So many options, help me choose?

[Scrappy]

Hi! Long time lurker I'm seriously considering making the switch to a mirrorless camera, but there are so many options I'm feeling stuck on the decision making.

I've been using Canon SLRs since my first film version in the late 90's. Currently I have a Rebel T3i. Lenses include the kit lens, a 70-300mm telephoto I rarely use, a nifty fifty that used to be my go-to for snapping photos of my kids, and my current favourite 85mm f/1.8

I find that I'm moving into a stage of my family life where I just don't want to lug around my big DSLR everywhere. I find myself resorting to taking photos on my phone, which is a crappy alternative. I'm considering a mirrorless camera as something I can fit in my purse, get great photos, but still have the option of a decent portrait lens when I want to do the kids' school photos, etc.

So I'd like one with a good everyday kit lens equivalent, that is fairly low profile for ease of carrying it around. And a good portrait lens option that won't totally break the bank. Is a Cannon mirrorless with the lens adaptor worth it in other aspects, and just keep my beloved 85mm? I've read conflicting opinions on the quality of using an adaptor. Or can I get a decently comparable portrait lens option on a better overall camera? Oh, a viewfinder is a must.

As for "affordable" let's say I'd like to keep it around $1000 overall, but might consider a bit more if it's really worth it.

Thanks so much or any advice or opinions!

 

[robbins.photo]

Hi! Long time lurker I'm seriously considering making the switch to a mirrorless camera, but there are so many options I'm feeling stuck on the decision making.

Egads... I thought we sprayed for lurkers just last month.... guess we are going to have to have a chat with that exterminator... lol

So I'd probably look at something like a Sony A6000 with the 16-50mm included and maybe add in a 50mm 1.8 prime.

 

[Causapscal]

I agree with robbins.

Either, the Sony works fine with all others lenses, like Canon, Olympus, Minolta, etc. You can find great lenses at low-cost price.

 

[cgw]

I'd give Fuji a look. The XE-2s kit comes in at around a grand. Their kit zoom isn't half bad and makes very compact outfit.
The X100T is another option. The 16mp X-Trans II sensor and fixed 23/2 Fujinon are killer.

 

[jcdeboever]

I second the Fuji X100T. I had the chance to play around with one and really liked it. Simple, classic, fun to shoot. Electronic viewfinder is wonderful.

 

[pixmedic]

Love my fuji x-e2.
Fuji has a fantastic lens selection, good software support, great camera options.
Just picked up an x-a2 as a backup, and will be looking at the x-pro2 soon.

 

[Gary A.]

I evolved from FF 1Ds to mirrorless MFT and now to mirrorless APS-C. I shoot Fuji. Fuji is a niche, boutique type camera designed for those who shoot manual. The manual controls for ISO, aperture, shutter, et al, all reflect this niche. As a boutique type camera they are more expensive than a similar Nikon or Canon.

But, (the big but), they are extremely well built and their XF lenses, at a minimum, are equal to my 'L' lenses.

The X100T would most like fit the bill nicely for your needs. It comes with a fixed, prime lens, rendering standard portraits difficult without cropping. But Fuji does make screw in lens converters which will convert the fixed 35mm (FF/35 millimeter equivalent) to a 50mm FF/35 millimeter equivalent and another converter that will change the FOV to a 28mm FF/35 millimeter equivalent.

If you desire a camera with interchangeable lens capability, the standard XF kit lens, 18-55 XF is wonderful. Extremely sharp with OIS. The Fuji X-E2 is a small camera that punches outside of its weight.

The A6000 is a very nice camera and is quite affordable and will perform and deliver a great photo ... but it isn't a Fuji.

 

[Scrappy]

Thank you so much for the replies and suggestions. I'm going to look further into the cameras you recommended, it's good to have a place to start focusing.

 

[PropilotBW]

I think Olympus OM-D E-M10ii would be a good fit for what you are asking for. If you're looking for low-profile and easy to carry around, it definitely fits that description. (I shoot the EM-5 Markii and love it!).
I would add the E-M10 Mark II into your list of cameras to research.

 

[Causapscal]

Agree with Propilot, The body with M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ or 17mm f1.8

 

[beagle100]

I agree, choose wisely grasshopper .............. .... Canon M5?

www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

(But what do I know, I use a $100 mirrorless camera !)

 

[Drive-By-Shooter]

do you have lenses you want to keep? if they are full frame, then consider the sony a7 with a lens adapter. else, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is amazing for its size and is close to your budget.

 

[Derrel]

I looked at a NICE Olympus EM-2 yesterday in-store at STUFF, (your local high-tech pawnshop). A mere $139 for the body.It had a nice 45mm f/1.7 Olympus prime lens on it, the original lens. This camera feels exceptionally solid and robust. Just wanted to point out that used digital cameras are very low in price these days. STUFF | Nothing you need • Everything you want — 9770 SE 82ND AVE. 97086

BTW, they have an exceptional lens, the Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 zoom, for sale on their eBay site right now at $199...this lens is one of the better optics of its era, and is still a cult classic with m4/3 users, like Kirk Tuck.

 

[Causapscal]

Good discount in perspective on E M-1 with the arrival of the E M-1 MK II

 

[The Barbarian]

do you have lenses you want to keep? if they are full frame, then consider the sony a7 with a lens adapter. else, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is amazing for its size and is close to your budget.

My wife has one and loves it. Access to a lot of lenses, too.