As bloggers who constantly test and review photography gear, we are the very first to admit that it is surprisingly easy to let gear obsession get in the way of “real” photography–the people behind the photos, the results.
It is for this reason that we make a habit of regularly visiting the personal websites of photographers to explore their portfolios. Visiting the work of others momentarily draws us away from the gear aspect of photography and immerses us in the true essence of the hobby. Much like a Scorcese film can easily be distinguished from a Kubrick, we find it fascinating how one photographer’s photos can differ so greatly from those of another, despite the fact they use similar (or the same) gear.
Below, you will find a list of 13 ‘mirrorless photographers’ whose work continues to inspire us and our photography.
Some have switched to the mirrorless system completely, while others use it to complement another system for important assignments. The one thing they all have in common is that they have a body of work that will keep you coming back for more!
Paul Rogers
Paul is an extremely talented Hertfordshire-based photographer who has recently added the Fuji X100s to his collection. If I were to choose a photographer to shoot my wedding, he would be the one, folks! He was previously an editorial photographer for the Times newspaper, but has since moved on to documentary wedding photography, a genre which has won him numerous awards over the years. He frequently uses the X100s for weddings and editorial work in tandem with his Canon 5D III.
Follow him on Twitter!
Nathan Elson
Nathan is an official Fuji X Photographer from Calgary, Canada. Though he does various kinds of photography from wedding to corporate, I am most fond of his fashion and portrait work, which can be described as bold and highly expressive. One of my favourite projects of his so far is ‘Beauty in Motion’ where he uses flash and long exposures to create exotic portraits of women. With still many years left in his career, Nathan is definitely a photographer we should be keeping our eyes on!
Follow him on Twitter!
Johnny Patience
I would describe Johnny’s photography as “photography that makes you feel”. All his images have an airy and whimsical feel to them, and you’ll notice immediately that he loves to play with light. With his Fuji X Pro-1, Leica MP and Hasselblad 503CW, he travels the world shooting both film and digital with his wife Rebecca, who is also a wonderful photographer. Oh, and he’s a great guy to boot!
Follow him on Twitter!
Riley Joseph
Canadian photographer Riley Joseph has recently become an official Fuji X Photographer. He has an excellent body of landscape, portrait and street work, with his most stunning gallery being from the grand city of New York. Riley’s work is so engaging that I feel as if I am right there on the streets with him amid the sounds of the cars, the hurried feet of the people, and the smells of the city. Though originally a Canon DSLR user, he is now faithful to his X100s and X-Pro1.
Follow him on Twitter!
Simon Stringer
Simon is a 30-year-old photographer from Northamptonshire who uses the OM-D E-M5 for weddings, portraits, street and commercial photography. While photography has long been his passion, he finally decided to open up his own business in 2009. His entire portfolio is excellent, but I am particularly drawn to his beautiful body of street work from the great city of London.
Follow him on Twitter!
Simon Peckham
Simon work covers a wide breadth of photographic genres including fashion, portraiture and commercial work. His cameras of choice are the Fuji X-E1 and X100s, and he has a keen interest in strobe lighting as you will see from the content of his blog. He also curates an interesting Scoop page dedicated to Fuji X series photography. When he isn’t on professional assignments, you will find him touring about the beautiful British countryside, photographing it as he goes.
Follow him on Twitter!
Paula Thomas
With her trusty Olympus OM-D E-M5 and M.Zuiko 45mm by her side, Paula engages in all sorts of photography, but her main focus is on food photography. When she isn’t shooting food and making it look delicious, she spends her time working on fine art photography and portraiture, and writing for Small Camera Big Picture.
Follow her on Twitter!
Dominik Fusina
Dominik uses a wide variety of gear for his work including the Nikon D3s, D300, Fuji X-Pro1, X100s and X20. He is a self-proclaimed art photographer, and has a great interest in portraiture. Our favourite series so far is his Ariana “pin-up” series which he post-processed to resemble a 1950s Coca Cola advertisement. We cannot wait to see what else he manages to create using the Fuji X series!
Follow him on Twitter!
Anurag Sharma
Anurag, otherwise known as ShutterLeaf on his photography blog, is a fabulous wedding photographer who shoots with three…yes three Olympus OM-D E-M5 bodies. Why three? Well, he feels it is much easier to have three fast primes attached to three light bodies than to constantly change lenses, and we cannot help but agree. Looking at his excellent body of work, it is impossible to doubt the OM-D’s ability to deliver on the most important day of a couple’s journey together.
Follow him on Twitter!
Tom Nguyen
Tom Nguyen is an extremely versatile artist. Not only is he a talented portrait photographer, but he is also an amazing comic book illustrator, having worked for the likes of DC Comics and Marvel. A well-known pin-up painter, he has worked with top Playboy models and high-placing beauty pageant competitors. His deep understanding of the female form helps him create portraits that are both tasteful and sensual at the same time. He has sold all his Canon gear and has been working strictly with the OM-D E-M5 since the beginning of 2013.
Follow him on Twitter!
