Anyone gone back to a DSLR after mirrorless
Discussion
I shot Nikon DSLR's for a few years, mainly FX bodies. Last year, I dropped my camera with lens attached and both were a write off. Since I only had a couple of other lenses, I decided to switch system rather than replace like for like. It was something I'd been thinking about for while, mainly to reduce bulk.
Moved to an X-T2 and a few nice lenses and have really liked the ability to do small/compact with a little pancake lens through to serious tool with a big 2.8 attached. I like lots of other features and quirks of the Fuji system and mirrorless stuff generally.
But there are a few big things that are niggling away at me almost a year in and long after the honeymoon period is over.
1) Battery life. I like that you can charge the camera via USB but the battery life is such that I never go anywhere without a spare and always have to think about making sure everything is charged before each outing.
2) The handling. I love having a small camera to carry but actually using it handheld, I just don't find it as natural. This can be partly resolved with a grip but I really don't like using them so it's not a solution. I understand the X-H1 might be better in this regard but I'm not sure I'm comfortable enough with the Fuji system yet to invest further.
3) Intuitive controls. This is an odd one. The primary controls on the X-T2 are brilliantly simple. Everything is right there where you need it. But the camera is so customisable that you end up with a number of buttons programmed for different things. I think I have three dedicated buttons for the AF system alone. I thought I'd gel with it over time but I'm just not feeling comfortable with it at all and keep prodding at the wrong buttons for certain things.
4) Autofocus. Every Nikon I've had could be set up with exactly the same settings and I'd basically never need to think about AF modes again. I just used BBF, AF-C and single point and it would cover me for absolutely everything. Some bodies tracked better than others but all gave me good hit rates. The X-T2 is probably more capable than any Nikon body I owned and yet I'm almost never 100% confident in it. It is very customisable and the customising makes a massive difference so you really do need to think about selecting the right mode for the job. I'm starting to really miss the ease with which I could just grab a Nikon and it's ready to use.
5) Processing. The JPEG engine is great. I never bothered with JPEG's on any other camera but on Fuji it makes sense. But I also shoot raw's for when I want to work with them and I really struggle with Lightroom and Fuji. I find shadow and highlight recovery more restrictive and noise reduction and sharpening much trickier to get right. And then there's the fact that because I like the JPEG's so much, I end up with two of everything to wade through. A problem of my own making I admit.
So I'm pondering selling up my little collection of Fuji gear and going for a D750, some nice lenses and pick up another Fuji X100T. The X100 range is why I fell in love with the Fuji stuff in the first place. Second camera, joy to use and I'd like to get back to that. The D750 is a camera I've not owned before but seems to me to do everything I'd like at a sensible price point. Cost to change would be near enough to neutral for money not to be an overriding factor.
I suppose what I'm after here is a little sense checking. I'm aware the grass won't all be greener and that I switched to Fuji in the first place for good reason. I'm concerned that I'll miss many good things about the Fuji that I'm not considering here.
Moved to an X-T2 and a few nice lenses and have really liked the ability to do small/compact with a little pancake lens through to serious tool with a big 2.8 attached. I like lots of other features and quirks of the Fuji system and mirrorless stuff generally.
But there are a few big things that are niggling away at me almost a year in and long after the honeymoon period is over.
1) Battery life. I like that you can charge the camera via USB but the battery life is such that I never go anywhere without a spare and always have to think about making sure everything is charged before each outing.
2) The handling. I love having a small camera to carry but actually using it handheld, I just don't find it as natural. This can be partly resolved with a grip but I really don't like using them so it's not a solution. I understand the X-H1 might be better in this regard but I'm not sure I'm comfortable enough with the Fuji system yet to invest further.
3) Intuitive controls. This is an odd one. The primary controls on the X-T2 are brilliantly simple. Everything is right there where you need it. But the camera is so customisable that you end up with a number of buttons programmed for different things. I think I have three dedicated buttons for the AF system alone. I thought I'd gel with it over time but I'm just not feeling comfortable with it at all and keep prodding at the wrong buttons for certain things.
4) Autofocus. Every Nikon I've had could be set up with exactly the same settings and I'd basically never need to think about AF modes again. I just used BBF, AF-C and single point and it would cover me for absolutely everything. Some bodies tracked better than others but all gave me good hit rates. The X-T2 is probably more capable than any Nikon body I owned and yet I'm almost never 100% confident in it. It is very customisable and the customising makes a massive difference so you really do need to think about selecting the right mode for the job. I'm starting to really miss the ease with which I could just grab a Nikon and it's ready to use.
5) Processing. The JPEG engine is great. I never bothered with JPEG's on any other camera but on Fuji it makes sense. But I also shoot raw's for when I want to work with them and I really struggle with Lightroom and Fuji. I find shadow and highlight recovery more restrictive and noise reduction and sharpening much trickier to get right. And then there's the fact that because I like the JPEG's so much, I end up with two of everything to wade through. A problem of my own making I admit.
