Comparing low end Nikon, Canon DSLR and Olympus mirrorless (Page 2): Let me address two items first. Digital is not like the film days where the cameras were totally mechanical...

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jim in TC wrote:

I am happy to have just found this forum!

As a long-time enthusiastic amateur, and missing the experience of my old SLR days I am ready to upgrade from a little Canon point/shoot that has actually served me well and a Fuji X20 that is just not quite nice enough. I shoot landscape, mostly, but like to tinker with very close up stuff. Fast action and focal lengths needed for wildlife are not particularly an issue. Favorite shots might get printed, never larger than (and almost always smaller than) 16x20 or so.

Other things equal, I will work with my local camera shop, unless selection becomes an issue. The further I can stay under $1,000 the better, though I would stretch a bit to lens up later if necessary.

I am looking at Nikon D3300/3400 at a good price with a lens kit (18-55mm and 55-300 mm) or D5500 but without some of the promo pricing. They carry Canon but do not seem too thrilled with Canon's lower end DSLRs compared to Nikon. Thoughts on that? I do like the relatively small size of the D3300/3400. One of the changes with the new 3400 is the elimination of a sensor cleaner in the camera. Do those things work very well, or is a (carefully done) manual cleaning the best way to maintain anyway? Both are currently available, but D3300 will be gone for good when sold out.

Intriguing, and also with some holiday promotions, are a couple offerings in the Olympus OM-D mirroless series, with smaller size and interesting features. They have a Fuji model I haven't yet looked at.

For macro work it seems that the options are a standalone lens, which the camera shop people strongly recommend or an inexpensive screw-on closeup ring. Nikon and Olympus both offer a closeup ring - any specific experiences with them?

Are there thoughts or experiences on sensor quality between Nikon low end DSLR and Olympus OM-D (and Canon, for that matter)?

Of some small concern is battery life in the mirrorless, which I am told is substantially less than DSLR. What are your experiences there? I don't need to cover an all-day wedding shoot or like that, and am willing to carry a spare if necessary.

General thoughts on the mirrorless experience will be appreciated. The OM-D series has a viewfinder built in, which is, for me, an essential feature.

I am happy to have just found this forum! br br A... (show quote)

Let me address two items first. Digital is not like the film days where the cameras were totally mechanical (battery only for the meter) or could be set to a 1/60 or Bulb when the battery died like on the Olympus OM-4Ti. Aways carry at least one spare battery and make sure both are charged full before leaving the house. It will save you much frustration. Second, the add on macro filters will work but you will only get what you paid for. To get the best, and what I feel is only worthwhile way, spend the money on a proper macro lense. The difference in image quality is quite visible once one blows up the picture large.

The good news is you seem to be doing a good job of researching. All the cameras you are looking at are worthwhile. As far as the sensor cleaner goes, I would choose one with it rather than without. Like MT Shooter states, most cleaner systems can be turned off and turned on when necessary. He mentions the Nikons and the Canons, but I know it is also in the menu of my Olympus and should be available for on/off in most other name brand cameras. I feel you should make a visit to your local camera store and try the cameras in your consideration list to see if one or more specific features just don't feel placed right for your usage. Sometimes this can be a deal breaker between two cameras.

Now you have to do a final comparison of the cameras for all your needs and then your wants. None of the cameras that you have mentioned, Nikon, Canon or Olympus, will let you down. One more camera brand you might want to look at is Panasonic.

Then place your money on your new camera realizing that the next day they will bring out the new and upgraded version.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

I've always used SLRs and DSLRs, although I tried Sony mirrorless, I gave up on them and went back to my Nikons - just my preference. I didn't like the electronic viewfinder, the tiny controls, and the Menu system. Sony cameras have gotten rave reviews, and you'll find lots of fans here on UHH. Take your time and decide for yourself.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
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

WleyArchy

I moved from Nikon this fall after 30 years of their equipment. I was having trouble holding the 7100 still w bracketed shots and didn't carry it often because of size and weight. I bought the OMD M1 (not Mark ii) with pro lens at B&H and am happier than I ever dreamed. It's with me all the time and feels better than any camera I've held; reminds me of my first Nikkormat. I'm not looking back!!

