I have both systems, but because my mirrorless camera is a Fuji, it has a DSLR feel terms of what you have to do... And without pumping up the Fuji ties to much more because we love Fuji, it really is the best of both worlds you get the tactile feel from past years, but you get the quality and benefits of mirrorless. I think there are benefits to both systems and I would say that if you are on a budget right now and you are struggling to get into Photography I would still get a DSLR today.
Great video. I am in the process of switched back to dslr and realized I can go into Full Frame with a little cash to spare for a brighter lens. So another thing about mirrorless is cost. But it all depends on what you want to do with the equipment. For travel, I still keep a 10 year old mirrorless.
Here's my #1 tip for using a charger on location (may vary with some locations due to security): Take your car keys out of your pocket and drop them next to your charging battery. That way you can't drive off and leave your charger/battery behind. I adapted this from a soundman when I was working on a video shoot in a client's kitchen. The running refrigerator was audible when recording, so the sound guy pulled it away from the wall and unplugged it - then he opened the fridge and put his keys inside. Voila, you can't leave the location without plugging the client's refrigerator back in.
There are some people, that always talk about gear weight. As nature/action photographer, there is no way around the weight. I have a couple of friends, every time they see me with a long lens. They say "uuhhh that must be heavy" - and my answer is always. If the camera manufactories could build lighter lenses they would. In the video world we have I expression called "micro jitter" It comes with having your gear to bee too light. In my experience we have the same in the photoworld - just not talking about it. As a motorsport photographer true 25 years, i cannot do a proper panning shot if the gear it too light. So heavy gear is not always a bad thing. :)
I’ve just switched back. Seriously. I bought an old D700 just for old time sake and now a D850 has replaced my APSC Fujifilm gear. I love the DSLRs. In the hills my back probably won’t.
I've heard about overheating, did you deal with any of that? Looking at the R5. Also, THANK YOU! I'm thinking about adding a mirrorless to use regularly with my old 5DmII that I just can't get rid of and love instead of getting a newer DSLR. I've searched and found too many trendy creators doing trendy videos that are never just straight forward. You seem like a photographer's photographer. Giving us your honest thoughts and telling us the stuff that matters. Really appreciated this.
Mate, I jumped way back when the X100s came out. Sold the D700 which was a beast, but moved to Fuji. Now rocking the XT-3 with the X100V. But I turn my screens off. Too old for that screen shit.
Thanks. Very helpful. Your comments about mirrorless remind me of the Rodney Dangerfield joke about why he hated dating: "The 8 hours of BS simply ain't worth the 8 seconds of pleasure." I'll stick with my DSLR.
I have been using SLRs since 1959. Over the past 15 years I have been transitioning to mirrorless. A week ago I made the transition complete when I gave up my Nikon D810.
Oh my gosh! This video! It may seem like an over reaction, but you gave information that we actually need! Real practical information… The weight aspect was a big deal for me, my hands and wrists are knackered by the end of a shoot! But to now know that it won’t make that much of a difference has taken that dilemma away… My next dilemma is, shall I move over to Sony? I’m not getting rid of my canon, I love it, but the eye tracking will be something else!!!
Even in film times I found SLRs overly complex, in the digital age I found it ridiculous. It all changed when I borrowed a DRLS. That camera just worked. No work-arounds needed, I just take my photo. Optical viewfinder does not give me exposure preview? Perhaps, but auto-exposure works well. If you worry, under-expose and push in post, but exposure works quite well usually. I even use my X100F with OFV now. That live-view I can get that with any modern DSLR :D I took a full motto-party shooting this way. With face (eye) focus, I get my model faces in focus even in viewfinder mode. And yes, with the X100F used on events, I always charge on location. With a DSLR, I check if I have 4+ bars before I arrive and then just take all the shots. Not saying SLR is always better as it comes with its own quirks, just today I had to find out an AF-finetuning to get my Nikkor DX 35 mm in focus. It is different.
I agree with you 100% on the pros and cons of size/weight and eye AF in Event photography with mirrorless. I use my X-T3 primarily for travel and event photography and totally get those issues.
Battery was a complete shock to me when I switched from Nikon D7200 to Fujifilm XT4. I felt like I was caught out in public without my clothes! I now have 3 batteries and the double charger. I am more aware of charge than ever before.
Great video, I so want to change to mirrorless I like the eye recognition and the ability to view the histogram in real time but I have never heard a photographer say that mirrorless have made my images BETTER if that's not the case save your money.
