I’ve been using DSLRs from the day I started doing photography. But frankly, with the growing quality of the Mirrorless market, I feel quite tempted to do the big jump … Still, will spending my hard earned money really be worth it? Today I’m sharing my thoughts, hopes and concerns about completely switching my photography gear.
Once upon a time …
Not so long ago, I remember living a happy and fulfilled life, taking pictures in the gyms with my two DSLRs, never second guessing my cameras or lenses. They were doing what I expected from them: Full Frame sensors, good image quality, good ISO capabilities, lovely fast primes for lowlight situations … In my mind, there was nothing more for me to wish for.
Then I went to WPPI. It wasn’t my first big expo but it was the first I could walk around and have a hands-on experience with the latest gear. That’s also exactly the precise moment I realized how innocent I was.
The triggering element
And then, just like in the movies, my life collapsed the second I looked through these until that moment the unknown electronic viewfinders. It was a revelation. How could autofocus be so fast?! How could colors look so pretty? How in the world could I take 20 (or even 60 — SIXTY!) frames per second? The B&H booth was like a candy store and I was a kid going wild in it (wild photographically that is). We could borrow all the camera bodies and lenses we wanted to walk around the huge expo floor. I loved the experience and knew I HAD to try some of them in the gym.
Regarding my professional needs, I had to look for bodies that had sports performance features (I’m still talking about cameras here). As the full frame Sony a9 and the newly released Micro Four-Thirds Olympus OM-D E-M1X looked like a perfect fit, I got in touch with both representatives. We got agreement on loan programs so I could give them a try on my real element back home (aka low-light-and-high-speed-action-environment). For those who don’t write about cameras check out local rental houses. A small amount of money gets the gear to use for a weekend of trials.
My concerns
Even if this looks like a fairy tale, I do have concerns and fears about switching technology.
With my Nikon D750, I can take almost up to 1,500 images with a single battery. I rarely had to change it — even for 8+ hours of sports events. Will an all-electronic device like a mirrorless camera force me to carry 10 batteries for the same events?
Will I lose image quality if I switch from full frame to a micro four-thirds camera?
Will I actually enjoy using a mirrorless camera in the long term?
How much money will I have to spend (or will I be willing to spend) to switch from my already paid gear? I am a big advocate of buying what I can afford. It’s easy to get caught in the latest technological hype and so is spending thousands of dollar bills. In my photography business — as in all my other life’s areas — I am not the kind of person who creates needs for herself. As long as whatever I own still works, I just keep it until death do us apart (which up to this day has always been “the object’s” death …).
Last thoughts
I am the first to say that the camera doesn’t make the photographer. When I first started photography, I knew all great sports photographers were using top of the line DSLRs like the Nikon D5s. And boy, I thought how amazing my pictures would be if I had one of those! It didn’t take me too long to realize I still could create very good pictures — even with my used Nikon D5000. I am not considering switching my gear with the hope of becoming a better artist nor to feel more “professional” because I own more expensive stuff.
I am considering switching because I realize there might be better tools available for me to use to make my living. I wouldn’t become better but I could become more efficient. I wouldn’t develop more creativity but I could have access to more creative options. I wouldn’t change my photographic qualities but I could offer a better photo quality.
What’s next …
I just got the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X at home for a couple of weeks. I’ll be using both of them for my “real life activities.” I promise to share what I like, what I don’t, as well as plenty of pictures. Hopefully, this experiment will benefit all who are facing the same choice as I currently am. To leap to mirrorless or not to leap, that is the question … I’ll keep you updated with reviews so stay tuned!
Previously I was confuse but it is clear to me now and it’d be easy for me to take the decision to switch.
Hi John!
I am curious, what have you experienced that made you favorable about a future switch?
I switched few years ago from 5diii to a7r and em1. After experimenting with all 3 cameras I went back to 5diii. Then when a7rii was released that became my primary camera. No more outdated Canon gear. Around the same time my daughter was born. No longer was my eye glued to the viewfinder. Being able to use live view without any performance penalty was great. Smaller package, no longer having a huge dlsr hang of my neck also another plus. Entire kit got lighter. And the image quality got upgraded by a mile. Recently, I went out at 4-5am… Read more »
Wow, thanks Arthur for sharing your experience! I am just discovering those new advantages like efficient live view, lighter gear and focus peaking. But I gotta say I am quite impressed by the fact that you have a kid and sill find a way to wake up at 4am to look for owls! Ahahah ;)
If you’re considering M43 I would also look at the Fuji X system
That would be a great idea Evan! I’ll let you know if I can get a hand on a Fuji body! :)
I made the switch from Canon DSLR to the Sony A7iii and have zero regrets. Even using non native glass with an adapter the performance is incredible.
