craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Greetings from the UK, just as polling stations approach closing and another new chapter in UK political history is about to unfold.

Whoops ....... you want to "try and get feel for mirrorless" but you want the cheapest gear ? You really want to make (potentially) the wrong decision because you bought the cheapest? I think even you are plainly aware that "the bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweet smell of a cheap price is forgotten". If you're gonna do it ...... at least do it right.

My suggestion ....... a Fuji X series ....... there's plenty of stuff available on the internet that'll give you the undeniable benefits. If you'd prefer not to lash out on the "newest" look at a good used X-T1. In addition to the other benefits you'll get knocked out by the viewfinder. Be sure to read about that ! The X-T10 might be an option, but not if you've got big hands ...... X-T1 is much more comfortable to hold and use. Lots available on used market which'll help your pocket and give you the experience you're after.

Fuji XF lenses are top notch across the board. To satisfy your requirements look at the 23mm f2, the 35mm f2 or the legendary 35mm f1.4.

gillman Loc: UK

I shot Nikon FF for years. I now shoot Fuji.

I can recommend the fujifilm hardware. Excellent results even with the older stuff which you can pick up real cheap.

Griff Loc: Warwick U.K.

Try Sony Rx100 111.
On the street, no one will pay it any heed. Just a toy, isn't it?
And no damn lenses to fiddle with!

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Fuji XT seems to have caught on more in UK and Europe than here. Any ideas why? I am a Fujifan. My Nikons are getting dusty. They are just so much more elegant and finely crafted, and the image quality and color are better than I get with my Nikons.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Panasonic has one of the largest selection of lens including pro primes!

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I've tried a couple of the 4/3 cameras and found that I can't get large wall prints. The image breaks up too quickly.

I first tried a Fuji XE1 with aps-c sensor and really liked it. It was solid and comfortable. Fuji lenses come at a premium, but they are top notch and the Fuji cameras have even gotten better since then.

I then bought a Sony a6000 and an 18-200 Sony lens. There are many great features on this camera. It is physically a little smaller, but I have easily made the transition from my Nikons. There are any number of fairly priced primes and zooms within the scope of what you want. I have since moved to the a6300 for most of my work--but the a6000 is almost as good. I have mounted two shows, most of the prints in the 16x24 range, but two larger. Most of these were taken with the a6000. I had no intent to sell prints, but have sold a couple after being begged.

I actually had an f1.8 prime for the a6300. Intended to use it inside the dark interiors of the Mexican churches I enjoy shooting. Another advantage in churches and museums is the silent shooting. The a6300 sensor is so good that even at ISO6400 there is no discernible noise and it is still very good even to 12800. So I never used the f1.8 50mm. Just sold it. I actually just bought a Minolta 50mm macro lens for $90 and an LA-EA3 adapter for A-mount so I can get the automation. My 400mm Nikon lens and my Rokinon both use a cheap adapter and work.

As much as I have loved my Nikons for so many years, my Sonys have better focusing (At my price point) and can shoot 11fps all day.

MW

Fuji x-e2 (be sure to install latest firmware update) + 35mm f/2. The body is readily available used and mot too pricey.

Alternative - instead of 35mm try Fuji's 27mm pancake lens - in film days some brands (Konica for example) supplied the equivalent 40mm as the normal kit lens. Despite being an odd focal length it is very good optically plus small, light and inexpensive

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I absolutely never said I wanted the cheapest gear possible. That would take nothing more than a Google search. I said I wanted the least expensive body and lens combination that would be "worth using on the street."

However, you are not completely wrong. Either the price of admission is low, or I don't try it. I'm smart enough to know that I'll get what I paid for, but I also know that you don't have to buy the most expensive gear to get more than satisfactory results. That's what I want to try in a mirrorless body and lens combination. Seems straightforward enough to me.

MW

Fuji isn't the cheapest by any means. But -and this germaine to "shooting on the street" -Fuji x series seems to have a strong following among street shooters.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

At what ISO are you talking about? And what size prints?If you shoot at ISO 16000 most of the time, try an M4/3 camera with the 5/6.5 stops of IS. For stationary stuff in churches, you can get away with much lower ISOs using M4/3 or the A6500 with their version of 5 axis IS.

If you are printing 100" on the long side, use FF or Medium Format.

But all this is besides the point - that is, that the OP wants to try a smallish camera for street shooting. What does Giant prints at ISO 16000 have to do with street photography? Sounds like you have an agenda.

His best bet is M4/3 with 5 axis IS and a tiny prime. http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I would definitely go Canon M5. In fact later this summer that is exactly what I plan on doing as my schedule allows for a trip somewhere TBD. The M5 and 18-150 and FD and EF adapters will be with me.

le boecere

Yup! Excellent choice, with one caveat: If one has to have a 24mm (equiv) prime, then "Sony" becomes a bit more difficult. Maybe the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 would work for a "cheap" mirrorless street kit.

http://www.switchbacktravel.com/11-great-sony-e-mount-lenses

BebuLamar

I am not in the market for a mirrorless. But your question prompted me to a what if? So I pretend that I am looking for an EVIL myself and do some research on the Sony A both FF and APS-C, Olympus and Panasonic M4/3 and the Fuji X series. My conclusion that it would be either the Fuji XT-2 or X Pro2. I am leaning toward the XT-2 because the sloping right shoulder turned me off.

le boecere

I always enjoy your posts, craggy.

And, in addition; if the OP is set on a 24mm (equiv) lens, Fujifilm's offerings beat Sony's APS-C selection. I'm very fond of the Sony a6___, for the street; but, prefer Fuji's lens selection.

le boecere

My favorite Fujifilm "street" kit: The X-E2IV w/27mm pancake (41mm equiv).