Why I Switched to Mirrorless for Fly Fishing Photography
Brown Release - Fujifilm XT3 | XF 80 mm | 80 mm | iso 200 | f 2.8 | 1/1600
MIRRORLESS OR DSLR | WHICH IS BETTER FOR FLY FISHING?
Why Switch to Mirrorless Cameras?
Suffice it to say that mirrorless cameras pack a ton of punch into a much smaller system than a DSLR. The size and portability alone makes it far more likely that I will reach for my actual camera when I head out to the water (or anywhere for that matter). I don’t have to sacrifice quality or speed (for the most part), and I am able to have the flexibility of having the right kit for capturing images that a camera phone can not compare to.
When it comes to fly fishing photography, I need something that is as lightweight as possible. My first camera was a Panasonic Lumix FZ3 point and shoot camera. I had just read David Duchemin’s book Within the Frame (a very worthwhile purchase, especially to people just getting started in photography). While the camera had manual control and was a small, lightweight “all-in-one” package, I quickly realized it’s limitations (especially in demanding, often fast paced or spotty lighting scenarios). Still in college and strapped for cash, I did some research on DSLR’s and ended up purchasing a used Nikon D50 off of KEH. Along with this purchase came the plethora of potential lenses to add to my kit. I opted for a mid-range zoom, the Nikon 35-70 f/2.8 (also purchased used). I ultimately decided I needed a wide angle. When it was all said and done, I was carrying the D50 body with 3 lenses of significant weight and size. At the time, I was hiking into water far from the beaten path, often for multi-day trips. Coupled with waders, [often]-damp wading boots, tent, sleeping bag/pad, food and fishing gear, I started looking comical not only trying to carry all that gear on my back but hike without looking like a weighted-down pack mule. I started finding myself questioning whether I wanted to bring my camera along on every trip.
The Road to Trout - Fujifilm XT2 | XF 16-55 | 40 mm | iso 200 | f/9.0 | 1/400
I probably would have continued on this path had I not fallen in the river one fateful (or fortuitous) morning with my second DSLR purchase - a Nikon D90. As I heard the shutter click off into infinity and subsequently camera heaven, I realized that was the end of my camera. My wife is a professional photographer/videographer and operates in the Canon realm. We purchased a Canon 5d mark iii for her around the same time and I realized just how incredibly fast and significantly improved the image quality was in the higher end cameras. I also realized how big the body and associated lenses would potentially be. I was doing a lot of research on upgrading to a pro-level DSLR body (I wanted to stick with Nikon for no good reason other than having 3 of their older lenses in my lineup). I was not fully committed to this purchase given the size and cost. Having dropped or fallen in water with both my D50 and D90, I was fearful of what would happen with a camera costing well north of $1000.
Enter Mirrorless
Specifically, Fujifilm (I am not paid or supported by any brand, all these opinions are based on my own experience). My wife was working for an ad-agency at the time, and as such was surrounded by creative types. A few of her coworkers had just purchased Fujifilm X-Pro 2’s and she showed me some of the images they were capturing. I was intrigued. At the time, I had no clue what a mirrorless camera was. I came across a few articles and fell in love with the vintage-look that Fujifilm had engineered not only in the body of the cameras but also the film renditions. From my research these cameras were being touted as professional level products in a much smaller form, albeit with a crop sensor. I was sold. And then I saw the price tag. At this point, I was just starting to enter my profession and actually have an income, but, as is inherent to me, wanted to stick to a lower price point or used camera.
The Fujifilm XT2 stood out the most to me as I started my search. I love the vintage and classic styling of the body and prefer the SLR style body to the range-finder (personal preference only). I waffled for months and stared at the Fujifilm XT2 in my B&H Photo cart. I am willing to bet that many of you out there do the same thing before making a purchase. Internet shopping has made it immensely easier to do, without the pressure of standing in a store or a salesperson standing around making you feel guilty. It has also made it much more difficult to actually feel a product and know for certain that it would make a good fit.
Ultimately - and I can’t remember what the exact impetus was - I clicked purchase. I immediately felt mixed emotions - buyers remorse in one hand, giddy excitement in the other.
