Tech - vs - Technique

[TheAlgarveCyclist]

Bumblebee7 said:

For me the significant difference is the EVF compared with the traditional pentaprism viewfinder. The EVF allows you to see in real time how the image is exposed, depth of field etc. so I've experienced fewer missed shots as a result of having incorrect settings.

Otherwise sensors are often shared between DSLR's and mirrorless cameras so really depends on which specific camera. I certainly don't think it's possible to say one is better than another right now.

My Olympus (M4/3) was certainly a lot smaller than my Nikon DSLR, although desire for more DoF and MP resulted in me upgrading to a Sony A7iii which is nearly back at the same size as my old Nikon gear. The EVF is a big sell for me though and is the main reason I wouldn't go back to a DSLR. Even newer models now don't even experience black out at the time the image is taken.

Also worth noting that plenty of full frame mirrorless lenses are actually larger than their DSLR counterparts. The camera is of course slightly smaller but this pales into insignificance if you're carrying a bag full of lenses.

I am finding it the opposite with much of Canon's RF line. I've converted all my EF lenses to RF over the last 2 years and they are either the same or smaller and lighter, some significantly!

My RF 70-200 2.8L is smaller and a lot lighter, for example, than its EF counterpart. The RF 70-200 f/4 is actually lighter and slightly smaller than the 24-105L (which itself, seems to be very similar to its EF version) making it very compact. The RF100-500 L is also lighter and smaller in the bag than the EF 100 - 400 L.

This is one of the best advantages of the new Canon Mirrorless R-series, the RF glass is really good and in most cases more compact for carrying. Not all, that is true, there are some really heavy glass too but if finding more compact lenses is important, the RF range delivers that as well.

I agree re the EVF, it is a game-changer for me, I really like being able to see what the end image will be so that I can make immediate adjustments if needs be.

In terms of tech generally though, the manufacturers appear to have stopped improving DSLR's, no doubt due to phasing them out now, which means with every new Mirrorless body that is introduced, they are pulling ahead of DSLR with greater features. It's not that DSLR's couldn't have that tech, it's more that they will never get it. This means that if you want the latest advances, you need to buy Mirrorless.

[johnymac]

Thank you guys for answering my question and clearing up things for me.

[GravelBen]

Bumblebee7 said:

For me the significant difference is the EVF compared with the traditional pentaprism viewfinder. The EVF allows you to see in real time how the image is exposed, depth of field etc. so I've experienced fewer missed shots as a result of having incorrect settings.

Otherwise sensors are often shared between DSLR's and mirrorless cameras so really depends on which specific camera. I certainly don't think it's possible to say one is better than another right now.

My mirrorless is a fairly old model now, Fuji X-T1 and I'm sure newer models are better, but FWIW in comparison to a slightly newer Nikon D7200 DSLR (probably more equivalent to an X-T2). Both are APS-C sensor.

Both are enjoyable to use, the smaller size and weight of the XT1 means I take it hiking etc more often (but I wouldn't want it much smaller for ergonomics). I really enjoy the external control dials etc of the XT1 but that's a specific camera design thing rather than mirrorless in general. The Fuji lenses are mostly smaller and lighter but good quality.

The EVF doesn't really have much advantage for me - focus highlighting being the most useful feature, it shows exposure well enough to let you know if its ok or a mile off but not for really fine tuning your exposure. Its ok but doesn't look as natural as the image through an OVF.

Depth of field is just easily previewed on the Nikon, it has a dedicated button to stop down for preview.

XT1 AF is generally accurate and initial focus speed isn't too bad, but not as fast as the D7200. AF tracking of moving objects the D7200 blows it away, no comparison at all.

Battery life is a big win to the DSLR - depending on usage I've had over 2000 shots from a single battery, the XT1 is more like 3-400 IIRC. The Fuji batteries are pretty small and light though, so its easy enough to take spares.

Good longer telephoto lenses are much more easily and cheaply found second hand for DSLRs as they've been around so much longer.

I'm fortunate to have both, they each have their advantages and I often tend to use them for different things - Fuji for hiking etc and casual photography, Nikon for wildlife and motorsport where the longer lenses, AF tracking and battery life are critical.

Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 22 June 06:46

[TheAlgarveCyclist]

GravelBen said:

My mirrorless is a fairly old model now, Fuji X-T1 and I'm sure newer models are better, but FWIW in comparison to a slightly newer Nikon D7200 DSLR (probably more equivalent to an X-T2). Both are APS-C sensor.

Both are enjoyable to use, the smaller size and weight of the XT1 means I take it hiking etc more often (but I wouldn't want it much smaller for ergonomics). I really enjoy the external control dials etc of the XT1 but that's a specific camera design thing rather than mirrorless in general. The Fuji lenses are mostly smaller and lighter but good quality.

The EVF doesn't really have much advantage for me - focus highlighting being the most useful feature, it shows exposure well enough to let you know if its ok or a mile off but not for really fine tuning your exposure. Its ok but doesn't look as natural as the image through an OVF.

Depth of field is just easily previewed on the Nikon, it has a dedicated button to stop down for preview.

XT1 AF is generally accurate and initial focus speed isn't too bad, but not as fast as the D7200. AF tracking of moving objects the D7200 blows it away, no comparison at all.

Battery life is a big win to the DSLR - depending on usage I've had over 2000 shots from a single battery, the XT1 is more like 3-400 IIRC. The Fuji batteries are pretty small and light though, so its easy enough to take spares.

Good longer telephoto lenses are much more easily and cheaply found second hand for DSLRs as they've been around so much longer.

I'm fortunate to have both, they each have their advantages and I often tend to use them for different things - Fuji for hiking etc and casual photography, Nikon for wildlife and motorsport where the longer lenses, AF tracking and battery life are critical.

Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 22 June 06:46

Try the EVF's in the latest models from Canon and Sony. Much better and the EVF in the R5 (assuming R6) is more than equal to the OVF in the 5DIV DSLR from what I see from a natural image perspective. Also gone is the lag in older models.

Battery life is a definite win for DSLR's still but that's the only win now apart from DSLR's being cheaper to buy in terms of bodies and now older generation lenses. DSLR's will be around for a long time yet even if no new bodies come out so a great time for getting great kit at good prices.

The best in class AF and truly fantastic animal and people eye focus on the R5/R6 would have no doubt been included on a 5DV but given Canon have stopped developing new DSLR bodies and EF lenses, only Mirrorless will be advancing now. The bodies and the new RF lenses are moving clearly ahead now in nearly every way, faster, better AF, fantastic EVF, lighter, smaller etc. Sony led the way originally and Nikon is following too.