10-18-2024 01:36 PM - edited 10-18-2024 03:58 PM
We are looking into getting new cameras for myself and my agencies investigators. I do crime scene work and am currently using a Canon Rebel T6 which works fine other than I cannot move the LCD monitor which I need in some scenes. What are your thoughts on the mirrorless cameras vs the DSLR cameras? We don't need anything fancy just something that will get the job done in outdoor and low light and crowded conditions. I don't take videos with the camera since we have a video camera that does that. At my old agency I used the Canon T3i which I loved! I need some direction on what to get. Thanks for any advice
10-18-2024 01:46 PM
"I cannot move the viewfinder"
What does this mean? Do you need an articulating LCD screen?
10-18-2024 03:57 PM
Sorry my error I need to be able to move the LCD monitor not the viewfinder.
10-18-2024 03:01 PM - edited 10-18-2024 03:12 PM
Hi and welcome to the forum:
Back in the day, I did a little forensic work so I hope I can offer some relevant suggestions. Much, as always, depends on your budget. While I recognize that you had used the T6, which is a crop APS-C camera, for low light I suggest a full-frame sensor which normally has much better performance, and one with not a huge MP capacity - for much the same reason.
I would definitely encourage you to go with the R-series bodies and lenses and I would suggest the following, although it would mean you will need a new lens or lenses:
The Canon EOS R8 has a 24MP full-frame sensor with excellent low-light performance. It has brilliant focusing system and an fully articulating screen. You can produce a wide range of printed images from this for trial purposes - although I suspect most will be on a digital display these days.
As to lenses:
You may have been using the EF-S 18-55mm kit lenses for the T6, and the equivalent to that for the FF bodies is a RF 24-105 variant that would give you an equivalent FoV to a 15-65mm lens on your T6.
There is an f/4 L version with a constant aperture, or a non-L version that is cheaper but still a good performer and you might consider that for some specific situations where better resolution and focal range is needed.
Otherwise, you can get a kit with the R8 body and a 24-50mm lens: which would be like a 15-32mm lens on your T6.
EOS R8 RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit (canon.com)
10-18-2024 03:04 PM
What about articulating screens which I think is what the OP considers a desirable feature?
10-18-2024 03:08 PM - edited 10-18-2024 03:14 PM
I can see why Keith - some of the situations are extremely cramped and awkward, with evidence low to the ground and needing a view in from ground level.
The R8 has a fully-articulating screen, as I mentioned.
See: Canon EOS R8 Overview: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
It should be noted that the R8, as with many R-series bodies, does not have a built-in flash but you can get economical ones that fit on the hot shoe mount
10-18-2024 03:39 PM
As an afterthought, instead of a flash, I would suggest a compact USB charged LED light panel. They are cheap and provide a constant light, so easy for the camera's sensor to work with and because the mirrorless show you exactly the exposure, you can set up the light right from the start.
Best On Camera Lights in 2024 (Continuous LED Light Panels) (shotkit.com)
09/26/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R5 Mark II - Version 1.0.1
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.5.0
07/01/2024: New firmware updates are available.
04/16/2024: New firmware updates are available.
RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF600mm F4 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
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