Tammy Lee Bradley
Florida-based Tammy Lee Bradley was once an accountant, but you can now find her exploring beautiful South Florida with her arsenal of cameras, one of which is the Olympus OM-D E-M5. She is a former Olympus Visionary Pro and an Olympus PenReady Photographer. We are personally great fans of her macro work, much of which she has made available in the form of greeting cards and prints.
Follow her on Twitter!
Trey Ratcliff
Trey is already extremely well-known in his own right. He runs one of the most popular photography blogs on the web, Stuck in Customs. Just recently, he decided to drop his Nikon in favour of the Sony NEX 7 for professional work. You can see the full article here. Oh yes, and did I mention that Trey takes some of the most extraordinary landscape photos I’ve ever laid eyes on?
Follow him on Twitter!
Christopher Frost
Christopher has achieved an amazing feat in the blogging sphere–he has posted a photo on his website Nottingham Daily Photo everyday since he started it seven years ago. His photos deal with the happenings in his hometown of Nottingham, and for the last eight months, have been shot with the Olympus OM-D E-M5. He has also recently started using it on model shoots and likes it so much that he hardly uses his Nikon these days. His work is not to be missed!
Follow him on Twitter!
Do you know of a mirrorless photographer who you think deserves a mention here? Are you a professional photographer who shoots with mirrorless cameras? If so, do not hesitate to let us know in the comments section as we’re planning to create more of these lists in the future! Remember, the more we make ourselves known, the more other professional photographers will hop onto the mirrorless bandwagon as well! 😀
After a forty year affair with Nikon switched to Lumix micro four thirds
http://www.sebastianrichphotography.com
I’m a pro photographer from Denmark. I’ve used Nikon for the past 6 years, but in January 2015 I switch to Olympus OM-D E-M1, and I’m also an official Olympus ambassador.
My name is Michael Bang, and you can see my work here: http://www.michaelbang.com
Thanks for the input!
Happy New Year
All the best!
In my experience the differences between APS-C and m4/3 are there but not huge.
You could save some money with the E-M10 who still getting one of the most recent camera available and spare some money for a nice lens later on.
Yes, I am looking and gathering info in order to buy a new camera…
I like a LOT the Fuji X-T1 but my budget like more the OM D 10 or the Fuji X E 1
And I’m still trying to find out if 4/3 vs aps is so much different in the real world (with mid range lenses)
Thanks Antònio! Are you looking for a new camera then?
I’m updating myself in photo gear knowledge… and I found your blog.
Lots of good info around here.
Moving from a Nikon FE, my first “dslr” was an Olympus E-510. I didn’t adjust quite well… so I sold it.
Now I’m back on the market…
Here’s my tip:
Another Fuji guy – Zack Arias
and his blog here http://dedpxl.com/blog/
Carry on and all the best!
Hi Heather, I’m a Canadian professional X-Photographer now shooting solely with the Fuji X-T1 and X-E2. I sold all of my Nikon gear including D700 and D800 last year and made the switch. I photograph editorial, portraits, landscapes and travel. I was recently hired by the British High Commission to photograph Princess Anne’s visit to Ottawa. You can view my work here: http://www.dyannewilson.com Thanks ! 🙂
The GM5 is fine as long as you are using small primes and compact zooms. It works well as a street camera but just as on any camera that small, the EVF is too tiny to be practical. We haven’t tried the 85mm yet but we hope to get the chance sometime soon. 🙂
At events, I usually start with the 12-35 and 35-100 (on two bodies), then switch to a 20 & 45. Sometimes, though, I want a longer fast prime, and I’m weighing the Rokinon/Samyang full-frame 85 f1.4 as a cheaper alternative to the 75 f1.8. Any advice? AF is not a big consideration for me for this application, since I’m usually photographing relatively stationary people at podiums and focus peaking is so helpful.
Also, since bodies are so cheap and lightweight (relative to my old Canon FF gear), I’m also intrigued by the idea of a GM5 around my neck with the 20 in combination with my current G6 & GX7 on my shoulders. Any experience with a GM5 to report?
I never had a single memory card issue either. I think that today’s memory cards are more reliable than five years ago.
Thanks for your comment Jacques. I agree with you about the ISO argument. I shoot lots of events myself and I rarely go above 1600/3200. I use often the 75mm 1.8 and the 12-40mm. Terrific combo and so compact 🙂
Just found this site and will be coming back regularly. Good, thoughtful writing. Since you asked:Extended postings abroad prompted me to switch from 35mm and APS-H cameras to MFT. I shoot weddings and institutional events commercially (happening.photos) and travel & landscape for fun, exhibition, and sale (jacquescornell.photography). I adopted MFT for the latter, then found it entirely adequate for the former as well and made it my do-everything system. I’ve found good workarounds for MFT’s two main limitations: noise and resolution. At low-light events I don’t go over ISO3200, which is fine because I’ve been shooting events since the days when ISO 800 was a high as one could go. To deal with this, I use fast primes and off-camera flash extensively. For my landscape work, 16MP gives me nice, detailed prints from my Epson 4000 at 16″x21″. If I want to print much bigger, I stitch. Since I exposure-stack my landscape work anyway, stitching doesn’t add all that much to my workflow.
