burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

The OP was seeking opinions about which type of move would make better use of his camera budget. It is totally valid to compare the merits between a move to FF or MILC from his crop DSLR. I can see a problem with the breadth of the question, but he was talking about only one upcoming purchase and seeks advice regarding which would offer more in the end. I don't doubt that he understands the difference between viewer types and sensor size.

My answer comes from Deion Sanders: both! (with apologies to any who replied with the same suggestion.) Try renting the EOS R for a few days. See whether the sum of pros and cons of mirrorless outweigh those of a bigger sensor for how and what you like to shoot. It could be a more expensive choice, perhaps, but likely a final one for some time. Renting both features would at least help you decide which way to go.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

You have said "See whether the sum of pros and cons of mirrorless outweigh those of a bigger sensor"
This surely ignores the fact that there are mirrorless, bigger sensor (FF) cameras - marketed by all the major manufacturers.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

I certainly agree, and not ignoring them. He did ask which one would be better for his money, implying one or the other. I suggested trying both at the same time, and the EOS R only because he uses Canon now. (My choice would be a Z6 only because I have older NIKKOR primes that I have not yet given up on, but that is not helpful here.) Thanks.

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

Based on my own experience, I consider this very good advice. In fact, I've found myself wishing I hadn't needed to trade in my Lumix 4/3's camera and lenses in order to afford to buy an EOS R. But I am glad I hung onto my Canon T6s/760D. I do miss the crisp close-ups of birds I was getting with my 100-300mm zoom on the GX85, and I haven't yet gotten anything to rival them with my best lenses on the FF mirrorless R. Cropping down images captured with the 70-200 f/2.8 L, even with a Canon 1.4X or 2X will not get close to the Lumix images. In circumstances where I hope to catch some bird shots, I keep thinking I should try the crop-sensor T6s along with my L zooms, but the thought of 6 more MP and other sensor improvements always makes me grab the R instead.

An old-timer's confession, though, for the benefit of the OP here: of my current 3 "serious" cameras (now 2 mirrorless & 1 DSLR), the DSLR has the most natural feel in my hands.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

There is no big advantage comparing mirrorless vs. dslr, performance wise. What it comes down to is size, a full frame mirrorless camera will be smaller than a comparable dslr. Personally, I like the style and size of a dslr, I like the rounded off corners. Most mirrorless cameras look alike, they look like they were all carved out of the same block of wood.

I can usually tell the model of a dslr just by looking at it without looking at the brand name. Each one has their own style and personality, with mirrorless, you seen one you've seen them all.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

What feels natural though is a personal thing - and the OP's hands etc might well be different. That feeling can also change in the fullness of time - mine did - from the natural feel of a Pentax S1a and MX to Pana Gs . Now my GX8 feels just right. I think it's down to the length of thumb and index finger.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Keep your eyes on the stars and your hands on a full frame camera.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Yes. And it is not you.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

Even a feigned question meant to win a bet on how many responses they can draw can also elicit answers useful to members actually interested in the topic. (Philippians 1:18, Post Processed Version)

Beenthere

[quote=Retina]The OP was seeking opinions about which type of move would make better use of his camera budget. It is totally valid to compare the merits between a move to FF or MILC from his crop DSLR.

You misunderstand me. I was referring to the overall physical size of the camera. This, regardless of format or sensor size. All that matters here is the inclusion, or abscence of a flip-up mirror.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

[quote=Beenthere]

No - it is about the merits of choosing an EVF FF or an old-fashioned FF.

Beenthere

I don't think so as modern EVFs are quite good enabling "Live View". It's more about mirror or no mirror, Optical vs Digital regardless of sensor size. Mirrorless is the wave of the future and camera companies are slowly moving in that direction.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

My reply was another interpretation of what the OP was apparently saying.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Well, sir, I must disagree. Mirrorless cameras can look like smartphones, like point-and-shoot cameras, like rangefinders from the 1950s, or like contemporary dSLRs, or like a kludge-together of all these types. It's easy to tell them apart if you study the lineup of each major manufacturer:

You want a dSLR form factor?
Panasonic Lumix G9 https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dc-g9
or Sony a7R IV https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-a7r-iv-review
or Fujifilm XT3 https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-t3

Want rangefinder style? Lumix GX9 https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dc-gx9
or Olympus Pen-F https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-pen-f
or Fujifilm X-Pro 3 https://www.dpreview.com/search/?query=fujifilm%20X-Pro&product=fujifilm_xpro3

Some mirrorless cameras, like the Lumix S1, S1R, and S1H, (2.26 to 2.32 pounds, body only) are bigger and heavier than some SLRs and dSLRs (a Canon 5D IV weighs just under two pounds, while my old Nikon F3 weighs 25 ounces).

There are huge differences in features sets, both between dSLR and MILC, and among Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony. And yes, both types of camera (dSLR and MILC) have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Categorically, it can be said that Medium Format lenses are bigger than Full Frame Format lenses of the same maximum aperture and field of view. Full Frame Format lenses are bigger than APS-C Format lenses of the same maximum aperture and field of view. And APS-C Format lenses are bigger than Micro 4/3 Format lenses of the same maximum aperture and field of view.

There are a few exceptions, but generally, there is a much greater difference in size, bulk, weight, and cost of LENSES due to SENSOR FORMAT coverage than there is due to dSLR or MILC status. That's mostly due to the laws of physics. Some lenses made for full frame mirrorless are a little lighter than their full frame dSLR counterparts, but we're looking at grams to a few ounces, here and there. You want lighter? Buy a smaller format sensor camera and the dedicated lenses actually made for it.

It is very difficult to pigeonhole modern cameras. Yes, they all have shutters, lenses, and light meters, but beyond that, the subtleties are worth diving into to be sure what you purchase is what you want and need.

All that said, one's personal photographic knowledge and experience and "imaging drive" are far more important to making good photographs than one's equipment. Yes, sometimes you need specific equipment, but you needn't own it all. There are rental houses for the exotic gear.