We have an announcement: upon reviewing what gear the staff of the Phoblographer owns, we’ve come to a big conclusion. Many of us use a mirrorless camera of some sort on a daily basis or it has at least has become one of our main cameras. Additionally, we all own at least one. While DSLRs are still seemingly the dominant cameras amongst many consumers, we’ve collectively agreed that it’s time for mirrorless cameras to shine even more than they do already.
And here’s why we all switched over.
Senior News Writer Kevin Lee
After hauling around my Nikon D7000 for a week in Texas earlier this spring I realized I needed a smaller camera if for just travel and less work oriented shooting. But as Chris predicted my mirrorless camera has become my main camera because the Fujifilm X-T1 a flat upgrade from my Nikon with the same megapixels with better ISO, colors, fps, etc.
Why I chose it:
I’m a stickler for good ergonomics. Years ago I upgraded—and changed sides—from my Canon Rebel XTi because I wanted two dials and dedicated drive dial on the Nikon D7000. Now with the X-T1 I have so many dials and buttons I don’t even have anything left to program my front function button for.
Culture Writer Michelle Rae Uy
I chose the Fujifilm X100S because it’s that it’s light, portable, and amazingly functional. I love that it uses dials to adjust the aperture and shutter speed, which is what I’m used to, shooting medium format. Plus the photos it produces are just the right look for me, so I don’t even have to do that much editing. And the film simulation feature doesn’t hurt either.
Executive Editor Julius Motal
My decision to purchase a Fujifilm X-Pro1 was a natural one. I wanted something discreet that would help with my street photography. My DSLR was too big, too heavy and too obvious. I had spent ten months reviewing Fujifilm cameras and glass for The Phoblographer, so by the time I bought the X-Pro1, it felt like I was revisiting an old friend. Its low profile and vintage aesthetic make it an obvious choice for shooting on the street, and its colors can’t be beat. It’s eclipsed my DSLR as my main camera, and I’m more than fine with that.
Managing Editor Gevon Servo
There are a few reasons I moved to the Sony A7, but the most important is because Nikon did not provide me with a reasonable mirrorless solution for my photography needs. I like street photography, but I also adore full-frame sensors. I wanted something light, nimble and flexible to keep with me at all times. My ‘work’ camera is still a Nikon D700. I am heavily invested into the system. As my skills evolved I realized I did not have to stay married to Nikon. The Sony A7 with a Metabones adapter was about 95% of what I wanted in a camera. The 5% I was willing to give up was the autofocus. I have been exceedingly happy with my Sony A7. It’s the only mirrorless camera I truly like.
Editor in Chief Chris Gampat
Many, many cameras come in and out of my hands as the Editor in Chief because I test loads of them. For many years now, I’ve been married to my Canon 5D Mk II and Sigma glass. And to be honest, they fulfill most of my needs. But as a journalist constantly working against the clock, putting an Eye-Fi Mobi card into a camera like the Olympus OMD EM5 or the Fujifilm X Pro 1 can always really help out and will often win against what the 5D Mk II can do in the situation.
But more than anyone else, Sony has personally won my heart. I’ve been an NEX 6 owner for a while and recently purchased an A7 for staff use that usually stays on my desk. The combination of full frame, wi-fi connectivity, and a small size is just way too much for me to turn down. It’s a beautiful and highly capable camera that helps me get many of the daily tasks done here on the site.
