Mirrorless System Camera Help

KryptoNeo

KryptoNeo

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Stephen
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Hi guys i asked on this forum almost a year ago for help choosing a new DSLR a few of you gave me your suggestions based on my budget and what i intended to use it for. Unfortunately i never got round to buying the camera due to a change of circumstances.

So here i am again with a budget of around £600-£700 but i no longer wish to buy a DSLR i have decided i would get a lot more use from something a bit more compact. So i have decided i want to go down the mirrorless system route.

I have really taken a fancy to the Sony NEX 5r and there is a good deal on DigitalRev for this camera with a twin lens kit for £579. I know its an older model but its a good deal with a twin lens kit. This also appeals to me as i have previously owned 2 Sony Alpha DSLR's so i am familiar with the brand

I have also looked at other models but i don't much about them.

So could i possibly get your opinions on the Sony NEX cameras and also any other brands that i should also consider within my budget. i am hoping to buy brand new but would also consider second hand deals.

Thanks
 
the 5r isn't an older model, it's current.
I would also look at the NEX-6 if you would like a viewfinder.
 
If it helps at all...

My sister and her hubby both have Nex cameras, a 3 and a 5, and use them for two main things... family pictures and holiday shots, and they seem to get very good results even at high ISO's. Their movie clips look good too.

Both normally only use the auto settings but my sister has just started using a Minolta Rokkor lens which I gave her on hers and again the results look very good.
 
heidfirst said:
the 5r isn't an older model, it's current.
I would also look at the NEX-6 if you would like a viewfinder.
Click to expand...

Really? I thought that the 6 and 7 were the new models. Oh well even better if I can get it at the price I seen on digitalrev. A viewfinder would be nice but it's not essential.
 
A NEX system will be a little smaller than a DSLR, but not a huge amount. This is because it uses the same-size sensor as the most popular DSLR (the so-called 'cropped-sensor' APS-C ones), which means the lenses have to be the same size.

The body itself is of course smaller, but the more lenses you have, the less and less the benefit (in % terms) or losing that mirror box.

So I wouldn't discount a small DSLR either - have a look at something like
http://camerasize.com/
and compare the size of the camera with the lenses you are looking at.

I also wouldn't rule out micro four thirds - the OM-D may be outside the price range you are looking at, but some of the other models are excellent value (especially the GX1 at the moment).

There's really no subsitute for handling the cameras themselves though - if you're lucky enough to have a decent shop nearby with a range of camera, it'd be well worth a visit to give them a fondle ;) (and maybe buy something too!).

Whatever you buy, you'll enjoy though.
 
And to compare with MFT;
Standard zoom;
http://camerasize.com/compact/#3.36,369.88,183.3,ha,t

Telephoto (using 45-150 for MFT as nearest match)
http://camerasize.com/compact/#3.321,369.90,183.347,ha,t

My conclusion;
If you'll only carry a standard zoom, NEX makes a lot of sense, as you get the bigger sensor in the same size as the MFT package, and much smaller than DSLR. If you plan on having multple lenses, I'd discount the NEX as the DSLR package will be almost the same size but have the benefits of OVF and more controls, and MFT will be quite a bit smaller.

BUT ultimately go for what feels right for you. Everyone's wants/needs are different and it'll be you that'll be using the camera, not me (or anyone else!).
 
I would probably want to use a bigger lens now and again but I think it would be mainly used with the 16-50mm lens. My main usage of the camera would be taking landscape shots, shots of the kids playing, and maybe a little bit of macro.
 
KryptoNeo said:
Really? I thought that the 6 and 7 were the new models. Oh well even better if I can get it at the price I seen on digitalrev. A viewfinder would be nice but it's not essential.
Click to expand...
NEX-3N, NEX-5R, NEX-6 & NEX-7 are current models with the NEX-7 being the oldest & due for replacement shortly.
There have been previous NEX-3 & -5 level models with names that differ only minimally.

Just check that DR prices incl. VAT etc. & of course you will have no Sony UK warranty.
 
I came across the Nex6 for £489 and a 3% discount if you pay by bank transfer.

£574 with the 16-50 lens and a further discount of 3%...

Edit: New, and I'm buying one next week. :)
 
Update..

Right, after deciding I wanted a mirorrless camera instead of a DSLR I went out to the shops today with the intension of picking up a Sony NEX5r.

Got to the shop, had a play around with a few cameras and came home with a bloody Nikon D5100 DSLR with a 18-55mm kit lens and a Sigma 70-300mm.

Going to try it out tomorrow whilst on a day trip to Cardiff.

So I now have a DSLR again and a have now also switch to the Nikon Family.
 
If it helps anyone else, Sony have some NEXs on their refurb store. NEX-6 body only £390 and NEX-3 with lens for £250 which are both pretty decent prices!
 
KryptoNeo said:
Update..

Right, after deciding I wanted a mirorrless camera instead of a DSLR I went out to the shops today with the intension of picking up a Sony NEX5r.

Got to the shop, had a play around with a few cameras and came home with a bloody Nikon D5100 DSLR with a 18-55mm kit lens and a Sigma 70-300mm.
Click to expand...

I understand that. I keep trying smaller cameras but they never quite do it for some reason. The feel of the DSLR and the way it operates just suits me and makes the experience of taking photos better.
It helps that I have got mine down to a small DSLR with a small prime lens so weight and size is not a problem, I throw it in a bag just like any other camera.
 
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