Want vs need. A lot of new photographers and trend chasers just want a mirrorless without thinking if they need it. Some people dont want to have to learn photography so they want a mirrorless which is sad... and some people just want to grow with the tech advancements. Just need to figure out what's best for you
The D850 live view goes up n down as you adjust the light compensation but most DSLRs dont ....I still love my DSLR and I love my mirrorless. I still like the fact you call it it a flash - who said it was a speedlight ha ha....fuji is brilliant with quick menu. The Q button is just so good - on battery life - fuji xt5 is good but the Nikon Z series is terrible (still)
Hi Booray, great video. I feel like this is going to be the stupid question of the day. I just switched to mirrorless from my Nikon D500 DSLR to the Fuji x100v and I'd like to know how to reconcile the OVF vs EVF with this camera. Is it not a true mirrorless camera since there's an OVF? I'm VERY new to this camera and thought I understood the differences, but you just threw me a curve. Thanks.
It is both. :) The EVF is just like any mirrorless camera. The OVF is just something Fuji included to make the camera unique. :) Welcome to the cult. :)
I have both! Mirrorless is more advanced and easy to use, no arguments there, but I find shooting dslr is more fun, totally different experience. dslr makes me rely upon my brain, unlike relying upon EVF that decides for you. Not to mention that lovely shutter and mirror flip sounds that make me feel high😛
yeah nothing better than cutting out the shutter sounds coming from the DSLR photographer next to you - as the videographer - at a church ceremony :DDD
I know this is 2 years old, but do you really use the back screen all of the time. I still prefer the EVF you look through, or tethering to a laptop if I can, or a combination of mirror and live view. I realize mirrorless brings it closer to a smart phone for most people.
Great Points! You are telling me I need one body set up for existing light and another body setup for flash. Perhaps duplicate lenses too. Even then I don't think I can stand "flash" life with a mirror-less body and a boosted view finder...................
No, one camera is fine you just have to remember to turn off the "Preview exposure in manual mode" if you are shooting with flash in manual mode so you can see your subject better." :)
I am still getting used to the EVF . Despite the 8 million advantages I think it is inferior to an OVF in terms of just looking through the viewfinder . Like you , I’ll get used to it.
In regard to battery- (Folks, remember your HS English teacher. It is not "In regards to") I bought a bunch to have on hand. They have generics on Amazon. I paid $30 for two of them. I notice they are only about 80%-90% as good as genuine Fuji batteries. But that is like 1/3 of the price. I now keep 5-6 in my camera bag.
I use Canon for the moment, and I rented the R6 MK II. I thought the camera was great, but not great enough to pull the trigger for what they are asking, and I can afford the camera, and I was tempted, but the value isn't there for me. The depth of field thing was in my test. Did the viewfinder give me a preview of my exposure? Yes it did, but I was specifically looking to see a depth of field preview shooting at 2.8, and then up the scale. I also tried the depth of view button, which was in my opinion not worthy to be called that. Can you see a true representation of your depth of field in the Fugi camera?
Hi Booray, thanks for this useful video. You are making an important point about turning Preview Exposure in manual mode off when using flash. Very few reviews mention this. Only if you want to see a live view exposure, it needs to be on. Also (and unrelated to this), AUTO ISO turned on will always “adjust” live image preview if I’m not mistaken ?
Hooray Perry. Very constructive video!. I love your videos. I feel, you are very specific to the points. no rubbish. I love photography but never took it serious inspite of owning a good camera Nikon(D7000). I bought it almost 10 years back, hardly used. thinking to switch to mirrorless FujiFIlm XT-3 or XT4. What your are thoughts? do you recommend it? to I should learn photography on the existing camera? Thanks!
Well that's a big question. On the one hand, learning on a DSLR will force you to pay attention the the meter and learn how to use it. On the other hand, mirrorless is the future and you will eventually switch anyway. :) I would say that you should learn on what you have and see if you stay with it before dropping money on a new camera. However, if you can sell the Nikon and get an affordable mirrorless (X-T30?) that you will pick up and use more because it is compact then that is a good choice as well. It's why I have an X-100V.
@@BoorayPerry Thank you! KEH is giving good bucks for my existing camera. I can trade in for some used XT-3. I don’t want to spend more money. I like portrait and street photography. Which lens I should buy? I don’t want bulky gear. Prime lens should be good enough? If prime lens are okay then which one? How is Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2 R WR Lens, Silver? Thanks! 🙏
@@Todd_Kuhns I am. There have been some struggles. Twice the camera has locked up on me (pop the battery and fine) and the ergonomics are still pretty bad but it sure is fun to use and the image quality has been just fine.
