Which compact system camera to replace a DSLR?

S

stew1982

Messages
623
Edit My Images
Yes
I know it won't be the same in quality and usability, but fancy a change to one of these new mirrorless systems and any advice/recommendations would be appreciated.
I've counted out anything too SLR like ie, Samsung NX10, Pana G1
 
I would say the main considerations are handling and getting used to the lack of a viewfinder, especially with longer lenses. Also make sure that the relatively small range/choice of lenses is not going to restrict you.

I like the Panasonic GF1 but I have ended up buying a G1 as well as I found I missed having a decent viewfinder. The G1 viewfinder is electronic but very good.

The GF1 has a slot in electronic viewfinder but it's pretty poor to be honest and only really worth it in bright light when you can't compose with the rear screen. The later Olympus M43 cameras are supposed to have a much superior accessory electronic viewfinder.

The G1 handles better with a longer lens like the 45-200mm. Having said that the GF1 is still perfectly usable with the longer lens.

I'd get to a shop and try a few out. Try them with a range of lenses too not just the kit zoom or pancake.
 
Last edited:
Thanks DESF,
I had a limited play yesterday with a few, and liked the Sony's (both looks/feel), and was impressed by the Samsung nx100 but think it feels/looks wrong.

My biggest concern is AF speed, so would be interested in any opinions, good or bad!
 
i bought the nx over the nex5, partly because of the sensor but more to do with the way i felt with it. felt a better fit for me than the nex, and whilst autofocus can occasionally be an issue for moving subjects, it is a rarity for me. the auto functions do correct any issues i have with AF but overall very happy with the camera, the new firmware update has made a couple of changes that improve it too
 
The biggest problem I find with those is the lack of viewfinder. EVF are horrid, and in sunshine, it's impossible to see what you are taking! You can play with them in shops, but that really doesn't tell you anything about how reflective the screens really are in direct sunshine.

Also, tiny sensor means denser pixels, and much longer DOF. I have been thinking about one for a while, but they only should be supplement to DSLR you have, not a replacement. That's just my 2p worth, of course.
 
hairboy said:
The biggest problem I find with those is the lack of viewfinder. EVF are horrid, and in sunshine, it's impossible to see what you are taking! You can play with them in shops, but that really doesn't tell you anything about how reflective the screens really are in direct sunshine.

Also, tiny sensor means denser pixels, and much longer DOF. I have been thinking about one for a while, but they only should be supplement to DSLR you have, not a replacement. That's just my 2p worth, of course.
Click to expand...

I've never had a problem with my GF1 screen and I've found that it's useable even with direct strong sunshine shining directly on to it. I've never had a problem taking real world shots so I tried a worst case scenario on a sunny beach :cool: abroad just to make sure and I didn't have a problem. Dunno why others do, it's a mystery to me :thinking: :) My LX5 was fine too :)

The sensors aren't really that tiny, they're the same as the four thirds ones and DoF doesn't care about sensor size, however, sensor size will influence your choice of lens and where you take the shot from etc and these things will make the shot look different but take a 50mm lens (or whatever...) and take pictures on MFT, APS-C or FF at the same aperture and the DoF will be the same. Don't believe me? Try it :thumbs: :)
 
hairboy said:
The biggest problem I find with those is the lack of viewfinder. EVF are horrid, and in sunshine, it's impossible to see what you are taking! You can play with them in shops, but that really doesn't tell you anything about how reflective the screens really are in direct sunshine.

Also, tiny sensor means denser pixels, and much longer DOF. I have been thinking about one for a while, but they only should be supplement to DSLR you have, not a replacement. That's just my 2p worth, of course.
Click to expand...

The Sony NEX cams are APS-C.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top