Yes you might want to mention Will Crockett as well.
Since the Panasonic GF1 I have been using mirrorless cameras, along side DSLR and Rangefinders. In 2012 I consolidated everything into two Fuji X Pro-1 bodies and two lenses, since then Ive added two Sony Nex 5n and recently an A6000 to that. I still shoot some projects with a Hasselblad X-Pan and an M6.
Its really just a matter of trust and knowing how the camera will perform in the environment. I took the two Fuji’s to India last year and shot about 100,000 exposures in pretty extremely climates, and my backup was an Olympus TG-1 a Sony Action Cam and the X Pan with 500 rolls of slide film. The complaint about them was that theywere slow response and slow focus, but a little bit of dedicated time in hand and practice, you will get to know any camera, and its strengths and weaknesses, and I bet you I am as fast with my X Pro-1 as you are with your DSLR. I was fast with my Leica M6 too.
The Fuji’s never gave me any trouble. I had them exposes to 148f temperatures 98% humidity, extreme dust, floods, and baking in the direct sunlight. For a 1.0 camera system (at the time), that is pretty damn solid trust building stuff. I have my complaints about them, but Ive never had the perfect camera, there is no such thing. It just takes daily care and cleaning, your gear -theoretically- should not give you any problems.
I am a documentary reportage photographer and sound person. I spent most of my time out of the tourist areas, Chattisgarrgh, Bhopal, Bombay Slums etc. The cameras where amazing, I wont be moving back to reflex cameras at all. I like the form-factor of the X Pro-1 and the A6000 where the VF is et the edge of the camera. They are small, light and you can have three cameras in a bag each with a different job for half the weight of two DSLRs.
Im testing out this A6000 right now, as Ive been blown away by the NEX5n for its size and burs rate. The A6000 is a nudge bigger, but has a viewfinder and 11fps, plus when connected to a wifi signal can upload directly to FB or Flickr- that right there is immense- a complete game changer for me. No more laptops no more extra stuff. Sony have taken the camera to where it needed to go against the cellphone which will never give you the same control or ergonomics a camera can.
This year, Ive been doing video, press photography, spot news, product, portraiture, architecture all the stuff I ever did with SLR cameras and even with large and medium format cameras. Adapted lenses like my collection of Pentax, Leica-R and others, on tilt-shift, and Speedbooster’s have opened up so many other possibilities on these cameras too. Anyone still shooting on a DSLR either doesn’t know, or doesn’t want to know. Having legacy fast lenses with fast AF is about the only excuse for still using a DSLR.
Nearly 100%Shooting with the X-T1 (ok……90%)
http://velvetphotography.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/the-fujifilm-x-t1-experience-and-my.html
Hi Heather,
I am a Canadian photographer, videographer and broadcaster living in Asia. I currently publish a magazine on the iTunes Newstand, called Far East Adventure Travel Magazine and a podcast, Far East Adventure Travel with John Saboe(iTunes). I shoot with a few different cameras including the Fuji XPro-1, Sony RX1-R and the Nikon D800 as well as Sony NEXVG30H camcorder. I really do enjoy using the mirror less cameras. They are essential for street photography, my passion. I particularly love the files the Fuji produces. The colours are beautifully saturated and film-like. I rarely need to do any pp on Fuji files. I also love the Sony RX1-R. The Zeiss lens gives off a beautiful bokeh and it’s a lovely camera to get up close in crowds without being noticed.
Love what you’re doing here! Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
John
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/far-east-adventure-travel/id781293469?mt=8
You’re welcome. 🙂
Wow this is really creative photography. Thanks for introducing me to it.
Lovely work – I would never have guessed you were new to photography! I may make a new list sometime soon so watch this space. 😉
Hi Heather. I am a new photographer and I have chosen a mirrorless camera (the Canon EOS M). I really have fun with it! I would be pleased to be somewhere in your list, even if I am aware to be very beginner near the others 😉 . Nice article, thank you! enelya.com
Thats great to hear you say this. I have only been shooting for about 9 years, and I am weening myself off my D700. I shot a wedding extensively recently with my x-e1, but kept my Nikon over my shoulder, so the public could see I still had a “BIG CAMERA”.
I have to get over thinking that size matters. It doesn’t.
🙂
This is what I shot with the x-e1. http://velvetphotography.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/some-more-wedding-images-taken-with-x.html
Mick.
In regards to the comment that many photographers have kept their DSLR systems for what ever reason. I have chosen not too. Having been a professional for over 30 years I am truly loving the new ML systems. I have been totally ML since October of 2013 with 2 XE2’s, 1 XPro 1, and 1 XE1. 7 lenses 2 flashes along with full studio lighting gear. Been shooting everything from Football bowl games, Professional Theatre companies, Classical music as well as a varied mix of corporate accounts including the mortgage industry. The site listed is my photo blog sharing info on my usage of the ML systems.
