MIRRORLESS CENTRAL

MY NEWEST REVIEWS and ARTICLES:

Hasselblad 907x 100C review 

The Nikon Zf Review 

The Nikon Z9 Review

The Nikon Z8 Review 

QUICK LOOOK – Leica 50 Summicron SL

Leica Noctilux f/1.2 Review 

Voigtlander 50 1.5 Heliar. Vintage Mojo! 

Leica 50 APO vs Voigtlander 50 APO

The Leica 24-70 f.2.8 Vario Elmarit Review!

The Sigma FPL Review! 

The Sony 24 2.8, 40 2.5 and 50 2.5 Lens Review! 

Leica 35 Summicron SL Review 

The Leica SL2-S Review

The Voigtlander 50 f/2 APO Review

The Sony 35 f/1.4 G Master Lens Review

The Sigma 35 and 65 f/2 Review (L MOUNT)!

The Hasselblad 907X Review

The 7 Artisans 35 1.4 M Mount Lens Review (On the Hasselblad 907X)!

Hasselblad 65mm f/2.8 Lens Review

Sigma 85 f/1.4 Art Lens Review (Sony E Mount)

The Sony ZV-1 Review

The Sony 20mm f/1.8 Review 

The Leica Monochrom M10M (and ALL versions) Video Review

Hasselblad X1DII with the new 45P Lens

Voigtlander 50 APO for the Sony E

Leica SL2

The Sigma FP Review! A look at this hybrid modular system. 

The Olympus EM5 MKIII Review! 

The Voigtlander 21 1.4 and Sony A7III visit a Dead Mall

The Sony A6600 Hands On! SCREAMING FUN!

A look at the Legendary Noct Nikkor Lens on the Leica SL

Voigtlander 75 1.5 VM Lens Review

Second look at the 75 1.5 Voigtlander by Ashwin Rao

The new Sony 35 1.8 Lens Review on the A9

Hasselblad X1D MKII Review!

Sony A7RMKIV HANDS ON REPORT! 

X1DMKII Update

The Voigtlander 35 f/2 Ultron Lens Review  – “Vintage Perfection”

The Panasonic S1 Review

The Panasonic S1 with Leica M Lenses

Is the Leica SL still relevant in 2019?

The Leica Q2 Review

The Canon 28-70 RF f/2 Lens Review

The Olympus EM1X – Hail to the new Micro 4/3 King

Nikon Z6 Experience Review

The Sony A64000 “EXPERIENCE” Review

Leica M10-D Review – LESS IS MORE

Voigtlander 110 mm f/2.5 APO Macro Lanthar Lens Review on the Sony A7III

The Canon 50 1.2 RF Lens Review

Canon EOS-R Review

Leica M10-D Review

The “Old’ Canon 50 1.2 EF ROCKS!

Fuji X-T3 Review

Hasselblad 80mm f/1.8 Lens

Sony 24m f/1.4 G Master Lens Review

Voigtlander 50 f/1.2 M Mount

Hasselblad X1d and the new 21mm f/4 Part 1Follow Up

The Sony 400mm G Master Lens IN USE – Photos and Video HERE!

Nikon 58 1.4 on the Leica SL

THE THREE KINGS OF MIRRORLESS AS OF JUNE 2018

The Leica M10 with the $369 50 f/1.1

My take on the Fuji XH1

Leica M10 and Voigtlander 40 f/1.2 – Amazing combo. 

Sony a7III or a7RIII? Differences and full size samples from the A7III

1st tests of the new Sony A7III in Las Vegas

Shooting the Sony A9, A6500, RX0 and the new 18-135 OSS in Hawaii!

Olympus and Panasonic Battle of the 45’s – $249 to $1399

Wrap up on the incredible Sony A7RIII!

The Canon M100 – Fun Fun Fun!

FIRST SHOTS WITH THE Olympus 17 and 45 f/1.2 Lenses!

The Leica CL Camera Review (written and video)

THE SONY A7RIII IN A HELICOPTER WITH THE 24-105 G LENS! Check it out…

The Sony A7RIII! – 1st Look Thoughts, and then a HANDS ON with Samples. 

The Voigtlander 40 f/1.2 Nokton Lens Review!

The HASSELBLAD X1D REVIEW, Part 1 of 4…

Hasselblad X1D – Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

The Leica SL and 50 Summilux SL!

 

Mirrorless Camera Reviews, comparisons and articles 

Sony A9, A7, NEX and RX  Series

The Sony A6600 – Screaming Fun! 

The Sony 35 1.8 Lens Review

The Sony A7R MKIV Hands On Report! 

The Sony A6400 “EXPERIENCE” Review

Voigtlander 110 mm f/2.5 APO Macro Lanthar Lens Review on the Sony A7III

The Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master Review

The Sony 400mm G Master on the Sony A9

Sony a7III 1st tests = PART ONE PART TWO

My A7RIII Wrap Up!

The Sony A9, A6500, RX0 and 18-135 in Hawaii!

The Sony A9 in Sedona via Helicopter! 

THE VOIGTLANDER 65MM F/2 APO ON THE SONY A9

THE SONY A9 FULL CAMERA REVIEW!

THE SONY 16-35 f/2.8 G Master Review

MYER OPTIK NOCTURNUS II 50 0.95

THE SONY A9 FIRST LOOK!

Sony 85 1.8 Lens Review

Sony 100 f/2.8 G MASTER Review

LENSBABY TRIO 28 on the A7RII

Zeiss Loxia 85 f/2.4 on the Sony A7RII

CANON 50 1.2 on a Sony A7RII? Yep, and it is gorgeous!

REVIEW: Sony Zeiss 50 1.4 Lens Review

Sony 70-200 G Master first look!

