What you need to consider
The direction that we are going is focused toward mirrorless as the costs of even top of the range shutter cameras like the Canon 5D mark4 have decreased in price, making it an affordable professional option. There is nothing wrong with shutter technology as the life span of the shutter and the number of actuations is still high. When a shutter will offer between 300 000 and one million shots is standard depending on the level and model. The cost of a replacement shutter is also affordable which transforms the body into a new work horse device. Remember the shutter is one of the only working parts of a DSLR camera that can go wrong.
In my opinion, when you take the above comparison into consideration, my choice would be the Canon 5D mark 4. Newer technology needs to be tested, and this will result not only in the advertising hype pushing the consumer in this direction, but there will also be a huge inflow of new models and updates entering the market space which can cause some confusion and anxiety. At this time, I would only recommend the mirrorless if you have the budget for a top of the range model, which no doubt will be replaced before the guarantee even expires with a later even newer model meaning the model you have purchased has just depreciated. One can never stay ahead of this game, so it is important that you be realistic to yourself and your needs.
I have not yet mentioned the lenses… this is also something that you will need to consider. Certain of the mirrorless cameras require their “own set” of lenses, or alternatively may require a converter to ensure that your existing lenses will work. We all know that lenses are the most important part of your kit, good glass means quality results. We also know that the lenses are the costliest. So, think carefully…
The only downside of the shutter camera is that the manufacturers will probably start discontinuing certain production lines as well as parts and accessories which could make things expensive and obsolete in time to come. Just saying… these things do happen and follow this pattern when one talks technology. This will not happen immediately, so don’t stress now, but it is bound to at some stage in the next few years.
On a positive note, understand that in a few years mirrorless will be the norm and technology will have improved to make the conversion a worthwhile consideration. If you decide to go ahead and make such a decision now, know that in a few years’ time, your mirrorless camera will also be worthless.
The only reason for mirrorless right now is if you lean more towards video and tracking fast subjects like birds. I currently shoot with a Canon 5D mark4 and pro lenses and definitely would not change at this time.
The best starter cameras worth buying:
- Canon EOS 250D, M50 Mark2, R10
- Nikon Z50, D3500, Zfc
- Fujifilm X- T5
- Panasonic Lumix G100
- Sony Alpha 6000, ZV – E10
These are great starter cameras on the market with the best across the board reviews. Competition and technology is high, so I suggest that you don’t go by the what the box says, but rather ask the sales person to demo the camera for you. We all have different needs and the camera needs to feel right in your hands from the weight and feel to the way the navigation works, not yet mentioning the quality. The above re affordable and light. They all have great processors and feature and seem to have fairly fast processing speeds. Again, decide first what you are wanting before you make a decision, the same goes for the lenses and the lens options.
What is also great is the feeling of owning the latest camera from new. There are many reviews and rating which assist and equip you in your research, making your decision that much more accurate. Asking a sales person instore is not always going to give you the answers you are looking for.
As the owner of DLPHOTO STUDIO, we encourage all our students to first invest in a short hands on beginners workshop before making this decision. This will be the best decision you can make when starting out. One on one personal advice is the best advise you can get.