I firmly believe that there will always be folks that say the systems are not ready for prime time professionals, BUT, my work speaks for itself. It is not the camera system, BUT we as professionals do with that system!!!
I use an XE 1 with a XF18-55 & XF55-200 alongside a Nikon kit which is my main workhorse.
Often when I follow up the photographers who claim to have ‘gone from DSLR to mirrorless’ I find many, in actual fact still use a full frame DSLR for there serious day to day work.
Whilst I love my Fuji system and I am eyeing up the XT 1, I still rely on my DSLR’s for ultimate image quality, and I think it’s the case for many professionals.
It’s very trendy now to say your’e a mirrorless convert,- especially if you are a professional – but the truth is often quite different,
Good site
You can see our social networks in the sidebar. I mostly post interesting articles to Twitter and Scoop.it. Cheers! H
I used rangefinders a lot back in the day; Russian Zorki4 and 6; Leica M2, 3 and 6. I don’t have a digital Leica (too expensive) and I think there are many things about the M9 that could be a lot better, having used it and the Monochrom. Just making the point that pros using mirrorless is nothing new at all. Any Pro should be able to use any camera and get a decent shot from it. The eye is the most important thing. Seeing and developing better skills for seeing, learning about the history of photography and upon whose shoulders we all stand as modern photographers. These things will teach you more than any gear obsession…. 🙂
Haha, you are 100% true! We know very well the Leica history. We haven’t started to review Leica gear yet but it is on our list 😉
Just for the record [and because I am pedant]… pretty much every Magnum photographer since about 1930 has been using a mirrorless camera ‘on the job’. It’s called a Leica 🙂
@Heather.
Thanks for the comments.
What are the links to your Social Pages?
Also, I am still using my D700 because I am still breaking away from the mindset of a Big Camera at a Big Wedding. So I work with my Nikon over my shoulder to let people know I still have a BIG camera……I’m weening myself off my large gear. The X-T1 is my next purchase……..I’m also trying to educate my clients about my gear…….small steps….
🙂
Mick.
What a great initiative! It’s true, smaller cameras are easier to shoot with, and I personally feel they put the models more at ease. Which lenses do you tend to shoot with?
Great images and articles, Mick. I’ve shared them on our social networks. For which shots do you tend to stick with your D700?
I’m starting to shoot about 70% of my weddings with my X-e1……
Coming from Nikon…… D700
http://velvetphotography.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/paving-way-to-shoot-only-fuji-first.html
Here are the examples:
http://velvetphotography.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/wedding-shots-with-fuji-x-e1-perth.html
Hi Heather,
Great article. I have switched 100% from my Canon 5D to the Lumix GH-3 and love it. I photograph a lot of beauty/fashion and find that the smaller camera makes it easier to shoot with, as well as carrying it around all day. I just completed a self-published magazine showcasing local models here in Hawaii with the GH-3. You can see a preview of my magazine at http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/688505?__r=87644
He is fantastic, but everybody knows him already. 😉
I Think Zack Arias deserves a mention here! He’s fantastic!
Dual Cards slots – is a must for me as the back up is essential for any wedding photographer, I had three cards corrupt in as many months. Its not a matter of if – its when. I have the Nikon D3 so just put the other card in no problem. It’s the main reason I purchased the D3 as my d2x had a card corrupt at a wedding and I thought a had lost 200 shots mid wedding and a very sleepless night until I recovered the card. Is there a system you can use mid wedding to back up when you are really busy ?
I find it annoying that leaked camera specs say yes to 2 card slots then you get the full spec and they are not there…
After much consideration, I have decided to hold off on any more expenditure for the time being. I will work with just 28, 35, 50 and 75mm equivalent primes via the X100 and the Nikon D200. I find it very difficult to think of letting the Nikon go. I know this camera so thoroughly and can squeeze a heck of a lot out of it. For now, these two cameras are a formidable combination for me.
When I do decide to retire the D200, I’ll go with the XE2 most likely, using the Nikkor primes on it.
– Paul Treacy
My X100 Portfolio
Ciao Marco, you have a great set of primes. You just need to add the 56mm f/1.2 when it will be released 😉
I also use my X100s for work, I love it as a second body.
I still use Nikon DSLR but I use more and more often a selection of Fuji X series. I would say that at present my work is 60% Fuji mirrorless or Film.
At the moment I own a X100s a XE-2 and an X Pro1 with a series of “Prime” lenses including 14mm, 23mm, 35mm and the 18-55…and growing! As a photo reporter I submit the bulk og my editorial work to Getty Images and never had a problem with quality. Working light has a great number of advantages and I feel I have more time for composition and creativity
I have not used the XE1 in the studio, BUT, the XPro1 has been amazing for studio work. I have used the XE1 for corporate head shots though and have better results than my Nikon DSLR.
It is impressive that a “famous” photographer would use such unreliable camera such as the X-E1. I wonder if they still have a job. If they do then they must be good and accept sufferance.