REVIEW: SONY G MASTER 24-70 f/2.8 Lens by Craig Litten

REVIEW: Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master

A7RII and  the Petzval 58 1.9

Voigtlander 15 f/4.5 for Sony E Mount!

HANDS ON: Sony RX10 III

HANDS ON: Sony 50 1.8

HANDS ON: Sony 70-300 OSS G Lens

HANDS ON: Sony A6300 and 85 1.4 G Master

Two DAYS with the Sony 24-70 G Master

A Look at the Sony 85 1.4 G MASTER

REFRESH: Zeiss 50 SONNAR on the A7RII and Leica SL

REVIEW: Sony RX1R Mark II

1st Look! Sony RX1RII

The Sony a7SII Review

The full real world Sony A7RII Review!

Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Lens Review on the Sony A7RII

The Voigtlander 35 1.7 M Mount on the A7RII

Sony A7RII ISO compared to A7s!

A7RII Review by Chad Wadsworth

The Sony A7RII 1st Reports! Part 1, 2 and 3

More A7RII!

The Sony RX100 V4 Review!

Zeiss Batis lenses for Sony FE – 25mm and 85mm Reviewed!

The Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro review

The Sony/Zeiss 35 1.4 Distagon lens Review

The Zeiss Loxia 35 f/2 Biogon lens Review on the Sony A7II

The Shootout of the 50 APO and 50 LOXIA Lenses

Sony 16-35 Zeiss Lens review

Sony 35 1.4 Zeiss Lens 1st Look!

The Sony A7 II Full Real World Review

Voigtlander 40 2.8 Lens Review on the Sony A7s

Loxia 50mm f.2 Review (Guest Review)

The Sony A6000 with Zeiss 50 Touit f/2.8 Review

The Lomo Petzval Lens on the Sony A7s

The Sony RX100 III Review

The full Sony A7s Real World Review

The Sony A7s: Testing the limits of low light

The Sony A7s: More images and shots in the dark

The Sony A6000 Review

Full A7 and A7r Real World Review

Voigtlander M to Sony Close focus Adapter

One Journey Two Cameras by Jason Howe

Companion A7r review by Ashwin Rao

Hands on the Sony A7 and A7r

Images of the A7r with Leica glass mounted

Sony RX1R Full Review!

1st Look at the Sony RX1R! and a comparison with the Leica X Vario

The Sony RX1 Camera Review – PART 1

The Sony RX1 Camera Review – PART 2

RX1R vs Nikon V1 vs Leica M 240!

The Sony NEX-3N and 20 f/2.8 Quick Review

Black & White with the Sony RX1

Gariz Case review for the RX1

The Sony NEX-5R and NEX-6 reviews

The SLR Magic 35 T 0.95 Lens Review on the NEX-6

Night Street Shots with the RX1

The Sony RX1 1st Look and Low Light shooting!

The Sony NEX-6 1st Look Review!

The Sony RX100 Camera Review

Sony RX100 vs V1 and OM-D – Just for fun!

Sony RX100 Preview

The Sony NEX-7 Camera Review 

More testing of the NEX-7 – Leica wide angles 

The Sony NEX-7 with SLR Magic 50 T0.95 Hyperprime (Leica Mount)

Fun with the NEX-3 and Sigma 30 2.8

 The Sony NEX and Leica Noctilux!

The Sony NEX-C3 and Noktor Hyper-prime 50mm f/0.95 by Steve Huff

The Leica 35 Summilux ASPH II on the Sony NEX-7

My experience with the Sony NEX-5n and Canon 50 1.4 FD lens by William Jusuf

Traveling in South America with the Sony NEX-7 and Leica glass by Ashwin Rao

The SLR Magic 23 1.7 vs the Zeiss 24 1.8 on the NEX-7

The Sony 50 1.8 OSS Lens Review on the NEX-7

The Sony NEX-5n Review 

The Sony NEX-5n and Contax G Lenses

The Sony NEX-5n and the Voigtlander 35 1.4

The Sony NEX-3 and 5 review

Sony 16mm Pancake Lens review

Street Shooting with the Sony NEX-5

The NEX-5 at ISO 6400

A day at the Matterhorn with the NEX-5

Is the Sony NEX-5 the poor mans Leica M9? The Noctilux tested on both!

The Noktor SLR MAGIC Hyperprime 50 f/0.95 for NEX

Sony NEX-7 Video Samples at the AZ State Fair

The Sony NEX-7 with Wide Angle manual lenses

The SLR Magic 35 1.7 Lens on the NEX

The SLR Magic 28 2.8 Lens on the NEX

Using Pentax lenses on the Sony NEX-5n by Tord Eriksson

The Sony NEX-7 with Zeiss ZM lenses by Dirk De Paepe

 

The Fuji X Series

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COMING SOON – Fuji X-Pro 3 Review

The Fuji X-T3 Review!

The Fuji XH1!

FUJI X100F REVIEW

Fuji XT-2: Four days and 20 Shots

X-PRO 2 REVIEW BY AMY MEDINA

The Fuji F 2.8 Zooms take on Nature

The full Fuji X-T1 Review

My 1st look video of the Fuji X-T1

24 Hours with the X-E2

Fuji X100T Review!

The Zeiss Touit Lenses on the Fuji X-E1

The Fuji X100s Review by Steve Huff

The Fuji X100s by Nicola Bernardi

The Fuji X20 Review by Steve Huff

The SLR Magic 35 T 1.4 Lens on the Fuji X-E1 by Steve Huff

The Fuji X-E1 Review by Amy Medina

Low Light Shooting with the Fuji X100 and more…

The Fuji X-Pro 1 with V2 Firmware on “The Cruise”

The Fuji X-Pro 1 Review

A second take on the X-Pro 1 by Ashwin Rao

Fun with the Fuji 18mm f/2 for the X-Pro 1

Tips for the X-Pro 1 Quirks

Fuji X-Pro 1 vs NEX-7 – High ISO Wars

The Fuji X100 Camera Review

The Fuji WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens for the X100

An Update on the Fuji X100 – Black Special Edition – It rocks!

