I have had several of these cameras. I like the Fujifilm XP models a lot. First...it is the most durable .
Videos and pixs are very good. Has "filter" settings for diving. Really good waterprroofing
While I normally shoot Nikon D 810, I used it as only camera for a month in UK. 1800 photos and lots of video. Very little processing needed and great pix. Didn't miss DSLR most of time and lot easier to lug around.
The DSLR is preferred for paid shoots but amazed what that Fuji can do. Newer models can go deeper for diving than older models.
I am not mirrorless yet
..have lots of Nikon DSLR lens and various bodies.
But I did get an inside scoop on mirrorless cameras about to hit market from Panasonic thay will leapfrog past Sony offerings. I can't reveal info but if in the market you may want to wait a bit.
I can confirm that at least two of them made it to Southern part of Michigan. One bit me on shin causing a big festuring wound, swollen leg and lots of antibiotics and injections. Luckily it didn't get into bone.Took about a year before normal. The other bite was to a woman who died. Both medically confirmed ...I moved here from Calif. 2004...thought it would be safer...no earthquakes....oh well ;-(
You can also try apps like
Q-DSLR DASHBOARD.
Some will operate from phones wireless...others use USB wired. On the one I listed above it controls all camera functions including live view to the computer screen. I use for astrophotography with Nikon D810.
Go light and minimalist and possible unless you need certain gear for a paid job. With lots of gear you will soon be ready to toss it in the garbage. You will miss shots and have a sore back.
It was a great lens if this is the 2.8 ED AF lens. Get it fixed. I have one and love it.
I once had a lens that used loose ball bearings. I could hear them if I shook it but not an issue. It was an outstanding lens and the loose balls were part of its design...but for a camera system I sold. It was a Canon lens...as I recall a 85mm used on a A1 film body.
I have a D810 and D800....never used that pop up flash. Other than triggering remote strobes I see no use for it.
The real question is why not let the final product (the photo) determine the crop? If one always outputs to "standard" paper or frame sizes....why not something else. Most of my film photography was with Hasselblad 6x6...sometimes full frame but often cropped to best show the subject. When shooting I visualized what the cropping would be. I still prefer square format if given choice but currently mostly shoot D810 Nikon. The original 35mm doesn't match standard paper or frame sizes so often needs cropping unless printed full frame on larger paper size anyway.
Expensive doesn't equal better quality all the time. Have a very expensive Gitzo large ball head I bought around 1976. Still use it but not smooth, or well machined. Took lots of fiddling before it worked as well as another brand for 1/3 the price.
If you only use the kayak to get to where you will use a camera...a dry bag or water proof case is ok. But you will miss all the photos while on the water. Get a small waterproof camera and leave the other at home. I use a Fujifilm XP...Pix as good as my Nikon d810 and can even take pictures down to over 30' when snorkeling. It isn't expensive either and takes stills and HIDEF video. Long time kayaker and pro photographer.