Grip on mirrorless camera: I seem to notice many mirrorless camera owners are purchasing grips to hold their cameras. The purpose of the mirrorless camera is to reduce weight isn't it?

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

I seem to notice many mirrorless camera owners are purchasing grips to hold their cameras. The purpose of the mirrorless camera is to reduce weight isn't it? I would think by the time one has put the grip on the camera it would be near the weight of a DSLS. Then when a longer lens if placed on the camera wouldn't this defeat the purpose of going mirrorless unless mirrorless cameras takes better quality photos than a DSLR. I have never owned either camera, but planning on purchasing a mirrorless. If there is a DSLR that is as light as a mirrorless I would like to know what it is. Thank you

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Gregger wrote:

I seem to notice many mirrorless camera owners are... (show quote)

I shoot mirror less and have no interest in adding a grip. But some people like mirrorless for other reasons than size and actually want to make them bigger or easier to grip, and those folks often cite long lenses as a reason they want extra bulk. They also like the extra battery they can keep there or the extra buttons. I'd rather keep my extra battery in my pocket and I want all my buttons right on my camera.

mechengvic Loc: SoCalo

Buying a grip or using a grip for a mirrorless camera does not defeat the purpose of having a lighter weight system. A grip is not permanent, but it does makes an incredibly innovative and powerful photographic tool even more versatile.

The image quality, performance, and technology in the best mirrorless cameras exceed that of all but the best DSLRs. That is the MAIN reason for buying mirrorless.

Haydon

Agreed that adding weight might be a deterrent to some users but bodies with grips balance the weight when using longer lenses.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I can't speak for the rest of the Hoggers but, anything that makes a camera more stable is a benefit even if it adds a little weight. I'm not a fan of mirrorless & therefore no viewfinder cameras. They're inherently unstable because you don't have a viewfinder to put up to your eye to help stabilize them. Somebody out there is going to argue against my observation.

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

For example, I own an Olympus OM-D EM-10, which replaced my Nikon D7000. The camera is much smaller and lighter. I put on an Olympus grip made for the EM-10 and it is still much smaller and lighter than my D7000. The lenses for the Olympus system are for the most part smaller and lighter without giving up anything in quality. The grip just makes the camera more ergonomic and secure in the hand. Some of best features of the EM-10, are the tilt touchscreen, wifi, and 3 axis image stabilization built into the body. Another good feature of not only the Micro Four Thirds system, but APS-C and Full Frame mirrorless cameras is that you can use lenses from other camera systems with appropriate adapters. I don't think that I have given up much, if anything switching to Olympus from Nikon. The EM-10 is a joy to use and a camera that I don't hesitate to take with me anywhere. My advice would be to rent a mirrorless camera and see how you like it. There are many fine systems from Olympus, Fuji, Panasonic, and Sony. Good luck in your pursuit.

mechengvic Loc: SoCalo

nicksr1125 wrote:

I can't speak for the rest of the Hoggers but, anything that makes a camera more stable is a benefit even if it adds a little weight. I'm not a fan of mirrorless & therefore no viewfinder cameras. They're inherently unstable because you don't have a viewfinder to put up to your eye to help stabilize them. Somebody out there is going to argue against my observation.

The best mirrorless cameras have amazing electronic viewfinders that have capabilities impossible with analog viewfinders.

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

nicksr1125 wrote:

I can't speak for the rest of the Hoggers but, anything that makes a camera more stable is a benefit even if it adds a little weight. I'm not a fan of mirrorless & therefore no viewfinder cameras. They're inherently unstable because you don't have a viewfinder to put up to your eye to help stabilize them. Somebody out there is going to argue against my observation.

Why do do think mirrorless cameras don't have viewfinders? Have you ever used a mirrorless camera? Olympus OM-D cameras are extremely stable and they allow you to use lenses that don't have built in IS. Fortunately, your observations are unfounded.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I suppose there are various reasons why some people want to add a grip to their mirrorless cameras, but I suspect many have developed a bad habit of supporting most of the camera's weight with their right hand instead of their left (underneath the camera and lens) and therefore miss the bulky grip common on modern DSLR cameras.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

h2odog wrote:

Why do do think mirrorless cameras don't have viewfinders? Have you ever used a mirrorless camera? Olympus OM-D cameras are extremely stable and they allow you to use lenses that don't have built in IS. Fortunately, your observations are unfounded.

I have a Sony DSC-H400 which can be used with either the EVF or live view LCD screen. Holding the camera so I can see the LCD screen so it is stable and still take a picture is very unnatural & not comfortable. I'm much more comfortable with a viewfinder & traditional style of holding a 35mm camera. About the only time I use the LCD screen on my H400 is when it's on a tripod for stability.

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

nicksr1125 wrote:

I have a Sony DSC-H400 which can be used with either the EVF or live view LCD screen. Holding the camera so I can see the LCD screen so it is stable and still take a picture is very unnatural & not comfortable. I'm much more comfortable with a viewfinder & traditional style of holding a 35mm camera. About the only time I use the LCD screen on my H400 is when it's on a tripod for stability.

Take a look at some of the Panasonic mirrorless cameras that resemble DSLR's such as the G and GH series. They are quite capable and feel like smaller, lighter DSLR's. Olympus has the OM-D EM-1, Fuji, the XT-1, Sony A series, all terrific mirrorless cameras that have wonderful eye level viewfinders and produce amazing images.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

I thought the added weight would defeat the purpose. I have a difficult time holding 2-3 pounds out in front of my face without getting shaky. This is one of the reason I am looking at the OMD 1 or the Pen EP5. I also am not near an advanced photographer. I shoot primarily AP. I just enjoy taking pictures. I don't want to process and was told the OMD 1 made great jpegs as far as image qualities. I purchased LR 11, but never installed it.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

Thanks for the reply. I have found many of these cameras mentioned have put most of their work into increasing video which I have no interest in. Not all, but I believe the GH4 has done this. The OMD 1 is a bit pricey and it may be out of my league as far as the menu goes

amehta Loc: Boston

Gregger wrote:

I thought the added weight would defeat the purpose. I have a difficult time holding 2-3 pounds out in front of my face without getting shaky. This is one of the reason I am looking at the OMD 1 or the Pen EP5. I also am not near an advanced photographer. I shoot primarily AP. I just enjoy taking pictures. I don't want to process and was told the OMD 1 made great jpegs as far as image qualities. I purchased LR 11, but never installed it.

The grip is optional for both a DSLR and a MILC, except for the pro bodies like the Canon 1DX and Nikon D4S. The reasons to get the grip are the same for both: if it makes holding the camera more comfortable/stable, and if the vertical shutter release would be used a lot. The person who gets the grip for a MILC is likely to also get one for a DSLR, so the size/weight savings is still there.

amehta Loc: Boston

Gregger wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I have found many of these cameras mentioned have put most of their work into increasing video which I have no interest in. Not all, but I believe the GH4 has done this. The OMD 1 is a bit pricey and it may be out of my league as far as the menu goes

I don't think the menus should be a reason to avoid any camera. You can generally use as much or as little of the features as you want, and you can add features to your toolkit as you learn them