The Fuji X10 Camera Review

The Top 7 Complaints of the Fuji X100 and how I get around them

Fuji X100 vs Leica X1

The Fuji X100 vs a Leica M6

A Photo Stroll in Estonia with the X100

Fuji X100 vs Leica M9!

 

Olympus PEN/OM-D Series

The Olympus EM5 MKIII Review!

The Olympus EM1X – Hail to the new Micro 4/3 King

The battle of the 45’s – Olympus and Panasonic! 

The AWESOME Olympus 17, 25 and 45 1.2

The Olympus 25 f/1.2 Lens Review by Steve Huff

The Olympus EM1 MKII Review with new 12-100 f/4 lens

Olympus 25 1.2 Pro Lens in Havana

OLYMPUS 300mm PRO REVIEW 

Leica 100-400 Lens Review on the GX8 by John DeVore

Panasonic 100-400 Lens Review on the E-M5II!

The 1st day with the new Olympus 300mm f/4 Pro

The awesome Olympus PEN-F Review!

Olympus E-M10 II and 7-14 f/2.8 Pro Zoom Quick Review!

Olympus 8mm Fisheye Lens Review

The SLR Magic T 0.95 Lens review on the E-M5II

The Voigtlander 10.5 F 0.95 Lens Review

The Olympus E-M5 Mark II Review

Mirrorless Battle!

New Orleans with Olympus and the new TOUGH camera by Steve Huff

The Panasonic Nocticron 42.5 f/1.2 Lens Review

The Olympus E-M10 Review

My full real world Olympus E-M1 Review!

The Olympus 25 1.8 Lens Review

The E-M1 Takes Manhattan by Neil Buchan-Grant

Astro with the E-M5 by Jensen Chan

Zombies with the E-M1 and E-P5!

The Olympus E-P5! What a beauty!

Olympus OM-D E-M1 1st Look Mini Review with TONS of samples!

Olympus E-M1 1st Look!

Amazing Photos with an Olympus E-M1!

The Voigtlander 42.5 Lens Review on the E-P5

My Video look at the Olympus E-P5

The Olympus 17 1.8 Lens Review

The Olympus 60 Macro Review

The Olympus 75 1.8 Lens Review by Steve Huff

Fishing for Zombies with the OM-D!

The OM-D does Europe! 

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Camera Review by Steve Huff

The Panasonic 12-35 2.8 Lens review on the OM-D E-M5

The Olympus 12-50 Kit Zoom

In Berlin and shooting in Black and White with the OM-D

Saving an overblown OM-D shot!

Holga 25 f/8 Lens on the Micro 4/3 Olympus by Illya Reddy

Low light shooting with the OM-D and X100

On the road with an Olympus OM-D by Colin Steel

The Olympus E-P3 Camera Review

Olympus E-P2 Vs Panasonic GX1 – Part 1, HIGH ISO

The Panasonic 25 1.4 Lens Review on the E-P3

Dark and Gritty with the Olympus E-P3

The Olympus 45 1.8 Lens Review on the E-P3

Out on the Street with the E-P3 and 12mm f/2

E-P3 vs Leica M9!

E-P3 vs Sony NEX-C3

The Olympus E-PM1 Review by Amy Medina

The Olympus E-P2 Review

The E-P2 Art Filter video samples

The Noktor 50 f/0.95 on the E-P2

The Olympus E-Pl2 Review by Steve Huff

The Olympus E-PL1 vs the Samsung NX10 by Jonathan Wong

Olympus E-P2 Digital Camera Review

The Olympus E-PL1 Camera Review

 

The Panasonic Series – Micro 4/3

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PANASONIC 12mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX LENS – VIDEO HERE1st LOOK REVIEW HERE

The Panasonic S1 Review

The Voigtlander 35 f/2 Lens Review on the Panasonic S1

THE PANASONIC GX85

Hands on! Panasonic GX8!

The Panasonic GX7 Camera Review

The Panasonic 20 1.7 II Lens Review

The Panasonic 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens on the OM-D by Steve Huff

The Panasonic 12-35 2.8 Lens review for Micro 4/3 by Steve Huff

USER REPORT: The Panasonic GX1 Review by David Babsky

My Final Thoughts on the GX1 vs E-P3

Panasonic GX1 vs Olympus E-P3 – High ISO

Panasonic GX1 vs Olympus E-P3 – OOC JPEG

Panasonic GX1 vs Olympus E-P3 – RAW

1st Look at the Panasonic GX1 and 25 1.4 Lens

The Panasonic G2 Review

The Panasonic GF 1 Review – (old site)

The Panasonic 20 1.7 Lens Review

The Panasonic 25 1.4 Summilux Lens review on the Olympus E-P3

The 20 1.7 on the E-P3

The Panasonic Lumix G 20 1.7 Lens Review

The Panasonic G-F1, an old Friend by Colin Steel

The Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 Lens Review on the Olympus E-P2 by Steve Huff

The Panasonic-Leica Lumix 45 Macro 2.8 O.I.S. Lens Review by Steve Huff

 

CLASSIC AND OLDER REVIEW FROM SYSTEMS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION

The Nikon 1 and Coolpix Series

 

The Nikon 32 1.2 1 System Lens Review

The Nikon V3 LOW LIGHT test

My trip to Japan with the Nikon V1 by Brandon Huff

The Nikon 6.7-13mm Wide Angle Zoom Review

Taking the Nikon 1 to Dreamland

The Nikon Coolpix A Review

The Nikon V2 Camera Review

The Nikon V1 Camera Review 

The Nikon 18.5 Lens review by Craig Litten

Amazing Nikon V1 Review by Craig Litten – Beautiful Photo Samples!!

