Mirrorless recommendation

[Andy]

Related to this post about upgrading my Nikon D90...

What would people's recommendations be if I just made the leap into mirrorless and didn't care about maintaining compatibility with my existing Nikon DX lenses? I'd be looking at the prosumer/enthusiast level.

[hmca]

Andy, I have the Sony a6000 which still gets good reviews, and I have been very happy with.  However the 6100 has a better tracking system and gets wonderful reviews.  Check it out.  There is a Sony a6000 FB group that you also might want to check if you are on FB.


I should also add that their menu system takes some getting used to....

[pontiac1940]

Andy,

Again, not being a Nikonite, I am reluctant to comment on Nikon cameras. However, IMHO, full-frame, mirrorless is the way to go. There is a huge difference in low-light image quality between APS-C and FF. Mirrorless offers a few advantages one of which is the electronic viewfinder. 

I am 77 years and so getting to the end of my camera-gear purchasing life. But I still look at lenses and cameras in the long term. You said your current D90 is 12 years old. New gear is expensive, but when amortized over a few years it is not so painful. Lenses should last 20+ years. I get a new cam body every 5 years or so. (I am planning to buy a new body when I am 80. ) 

You could stay with new or used DSLRs and spend say $2,000. Or you could go wild and spend (say)  $7,000 on a new camera and one or two lenses. A huge difference of $5K. But spread over 10 years, that's just $500 per year. About the same as ten decent restaurant meals. Or two fancy Starbucks per week. 
 
Good luck. 

[fotofrank]

Andy - I have shot with Nikon since 2004 (with a D70) up until the end of last year with a D750, that is now collecting dust.

As a Christmas present to my self I switch to an OM System OM1 based on smaller size on both camera and lens, weight and cost. I have used it for the last 8 month and have enjoyed it very much. It is great for all of my photography needs. It is a very underrated camera. I’m still getting used to the lense going on in the opposite direction and the on off switch on the other side.

When I shot film I used an Olympus OM1 so i guess I went back to my roots.

Just a word on your DX lenses - if they have a small slotted screw on the bottom - they wont be able to be used on Nikon mirrorless with or without the adapter.

[fotofrank]

Just to follow up about the Nikon D7500, it is still being supported by Nikon as they updated the firmware in April of this year. The camera is just under $900 or $1200 with the 18-140 kit lens.

[PeteB]

Andy
I currently have a Nikon D7500 with a Nikkor DX 16-80 F/2.8 lens. Purchased in 2018. The camera has been great and I love the lens. The D7500 is the only Nikon DSLR DX model still in production. The Nikkor 16-80 mm is no longer produced but may still be available new.

Recently I have thought about a mirrorless Nikon. Considering what I like to shoot and what I would spend, I am considering the Nikon Z 6II. (Nikon has released a 6III which I have not looked into). As far as lenses, I am considering either the Z 24-120 or the Z 24-200.

In an earlier post, Clive talked about his age and purchasing camera gear. For me, at my age the question is whether a new camera and lens will motivate me to get out more and shoot. I love to shoot and I love to edit, but I have slowed down a little — my thought, maybe a new camera will encourage me. If you are wondering, I am 81 yrs.

One last thought, if you have a camera store around, you could rent a camera to try out.

Have fun searching.  

[tourerjim]

I've got the Canon mirrorless EOS M, M3, M6, good thing is Canon do the M adapter so I can use all my old EF lenses and my Sigma 600mm lens, as Clive mentioned mirrorless is the way to go.

[Andy]

I appreciate all the input.

It looks like the Sony A6100 doesn't have image stabilization, which I very much appreciate having on my D90 (as I generally travel with a good sized lens and no tripod). Looks like I would have to move up to a more advanced model. I have a lovely Sony high-end point-and-shoot which mostly collects dust now (as I just use my phone instead). I love the image quality on the Sony, but I never got very comfortable with the controls.

I must admit to being drawn to the Nikons, as I am familiar with their controls (the mirrorless ones seem to have similar controls to the DSLRs). If I go mirrorless, I would go full-frame as well, so I would lose compatibility with my existing DX lenses. The Z 6II looks nice, as does the Z 5. The Z 6III looks like overkill for what I need. Surprisingly, they don't seem to be much lighter than the DSLRs.

[pontiac1940]

Aug 15, 2024 19:00:50 GMT PeteB said:

In an earlier post, Clive talked about his age and purchasing camera gear. For me, at my age the question is whether a new camera and lens will motivate me to get out more and shoot. I love to shoot and I love to edit, but I have slowed down a little — my thought, maybe a new camera will encourage me. If you are wondering, I am 81 yrs.

Good thoughts Pete. Only you can answer your question but it does help me stay active. I justify photography gear as it is the only recreation I do other than fishing occasionally. It does "...motivate me to get out" and keeps my body and brain somewhat busy. I take photos (mainly outside) at least 300 days per year...I missed two days in July and three days so far this month.  

The development of digital photography (and digital editing) was so important as a form of recreation for seniors. I get out. I see things. I've learned about computers, wildlife, the environment and have made many good friends.  

Andy Good luck with your decision.