I have followed this thread. Will keep my contribution here relatively pointed.
Firstly, ‘back in the day’ (up to 20 years ago) I read everything I could find online from Thom about digital imagery. These days I continue to read widely, but spend more time taking photos, enjoying them and undertaking other pursuits in life. I’m glad Thom came online and contributed in this CR discussion, I found it helpful he used that opportunity to clarify and add some useful information.
Secondly, while there is, and has been – a lot of rather heated debates online here about sensor types and brands, mirrorless vs DSLRs, etc – particularly between certain members, I would encourage everyone to keep it civil and choose which battles to fight (or rather, choose which battles not to fight). Even if some contributors may not back up their statements with facts (or ignore evidence as presented by others, whether according to own perception or reality), please folks - ‘take the higher road’. Choose humility and let the heated discussions die down with a polite ‘ok, that’s all I’m going to say on [insert topic of dissention here]’.
Now to the point, my thoughts on camera format, and in particularly mirrorless in the future. I actually believe the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) format will in some years’ time be the preferred format for most enthusiast photographers around the world. How long that timeframe will be, is still anyone’s guess (though some will be more accurate than others). I am middle aged, and I certainly hope mirrorless will happen long before I reach my 60’s! [As an aside, if I have the capability, I hope to continue pursuing photography as a hobby during my retirement, but certainly not being the sole thing I do].
I currently own a 7D and a good old trusty 350D. I used many other cameras, from 1DsIII to 700Ds and several Nikon DSLRs (including the D800).
I also have used some mirrorless cameras (Sony A6000, a few Fujis, an Olympus on the odd occasion too, etc). I shoot a mix of photography – mainly ‘nature’ (from landscapes, to wildlife to macro), but I also take thousands of photos a year in other genres, including ‘event’ (church, public events, ‘occasions’), a bit of outdoor sports, stock photo/still life, etc. I rarely take videos, and prefer photography as a hobby and in general to view, though there are still many amazing videos people take which I appreciate.
Mirrorless technology has in recent years been improving rapidly. How mirrorless may benefit one’s photography does depend a lot on the type and style of an individual’s photography. I have used the Canon 80D in recent months, and the DPAF is really good. No doubt it can be improved, but it is already impressive. The speed, accuracy and reliability of DPAF is good (for both photograph and videography). I hope that Canon has a few tricks up its sleeves in obtaining even more benefits from DPAF. Sony has created some amazing on-sensor AF hardware and software algorithms also.
While I would often appreciate a lighter (& sometimes somewhat smaller) camera package, I have yet to find a mirrorless (MILC) camera that I really love to hold and view, in anywhere near the same range as (my) Canon DSLRs. Weight wise, a 400 gram camera body helps me with balance (lens dependent of course, with lenses… generally the smaller and lighter the better). My ideal camera size is part-way between the 80D and 7D. The smaller and often ‘slippery’ (i.e. poor / no substantial grip) feeling of most MILCs leaves me with a much less satisfied shooting experience ergonomically.
The potential mirrorless advantages of wider ranging shutter speeds (at both extremes), perfect ‘autofocus’ on sensor (no need for AFMA), (almost) perfectly quiet operation, etc are particularly attractive to me. While some cameras have achieved (some of) these criteria already, no doubt maturity and improvements can still be made. I look forward to technology continuing to advance – with us, the consumers being the end beneficiaries.
Earlier today I was contemplating whether my next camera body will be a DSLR, or a MILC. I currently own lenses from the Sigma 8-16mm to the Canon 70-300mm L. My ‘all purpose’ lens is Canon’s 15-85mm IS USM. I also have a 18-135mm IS STM. (Yes, Canon, I’m wanting a 15-135mm… lol). I own a few primes also. If Canon can come out with a ‘pro’ MILC with somewhat the features of a 80D to 5D still, I would be very tempted. While not a ‘requirement’ – if I could use my existing EF/EF-S lenses, that would be great – though I’d potentially be prepared to purchase lenses in a new lens format if required – i.e. if the system really ‘worked’ well.
Battery life does matter to me, though I am also prepared to take along up to 4 batteries if required. I regularly shoot around several hundred to over 2000 in one outing or occasion. Battery technology has also seen significant upgrades within the past 15 years or so, but I expect we’ll see more advances in battery technology too (electric car J-curve comes to mind).
I believe within a decade the ‘photography market’ will have two main segments, ‘main’, but not exclusive. Smart phones (which have already seen the large demise of point-and-shoot cameras) – and MILC. Smart phone images are good enough for many people for ‘snapshots / memory-moments’ and social-media sharing. Mobiles go everywhere with most smart-phone users, and are (usually) small enough to keep in a pocket / tuck into a (tiny) bag / satchel, etc. Mirrorless cameras may replace the ‘camera body of choice’ for many current DSLR owners, and photo enthusiasts within the upcoming millennial-generation who will have (more of their) own purchasing power soon. Mirrorless cameras with 1” ™ and larger sensors for those who require limited depth of field, improved low light capability and generally higher IQ, etc.
We live in exciting times. My Canon 350D was a highly useful bit of photography gear when I purchased it in 2005. My 7D has superseded it by a comfortable margin, and remains very capable for most of my needs. But I expect one day I will own a mirrorless camera that far eclipses anything my 7D can do now. EVFs will hopefully improve. I do use Live View regularly (e.g. for macro, night-time shooting in low light etc). Yes, I really find how the screen ‘gains’ light at night, and with my 10 stop ND filter is really helpful.
Best wishes and peace to all.
Paul 8)
R = "this still just works better for me". Cool, ok. The entire article could've been 3 sentences, maybe toss in a bullet list if you're feeling randy
