bfitzgerald wrote:Ran across this discussing the low end problem:
http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/the ... oblem.html
The issue for ILC's is they might get squeezed at both ends. Higher end better compacts meeting the needs of "most" (who don't really want more lenses crowd) and genuinely portable nothing extra to carry, could cause problems for mirror less. Cheap DSLR's offering " more bang per buck" and opening up the door for more serious users.
Had something like the RX100 been available years ago, perhaps I wouldn't have felt a need to buy a DSLR. I liked high-end compacts, but there was a period where manufacturers had very few for sale, and they all used small sensors, etc. So, I got a "cheap DSLR" for the price of a high-end compact, as you say. It was a lot of fun, except for the bulk -- I wanted the quality but without the bulk. That's where the Nex comes in.
As for the mirror less rampage, well a few issues as per that article.
Lower end ILC's have no viewfinder, nothing at all which is a bit of a problem for some buyers, you have to move up to a NEX 6 or higher for a VF (in Sony's range), yet prices are no better than lower end DSLR's. That's one reason I find the cost point to be a real thorn in the side of mirror less. No VF, in some cases no hot shoe or built in flash, less moving parts aka no mirror box/prism etc, only micro 4/3 offers IBIS. Bottom line is there isn't a hope in hell I'd go for that (purely on convenience alone)
We all make our choices, and price is an important one. At the low-end, you're right that things like no VF or proper hot shoe are problems for the advanced enthusiast, but may not be as much of a problem for many people.
But when you move up to a Nex-6, you're right that prices are no better, but it's not like you're sacrificing much. After years, we now have options -- we can get quality in a more portable package. Even the kit lenses have OSS. There's no way I'd go for a DSLR.
Users like myself who just want a more compact day camera would be better off with erm..probably a better quality compact.
I wish more of these had been available in the past. Today, there are some good choices. These days, I'm interested in the Nex rather than, say, an RX100 because the Nex still has a distinct larger sensor advantage, as well as being able to change lenses.
Or if I did buy an ILC, there is no guarantee I'd buy a Sony either (there are other options) plus if I'm intent on using my lenses that I have already I'm not that likely to be buying native ILC lenses.
If you want to use legacy 35mm-format lenses, you're probably better-off using the Nex than other MILC alternatives.
Would you rather buy for the quality or the convenience? It's hard to tell. You can have both with the Nex, but that seems to be your least-preferred choice.
Unless you are a switcher wanting the smaller size and happy to dump your current system, I see mirrorless as a bit of a paper tiger really, there is a market for it, but it's nowhere near as dominating as some think.
I suppose we shall see how ILC's do in 2014 and if they can turn sales around from the sharp falls this year.
We'll also have to see how DSLRs do in 2014 and see if they can turn sales around from the sharp falls this year.
Seriously, both formats have had fewer sales lately.
However, I think it's true that more people prefer the DSLR format. That doesn't mean that ILCs should disappear, as there are still those of us that prefer a more compact format.
I think a lot of the attraction of the DSLR format is the impression that it is the mark of a "pro" camera. I think more people would be interested in smaller cameras, if smaller cameras gained a better reputation; the Nex just "looks" like a typical P&S and doesn't inspire the confidence of a massive DSLR.
Worth pointing out that Sony now have "4" A mount adaptors, 2 APS-C one SLT, 2 FF one SLT. That could be a bit confusing for buyers
For which buyers? It's not going to be the typical Nex buyer who will be shopping for A-mount lenses to adapt, but you do have to know what you're doing to choose correctly. It's hardly the only confusing thing in the realm of interchangeable lens cameras; for example, Nikon changed their format, removing screw drive, and you could buy a legacy lens that wouldn't work on a new camera. There are m43 lenses that require software adjustment and which will do so on one manufacturer's cameras but not on another's. Surely there are others?
But, if you buy a Nex and stick to Nex lenses, it should work simply enough.
If someone feels to overwhelmed by ILC, they should stick to a bridge camera or advanced compact.