amfoto1 wrote in post #19472398
I'm edging into a similar transition, taken a few first steps and have been gathering a lot of info. I can try to answer some of your questions and will look forward to other peoples' observations.
1., 2. & 3. Virtually all EF lenses work quite well on R-mount cameras, via an EF to RF adapter. In fact, many work better than they did on DSLRs. There is no need to focus calibrate on mirrorless, for example. Also some of the R-series cameras have in-body image stabilization, which not only helps with non-IS lenses it makes IS lenses even more effective, as the IBIS complements in-lens optical stabilization. The two work together.
Performance will not be adversely impacted by adapting
most existing EF mount lenses. You weren't specific about the lenses you have, though. The biggest concern would be any 3rd party lenses such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc. Those don't always work all that well. If you have any 3rd party lenses in your kit, you should look for info about adapting the specific lens. In some cases new firmware can be installed in the lens, either by the user or by sending it in, to make it work properly.
Both EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted. Unlike EF/EF-S on DSLRs, where the crop lenses cannot even be fitted to the full frame cameras, it is possible to mount EF-S (and RF-S) lenses onto the full frame R-series cameras. Even so, this may not be a good idea much of the time because the image will be cropped and the end result will be much lower resolution. It is only practical with the higher resolution full frame cameras like the R5. That's 45MP on full frame, but will be a little under 19MP if cropped to APS-C. Usable, but not ideal.
One of the advantages of mirrorless cameras is reduced size and weight. But with adapted lenses there's little or no advantage. You don't save any of the lens' weight, and actually add a bit of size and a few ounces with the adapter.
What camera you should consider to a large extent depends upon your budget. I would recommend avoiding the first two models, the R and RP, for their somewhat limited features and less capable autofocus systems. The EOS R6 (20MP), R6 Mark II (24MP), R5 (45MP), R3 (24MP) full frame models and the R10 (24MP) and R7 (32.5MP) all have much more advanced autofocus. But to be fair, the type of shooting you do doesn't put a heavy demand on an AF system. Still, for portraits or weddings "eye focus" can be very helpful, as can face recognition when high precision isn't needed.
The full frame cameras will be good for a stop or two higher ISO in low light shooting conditions. Even the APS-C models are a bit better keeping image noise in check at high ISOs, compared to the most similar DSLRs.The AF systems of the R-series cameras are able to focus in much lower light than any of the DSLRs ever could. The best DLSRs could do was focus in about -3EV light levels, but older or less expensive models could only focus in -1EV or 0EV light. In comparison, the R-series AF systems can work in -5EV and in some cases even lower light levels. Plus the R-series cameras with IBIS can help steady shots at slower shutter speeds, but just like in-lens IS it can't help stop subject movement.
For what you shoot, high frame rates such as these mirrorless offer, probably is unnecessary. However, they do have a silent electronic shutter that might be beneficial for weddings. Note that with movement (either camera or subject movement, or both) the electronic shutter can cause "rolling shutter" distortions in images.
4. Which camera you choose is going to depend upon your budget and specific needs. Some quick notes about currently available models and possible future models.
- R3 is the top-of-the-line, pro full frame model. At about $6000 it has the built-in grip and larger battery like the 1DX-series. It also is the first model since the EOS-3 and Elan 7n to have "Eye Control" (for what it's worth... it never worked well for me, but some people love it). This is a high frame rate, 24MP camera with a big buffer... ideal for sports and other action shooting. The R3 also has an unusually fast readout "stacked" sensor to minimize rolling shutter effects, also ideal for sports/action photography.
- R6 is now discontinued and superseded by the R6 Mark II, but it is still widely available new for about $2300. It's an affordable, lower resolution 20MP camera, which also makes it capable of low noise at very high ISOs.
- R6 Mark II is an update of the R6 where the primary improvement is a 24MP sensor. There are other tweaks, such as a more fully articulated rear LCD TouchScreen and faster frame rate burst capabilities. It costs $2500.
- R5 is currently the highest resolution of the R-series, at 45MP. As such, it doesn't have the fastest frame rate of the R-series, but in comparison to the DSLRs the R5's 12 frames/sec mechanical shutter and 20 frames/sec electronic shutter are quite impressive. The R5 is currently on sale for $3700 (reg. $3900).
All four of the above cameras have dual memory card slots. In the R6 and R6 II, it's dual SD card slots. In the R3 and R5 there is one CFExpress slot and one SD slot.
Both R6 and the R5 can be fitted with an optional BG-R10 battery grip. These cameras use an LP-E6NH battery much like many of the DSLRs. But largely because of their electronic viewfinders these mirrorless do not get near as many shots per charge as the DSLRs do. A 2nd battery in a grip might be helpful. At a minimum, with any of these mirrorless you should plan to buy and carry some extra batteries.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com …G_1733214-REG_1547009-REGEarlier this year Canon introduced the first two of the R-series models with APS-C size sensors.
- R10 is a 24MP APS-C model and the most affordable at under $1000. It has the same great AF system, so no concerns there. It saves by having a smaller viewfinder, no IBIS, minimal weather sealing, by using a smaller LP-E17 battery and only having a single SD memory card slot. It also has a limited top shutter speed (1/4000) and lower but still quite respectable burst rate (15 frames/sec mechanical, 23 frames/sec electronic).
- R7 is a step up 32.5MP APS-C model that's still reasonably affordable at $1500. Again, it shares the great AF system in all these recent R-series models. It does have IBIS and "mid-grade" weather sealing, and uses the same LP-E6NH battery as most of the above, as well as dual SD memory card slots. And like the above full frame models, it has 1/8000 top speed and a shutter rated for 200,000 actuations (compared to 120,000 in Canon 90D or 100,000 in 80D).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com …s/1707912-REG_1707911-REGI would strongly encourage you to read the more detailed reviews of these models at The-Digital-Picture.com and other web sites.
There are rumors Canon will be introducing a 3rd APS-C model soon... most likely would be a "vlogger" camera (to compete with some Nikon and Sony models), so probably not something for you, since you express no interest in video.
There are only two Canon RF-S lenses so far and both are basically "kit" lenses... an entry level 18-45mm and a step up 18-150mm model. There will probably be more in the near future, but of course all RF (full frame) lenses can be used on the R10 and R7. Today there are 29 full frame RF lenses covering a pretty impressive range. There are both premium L-series and more affordable models available. Many are very innovative, too. Canon has said they expect to add around 20 more by the end of next year. Plus all EF and EF-S lenses Canon has produced over the last 30+ years can be used via an adapter.
There also rumors that there may be an R5 Mark II announced sometime this year. Note that Canon is discounting R5 right now, the same as they are with R6 to clear out remaining stock of that model. That might be a hint. Or just a sale. Some conjecture an R5 Mark II would see a big increase in resolution, since Canon is a bit behind Sony in that regard presently. They have a 61MP full frame camera. So do Leica and Sigma, for that matter.
Finally there has long been rumor of a Canon EOS R1 top-of-the-line model, although few can agree on what that will entail.