Looking back on that purchase several years ago, I am so glad I went forward with it. The overall cost comparison to a pro-level DSLR was less, and the compact size of my kit in both actual volume and weight has been a game-changer. This, without sacrificing the quality of my images. I find myself not even asking if I am going to bring my camera along on a trip, whether it is a quick surgical-strike on “home” waters or a longer multi-day trip (or a trip to the local zoo with my children). It comes with me everywhere. It’s diminutive size does not compromise it’s function or quality. It is unobtrusive, is always on me, but provides far better control in my images and takes far better images than any smartphone ever could.
Fujifilm XT3 with XF 16-55 f/2.8 vs Canon 5D Mark III with 24-70 mm f/2.8
Overhead view Fujifilm XT3 / XF 16-55 mm vs Canon 5diii / 24-70 mm
I have since upgraded to the Fujifilm XT3 but continue to shoot with both. I will do a more detailed post on the Fujifilm XT2 and XT3 in future posts. I use my wife’s gear a good bit and am happy to share honest opinions on comparison of autofocus, speed etc in comparison to Canon DSLRs. Regardless of what I am doing photography-wise, I will always reach for my Fujifilm. I thought it would only be a “fishing” camera - but it serves as my primary camera for all photography now. I’ll also post more on how I carry my gear and protect it (physically, emotionally and via insurance now).
If You’re Curious About Mirrorless Cameras
Try one out. You could certainly rent one if you are not sure about them. I’d recommend the Fujifilm XT3 with one of their newer prime lenses (I carry the Fujifilm XF 23 mm f/2 everywhere I go). You’ll get a good sense of the feel, speed, autofocus etc and while it may cost you a bit upfront, it’s a small amount to sacrifice if you don’t like it (but I have a strong feeling you will). If you’re an outdoor photographer whether professionally or hobbyist, specifically a fly-fishing photographer, and you are thinking about going mirrorless, just do it. You’ll be happy you did. Fujifilm pro-sumer level models (XT1 and up, and X-Pro 1 and up) all have weatherproofing. It works (yes, I dunked my XT3 just last month).
In summary, a list of pros (and cons) as to why I made the switch to mirrorless cameras for fly fishing photography:
Pros:
Small and lightweight without sacrificing photo quality means it comes along more often (no more waffling whether I’m going to take photos on any given fishing trip). It means less weight, less bulk, and less sore shoulders at the end of the day. It means easier in and out of my carry system so I’m not struggling to pull it out of my water-proof bag when I need it quickly for a specific shot. It means I’m going to have my camera on me more often - not left behind at home because I did not want to deal with it that day.
Superb quality photos (especially with the Fujifilm Film profiles - and I’m sure the same could be said about Sony, Panasonic, and now Nikon and Canon; I’ve just never used them) - I don’t think you’d be able to tell the difference in quality between DSLR and high-end mirrorless cameras.
Less cumbersome. I can carry more lenses (as the size of them is typically relative to the size of the camera body - with some exceptions - therefore covering more range if I need it). I have more room in whatever pack I am carrying for other gear (with young children, this is becoming way more important).
Less “in-your-face” - most of the time I am fishing with friends who know I’m going to always be taking pictures. Sometimes, I like taking pictures of folks I meet on the water. I’m nowhere near the level of so many great portrait photographers out there (it’s something I’d like to pursue one day), but I think it’s way less obtrusive to have a small mirrorless camera pointed at you than a tank DSLR. Just my opinion.
Morning Fog - Fujifilm XT2 | XF 16-55 mm
Introducing my little ones to fly fishing early - Fujifilm XT2 | 16-55 mm
Cons
Again, I’ll address this in future posts, but the biggest drawback I’ve noticed - especially with the Fujifilm XT2 (since I’ve been lucky enough to compare it to my wife’s Canon 5diii and 1dx) - is the speed of focus. This is not to say it’s not fast. It is. But it requires more optimal conditions. In low light, it’s definitely lagged and I’ve missed shots, but I’d say 90% of the time I am grabbing focus and getting the shot I want. A lot of this has been improved with the Fujifilm XT3, but it’s still not quite on par across all conditions with the Canon 5diii or 1dx. Nonetheless, the minimal difference in this for me is far overshadowed by the portability, convenience, lightweight and overall joy I’ve had with my XT2 and XT3.