saparoo Loc: Atlanta, GA

My dilemma-I would like to upgrade my Canon 60D and thinking of going mirrorless. What are the advantages of a mirrorless? I like that they are smaller and lighter. Since my hands are small, I think a mirrorless would fit me better. I've looked at a Sony a6000 and the Canon M3. Any advice?
Thanks and Happy New Year, Sylvia

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Tough call. Pick a couple of cameras and read comparisons. I prefer DSLRs, but that's just me. I recently bought the Sony A6000 with 16-50mm lens on sale for about $550. It's a nice camera for the price, but the tiny close together controls aren't its best feature. If you get one, Gary Fong has a good video series for $29.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Algernon Loc: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I've owned everything from film SLRs, DSLRs, and various point and shoots. I do most of my shooting while traveling, so size is important to me. As soon as Sony offered the NEX series I realized that there was finally a camera that fulfilled my primary needs: large sensor, viewfinder, and small form factor. I just recently upgraded to a Sony A6300 from my NEX-6. Now I have all the basic advantages plus many new wonderful features (mostly new programmable buttons and two memory settings**) that I didn't have on my NEX.

But it is not the right solution for everyone. As jerryc41 mentions, people with large hands might not like the size. But you indicate that's not an issue.

So, try to get hold of the cameras you are considering and see how they feel to you, and see if you like the controls. Some people complain about the Sony menu system, but to me it is like any other new software -- you simply have to get used to a new interface.

Good luck!

** Memory settings are not something that most shooters would prioritize, but for me, I have one that is pre-set for Milky Way photography; and another pre-set for timelapse photography. I'm in heaven. :) Again though, while this is not something that differentiates my Sony from other cameras, it is not a deficiency.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

If you want lighter and stick with APSC you will need to stick to primes because the lenses are very similar in sizes to your DSLR lenses. The weight of the body may safe you a few ounces but it may end up being front heavy. Look into M4/3 if you really want to save weight. Best to go to a camera store and "test drive" the gear. Just like a car. You have to like it, since you will be using it not us.

rich1945 Loc: pinellas county

I have a 30D and wanted to upgrade. A friend bought his wife a Sony a6000 with both kit lenses and offered to let me use it for a couple of days. It is a fine camera but for some reason it didn't feel right for me. I did some further research and decided to get Fuji xt10. For me, I preferred the xt10 and there is nothing wrong with any camera, just different preferences. I'm sure you will love any camera you choose. Enjoy it and use it.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I agree with prominant UHH member tdekany regarding taking a closer look at M4/3 gear for lighter weight and better ergonomics. Good luck with your search. /Ralph

Algernon Loc: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Good point and good suggestion.

I almost exclusively use a pancake 20mm prime on my Sony A6300, so the lens weight is not an issue for me.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Impressionist

Mirrorless cameras are the way of the future. With Metabones Canon to e mount adapter a Sony camera would allow you to make use of the glass you already own. There is no better buy right now then the Sony a6000. Some find the controls small, however learn to use index finger and thumb and you have a camera that works like a stick shift on a sports car with short throws. Hold it in your hand while having coffee or watching TV and train the thumb and index finger. Put it in the cup holder of your car. Play with it at stop lights. It will soon be quicker to operate then your DSLR. It is a camera that keeps getting better the more you play with it.

saparoo Loc: Atlanta, GA

Thanks so much for all the information. I love this group, always learn so much from everyone!! I guess I need to compare the cameras up close and personal to see how they feel. I'll let you know what my decision is!
Happy New Year to All....Sylvia

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Remember that it's not just the camera. If you want to change the whole system, then any option is available. If you have lenses etc. then you may want to just swap out the camera body. Canon has finally released a decent mirrorless camera. Still not as good as some others, but do look at the Canon EOS M5 if you have a bunch of Canon lenses that you wish to keep. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-m5-review

The M5 isn't perfect, but way better than any previous EOS M cameras.

Good luck

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I had a Sony a6000 and recently sold it and purchased a Nikon D5500. The Sony took great landscape, street and architecture photos. It was terrible for birds and wildlife. While it was small and light, it was not comfortable to hold. My hands are average for a woman. I found the menu system rather complicated. There were also no long native emount lenses for it and it went through batteries quickly. The lenses are often more expensive than those for dslr. Did not do well in low light, such as cloudy or overcast days or late afternoon/dusk.

The Nikon is also small and light, but feels very secure in my hands. The IQ is good as is the battery life. It has a more simple and much easier to use menu. Having a wide choice of lenses is also a good thing. So for me the dslr is better than the a6000. I can't speak for other mirrorless systems, though.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Sylvia, If you own several Canon lenses, then look at the Canon M5, not the M3. You can also purchase an adapter so you can use your Canon EF, or Ef-s lenses. As stated earlier, the camera body is smaller, so you may want to get one in your hands to see if you like it. DP Review just posted their review, so look at that as well. Good luck. Gary https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-m5-review

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

IF a complete new system is a possibility - then do consider MFT (Micro 4/3). Your small hands would definitely approve. Panasonic G or GH series, or Olympus. Lots of Pros have made the change. Happy 2017 Del.