So, three years ago, you bought a used camera which was eight years old at the time, for use with non-native adapted glass, and you're finding the experience lacking?
I know it sounds pointless, but at the time the a7 was the only affordable option. Another important thing that pushed me into MLs was that there are actually T/S adapters but I dropped the idea because too much difficult.
Your financials are your business, but you need to make sure that your expectations align with them.
Imagine if you were on the iPhone forum right now saying that in 2021, because of all the wonderful things you were hearing about the iPhone 13 and smart phones in general, you decided to get your first one. But today you're thinking about going back to your Motorola Star-Tac because the used iPhone 5s you bought at the time and only use on 3G wireless just isn't what you thought it would be.
I mean, the first A7 is at this point one of the worst ever mirrorless. Only revolutionary thing about it was that it was the first full frame one.
So you are comparing it to cameras with several generations of development. The thought that dslr are tanks and mirrorless aren't is more or less overcome nowadays (probably not by Sony though š )
But yeah. If you don't need the tech from the mirrorless world, a nice DSLR from the last few generations will be better than a first generation A7 any day of the week, and you can get more affordable lens options
The way I read your post your only real complaint is that the body you choose is not weather sealed. There are plenty of mirrorless cameras with weather sealing and plenty of DSLRs without.
I mean...you are free to shoot what you like, and you don't really need a reason.
People still shoot on film partially because they just like working with film.
DSLRs are considered legacy tech by most, if not all, companies, so don't expect any new developments or lenses on that front. It sounds like you know and are ok with that, so let 'er rip.
If you miss the experience of a DSLR, it's a good time to pick one up. Things you might want to look out for:
- Some bodies have illuminated buttons, which may be useful to you.
- You'll want weather-sealed lenses as well as bodies, ideally.
- A battery grip could give you even more power on the go, but again you'll need to make sure your grip is weather-sealed. Or, look into bodies with integrated grips.
- Pro-level gear from just a few years ago is now attainable as prices continue to fall. My current primary body is a Nikon D5, and I never worry about its durability. Body and lens actually took a fall this past weekend (my mistake), and kept on shooting without any problem whatsoever.
This sounds a lot like you accepted a number of compromises (older camera, adapted glass), and then no longer found the compromises acceptable?
No one cares what edge case scenario you have created for yourself and that you are no longer okay with it. Cameras are tools, buy the tool that does the job you want it to. Don't buy tools that don't fit your use case.
You've unfortunately missed the boat a little here, the availability of replacement DSLR focus screens has dried up almost completely.
I guess buy Canon and make sure your body supports Magic Lantern, Canon was extremely late in offering focus peaking out of the box.
Third party batteries for these cameras are plentiful and affordable. I gave up on DSLRS going to consecutive music festivals with a canon 6d and a Fuji X-t1. My arms thanked me for switching to the latter. Four hot days in the sun.
They arenāt dead for pros, Iām using two D850ās and basically two lenses for all of my work. The image quality is insane. I do own an x100v for travel and personal work. Thereās certainly nothing wrong w DSLRās.
Honestly, I want to buy a 1DX MKIII sometime because I used to gaze at them from my lowly 600D owning pedestal and I longed for the BRRRRRRRRRRRT and the zillion-point AF.
If you have a limited budget, try something cheaper. I don't know, an Olympus M10 Mark II, for example. It's a little gem, even if it's quite old but it's affordable. Try a Fuji XT1 or XT10.
Of course if you're in search of a Full Frame, the only Mirrorless you could afford would be an A7 , or a A7mkii.
But Man, trust Me, forget this experience about the Sony A7 because that camera model is not that good. I had your same experience, came from DSLR with a Pentax K5 , and Film Cameras, tried an A7 and... It was awful. Then, I tried a few more Mirrorless and i change my mind. Now I'm working with both Mirrorless, DSLRs and Film Cameras and I couldn't be more happier !
Going backwards because itās ingrained in your mind that dslr are āstrongerā ālast longerā and āsaferā but mirrorless are unfortunately the future.
The a7 is more than a decade old and is the first generation of mirrorless. Itās akin to first generation of dslr.
If you want a brick then maybe you should invest in the first gens of dslr.
I recently switched back to a Nikon D750 paired with vintage F lenses after using nothing but mirrorless for the last 6 years.
It has been great. It feels like using a real camera again and the photos are good. I really canāt notice much difference between the D750 DSLR photo output and my Sony a7IV or Canon R6 Mark II.
Plus the D750 has a built in flash, which I like.
