Making The Switch - Should I do it?

[ddt0725]

I am still wearing a brace on my right hand & wrist and since I cannot shoot much or work in PS or do much of anything else since I am right-handed, I've been pondering some ideas. Maybe my going crazy over my limitations is fogging my sensibility but here's what I'm thinking ...

All I need to shoot is macro (flowers, insects, butterflies), portraits and action of my grandkids and dogs, hummingbirds, wide angle but not too wide and a not too heavy medium length tele for backyard birds.

Sell my 7d II, 6d and get the Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless - This looks like the best of both worlds in a much lighter camera although reading reviews there is a lot of mumbo jumbo technical jargon that I really don't understand so it would be a huge learning curve. Looks to me like this is a really good camera but has a lot to offer that I would probably put to waste in the beginning. Being disabled now, I have only time on my hands to learn all it has to offer though.

Sell my Sigma 150-600mm C, Sigma 85mm non-art and possibly the 50-150mm lens and my tripod to make up more of the cost of the Sony camera.

Questions:

I would just need an adapter to make my other current lenses (Sigma for Canon and Lensbaby for Canon) work on the Sony, correct? Which one? Will one adapter make DG, DC, EF, EF-S work? Do lenses still work as well (AF, image quality) when using an adapter? Moving forward would I be better off buying lenses for Sony or is it okay to still look at Canon lenses to purchase and use the adapter? If I go strictly Sony and Sigma for Sony, I would have to give up Bryan's reviews, this site and you guys! :(

What about my Canon speedlights and Phottix Odin trigger and receivers? This may be a really dumb question but if I bought a Sony Trigger for the camera would my "for Canon" receivers and flashes communicate or would I have to switch out all of my flashes and receivers also?

Thank you for your time in helping me figure this out. You guys have always been there for me and I really appreciate it beyond words!

[clemmb]

Have you looked at the Rebel T6s? This looks like a really good option and keep all you favorite gear.
Or what about the Canon EOS M-series? :)

[ddt0725]

Have you looked at the Rebel T6s? This looks like a really good option and keep all you favorite gear.
Or what about the Canon EOS M-series? :)

Hi Mark,

I need to spend some time still going over the M-series. I started out with a Rebel and I know they have gotten much better over the years and the current ones are very good, I just can't get passed the mindset that it is going way backwards. Even when I first started, I only had the rebel a few months because it drove me nuts with how slow it was.

[Dave Throgmartin]

The mirrorless cameras are SO much different that I think you'd have to try them out and see if they work for you or not.

Dave

[Sheiky]

Sell my 7d II, 6d and get the Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless - This looks like the best of both worlds in a much lighter camera
If you're only doing it to save some weight on the body and keep using the same lenses...don't bother.
The 6D weighs 755g, the 7Dii 950g. The Sony A7R III weighs 657g, add for example the metabones adapter and you'll end up at 657+143=800g which is actually heavier than the 6D and only 150g lighter than the 7Dii. To me personally I doubt this will make a real noticeable difference as in a physical advantage.
Also the cost of trading up for the 150g weight benefit would probably be more expensive than seeing a medical specialist to look at your situation.(maybe a custom made brace?)

Also personally I doubted the switch a while back, even considered Nikon, but the simple ergonomics of Canon withheld me from doing so. Too much bells and whistles on the other brands including a million buttons and dials on the camera.


Having said that, me and my girlfriend went to a nightphotography workshop at out local camerashop yesterday and a lot of people used Fuji's, Sony's and other small things I can't identify. I was quite impressed with what they achieved. Bottom line, if you adapt to a mirrorless system all together, the combinations will be a lot smaller and lighter than your current gear. And possibly even better.
And it might be painful to hear as a Canon enthousiast, but the competition has done more in the last years to please the customers than Canon is willing to do. So switching to a different platform is (certainly on paper) a wise step to make. But since I'm not the shortest and have quite large hands, the ergonomics and total cost are holding me back from switching.

I hope you find a good solution for your situation.

PS: I do have a small GoPro Session that I take with me on holidays. If the circumstances are too difficult or heavy to take my DSLR or just typically in favor of the GoPro I'm taking that. And I'm quite happy with the video's and photos that it takes.

[ddt0725]

Sounds like I had better rent a mirrorless first before taking the plunge, Dave. Thank you for that info ...I didn't realize it would be that different.

