DSLR or Mirrorless Advice (which models)

[Symptom]

I've had P&S and bridge cameras with manual control,I love photography and I want to jump into something a bit more advanced, as the manual controls on my camera were very limited.

I use my camera for many types of photography: landscapes, cityscapes (day and night), street photography, kids, pets (close ups and action shots)...with a DSLR\Mirorrless I want to get into long exposure and night photography

I'm also a bit lost when It comes to lenses, and I want a camera which has a variety of models of lenses for it.

I have been reading articles about Mirrorless vs DSLRs and I still cant make up my mind.I like the fact that Mirrorless are less heavy, so might take it out more often, but weight is not a deal-breaker,I'm more concerned about the quality of the image a tilted screen sure would be a plus because I like playing with perspectives,but is there less variety of lenses for mirrorrless, are they more expensive than the ones for DSLRs?

I'm looking for something entry-level that isn't too expensive (maybe around $400-600 with kit lens), as I'd also have to get a bag, memory card, and a tripod...

Is there any other lens I should look at besides the basic kit lens for the type of photography I'm interested in?

 

[crzyfotopeeple]

I believe now dslr vs mirrorless is a non issue. Having used both all i can say is (for me) it really makes no difference. Creativity can come from both or neither. That being said, I still surmise the dslr to be slightly quicker focus in fast moving objects, however mirrorless is catching up. For me, battery life is an issue with mirrorless(could probably add a battery grip - but increases size). The dslr (nikon) far outlasted the mirrorless, most likely caused by the evf on the mirrorless. None the less I will sum it up with, either one - *hint They are both good.

 

[pendennis]

The mirrorless cameras are making fast headway, but at the moment, the DSLR still has an advantage, especially with the variety of lenses available. They also have an advantage with sensor sizes.

The market support lies with the DSLR. Look at the number of DSLR available, and the array of lenses.

Of course, a lot depends on just how you use the images. Do you need critical enlargements, or "standard" prints.

If I were just getting into digital, I'd still opt for the DSLR.

 

[goodguy]

DSLR and Mirrorless use same sensors so when talking about image quality they are the same.
I wouldn't expect really differences between them in most cases, DSLR does have some advantage over mirrorless in auto focus in some situations.
Size is pointless because if you want good fast lenses then they will be bigger and heavier then the camera and actually bigger and heavier cameras are more comfortable when using bigger and heavier lenses.
DSLR has big advantage when talking about lens selection, you have the camera maker and then few third party lens manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, Tokina and more which gives you ample of choices to get the better or cheaper lens you are looking for.
For your price range I would recommend a Nikon D3300 which is a fantastic beginners (and more) camera.
I personally would not recommend mirrorless with MFT sensor which I think is too small of a sensor, in general I would want either APS-C or FF sensor, but that's my view of it.

 

[Gary A.]

I don't see a difference in image quality between mirrorless and dSLR's. (Comparing apples to apples.)

For action photography, dSLR's 'tracking' is much better than mirrorless, but mirrorless is constantly improving. Mirrorless is smaller and much quieter. While there are far more new lenses available for the major dSLR manufacturers:

1) How many do you really need?, and
2) Mirrorless via an adapter, will accept nearly all older, non-autofocus/non-auto aperture lenses. Those older, legacy glass are pretty cheap and many of them quite good.

I think it is more of six-of-one or a half-dozen of another ... Than a clear easy, black-and-white choice. As opposed to camera genres, look at all cameras in your price range and compare them against each other.

 

[Solarflare]

Some people get really religious about mirrorless or DSLR, but frankly the question if the system as a whole is well done matters more than this detail. Both DSLR and Mirrorless have their specific advantages and disadvantages. The size and weight advantage of mirrorless over DSLR is at best questionable, as the Sony FE system proves; what you win at the camera you lose at the lenses - and that doesnt make for a good balance of the system either.

At your budget I would just get an entry level DSLR from Canon or Nikon with a kitlens and be done with it. These are still the market leaders, these still have the knowledge of decades of creation of photographic gear, and they still offer the best bang for the buck.

