I'm looking for a new camera. Currently, I'm shooting with a Sony A6000 - the mirrorless entry Sony and my only other experience is with the Canon Rebel series.
I don't like the Sony - dials overlap, menu too crazy etc.
So I'm looking for a new lightweight camera camera where I can interchange lenses and just wondering what you folks might recommend.
You are going to get a lot of suggestions! So I would advise writing down what is important for you to have and the looking for cameras that fit those needs. Personally I like Fujifilm cameras (and they do a couple of very nice lightweight in the X series) but the best thing you can do is research thoroughly and then go along to a reputable camera shop and try them out. I have always found that independent dealers often give a far better service than the big chains if you have one near you. Good luck on your search.
I have to agree with @allsop that your best bet is putting your hands on as many cameras as you can.
My own personal experience is that I started on an a6000 and upgraded to an a6500 myself and still didn't love it. It actually felt pretty good in my hand but I never quite felt comfortable with getting the settings how I wanted them.
I'm now using an X-T4 and am blown away by it. Photos immediately look much better on the back of the camera which keeps me motivated while shooting and I find every setting to be extremely accessible. I think I would've been happy with an X-T3, X-T30 or X-E4 as well but went with the X-T4 as I had come to appreciate IBIS on the a6500.
The biggest downside I've noticed is that lenses for the Sony system were quite a bit cheaper, with more third party options... although now that Fuji is starting to get more third party options (most notably from Sigma and Viltrox) I really don't want to switch as the Fujinon XF lenses have given me results I'm very happy with.
@johnmaguire is absolutely right about the lenses but I must say that the third party lenses are really extremely good. My main gripe, however, about third party ones is that so few of them are at he moment manual focus only (although I have just had a look at the Viltrox 23mm F1.4 Fuji XF Lens which is auto-focus) and as my local independent dealer has a sale on it is a very attractive price of £271 as opposed to the normal £321 (but I live in the UK and I see you are in the USA). Manual focus might not be a problem for you but if, like me, you wear varifocal spectacles it can be.
@allsop@johnmaguire
Thnks so much foor yr input..the fuji is definitely on my radar but checking out as many as I can is good advice!! Really appreciate that you took the time to respond.
No recommendations on a particular camera per se, but definitely joining in the chorus of "put it in your hands and see how it feels" before you buy it. A recent computer purchase has taught me that when it comes to electronics, it's always better to check it out in the store first before you purchase. And I am all in favor of supporting a local independent dealer if you have one- they do give far better service and can really use the support now. Best wishes on your research and final purchase.
@olivetreeann Thanks, Ann...the one issue I have with the local stores here is that they have very, very limited choices and, of course, most highly recommend the ones they deal in. But Im just beginning this search!
I'm with @allsop and @johnmaguire, I made the switch to Fujifil mirrorless in late 2018, andI'm very happy. I originally got an X-T3 and eventually added an X-T4 as backup. The only real downside I see is that the lenses are not cheap. My favorite thing, really the deciding factor for me, is they have the look and feel of the film SLRs I grew up with.
There's so many options, and you need to find what camera's personality will "click" with you
@lsquared Hi Larry, I have just taken delivery today of a Viltrox 23mm F1.4 Fuji XF Lens and first impressions are that it is really a very good lens, all metal well made bit of kit . If this is the quality that Viltrox have in their other lenses then I am impressed. They do 3 Fuji fit at the moment: the 23mm, a 85mm and a 33mm, this link is to the 23mm but he also does reviews of the other two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZ5zj1Gin8.
I have used the Sony A6000 and although it had very good image quality it never felt right in my hand. I now use the Sony A7iii as my main camera and I love it but it is bigger and you are looking for smaller. I also own a Fujifilm XT20 and I have to agree with Larry and Andrew, the menu system makes a little more sense, the image quality is superb and if you shoot in JPEG their film simulations are very good. The lenses are expensive but any good quality glass is expensive, no matter what system you choose. Before you make your decision you should also consider micro 4/3 such as Panasonic or Olympus. I recently bought an Olympus EM10 and it is a joy to use. My Fujifilm has been collecting dust since I bought the Oly. Small and light it is a take anywhere camera that won't weigh you down or let you down. My advice would be to rent a couple of different cameras before you make your decision. Until you actually use one it is hard to tell if you will enjoy owning it. Good luck.
@cdcook48 Rental is a very good idea and if you can hire more than one at a time you will get a good comparison. The only caveat I have is that it does take a while to delve into all that different cameras can do and the different ways they have of doing them! So renting for a day is definitely not going to be long enough.
@lsquared@allsop@cdcook48 This is a great conversation about cameras. Rental is a really good idea; I just have to find someplace that has the variety of cameras. Local shops here are very limited. A friend just bought the micro 4/3 Olympus and I will get her review and get to try that one out! So that's a start. Thanks again for all the input.
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My own personal experience is that I started on an a6000 and upgraded to an a6500 myself and still didn't love it. It actually felt pretty good in my hand but I never quite felt comfortable with getting the settings how I wanted them.
I'm now using an X-T4 and am blown away by it. Photos immediately look much better on the back of the camera which keeps me motivated while shooting and I find every setting to be extremely accessible. I think I would've been happy with an X-T3, X-T30 or X-E4 as well but went with the X-T4 as I had come to appreciate IBIS on the a6500.
The biggest downside I've noticed is that lenses for the Sony system were quite a bit cheaper, with more third party options... although now that Fuji is starting to get more third party options (most notably from Sigma and Viltrox) I really don't want to switch as the Fujinon XF lenses have given me results I'm very happy with.
Thnks so much foor yr input..the fuji is definitely on my radar but checking out as many as I can is good advice!! Really appreciate that you took the time to respond.
There's so many options, and you need to find what camera's personality will "click" with you