Problems with using a mirrorless camera for backup camera?

I need a new backup camera and of course one camera because of it's size that has my attention are some of these mirrorless cameras.  I know there are adapters that will allow me to use my Nikon native glass on it.  Want I want to see if there are any other caveats that I should be aware of with mirrorless for professional use? 

If you want to use your Nikkors, simply get a D5#00.  And forget any adapters.

Kelly

Silver Fox wrote: I need a new backup camera and of course one camera because of it's size that has my attention are some of these mirrorless cameras.  I know there are adapters that will allow me to use my Nikon native glass on it.  Want I want to see if there are any other caveats that I should be aware of with mirrorless for professional use? 

You didn't say what images you take. If you take sports images then you need to understand that mirrorless is not quite up to DSLRs focus tracking and speed. Some mirrorless cameras don't focus well in low light. You need to research the models you are interested in. I purchased an Olympus OMD EM-10 at the end of June and I haven't used my Nikon D-200 since that time. I have a Metabones adapter that allows me to use my Nikon lenses on the EM-10. Here are a couple of examples of what that combo can do. Both shot with 80-400 VR lens.

 

You bring up a good point, the autofocus and tracking is a big issue if you intent is going to be shooting higher speed subjects.  However if you are shooting weddings, and portraits, landscapes and such, mirrorless can be a nice way to go.  Just keep in mind that the battery on the mirrorless camera will also not last as long as the DSLR one.  So bring spares.  

  For stills these are great cameras

haven't even seen a mirrorless but I have tried a few point and shoot type. I don't have a clue how long it take's to get used to not looking through a lens to compose a photo or even to think you have a good one by looking at the screen on the back. My point and shoot's all took good photo's but I was never sure what I had till I down loaded them to my computer. On the other hand I know a few people that couldn't take a decent photo with a DSLR but do fime with the point and shoot type of composing a photo. One point and shoot I tried had a view finder, but not through the lens. I'd look at something through it and it really looked like H*ll! Had to see them on the computer to know where I was! The mirrorless I presume have most the abilities of a DSLR other than looking through the lens? My point and shoot types missed a lot of simple thing's and left me hanging, maybe I just hadn't figured out how to work them. If I were a pro, I think I'd stick to the format I understood best. That ways you seldom have to think about the camera, just shoot the thing. I noticed when I picked up my sister's canon, I didn't have a clue how to use it, a lot different than my Nikons. Nephew has a Canon 1DS and had the same problem with it. Of course they would also have that learning curve trying the Nikon! For a pro, a mirrorless to carry around when not on a job might be a good idea, DSLR's don't fit into a pocket very well! But when the shot means money I'd place my bet on equipment I was really familiar with.

Don Fischer wrote: haven't even seen a mirrorless but I have tried a few point and shoot type. I don't have a clue how long it take's to get used to not looking through a lens to compose a photo or even to think you have a good one by looking at the screen on the back. My point and shoot's all took good photo's but I was never sure what I had till I down loaded them to my computer. On the other hand I know a few people that couldn't take a decent photo with a DSLR but do fime with the point and shoot type of composing a photo. One point and shoot I tried had a view finder, but not through the lens. I'd look at something through it and it really looked like H*ll! Had to see them on the computer to know where I was! The mirrorless I presume have most the abilities of a DSLR other than looking through the lens? My point and shoot types missed a lot of simple thing's and left me hanging, maybe I just hadn't figured out how to work them. If I were a pro, I think I'd stick to the format I understood best. That ways you seldom have to think about the camera, just shoot the thing. I noticed when I picked up my sister's canon, I didn't have a clue how to use it, a lot different than my Nikons. Nephew has a Canon 1DS and had the same problem with it. Of course they would also have that learning curve trying the Nikon! For a pro, a mirrorless to carry around when not on a job might be a good idea, DSLR's don't fit into a pocket very well! But when the shot means money I'd place my bet on equipment I was really familiar with.

Most of what you said only applies to point and shoot cameras. Majority of the higher end mirrorless have EVFs. Some EVFs are better than others. One big advantage is you can adjust your exposure and you will see the changes in exposure through the viewfinder. Try that with a DSLR. These cameras aren't just for carrying around when you're goofing off. Several are serious tools and perform as good as most DSLR's and better than a lot of them. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. I have my old Nikon D200 and my new OLY EM-10. The techniques I use are the same. The modes I use are the same. There's not a lot of difference except for the OVF and EVF and the weight.