SteveTog Loc: Philly

I held and shot with a M1 mark ii (prototype) on Saturday. I own a D5500 and shoot with it as the core of my travel kit. I can tell you that I am strongly considering replacing all of my Nikon glass and bodies for Olympus now because of it because:

1. It's lighter and more compact for travel and everyday all day use.
2. Carrying an extra battery is no big deal, I always do that anyway.

Concerns that I overcame:

1. I love low light shooting and Oly's chip isn't as sensitive as the chip on the d5500, but they match up in body VR with lens VR and you can get sharp images at very long hand held times in the 2-5 second range.
2. The 4/3 image quality is much better than I had worried.
3. They are finally claiming to be long lens capable (for wildlife and indoor sports.)

But:
The body is about as expensive as the awesome Nikon D810.
Retooling lenses to the equivalent of the Nikon holy trinity will be a fortune.
I didn't see a longer macro solution. (maybe I just didn't look hard enough.)

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

You don't have to buy new. To save money buy refurbished or used.I buy from KEH (usually can find a discount coupon for 10%) or B&H.

WleyArchy

I got the OMD EM1 w M zuicko pro 12-40mm for $1299 at B&H. Suits my needs. Couldn't see paying $2000 for updated version when I have to replace lenses too---

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I shoot with both Nikon DSLRs & Olympus mirrorless cameras. The Olys are my "walk around" or snapshot cameras and the Nikons (not the models you are looking at though) are my macro & wildlife cameras. I like the smaller size & weight of the Olys, but the layout is a bit cramped to me. The only other real nits with Oly is the small sensor size and the fact that the pro lenses are larger than most comparable lenses for DSLR's. Kind of defeats the purpose of the smaller camera, making it off balance when they are mounted. That said, I am able to mount & use all of my older manual focus lenses (from assorted lines) on the Olys with adapters & still get infinity focus, something I can't do with Nikon (but I have a huge collection of older Nikkor & 3rd party Nikon mount lenses that I can use on them)...

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I want to give you my humble opinion based on the information you have given us. Photography depends more on the photographer than his or her gear. With that set aside let me make some comments based on your inquiries.
The BEST in camera made sensor cleaning is made by Olympus, period. I do not have experience with bodies like the D5500 or previous models because I have been using with entire satisfaction a D7000. I do believe that the little cameras have sensors similar to those used in higher models so I have to assume the quality is the same if Nikon uses the same software but that I do not know. I am sure one of those small Nikon bodies could be all you need although the OM-D series of cameras are also great tools with less weight, smaller and very capable with good lenses. I use the Pen EP-5 and it has consistently produced some very nice pictures that I have been able to enlarge to 12x18 without issues. I never enlarge beyond that.
I have never used extension rings only my macro lens. I also used a diopter made by Nikon to extend into the macro field some of my lenses but I do not use it now as I used to in the past. Many times I find myself using a regular tele, like a 300mm for close-ups and "macro." By the way, the old 28-105 f3.5-4.5 D is an excellent lens that will allow the operator a pretty close view of a subject well within the realm of macro photography.
Battery life with mirrorless, at least my experience, is good for about 300 shots. Because I am so selective when I shoot, something I inherited from my film days, that number of actuations is more than enough for me before I recharge the battery.
You should head to the photo store and hold the camera you have in mind and the OM-D series (there is a good promotion going on with Olympus) because doing so and going through their ergonomics is a very good way to know what camera will better fit your style.
I hope this helps.

Gort55 Loc: Northern Colorado

jim in TC wrote:

I am happy to have just found this forum!

As a long-time enthusiastic amateur, and missing the experience of my old SLR days I am ready to upgrade from a little Canon point/shoot that has actually served me well and a Fuji X20 that is just not quite nice enough. I shoot landscape, mostly, but like to tinker with very close up stuff. Fast action and focal lengths needed for wildlife are not particularly an issue. Favorite shots might get printed, never larger than (and almost always smaller than) 16x20 or so.

Other things equal, I will work with my local camera shop, unless selection becomes an issue. The further I can stay under $1,000 the better, though I would stretch a bit to lens up later if necessary.

