New Camera thoughts: Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and...

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

tonyi wrote:

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

If you wish to stick with Canon you have several options. The 6DII and 5DIV are both excellent cameras, depending on what and how you shoot. I made the move to mirrorless quite some time ago and ended up selling my 5DIV because I like my EOS R better. IMO, mirrorless is the way to go. There's really not much difference in weight so the idea of carrying less weight with the Canon system isn't really valid. Some of the current line-up, such as the RP, are smaller, if that makes a difference. Canon is definitely moving to mirrorless. Their lens and camera model offerings are constantly increasing while their DSLR offerings are remaining fairly static. Their DSLR's are not obsolete by any means and will be very popular for a long time to come, but, mirrorless is the future. Their new RF lenses are outstanding. The autofocus of mirrorless bodies is superior to any DSLR in their line-up. Seeing exactly what you are going to get before clicking the shutter is also a big plus.
You really can't go wrong with either choice, but, for me at least, mirrorless is the way to go.

cdayton

I had the same urge recently. As a Nikon user with only one full-frame lens (85mm) in my collection, I bought an older, factory-reconditioned model (D610) with 24mp at a very reasonable price.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If you only have lenses to fit a cropped sensor keep in mind that a full frame camera will need for optimal performance full frame lenses. So, you need new lenses with your new camera.
Do not expect an improvement in your photography because you are buying a new camera. If you are not happy now with the images from the cropped sensor the new camera will not make you happy either.

Mirrorless are small, full of new technologies and very convenient specially for travels. If a mirrorless camera is what you need you only can decide that and my advise is to rent one for a few days or if you have a reliable photo store near by pay them a visit, look at the mirrorless camera you are interested in and hold it in your hands to see if the ergonomics fit you. Many mirrorless cameras accept adapters to use your present lenses.

Good luck!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

tonyi wrote:

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

Since you like astrophotography, there would be some very tangible benefits in moving to a full frame camera, especially if you add one or two fast full frame lenses. None of my friends or acquaintances who shoot astro have switched to mirrorless, nor have I. Even though most of us use live view to tweak focus, we do not use it as our primary composition and framing method.

You might take this opportunity to at least look at a couple of other options...I would suggest Nikon and Sony. When I have been shooting with groups at night, I have noticed that folks using Canon seem to have to work quite a bit harder to get the results that they want. And they end up using lower ISOs and longer exposures, which puts them at a disadvantage. Also...for astrophotography, I would suggest concentrating on the most recent higher-end model(s) that you can fit into your budget. This is a case where the camera really does make a difference, as well as the lens.

Good luck as you look and as you decide.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Few people realize that 100% of luck is created by a full-frame sensor.

All kidding aside, the 'logic' of your decisions involves more information about the following:

1) What EF lenses do you have today?
2) What budget do you have that covers the body and possibly more lenses?
3) What DSLR do you have today?
4) How long do you expect to use this next FF body?

You can pay the brand-new premium for mirrorless models like the EOS R5 and R6. You can also buy a lot of 26MP full-frame glory in the older EOS 6DII or EOS RP or even EOS 5DIV. I ask the final 'how long' question as every body mentioned are cameras intended for the long term, as in 6- to 10 years+, if not a final camera depending on usage and age.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Mirrorless or DSLR is a big decision. Do lots of reading before you make the move. Look for articles that compare two cameras you are considering.

https://www.lightstalking.com/considerations-mirrorless-cameras/
http://www.lightstalking.com/mirrorless-vs-dslr/
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras,news-17736.html
https://www.lightstalking.com/six-points-consider-transition-mirrorless-system/
http://www.diyphotography.net/love-breaks-sold-mirrorless-camera/
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-the-switch-from-dslr-to-mirrorless-changed-how-i-edit-photos/

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

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

camerapapi wrote:

If you only have lenses to fit a cropped sensor ke... (show quote)

I must disagree with several points. My images improved significantly with a move to a full-frame camera. The 6D not only handled low-light scenes better and provided better images for cropping, the images were just sharper than the previous crop-sensor camera offered. Obviously, inputs such as your skills at composition, knowledge of controlling light, and your temperament do not change. While many of the new lenses and cameras are lighter, a full-frame sensor is still a full-frame sensor, and so the cameras are not much smaller. Some people opt for a battery pack specifically to make them larger and heavier - to feel more familiar in the hand.

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thank you all for your thoughts. I need to do some more research but I think I will make the move to a full frame DSLR. Thanks again all.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

tonyi wrote:

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

Tony
So far you couldn't buy better advice, resources, and reasoning than outlined above.
So, who am I to pile on?
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

I use both Canon DSLR and the full frame mirrorless Canon R. I prefer the mirrorless. But what I would really like is to get back to traveling when it is safe.

bleirer

There is an astro section here. I don't know how well attended it is. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-109-1.html

One question to ask would be how well the evf works for the night. I tried to shoot the comet and got a very bright grainy eyeful until I reduced the exposure. Of course you can turn off the exposure simulation in the evf and turn off the rear screen (kills the night vision and annoys fellow gazers) to avoid that issue, at least with mine.

Did you have a budget in mind? Will you need lenses?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tonyi wrote:

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

If you do not have many DSLR lenses, then the switch to mirrorless will not hurt your pocketbook too hard. There are definitely advantages to mirrorless, the major ones are, you see the exposure you will get in the viewfinder before you press the shutter button and no need to FINE TURN a lens (what a laugh for those that think they need it on a DSLR).
If you shoot wildlife and use big lenses, weight is about the same for both systems.
One disadvantage I have felt is the small size of some of the mirrorless camera's, I have big hands and sometimes after using my Nikon D3s (yes, I still use it and love the low light capabilities) I find holding my Sony 6400 difficult in finding all of the buttons. I like adding a vertical grip to my mirrorless camera's, I find that my hands fit more comfortable on it with that addition.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

tonyi wrote:

Hello, thinking of moving up from a crop sensor to a full frame. I currently have a Canon. Would you go mirrorless? I am just amateur that enjoys Astro and landscape photography. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Tony

Nice with Canon ALL your current lenses are 100% compatible with the RF.
So it is only choosing which of the excellent R bodies to choose from.
At this time if I had the funds I would go R5 as it is so far ahead of all systems overall especially the amazing DPAF II that no other system comes close to duplicating.
You can go to other systems but will need to start over again with lenses as well.
Yes, the lenses mount on other systems but do not work as well.

JOHNERIKSSON Loc: CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Simply the best camera on the market now is the 5R dont waste your money on anything else. I bought a new Canon 1DX markIII the focus is spectacular. but the images are still noisy