Who Needs New? Ten LOW COST Mirrorless Cameras - From £100 - £400!

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

With M43, advantages are lighter telephotos/ lenses in general - because of the 2x crop. Also deeper depth of field (often presented as a negative) can be very advantageous e.g. for macro, and for photographing in low light where you need to shoot wide open but want the deeper dof. The focal reducers aka speedboosters for M43 seem to be usually 0.6-0.7x. Are also said to increase the quality of the lens [and increase the maximum aperture cause they shorten focal length]. David Thorpe's reviews here are a great resource for info about m43 cameras and lenses.

[@earlfenwick]

Long live David Thorpe!

[@sakeboersma]

Nice video! Educational! And your love for Olympus always makes me feel good ☺️

[@elfcounsul]

I just upgraded from the em10 to the EM5 II, not so much for image quality, but features. I used the em 10 for about 7 or 8 years, maybe more. It’s a solid little camera you can buy for a song.

[@tdgs62]

The OM-D E-M5 has image stabilisation built into the camera and, like the colours these cameras produce, it is first class. When the photos from the Olympus are printed to A3+ you can't tell them apart from ones from a 5D.

[@RossLarson]

My first mirrorless camera purchase was the Sony NEX-6 earlier this year, and it was a really good entry into mirrorless photography, as well as into adapting vintage lenses. Thanks for making an excellent video to encourage people to get into the process of using and appreciating mirrorless cameras without dropping a bunch of money on a new high-end camera.

[@tonyw.6813]

Another great tutorial. I have to say that whenever i delve into the vintage world of cameras or lenses, i always turn to this channel for a review or how to guide. I have been using vintage lenses on M 4/3 cameras for a couple of years now. I was originally using an Olympus Pen lite E-PL1 camera, that had an optional viewfinder, at first I could achieve a sharp image just by using the LCD screen, the eyes are getting a bit old now! I then bought a E-PL3 camera. Again with the optional viewfinder which I did not have at that time. However, I did buy the electronic viewfinder, Which cost 3 x the amount of the camera, which I had bought as spares or repair on eBay. Turns out there was nothing wrong with it, it just needed a charged battery! Well, the viewfinder was a real game changer. I can now digitally zoom in and fine tune the focus and get excellent results. This is really my main camera now. With the adapters I can use Cannon FD, Olympus OM, Rollei and Leica lenses.

[@xxxxtripxxxxOSG]

I will second the Olympus cameras having very nice colors. I switched to used Olympus cameras (an E-M10 and E-M1) from my Nikon after I shot a thrift store pickup E-PL1 and feel in love with the colors and how much time it saved me not having to spend loads of time editing RAW files from the Nikon to get pictures I liked. Have wanted to try an older Fuji mirrorless, just have not wanted to add another mount to my collection right now.

[@TL-xw6fh]

Yes, the Epl series and the EM10 and EM5 series have magic 16MP sensors and colour science!

[@TL-xw6fh]

The best Olympus sensor is the 16MP sensor used in the OM10, EM5, EP and the EPL series. They are simply magic. The colours SOOC are brilliant, as good as the Fujifilm colours.

[@numbersix8919]

Thank you for the tip! Also there are plenty of wide angle MFT lenses that aren't so expensive.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

How does it compare to the 20mp in the Em10iv and ep7?

[@TL-xw6fh]

@@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x TBH, there is very very little difference, unless you pixel peep at 200 to 300%. Normally, you will need at least 50% to 100% increase in pixel count to notice the difference. The 16MP sensor is also very good in low light, but this is also because the latter processors are faster and better at noise reduction.

[@nicokremers7150]

Don’t forget the Sony A7s! Only 12 mp, but very sensitive and including a real silent shutter. The A7 only has a first curtain electronical shutter. I have both but like the S more.

[@sztomi90]

I agree. Silent shutter is a must have. I only use the A7s....it is a workhorse with vintage lenses

[@alangamble3236]

Hi Nigel , great advice regarding purchasing at a reasonable price and selling on if it doesn’t suit. I’ve recently bought and sold Olympus EPL8 and EPL 9 models for between £175 and £250 for body only. I’ve actually ended up with the EPL 7 model as my every day carry which was £200 with lens in perfect condition. I’m lucky enough to have the electronic view finder which is a must if using vintage/legacy lenses. For someone needing a more advanced feature camera I would suggest the Olympus OMD EM5mkii. It’s still relatively low priced but is a great all round camera capable of producing superb results and only slightly larger than the EM10. Incidentally anyone purchasing the EM10 range should also consider getting the Olympus hand grip as it significantly improves the handling when using longer lenses.