As so far as most likeable system right now, that seems to be Fuji X to me. These cameras are made for longterm useage, they are made for photographers, the lenses are overall pricey (except for the two TC zooms which are just as cheap as Nikon/Canon alternatives) but worth every penny including good build quality (metal instead of the rampant plastic), and Fuji also is making photographic gear since many decades and they are turning their X System into a well rounded product series at amazing pace. Unfortunately the entry level offers of Fuji are not as cheap as those from Nikon and Canon, though. Also Fuji X happends to be simply too small for my hands. And you specifically demanded action autofocus performance (kids), which right now still isnt a strength of entry level mirrorless unless we talk about the (apparently dead) Nikon One system.

 

[nerwin]

I often find mirrorless cameras too small for me. I like the chunkiness of a DSLR, its more comfortable for me. You should really go to the camera store and check them out in person and see which one just feels better in your hand. Also have a look at the lenses available for each system and if battery life is a concern.

Recommendations from me?

DSLR - Nikon D3300/3400

Mirrorless - Sony A6000

 

[Gary A.]

Feel is the last criteria for a camera purchase (in my book). All/Most mainstream modern cameras are designed for the average human hand. What slight difference between them I believe we humans can accommodate. What is important is the camera performs as you need to to preform. If you like close-ups, then make sure the camera system has macros and tubes. If you shoot a lot of action, make sure the camera has a high FPS and decent AF. If you shoot in low light make sure the camera has good clean high ISO capabilities, et cetera. If you have a low budget, do a lot of calculations on used/refurbished/new.

If you are reluctant to pick up a camera because you find it awkward ... Then photography isn't a high priority for you. I am passionate about my photography and I am writing from this passion.

All else being equal then go for feel.

PS- Most quality smaller cameras have an optional battery grip which double the battery life, makes vertical photography significantly easier and bulks out the size for people's with larger hands.

 

[chuasam]

Get one of the 1" sensor cameras or a large sensor compact like the X70 or LX100.

 

[astroNikon]

Don't forget OP likes flippy screens (right after image quality),
so Nikon DSLR-wise this is the D5500 (or earlier models)
Canon is the 60D (? - double check, I don't know Canon).
And there Mirrorless with flippy screens too but you'll have to check.

 

[fmw]

The main advantage of an SLR is a longer, wider array of lenses and system accessories. Otherwise there is much to be said for the smaller, lighter mirrorless cameras. Since good images are made by good photographers rather than good cameras, I would suggest you get whatever appeals to you. Whatever you choose will make good images for a good photographer.

 

[beagle100]

The main advantage of an SLR is a longer, wider array of lenses and system accessories. Otherwise there is much to be said for the smaller, lighter mirrorless cameras. Since good images are made by good photographers rather than good cameras, I would suggest you get whatever appeals to you. Whatever you choose will make good images for a good photographer.

the good thing is DSLR lens fit mirrorless cameras (with appropriate adapter) - you get the best of both worlds !

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[nerwin]

The main advantage of an SLR is a longer, wider array of lenses and system accessories. Otherwise there is much to be said for the smaller, lighter mirrorless cameras. Since good images are made by good photographers rather than good cameras, I would suggest you get whatever appeals to you. Whatever you choose will make good images for a good photographer.

the good thing is DSLR lens fit mirrorless cameras (with appropriate adapter) - you get the best of both worlds !

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

But you can't adapt a DSLR battery to a mirrorless camera.

 

[nzmacro]

But you can't adapt a DSLR battery to a mirrorless camera.

That's the biggest problem of all. My mirrorless batteries are so heavy I couldn't carry spares. I had to get a gym membership and bulk up so I could lift them. Good point.

Danny.

 

[petrochemist118 143]

But you can't adapt a DSLR battery to a mirrorless camera.

There's no need to mirrorless batteries are typically similar to DSLR ones. Having the screen on constantly used more power so the battery life is worse but this isn't because the battery is worse!