Recommendations needed for entry level mirrorless camera

Posts
4,730
Likes
11,955
How are you enjoying the f1.8 17mm
Makes a easy grab point and shoot with a bit more bang.

The WiFi is so easy to get the pictures to a iPad or phone. This alone is the feature that makes the camera a stand out for me.

Don’t know if you have seen this

https://robinwong.blogspot.com/2016/04/5-reasons-why-olympus-om-d-e-m10-mark.html


And some tips here
https://robinwong.blogspot.com/2015/08/olympus-om-d-e-m10-mark-ii-review.html

I have watched a number of Robin Wong's YouTube videos. He is great and there is a Scandinavian Guy who also has good instrional videos. I'll check the one you set out. The 17mm is a great for snapshots, and does well low light without a flash.
Edited:
 
Posts
428
Likes
1,354
Entry level camera…
Entry level in photography or about the price of a camera?

I more and more prefer “as simple as possible“ cameras!
Fixed lens, as less functions as possible!

Easier to handle without study weeks through a manual and in the end u hardly use a tenth of the functions of ur camera!

less functions, u ll put more thinking about photography, not beeing confused about ur camera functions…
Far better results!
I mean in the end I want to take good pictures and the process of photographing is also much more enjoying, if the camera is easy to understand!

I’ve old Nikon SLR, Olympus DSLR,
but the most I am using is my old trusty Leica X1.
I also get the best pictures out of it, as simple it is!


As You ask about an entry level camera…

Used they now reached even entry level camera prices….
As they’re made by Leica in Germany and still serviced at Leica, they will provide
still years of fun!
And, when I see even older (Japanese made by Panasonic) digital Leica prices rising, I personally think prices for the X series will not much drop anymore…
 
Posts
25
Likes
51
Canon M50 is a great entry level mirrorless. I went to canon's refurbished page for my M50.
 
Posts
511
Likes
336
I mentioned this in another thread but the X100V is an excellent mirrorless camera. Low profile, great for traveling (I usually throw it in my coat). I wanted to get a Leica Q series model eventually but I'll be sticking with the X100V for now because of I was so surprised by it.
 
Posts
386
Likes
1,747
Hi all, I read with interest the recommendations in this thread. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Nikon Z50 and can share feedback?

From the research I've done, the pros are:
- great ergonomics
- user friendly
- good in low light (though not as good as Sony A6400)
- good video capability
The cons are:
- a bit pricier than some other models
- inability to make full use of Z-series lenses with the APS-C sensor
- autofocus tracking not as good as Sony, but better than Fuji or Canon
Thanks in advance for any comments.
 
Posts
307
Likes
444
@stonestone , I was also wondering how come no one has mentioned Nikon Z Mirrorless cameras? Are they not good? lots of Olympus & Fuji users but not much mention of Nikon…
 
Posts
96
Likes
115
Hi all, I read with interest the recommendations in this thread. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Nikon Z50 and can share feedback?

From the research I've done, the pros are:
- great ergonomics
- user friendly
- good in low light (though not as good as Sony A6400)
- good video capability
The cons are:
- a bit pricier than some other models
- inability to make full use of Z-series lenses with the APS-C sensor
- autofocus tracking not as good as Sony, but better than Fuji or Canon
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Nikon like Sony and Canon is focused on FF cameras and lenses. While you can use the FF Z lenses they tend to be bigger and heavier since they are designed for FF. Fuji is most active in APS-C cameras.
 
Posts
348
Likes
345
As a person who previously refurbished and sold camera gear I suggest that you are on the right track with mirrorless. I have owned several Sony E-mount models, a Fuji, a couple of Olympus, and a Panasonic. Depending on what you are looking to use it for dictates recommendations. If you are looking for "reach" then the Olympus and Panasonic have 2X crop factors, giving an equivalent 100mm focal length from a film era 50mm lens. The micro 4/3 are weaker for wide angle for the same reason, and because of the smaller sensor they are not the best for granular control of depth of field (full-frame for that). If absolute best image quality is your priority then I would say the Fuji sensor has the slight edge, but that is like saying technically an Epson printer produces better prints than an HP....it's a fine line. Overall I have ended up mostly in the Sony camp. They offer both 1.5X crop factor and full-frame sensors, arguably the easiest to use menu, most intuitive ability to shoot adapted manual focus legacy glass in either Aperture Priority or Manual modes, and very important for us with older eyes....the best Focus Peaking operation and options. I have recently decided to switch my macro photography from a Nikon DSLR with a 55mm f2.8ai-s Micro-Nikkor, to using the same lens adapted to a Sony a6000. The line of sight infrared remote shutter releases are similar, and the ability to use Focus Peaking instead of the optical viewfinder of the Nikon has recently (I am 72) become an advantage. My next watch review will be done using this setup
 