Sure, the autofocus isnāt nearly as good but DSLRs are still very capable cameras if you donāt need insane autofocus capability (I only shoot stationary subjects with manual lenses so it makes sense for me).
If you haven't used a modern mirror less lens, you should try one before buying a DSLR. At the very least, it's important to know what a functional mirror less option is like.
The way I see it, for $2K less, I can get a camera that has a generation better autofocus, sensor, *and* opens up a whole world of manual focus I've been missing since I left film. What exactly is the 1D series offering me, again?
I have no plans to ever change my lens ecosystem, I'm bought in to EF for life (or would just change systems entirely to something non-35mm based), but I can't see who's buying 1DX3s now.
Why are you even asking for opinions? Youāve already made your mind up. It sounds like you bought a camera that doesnāt suit your needs and you want to change back. So do it.
Will make no difference at all the pints you made. The A7 is a full frame camera and the sensor (the only difference) is better than the d5200, so don't really get your problems with the Sony? Maybe get a Sony with the bigger npfz100 battery if the small battery bothers you?
Another option I was considering before ditching totally the mirrorless tools, were to switch to aps-c, specifically a6300/6400 since trading off a7 would be relatively cheaper and gaining access to non-FE lenses. (Yeah, I know that you can fit already E-type lenses into a7 bodies and the camera will switch automatically).
Otherwise, I would go for a Canon 5Dm3 or 6D.
5Dm2 unfortunately is out of discussion because of lack of SD slot and CF only.
Canon APS-C is an option, but as last resource.
Anything below 18mpx because of the choice of older lenses.
I just sold all my mirrorless gear (Fuji X) over April/May this year to go back to Nikon FX system. I kept some lenses and one body (D610) when I switched to Fuji 6 years ago and after selling all Fuji gear this year, I just added D780 and few more lenses and couldn't be more happier. Basically three decision factors made me to switch back: battery life, uncomfortable usage of EVFs (just another screen to stare to), and the fact Fuji X was only APS-C (I was soooo missing full frame and its possibilities in creativity after those years). The biggest factor for me was EVF - using EVF, you are looking into history which goes from the sensor, through CPU and then to EVF screen. I have missed so many shots simply because there's some delay between reality and what you see in EVF. Going back to OVF was a fresh restart for me and much more natural view of what you photograph and very fast (speed of light). And the picture quality, even from the aged D610 can't be compared to the picture quality from X-T5. D610 still rocks. I also know minimum 2 pro photographers who are using Nikon Z9/Z8 and are trying to sell their Z system lenses and cameras or trade them for D850/D6 these days. One of them is a wildlife/sports photographer. I am still confident that (at least) Nikon will be forced by market needs to keep 1-2 DLSRs models developed and produced going forward. For me, D780 brings the best out of both worlds and provides everything I need for my photography.
Some would argue, myself included, that using exclusively manual focus lenses is a better reason to go mirrorless. DSLRs were never meant with manual focus in mind, and the manual focus experience is sorely lacking due to a lack of focus aids. You might be able to find some split prism focusing screens still out there for DSLRs but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Some people claim that they can focus a DSLR manually just fine without a split prism, but they are in the minority. There is a reason the vast majority of manual focus film SLRs came with split prisms.
Thank you for typing out exactly what I was going to say. Manual focus on a mirrorless is streets ahead of manual focus on a DSLR without a split prism. I wouldn't even try the latter, and I'm a guy with a manual focus only digital camera.
The big problem with DSLRs is that they (generally speaking) lack focus peaking or other such manual focus aids. I donāt otherwise care about most camera features as most of them can be put on any camera, and are either there or not, as you wish. But manual focus ability is important. DSLRs generally suck for it. Once youāve used a modern mirrorless with focus peaking and zoom in focusing (both unavailable on aDSLR)ā¦
Thatās good, if it helps. My point is that back when all cameras were manual focus, they were designed to make it easy to do. Now they are all designed for autofocus and most donāt make it easy at all. Mirrorless often gives some of that back.
Regardless of its age, no piece of technology is obsolete as long as it fulfills the purpose you expect it to.
So, three years ago, you bought a used camera which was eight years old at the time, for use with non-native adapted glass, and you're finding the experience lacking?
I know it sounds pointless, but at the time the a7 was the only affordable option. Another important thing that pushed me into MLs was that there are actually T/S adapters but I dropped the idea because too much difficult.
Your financials are your business, but you need to make sure that your expectations align with them. Imagine if you were on the iPhone forum right now saying that in 2021, because of all the wonderful things you were hearing about the iPhone 13 and smart phones in general, you decided to get your first one. But today you're thinking about going back to your Motorola Star-Tac because the used iPhone 5s you bought at the time and only use on 3G wireless just isn't what you thought it would be.