I am looking at Nikon D3300/3400 at a good price with a lens kit (18-55mm and 55-300 mm) or D5500 but without some of the promo pricing. They carry Canon but do not seem too thrilled with Canon's lower end DSLRs compared to Nikon. Thoughts on that? I do like the relatively small size of the D3300/3400. One of the changes with the new 3400 is the elimination of a sensor cleaner in the camera. Do those things work very well, or is a (carefully done) manual cleaning the best way to maintain anyway? Both are currently available, but D3300 will be gone for good when sold out.

Intriguing, and also with some holiday promotions, are a couple offerings in the Olympus OM-D mirroless series, with smaller size and interesting features. They have a Fuji model I haven't yet looked at.

For macro work it seems that the options are a standalone lens, which the camera shop people strongly recommend or an inexpensive screw-on closeup ring. Nikon and Olympus both offer a closeup ring - any specific experiences with them?

Are there thoughts or experiences on sensor quality between Nikon low end DSLR and Olympus OM-D (and Canon, for that matter)?

Of some small concern is battery life in the mirrorless, which I am told is substantially less than DSLR. What are your experiences there? I don't need to cover an all-day wedding shoot or like that, and am willing to carry a spare if necessary.

General thoughts on the mirrorless experience will be appreciated. The OM-D series has a viewfinder built in, which is, for me, an essential feature.

I am happy to have just found this forum! br br A... (show quote)

I too am pretty new to the UHH, and have a D7100, and an OMD EM1 that I bought for traveling. It's easier for me to get good results with the Oly. Olympus also has a great selection of lenses to choose from. If you're into flash photography, Olympus may not be the best choice.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

jim in TC wrote:

I am happy to have just found this forum!

As a long-time enthusiastic amateur, and missing the experience of my old SLR days I am ready to upgrade from a little Canon point/shoot that has actually served me well and a Fuji X20 that is just not quite nice enough. I shoot landscape, mostly, but like to tinker with very close up stuff. Fast action and focal lengths needed for wildlife are not particularly an issue. Favorite shots might get printed, never larger than (and almost always smaller than) 16x20 or so.

Other things equal, I will work with my local camera shop, unless selection becomes an issue. The further I can stay under $1,000 the better, though I would stretch a bit to lens up later if necessary.

I am looking at Nikon D3300/3400 at a good price with a lens kit (18-55mm and 55-300 mm) or D5500 but without some of the promo pricing. They carry Canon but do not seem too thrilled with Canon's lower end DSLRs compared to Nikon. Thoughts on that? I do like the relatively small size of the D3300/3400. One of the changes with the new 3400 is the elimination of a sensor cleaner in the camera. Do those things work very well, or is a (carefully done) manual cleaning the best way to maintain anyway? Both are currently available, but D3300 will be gone for good when sold out.

Intriguing, and also with some holiday promotions, are a couple offerings in the Olympus OM-D mirroless series, with smaller size and interesting features. They have a Fuji model I haven't yet looked at.

For macro work it seems that the options are a standalone lens, which the camera shop people strongly recommend or an inexpensive screw-on closeup ring. Nikon and Olympus both offer a closeup ring - any specific experiences with them?

Are there thoughts or experiences on sensor quality between Nikon low end DSLR and Olympus OM-D (and Canon, for that matter)?

Of some small concern is battery life in the mirrorless, which I am told is substantially less than DSLR. What are your experiences there? I don't need to cover an all-day wedding shoot or like that, and am willing to carry a spare if necessary.

General thoughts on the mirrorless experience will be appreciated. The OM-D series has a viewfinder built in, which is, for me, an essential feature.

I am happy to have just found this forum! br br A... (show quote)

Welcome, Jim. You're going to get a lot of opinions on the many issues you're concerned about. As for me, I'll limit it to just your statement about the lower end of Canon cameras not being as good as Nikon, at least according to the people at your camera shop. Here's an article from National Geographic that tells about one of their top photographers and the camera he uses to capture award-winning photos of big cats (lions, tigers, etc.). When you see the accompanying photo in the article, just remember that the camera the photographer uses is housed in a specially-made box but the camera has not been modified in any way; in fact, you can still get it on Canon's website as well as many other camera places. The point is, if this lower-end Canon camera is good enough for an internationally known photographer, it's good enough for you and me.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-photographers-favorite-cameras/#/camera-trap-steve-winter_86620_600x450.jpg

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

jim in TC wrote:

I am happy to have just found this forum!