No it doesn't. You are looking through the camera body in the corner of the camera. It's just a pass-thru viewfinder. The camera does lay an overlay on it that shows you your settings
@@BoorayPerry Ok thanks. That makes sense.... I think. And BTW, I'm enjoying your "Booray Explains" videos. Some is new information and some is a great review. You have a great perspective and present the concepts in a very pragmatic way. One other question for you "Explains"... since you've been a pro for many years, have you considered providing practical information (not advice necessarily) regarding what it takes to be a pro, from the business perspective? Thanks again.
@@dennisjones5579 I have always steered away from business advice because it's not absolute. I have taught classes on gear and software for managing your business, etc but I stay away from "How to get business" because I like to stick to things that I know work.
As for extending battery life with mirrorless, since one can see the image in the viewfinder turn off the back screen. Only reason to keep it on is chimping the resulting image.
Must of the reasons given to get a mirrorless seem to be centered around Live view but my DSLR does live view too. So I am only seeing size an wait as a reason to get a mirrorless.
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I have both systems, but because my mirrorless camera is a Fuji, it has a DSLR feel terms of what you have to do... And without pumping up the Fuji ties to much more because we love Fuji, it really is the best of both worlds you get the tactile feel from past years, but you get the quality and benefits of mirrorless. I think there are benefits to both systems and I would say that if you are on a budget right now and you are struggling to get into Photography I would still get a DSLR today.
Bet there will be a special place in heaven reserved just for you, for continuosly creating such honest and helpful content. Thanks Booray!
Wow thanks! 😁📷
Great video. I am in the process of switched back to dslr and realized I can go into Full Frame with a little cash to spare for a brighter lens. So another thing about mirrorless is cost. But it all depends on what you want to do with the equipment. For travel, I still keep a 10 year old mirrorless.
Here's my #1 tip for using a charger on location (may vary with some locations due to security):
Take your car keys out of your pocket and drop them next to your charging battery. That way you can't drive off and leave your charger/battery behind.
I adapted this from a soundman when I was working on a video shoot in a client's kitchen. The running refrigerator was audible when recording, so the sound guy pulled it away from the wall and unplugged it - then he opened the fridge and put his keys inside. Voila, you can't leave the location without plugging the client's refrigerator back in.
Clever tip!
Good tip.
You can't drive off because your car will be long gone.
@@guyphoto9437 Read what I said about security and use some common sense. I'd pal up the DJ and plug in by him for instance.
There are some people, that always talk about gear weight. As nature/action photographer, there is no way around the weight. I have a couple of friends, every time they see me with a long lens. They say "uuhhh that must be heavy" - and my answer is always. If the camera manufactories could build lighter lenses they would. In the video world we have I expression called "micro jitter" It comes with having your gear to bee too light. In my experience we have the same in the photoworld - just not talking about it. As a motorsport photographer true 25 years, i cannot do a proper panning shot if the gear it too light. So heavy gear is not always a bad thing. :)
I’ve just switched back. Seriously. I bought an old D700 just for old time sake and now a D850 has replaced my APSC Fujifilm gear. I love the DSLRs. In the hills my back probably won’t.
I think I'm with you, although on the Canon camp. What do you think of the D700? I've always heard good things about it
@@alex.mathioudakis It is a beautiful old camera. I had one before but let it go on my own mirror less journey. Everyone should have one :)
@@Sanemancured I really like old DSLRs. I will never sell my Canon 5d no matter what I buy in the future....
I've heard about overheating, did you deal with any of that? Looking at the R5.
Also, THANK YOU! I'm thinking about adding a mirrorless to use regularly with my old 5DmII that I just can't get rid of and love instead of getting a newer DSLR. I've searched and found too many trendy creators doing trendy videos that are never just straight forward. You seem like a photographer's photographer. Giving us your honest thoughts and telling us the stuff that matters. Really appreciated this.
This: "You seem like a photographer's photographer" may be the best compliment I have ever received on my channel. Thank you!
Mate, I jumped way back when the X100s came out. Sold the D700 which was a beast, but moved to Fuji. Now rocking the XT-3 with the X100V. But I turn my screens off. Too old for that screen shit.
Thanks. Very helpful. Your comments about mirrorless remind me of the Rodney Dangerfield joke about why he hated dating: "The 8 hours of BS simply ain't worth the 8 seconds of pleasure." I'll stick with my DSLR.
I have been using SLRs since 1959. Over the past 15 years I have been transitioning to mirrorless. A week ago I made the transition complete when I gave up my Nikon D810.
Oh my gosh! This video! It may seem like an over reaction, but you gave information that we actually need! Real practical information… The weight aspect was a big deal for me, my hands and wrists are knackered by the end of a shoot! But to now know that it won’t make that much of a difference has taken that dilemma away… My next dilemma is, shall I move over to Sony? I’m not getting rid of my canon, I love it, but the eye tracking will be something else!!!