You are wise, Michele to test out the new systems on your own style of shooting needs.
Well Tracey, I thought it was the best way for me to make sure I was investing in the right system and brand! :) I am overwhelmed by dozens of possibilities. How could I know which one is right for me if I haven’t tried it? I’d suggest to anyone in the same situation to rent at their local store some of their top pick bodies and try them for a couple of days to see how they like it for their real-life needs!
I just made the switch to mirrorless last week. Wow, what took me so long ? I relegated my dslr bodies to backup duty and will probably buy another mirrorless as my backup I am a working pro ,so I was hesitant to upgrade or switch. My philosophy was as long as my camera is getting the job done why upgrade Had a camera fail and needed a replacement for upcoming job Debated for days between 5dmiv and eos r. Went with the eos r and couldn’t be happier It works for me.
See Jerry, I am exactly the same as you. If my stuff works and does the trick, why would I need to buy something else right? ;) But from all the great comments I’ve got from people who are very happy with their new mirrorless (just like yours), I feel like I could really improve my workflow!
Switched at WPPI from D810 to A7riii for the following reasons. Once I master the workflow, I will be able to work faster on mirrorless. It’s mildly lighter. Over several days of full time shooting this makes an amplified difference. The small stuff. Having the ability to plug into USB and charge the camera worst case scenario is nice. Dual battery in the battery grip makes it less of an issue. Regular back button focus vs eye af I programmed to the ael is very nice and adds to point 1 above. Sony simply thought of dozens of tiny little… Read more »
You are bringing very interesting points on the table Michael. And you are very right about the DSLRs value. I asked at my local store what I could get in exchange for my D750 and it was almost insulting (considering I bought it brand new 18 months ago). I am better off selling it myself but the prices on the internet are really dropping!
I am thinking about it too but unfortunately because i have enormous quantity of Canon lenses I can’t doit because Canon mirrorless are just bad. Maybe I will switch to another brand but will be very very expensive to replace all the gear I have.
I understand Natsu. I am currently in Nikon and I face the same challenge. In the case of switching, in one hand we’d have to buy expensive new gear and on the other we’d have to sell our current one at a lower price. That’s is why I am wondering if it’s worth the hassle…
This was a Good Read!! I like the fact that you don’t rank professionalism based on the expense of the camera. I’m just starting out with photography and videography and I’m super interested in honing my skills it just seems like it cost a ton of money or having tons of equiptment to be taken seriously.
I felt like it too when I began MJ. I felt inferior… almost ashame. But once I started to get more confidence by gaining more and more experience and positive feedback, my gear became less important. I knew I had the abilities – despite de fact I had lower end cameras – to get the perfect moment or the perfect expression. In the end, THIS is what matter. Keep on learning, curiosity is a gift in photography! The rest will take care of itself. ;)
As a long time Olympus film and Canon digital shooter, switching to the Sony Alpha system a couple of years back is the best move made in some time. Takes a little getting used to, but well worth the change.
Great to hear morrowphotoblog! When you are talking about getting used to a new system, how long would you say this could take?
Not long at all, Michele. Many changes are indeed intuitive but it did take a little time to get used to the EVF over the optical finder – especially when working with off-camera flash and strobe. After a bit of research, I learned that turning the Live View option OFF for the EVF aided dramatically in acquiring focus. Otherwise, I’m now completely hooked on the WYSIWYG aspect of the mirrorless system.
Great to hear! And I have to agree, I love that “What you see is what you get” aspect too!!!
Nothing in Mirrorless that will in any way improve output or process. My view it is big for video, limited if any for still.
Thank you James, that’s a different point of view.
I think you should try the Z6 before you make you final decision.
I switched few years ago from 5diii to a7r and em1. After experimenting with all 3 cameras I went back to 5diii. Then when a7rii was released that became my primary camera. No more outdated Canon gear. Around the same time my daughter was born. No longer was my eye glued to the viewfinder. Being able to use live view without any performance penalty was great. Smaller package, no longer having a huge dlsr hang of my neck also another plus. Entire kit got lighter. And the image quality got upgraded by a mile. Recently, I went out at 4-5am… Read more »
Wow, thanks Arthur for sharing your experience! I am just discovering those new advantages like efficient live view, lighter gear and focus peaking. But I gotta say I am quite impressed by the fact that you have a kid and sill find a way to wake up at 4am to look for owls! Ahahah ;)
Previously I was confuse but it is clear to me now and it’d be easy for me to take the decision to switch.