So I'm pondering selling up my little collection of Fuji gear and going for a D750, some nice lenses and pick up another Fuji X100T. The X100 range is why I fell in love with the Fuji stuff in the first place. Second camera, joy to use and I'd like to get back to that. The D750 is a camera I've not owned before but seems to me to do everything I'd like at a sensible price point. Cost to change would be near enough to neutral for money not to be an overriding factor.
I suppose what I'm after here is a little sense checking. I'm aware the grass won't all be greener and that I switched to Fuji in the first place for good reason. I'm concerned that I'll miss many good things about the Fuji that I'm not considering here.
I love the Fuji cameras but accept that they are not for all, got my bag packed for tomorrow (step daughters graduation), X-T2 (18-55), X-T20 (90) and X100, meaning I don't have to change lenses!
Whilst the D750 is a great camera, it is now 4 years old, and if Nikon's coffers were a bit fuller I'm sure it would have replaced by now, but probably all their significant development going forward is in the mirrorless domain. The D750 has also be subject to a number of recalls, so if you are buying secondhand (or grey) check out the situation - best to go in with your eyes wide open!
I don't know what your investment in Fuji glass is like, but the X-T3 is just around the corner, so it might be worth hanging on for that, but if the sieze of the body and the AF modes don't suit your style then a different (bigger) camera might be the solution. I would look at the A7iii as well, as this has been getting rave reviews.
Whilst the D750 is a great camera, it is now 4 years old, and if Nikon's coffers were a bit fuller I'm sure it would have replaced by now, but probably all their significant development going forward is in the mirrorless domain. The D750 has also be subject to a number of recalls, so if you are buying secondhand (or grey) check out the situation - best to go in with your eyes wide open!
I don't know what your investment in Fuji glass is like, but the X-T3 is just around the corner, so it might be worth hanging on for that, but if the sieze of the body and the AF modes don't suit your style then a different (bigger) camera might be the solution. I would look at the A7iii as well, as this has been getting rave reviews.
DavidY said:
I love the Fuji cameras but accept that they are not for all, got my bag packed for tomorrow (step daughters graduation), X-T2 (18-55), X-T20 (90) and X100, meaning I don't have to change lenses!
Whilst the D750 is a great camera, it is now 4 years old, and if Nikon's coffers were a bit fuller I'm sure it would have replaced by now, but probably all their significant development going forward is in the mirrorless domain. The D750 has also be subject to a number of recalls, so if you are buying secondhand (or grey) check out the situation - best to go in with your eyes wide open!
I don't know what your investment in Fuji glass is like, but the X-T3 is just around the corner, so it might be worth hanging on for that, but if the sieze of the body and the AF modes don't suit your style then a different (bigger) camera might be the solution. I would look at the A7iii as well, as this has been getting rave reviews.
Thanks David, I admit actually that the thought of going backwards in tech terms is playing on my mind but truth be told, technically the X-T2 is far better than me, it's simply that I don't feel fully comfortable/confident using it. I'm not so concerned about buying into a four year old camera as it does everything I need but I have a slight worry that I'd be buying into a system of lenses that might be about to take a hit value wise once Nikon's new mount arrives. Whilst the D750 is a great camera, it is now 4 years old, and if Nikon's coffers were a bit fuller I'm sure it would have replaced by now, but probably all their significant development going forward is in the mirrorless domain. The D750 has also be subject to a number of recalls, so if you are buying secondhand (or grey) check out the situation - best to go in with your eyes wide open!
I don't know what your investment in Fuji glass is like, but the X-T3 is just around the corner, so it might be worth hanging on for that, but if the sieze of the body and the AF modes don't suit your style then a different (bigger) camera might be the solution. I would look at the A7iii as well, as this has been getting rave reviews.
I should be happy to bide my time a little but generally once the seed is sewn I'm inclinded to crack on with the plan. I'm also aware that once the X-T3 arrives, X-T2 values will take a it and many will hit the market at once.
Sony's, not sure. Lens choice is either limited or expensive and I probably prefer the Fuji in terms of usability and ergonomics. I'm very impressed by them but not sure it's for me at all. I think Nikon is just what my muscle memory is tuned to and I'm finding it surprisingly difficult to adjust. I'm okay with that for a second body/travel camera but I hate how hesitant I'm being 'out in the field' as it were.
GetCarter said:
Not a chance I'll ever go back.
Just too many advantages.
In fact I suggest DSLR will be dead (apart from enthusiast) in under 10 years
ETA... and I was one of the first converts back in 2000!... wait... 1999 IRRC!
I think the major issue might not be DSLR vs mirrorless but simply Nikon interface vs others. I guess I could hold out for Nikon's forthcoming mirrorless but I know I'll not be able to afford it. Just too many advantages.