Pimp your Nikon V1!

The Nikon V1 does Western Alberta by Paul Chance

Traveling light in Myanmar with a Nikon V1 by Colin Steel 

The Nikon V1. Perfect street camera?

The Nikon V1 in Vietnam by Colin Steel

The Nikon V1 in Vietnam Part 2 by Colin Steel – and Part 3

Low light high ISO samples with the Nikon V1

More images from the V1!

Mirrorless Mania!

Nikon V1 vs Panasonic V1

The Nikon V1 in Venice by Gary Perlmutter

 

Ricoh GXR & GR Series

The Ricoh GR – APS-C in a GR – Full Review

The Ricoh GXR Review with the 28 and 50mm Modules

The Ricoh GXR A12 Leica module review by Ashwin Rao

The Ricoh GXR A12 Module 2nd look by Steve Huff

Leica lenses on the A12 compared to the Sony NEX-7

Ricoh GXR vs Leica X1

Ricoh GRX vs Sony NEX-5

Ricoh GR Digital III Review by Steve Huff

 

 

Miscellaneous Mirrorless Reviews – Panasonic, Leica, Pentax, Samsung

X1DII Review

Hasselblad 80mm f/1.8 Review

Canon M100 Fun!

Leica TL 1st Look

Leica M10 Review

REVIEW: LEICA SL with the new 90-280 Lens!

REVIEW: Leica T with new 35 1.4 Summilux T!

The Leica SL Review

Zeiss 50 1.5 ZM Sonnar on the SL

The Leica Q Review

A Look at the new Leica Monochrom

Leica X Review

Leica T Review

Sigma Dp2 Quattro Review

Samsung NX300

Leica X Vario Review

Sigma DP2 Merrill Review

Sigma DP Merrill comparison

The Leica X2 Review

The Leica X2 Leather Case

Leica X2 vs Fuji X100

The Pentax K-01 Review

The Leica X1 Review 

The Fuji X100 vs Leica X1 – Part 1

The Fuji X100 vs Leica X1 – Part 2

The Pentax Q Review

The 20 1.7 on the E-P3

The Samsung NX200 USer Report 

The Leica X1 Revisited

The ultimate mirrorless camera – The Leica M9 review

The LYTRO

100 Comments

  1. Any YI M1 mirrorless camera??? I am planning to get one… I mean just right for my budget… what do you think guys? They are selling it here in the Philippines, I thought, maybe I can try this new brand… looksgood to me being a beginner and having a tight budget… I found their page and let me know your thoughts guys… http://yitechnology.com/yimirrorless/index/id/8.html

  2. Love your reviews!

    Please recommend a mirrorless camera and 2 lens kit for portrait photography. Almost all portraits will be shot outdoors. I am considering jumping ship from Canon 6D.

  3. Some months ago, you announced that you had received the Zukio 7-14mm zoom, but did you ever post your review of it? Doesn’t seem to be showing in the mirrorless section.

  4. Please help! 🙂

    I am really struggling between purchasing the Sony A7Rii or the A7Sii. I have been commissioned by a little museum in Lancaster county PA to purchase a video camera to do some interviews that would be used in the museum. Basically the history videos will be portrayed on HD monitors and possibly a few white screens. My first instinct is to simply purchase the Sony A7sii because it claims to be made more for video.

    However, as I go through the video comparisons and forums I get confused. I am tempted by the high-resolution images on the A7Rii and it appears that the video is almost as good. In some ways, as with AF and some color issues the A7Rii appears perhaps even better.

    We have a few nice Canon lenses. And we already have the Sony 24-135mm F/4 lens. I should mention that we do take pictures of things like churches, ancient manuscripts and other old stuff. We use these images in a “Ken Burns” way in the documentaries.

    I could imagine that the cropping power of the A7sRii could be a benefit… However, we will never print a huge billboard.

    So…. I would love to have your advice. . 🙂 I’m sure you are busy…so If you would have time to simply state “R” or “S”. Thank you!!!

    • Well, the A7sII has faster and better AF than the RII, without question. Though the AF of the RII is plenty good for your needs. If you plan to stay at 12,800 or under (and you should for images), then I suggest the RII. It will give you cropping power and the video is pro level, I used it for a full production (aside from this site) and its amazing. The SII is also amazing but if you want to crop, it is not the best solution.

  5. Hi I just bought the Sony A7R and want to use my Canon L glass with it…what adapter do you suggest using with it, MetaBones? Also if I were to get a native lens for the 7R what would you suggest? I would like around a 90mm that can focus close. thanks Pam

  6. I’m getting old and tired of lugging all the DSLR camera equipment on and off airplanes. My travels are less memorable now becaue the equipment ends up staying in the hotel or car most of the time. Lately I’m thinking that a mirrorless system may offer a happy physical size and quality alternative. The Sony a6000 seems to be a likely place to start but is the picture and print quality comparable? I was told by my local all-things-photography purveyor that my Nikon DSLR lenses will, with an adaptor, work full auto on the a6000. Is this true?

    • Marion I feel the same way. I will be 60 next year. I have read all about mirror less and almost bought the Sony a6000 until I checked out the lens. Since I do wildlife I am looking for the lens to replace the quality of what I have. I decided to go with Olympus and went to the store to feel both. I liked the feel of the OMD E1 but opted to wait for the next model and hope for 24 mp because of the croping I do for birds. My hands hurt just holding my D7100 and 80-400 and also carrying it around on a tripod. I cant tell you how much I love that set up. I plan on getting the Pro lens from olympus. I hope that gives you some help. Im not a pro but very serious about my photography. My family loves my pictures but also think im nuts getting up at 4:00am.