Hi John!
I am curious, what have you experienced that made you favorable about a future switch?
I just made the switch to mirrorless last week. Wow, what took me so long ? I relegated my dslr bodies to backup duty and will probably buy another mirrorless as my backup I am a working pro ,so I was hesitant to upgrade or switch. My philosophy was as long as my camera is getting the job done why upgrade Had a camera fail and needed a replacement for upcoming job Debated for days between 5dmiv and eos r. Went with the eos r and couldn’t be happier It works for me.
See Jerry, I am exactly the same as you. If my stuff works and does the trick, why would I need to buy something else right? ;) But from all the great comments I’ve got from people who are very happy with their new mirrorless (just like yours), I feel like I could really improve my workflow!
I made the switch from Canon DSLR to the Sony A7iii and have zero regrets. Even using non native glass with an adapter the performance is incredible.
If you’re considering M43 I would also look at the Fuji X system
That would be a great idea Evan! I’ll let you know if I can get a hand on a Fuji body! :)
I am thinking about it too but unfortunately because i have enormous quantity of Canon lenses I can’t doit because Canon mirrorless are just bad. Maybe I will switch to another brand but will be very very expensive to replace all the gear I have.
I understand Natsu. I am currently in Nikon and I face the same challenge. In the case of switching, in one hand we’d have to buy expensive new gear and on the other we’d have to sell our current one at a lower price. That’s is why I am wondering if it’s worth the hassle…
I think you should try the Z6 before you make you final decision.
Not long at all, Michele. Many changes are indeed intuitive but it did take a little time to get used to the EVF over the optical finder – especially when working with off-camera flash and strobe. After a bit of research, I learned that turning the Live View option OFF for the EVF aided dramatically in acquiring focus. Otherwise, I’m now completely hooked on the WYSIWYG aspect of the mirrorless system.
Great to hear! And I have to agree, I love that “What you see is what you get” aspect too!!!
You are wise, Michele to test out the new systems on your own style of shooting needs.
Well Tracey, I thought it was the best way for me to make sure I was investing in the right system and brand! :) I am overwhelmed by dozens of possibilities. How could I know which one is right for me if I haven’t tried it? I’d suggest to anyone in the same situation to rent at their local store some of their top pick bodies and try them for a couple of days to see how they like it for their real-life needs!
Switched at WPPI from D810 to A7riii for the following reasons. Once I master the workflow, I will be able to work faster on mirrorless. It’s mildly lighter. Over several days of full time shooting this makes an amplified difference. The small stuff. Having the ability to plug into USB and charge the camera worst case scenario is nice. Dual battery in the battery grip makes it less of an issue. Regular back button focus vs eye af I programmed to the ael is very nice and adds to point 1 above. Sony simply thought of dozens of tiny little… Read more »
You are bringing very interesting points on the table Michael. And you are very right about the DSLRs value. I asked at my local store what I could get in exchange for my D750 and it was almost insulting (considering I bought it brand new 18 months ago). I am better off selling it myself but the prices on the internet are really dropping!
As a long time Olympus film and Canon digital shooter, switching to the Sony Alpha system a couple of years back is the best move made in some time. Takes a little getting used to, but well worth the change.
Great to hear morrowphotoblog! When you are talking about getting used to a new system, how long would you say this could take?
This was a Good Read!! I like the fact that you don’t rank professionalism based on the expense of the camera. I’m just starting out with photography and videography and I’m super interested in honing my skills it just seems like it cost a ton of money or having tons of equiptment to be taken seriously.
I felt like it too when I began MJ. I felt inferior… almost ashame. But once I started to get more confidence by gaining more and more experience and positive feedback, my gear became less important. I knew I had the abilities – despite de fact I had lower end cameras – to get the perfect moment or the perfect expression. In the end, THIS is what matter. Keep on learning, curiosity is a gift in photography! The rest will take care of itself. ;)
Nothing in Mirrorless that will in any way improve output or process. My view it is big for video, limited if any for still.
Thank you James, that’s a different point of view.
Previously I was confuse but it is clear to me now and it’d be easy for me to take the decision to switch.
Hi John!
I am curious, what have you experienced that made you favorable about a future switch?
I made the switch from Canon DSLR to the Sony A7iii and have zero regrets. Even using non native glass with an adapter the performance is incredible.