[@zenography7923]

Olympus made some lovely digitals, for sure!

[@amermeleitor]

One great thing is that the other full frame brands are reducing the price very fast in the used market. Canon RP, Nikon Z5, Panasonic S5, etc, are great alternatives to use with manual lenses

[@jungleboy1]

what are your suggestions for the S5?

[@npdady]

Fujifilm XT1 turns 10 years old this year. Still my most favorite camera ever.

[@sauravbasu8805]

Which other mirrorless cameras did you get your hands on ?

[@npdady]

@sauravbasu8805 I've tried a lot of Fujifilm, XE2, XT20, XT3, XA20, XA3. I've also tried a Lumix GF3 before. Sony, I tried the RX100 mk II though that's not really a mirrorless. So far, my favorite is still the XT1 paired with the classic xf 35mm f1.4. Second favorite is the XE2 paired with xf 35mm f2. I just love xtrans ii sensor basically.

[@Andrey.Balandin]

@@npdady I don't know. I switched xt1 for xt3 for the bigger and more detailed EVF, because I prefer manual focusing. Also, I didn't gel with xf35 1.4 - I don't get all the hype. I mean it's fine, but AF is slow, CAs are strong, sharpness is okay, but 7artisans 35 0.95 has a more artistic look and is optically better at equal apertures. What is it about xf35 1.4?

[@npdady]

@@Andrey.Balandin I had both the XT1 and XT3. End up selling the XT3 for 3 reasons. 1. Noise. The images from XT3 was noisier and wasn't as pleasing to my eyes, despite the higher dynamic range. 2. Worse battery life. The battery would drain on standby, would drain when off. Like I could store the camera with a full battery and find out a week later the battery is dead and all my settings are gone. 3. Dusty shutter button. The shutter button is prone to dust and that makes it finnicky, as in it doesn't release shutter 100% of the time. Sometimes I had to wiggle it, or press in a certain angle. It's a common issue among XT3 apparently, from forums online. I've missed many a moments because of this it's infuriating. As for xf 35mm f1.4, it's divisive I get it. You either love it or hate it. I had the xf 35mm f2, and despite the speed and wr, I still prefer the f1.4 lens' images. The color rendering is special to my eyes.

[@TheManFrayBentos]

I've been using my OM-D EM-1 this year, after scratching the Full Frame itch and deciding to give m4/3 a try. I'm quite pleased with it and bonus, the latest firmware installs a couple of things it never left the factory with, which is good. I also purchased a Viltrox focal reducer to get back some of the lost utility of the vintage lenses, which works well enough.

[@sauravbasu8805]

What were the things you did not like about the full-frame ?

[@stephentalas1940]

Got to say one of the best bargains I've found is the Lumix G3 I think I got mine a year or so ago from a welll known used site, for £45? (well used). Easily one of the most 'compact of compact mirrorless' out there and a rotatable flip screen. a few cosmetic marks, but still a fine camera, and in its day its praises were sung by many. That and my OM D EM10mk2 those two in my camera bag make for a light carry, and yes indeed the colour on the Olympus is outstanding, though I feel its build is just a tad on the flimsy side, always find myself being careful with things like the power switch, battery compartment. I'd love a Fuji and I live in the hope that they may one day drop below the £200 mark, but the secondhand market seems to just be heating up all round, the problem with excellent channels like your own is that sellers and the used market twig on, ah well such is life.

[@da009999]

What site was it? eBay?

[@stephentalas1940]

@@da009999 No, MPB, still a few on there going for about £70

[@numbersix8919]

Thanks, Father Christmas! Great section on Fuji X-Trans 2 cameras!

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Olympus make the smallest cameras with IBIS. Had the E-PL2 for a long time (has the best grip of the E-P/E-PL range). Depending on what you shoot, the 12mp count can be a bit low.

[@bondgabebond4907]

Love to see more people pickup a older, vintage (if we can call it that) camera that is in good shape. There are so many used bodies for sale, sitting in a drawer doing nothing but waiting for someone to purchase one. They would make a great gift to a youngling who wants to get into photography. I now, after owning both aps-c and FF cameras, would recommend an FF body like the Sony A7R. There are so many Chinese and Korean lenses that are very good selling for very little. That is why I would recommend full frame and not get stuck with a system you really don't want.