Even in film times I found SLRs overly complex, in the digital age I found it ridiculous. It all changed when I borrowed a DRLS. That camera just worked. No work-arounds needed, I just take my photo.
Optical viewfinder does not give me exposure preview? Perhaps, but auto-exposure works well. If you worry, under-expose and push in post, but exposure works quite well usually. I even use my X100F with OFV now.
That live-view I can get that with any modern DSLR :D I took a full motto-party shooting this way. With face (eye) focus, I get my model faces in focus even in viewfinder mode.
And yes, with the X100F used on events, I always charge on location. With a DSLR, I check if I have 4+ bars before I arrive and then just take all the shots. Not saying SLR is always better as it comes with its own quirks, just today I had to find out an AF-finetuning to get my Nikkor DX 35 mm in focus. It is different.
I agree with you 100% on the pros and cons of size/weight and eye AF in Event photography with mirrorless. I use my X-T3 primarily for travel and event photography and totally get those issues.
I find myself completely switching off eye autofocus at an event.
Thank you so much for this video!!! So so helpful thank you!
Battery was a complete shock to me when I switched from Nikon D7200 to Fujifilm XT4. I felt like I was caught out in public without my clothes! I now have 3 batteries and the double charger. I am more aware of charge than ever before.
Super insightful video ! Thanks a lot
The flash portion you mentioned is great info. Thank you.
Great video, I so want to change to mirrorless I like the eye recognition and the ability to view the histogram in real time but I have never heard a photographer say that mirrorless have made my images BETTER if that's not the case save your money.
It's rarely a case of "better" anymore, more a case of easier or faster etc...
Want vs need. A lot of new photographers and trend chasers just want a mirrorless without thinking if they need it. Some people dont want to have to learn photography so they want a mirrorless which is sad... and some people just want to grow with the tech advancements. Just need to figure out what's best for you
The D850 live view goes up n down as you adjust the light compensation but most DSLRs dont ....I still love my DSLR and I love my mirrorless. I still like the fact you call it it a flash - who said it was a speedlight ha ha....fuji is brilliant with quick menu. The Q button is just so good - on battery life - fuji xt5 is good but the Nikon Z series is terrible (still)
Hi Booray, great video. I feel like this is going to be the stupid question of the day. I just switched to mirrorless from my Nikon D500 DSLR to the Fuji x100v and I'd like to know how to reconcile the OVF vs EVF with this camera. Is it not a true mirrorless camera since there's an OVF? I'm VERY new to this camera and thought I understood the differences, but you just threw me a curve. Thanks.
It is both. :)
The EVF is just like any mirrorless camera. The OVF is just something Fuji included to make the camera unique. :)
Welcome to the cult. :)
I have both! Mirrorless is more advanced and easy to use, no arguments there, but I find shooting dslr is more fun, totally different experience. dslr makes me rely upon my brain, unlike relying upon EVF that decides for you. Not to mention that lovely shutter and mirror flip sounds that make me feel high😛
yeah nothing better than cutting out the shutter sounds coming from the DSLR photographer next to you - as the videographer - at a church ceremony :DDD
@@BenceBokorNBG )
Great comparison. Thanks.
This was so helpful 🙌🏼
I know this is 2 years old, but do you really use the back screen all of the time. I still prefer the EVF you look through, or tethering to a laptop if I can, or a combination of mirror and live view. I realize mirrorless brings it closer to a smart phone for most people.
I do a lot of headshots and I use the back screen exclusively. 🙂
Great Points! You are telling me I need one body set up for existing light and another body setup for flash. Perhaps duplicate lenses too. Even then I don't think I can stand "flash" life with a mirror-less body and a boosted view finder...................
No, one camera is fine you just have to remember to turn off the "Preview exposure in manual mode" if you are shooting with flash in manual mode so you can see your subject better." :)
I am still getting used to the EVF . Despite the 8 million advantages I think it is inferior to an OVF in terms of just looking through the viewfinder . Like you , I’ll get used to it.
In regard to battery- (Folks, remember your HS English teacher. It is not "In regards to") I bought a bunch to have on hand. They have generics on Amazon. I paid $30 for two of them. I notice they are only about 80%-90% as good as genuine Fuji batteries. But that is like 1/3 of the price. I now keep 5-6 in my camera bag.
I had 2 generic batteries, used them a very short time due to them not lasting long at all. Now it’s only Fuji batteries.