Hi Jan!! Oh, I plan on making that dr. appt. and hopefully there will be a remedy that does not include surgery! Even after all is good with the hand and wrist, I would think that I will always have to be careful with causing undo stress and strain. I have always had to uncomfortably stretch my thumb around the 7d, 7d ii and even somewhat around the 6d. I do not know if the Sony would be smaller in this regard. I think it would be best to rent it first and see.

I never looked at Fuji. Something to consider. I think I will need to take my time and examine weight and size of what is out there. I would prefer to find something on the used or refurb market and the Sony wouldn't hit that market for quite a long time! After buying all new Canon lenses the first few years, I could really kick myself now!!

[Busted Knuckles]

I rented a sony A6500 and found it a quite capable camera.

[ddt0725]

I rented a sony A6500 and found it a quite capable camera. I like the looks of that one and the weight and price! How was it on noise? I want one that handles noise as well if not better than my 6d.

[Kayaker72]

Just on my phone right now, but a couple of things:
1) similar to what Jan did, but check the size/weight of mirrorless combinations you may want. Last I checked FF lenses were still large, significantly negating a minor savings with the body
2) cropped sensor lenses are smaller/lighter
2). Ergonomics. While some like the mirrorless ergonomics, I am hearing most do not.

That said, I’d recommend taking a look at a SL2, M5 or M6 if you want to stay in Canon.

But, to save much weight over a 6D, you’ll likely need to go to a cropped sensor. Fortunately, they are better than ever.

I am not sure if you remember Juza. He was a forum member for awhile. I still occasionally check his stuff out.

Anyway, he talked awhile ago about making the switch to mirrorless:
https://www.juzaphoto.com/m_articles.php?l=en&t=from_reflex_to_mirrorless_sony_a5100&npost=&show=&

He may be back to FF, as I see articles on the A7S, 6D and 5DS

Anyway, if you need to go light, crop sensor cameras are very capable.

I’d still think about support.

Good luck.

[HDNitehawk]

I bought the wife an M5, it is extremly light and takes great pics. I have been interested in trying the adapter and macro, just haven't messed with it yet. The downside is really bad battery life. The AF is great but not fast at all. Because it has the main screen on the back and you are viewing through the view finder it eats the battery fast. I wonder if the M6 is better on the batteries. Maybe someone that owns one would chime in.

You are not going to shed weight unless you go to a smaller system. Maybe someone knows of a different system that would be lighter and handle noise better, but I think your 6D is toward the top on that respect and anything that is better is going to be heavier.

[Kayaker72]

Ok....so I actually wish I hadn't looked, as last time I had checked, Canon APS-C was on par with Sonikon. But, looking at the A6500/D7500 vs 80D/M5 (I didn't see Canon's SL2, which would be the latest), SN ratio is similar, but the Sony pulls away in the other categories. So, 80D is taking some great pictures, but you might want to at least rent one of the others if you go to a smaller system.

Also, to get this out there, but I've been playing with smaller cameras as it isn't practical for me to always have my dSLR system with me, and I am happy with the M3 system. The sensor is absolutely better than the 7D, the lenses are very nice, especially the 11-22. But, more surprising to me is how good the G7X II is. Two quick examples:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4453/37195487034_2105e8ef67_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YEQAqA)IMG_1281 (https://flic.kr/p/YEQAqA) by kayaker72 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker72/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/36931824596_84162db858_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YgxfLu)IMG_1070 (https://flic.kr/p/YgxfLu) by kayaker72 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker72/), on Flickr

Point being, maybe you keep your FF gear, but get something small to take with you some of the time. That is essentially what I am doing and I have been very pleased having these different size/weight options.


That said, ergonomics do help. I've only moved the camera from around my neck to my shoulder but I was glad to do that. I use a blackrapid strap (http://www.blackrapid.com/), but there are others systems out there:

https://store.lowepro.com/topload-chest-harness
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278406-REG/blackrapid_361003_double_breathe_strap.html


An option I recently saw people hyping a bit that would get the camera weight off your upper body altogether would be a holster:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/762494-REG/SPIDER_HOLSTER_100_SpiderPro_Single_Camera_System. html

or, a belt system:

https://store.lowepro.com/beltpacks
https://store.lowepro.com/modular/s-f-light-utility-belt
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847161-REG/Think_Tank_007_Pro_Speed_Belt_Medium.html?sts=pi

Anyway, really do feel bad about your situation and wish you luck. Smaller systems are very capable, but I would also consider more ergonomics in how you carry whatever system you end up with.

[Dave Throgmartin]

Sounds like I had better rent a mirrorless first before taking the plunge, Dave. Thank you for that info ...I didn't realize it would be that different.