  7. Hi Steve, would you buy the OMD E1 or wait for version II? Finally jumping into mirror less. Thanks

  8. Of all the mirrors cameras which has the best bar none imagine quality? I shoot mainly landscapes that are blown up quite large…starting at 16×20 up 30×40 and sometimes larger so image quality is by far the most important aspect of the camera besides good quality lens…any suggestions? thanks

      • The Sony A711…that’s the full frame right? I’ll have to look into it. How are Sony’s lens quality compared to Canon’s L series? I really wish Canon would make a mirrorless camera I could use my Canon lens with. The original EOS M is selling for just a couple hundred now. I might buy one just to play around with it. I understand the M lens are quite good.

        • Leica M lenses are quite good. NO comment on the EOS M, well, I will… for me, it was the worst mirrorless camera release ever. A total flop and failure for so many reasons. Can it take a nice picture? Sure..but getting there is not fun. There is a reason why its dirt cheap today. No one bought them. The A7II is, IMO, the best Sony A7 body today.

          • OK I will check out the Sony. Still might get a M to play with as I can use my L lenses. I do like the idea of full frame though. I would like something smaller and lighter than my 5D to take around with me ever where. thanks for your input.

          • Steven just got finished looking at all the pictures taken by the Sony A7II. While it has incredible depth of color and detail, I find the color gradation and shading too harsh. Also the skin tones seem to be blown out to me. What I love about Canon is the beautiful shading of colors into each. So far I have not seen any camera that can beat a Canon in that respect. Maybe it’s just the lighting or most likely my own preference. Maybe I should rent the Sony and try it hands on to really get a feel for it.

          • Renting is always best. But the camera does the opposite of blowing out skin tone. Lenses are what give you the IQ more than anything. But best thing is to rent it and see how you like it.

          • True about lenses giving you the IQ…maybe I’m just reluctant to give up my Canon lenses…lol…I used a Leica rangefinder back in the day and didn’t like it. I haven’t used Leica lens since. Guess it might be time to expand my horizons.

  9. Steve,

    I’ve assembled a great set of lenses for my a7r based on your in-depth reviews. The last missing piece is a fast 35. I have the Voigtlander 35/1.2, and it is a great lens, but it is seriously out-resolved by the Sony sensor, as I discovered during a recent landscape shoot.

    I tried the Leica 35/1.4, and it was sharp, but there was quite a bit of fringing going on in high-contrast areas, and I’m not a fan of the tab-focus mechanism when used with the a7r. Definitely not made for the Sony sensor!

    I noticed two promising lenses coming out soon: the Voigtlander 35/1.7 and the Zeiss 35/1.4. Both appear to be made specifically for high-resolution digital (mirrorless) sensors, and both are priced well within reach. I don’t have any Zeiss glass, just Voigtlander and Leica. Have you had any chance to try out either lens for more than a few shots? Any chance you have a copy of these shipping to the Huff household for evaluation soon?

    Thanks, and keep up the excellent reportage!

    John

    • I have the Zeiss 35 1.4 set to be sent to me a day or two before release. I am buying that one for myself 😉 Have not tried it but I am betting it will be pretty special.

  10. Steve,

    I really appreciate your reviews. I’m looking for a mirrorless camera to replace an older Canon DSLR camera. I would still classify myself as a ‘beginner’ photographer but I’m looking for something with great image quality and something where I can take family videos. I’m looking for something hopefully under $1,000 but also something that I can use for a long time and develop my photography skills. In an earlier comment (Dec 2012), you suggested the Fuji XE1 or the Olympus OMD. Both are on my price range but are they a little outdated now? Any new suggestions? Are the upgrades on the former suggestions worth the upgrade? Also was looking into Sony NEX 6.

    Thanks
    Laura

    • WHAT about canon? you don’t take the handicapped eosm seriously do you? canon won’t offer a reasonable mirrorless until they evolve their line of dslr to mirrorless as sony is doing at the moment.

  11. I’m looking to downsize from a Nikon D4 to a more compact mirrorless system, but am having a hard time sacrificing some of the key elements, such as high ISO performance, super fast AF and availability of greater/fast glass. I’m really looking for something more portable, but still with great the performance that I have now. I have some great Nikon primes and other 2.8 zooms, so this switch would probably also mean ditching the investment in glass, also. I shoot a wide variety of subjects, including sports: both indoors and out. I gave the first generation of Nikon 1 systems a try but they didn’t live up to the demand but that may have changed since then? I just don’t want to give up my whole system without having confidence that I can replace it with something that I can continue to grow with over time. That has always been the benefit of the Nikon F Mount.

    Any suggestions on one or two options that would not be a disappointment?

    Any rumors out there of a Nikon Mirrorless system sporting an F Mount and bigger sensor?

    • That is a difficult question to answer, simply because of all the choices out there. what is your budget? if you are willing to settle for MFT, the omdem5 or the panasonic gx7 would make for good choices… just check lens evaluations before you decide on which lens. but for better high iso performance, I would go with apsc, like the nex7. what’s nice about the mirrorless systems, is some have a nice pancake lens available, so you can have something pocketable like a Ricoh GR, but have interchangeable lenses. comes to mind in this category the NX210 (nx300 has annoying buffer issues), GX7, epl5. the samsung pancake lenses are very well regarded, and there is one or two good ones in MFT as well, but you’d have to check which ones, because there are some bad ones too.

