Ok, I know there are people that will disagree, but please remember this site is all about value. For most people, a mirrorless micro 4/3rds camera will give close to the same quality image in a lighter and easier to carry around package and be less expensive too. I know people that own Canon Mark Series cameras (over a thousand dollars) that keep the dial on “auto” all the time. Of course it will take great pictures, but for some people it’s just overkill. Of course, both will be a huge upgrade over almost any point and shoot camera.
I am not an expert photographer, but I know people who know more about this than I do. Yes, they own expensive DSLRs with huge lenses, but you know what, they carry around mirrorless most of the time.
The only real reasons (that I can think of) one might not choose a mirrorless:
- if you really need the view finder. Yes you can purchase digital ones for mirrorless cameras, but that would negate the savings
- if you want to find work as a photographer. People won’t take you seriously if you bring a micro 4/3rds camera. Even though if you compared photos they would probably not be able to tell the difference.
- If you really are going to buy a lot of lenses. Buying lenses is expensive, many costing more than the camera. I have the stock lens, a zoom lens, a fisheye (yes, an impulse buy.. but it was on sale), and a pancake lense. I also bought an adapter to use with some old Canon FD lenses. I would say that covers it for me,but if you are someone who wants to do even more, then probably DSLR would be worth it. DSLRs have more available lenses and accessories.
In sum and aside from the reasons above, if you can get the equivalent image quality for a cheaper price in a smaller and easier to carry around package, why wouldn’t you?
Again, this is only our opinion. But here is a pretty good article from tom’s guide:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras,news-17736.html
Also, olympus has a pretty good sale going on. %25 off reconditioned cameras (90-day warranty) with code “SPRING”. Ends 3/27
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet_store
Our pick would be the reconditioned E-PL5 for $299:
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/e-pl5-silver-14-42mm-silver-lens-reconditioned.html
For Reference (E-PL5 pool on flickr):
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2139817@N23/pool/
If you miss the sale, these cameras regular go sale or have decent bundle deals.