Posts
386
Likes
1,747
As a person who previously refurbished and sold camera gear I suggest that you are on the right track with mirrorless. I have owned several Sony E-mount models, a Fuji, a couple of Olympus, and a Panasonic. Depending on what you are looking to use it for dictates recommendations. If you are looking for "reach" then the Olympus and Panasonic have 2X crop factors, giving an equivalent 100mm focal length from a film era 50mm lens. The micro 4/3 are weaker for wide angle for the same reason, and because of the smaller sensor they are not the best for granular control of depth of field (full-frame for that). If absolute best image quality is your priority then I would say the Fuji sensor has the slight edge, but that is like saying technically an Epson printer produces better prints than an HP....it's a fine line. Overall I have ended up mostly in the Sony camp. They offer both 1.5X crop factor and full-frame sensors, arguably the easiest to use menu, most intuitive ability to shoot adapted manual focus legacy glass in either Aperture Priority or Manual modes, and very important for us with older eyes....the best Focus Peaking operation and options. I have recently decided to switch my macro photography from a Nikon DSLR with a 55mm f2.8ai-s Micro-Nikkor, to using the same lens adapted to a Sony a6000. The line of sight infrared remote shutter releases are similar, and the ability to use Focus Peaking instead of the optical viewfinder of the Nikon has recently (I am 72) become an advantage. My next watch review will be done using this setup
Thanks. I borrowed a friend's Sony A7r for a summer before going on a cruise to Alaska, and was generally happy with it, but did feel the menus needed time to understand. In comparison I've heard Canon, Nikon and Fuji menus are a bit less intimidating.
 
Posts
142
Likes
82
I picked up a Canon M6 along with a 28mm macro lens during Amazon Prime Day. I'm still learning but really like using the camera and would recommend that anyone who may be in the market to give it a look.
 
Posts
307
Likes
444
Thanks. I borrowed a friend's Sony A7r for a summer before going on a cruise to Alaska, and was generally happy with it, but did feel the menus needed time to understand. In comparison I've heard Canon, Nikon and Fuji menus are a bit less intimidating.
I can tell you from my Nikon D7000 personal experience that Nikon menus are intuitive for all the basic & semi-advanced stuff. For the more advanced stuff I did need to read the manual, which is fine with me....
 
Posts
1,070
Likes
5,670
After doing a bunch of research, I went with a used Sony A6300. These can be had with a lens for about $600.00. I upgraded from the Sony RX100iii which is basically a full featured point and shoot, so I could get some longer lenses. I have been very happy with the camera. If you are willing to look at a six year old high end camera, you can do pretty good compared to the budget lens-less.
https://cameradecision.com/review/Sony-Alpha-a6300
 
Posts
151
Likes
91
it's been nearly a year since the last post, but i thought i'd mention that here in the states, we have costco
which has terrific camera prices, good tech support, and a money-back guarantee for a certain length of time.
well, used to! just checked and apparently no more 35mm cameras being sold anymore....however, don't
count them out for the future.
 
Posts
39
Likes
43
Huge fan of Sony mirrorless A6XXX line. I've got an older A6300 that has treated me well for many years. There are some excellent lenses out there for these and are pretty affordable.

Sigma has great prime lenses 1(6mm,35mm, 56mm @ f/1.4) which are the holy trinity, Tamron has very good zoom lenses, and Sony makes great glass (G and GM glass).

Personally, I daily drive the Tamron 17-70mm (f/2.8) and I keep my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 around for low lighting, portraits, cars, etc.
 
Posts
31
Likes
8
Hi all,

I have not got a chance to use the new camera much but I took a couple shots around the house and back yard. I bought the Olympus EM10 Mark II. A few shots with the Zuiko 17mm F1.8 prime lens, and a $10 thirft store 50mm F1.8 Minolta manual focus lens. Lots of fun.

Quality photos sir, what kind of camera do you use?
 
Posts
4,730
Likes
11,955
Quality photos sir, what kind of camera do you use?

It is right in the post you quoted:

. . . Olympus EM10 Mark II. A few shots with the Zuiko 17mm F1.8 prime lens, and a $10 thirft store 50mm F1.8 Minolta manual focus lens.

Thanks for the complement!