      You will wait a year or two before Nikon replaces their Nikon 1 system with something better: they are still too heavily invested into the mirrorbox-based systems, and they would have to admit they were wrong… they need to find an elegant way to make the transition. Sony’s new models might force their hand though.

      feel free to y!messenger me if you like at xcitim

      • ps: you can get an adapter for $22 on ebay, to adapt (in manual mode only) your lenses to any mirrorless camera. there are also some rare adapters that allow some cameras to control your lens as they have a chip in them and contacts that go through. I think I’ve seen it only for canon, perhaps nikon too. but it kind of defeats the purpose of having a more compact camera, as the adapter will prolong the base so your lens has the same backfocus distance it was designed for, and the lenses themselves are larger than what you would have on an APSC camera or other mirrorless. BTW, the lenses on APSC and MFT are the same size in the lower focal lengths, MFT only having an advantage in the longer focal lengths. (for MFT fans who would argue, you can compare on camerasize.com some of the lenses on the Samsung system compared to the MFT cameras)

  12. Hi there it is indeed a very good site…….a year ago I bought epl1 for my kids…….and guess what……I find it amazing ,the mirrorless 4/3……few days ago I gave away my Olympus E3,14-45 2.8-3.5,macro 35.50-200 swd and bought myself a new pen ep2 black edition with oly 17 2.8 prime (I know it it already old stuff ) and it is AMAZING…I gave away also the epl1….so now I have pen ep2 ,17 mm 2.8 oly prime and 40-150 zoom 4 – 5.6 R ed MSC lens…….everything seems to work great……for sport photography(cycling events) should I use some of the 4/3 lenses such as the old non swd 50-200 or should I get panasonic 40-200 micro swd

    • When I get one I will do a review. Panasonic does not send me review samples like other companies do. Well, Fuji and Panasonic do not send them anymore. Probably because I have not liked the latest cameras from either. Camera companies do not like negative reviews but I pre-ordered the GX7 on day one so will have to wait until it is released to review it. I do think I will love it as I love what I see so far.

      • it is a pity about their sour grapes over that.
        it is not a wise strategy for a manufacturer to make enemies. they work so hard, and spend so much money cultivating relationships… it’s not a reviewer’s fault if a camera is crappy.

        I am glad to see that you keep your integrity intact – your site and your opinion just went up a couple of notches in my esteem.

  13. Hey

    Great site, all you work on M43 really makes me wonder where to go. I have a G2 and 20 mm 1.7. I dont like the cam and I am afraid the G2 made me dislike the 20 mm as well :0)

    Really thinking about moving to Oly all those great jpegs and that sensor I read abouit here is very tempting. For now I am thinking about glass, cant afford it all, and I am considering the 25 mm 1.4 but I would have to sell the 20 mm. Another option is the 17 mm 1.8 and the 45 mm 1.8. I do miss subject isolation from my DSLR a lot, and I do like quite wideangle “scenic” shooting, so what to do. Either go solely with the 25 mm 1.4 for the great quality or settle a bit more with 17 mm 1.8 allthough it apparently is not as great optics as the 20 mm, but It wouild allow me to get the 45 mm as well.

    Any advice, i know you are busy :0)

    Best wishes

    Jakob

    PS: will you adress that GX7 soon :0)

  14. I’ve heard mirrorless can’t compete with DSLR’s in situations of low light and moving subjects such as children indoors. Is this really true? I love these mirrorless cameras but have stuck with my 60D only for this one concern. Any thoughts?

    • NOt all mirrorless just as not all DSLR’s will be good for moving children in low light. The Olympus OM-D can keep up with ANY DSLR for AF speed. The Fuji? NO. Sony NEX? Almost.

    • that’s just a silly assumption that those people are making.
      your 60D is a fine camera – not sure why you’d want to change it.
      I like mirrorless because it’s less mechanics, higher reliability as a result – and why stay in the horse-and-buggy era when you have motors, right?
      low light performance depends on the sensor size mostly, and the focus system, and the lens. just as Steve replied above, it depends a lot on the camera – some are good, some are poor, and that has nothing to do with a flipping mirror, pardon the pun.
      I use a Samsung NX20 and am VERY happy with it. it rivals many many many good cameras, if you check out the image results at imaging-resource or at DXOmark.
      I’ve been tempted to change it for something even better, but after closely examining test results, I’ve discovered I have absolutely no incentive to change it this year.
      the omdem5 is the best MFT camera out there, along with it’s epl5/epl6 siblings, but an APS sensor will be better in low light as it’s bigger. in APS there is Samsung, Sony, Fuji (and that watered-down camera the canon eosm). Sony’s handicap is their lenses are widely criticized (NEX lenses that is), Fuji’s sensor technology doesn’t quite live up to the hype when you pixel-peep even though they have nice lenses. Samsung rivals Olympus’s omdem6 but may have an advantage in low light, and better control over depth of field just because it’s a bigger sensor. but not all their lenses are good. the 30mm f2 is very much loved (it takes a 22mm f1.6 in MFT to be equivalent), the 45mms are very good, the 85mm f1.4 is outstanding. of the zooms, the non-stabilized 20-50mm is sharper than the OIS 18-55mm – but I sold all my zooms and use only prime lenses now. my 30mm hardly ever comes off.

  15. Ricoh GR in stock now from amazon and Ebay. Only 4 left if anyone is interested. Was just browsing randomly and came across it and immediately bought one. Cant wait for Steve’s review.

  16. It appears that you guys look the other way when it comes to the Samsung brand. In my youth, Japanese products were frowned upon. Perhaps this attitude is a little bit myopic, and merits reconsideration. I’m having great experiences with my NX20. The NX300 has nice features and some flaws, but starting to follow the saga of the new generation as it evolves (evolving into the NX30 and NX310) might be interesting for many readers, and perhaps even a pleasant surprise for some.

    • I do not look the other way with Samsung. The reason you do not see them here is because A: Samsung does not send me samples, even though I have been in contact with them via phone. B: Samsung cameras are not very well known and sales wise, they are at the bottom of the barrel. if Samsung wants to work with me by sending me a sample for 2 weeks I would love to review them and I am sure I would enjoy the camera, the new one looks superb.

