cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/10379978

I’ve started rediscovering photography again after a multi year break, and I’ve currently got a decision to make. I’ve started doing some more macro photography recently, and I’m to the point I would like to purchase a macro lens. However, I now realize that new DSLR cameras seem to be on their way out and mirrorless is what the major manufacturers are moving to. My current gear is a budget Canon DSLR with a kit lens, and a basic 75-300mm.

My question is this. Should I switch to a mirrorless camera before I spend more money on lenses? I don’t have a huge amount of money invested so far, and whatever lens type I buy is most likely what I’m going to have to stay with for many years to come. My hard limit would be $1000 for the body, but preferably $700 or less. Since I would like to stay with Canon, that leaves me with the R100, R50, and RP at the very top end. I am open to other options however, especially if there are good aftermarket lenses and accessories.

Although I know there will still be new and used EF lenses available, I do worry a bit about future camera body upgrade options. I know I’m overthinking this a bit too much, but I’m just curious what other people think.

  • Zak@lemmy.world
    2·
    10 months ago

    OM-D E-M10 Mk.IV

    Having tried out quite a bit of the Olympus lineup, which you can too if you’re near one of the dealers in their free trial program, that is not a model I’d recommend.

    Older and higher-end is usually a better route than newer and entry-level with camera stuff. An E-M10 IV costs about the same on the used market as an E-M1 II, but the latter is a much better camera in terms of features, build quality, and ergonomics. As an example, in-camera focus stacking is a big plus for your macro use case. The E-M1 II has it, though it’s limited to specific lenses. Pixel-shift high-res mode is also useful for macro; it needs a tripod, but it will get you an 80 megapixel image from that 20 megapixel camera so there’s a lot more room to crop.

    • stargazingpenguinOP
      2·
      10 months ago

      Thanks for your recommendation, it looks like it could be a good option to get started with. I’m unfortunately not near any of the dealers, but it would have been nice to try something like that. I’ve been looking at the used market quite a bit, and I’ll most likely go that route to get going on a budget. If needed I can always get a newer body once I have some good lenses, but that will probably be down the road a bit.