If you’re considering M43 I would also look at the Fuji X system
That would be a great idea Evan! I’ll let you know if I can get a hand on a Fuji body! :)
I switched few years ago from 5diii to a7r and em1. After experimenting with all 3 cameras I went back to 5diii. Then when a7rii was released that became my primary camera. No more outdated Canon gear. Around the same time my daughter was born. No longer was my eye glued to the viewfinder. Being able to use live view without any performance penalty was great. Smaller package, no longer having a huge dlsr hang of my neck also another plus. Entire kit got lighter. And the image quality got upgraded by a mile. Recently, I went out at 4-5am… Read more »
Wow, thanks Arthur for sharing your experience! I am just discovering those new advantages like efficient live view, lighter gear and focus peaking. But I gotta say I am quite impressed by the fact that you have a kid and sill find a way to wake up at 4am to look for owls! Ahahah ;)
I am thinking about it too but unfortunately because i have enormous quantity of Canon lenses I can’t doit because Canon mirrorless are just bad. Maybe I will switch to another brand but will be very very expensive to replace all the gear I have.
I understand Natsu. I am currently in Nikon and I face the same challenge. In the case of switching, in one hand we’d have to buy expensive new gear and on the other we’d have to sell our current one at a lower price. That’s is why I am wondering if it’s worth the hassle…
I just made the switch to mirrorless last week. Wow, what took me so long ? I relegated my dslr bodies to backup duty and will probably buy another mirrorless as my backup I am a working pro ,so I was hesitant to upgrade or switch. My philosophy was as long as my camera is getting the job done why upgrade Had a camera fail and needed a replacement for upcoming job Debated for days between 5dmiv and eos r. Went with the eos r and couldn’t be happier It works for me.
See Jerry, I am exactly the same as you. If my stuff works and does the trick, why would I need to buy something else right? ;) But from all the great comments I’ve got from people who are very happy with their new mirrorless (just like yours), I feel like I could really improve my workflow!
Not long at all, Michele. Many changes are indeed intuitive but it did take a little time to get used to the EVF over the optical finder – especially when working with off-camera flash and strobe. After a bit of research, I learned that turning the Live View option OFF for the EVF aided dramatically in acquiring focus. Otherwise, I’m now completely hooked on the WYSIWYG aspect of the mirrorless system.
Great to hear! And I have to agree, I love that “What you see is what you get” aspect too!!!
This was a Good Read!! I like the fact that you don’t rank professionalism based on the expense of the camera. I’m just starting out with photography and videography and I’m super interested in honing my skills it just seems like it cost a ton of money or having tons of equiptment to be taken seriously.
I felt like it too when I began MJ. I felt inferior… almost ashame. But once I started to get more confidence by gaining more and more experience and positive feedback, my gear became less important. I knew I had the abilities – despite de fact I had lower end cameras – to get the perfect moment or the perfect expression. In the end, THIS is what matter. Keep on learning, curiosity is a gift in photography! The rest will take care of itself. ;)
You are wise, Michele to test out the new systems on your own style of shooting needs.
Well Tracey, I thought it was the best way for me to make sure I was investing in the right system and brand! :) I am overwhelmed by dozens of possibilities. How could I know which one is right for me if I haven’t tried it? I’d suggest to anyone in the same situation to rent at their local store some of their top pick bodies and try them for a couple of days to see how they like it for their real-life needs!
As a long time Olympus film and Canon digital shooter, switching to the Sony Alpha system a couple of years back is the best move made in some time. Takes a little getting used to, but well worth the change.
Great to hear morrowphotoblog! When you are talking about getting used to a new system, how long would you say this could take?
Switched at WPPI from D810 to A7riii for the following reasons. Once I master the workflow, I will be able to work faster on mirrorless. It’s mildly lighter. Over several days of full time shooting this makes an amplified difference. The small stuff. Having the ability to plug into USB and charge the camera worst case scenario is nice. Dual battery in the battery grip makes it less of an issue. Regular back button focus vs eye af I programmed to the ael is very nice and adds to point 1 above. Sony simply thought of dozens of tiny little… Read more »
You are bringing very interesting points on the table Michael. And you are very right about the DSLRs value. I asked at my local store what I could get in exchange for my D750 and it was almost insulting (considering I bought it brand new 18 months ago). I am better off selling it myself but the prices on the internet are really dropping!
Nothing in Mirrorless that will in any way improve output or process. My view it is big for video, limited if any for still.
Thank you James, that’s a different point of view.
I think you should try the Z6 before you make you final decision.
I have a got a Nikon D750. I am bit hesitant on switching to mirrorless. I am looking at the z6 and z7 or switching to either Sony A7iii or A7riii. Any advice or tips would be welcome.