      • I stand corrected. I do think their sales are much better than Fuji, for example, especially since an NX300 is half the price of an XE1 or Xpro1, and still less than the new XM1 (and an NX1100 much less yet). but who cares what the sales are? that shouldn’t matter… Leica’s volume is much much less, yet no one calls them “bottom of the barrel”. that just appears biased.

  17. Steve,

    Thanks for your excellent site, and thoughtful reviews. In fact, I’m wondering if you have any plans to do a review of the Olympus E-PL5 sometime soon? It seems that the OM-D-E5 struck a cord with you, as well as the older Pen models, so I’m thinking this camera has a lot to offer for folks who don’t want to spend $1000 on the OMd5. Thoughts?

    thanks!

  18. Hi Steve ,
    What a great site you have! Thanks for all the info. I have an x100 and was thinking of an interchangeable lens camera. My husband has a Panasonic gx1 and I thought it would be a good idea to share lenses, so I thought an Olympus OM-d would be the answer! However, when we got to the camera shop and I compared the Fuji x-e1 with the Olympus the Fuji won hands down! Afterwards I read Amy ‘s review which is excellent!
    Keep up the good work.
    Rosie
    UK

  19. Great site and Steve offers wonderful comments on gear. I have an OMD and am looking for the very best lens to shoot wildlife and take on Safari. What is recommended?

    Thanks to all the respondents…

  20. As a beginning photographer, I’m looking to “upgrade” from a point and shoot to a mirrorless Nikon V1. What lenses would you recommend for this camera? Budget is about $500.00 TOTAL…………..

    Thanks

  21. Hi Steve,

    I’ve been looking for a mirrorless camera for 6 months and doing a lot of reading (too much). I’m worst off now trying to make a decision than I was before I started reading reviews. But I do love your article. Steve I was looking for your bottom line though. I’m looking for image quailty number 1. Not over 800.00 dollars. I’ve had Fuji S3 Pro in the past and loved the skin tones it produced. But I guess there is so much more out there now, I don’t know which way to lean. Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, ect.
    I know it’s not mirrorless, but was looking at Pentax K-30. But then again I don’t need a DSLR. I’ve had then for years and want something smaller. Anyways, just asking your thoughts on image quality and valve.

    Thank You
    Richard

  22. So… nice review and comments on the Sony RX1.
    Why not compare it with the Fuji X100, the other mirror less fixed 35mm you were at least just as lyric about, up until you got your hands on the RX1?
    Would be great to see if there is really a justifiable difference between the 2, given the price tag on both, and the 1.3 software update on the X100 that took away most of the problems it had.
    Cheers

    • I have not had my X100 for many months. The RX1 easily beats the X100 just due to the lens and sensor alone. It is also faster to focus and operate and while it may not look as cool (I prefer the look and style of the X100) there is no contest in the IQ and capabilities between the two. With that said, either camera will do it for almost any enthusiast, the RX1 just takes it over the top, especially for street, night and low light/high ISO shooting. The RAW files are unbelievably rich and robust. I still love the X100 but no need to own it now that I own the RX1. Tech marches on..always.

  23. I am interested in an ILC camera and just saw a Panasonic DMC G3 at B&H for $299 with kit lens. If that deal is true I may pick that up. What do you think? That is by far the cheapest price I have seen.

  24. Hi, I am looking for a new camera so I can finally get rid of my terrible digital camera. I came across your website which has been incredibly helpful (thank you!) and I believe I want to get a mirrorless. I like the multiple lenses (I have an old film one which I love but is inconvenient with photoshop) but have a limited budget (preferable not much more than 500) and have been struggling with the contrasting advice I have been given. I love to travel so picture quality is very important but don’t want anything to simple like a point-and-shoot. I was debating between the Nikon 1 J1/J12 and the Sony NEX 5N but am not committed. Is there any advice from you or anyone?
    Thank you!

  25. My mirrorless cameras as of today: Sigma DP1 Merrill, Sigma DP2 Merrill (both with the dedicated OVF’s), and the Leica X2 (with the EVF-2). Couldn’t be happier.

  26. Will someone please make this mirrorless camera for me?
    Prograde built quality for the camera and lens system
    Fast, superb and varied lens system
    Full frame sensor
    True Rangefinder size and feel
    DSLR-like autofocus, metering, TTL
    Minimal buttons and simplified menus
    Good battery life
    Camera body under $3000

    I know this can be done, but who will dare?
    Please don’t tell me to buy a Leica, I gave up on manual focusing 20 years ago!

  27. Hey Steve,
    Thanks for all the great info. There is just so much, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I’m looking at getting a mirrorless camera for underwater photography and video and was wondering what your recommendation would be?

    Thanks alot.

  28. Hi Steve,
    you are doing nice jobe here, great. I am in big dillema; sold all my previous equipment (DSLR) andwant to buy mirrorles body. And cant decide 🙂 Oly OM-D or Sony NEX 7, so can you help me with this :).
    Just from your point of view.
    Also I was realy disapointed when I heard that OM-D has very slow focus with very good ZD 50-200 lens…
    Thanks

    • OM-D…shot both extensively and at the end of the day I prefer the usability and IQ from the OM-D with good glass. Just so much smoother, faster, and fun to shoot. The X-Pro 1 is nice and I like it more now than I ever did but something about it still feels unfinished to me. Not sure what it is but I think the OM-D with the 12, 45 and new 75 is amazing with no real weaknesses to be found.

