Grip on mirrorless camera (Page 2): The cameras you listed are fine and very capable. I use the Olympus EM-10 which is under a pound with the battery and SD card. Even with the grip...

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

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 cameras you listed are fine and very capable. I use the Olympus EM-10 which is under a pound with the battery and SD card. Even with the grip installed, it is very stable to hold. Olympus makes some wonderful lightweight lenses. The camera's jpeg's are quite good as well. Don't be afraid to experiment with processing, you may find it very enjoyable. You can make some adjustments to jpegs in LR and may want to try shooting some RAW images. It's all about having fun doing something you like to do. The latest version of LR is 5.6. If you have LR or other software, install it. You may be surprised and like it.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

Thanks for saying this. I have heard of difficult learning curves and this has always made me feel as if it would be to challenging for me. It's like I want the best, but don't want to back myself into a corner. What you stated made a lot of sense.

amehta Loc: Boston

Gregger wrote:

Thanks for saying this. I have heard of difficult learning curves and this has always made me feel as if it would be to challenging for me. It's like I want the best, but don't want to back myself into a corner. What you stated made a lot of sense.

More advanced cameras do eliminate some modes. For example, the D800 does not have full Auto or scenic modes. But for the most part, if you can get the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and focus mode set, you can take a decent picture. Then you add options as needed. :-)

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

amehta wrote:

More advanced cameras do eliminate some modes. For example, the D800 does not have full Auto or scenic modes. But for the most part, if you can get the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and focus mode set, you can take a decent picture. Then you add options as needed. :-)

This is very true. What's the worst thing that can happen, you don't like the picture so you try again. People become intimidated with all the buttons, functions, menus, settings, etc. It all comes down to what amehta states..."ISO, aperture, shuttter speed, and focus mode." Many cameras have an IE (Intelligent Auto mode) that will usually produce an acceptable image. Have fun, don't worry. Your camera is your friend :)

jcboy3

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.

Mirrorless does not mean no viewfinder. All of my mirrorless cameras have a viewfinder. The difference is that it is electronic rather than optical.

The debate over electronic viewfinder (EVF) versus optical will go on; there are advantages and disadvantages to each, but inherent in the mirror less design is that there is no optical viewfinder.

amehta Loc: Boston

jcboy3 wrote:

Mirrorless does not mean no viewfinder. All of my mirrorless cameras have a viewfinder. The difference is that it is electronic rather than optical.

The debate over electronic viewfinder (EVF) versus optical will go on; there are advantages and disadvantages to each, but inherent in the mirror less design is that there is no optical viewfinder.

I think the EVF of particular models is one of the biggest factors in picking a MILC. If the EVF is uncomfortable, it is not a good camera to get. I also think that EVFs are generally getting better each year, so someone who does not like any MILC today may find one which suits them next year or the year after.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

The Olympus menu system does take some time to learn,but you can do it. I learned it for my E-M5. The Fuji is simple to learn and I love the Fuji.

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

SquashFan

On the Fuji X-T1, not only does the grip add controls for the portrait orientation, it also provides a second battery. The camera uses the battery in the grip first, so that you can easily replace that one when it runs down, keeping the one in the camera as a reserve without having to remove it other than for the occasional recharge.

Xpatch Loc: New York, Antigua, GT.

I have the New Fuji X-T1 and I added thebattery compartment/ grip to a- match the capacity of my 64 GB uhs2 sd card with batterys(the grip holds a second battery , b- enhance vertical shoots with a second set of controls.

I detach the grip when I want to travel or shoot very light.

Fuji also makes a simple grip with no batteries,but I never tried that, as I have no trouble withe the ergonomics of the x-t1.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gregger wrote:

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

I've noticed the same thing. It's like adding a large lens to an iPhone. Counterproductive.

Xpatch Loc: New York, Antigua, GT.

Oh, get a grip, it's ads to productivity:)

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi Gregger,
I use an Olympus EPL-5, it weighs 19.95 oz complete with kit lens, battery, SD card and a grip.
Without the grip it weighs 19.65.
Body only it weighs 11.45 oz.
The grip weighs 0.30 oz.
The lens complete with filter and cap weighs 8.20oz.
I also use a prime lens which is much lighter.
So personally wouldn't worry about the weight of a grip.
Cheers,
John.

mantamoon Loc: Houston

I am an underwater photographer, currently using the EPL-1 PEN in a housing. I am researching to upgrade to either the E-M10 or EM-1. It will become my primary underwater camera. If you have any insight why I should choose one over the other I would appreciate it. I also use the Nikon D-610.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

The 1 is weather sealed the 10 isn't, otherwise the em10 is just as capable as the 1 is.... and a lot cheaper to boot.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

minniev wrote:

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.

:thumbup:
Yes, same here. The only M4/3 lens I have is the 12-40mm PRO. The lens + cam combination is awesome.
It takes only seconds to change a battery (or SD card for that matter), I have no problem holding the camera sideways and reaching the shutter release button.
So instead of spending the money on a grip, I spend it on a cable release (mainly to fool the grandkids into thinking I'm NOT taking pictures of them).
This fall a longer PRO lens is expected to be released for M4/3 systems, and I'm waiting for a price... all the while fattening my piggybank ;-)