came in a color other than black? If so, what color would you want?

Nikon, Sony, Scott Kelby Launch New Products

Nikon P7100

Ok, so if you read yesterday’s blog, you know Nikon and Scott Kelby planned big announcements a day after Canon announced new point and shoots. I really wonder if the Nikon and Canon PR people hang out; you know, maybe have lunch or meet for drinks. It would go something like this:

Nikon: Hey, when are you announcing those point-and-shoots?

Canon: August 23rd. Why?

Nikon: Oh, shoot, we’re rolling out new point-and-shoots too.

Canon: Well, should we flip a coin to see who goes first?

Nikon: Nah, you go first. We’ll just announce ours the very next day!

Canon: Well that’s jolly good of you…. OMG, look who just walked in! It’s Sony.

Nikon: Pfft. Don’t make eye contact.

Canon: Crap, they totally see us. They’re coming this way. Act natural.

Yes, despite fever-pitch speculation about a new DSLR, Nikon updated it’s P7000 with the P7100 as well other Coolpix point-and-shoots. Read more about it here:

Nikon Rumors

PDN Online

Not to be left out of the party, Sony refreshed it’s DSLR line, introducing four new Alphas including one which it calls the “fastest continuous autofocus” with 12 frames per second at 24 megapixels.

Sony Alpha 77

 

Lastly, Scott Kelby let the cat of of the bag on his big news. I read yesterday that the announcement would not be Nikon related and “rdavisphoto” commented on my blog yesterday telling us to get our IPads ready. It turns out, Kelby is launching a new magazine designed for the IPad aimed at teaching photographers about lighting. Check out the video:

 

So there you have it. Those are the big announcements. Now we can all go back to grinding our teeth until Canon or Nikon update its DSLRs. There are still a few months left in the year and the latest rumor is to expect a Canon 5D MKIII in October.

Damn, here comes Olympus…pretend you don’t see them!

New Canon Products Overshadowed by Nikon Anticipation

Canon announced new products, including three point-and-shoots, an external flash for point and shoots and a few printers. You can read more about the new products at the following links:

Canon Rumors

PDN Online

DPReview

But Canon’s thunder might be stolen tomorrow. Nikonians have been abuzz for weeks about an announcement expected tomorrow. It’s the same day that Joe McNally (re)launches his “Faces of Ground Zero” display. McNally is of course a well known Nikon shooter and Nikon is a sponsor of the display. It’s also the same day that Scott Kelby is announcing something new. My feeling is that it can’t all be coincidence and that all three events are related.

[UPDATE: If you clicked on the link to Nikon Rumors, you saw that the new Nikon products are also point-and-shoots. Most people have been expecting an update to the D700 or even a new D4. We shall see.]

Stay tuned…

The Camera Lens Alphabet

Image: notesonphotography.com

So last week I posted a link to an article on my Facebook page about the acronyms manufacturers use for their camera lenses. It did a pretty good job, but I want to take it one step further for Nikon shooters. In my opinion, there are a WHOLE LOT more letters Nikonians have to decipher. In fact, there’s an entire GLOSSARY on the Nikon site to help you break it down. Did you know, for example, that your lens might be gelded? Yikes!

So check it out for yourself and the next time you get pulled over for DUI and the officer asks you to recite the alphabet backwards, just start with “VR”. 😉

Canon and Nikon News Round-Up

I haven’t done a “Photography News Round-Up” in a while; mostly because I usually post items of interest on my Facebook page which then gets posted on Twitter. So if you are already following me there, the following items won’t be news to you. For everyone else, I wanted to get you up to speed on some things you might have missed last week.

First up: from Nikon Rumors, the Nikon D90 is now officially on the “discontinued” list. It was replaced by the D7000 last year.

In other Nikon news: a guest post on Nikon Rumors last week tested the sharpness of 16 different lenses.  There’s a slideshow gallery and you can view the larger images on Flickr.

Over on the Canon Rumors site, there’s word that there may be updates to both the 1.4 and 1.8 versions of the 50mm lens.

You probably read in a previous post about price increases for camera lenses and bodies most likely due to supply disruptions in Japan. Well, if it’s any consolation, Canon Rumors is also reporting that 3 lenses are part of Canon’s spring rebate program. They are:

• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ($150 rebate)
• EF 75-300mm f/4.5.6 ($50 rebate)
• EF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6 ($100 rebate)

Not exciting enough? Well there are also reports that Best Buy has started a price war on many Nikon and Canon lenses and bodies. I checked the prices against Amazon, and if they are true, then they really look like good deals. The 5D MKII, for example, is listed at $2124 with in-store pick-up only. But when I checked on the Best Buy site for stores in the Orlando area, not only was the price around $2800, but they were out of stock. If you’re interested, click the link and check it out for yourself. Let me know if you have any luck. Happy hunting!

Canon 5D MKII Price Increase

Is it just me or has the price of the Canon 5D Mark II jumped recently? I used to see it on Amazon for about $2500. At last check it’s running from $2799 to $2999; and only from other vendors (not Amazon). A check at B&H has it at $2699.

This may have to do with supply disruptions in Japan from the earthquake or perhaps a sign of the upcoming 5D MKIII or both? Or maybe it’s unrest in Libya and speculators on Wall Street. Uh, ok, maybe not that.

I’m curious, have you noticed a price increase in other camera gear (lenses and bodies of any brand)? Hit me in the comments.

UPDATE: This post on Nikon rumors shows that Nikon cameras and lenses are also going up in price. So it’s probably due to supply constraints in Japan.

UPDATE #2: As of 5/7/11 the price has come down again and offered by Amazon for $2499.

Choosing the Perfect Camera and Lens

One question I get asked a lot is “which DSLR should I get”. Whether it’s a first purchase or an upgrade, the answer usually depends on what type of shooting you want to do and your budget.

About a year ago, I found a Web site that makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.  At Snapsort.com, you can learn about cameras, explore different types or just type in your budget and kind of camera you’re looking for; whether it’s a DSLR or point-and-shoot. But the tool I like and use the most is the compare feature.

[Disclaimer: Snapsort is holding a contest for anyone who blogs about the site, but that is not why I am writing this. I’ve known about the site for a while and I refer people there often. I just referred someone there a couple of days ago, so I thought I should let other people know]

What I like about the compare feature is being able to compare the specs of two cameras side-by-side. The site used to declare a “winner” which I disagreed with. Now it just gives each camera a score and gives a recommendation. I even take this with a grain of salt. You see, the “winner” or recommendation is based on specs; but your needs may be different. Compare, for example the Canon 5D MKII with the 1D MK IV. The 5D is full frame but shoots just under 4 frames per second. Where the MK IV has an APS-H sensor and shoots 10 frames per second. Which is better? It depends on what you shoot. A sports shooter would love the MK IV where a landscape photographer would choose the 5D. Still, being able to see the specs side-by-side for yourself is a quick and convenient way to decide. The cameras are evaluated on things like resolution, ISO, viewfinder coverage, LCD resolution, video capabilities and more.

Nikon and Canon’s Web sites let you compare its models; but the Snapsort site lets you compare any make with another. So you can compare Nikons with Canons or Sony’s etc. Apples and Apples or Apples and Oranges. Pretty handy if you’re trying to decide which brand to go with.

The comparison gives you reasons to consider each camera and gives you a list of competitors to consider.

To find the right lens, use the tools at LensHero. Simply input your camera, budget and what type of lens you’re looking for and it spits out recommendations complete with specs, prices and reviews.

So if you’re struggling with choosing the right camera or looking to purchase that next lens, these two stops will make researching a lot easier and help you make the right choice.