[@robstammers7149]

My three favourite mirrorless cameras are: The Sony Cybershot DSC R1, the Minolta Dimage 7i. And finally the Sony Cybershot H5. I use them all. And, you know what, I have great fun using them, and great interest from passers by!

[@ToddJones1970]

I own a Lumix S52X, Sony A7IV & Fuji Xt30II, which all excel in their own right.

[@LeeWilson-x6c]

I have purchased an X-T1 and an X10 during the last year and love them. They are beautifully made and I love the weight of them. Even with the grip on the X-T1, the weight is still very good. I generally shoot Nikon DSLR,s . The Z cameras are expensive with the Nikon adapters running at over £200 used. I enjoy using the Nikon lenses on the Fuji with an adapter. Both Fujis I own are in pristine condition and I honestly cannot believe the prices now for them. For instance, the X10 came complete with everything including leather case, boxed etc for £200. For an example like that now would set you back at least another 50% more. Fuji cameras really have taken off pricewise. Why do you think this is as there seems to be enough around ? Anyway Nigel, loved the video !

[@itsallminor6133]

Nice video. Most people buy a camera and hardly use it. And don't use it to it's full potential. Then it goes into the second hand market. Many of these 10 year old cameras are hardly used. And some of these cameras such as the sony electric shutters are rated for 500k + shutter counts. The cameras are more than enough for most any person and built to last basically a lifetime. Its amazing you can pick up these cameras on the secondary market so cheap and in basically hardly used condition! Small amount of money and you'll be able to shoot it for years, and years. Really. Most any of these cameras will be more than enough for most people.

[@samsen3965]

Loved also your Nikon Micro Nikkor-P.C Auto 55mm F3.5 Close-Up Non Ai (The Baba black side's macro lens!) & have a copy, still on my Nikon F2 Photomatic... Obviously with original F extension ring. And still turns the heads if I take it out with me!

[@rangersmith4652]

That's the trick: buy a Lumix G-series, and you can audition mirrorless and M4/3 at the same time. Mine's a G5. Now I've added two Canons: an R50 and an R10.

[@martingreenberg870]

I have the XE1 but didn’t use it very much. It only has contrast detection for the autofocus like LUMIX bodies before the GX9ii. Just bought the XE2 because it had PDAF. Paid $360. In September bought a Lumix GX85 for $300 with the battery charger. Love small and lightweight bodies. I also bought an Olympus EMD1 Markii for $400. Sturdy body. Has PDAF plus the wonderful Olympus IBIS. The battery seems to last forever. A real winner. I keep the 12-40 pro lens on that body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Magnetron692]

Hello Nigel, many thanks! Yes, mirrorless cameras have a great loss in values just as cars do. You can use that to your advantage if you buy used gear and not the latest cameras but its predecessors. Best wishes, Ralf

[@nicedward7544]

a6000 can be had for cheap. I'd honestly take it over an a7 if you want to use any AF lenses as it's much faster. It's also much easier on that old battery that the a7 will eat alive. Third gen ff Sony battery was a godsend. I was losing my mind with those old batteries especially after coming from dslr.

[@zenography7923]

Battery life was always hopeless in the a7!

[@rentedtux1883]

I've got a Canon 5d Classic and a Mk2. Not mirrorless, but I can't find a reason to get one. They do things that are amazing. I do have an R5 as well. I still reach for those on most occasions

[@sauravbasu8805]

Which lenses do you suggest for 5dii ?

[@rentedtux1883]

​@sauravbasu8805 the trusty 50mm 1.8 and the 85mm 1.8

[@caw25sha]

I'm surprised you don't like the X-Pro optical viewfinder because it gives a traditional rangefinder experience. I only use a 35mm standard lens on mine and it gives a bit extra round the edges which makes composition easier.

[@nvrumi]

This is the primary argument for the optical viewfinder/blended viewfinder on some of the Fuji cameras. If it suits one's style of shooting, it is wonderful. Good call!

[@zenography7923]

It's a beautiful bit of engineering and a lovely thing in itself, I just didn't get on with it myself as I shoot a lot of vintage lenses, only rarely moderns (which the optical vf is really designed for).

[@TL-xw6fh]

Many people never used a real rangefinder analogue camera and think that the Fujifilm optical viewfinder is the real deal. Try a Leica M series camera and you will find that the X-Pro version is rather inferior. That is why, once past the initial enthusiasm phase, users typically stick to the EVF or LCD viewfinder.

