Way back in late 2009 I had heard rumors of new camera in Canon’s lineup. It was an updated version of the best selling Canon EOS 5D Mark II , appropriately called the the EOS 5D Mark III.
I was already a Canon shooter, so after some research into this full frame beauty, I decided that this was the Camera of my future. Little did I know it would be over 2 years, March 2012 to be exact, until Canon released the Mark III.
In that time a few things had changed. First my wife and I decided that we would sell almost everything we own and travel indefinitely, and secondly mirrorless cameras came into their own. (Mirrorless cameras are interchangeable lens cameras that don’t have a mirror reflex and prism system inside.)i
The combination of these 2 events made me question my lust for the Mark III, I was going to be traveling extensively and needed to have a camera that was light, compact, and I wanted it to be inconspicuous and still take outstanding photos. The Mark III certainly takes outstanding photos, but it is big, heavy and a thief’s wet dream.
So I started to take a look at the mirrorless cameras by Sony, Samsung, Pentax, Olympus and Fujifilm. Both Nikon and Canon were late to the party and didn’t have mirrorless camera at the time. Many of the mirrorless cameras from these manufactures are excellent and after much research I choose the Fujifilm X-E1
This is an awesome camera. 16 mp with a fantastic sensor. I love the retro look, not for everyone but it suits my style. It is small. The reason all of the mirrorless cameras can be small and still take great photos is there is no mirror flipping around inside the body.
Having no mirror also makes these camera super quite. It is discrete, you don’t really look like a pro, or at least what people think a pro should look like. This also helps by not drawing attention of unsavory people who would like to relieve you of your camera.
One of the best things I like is all of the important settings are controlled right on the outside of the camera, no digging through menu trees. And of course the images are fantastic, super sharp, just wonderful. Although the X-E1 is very intuitive it does not let you down with the features and controls that you are use to with your favorite DSLR. The X-E1 shoots RAW and incredible JPEGs.
So 6 months ago I sold most of my Canon gear, gave a body and lens to my 4 year son and I bought an X-E1. I haven’t looked back and I have completely forgotten about my Canon gear.
If you are looking for an awesome travel friendly camera that is full of features and takes excellent photos. I suggest you take a look at the mirrorless style camera. Below is a great video that features Gabriel Biderman who walks you through all of the higher end mirrorless cameras that can replace your DLSR.
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