Im finally looking to upgrade from my old DSLR because lugging that thing around while hiking is killing my back. I really want to switch to a mirrorless body before my trip to the Pacific Northwest in late August so I have a bit of time to learn the settings. My budget is around 1200 dollars for a body and a decent lens, maybe a bit more if its really worth it.
I have been doing some research online and saw a few people praising the Sony a6400 as a solid entry point, but then I read a thread somewhere saying the autofocus on the newer Fuji models is way better for street photography, which is kinda my thing. Its getting super confusing because half the reviews seem like paid ads and the other half are just people arguing about sensor size which honestly goes over my head a little. I just want something reliable that fits in my pack without feeling like a brick. Are there any actual reputable retailers running decent bundle deals right now or should I be keeping an eye on the used market instead? Its just hard to tell whats a genuine bargain versus an outdated model they are trying to dump.
> I have been doing some research online and saw a few people praising the Sony a6400 as a solid entry point The Sony Alpha a6400 24.2MP APS-C Mirrorless Camera is a workhorse, honestly. Its compact size is perfect for hiking. For street stuff, the Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP APS-C Mirrorless Camera feels way better in hand. The Sony has better tracking, but the Fuji gives you those nice colors out of camera. Grab one used from a reputable shop to save cash.
Honestly, if you want something reliable for hiking that isnt a brick, check out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV 20MP Micro Four Thirds or maybe the Canon EOS R50 24.2MP APS-C Mirrorless.
- Olympus is tiny and the lens selection is huge.
- Canon handles super well and feels very intuitive. I am pretty satisfied with my Olympus, never had a single issue with it. Buying used from reputable shops like KEH is totally safe if you want to save cash.
@Reply #1 - good point! Coming back to this cause the sensor size debate really gets blown way out of proportion by pixel peepers. Honestly, if you want something that balances weight and actual dynamic range for landscape shots while still handling fast street action, just look at whatever Nikon is offering in their current lineup. Their sensor tech and mid-tier glass punch way above their weight class imo. Nikon bodies have killer ergonomics for hiking too since the grips actually fit human hands instead of feeling like flat blocks of aluminum. Pair it with a decent variable zoom and you wont even notice it in your pack. Plus the menu systems are way less confusing than some of the other brands when you are trying to learn settings on the fly. You'll be totally fine for the PNW trip if you just pick a reliable body and start shooting now.
Solid advice 👍
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.