Thank you Heather for the kind words.
I am keeping all 3 camera bodies as well as 2 zooms and 4 primes. I keep the X Pro1 in my running about town gear for shooting everywhere. I would like to get rid of the 27mm for the 23 mm prime. I think it would suit better for some street photography I am doing in Tijuana, Mexico. 2 bodies are in my kit for all work related, wether it be for theatre, classical music, weddings or what ever the challenge of the day is.
Interesting, why is it you decided to keep the X-E1 if you also have the X-E2? Do you use three bodies with primes? I love your images by the way!
It shouldn’t be long. I believe the first shipment has finally made its way to Europe so it is just a matter of time before it arrives elsewhere!
Hi Heather, Thank you for compiling this wonderful list of talented photographers that have moved on from DSLR’s. It is great validation that after 30 years of shooting with these big cameras that there is a delightful alternative.
2 months ago I moved away from my Nikon gear and went totally Fuji X Series. I have the X Pro1, XE1 and the XE2 with 6 different lenses. My Blog at: http://www.studio1231.wordpress.com has just been updates with some samples from the past month of pushing the new cameras. I can’t tell you great it is to be excited about capturing images again instead of lugging around equipment.
Thank you again,
Ken
I have no experience of the GX7. I am drawn to owning cameras with sensors that can outperform a Phase One IQ180, i.e. the best. Focus speed, although important is not my primary purchasing consideration – if it was I would still be using a DSLR or DSLT. I spend half my time in manual focus at shallow depth of field anyway. Sony’s focus peaking and now its hybrid phase detection sensors make focussing really easy. I don’t use a stop watch to time these actions. The A7 is as quick as I need to track a moving animal.
So Mark, you think the A7R focuses faster than a Panasonic GX7? Want to bet on it?
I have recently pre-ordered the Sony full frame mirrorless A7 in preference to the A7R. For photographers looking for maximum resolution and detail then the A7R is the obvious choice (as it has a modified Nikon D800E sensor – the best sensor as ranked by DxO). The focus on the A7R is the fastest contrast detection autofocus I have seen (I borrowed a pre-release A7R for a 3-day shoot earlier this month) and the full-time phase detection autofocus of the Sony DLT A99 can be accessed by using the LEA4 adapter and A-Mount lenses. My decision to go with the 24 megapixel A7, however, is to do with the hybrid phase detection/contrast detection autofocus system found in the A7. I sometimes photograph wildlife and my excitement at owning the A7 rests in the fact that I will be able to halve the weight of my camera system when the Carl Zeiss 24-70 and 70-200 F4 G FE lenses are released next year. The camera and these two lenses will weigh in at under 2 KG and packing to the airlines 7 KG carry-on limit will be really easy (including a MacBook Pro and carbon fibre tripod with ball-head). The equivalent DLSR kit would weigh in at over 13 KG. The sensor in the A7 is probably a modified version of the sensor found in the Sony RX1, Nikon D600 and Sony A99 and I have lots of respect for this excellent sensor (big dynamic range and excellent high ISO performance). I am now counting down the days until the first shipment arrives in Australia.
Hi Mark, and thanks for sharing your story! Having gone the MFT and Fuji route, we are always curious to hear from people who use the NEX for professional work. What made you choose the A7 over the A7r in the end? If you get the chance, please keep in touch and let us know how you get on with the system!
Hi – I have been using a Sony NEX mirrorless system alongside my DSLR kit for about 18 months now and am increasingly being drawn to use this system to shoot the majority of my commercial work.
When I take delivery of my Sony A7 later this month I expect the vast majority of my commercial work to be shot using mirror less cameras. I am a recognised ‘Photoshop Guru’ (a published author for Focal Press, contributing editor for Australian Photography magazine and Adobe Ambassador) and was most impressed by the dynamic range and high ISO performance of the NEX7 and NEX6. The apps for the newer NEX cameras have been a welcome addition to make Time Lapse possible using the Raw file format. Things are about to get even better with the sensors found in the A7 and A7R. I am happy to contribute to your site and be identified as a ‘professional photographer who uses mirrorless cameras on the job’ – just not so sure about the Awesome bit!
Mark Galer
EPL-1 with standard zoom, VF2 and Sema-1 mic, uv and nd filters and Nikon adaptor. Wonderful system but surplus to requirements as not shooting as much video as I thought I would be. I used this kit only for video for which it has been most effective, especially with Nikon prime lenses.
Many have complaint about the lack of a dual SD card slot. Something I would have prefer to see on the OM-D E-M1 for example.
Which camera are you selling?
Sorry my typing was so bad in last post. Cold fingers.
Only when mirrorless system cameras have dual card slots will the properly be taken seriously but jobbing pro shooters. It’s only a matter of time before a card fails and have the backup card on board gives peace of mind. That alone keeps me away from fully embracing m43 at least. I’m selling my Olympus kit.
– Paul.
