Nikon DX body mirror up: Hi, I am getting back into concert photography. I have been recommended by the editor to get a mirrorless camera system. I have a DX2s which has mirror lockup.

mkazmier

Hi, I am getting back into concert photography.
I have been recommended by the editor to get a mirrorless camera system.
I have a DX2s which has mirror lockup.
Is it recommended to keep the mirror lockup during the shoot, if it is possible?
If not, may I have a recommendation?
Thank you,
Michael

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Imho, Mirrorless and micro 4/3s are much less obtrusive because of their size. You can pack more punch in a smaller package.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I do not know how it could be possible to shoot a dSLR during an event with the mirror up. For landscape photography it would be perfect but for the next shot that mirror has to be down so that you can see the subject. A mirrorless camera is a totally different story because the mirror is not there. I believe that the camera you refer to is a Nikon D2X.

If there is a camera store nearby my recommendation is that you go there and hold some of them in your hands. Look at the ergonomics and then look at their features. A good, reputable camera store will have knowledgeable employees that will help you to make the right selection.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

camerapapi wrote:

I do not know how it could be possible to shoot a dSLR during an event with the mirror up. For landscape photography it would be perfect but for the next shot that mirror has to be down so that you can see the subject. A mirrorless camera is a totally different story because the mirror is not there.

You could use rear LCD as viewfinder in LV - use camera as though it is a cell phone - but I don’t know if Nikon requires that you cycle mirror up and down between shots.

BebuLamar

mkazmier wrote:

Hi, I am getting back into concert photography.
I have been recommended by the editor to get a mirrorless camera system.
I have a DX2s which has mirror lockup.
Is it recommended to keep the mirror lockup during the shoot, if it is possible?
If not, may I have a recommendation?
Thank you,
Michael

With the DX2 you really can't shoot with the mirror up. It's only for when you compose your shot on tripod and then lock the mirror and release the shutter. The DX2 doesn't have live view. I meant the D2X.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Those who hold onto their DSLRs, do not notice their mirrors are their chains.

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

When my kids were in high school theatrical productions I used Leica rangefinders to shoot during performances because of their near-silent shutters. If I had wanted to use my (film) Nikons I would have had to get a soundproofing "blimp" to put around 'em to quiet the noise of the mirror.

Today the weapon of choice would be a mirrorless camera. I tried one a few years ago and promptly got rid of all my DSLRs. For reasons other than shutter noise, but the option of a quiet shutter or a silent shutter is a nice fringe benefit.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

mkazmier wrote:

Hi, I am getting back into concert photography.
I have been recommended by the editor to get a mirrorless camera system.
I have a DX2s which has mirror lockup.
Is it recommended to keep the mirror lockup during the shoot, if it is possible?
If not, may I have a recommendation?
Thank you,
Michael

Shooting concerts? So it would be low light? My understanding is that most mirrorless systems auto focus really struggles in low light conditions. Actually not just low light but indoors in general.
So I guess my question would be why? Why do you or your editor think you need mirrorless?
I get the part about you need to upgrade from the D2x. I could understand an argument why not upgrade to the latest and greatest technology while you are at it. But I think a D500 would be a more logical consideration for what you want to do. Outstanding for low light and dynamic range. Fast frame rate so perfect for fast moving action. You can still use all your current lenses with it without adapters. Nikons best autofocus system. A little more expensive than Nikons Z50 but cheaper than the Z6 and Z7 assuming you want to stay in the Nikon line.
Apologies in advance I am making a lot of assumptions based on your not giving much info in your post.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Jaackil wrote:

But I think a D500 would be a more logical conside... (show quote)

Yes, the D5/D500/D850 have very good focusing,
but in any other comparison, getting it is hard to justify the D500

https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D500-versus-Nikon-Z6___1061_1269

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I never had a D2 but I don't believe that when the mirror is locked up you will be able to take a photo. The camera is not designed to do that, and when the mirror is locked up the sensor is disabled. The purpose of the mirror lock is to clean the sensor and you don't want voltage on the sensor, which may attract dust due to the static charge on the dust.

The mirrorless cameras make less noise, which may be why your editor recommended one.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

camerapapi wrote:

I do not know how it could be possible to shoot a ... (show quote)

That would be shooting in Live View (where one can see the subject)!

mkazmier

Hey all,
Thank you so very much for the informatiion.
I have to download sooo many pages to get the manual online.
I appreciate the efforts. It did help.
Michael

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Jaackil wrote:

Shooting concerts? So it would be low light? My ... (show quote)

Not necessarily so. Early mirrorless tech had some of that experience, but they’ve come a long, long way since 2010. I have a Sony A6300 and it has no problems focusing under any conditions. Pretty much the same with my RX100VII. It’s not quite as good as the A6300, but it does pretty good. The M 4/3 systems have very good focusing, as do Fuji mirrorless cameras. As technology has progressed, so have the overall, including autofocusing, capabilities of mirrorless cameras.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

mkazmier wrote:

Hi, I am getting back into concert photography.
I have been recommended by the editor to get a mirrorless camera system.
I have a DX2s which has mirror lockup.
Is it recommended to keep the mirror lockup during the shoot, if it is possible?
If not, may I have a recommendation?
Thank you,
Michael

I don’t think you want to use mirror lockup while shooting a concert. You won’t be able to see either through the viewfinder, and I don’t believe your camera has a rear screen. A good reason for using a mirrorless camera is that most of them have a silent shutter feature which is useful when shooting concerts, plays, etc., when the noise from a shutter is annoying. A DSLR can’t give you a silent shutter.

I think you would also benefit from a mirrorless camera because it’s smaller (less intrusive) and lighter, but just as capable as a DSLR, and of course, quieter. I can’t advise what brand of camera you might be interested in, however, since you already own Nikon, you might be interested in the new Z line of mirrorless cameras. You can get the adapter that will allow you to use your current lenses on the Z cameras. The Z6 and Z7 are full frame, and the Z50 is DX.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

The thing that everyone seems to miss is that mirror-up turns off the voltage to the sensor.

If you use mirror-up, it's impossible to get an image.