Going Mirrorless in 2025? - Issue 33
I go through phases of considering getting a new digital camera. Considering all my current digital cameras are all DSLRs of one sort or another it would be a major investment to change to mirrorless.
Looking at my local chain of retailers the options for DSLRs are slowly dwindling with some cameras listed but ‘awaiting stock’ for months at a time. The insistence by the EU on everything being able to charge via USB C could be partially to blame for this.
It’s very unlikely that any existing models will be re-engineered to accept USB-C rather than Micro-USB or similar.
OK so what options are there….
Go all in with a new mirrorless body and lens, I would need at least a couple of zooms (Ultra-Wide and Wide-Short Telephoto)
Buy a second-hand DSLR - OK if it was APSC, just the body would be enough, full frame would involve more lens
Stick with what I have now.
The first option whilst it is attractive, would cost quite a lot and I am not sure I could justify the expense, would my images improve that much? I have my doubts.
Second-hand has its attractions too, but some of the examples I’ve seen on MPB are not exactly in top notch condition, bumps and scrapes on a camera less than 5 years old seems a bit off to me, when I look at some of my own that have very little sign of wear and tear. Second hand mirrorless is an alternative, but the cost would be slightly lower than the new option similar I suppose to a new DSLR set up.
Which leads me to the last option…. zero cost and I have what I need for the type of photography I love to do. Plus I more or less understand all the different settings on those camera bodies fairly well. I still have to look at the manual for the Nikon D300 from time to time!
The lack of video, or high resolution video is of no concern to me, I only shoot still images anyway.
What about you? Mirrorless, DSLR, Film?
I've undergone several body (used) changes in the Nikon system. Keeping the (used) lenses was a major benefit. I noticed a significant improvement in high ISO when upgrading bodies. As I delved more into street photography I first got an LX-7 with a small sensor and was able to make it work well. Then 4/3 and was not impressed. After my equipment was destroyed in a flood in June 2024, I bought a used Fujifilm X-T2. It's much better than the Nikon D-300. So sell all your equipment and buy a Fujifilm camera. Never thought I'd say that. I'm sorry I didn't go to Fujifilm a long time ago.
I am considering a mirrorless camera after swearing I never would. I was going to go for a full frame one to take advantage of the EF lenses I already have, even though I would need an adaptor for them. Now I am leaning towards the crop sensor mirrorless as I already have one in my DSLR. Still would need the lens adaptor, but I think the transition would be easier for me as I am used to the crop factor already. Of course, it may never happen too, and I'll continue using my DSLR until it dies.