Hi Paul, regarding the EVF, there is the option of disabling the eye sensor. You can then manually switch from LCD to EVF. If you leave it to the EVF, it will remain constantly active (and probably drain more batteries). I know it works on Olympus cameras (E-M5, E-P5 with external VF-4). I’ll try tonight with the GX7 as well.
Upon exploring the gorgeous little GX7, I’ve actually lost interest in the M43. For the way I work, I just need the optical viewfinder. Though the VF on the GX7 is excellent, there’s a delay when first brough to the eye. This alone would drive me bonkers. So no go. I’ll be sticking with Nikon pro along with the X100. Nikons are just so fast and robust that there’s no alternative. Not yet anyway.
paultreacy.com
Thanks Sabine. I really like his work, especially the use of light in his photographs. Thanks for sharing!
may i suggest Dirk Weber? He is a professional German wedding photographer using OMD E-M5s.
Here is a link to his portfolio
http://www.brautrausch.de/en/portfolio
🙂 Sabine
BTW: This site is a great find, lots of interesting articles.
Zach is a very good resource. If I’m correct he uses the Fuji X system and medium format (phase one) and drop DSLRs entirely. We are preparing an article similar to this one focused on professionals that dropped the DSLR system in favor of mirrorless cameras. It will be published soon 😉
I only mentioned Zach because he is fairly new to his system and may shed some light of what problems he may have encountered moving from his Dslr?
Hi Joseph, we love and respect Zach Arias’ work as well as many other popular photographers out there. But I might disagree with you, I think that writing about less known photographers who use Fujis (or other mirrorless cameras) can only increase the amount of professional feedback about these cameras. And since we tried to include all the systems in this article, it should help you as well, don’t you think? But choosing one system over another is not easy, I’ll give you that, especially because there are so many new announcements per year.
Zach Arias would be a good one, he uses Fuji’s. I saw where you wanted less known photographers but I think the use of all and their input and experience with different systems would be invaluable on your site especially for those fence sitters like myself trying to decide which system to purchase.
Yes, I know Kevin Mullins. He has got quite a following and produces some excellent work. I didn’t mention him here as he is already very well-known.
Great article! I’ve been blogging about the fuji XE-1 for a little while and have gradually been using it more in my studio work. I don’t know if anyone else has mentioned him, but Kevin Mullins uses the fuji system for his wedding photography and his work is truly excellent.
As 43rumors wrote, it is nice to know that a magnum photographer uses an OM-D 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.43rumors.com/great-picture-collection-from-magnum-photographer-moises-saman-and-guess-what-camera-he-uses-for-his-work/
The GX7 and a couple of high quality primes could complete your focal length needs. I often use my OM-D and my x100s together. It works great.
Actually, the thing that was upsetting me about the X100 I have managed to sort out. Initially I did this, but have since filed off the lugs completely and now use a simple wrist strap. I’ve fallen in love with it again. However, I still need to replace the Nikon kit as I no longer need its heavy duty toughness and this is where I get excited about the Panasonic Lumix GX7 and some of those lovely little M43 lenses.
paultreacy.com
@photohumourist
We know Ming’s work well but didn’t include him on the list as he is already famous in his own right. The idea was to include photographers who aren’t as well known (yet!) 🙂
Check out Ming Thien (http://blog.mingthein.com/). He is a professional photographer from Malaysia and a great supporter of Olympus M43 cameras.
Thanks for sharing, Baverel and nice work. Let us know when you have the special gallery up!
Hi, I use MFT and Fuji X a lot for my professionnal work, it make laugh my collegues a lot. I try to do a special ML gallery on my smugmug soon but if you look at my website a lot of concert on stage are done with it, the casablanca slum too…etc
Friendly
http://dbaverel.smugmug.com
Hi, I haven’t tried the GX7 yet, it was Heather (lucky her). I’ll tell you as soon as I shoot with it 😉
I have had a Lumix GX7 for several days. So far its the best camera I have had for my work. You can see the type of work I do on my site http://www.robertnorbury.com . I haven’t used the GX7 extensively yet but first impressions are that it is a fantastic camera. I will put some pictures on the net as soon as I get some decent ones, however I am moving house next week so v. busy. I wear varifocal specs all the time and have no issues with the viewfinder its great.
I miss the fully tiltable screen of the G5. However the touch screen controls of the GX7 make it very very useable and the tiltable viewfinder is nifty.
More soon I hope.
Robert
Hi, yes I am keen to read reports from real world users of the GX7 about its viewfinder. I am about to jump to m43 and I want to be sure the viewfinder is top self, not just okay or ‘good enough’. Big, bright, beautiful, no smearing, no grain, and no loss of view when using eyeglasses.
Mathieu seems to wear eyeglasses when shooting. I wonder what he thinks? Maybe it is not so important to him as it is to me, whether the short 17.5mm eye point of the GX7 makes it less than pleasurable for some (if not all) eyeglass wearers.
Hiya, Heather.
Yes, Lumix it is. Have used Olympus Pen for filmmaking thus far and it has been terrific. Love the manual control and using my Nikon primes.