In fact I suggest DSLR will be dead (apart from enthusiast) in under 10 years
ETA... and I was one of the first converts back in 2000!... wait... 1999 IRRC!
Edited by GetCarter on Monday 23 July 16:24
If the EVFs are as good as optical ones and the handling/controls are on a par with the best pro DSLRs, I can't really see how mirrors will still be in use in the future, but I'm not sure we're there just yet.
It does also depend very much on what you shoot.
I am very interested to see what Nikon has up it's sleeve though. I've managed to resist getting a D850, so this new 'Z' or whatever could appeal.
It does also depend very much on what you shoot.
I am very interested to see what Nikon has up it's sleeve though. I've managed to resist getting a D850, so this new 'Z' or whatever could appeal.
I had a Sony A9 alongside my Canon FF, I liked many things about the A9 but decided in the end that most of the A9's advantages were unimportant to me and 25mp just isn't enough. So I sold it while it was still the current version and am keeping the Canon and am waiting for the much rumoured Canon FF mirrorless to be released. Mirrorless is just so much better than conventional DSLR.
Moved from Nikon to Sony A7iii and wouldn’t go back, eye focus alone made the jump worthwhile for me, never mind the other mirrorless features.
Personally I like the evf, not only for the information it shows when composing but also the ability to review your photos in bright light without having to shade the LCD screen.
Personally I like the evf, not only for the information it shows when composing but also the ability to review your photos in bright light without having to shade the LCD screen.
Yes, went Nikon to M43 back in late 2013-ish..then added a X100t..then got a bit narked at the noise that was present with the e-m1.1 and relatively low ISO and the AF speed / EVF blackout for things like drag racing..
Tried a d500 last summer and changed systems last Autumn at zero cost
Have now added a new e-m10 mk2 because it cost me £4 once i'd sold a lens but that's just a travel camera...
I do still wonder if i made the right choice. The Nikon is big and heavy with all the lenses that magically appear in my bag but its a joy to use
Tried a d500 last summer and changed systems last Autumn at zero cost
Have now added a new e-m10 mk2 because it cost me £4 once i'd sold a lens but that's just a travel camera...
I do still wonder if i made the right choice. The Nikon is big and heavy with all the lenses that magically appear in my bag but its a joy to use
damianmkv said:
Yes, went Nikon to M43 back in late 2013-ish..then added a X100t..then got a bit narked at the noise that was present with the e-m1.1 and relatively low ISO and the AF speed / EVF blackout for things like drag racing..
Tried a d500 last summer and changed systems last Autumn at zero cost
Have now added a new e-m10 mk2 because it cost me £4 once i'd sold a lens but that's just a travel camera...
I do still wonder if i made the right choice. The Nikon is big and heavy with all the lenses that magically appear in my bag but its a joy to use
I seem to remember following your dilemma on TP. I used Olymnpus M4/3 for a while too, loved it for travel (like the X100's) but too many drawbacks to use as my 'serious' camera. The Fuji stuff on paper does everything I need and more but I'm really struggling to feel at home with it. Nikon DSLR's were really the only thing I used for many years and I just don't need to think about using them at all. Trouble is, like you, I'm not sure I'd love going back to carting big bodies and lenses up hill and down dale. Tried a d500 last summer and changed systems last Autumn at zero cost
Have now added a new e-m10 mk2 because it cost me £4 once i'd sold a lens but that's just a travel camera...
I do still wonder if i made the right choice. The Nikon is big and heavy with all the lenses that magically appear in my bag but its a joy to use
Yes, a7II to D750...but I went back to Sony as soon as they smashed it with the a7RII and I'd never go back now.
I'm fully sold on the EVF, I love silent shooting (game changer for weddings) and full AF for the tilt screen was really hard to live without.
The a7RII is already a generation old but I love mine and would never replace it for a DSLR, even if I was offered a straight swap for a D850. Handled everything I've thrown at it so far...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/harry_s/albums/72157...
I'm fully sold on the EVF, I love silent shooting (game changer for weddings) and full AF for the tilt screen was really hard to live without.
The a7RII is already a generation old but I love mine and would never replace it for a DSLR, even if I was offered a straight swap for a D850. Handled everything I've thrown at it so far...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/harry_s/albums/72157...
Edited by ukaskew on Tuesday 24th July 17:50
noell35 said:
singlecoil said:
25mp just isn't enough.
Isn't enough for what? Just curious.A long time canon user I've had a Fuji xt-1 for a year or so. Much as though I love the Fuji I'm not ready to get shot of my canon gear (5d3) just yet. I think at some point in the next 18 months I'll take the plunge and either chop it all in and go sony, get an xt-3 and more Fuji stuff or hope that canon manage to actually catch the pack.
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