Which Format do you Prefer

I'm in the market to get a new camera. I want to return to using a interchangeable lens camera. The hard part of the decision is choosing which format

traditional DSLR or Mirrorless. Wondering what you guys are using and why.

I'm still using my old Sony DSCf828 which is mirrorless. It does all that I want it to. If it didn't I'd have to go with a DSLR and I might anyway... eventually. But for now it does what I want so I'm not looking.

If I shot action I might want a DSLR. Or if I needed lenses that the zoom on the 828 and it's converter lenses can't dupicate I'd go to a DSLR. I like the fact that my 828 does a credible job with video. It's not a video camera, but it'll do.

I like both for different reasons.  My DSLR now is a mirrorless Pentax K-01.  I like the large viewfinder, which makes focusing easier with my old eyes and my vintage metal Super Takumar lenses.  The other advantage of mirrorless is size - this format can be very compact and still be capable of excellent resolution.

I chose Pentax because of the backward compatibility to any lens ever made for the mount. My K-01 can use any lens made since the 1960s with full metering and most functions intact.

The newer Nikons require new lenses to work properly, so that priced me out of that system. For example, the newer Nikon bodies don't meter through the old lenses.

My Dad has the Sony mirrorless and swears by it.

I have a Canon 7D which has a mirror and really like it.

My guess in 10 years they will only be selling mirrorless since it opens so many options for the camera companies. Mine will shoot 8 frames a second with a mirror at 1/2000 of a second - until the buffer fills. The mirrorless could shoot faster as long as they have the memory.

Plus - I now have over 50,000 photos taken with my camera and know that they say the shutter lasts about 100000 shots so it looms in the back of my mind that it will at some point go out.

I'm in the market to get a new camera. I want to return to using a interchangeable lens camera. The hard part of the decision is choosing which format

traditional DSLR or Mirrorless. Wondering what you guys are using and why.

What type of photography are you planning to do?

The market is changing. Very soon, the DSLR will go the way of the SLR, and the question will be moot. All the major manufacturers are starting to slowly but surely eliminate the DSLR packages and convert to mirrorless.

I'm just hoping I can get a mirrorless adaptor for all my lenses...

I like both for different reasons.  My DSLR now is a mirrorless Pentax K-01.  I like the large viewfinder, which makes focusing easier with my old eyes and my vintage metal Super Takumar lenses.  The other advantage of mirrorless is size - this format can be very compact and still be capable of excellent resolution.

I chose Pentax because of the backward compatibility to any lens ever made for the mount.  My K-01 can use any lens made since the 1960s with full metering and most functions intact.

The newer Nikons require new lenses to work properly, so that priced me out of that system.  For example, the newer Nikon bodies don't meter through the old lenses.

This is one of the main reasons I stick with Pentax, they care about their customers by maintaining backwards compatibility. I wish other companies in many other industries would do the same.

I like both for different reasons.  My DSLR now is a mirrorless Pentax K-01.  I like the large viewfinder, which makes focusing easier with my old eyes and my vintage metal Super Takumar lenses.  The other advantage of mirrorless is size - this format can be very compact and still be capable of excellent resolution.

I chose Pentax because of the backward compatibility to any lens ever made for the mount.  My K-01 can use any lens made since the 1960s with full metering and most functions intact.

The newer Nikons require new lenses to work properly, so that priced me out of that system.  For example, the newer Nikon bodies don't meter through the old lenses.

This is one of the main reasons I stick with Pentax, they care about their customers by maintaining backwards compatibility.  I wish other companies in many other industries would do the same.

The backward compatibility is the reason I too chose Pentax after using Canons for years.
I have never regretted switching rather than fighting.
I also was swayed by price differences for what I considered similar lenses and other accessories.
However when it comes to film I think the Canon T90, which I used for 20 years, is one of the best 35 mm cameras ever made. I hear it has now achieved cult status.

[Image: CanonT90.jpg]

Mickey

I have a Canon 7D which has a mirror and really like it.

My guess in 10 years they will only be selling mirrorless since it opens so many options for the camera companies. Mine will shoot 8 frames a second with a mirror at 1/2000 of a second - until the buffer fills.  The mirrorless could shoot faster as long as they have the memory.

Plus - I now have over 50,000 photos taken with my camera and know that they say the shutter lasts about 100000 shots so it looms in the back of my mind that it will at some point go out.

Avg shutter life of a 7D, per Canon, is 150K clicks. At 50K clicks, you haven't even broke in your shutter. And even if your shutter goes, some people, for example, replace the shutter in a 1D4 three times, and they last for 300K clicks. I would not worry about shutter life for a 1D, 5D or 7D series camera.

For the OP, it all depends upon your intentions. Trying to use a stupid screen in the sun is too difficult. I can't even see my iphone screen in the sunlight. Nothing replaces optical. A second major drawback is power. Every time that screen displays, you draw power. If you are outside in the cold doing wildlife, you don't want to draw power for a screen. Electronics = bad for power. So, it depends. Snapshots of the kids or the vacation to disney world - probably don't matter. Serious work outside in the cold. It matters.

The real issue here should be crop vs full frame. Prices have come down now on entry level full frame to make them reasonable. Don't waste time on a crop IF you intend to get serious, jump straight to full frame. Its not 2006 anymore and prices have gone down substantially.