Mirrorless Camera's

[George Amos]

Dudes,

I'm thinking about getting a mirror-less camera. Something small with DSLR like quality, interchangeable lenses, hot shoe. But something that I can retro fit old, cheap lenses onto.

So far the only thing I can see that seems to fit the bill is:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/02...1_announcement



These are the sort of prices you would expect to pay for that camera:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nk....c0.m270.l1313

Any idea's or other options anyone wants to suggest?

[s.]

What do you want to use it for? Why do you think you will benefit from a camera like that more than from a small dslr?

[George Amos]

Well, when you bust out a DSLR in public everyone is instantly on edge - in London at least. I feel like I'm a paparazzi in my real-life. Instead of capturing natural moments, natural scenes, I just seem to freak everyone out. I get lots of cringing smiles or ill-at-ease group shots.

But you sneak out a little camera and either, no one notices or they just think, 'oh, ok, it's for FB'.

Also the chances of getting a camera taken off you at knife point is considerably higher when the camera in question is a DSLR. Not so when you've got a little camera hidden inside your jacket.

I think I'd like to use it for impromptu still life's and shots of interiors.

[s.]

I see. That camera looks like a good "pocket camera" with that lens (thinnest interchangeable lens), but with any regular Pentax lens it won't be that much smaller than a small dslr. I'd get a fixed lens Fuji X100 (lens might not be wide enough for interior shots, tho), but after some research you'll find out yourself what's the best option for you.

[George Amos]

That fuji x100 looks the dogs bollox.

Another option:

http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets...mera-20110921/


I guess I wondered whether anyone had any experience with this kind of camera..?

[s.]

That fuji x100 looks the dogs bollox.

I rest my case.

[a_pla5tic_bag]

if you're trying to do that, then look at the new canon s100 or s95. they don't look like the camera in the picture you posted but they're still very good. plus you'll look just like some tourist with a camera which is exactly what you want.
don't not consider it cause it doesn't look as pro.
or just be this guy.

[Matthew Shannon]

iphone

[George Amos]

Ggrreeeaattt... Thanks Be-Mag. So anything other than a gigantic DSLR and I should rearrange my lens kit like this?



Maybe I just need a camo 55-350mm Sigma tri-focal strap on.

[al dolega]

GH2 if you want to shoot amazing video.

[NHRB]

you will get jacked in london for your shoes, trust me i no, so if your bothered about a camera just make sure you can use it as a weapon, thats how my ricoh died.

just get a classy little range finder and shoot film or wait and get the fuji x-pro 1, infact they are even releasing lieca mounts for it and its output is as powerful as a 5d. its a little pricey and the main consern is that is it going to still be around in 3 years time if you need spares or repairs, fuji dont exactly have the best track record with there digital equipment. still...ive got it on preorder

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/pr...FYgmtAodYXpoPg





16MP "X-Trans" CMOS sensor
Interchangable XF lens system
HD video
Hybrid multi viewfinder (range finder mounted/digital overlay)

[Blake Cohen]

I have a gh2 and I love it!

[George Amos]

fuji dont exactly have the best track record with there digital equipment. still...ive got it on preorder

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/pr...FYgmtAodYXpoPg





16MP "X-Trans" CMOS sensor
Interchangable XF lens system
HD video
Hybrid multi viewfinder (range finder mounted/digital overlay)

Werd, that's my main gripe. A few people have been saying Fuji but it's not like they've got an illustrious glass lense making history. Leica on the other hand... That x-pros slim!

[lyb611]

unless you wanna spend a ton on a leica and some good glass these mirror less cameras and lens are not very good. I have seen the x pro 1 in person and its bigger than most people think. THe fuji is also pricey in my opinion for what it is. I totally understand not wanting to bust out a flashy dslr but I find that I never get messed with or noticed with mine. I shoot with a canon 5d mark ii and it literally goes everywhere with me. It has photographed some of the roughest neighborhoods in Paris where I currently live and all over nyc where I used to live. As far as being able to capture natural looking still life or portraits no one really ever notices me taking pics unless I have my 70-200 L series out.

[Ross A Buniao]

Sony has a mirrorless camera that got really good reviews (NEX-7). The only real downside of it is the lack of good prime lenses.



http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonynex7/

[Matthew Shannon]

Werd, that's my main gripe. A few people have been saying Fuji but it's not like they've got an illustrious glass lense making history. Leica on the other hand... That x-pros slim!

"my leica m7 makes a nikon look like a disposable"

[bowstradamus]

I have a NEX-5 and with a canon ef adapter you can expand your lens collection pretty cheaply. You have to get the older ones with aperture control on the lens though, since it will not talk to the camera. Manual focus too, but the newest firmware has a feature where the camera will show you the area in focus. Look up some video footage and whatnot. It will be cheaper than the other Sony NEX system cameras out right now and it has a lot of potential (one of the only small ILCs with an APS-C sensor).

The problem I have with the Nikons is that apparently they have made the manual controls harder to access in an effort to dumb down the whole process. Panasonic and Olympus do that with a lot of their cameras too and the best Panasonics are going to look almost the same as a DSLR around your neck (if that's one of your fears).

Check out dpreview.com, lots of sample pics/video and reviews.

[nb]

Just a thought, maybe you take too long if youre getting a whole group of people to notice you and your camera.

This guy discusses small vs larger cameras and you can see his shooting technique.


Look how this guy puts himself into the photo and creates something rather than looking for "natural" moments..also he's quick.


Composition and exposure are secondary to the "moment".

"10 practical top tips for photographing on the street

by Peter Dench/Reportage by Getty Images

1. Clothing; wear dark clothes to avoid showing up in reflections. Blend; try not to make a personal statement with football shirts, religious paraphernalia or printed slogans. Be prepared; have waterproofs, comfortable footwear and suncream.

2. Try to make sure your first photographic experience of the day is a positive one. If you get off to a bad start, you might as well go back to bed, or to the pub.

3. Take food. If you’re on a roll, you don’t want to have to stop for lunch. Bananas, peanuts or licorice are all good fuels to shoot through the day.

4. Do not use a zoom lens. You can be more inconspicuous close. Get in amongst your subjects. Be close enough to talk to them, react to them, smell them, touch them. But DO NOT touch them. Do not wear headphones.

5. Stalk your subject, be patient and trust your instincts. If you see something that tweaks your interest, don’t question it, go with it. If it’s moving, follow it.

6. Do not be afraid. Most people will not mind being photographed. After 13 years of street practice I have only been punched in the face once, and to be honest, I probably deserved it.

7. Chase the light and note it’s movements. The beauty of photographing on the street is no two days are alike. Jot down the date, conditions and time of day when the light is of exceptional interest and return time again.

8. If you are nervous and new to street practice, choose a location where cameras are expected; festivals, markets, demonstrations. Crowds can provide mental security. You do not have to photograph the ‘official’ event and can shoot the periphery with greater ease.

9. Get physical. Bend you knees to get down low, stretch your legs and climb up high; push your point of view, experiment with angles. With many cameras it is not necessary to always be looking through the viewfinder. Do not obsess about kit.

10. Live with your photographs. There is a tendency for many photographers to ‘put there images out there’ for instant gratification and approval. Come to understand your pictures first. Look at them, live with them, when you’re comfortable with them, then seek an opinion from those you trust it from."