chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...I might have an opportunity to shoot on a movie production location, could be inside/outside/who knows. Well, this has got me thinking that I need to be quiet (meaning the shutter) and unobtrusive (meaning me...I'll wear camouflage, haha). I've got great, albeit noisy, equipment that would be fine in any condition...other than the "noisy" part. So how about mirrorless? I'm not up for an A9, but would spring for 2.5k in gear...body and 2 lenses. Low light is the determiner, as I need to at least be able to function there somewhat. I'm liking what I'm reading for the Panasonics and Oly's...but who out there has *real* experience in eclectic conditions with mirrorless? Please, just folks who have the chops...I'm saturated reading stuff.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The #1 selling full frame mirrorless from B&H for the first quarter year of 2018 was the a7iii. It goes for $2000. And it comes with Sony's New longer life battery. Some call it the little brother to Sony's most expensive mirrorless, the a9.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Will you be shooting video?

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...I cringe. So, not if I can help it! ;0)

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

re

...yes, I've read all about it and it looks good. But, have YOU shot with it? That's what I'm looking for, real-world experience. Thanks for the response...

Newsbob Loc: SF Bay Area

I love my A7r3. It has silent shutter mode, which is odd, because I kept thinking I wasn’t actually taking a shot. I upgraded from the A7r2 because of several upgrades, such as bigger battery and dual memory card slots. But the 2 is an excellent camera in its own right. You’d save a bunch of money and still be able to carry out your mission. (If you’re interested, I’m still looking for a buyer for the 2.)

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

For video Panasonic GH5!!!

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Any of the Panasonic or Olympus M4/3 cameras can shoot silently. There are fast lenses in the system too.

My experiences with a Panasonic GX7 and GX8 have been pleasing. Even the fixed lens Panasonic LX100 has a M4/3 sensor and f/1.7 (at wide angle) and f/2.8 (at telephoto).

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I have real experience with the Fuji X-T2 and I have gotten perfectly satisfactory shots at ISO 6400.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I like Fuji. There is the XT-2 and X-Pro2 which are excellent and there is a new one out HX? Which gets excellent reviews.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

That must be for pre-orders, because the a7III doesn't come out until April 10.

BJW

REPLY:

For about $2.5k consider this:

Lumix G85 body $1000 new $695 used
Leica DG SUMMILUX 25mm 1:1.4 $800
Lumix G Vario 35-100mm 1:2.8. $1100.

I have not had to use any flash and I shoot in RAW, making up for any low light issues in PP.

I use these as my travel gear and am extremely satisfied.

Good luck
BJW

rayr

I have been shooting with the Olympus OMD EM1 Mark ll for almost a year now and I really enjoy this camera. I shoot Landscape and wildlife and I can attest to the silent electronic shutter, you can't hear it while you are holding the camera and shooting it. With a "nifty fifty" 1.8 lens, you can do very well in low light, and the in body stabilization is unreal, you can shoot 1/2 second hand held shots with no issues. The last firmware update was a great improvement to the continuous auto focus. I still shoot some with my Nikon D750, but I use the Olympus 90% of the time. Hope this helps.

Bill_de Loc: US

Unless this is a long term opportunity, you might consider renting. You may find you still prefer your noisy old gear. With a little experience with a rental you will be in a better position to decide if you want mirrorless, and what features you need to concentrate on when making a final decision.

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Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I have owned an Olympus EM1 mark II for almost 15 months and I would not swap it for any other camera on the market (I also own a Nikon D500). Prior to my EM1 mark II, I owned 2 x Olympus EM1 bodies. Without knowing the type of shots you prefer, the distances you will be shooting at, or the lighting, it's difficult to provide a recommendation for specific equipment. For what it's worth, however, you might consider the following: An Olympus EM1 mark II (used, if you can find one) together with the following used Olympus lenses. a)M. Zuiko 12mm f1.2. b) M. Zuiko 25mm f1.8 c) M. Zuiko 75mm f1.8. An alternative would be: d) M. Zuiko PRO 12 - 40mm f2.8 combined with e) M. Zuiko 40 - 150mm f2.8. The latter two lenses are fabulous and would probably be my choice (having owned both). The first three lenses, however, cater better for low light: and the 75mm f1.8 is a stunning lens. As an alternative to the EM1 mark II, you could do worse than purchasing 2 x used EM1 bodies with your choice of lens on each. That way, you are less likely to miss a shot through changing lenses. Just remember the 2 x crop factor and depth of field with M43 equipment.