Lighter weight DSLR and mirrorless cameras: My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently stolen. I am now in search of a new comparable but slightly advanced replacement. I...

somjai

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently stolen. I am now in search of a new comparable but slightly advanced replacement. I recently learned I have a bulging disc in my neck so I should get a lighter weight camera. Several recommended a mirrorless camera. I am doing my research. However, I would greatly appreciate feedback, thoughts and recommendations from the community:

1. Slightly more advanced replacement for my Nikon D5000 not heavier though
2. Thoughts about Mirror less camera model/brand, pluses and minuses

Thanks and happy holidays all!

Bill_de Loc: US

With a wide open field, and only from what I have read recently, Fuji X-T3 looks like a good choice.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433841-REG/fujifilm_16588640_x_t3_mirrorless_digital_camera.html

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Depending on your shooting requirements, I think a compact camera with non-removable lens would be ideal. It would be light, and you wouldn't have the weight, expense, or decisions about extra lenses.

Compact -
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401971,00.asp
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2013-34-reviewed-963985

$500 -
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-under-500/
http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g706/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/

Up to $1,200 -
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-interchangeable-lens-cameras-900-1200

Over $1,200 -
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-1200-2000-full-frame-interchangeable-lens-cameras

Compact,. raw, viewfinder -
https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders

Comparison sites -
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
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

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

somjai wrote:

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently... (show quote)

Olympus OM-D EM5 MkII or OM-D OM10 mkII M4/3's
Fujifilm X-T20 APC sensor, or EX-3
Panasonic G85 m4/3's
Sony a6000 or 6300 or 6500 (apc sensor) A6000 is getting old in the tooth but is still a very capable camera and a bargain now...It being still produced shows they sell a lot of em.
Olympus and panasonic have the most lens available Lens mount enterchangable
FUJIFILM HAS THE NEXT MOST THEIR LENS ARE VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT
SONY LENS ARE FEW FOR THE MOUNT

It will be difficult to pick a bad camera these days, you need to research em and see if they fit your needs and pocket book. If pocket book not an issue then go for the fujifilm xt-3, or Olympus Omd EM1 mk II, or the panasonic G9

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I was struggling with similar issues with the weight & inconvenience of carrying 2 DSLR's, lenses, ... In July, I purchased a Sony RX 10 IV, a bridge camera for a Danube river Cruise. Still learning the system, but so far I have been delighted with the IQ and convenience. I love it. It is worth considering. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx10-iv
Mark

somjai wrote:

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently... (show quote)

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

How much lighter, ounce for ounce, camera body and each lens? Maybe you could do a weighed mock-up comparison to see how each combo feels on your neck?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

somjai wrote:

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently... (show quote)

I second Mark's recommendation. I took these recently with a Sony RX10M4 - 2.5 lbs, and a non-interchangeable Zeiss designed lens that provides a field of view comparable to a 24-600 lens, F2.4 to F4.

(Download)

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Gene51 wrote:

I second Mark's recommendation. I took these recently with a Sony RX10M4 - 2.5 lbs, and a non-interchangeable Zeiss designed lens that provides a field of view comparable to a 24-600 lens, F2.4 to F4.

A very nice selection showing the versatility of the Sony camera.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

somjai wrote:

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently... (show quote)

Your title "Lighter weight DSLR and mirrorless cameras" indicates a small bit of confusion. Weight is only marginally affected by DSLR vs Mirrorless. Size and weight reductions are found in sensor size changes which result in lighter lenses and overall systems.

Having said that, many of the recommendations given so far are spot on. The 1" sensor bridge cameras really do deliver a nice performance/weight value.

whwiden

For battery life, I still like a DSLR. The newer Nikon D5600 would be a big improvement. It is very light. Some good deals can be found now. The newer afp lenses from Nikon are very light weight. Would avoid the 70-300mm in the kit because it does not have VR. But the 18-55mm with VR, the 10-20mm, and the 70-300mm VR DX make a complete and light kit. I find the D7500 nice if that is not too much additional weight.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Gene51 wrote:

I second Mark's recommendation. I took these recently with a Sony RX10M4 - 2.5 lbs, and a non-interchangeable Zeiss designed lens that provides a field of view comparable to a 24-600 lens, F2.4 to F4.

Excellent results, Gene.

I am far from a pro, but over the years my wife and I took some decent photos with our point&shoot and bridge cameras. I've always found that the key do getting good IQ in the smaller sensor formats is not challenging the ISO too far, but you've got a couple of excellent ones in fairly low light. Do you mind sharing your ISO settings?

Andy

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

somjai wrote:

My much loved D5000 and all equipment was recently... (show quote)

I have the new Nikon Z7 and have found it be lighter and easier to handle. Still getting used to it but would recommend it. Very sharp shots at very low shutter speeds. The Z6 might also be a less expensive option for you.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

While a bummer that you are going thru this inconvenience, the upside is that you will be able to upgrade your system. Without knowing more of your shooting subjects or interest level, it is difficult to recommend camera and/or lens combo. However, I do recommend that you investigate various suspension systems to replace the standard neck strap. When I am out an about, I use a wrist strap system. I am investigating slings and or clips for trips that are more "involved". There are all kinds of slings, clips and supports on the market. Cotton Carrier, Black Rapid are two that come to mind.

I am sorry about your neck issues, but there are effective ways to carry a camera and lens that you really want without putting all the strain directly onto your neck. Best of luck

https://shotkit.com/best-camera-straps/

sergio

the weight is in the lens. From this view point you do not get much buying mirrorless.
Anything else depends on what type of photography you are making.

cochese

I recently upgraded from a Canon 60d and a bag of pro level Sigmaa glass to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. I only have one lens at this point, the 12-40 f2.8 pro. It is considerably lighter even with the grip attached, and I am getting some very nice shots. I am no pro but prefer to spend my money on higher level gear. I will get more lenses in the future renting to try first. Don't let everyone tell you there is no weigbt savings to be had. If you go with APS-C or full frame mirrorless tbe weigbt savings is minimal because the lenses are nearly the same, but M43 is much smaller. You lose a bit of low light performance, depends on your style and whether you pixel peep or just enjoy the pictures you take.