Nikon introduced their new Z6 and Z7 full frame mirrorless bodies and Canon shortly after did likewise with the EOS R. These new cameras from the “classic” makers are designed to take a bite out of Sony’s dominance in the FF mirrorless market. Canon has already quietly become the number one seller in the Japanese mirrorless market without a FF body in the mix. Now armed with a FF body they are poised to make a move on the global stage. Meanwhile Nikon has entered the field with an opportunity as well since they no longer have to deal with the antiquated Nikon F mount. Things are about to get very real in the space and this bodes well for all of us that shoot regardless of the brand we choose to use.
What does all this modern camera mirrorless introductions really mean? Simple, with every new mirrorless user another person will discover the joy of using old school vintage glass on a modern digital body. Mirrorless cameras have a shallow flange distance that allows easy adaptation to older lenses. Camera events like PhotoFair bring dealers from all over the region to trade and sell classic glass. Now with multiple choices in the full frame mirrorless space, a lot more users are likely going to be in the market for Leica M lenses, classic Zeiss and a variety of other cool adapted lenses like Petzval barrel lenses and such.
Mirrorless cameras are not without faults. They tend to be much harder on batteries and despite amazing technology in the electronic viewfinders, many pros still prefer the optical viewfinders of a DSLR. That said, the mirrorless cameras are substantially more compact, offer superior flexibility in the application of older lenses and are beginning to challenge to DSLRs in focus speed as well.
I have yet to decide whether I will buy a Canon EOS R. It is the logical choice for me in the FF arena since I have an enormous vested interest in Canon glass. I own the EOS M5 the current flagship of the Canon APS/c mirrorless line. It is small and compact offering amazing versatility and a solid design. The EOS R is nowhere near as small so if I do buy one, I think I’ll still keep the little M5. If I buy the EOS R it will in fact be the defacto replacement for my aging EOS 5D Mark III. So for me it is a choice between the amazing proven performance of the EOS 5D Mark IV or this new kid EOS R. The R model is a thousand dollars less expensive and that seems attractive. Canon has launched several amazing lenses unique to the EOS R including the fastest FF zoom lens ever made a 28-70 f/2! They seem to be serious about this. Canon is taking some heat for not using an in body stablization system. Honestly if the EOS R had it, I would own one already. The advantage to in body stabilizers as they can stabilize older glass. That is a big deal to me and many people like me that shoot vintage lenses. Nikon and Sony have this feature in their FF mirrorless bodies. Come on Canon, get with the program 😉
I am very excited about the direction of photography and it seems the three biggest players in the hardware game are ready to rumble!
'Couv' Camera 