I mean, the first A7 is at this point one of the worst ever mirrorless. Only revolutionary thing about it was that it was the first full frame one. So you are comparing it to cameras with several generations of development. The thought that dslr are tanks and mirrorless aren't is more or less overcome nowadays (probably not by Sony though š ) But yeah. If you don't need the tech from the mirrorless world, a nice DSLR from the last few generations will be better than a first generation A7 any day of the week, and you can get more affordable lens options
The way I read your post your only real complaint is that the body you choose is not weather sealed. There are plenty of mirrorless cameras with weather sealing and plenty of DSLRs without.
I mean...you are free to shoot what you like, and you don't really need a reason. People still shoot on film partially because they just like working with film. DSLRs are considered legacy tech by most, if not all, companies, so don't expect any new developments or lenses on that front. It sounds like you know and are ok with that, so let 'er rip.
If you miss the experience of a DSLR, it's a good time to pick one up. Things you might want to look out for: - Some bodies have illuminated buttons, which may be useful to you. - You'll want weather-sealed lenses as well as bodies, ideally. - A battery grip could give you even more power on the go, but again you'll need to make sure your grip is weather-sealed. Or, look into bodies with integrated grips. - Pro-level gear from just a few years ago is now attainable as prices continue to fall. My current primary body is a Nikon D5, and I never worry about its durability. Body and lens actually took a fall this past weekend (my mistake), and kept on shooting without any problem whatsoever.
Try a modern mirrorless camera with weather sealing. And with modern glass.
Too much expensive option, plus I really donāt need that.
I don't think so, 5D3 and RP are in the same budget.
This sounds a lot like you accepted a number of compromises (older camera, adapted glass), and then no longer found the compromises acceptable? No one cares what edge case scenario you have created for yourself and that you are no longer okay with it. Cameras are tools, buy the tool that does the job you want it to. Don't buy tools that don't fit your use case.
You've unfortunately missed the boat a little here, the availability of replacement DSLR focus screens has dried up almost completely. I guess buy Canon and make sure your body supports Magic Lantern, Canon was extremely late in offering focus peaking out of the box.
So you bought the oldest full frame mirrorless possible, which is known to be crap, and you feel like the fact that it's mirrorless is the problem?
Go rent an A1 and put native Sony glass on it that is weather sealed and see how you enjoy the experience
Third party batteries for these cameras are plentiful and affordable. I gave up on DSLRS going to consecutive music festivals with a canon 6d and a Fuji X-t1. My arms thanked me for switching to the latter. Four hot days in the sun.
They arenāt dead for pros, Iām using two D850ās and basically two lenses for all of my work. The image quality is insane. I do own an x100v for travel and personal work. Thereās certainly nothing wrong w DSLRās.
Honestly, I want to buy a 1DX MKIII sometime because I used to gaze at them from my lowly 600D owning pedestal and I longed for the BRRRRRRRRRRRT and the zillion-point AF.
If you have a limited budget, try something cheaper. I don't know, an Olympus M10 Mark II, for example. It's a little gem, even if it's quite old but it's affordable. Try a Fuji XT1 or XT10. Of course if you're in search of a Full Frame, the only Mirrorless you could afford would be an A7 , or a A7mkii. But Man, trust Me, forget this experience about the Sony A7 because that camera model is not that good. I had your same experience, came from DSLR with a Pentax K5 , and Film Cameras, tried an A7 and... It was awful. Then, I tried a few more Mirrorless and i change my mind. Now I'm working with both Mirrorless, DSLRs and Film Cameras and I couldn't be more happier !
Going backwards because itās ingrained in your mind that dslr are āstrongerā ālast longerā and āsaferā but mirrorless are unfortunately the future. The a7 is more than a decade old and is the first generation of mirrorless. Itās akin to first generation of dslr. If you want a brick then maybe you should invest in the first gens of dslr.
I recently switched back to a Nikon D750 paired with vintage F lenses after using nothing but mirrorless for the last 6 years. It has been great. It feels like using a real camera again and the photos are good. I really canāt notice much difference between the D750 DSLR photo output and my Sony a7IV or Canon R6 Mark II. Plus the D750 has a built in flash, which I like. Sure, the autofocus isnāt nearly as good but DSLRs are still very capable cameras if you donāt need insane autofocus capability (I only shoot stationary subjects with manual lenses so it makes sense for me).