I’ve been a Nikon pro photographer for a quarter century now and my time with Nikon is up. Too big. Too heavy. Never felt the need to upgrade the superb D200 cameras I’ve been using. Quality is excellent with primes and they are very tough and weather proof with top notch flash capability. But they’ve ruined my shoulders, neck and back so it’s time to retire them.
I’m also loosing patience with my X100 as the strap lugs have failed and I’ve missed shots with it as it occasionally trips up over itself.
The Panasonic GX7 looks like it could be exactly what I’ve been after. Not too fussed anymore about full 35mm frame. I like that M43 doubles the focal length. I can get my head around that very quickly.
Paul Treacy
Cheers Paul, thanks for sharing! Which M43s cameras are you planning to go for? If you’re interested in video, I’m guessing it will be a Lumix!
I’m off to check out his work now. Thanks for the links!
That’s great! Which MFT cameras do you use? Have you written any articles on your blog about your experience shooting weddings with them?
I enjoyed your post about the Gromits in Bristol by the way. We were there at the same time and managed to photograph about 20 of them. 🙂
I’ve recently photographed 2 1/2 weddings with my micro four thirds cameras (the first half of one wedding i used DSLR’s for the ceremony and group shots).
Both myself and the clients have been very happy with the results, and I’m able to shoot for longer, and not feel as tired at the end of the day due to the lighter weight of the kit.
Check out Adam Rileys xpro1 work…
http://www.adamrileyphotography.com/wedding/complete-wedding-with-the-fuji-x-pro-1/
http://www.adamrileyphotography.com/travel-photography/travel-photography-vietnam/
I too use mirrorless. I posted a guide to multimedia production with the X100 at http://photohumourist.blogspot.com that might be of interest to other mirrorless users.
I’m about to decommission my Nikon pro kit and X100 to shoot exclusively with M43.
Good list.
– Paul Treacy
Hi Chris. In my personal experience with the E-M5, I mostly use a 12mm f/2, 45mm f/1.8 and Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8. I love the 12mm, it is a great prime lens in my opinion and works well for landscape, despite the 24mm equivalent focal length (35mm format) not being wide enough in some situations. The best alternative is the Lumix 7-14mm f/4. Olympus will release a pro wide angle zoom lens next year and I’m looking forward to its image quality. The 45mm f/1.8 is a great lens for portraits and is very cheap. There is also the 75mm f/1.8 that has the reputation as the best lens for MFT. These two can be very nice for wedding portraits. The Lumix 35-100 is the only telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture for now. Olympus will release its version (40-150mm) in 2014 and I will probably exchange the Lumix for it as I like the idea of an extra 50mm (100mm equivalent). There are also the Voigtlaender lenses (manual focus only) and other very interesting lenses to come like the Lumix leica 42,5mm f/1.2.
The choice of lenses is vast, but not as vast as the Canon line so I think it also depends on which lens you like to use on your 5dmkIII. You won’t find tilt/shift lenses for example. As for macro, the Olympus 60mm is very nice but I haven’t tried it a lot honestly, as macro isn’t really my cup of tea (for now).
As for IQ, I think there are two sides to consider. From a pure “scientific” point of view, the MFT sensor is smaller than Full Frame so you have less dynamic range, details in highlights, bokeh. But it also depends on whether the MFT IQ is enough for you. For me it is, and my gain is also smaller bodies, smaller lenses, fantastic image stabilisation. My advice to you is to try it first, especially if you think you might use it in the place of the 5dmkIII for some of your photography.
Hi all, I have been a Canon user for 10yrs and now 5D III with L lenses, I am thinking of buying the new Olympus OMD E1 but have a few questions, which lenses do you recommend for landscape, nature, macro, and weddings?
also using FF camera I am kind of wondering what the IQ will be like, thanks;)
Thanks for the overview – I love the snap back focus ring on the 12mm as well, a great addition. We’re waiting on the GX7 too. Our local camera store said it would be here by mid-month but so far, no sign!
The Olympus 17mm 1.8 is a great lens. Not the sharpest I’ve used but sharp enough. I particularly like the snap back focus ring and I even occasionally use the depth of field scale. Its the only lens I need 99% of the time. I can’t wait to try it on my GX7 if it ever arrives!
Your photos are wonderful, Robert. It just goes to show what a MFT camera can do in the hands of a good photographer. How do you like the 17mm? It’s one we’ve been interested in trying.
I use micro 4/3 cameras exclusively. Lumix G5 and GX1, GX7 on back order. Olympus 17mm lens and occasionally a 45-150 zoom. I teach photography privately and also do workshops at the Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield. I also supply images for book covers through Millenium Images. My blog http://www.bigbobsbigblog.com is gaining popularity and I am a Tumblr addict.
I do microadventures to produce mini series of pictures of my adventures.
Zack and Patrick are great suggestions, Martin! The only reason I didn’t include them was because they are far more well-known than some of the others on this list. Since there are so many other wonderful photographers who use mirrorless cameras on the job, I wanted to make sure they got their time in the spotlight. The only exception is Trey, who is indeed very well-known, but is one of the only pros I have come across who uses a NEX-7 on the job.
