The switch to Mirrorless?

[0ptics]

I've been shooting with a Nikon D7100 for years now and I think the weight/size and the decent low light capabilities are wanting me to upgrade. Majority of my pictures are of landscapes/hikers in nature/travel; I use a Nikon 12-24mm f/4 (75% of the time) & Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 (25%). I am interested in make B-roll videos as a non-professional hobby, but capturing nature/landscape, stars, and travel pictures are still more important to me.

I don't have a specific budget. I'm thinking the Sony a6500 for its high image quality and low light and I've heard reviews about how it's good for beginners in videography (esp B roll). Also their lens selection is good if I plan to upgrade to the Sony A7iii/A9 or other Sony FF. I'm just worried if a 2016 camera is out of date.

D7100+battery (765g) + 12-24mm (485g) or 17-55mm (755g)

Thank you!

 

[Jeff1550 50]

None of the above..............

 

[jaomul]

Unless weight is a massive inconvenience you probably own one of the top crop cameras around considering your type of photos.

 

[Jeff1550 50]

Lumix G9 now but it's my third Lumix camera

 

[greybeard35 8]

imho, I would get a dedicated video camera and stay with the D7100

 

[Gary A.]

XT3

 

[Destin]

I understand your desire to go mirrorless as I’m tempted as well. But the cameras you’re comparing are apples to oranges.

If you’re happy with a drop sensor then there is no real need to spend the money upgrading to a full frame setup. The Fuji x-h1 is in a different league than the A6500.

Have you looked at a Fuji X-T2, or the new X-T3?

 

[0ptics]

I understand your desire to go mirrorless as I’m tempted as well. But the cameras you’re comparing are apples to oranges.

If you’re happy with a drop sensor then there is no real need to spend the money upgrading to a full frame setup. The Fuji x-h1 is in a different league than the A6500.

Have you looked at a Fuji X-T2, or the new X-T3?

Oh are they really that different? I guess I categorized Sony a6300/6500 and Fujifilm xhi/xt2/xt3 as competitive models. Since they are both mirrorless crop frame cameras.

I looked into the XH1, but not enough I guess. Do you own a Fujifilm?

 

[Destin]

I understand your desire to go mirrorless as I’m tempted as well. But the cameras you’re comparing are apples to oranges.

If you’re happy with a drop sensor then there is no real need to spend the money upgrading to a full frame setup. The Fuji x-h1 is in a different league than the A6500.

Have you looked at a Fuji X-T2, or the new X-T3?

Oh are they really that different? I guess I categorized Sony a6300/6500 and Fujifilm xhi/xt2/xt3 as competitive models. Since they are both mirrorless crop frame cameras.

I looked into the XH1, but not enough I guess. Do you own a Fujifilm?

I own an X-T20. But the X-H1 is a professional camera body. The A6500 is essentially a point and shoot with interchangeable lenses, at least in my opinion.

 

[Derrel]

I own an X-T20. But the X-H1 is a professional camera body. The A6500 is essentially a point and shoot with interchangeable lenses, at least in my opinion.

Point and shoot with interchangeable lenses? That seems a bit strong, but then it is your own personal opinion, so that qualification of your statement is understood.

Action-packed: Sony a6500 review

The dPreview conclusion page has a lot of high praise for the 6500
Action-packed: Sony a6500 review

 

[Destin]

I own an X-T20. But the X-H1 is a professional camera body. The A6500 is essentially a point and shoot with interchangeable lenses, at least in my opinion.

Point and shoot with interchangeable lenses? That seems a bit strong, but then it is your own personal opinion, so that qualification of your statement is understood.

Action-packed: Sony a6500 review

The dPreview conclusion page has a lot of high praise for the 6500
Action-packed: Sony a6500 review

Maybe it’s the form factor/looks of the camera.

I just struggle to take it seriously. Too much menu diving required, not enough external controls.

 

[petrochemist118 143]

I switched mainly to mirrorless years ago with micro four thirds. It started as just a camera to play with adapted lenses on but quickly became my main system. Yet you don't even offer it as an option, understandable if you suffered from FF hype but you seem to prefer cropped models.

 

[BrentC]

I switched mainly to mirrorless years ago with micro four thirds. It started as just a camera to play with adapted lenses on but quickly became my main system. Yet you don't even offer it as an option, understandable if you suffered from FF hype but you seem to prefer cropped models.

We all know mft aren't real cameras. And they sure suck for hiking and traveling and especially video.

 

[petrochemist118 143]

We all know mft aren't real cameras. And they sure suck for hiking and traveling and especially video.

You have a point there, I won't argue with your experience, though I hardly ever touch video.

Thinking about the options listed there nothing with a proper big sensor listed either - when I want a big I'll get the 5x4 out but I've not gone digital with that yet as it's needed so rarely. [Maybe one day, seascapes with a scanning back can be interesting ]

 

[greybeard35 8]

I have the a6000 which is the for runner to the a6300/6500. Crop sensor merrorless sonys are very capable cameras and can be set for point and shoot or full manual and anything in-between. The ergonomics take some getting used to and the lens selection leaves a bit to be desired when compared to Nikon or Canon. I use mine for travel and take the 16-50 and 55-200 Sony lenses with it. Even though I shoot mostly Nikon, I would not hesitate to recommend the a6500 for what you are wanting to do.