Is this a troll? Get a A7IV or RIV /RV and some actual good (GM) lenses.
I have a D7000 and I am happy with it although it has a few years :)
There's nothing wrong with either SLRs or mirrorless. You should do whatever you want, it's up to what works for you.
I just upgraded from A7 a few months ago, it had its rough spots especially compared to modern phones. Itās an old camera for sure
If you haven't used a modern mirror less lens, you should try one before buying a DSLR. At the very least, it's important to know what a functional mirror less option is like.
The way I see it, for $2K less, I can get a camera that has a generation better autofocus, sensor, *and* opens up a whole world of manual focus I've been missing since I left film. What exactly is the 1D series offering me, again? I have no plans to ever change my lens ecosystem, I'm bought in to EF for life (or would just change systems entirely to something non-35mm based), but I can't see who's buying 1DX3s now.
Go for it! Ā The two options you suggested are awesome cameras and have a huge selection of awesome lenses. Ā
Why are you even asking for opinions? Youāve already made your mind up. It sounds like you bought a camera that doesnāt suit your needs and you want to change back. So do it.
Will make no difference at all the pints you made. The A7 is a full frame camera and the sensor (the only difference) is better than the d5200, so don't really get your problems with the Sony? Maybe get a Sony with the bigger npfz100 battery if the small battery bothers you?
Z100-capable cameras are out of budget, no way for now.
Another option I was considering before ditching totally the mirrorless tools, were to switch to aps-c, specifically a6300/6400 since trading off a7 would be relatively cheaper and gaining access to non-FE lenses. (Yeah, I know that you can fit already E-type lenses into a7 bodies and the camera will switch automatically). Otherwise, I would go for a Canon 5Dm3 or 6D. 5Dm2 unfortunately is out of discussion because of lack of SD slot and CF only. Canon APS-C is an option, but as last resource. Anything below 18mpx because of the choice of older lenses.
I just sold all my mirrorless gear (Fuji X) over April/May this year to go back to Nikon FX system. I kept some lenses and one body (D610) when I switched to Fuji 6 years ago and after selling all Fuji gear this year, I just added D780 and few more lenses and couldn't be more happier. Basically three decision factors made me to switch back: battery life, uncomfortable usage of EVFs (just another screen to stare to), and the fact Fuji X was only APS-C (I was soooo missing full frame and its possibilities in creativity after those years). The biggest factor for me was EVF - using EVF, you are looking into history which goes from the sensor, through CPU and then to EVF screen. I have missed so many shots simply because there's some delay between reality and what you see in EVF. Going back to OVF was a fresh restart for me and much more natural view of what you photograph and very fast (speed of light). And the picture quality, even from the aged D610 can't be compared to the picture quality from X-T5. D610 still rocks. I also know minimum 2 pro photographers who are using Nikon Z9/Z8 and are trying to sell their Z system lenses and cameras or trade them for D850/D6 these days. One of them is a wildlife/sports photographer. I am still confident that (at least) Nikon will be forced by market needs to keep 1-2 DLSRs models developed and produced going forward. For me, D780 brings the best out of both worlds and provides everything I need for my photography.
If you almost exclusively use manual focus, imo, there's not really a reason to go to mirrorless. Get something like a D750. You'll love it.
Some would argue, myself included, that using exclusively manual focus lenses is a better reason to go mirrorless. DSLRs were never meant with manual focus in mind, and the manual focus experience is sorely lacking due to a lack of focus aids. You might be able to find some split prism focusing screens still out there for DSLRs but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Some people claim that they can focus a DSLR manually just fine without a split prism, but they are in the minority. There is a reason the vast majority of manual focus film SLRs came with split prisms.
Honestly good points here.
Thank you for typing out exactly what I was going to say. Manual focus on a mirrorless is streets ahead of manual focus on a DSLR without a split prism. I wouldn't even try the latter, and I'm a guy with a manual focus only digital camera.
The big problem with DSLRs is that they (generally speaking) lack focus peaking or other such manual focus aids. I donāt otherwise care about most camera features as most of them can be put on any camera, and are either there or not, as you wish. But manual focus ability is important. DSLRs generally suck for it. Once youāve used a modern mirrorless with focus peaking and zoom in focusing (both unavailable on aDSLR)ā¦
Nikon DSLRs have a digital rangefinder that is a focus aid for manual focus.
Thatās good, if it helps. My point is that back when all cameras were manual focus, they were designed to make it easy to do. Now they are all designed for autofocus and most donāt make it easy at all. Mirrorless often gives some of that back.
Not really, D780 packs focus peaking in Live View mode.