Thanks for all this inspiration! I plan to go back and look at each of these photographer’s sites, some of whom I’m already familiar with, and some of whom I’m not.
I would like to suggest you add Zack Arias and Patrick La Roque. They’re both Fuji X photographers and generously give a great deal of themselves in their blogs. Not to mention, they take great photos, and write very engagingly. Their reviews are great too. Zack Arias wrote a classic review of the X100s, entitled “A Camera Walks Into A Bar”; a unique way to review a camera, and great reading.
Cheers,
Martin (The Old Man, The Old Man & The Grouch).
Thanks for your detailed feedback Charles. The last wedding I did was with my OM-D and my X100s. First time without DSLRs and it really made a difference for me. I agree with you, this is the future. DSLRs won’t die soon but I believe more photographers will switch to mirrorless. And doing it gradually, as you did and as I did as well is wise;)
By the way, how do you find the Ricoh GR compared to the X100s? I haven’t try it yet.
I use my favorite mirrorless in tandem with my Canon 5d Mark 3’s for weddings. My most often use mirrorless is the Fuji X100s. I love the focus peaking feature and when the lights are low, I use it more often than my 5d Mark 3 for discreet focusing. I don’t use the OM-D as much but that will probably change when I get the 75 1.8 lens as it will take the place of my 5d with the 135 f2 lens. Recently I acquire a Ricoh GR and I love it. The Ricoh GR and the Fuji X100s are my two favorites now. I also use the X Pro 1 as well. There are alot of cameras here so depending on what I’m photographing I will usually have a couple of these on me at all times when I’m working a wedding. I believe this is the future. When I first started in wedding photography 11 years ago, photographers were using Medium format and digital SLR’s were just beginning to be used. Then slowly the medium formats were just used for the “formals” until finally everyone adopted the DSLRs because they were lighter and more agile. I see that same trend happening now,only the mirrorless are the new DSLR’s and the current DSLR’s were the past medium format cameras. It just makes sense, and more so as the quality and abilities of the mirrorless are getting better and better.
Charles
Some extremely talented photographers in this list, I feel very privileged to be in the same list as these, and its has given me an extra boost to do more street photography.
Simon
Awesome, thanks for sharing. I’ve been looking for Panasonic still shooters for a while now.
Amos Chapple from New Zealand @ http://www.amoschapple.com/ he is a travel photographer using Panasonic GH2 and now GH3
some of his work is on The Atlantic
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/03/a-trip-to-iran/100471/
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/08/stalins-rope-roads/100577/
Very nice to meet you, Lee, and thanks for getting in touch. I agree with you about how restricting yourself to one lens can be a great exercise. I often do that with focal lengths that aren’t meant for certain genres of photography, such as the 45mm for landscape or the 12mm for portraiture.
We look forward to seeing some more of your work on your blog!
Hi, I have been using mirroless for over about 17 months and went fully M4/3 about this time last year when I got my second OMD EM-5 body.
I also have a blog which is in need of lots of new entries, but I am getting there (http://leeharris.eu/blog/)
I work a lot with artificial lighting and almost always light like this for my work. As of last year, and by way to counteract this, I now only travel (if no work is involved) with just one EM5 body and the 20mm lens, it’s great to limit yourself like this, you get to know one lens perfectly, you never think twice about taking the camera with you and its very, very discrete for street work. The second body is actually silver because I reasoned it was better to have distinction between the 2 (but now realise it also makes it ‘look’ less pro and so you get less looks).
Lee
No problem, you inspired us with that wonderful 1950s style photo shoot. Really love your work!
Thanx a lot Heather. What a great surprise for me. I’m honored. And very interesting to see others impassioned & mirrorless photographers 😉
Yes, he’s a good one. Thanks for pointing him out!
Okay, it’s all fixed now! We’re looking forward to seeing more of your work. 🙂
Thanks for the honor, Heather/Mat! The other photographers are very inspiring and I’m not sure I deserve to be among them! One small correction: my updated site is TomNguyenStudio.com –you had my outdated old site (TomNguyenArt.com) for the link.
Keep up the great work, I’ve been enjoying your site for a while now!
-Tom
Check out Damian McGillicuddy from the UK.
You are very welcome! I hope everyone was able to discover somebody new to follow. 🙂
I agree with your philosophy of taking at least one photo a day. It keeps your creative juices flowing. Keep up the great work!
It’s an honor to be mentioned here together with these great photographers. Thank you very much!
What a wonderful surprise to be featured here amongst some well known mirrorless photographers. I do love using my OMD and try to take at least one photo everyday of something or someone that I come across. I’m still learning how to use this amazing little camera, and the science of photography.
You seem very confident from your articles…it is something we’re working on as well! 🙂
Thank you so much for including me in this list. I’m still working on my confidence when approaching people on the street but I’m getting there.
Thanks again.