Who has gone mirrorless?

I'm about due for a camera upgrade, and I'm planning to finally make the switch from APS-C to Full frame (I've waited so long because I have a bunch of EF-S lenses that would also require upgrading = $$$).

The question is, do I go the traditional route and get the 6D MkII or 5D IV, or switch over to a mirrorless option? Looking for pro's & cons of making the switch. Best I've found so far is that the mirrorless cameras tend be lighter, have eye-focus tech (I've read that the Sony A7 III has an amazing eye focus technology, but the price point for the Sony G-Series lenses is ridiculous), and that making adjustments to ISO, Shutter Speed, etc. is easier because the digital viewfinder shows exactly what you'll be capturing. On the other hand, I hear that the batteries are smaller and because they are new, the organic lens options are limited (however, I am aware of the conversion mount for EF lenses).

So, I'm looking for advice from those who have made the switch, or considered it and didn't.

-Andrew

I’m looking to upgrade as well. I’m shooting the original 5D (14 years old!) still shoots great images. But I want better autofocus etc.

I was looking into the EOS R. One thing that I can’t get past is the size. Sometimes smaller isn’t alway better. Just doesn’t feel as good in hand like a dslr. And the Eos R is still on the bigger size for mirrorless!

I leaning towards the 5D Mark IV but might wait for the expected EOS R pro version i hear is in the works. Might be a bigger body mirrorless ߤע
♂️

Or just still go with the proven 5D markIV

I haven't gone mirrorless but several months ago upgraded to the 5DIV (5DII to 5DIV) and find it simply an awesome camera. The new EOS-R sure looks interesting though. Sort of wished I waited. I'm not interested in the RF version though. Looks more like the 6DII in a mirrorless body.

Two summers ago I packed my then "dream mirrorless" (Fuji XT1) on our trip to Botswana.
Between short battery life, impossible to see focus in view finder, and slow AF tracking, I soon realized this was not a usable tool for the task at hand. It did great taking shots around the camp, but no use out in the field.

It seems to me that it still really hinges on what and how you shoot.

This was my second foray into Mirrorless. My next try will be Canon, but maybe after a year or two.

All the testing shows that the R performs just like the 5D IV - they share a lot of the same guts. So Im not sure what waiting for the "pro" version of the R will be like. It will be easily a grand or more than the R.

I went Sony, no regrets for the most part. I love the eye focus... works great. I know the Canon is less usable right now, but I am sure via firmware will sort that out.

I think the R looks really compelling. Shooting mirrorless is so liberating in you have so many tools to use ... wouldn't go back.

For what it's worth:
(Being a weekend warrior, shooting mostly soccer)

I purchased an EOS M3 to go alongside my 1D4.
I can use all my EF lenses with the mount adapter.
I now have the following choices.
Use a 1.3 or 1.6 crop.
Use a 16 Mpx or 24 Mpx camera (sensor).
Use a bulky DSLR or a small mirrorless.
Use a loud DSLR or a somewhat less noisy EOS-M3.

Spotting planes ? 1D4 with the EF 100-400 L
Going to an informal party ? EOS-M3 with the EF-M 15-45.
Walking around ? EF 24-105 IS with 1D4 for speed or EOS-M3 for resolution.

Whatever fits the situation.

Well, I've got an EOS R arriving this Wednesday.

After playing with one for a bit, I was sold on the tap-and-drag focus point. Combined with the focus tracking feature, it works wonderfully. I'd been doing that anyway with my 80D for video, but to have it available in the viewfinder is the real shiznaz.

It's still a smallish camera in my large palm, and even a short time with one cramps my little finger, so I've ordered the battery grip for it, like all my other Canon DSLRs have had. I also ordered the control ring adapter, because I plan to use only my EF lenses for the near future. I'm not sure how I'll make a mid-term transition, but it's bound to be pricey in one way or another.

I can see this camera will take some time to get set up ideally, and that might yet be an iterative process as I use it. For instance, what should I have the control ring control? Shooting manually, maybe I'll put the aperture control on it--go total old school and have aperture control on the lens again. But I can also have exposure compensation on the ring when in Av mode.

Setting up the camera could take weeks. But I think it'll be sweet when I get there.

