le boecere

Mira, I'm hoping you'll carefully read Bill Burkholder's lengthy post (down Page 1, about a dozen posts). In fact, it should be an article that's available via Google search.

You mention arthritis, traveling, and candid street scenes, but you want interchangeable lenses. For me, my similar wants and needs have voted full-frame, and APS-C DSLR's, off my photographic island.

You're coming from a "point and shoot" experience.
I believe you're going to want"compact", light weight; and will very much enjoy a "PASM" dial. Owning Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm mirrorless; I will venture that Sony, or one of the Micro 4/3's (probably Panasonic) will give you the most enjoyment, and will be with you more often than will a larger camera.

_Van

repleo Loc: Boston

Mira,
The Sony A6xxx series were originally intended for folks just like you (and me) - folks who wanted to step up from their compact cameras and cell phones to a 'serious' camera. The A6000 turned out to be so good that it caught the attention of serious enthusiasts and even some pro's. I read somewhere that 2 out of every 3 A6000 buyers are photographers who already had DSLR's and were switching to mirrorless systems. As you will have deduced by now, there are those who have embraced the new technology and those who will have to have their DSLR's 'pried from their cold dead hands'. Just as there are those who refused to switch from view cameras to SLR's, or from film to digital or from cd's to vinyl there will always be aficionados who will refuse to switch from DSLR's to Mirrorless. However, there is no doubt that the industry is trending towards mirrorless because that is where the growing market is. DSLR's are the past and may still be the present, but mirrorless is the future.

Having said that, ANY modern photo device - including cell phones and compact cameras, DSLR or mirrorless is capable of taking outstanding photographs that could only have been achieved by skilled professionals with top class gear thirty years ago. One of the unspoken benefits of buying higher priced gear nowadays is that it eliminates a lot of excuses for taking mediocre photographs and forces you to face your limitations as a photographer.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

WOW! That bear has amazing lighting. Great catch! The lion isn't bad either but the bear is excellent!

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

The D610 is the Nikon entry level FF. The D750 would be a good choice and handles high ISO well and low light focusing. A higher Pixel count is the D810. The D850, which just came out, is their newest flagship model with 45MP and a healthy price tag. I presently shoot a D750 and love it. If I was to get another body it would be a DX (crop) probably a D7200 to get some extra reach when birding. I shoot a lot of older AI primes especially for macro work and very little sports.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

On average FX (FF) lenses are higher quality, heavier and more expensive than DX (crop) by a substanial amount. I grew up on film so went FF.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

Great information Burkfoto!

ValliPride Loc: Lost in Florida

I am retired also, I have the Nikon d500 with a 17-55 2.8 lens. Also the Sony A7R2 with the G master 24-70 lens that I love. The Nikon is a bit heavy with the lens. But I know the Nikon like the back of my hand. Always get the shot no questions asked. The Sony I love with the Gmaster lens 2.8, but I must think about my photos while I photograph with the Sony. But I love the Quality of the Sony. I photograph for a couple of Greyhound rescues. Good Luck

ValliPride Loc: Lost in Florida

I am retired also, I have the Nikon d500 with a 17-55 2.8 lens. Also the Sony A7R2 with the G master 24-70 lens that I love. The Nikon is a bit heavy with the lens. But I know the Nikon like the back of my hand. Always get the shot no questions asked. The Sony I love with the Gmaster lens 2.8, but I must think about my photos while I photograph with the Sony. But I love the Quality of the Sony. I photograph for a couple of Greyhound rescues. Good Luck

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

Agreed, FF IS better at high ISO and probably better IQ. I went FF because all my "glass" is FF and I don't want to upgrade later. I will probably get a D7200 if/when I feel I need another body and all my primes will give a little different perspective.

Leopardo

Mirrorless as you have read from other members has certain issues with regard to shutter lag, electronic viewfinder (although I don't see a major issue with that), and the fact that the sensor is exposed whenever you change lenses (which can be an issue if you are in windy conditions or just normal use). Canon just came out with the 6D Mark ll which is an excellent full frame camera. I shoot with the older 6D and love its performance, even as compared to my 5D Mark lll. Give it a test run at your local photo dealer. Of course if weight is an issue you may want to go with a crop sensor camera. I would wait on a full frame mirrorless as the technology is still in transition. I do believe that eventually mirrorless will take over the market.

F8 Forever Loc: Lng Island, NY

You mention macro work, and I'm not sure that's an option in mirrorless cameras, yet. Other than that, I'd say go into a good store and handle what they have. See what feels good to handle. Some SLRs are very lightweight, and some lenses are, too. But, the best lenses tend to be weighty-- lots of glass and metal.

I'm familiar with Canon, Nikon and Pentax and you really can't go wrong with them. Depending on your cash flow, get a middle or upper range body-- even with them the cheapest bodies have limitations.

If you find a decent mirrorless that meets your needs, don't hesitate just because no mirror. Leica made its reputation with mirrorless cameras, and I really, really miss my M3. If you've got the cash, at least take a look at Leica, although you won't find the lens variety you may want.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

You've already received numerous replies, so mine comes a bit late. If you'd like a smaller lighter dSLR, please consider one of the Canon EOS Rebel line of cameras. My very first dSLR was a Canon 20D which did fit my hands quite nicely. I later upgraded to a 40D, an even larger and heavier camera, which I really did not enjoy carrying at all.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Fuji is releasing an 80mm f/2.8 macro lens at the end of 2017.

repleo Loc: Boston

No need to wait for a full frame mirrorless - they have been around for several years. The Sony A7xxx series are all full frame cameras. Fuji and Hasselblad have Medium Format mirrorless cameras for anybody with the money to buy one.

MiraMeadows Loc: Summerville, SC

Berchman, thats great news about the lens..and checks another box for Fuji mirrorless..gosh.. this is a hard decision..where will DSLRs be 10 yrs from now, will they be pass?...will they be on the cutting edge anymore or will mirrorless be the best ? Everything is going digital..digital... and mirrorless seems to have a huge stake in making their product work to perfection..part of me wants to be a part of owning a DSLR, FX, with great AF capabilities, and some gorgeous lenses and love taking wonderful shots. I need to know more about mirrorless and what's in their future?