Every 3rd party battery I have brought has bulged or Evan goten stuck in my body (night core, wasabi, newer, and other random brands)
I use Canon for the moment, and I rented the R6 MK II. I thought the camera was great, but not great enough to pull the trigger for what they are asking, and I can afford the camera, and I was tempted, but the value isn't there for me. The depth of field thing was in my test. Did the viewfinder give me a preview of my exposure? Yes it did, but I was specifically looking to see a depth of field preview shooting at 2.8, and then up the scale. I also tried the depth of view button, which was in my opinion not worthy to be called that. Can you see a true representation of your depth of field in the Fugi camera?
I feel like I get a pretty good DOF idea but not at the level that I would trust it for something like group photos.
Hi Booray, thanks for this useful video. You are making an important point about turning Preview Exposure in manual mode off when using flash. Very few reviews mention this. Only if you want to see a live view exposure, it needs to be on. Also (and unrelated to this), AUTO ISO turned on will always “adjust” live image preview if I’m not mistaken ?
As someone who shoots a lot of portraits with flash, I had not thought about this when considering mirrorless
Hooray Perry. Very constructive video!. I love your videos. I feel, you are very specific to the points. no rubbish. I love photography but never took it serious inspite of owning a good camera Nikon(D7000). I bought it almost 10 years back, hardly used. thinking to switch to mirrorless FujiFIlm XT-3 or XT4. What your are thoughts? do you recommend it? to I should learn photography on the existing camera? Thanks!
Well that's a big question. On the one hand, learning on a DSLR will force you to pay attention the the meter and learn how to use it. On the other hand, mirrorless is the future and you will eventually switch anyway. :)
I would say that you should learn on what you have and see if you stay with it before dropping money on a new camera. However, if you can sell the Nikon and get an affordable mirrorless (X-T30?) that you will pick up and use more because it is compact then that is a good choice as well. It's why I have an X-100V.
@@BoorayPerry Thank you! KEH is giving good bucks for my existing camera. I can trade in for some used XT-3. I don’t want to spend more money. I like portrait and street photography. Which lens I should buy? I don’t want bulky gear. Prime lens should be good enough? If prime lens are okay then which one? How is Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2 R WR Lens, Silver? Thanks! 🙏
Take a good look at Viltrox lenses if you are going to stay with prime glass or unbelievably affordable and produce good results.
@@BoorayPerry 🙏
Nice video, thanks! By the way, chimping in the film days was called, "shoot a Polaroid".
lol.. yes!
@@BoorayPerry Hey, I'm about to make the same move, sell off the Canons and go to the XT-4. Are you happy with making that choice for yourself?
@@Todd_Kuhns I am. There have been some struggles. Twice the camera has locked up on me (pop the battery and fine) and the ergonomics are still pretty bad but it sure is fun to use and the image quality has been just fine.
@@BoorayPerry Okay, thanks!
So, another stupid question.... does the OVF view thru the lens? If not, how do it, do it?
No it doesn't. You are looking through the camera body in the corner of the camera. It's just a pass-thru viewfinder. The camera does lay an overlay on it that shows you your settings
@@BoorayPerry Ok thanks. That makes sense.... I think. And BTW, I'm enjoying your "Booray Explains" videos. Some is new information and some is a great review. You have a great perspective and present the concepts in a very pragmatic way. One other question for you "Explains"... since you've been a pro for many years, have you considered providing practical information (not advice necessarily) regarding what it takes to be a pro, from the business perspective? Thanks again.
@@dennisjones5579 I have always steered away from business advice because it's not absolute. I have taught classes on gear and software for managing your business, etc but I stay away from "How to get business" because I like to stick to things that I know work.
@@BoorayPerry Makes sense... thanks for your reply sir and keep up the good work.
As for extending battery life with mirrorless, since one can see the image in the viewfinder turn off the back screen. Only reason to keep it on is chimping the resulting image.
dude sounds like swagger souls
I use Live View on my Canon 80D DSLR the same way you say is a benefit for mirrorless. Maybe it is full frame that does not have Live View?
Huge, huge difference when shooting m4/3 with lenses and bodies sizes. Will never use anything el.
Must of the reasons given to get a mirrorless seem to be centered around Live view but my DSLR does live view too. So I am only seeing size an wait as a reason to get a mirrorless.
Does it do live view through the viewfinder?
@@BoorayPerry no but then not all mirrorless have a view finder.
I find that fuji magnesium body feels heavier than some canon, nikon, and Sony bodies.
More options, more buttons.
Hi Booray, Thank you for all the great content Just a question are you sorry you switched to mirrorless.
Oh no, the pros outweigh the cons
My Nikon DSLR has live view and believe other DSLRs also have live view.
Sure but it's not as good and it's not how the camera is designed to be used.