If you get the EOS RP, right now you get the EF adapter too with the preorder. That adapter allows you to use your EFS lenses. That could be a very nice and inexpensive way to move to the FF and still use all your lenses, without a huge outlet of cash right up front. Later (in a year or so), see how everything shakes out and then make some lens changes.

I took the mirror out of my 5d classic. That's all I got.

Considering that this forum was dedicated to Canon at one time, DSLR's used to be all that was talked about. Over the years, non Canon was introduced, and there have been a lot of folks that gone to mirrorless.

Sony Forum
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=153

Fuji Forum
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=165

for the most part, globs of people have already switched over, and with some searching, you can find a lot of answers.

if budget is your thing, DSLR has more options, not to say that mirrorless doesnt have budget lenses, there are plenty.

My projection is that we'll see dwindling releases among the SLR goodies so my direction would be towards their R line-up. The R price point is certainly attractive relative to buying a 5D-IV. But with EF-S glass, the adapter on the R body will hold you over. You'll be starting fresh and to me the R line is going to be the direction to follow.

I switched from full frame to APS-c in 2016, I had an X-T1 for about a year before I did that. Didn't feel it could really replace the 5D3 but I got my hands on an X-PRO2 a few months ahead of the launch and it was about all I needed so the big DSLR's got sold off. Can't speak for Sony, but Fuji have a nice range of lenses covering all but the longer tele primes, some small , like the F/2 ones and some not so small like the 100-400mm. The X-T3 is a pretty well sorted camera, far removed from the 5 year old X-T1. For battery use, yea they are small but also you can get good third party ones for about $15 ( I own about 13) & did use to run through them at a long wedding but lately I'm getting buy with just four (two in each camera). Don't know why. Best have a try out for a day or too for your self. Plenty of shots in my gallery if you need to see some images, at all ranges or subjects.

I’m in the same boat. I’m due for an upgrade too and it will probably be the r when I see a few more lenses get released.

I’ve been eyeing mirrorless for a while, mostly Fuji, still curious to see the Xt30 that is coming out soon but I still can’t bring myself to get into another system even though Fuji seems to have a nice balance of size/quality.

I ditched my 6D/7D2 and L glass for Fuji xt2/xpro2 almost two years ago now. I’m extremely happy with the experience. Smaller, lighter and just beautiful glass. I do miss the 135L though.

If I was in your shoes I might wait and see what the next Canon body is going to be. None of these first gen offerings from Canikon excite me much but the glass looks really nice, but pricey!

It the other hand you could go 5D4 and pick up some L glass and be really happy for another 5 years.

Tough choices.

Andrew,

Go out and rent a mirrorless and get a feel for what it does.

You never stated what you shoot???

For almost every imaginable way my Sony A73 mirrorless system works great for my family documentation (stills/video), effortless in my needs when using a wide fast prime to 70-200 f/2.8 and bounced flash photography. Dual cards, IBIS, silly fast eye AF and amazing battery life. Still photography I get very good results using the MC-11 adapter with my Canon glass. Let's be realistic and say in challenging light you need native sony glass.

Do I love my 5dmk4 still?? Yes it's a beast and for hired events I still feel it simply delivers. Red focus assist with the canon OEM flash gives me ultra reliable AF-S when shooting in challenging light. No stomach turning as the camera just doesn't hunt much in the worst lighting. Infact I never touch manual focus over ride as the photo happens never really laggy. Micro adjusting my lenses I do not worry about back/front focus.

I'll happily wait for a more evolved EOS R to match closer to at least a 5dmk4 spec'd body. That'll take some time but I do love Canon colours and render.

One thing I will say is Sony isn't known to have an external flash to rave about. Most folks are buying the inexpensive Godox flash. These godox flash do not emit a red focus beam. So far the only real product that has a red focus beam is the Godox X1TS which does actually help the mirrorless sony system. However it's not even close to being as good as a red focus assist on a mirrored body. Low light using bounced flash and AF-S can still easily stop action with flash in events photography or your casual family photos.

I think if I buy the tiny Xt-30 it'll out perform the AF of my X-t2. OP you better borrow/rent and decide what you prefer.

If 28mm is wide enough for you I'd suggest testing an A73 with Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. That light weight combo is so responsive and balanced. I bought that lens for giggles but I'm shocked to say it's a very decent lens for the price.

Just remember no system is perfect.