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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Need Lighter Cam, Suggestions? mirrorless?
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07/01/2011 03:14:56 PM · #1
Hey there. I have a Canon 40D and that is fine when we are using a tripod, but for hiking in somewhere or walking around the zoo, it is just too much for me to carry. (have arthritis in my neck and my hands). Looking for a lighter camera, but with interchangeable lens options. Thought of getting a rebel, but I am pretty sure I won't be happy going from a 40d to a rebel, and I am not really sure how much lighter they are.

I have just started researching the possiblities of a mirrorless camera and was wondering if that would be a good way to go. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Especially about brand, model, lenses, etc. With a couple of new mirrorless cameras coming on the market soon I am trying to figure if I should wait for them or scoop up a previous model cheap.

I didn't like normal point and shoots because they are too thin and having to "pinch" to hold them aggrevates my arthritis. Will the mirrorless cameras be that thin also?
07/01/2011 03:29:00 PM · #2
Some of the recent Rebels have the same image quality as the xxD model of the same resolution. Biggest thing lacking compared to the bigger cameras is some of the extra switches and dials that are so handy. They are indeed a lot smaller and lighter, especially if you choose the light lenses. The Canon 55-250 gives very nice image quality and is much lighter than a 70-300.

My "take anywhere" camera is a Powershot G11, but that does not have interchangeable lenses.

Message edited by author 2011-07-01 15:30:15.
07/01/2011 03:36:11 PM · #3
Originally posted by WriteHeart:

Hey there. I have a Canon 40D and that is fine when we are using a tripod, but for hiking in somewhere or walking around the zoo, it is just too much for me to carry. (have arthritis in my neck and my hands). Looking for a lighter camera, but with interchangeable lens options. Thought of getting a rebel, but I am pretty sure I won't be happy going from a 40d to a rebel, and I am not really sure how much lighter they are.

I have just started researching the possiblities of a mirrorless camera and was wondering if that would be a good way to go. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Especially about brand, model, lenses, etc. With a couple of new mirrorless cameras coming on the market soon I am trying to figure if I should wait for them or scoop up a previous model cheap.

I didn't like normal point and shoots because they are too thin and having to "pinch" to hold them aggrevates my arthritis. Will the mirrorless cameras be that thin also?

Rebel weighs about 300g less than 40D (530g vs 822g). This is the main reason why I am resisting an upgrade to 5D. I also got 70-200mm f4 instead of f2.8 for mostly the same reason (well, the cost is also a factor! :) I am reasonably happy with Canon S95 for P&S (fantastic weight reduction!) but it does not compare with 550D in quality for most shots other than snapshots. I think G12 is bulkier and easier to hold. Both do not have interchangeable lenses but you can use filters with them.
07/01/2011 03:38:43 PM · #4
x100

Edit: Sorry missed the interchangeable lenses. One of the micro 4/3 system look great in person, although that x100 is calling my name :-)

Message edited by author 2011-07-01 15:40:08.
07/01/2011 03:39:16 PM · #5
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

My "take anywhere" camera is a Powershot G11, but that does not have interchangeable lenses.

Another option is something in the SX line (successor to the S3 IS which I have) -- fixed lens, but a really long zoom and good macro capability; flip/tilt LCD makes it very flexible ... AFAIK you can get an adapter/lens hood which will allow you to use filters and some add-on lenses (I have a close-up lens which will nearly fill the frame with a bee). Or if you really want a "take anywhere" camera look into the waterproof Canon D10 ... remember that having a fixed lens means never having to clean your sensor ...
07/01/2011 04:14:40 PM · #6
the new pellicle mirror Sonys have had excellent reviews. the latest model Alpha 35 has had excellent write up in Amateur Photographer magazine ( 18 June 2011)
07/01/2011 04:35:11 PM · #7
Originally posted by kiwinick:

the new pellicle mirror Sonys have had excellent reviews. the latest model Alpha 35 has had excellent write up in Amateur Photographer magazine ( 18 June 2011)


I have a Sony a55, & I love it. It's light enough to hold in one hand. If you have big hands, though, it might not work for you. My pocket camera is a Panasonic Lumix FS15. Love that one, too.

Message edited by author 2011-07-01 16:37:27.
07/01/2011 09:14:16 PM · #8
Thank you guys so much for your replies. I guess I am not completely sold on having to have interchangeable lenses, I just like to think that one of these days I will get creative in my photography, but that's not happening.

I will look into the point and shoots you guys mentioned. Sounds like they are a lot more advanced than when I looked at them prior to my dslr.

Thank you again!
07/01/2011 11:43:22 PM · #9
You might want to check out the Canon Rebel t3i. It is 30% lighter, and 10% smaller than your 40D. In addition, you get 18 mp, a much bigger and higher density screen, 2 f-stops better light sensitivity, .2 f-stops better dynamic range, tilt view screen, and video mode. What you lose is 6.5 fps (down to 3.5), pentaprism viewfinder (t3i has pentamirror), larger viewfinder, faster max shutter speed (down to 1/4000 instead of 1/8000 on the D40). The t3i is about $800 body only. If I'm not mistaken, you can use your 40D lenses on the t3i. Also, I think the D40 uses different memory cards than the t3i (SD).

If you're OK with losing the tilt & swivel screen, you might also take a look at the Rebel t2i - it is 40% lighter, more than 30% smaller, and about 20% thinner than the 40D. Image quality is slightly better than the 40D, and it is priced around $700 body only.

Check out comparisons on snapsort.com


Message edited by author 2011-07-01 23:49:13.
07/02/2011 01:12:37 AM · #10
I have the Canon D10...it really is a go anywhere camera. I took it on a winter backpacking trip where the temps dropped as low as -25F and the cam was fine. I've taken it swimming in the lake, running in the mud, mounted it on a 4-wheeler to shoot video. It's taken it all and come back for more.

I usually carry my Canon G7 when I go out and about, but I find even that a bit big so I'm considering the Canon S95, which has most of the G series features in a much smaller package.
07/02/2011 01:35:55 AM · #11
Check out the micro 4/3 type cameras. I just bought an Olympus PEN EPL1 and am very happy with it. I travel a lot and this just made things a whole lot easier! It's a got interchangeable lenses but is light and not much bigger than my point and shoot.

scarbrd has one for sale right now so you could even get yourself a little bargain. EPL1 For sale
07/02/2011 08:14:10 AM · #12
Originally posted by salmiakki:

scarbrd has one for sale right now so you could even get yourself a little bargain. EPL1 For sale

If it comes with his mojo still installed, I say grab it! Be careful however, that the mojo is included. I bought a lens from Scalvert, which my wife is now using and she has not ribboned with it yet.
07/02/2011 08:04:35 PM · #13
I played with the Olympus PENS today! Boy those are sweet! Thinking the EP instead of the EPL just for the dials for aperture and speed, thinking that having to go into the menu each time would be a pain in the tush.

For those who have the EPL's, do you just leave them on a certain setting or do you use manual mode at all? I like the lower price and the lighter weight than the EP, but I don't know if I would like the controls.

Thank you all for your updates. I think my mom is looking for a camera too so I will let her know about your other suggestions. Thanks!
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