As a long-time enthusiastic amateur, and missing the experience of my old SLR days I am ready to upgrade from a little Canon point/shoot that has actually served me well and a Fuji X20 that is just not quite nice enough. I shoot landscape, mostly, but like to tinker with very close up stuff. Fast action and focal lengths needed for wildlife are not particularly an issue. Favorite shots might get printed, never larger than (and almost always smaller than) 16x20 or so.

Other things equal, I will work with my local camera shop, unless selection becomes an issue. The further I can stay under $1,000 the better, though I would stretch a bit to lens up later if necessary.

I am looking at Nikon D3300/3400 at a good price with a lens kit (18-55mm and 55-300 mm) or D5500 but without some of the promo pricing. They carry Canon but do not seem too thrilled with Canon's lower end DSLRs compared to Nikon. Thoughts on that? I do like the relatively small size of the D3300/3400. One of the changes with the new 3400 is the elimination of a sensor cleaner in the camera. Do those things work very well, or is a (carefully done) manual cleaning the best way to maintain anyway? Both are currently available, but D3300 will be gone for good when sold out.

Intriguing, and also with some holiday promotions, are a couple offerings in the Olympus OM-D mirroless series, with smaller size and interesting features. They have a Fuji model I haven't yet looked at.

For macro work it seems that the options are a standalone lens, which the camera shop people strongly recommend or an inexpensive screw-on closeup ring. Nikon and Olympus both offer a closeup ring - any specific experiences with them?

Are there thoughts or experiences on sensor quality between Nikon low end DSLR and Olympus OM-D (and Canon, for that matter)?

Of some small concern is battery life in the mirrorless, which I am told is substantially less than DSLR. What are your experiences there? I don't need to cover an all-day wedding shoot or like that, and am willing to carry a spare if necessary.

General thoughts on the mirrorless experience will be appreciated. The OM-D series has a viewfinder built in, which is, for me, an essential feature.

I am happy to have just found this forum! br br A... (show quote)

I'm a Canon guy and I'm on my third dslr from them, upgrading as I went along. I've had no glitches or any problems with my dslr cameras from Canon. I get exactly the results I want. Mine is a t3i, an older model now but certainly not out of date. Good luck.

stevebein

I bought into the OM-D, E-M1 and while the battery life is not as good as before,it takes less time to change a battery than to change a roll of film. What is the issue. The batteries are small, so probably about 400 images per battery. They are cheap and reuseable. Put two in your pocket and almost anyone will be set for a day or two. If you need more, put another in your pocket.
Battery life with the large batteries is more in the pro DSLR's but the batteries are bulky, not so with the smaller cameras. The style of your shooting will determine if battery life is really a critical feature. The size, quality and weight of the smaller system makes it fantastic. I have prints up to 30x45" in a gallery. So quality is pretty good. If I want larger prints, I can either do multi shots and stitch, or to go a full frame mirror less like Sony. Panasonic and Olympus make the micro 4/3 cameras. The newest versions with more than 16 megs are pushing the limits a bit with the current technology. Good luck, There are so many good choices available. You should review the advice, and then go and handle some first before buying. Personally, I think the chase for more pixels has reached beyond what most photographers need for excellent results, so it becomes a choice of promotions and some slight advantages such as improvements in dynamic range for some of the full frame cameras vs the cropped sensors.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I agree that Canon's beginner cameras are competent, but I also know that it's not just the camera that makes for good photography. I'd like to know what lenses the photographer used as well as the camera.

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

Welcome, Jim. You're going to get a lot of opinion... (show quote)

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Screamin Scott wrote:

I shoot with both Nikon DSLRs & Olympus mirror... (show quote)

Scott, what m4/3 pro lens are you speaking of that is larger than for DSLRs? That is a new one for me.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here is a link to an article I recently read. Granted, it is talking about Sony mirrorless lenses though...
http://petapixel.com/2016/04/04/sonys-full-frame-pro-mirrorless-fatal-mistake/

tdekany wrote:

Scott, what m4/3 pro lens are you speaking of that is larger than for DSLRs? That is a new one for me.