[@derrenleepoole]

Things to consider that I think is often overlooked when judging the quality of a camera and its output here on KZbin land, especially if you’re considering making a camera purchase, is we view content on this platform at a maximum resolution of 4K or perhaps U4K resolution when available. Most people don’t realise 4K is around 8.3 megapixels. What this means is you will never truly see how a system does and does not perform in terms of image quality on this platform, as you will only ever see that output, regardless of what it is, at a maximum resolution of 8mp. All the suggestions here are excellent options to consider. I’ve owned 4 Fuji X-Pro1 bodies… astounding camera system with a fantastic sensor. The XT1 or 2 would be serious contenders for consideration. The XH1 is an XT3 in a different body, and can be had for £400 if you hunt around. Now that is a seriously good camera. The Olympus OMD line, even the Pen line are incredible cameras. Owned three different Sony bodies, the A7, A7ii and A7S….. of the three the A7S was amazing with vintage lenses and would be my preferred choice for that reason. I personally feel 12mp is more than enough.

[@letni9506]

I never get the autofocus obsession or the dynamic range obsession. I buy lower end cameras of various sensor sizes and they all focus on what i want to focus on and i never look at a photo and think hmm could do with more dynamic range. I think any camera from ten years ago is fine.

[@raygeary1698]

Still got my xe1 👍

[@timothykieper]

GH2 has the very (very) common issue of : "Turn camera off, Then back on" Unfortunately, this fixes nothing and no real remedy. My personal favorite is the Lumix G100. 20MP sensor with 4k video. About $250 used

[@user-vj5dh4jl9x]

I once bought a cheap Sony A7 to see if I would like a full frame camera. It was great but the battery life was bad. Now I have a Nikon Z5 and I love it.

[@zenography7923]

Yep, that tiny battery just isn't quite up to the job!

[@nonamninom9344]

The same happened to me but I liked sony and now I own A7iii ;) And spare batteries for a7 which I did not give up.

[@grahvis]

To anyone used to using roll film cameras, the idea that the small battery and carrying a couple of spares was inconvenient, is a joke.

[@GauklerOlaf]

I like my heavily used A7 and I have lots of spare batteries. ❤

[@fintonmainz7845]

I wish someone would make adapters for, for example Sony E to m34 mount.

[@nicedward7544]

Sony lens to film camera??? They make Sony to m4/3

[@fintonmainz7845]

@nicedward7544 I meant sony e mount as in the A7 or nex mirrorless lenses to m43. A lot of people have sony lenses.

[@imagenatura]

Here are some of the ones I'd suggest: Panasonic S1 or S5 (about 750 euros), Nikon Z5 or Z6 (600 Euros). I'd avoid the M43 cameras for vintage just because there are so many native cheap and great lenses. Also, they tend to not be as sharp with vintage on M43. Vintage = Full Frame.

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

Chinese m43 wide lenses are readily available

[@zenography7923]

Indeed they are!

[@obscurelines]

Would probably say get an S5. Thats an almost modern camera that people are selling off for £600 with the 20-60 lens. The only downside is you might start buolding a stock of L mount lenses that wont be mich use in the ling run unless Panasonic pick up their game. If forced to do a wedding or similar with a cheaper older camera, id probably look to Fuji - x-t2 or x-h1.

[@georgianrooms]

I have a Panasonic Lumix G3 which I use with a Lydith 30mm f3.5 (I think it has 10 blades) - gives me a 60mm equivalent. Camera cost me £60 on Ebay.....

[@zenography7923]

Bargain!

[@pkeiths1594]

jeez Fuji gone up in prices alot . Bought a XT1 about 3 years ago talk excellent condition for £275 now about £350. What really mad is the price they are trying to sell Fuji X10. If you want a cheap M4/3 id look for a panasonic G6

[@EricSzweblik-zj4mx]

Fuji not reliable £300 to buy £400 to repair😂 olympus wins hands down very reliable

[@madmechanic7641]

Why didnt you mention anny Canon 5D4 or 3??? FF

[@sbcwinn]

No such thing as an EP-4! "4" is an unlucky number in Japonese, so Olympus went from the EP-3 to the EP-5. FYI.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the correction!

[@franssung]

Then .. how about X-T4?

[@samsen3965]

Prices are going up despite lack of demand and replacement of entire market sector by the highly capable smart phones... Seriously and what is going on with market?

[@jeremykeller211]

This is not photography. This is blatant marketing.

[@charleslawrence7327]

get your kit off lad

[@zenography7923]

i'm afraid i never take my camera off