lilbits53

I am an entry-level amateur just starting a photography business. I am very enthusiastic about mirrorless cameras and would like your opinion on them. Is now a good time to purchase one or should I wait until there is more info, etc. on them?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you can afford to buy the newest, typically-high end, any brand / model is an excellent performer. Nikon and Canon joined the mirrorless market in 2018 and have now started to release their 2nd interactions where Sony is already of the 4rth or 5th generation of their leading models. If you don't already own DSLR equipment, any mirrorless model from these big three is ready for prime-time and long-term usage.

Like most everything in photography, it has less to do with the camera model than the selection of lenses and related tools. With adapters, most any brand lens can now be used on most any brand mirrorless body. And as always, the manufacturer's lenses will work best on their own brand of camera.

Starting out, you don't have to buy the newest top-end of anything. There's a glut of used, pro-grade equipment built to last decades. The industry standard has been sensors around 24MP (both DSRL and MILC), so whether you buy a brand new 24MP or a used camera from 2016 at 24MP, you won't see a difference in the results until you begin to compare which lenses are being used.

ELNikkor

"Entry-level amateur starting out" - with a vision to make a business at photography. Photography is a blend of artistic flair and technological savvy. Combine those two with great business sense and a lot of start-up cash & you just might make a go of it. The Sony A9II is one of the top, if not THE top mirrorless camera out there. Canon R5 or R6, and the Nikon Z7II are also great mirrorless cameras to look at. Any one of these with their top lenses will give you all the advantages you need from the equipment standpoint, then, you just have to add the skill in using these cameras with your artistic eye, and business acumen and you'll be all set. Perhaps rent some of these cameras and lenses first to check out how well you can work with them. You don't say what type of business you want to start, (weddings, portraits, nature, sports, documentary, video etc.) or all of the above, but knowing youir direction can help you with your equipment choices. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

SonyBug

Apprentice yourself to a professional and study the equipment and how its used. That would give you an idea of what to use in your own business.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some good links. Take your time. Look for reviews and comparisons.

Cameras for beginners -
https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-cameras-for-beginners
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-camera-for-beginners-best-entry-level-dslr-mirrorless-and-compact-cameras
https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/best-camera-for-beginners/
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-entry-level-dslr-camera

Best mirrorless -
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-mirrorless-camera
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-mirrorless-cameras
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-mirrorless-camera
http://www.trustedreviews.com/guide/best-mirrorless-camera

Best mirrorless under $1,000 -
https://photophique.com/best-mirrorless-cameras-under-1000/
https://streetbounty.com/best-mirrorless-camera-under-1000/
https://www.photographyblog.com/best_cameras/us/mirrorless/all_brands/under/1000/over/500/
https://iconiccamera.com/best-mirrorless-camera-under-1000/
https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/01/best-cameras-under-1-000/

WarpedWeaver

What type of photography business do you want to do? Weddings? Child birthdays and bar/bat mitzvahs? Business portraits? Real estate? This might influence the type of camera and lenses you need or want. I agree that if you can apprentice with a photographer in your interest area, this would help you immensely.

leftj Loc: Texas

Good luck starting a photography business as an entry-level amateur.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Before you worry a lot about equipment - make sure you understand the trade, Photography - the technical aspects, the processes, and the business of running a business. If your really good and understand the business and your customers, the equipment just needs to work, do what it was designed to do, most all the rest is up to you. Yes, the modern MILC's are up to the task, as their predecessors were and still are.

JayRay Loc: Missouri

You also need to look at the highly rated Fujifilm X-T30, X-T3, or X-T4 cameras. Great cameras with very sharp lenses, great JPEG images straight out of the camera, and amazing film simulations.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

All good, except for the obvious fact that there are a number of other options from other manufacturers, such as Fujifilm, Olympus, & others that are equally competent as mirrorless options. Some are FF some are not, however, all bring their unique technology and more importantly, IQ to the table. For instance, I use Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm gear. My favourite for most applications is the Fujifilm. Why, size, weight, ability to process stunning colour, and the "fun factor using visceral control dials, etc, vs. menu-driven systems. Next will likely be Medium Format which will blow off my FF gear... Hobbyists and pros are blessed to have so many options!

Cheers!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If you are putting that many apples in the basket, I would go to a good camera store and handle each camera and equipment along with talking to knowledgeable sales person.

leftj Loc: Texas

HA!

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

If you are interested in Portraiture, or Wedding Photography, contact WPPI (wppiexpo.com) and get on their mailing list. You have a lot to learn!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

"left" What is HA!
I don't understand what your point is? Not challenging or anything.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you want to be a better photographer, buy a mirrorless camera.