  29. HI Steve
    It seems that exciting times are indeed on there way to those of us that use mirror less cameras , with Panasonic launching there new Re-Modelled GH-3. And Olympus launching not one but two new bodies with the Pen E-PM2 and the Pen E-PL5, and both these new bodies carrying the same processor and censor as the OMD-OM5, this can only mean one thing ..? What is the rumoured new Olympus EP5 going to be , there are a couple of small rumours that it could be a new redesigned body based on a range finder camera , if this is so then Olympus have been listening to its customer base and maybe with the success of Fuji’s X-100 and X-Pro 1 range then Olympus have been spurned into action…We live in hope..? Also im really looking forward to Olympus’s new 15mm F 8 Body Cap lens and im sure that within a week of its launch this tiny lens well find an army of followers ‘’ WHY’’ simple because its cheep…And on a final note Olympus have re-designed the XZ-1 with an all new singing and dancing design , and again it incorporates the OMD-OM5 technology its just a pity that the XZ-2 hadn’t been given a built in EVF then this would have been a real competitor to the X-100…As an owner of the XZ-1 which I use as an every day camera for taking to work well I still upgrade to the XZ-2 ? you bet I well.

    Ps.. Lets hope that Steve gets a chance to do a couple of reviews on some of the above I brought both my EPL-2 and XZ-1 based on the reviews posted on this site and they sit nicely along side my Panasonic G2.

    Regards Clive

    • I am hoping for a review/comparison of the PEN PL5 to the OMD. I am considering both but I am torn between the full featured OM-D vs the smaller, stealthy PEN style.

  30. Hi, Steve: For those of us new to mirrorless cameras, it would be helpful to have a listing of gear by date of release and date of your review. Otherwise, one can spend a lot of time reading about several cameras no longer available as new. Thanks.

  31. Hi Steve,

    LOVE the reviews on this site. Very informative, very thorough and not too techie. Kudos!

    I’m looking for an mirrorless kit to use, mostly for video. I have narrowed my search down to a few cameras and would love your take.

    I was wondering if you had a chance to get your hands on the new Panasonic G5 as of yet – that’s one of the cameras I’m considering. The others would be the OM-D EM-5 and either the Panasonic GH2 (or the GH3 if they ever release it and it’s impressive enough to warrant the investment).

    I have already eliminated the SONYs, mostly because of overheating issues, and my other major concern is the 29 minute video recording limit (which the GH2 does not have, but from what I’m reading, the G5 may have been saddled with it).

    Anyhow, thanks in advance for your feedback!

  32. Hey Steve,

    Do you think Olympus is going to release a fast 25mm lens like their 12mm f2 and 45mm f1.4? I know that Panasonic has the DG Summilux 25mm f1.4. But, I really like the Olympus 45mm and 12mm that I got based on your recommendations. If Olympus is coming out with a fast 25mm prime lens with their new AF system, then I might wait for that than getting the Panasonic 25mm.

    Thanks.

  33. Hi Steve, appreciate your wonderful work!

    When is the Zeiss E24 lense review gonna come out?? Looking forward to it!!

    Northy from China

  34. Hey Steve, help a wanabe photographer out!
    Just purchased the NEX-7 with 18-55 kit lens (coming from Sony A700) Taking a trip to Colorado in a few weeks. If you had ~$1,000 burning a hole in your pocket, what lens would you add to the NEX-7? I take various types of photos from macro to landscapes. Also, with the great peaking abilities of this camera, would it be wise to go with a converter and use non e-mount lenses instead of sticking with the native lenes? I would love your input!
    Thanks for the site and your great reviews!

    Mike

  35. Good Day

    Why does Panasonic, who is a major playerin mirrorless equal to Olympus, get lumped in “miscellaneous”? It really is not fair on them.

    • You are correct! Just added a Panasonic section. When I made this page there was only two Panasonic articles listed, that is why it did not have its own section yet. Thanks!

  36. Dear Steve. Your are no doubt one of the best reviewers, if not the one. I promise when i buy one stuff, I’ll do it from your site. We can find from your reviews, information we never find from others.

    Of course, each photographer will prefer this or that camera depending on the kind of photography he prefers to do.

    Each photographer will have a different “Main characteristic criteria for a decisive inescapable, major choice factor”

    ONE is “How discrete is the shutter sound” for street photography

    Between, OLY EP-3, SONY NEX-5N, SONY NEX-7 (Even though possibly more discrete shutter sound than -5N), Fuji X100, RICOH future Lensor 16Mp 24-84mm (Equiv.), Leica M9P ….

    … only Fuji X100 and RICOH meet the demand … due to central leaf shutter … almost silent

    Would others have had a possibility to remove the mechanical shutter sound, OLY EP-3 would have been the one choice (ESPECIALLY DUE TO ITS BETTER LENSES and fast AF over SONY’s) _ but: lack of integrated EVF and swivel LCD like NEX-7 (ALSO so essential for street photography).

    Fuji X100 ? … SLOW, SOFT LENS

    RICOH GXR with future Lensor 16Mp matched with 24-84 (equiv. 35) … ? … still to be tested … and, so far, with A12 28 or 50 lensors (Equiv. 35 mm) …way too slow … AF BUT WITH SNAP AF (hyperfocal distance), could this be compensated … ? … I don’t know. … Snap AF is also possible with OLY 12 mm lens (24 equiv.) and EP-3 … But, RICOH GXR will anyway lack integrated EVF and, at least Swivel LCD …

    Leica M9P (Shutter sound can be easily heard) and, anyway … for those who are not professional, and do not earn their living with it, price is so crazy …

    By the way Steve, you like EP-3 a lot for Micro ¾ OLY Quality lenses available and fast AF … but miss an integrated EVF and swivel LCD like NEX-7 … So, what about the OLY EPL-3 for you (At least with swivel LCD, not integrated EVF) ?

    Rgds

    Jean-Philippe

    • The choice has become easier, by that criterion. The Nikon V1, when set to electronic shutter, can be completely silent.

      Do I have to add that it has the fastest focus and best metering?

      Now we wait for the digital OM…..

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