Sorry, I'm not trying to scare you and just wanted to warn. You might really like Sony or Fuji, but they are a lot different than Canon DSLRs. Best to try them out before putting too much money into it.

If you don't mind the driving a little ways the Best Buy in Brookfield has a nice camera display where you can try out the various Sonys.

Dave

[ddt0725]

Sorry, I'm not trying to scare you and just wanted to warn. You might really like Sony or Fuji, but they are a lot different than Canon DSLRs. Best to try them out before putting too much money into it.

If you don't mind the driving a little ways the Best Buy in Brookfield has a nice camera display where you can try out the various Sonys.

Dave

Best Buy in Kenosha used to have a display, haven't been in there in ages but I will be passing there tomorrow so I will stop in and see.

A friend on fb said she had a Sony Nex7. Not familiar with it but she said Sony is very menu driven and in her words, "Sony has no soul".

[ddt0725]

Ok....so I actually wish I hadn't looked, as last time I had checked, Canon APS-C was on par with Sonikon. But, looking at the A6500/D7500 vs 80D/M5 (I didn't see Canon's SL2, which would be the latest), SN ratio is similar, but the Sony pulls away in the other categories. So, 80D is taking some great pictures, but you might want to at least rent one of the others if you go to a smaller system.

Also, to get this out there, but I've been playing with smaller cameras as it isn't practical for me to always have my dSLR system with me, and I am happy with the M3 system. The sensor is absolutely better than the 7D, the lenses are very nice, especially the 11-22. But, more surprising to me is how good the G7X II is. Two quick examples:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4453/37195487034_2105e8ef67_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YEQAqA)IMG_1281 (https://flic.kr/p/YEQAqA) by kayaker72 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker72/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/36931824596_84162db858_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YgxfLu)IMG_1070 (https://flic.kr/p/YgxfLu) by kayaker72 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker72/), on Flickr

Point being, maybe you keep your FF gear, but get something small to take with you some of the time. That is essentially what I am doing and I have been very pleased having these different size/weight options.


That said, ergonomics do help. I've only moved the camera from around my neck to my shoulder but I was glad to do that. I use a blackrapid strap (http://www.blackrapid.com/), but there are others systems out there:

https://store.lowepro.com/topload-chest-harness
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278406-REG/blackrapid_361003_double_breathe_strap.html


An option I recently saw people hyping a bit that would get the camera weight off your upper body altogether would be a holster:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/762494-REG/SPIDER_HOLSTER_100_SpiderPro_Single_Camera_System. html

or, a belt system:

https://store.lowepro.com/beltpacks
https://store.lowepro.com/modular/s-f-light-utility-belt
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847161-REG/Think_Tank_007_Pro_Speed_Belt_Medium.html?sts=pi

Anyway, really do feel bad about your situation and wish you luck. Smaller systems are very capable, but I would also consider more ergonomics in how you carry whatever system you end up with.

These photos are AMAZING!!!

I have been thinking of MAYBE keeping the 6d and get a better strap for it. I will look at the M3.

Wearing the brace no stop for a number of weeks now has helped but as soon as I move my wrist the wrong way on accident, the pain is excruciating! I have read it can take eight weeks to really see improvement in the tendon pain, so time will tell. With it being my right-hand, surgery is an absolute last resort since that will lay me up for months of not using it at all! WHAT NO DOG WALKS!? Yep, no dog walks, no computer, no Photoshop, no driving and no photography at all! So, I'm keeping the brace on and taking ibuprofen and if that doesn't help, cortisone shots and physical therapy. I honestly believe hand holding the 7d ii and 150-600mm did the most damage to my wrist. So, once all is better with it, I just want to make sure I don't ever get back to this point again but am still able to enjoy doing what I love, photography!

[DavidEccleston]

Brant mentioning the G7X II reminded me about another recent Canon announcement. The G1X Mark III actually has a full APS-C sensor. It can take your flashes. It's got 9fps with AE/AF lock, or 7fps with continuous AF. If you can live with 24-72mm (not ideal for dog action shots, I know), it may be a good fit.

[ddt0725]

I have been reading reviews on and off all day and night for two days until my brain hurt! Wouldn't it be great if you could just put in what specs you want and out comes the perfect camera designed just for your own personal wants/needs!!! :rolleyes:

At least I made one decision, I am definitely going to get the BlackRapid Breathe Curve Camera Strap ...now I just have to decide on the camera to use it with!

[Lumens]

I own a Fuji XT-2 and would use nothing else, but with that said I would assume you have a considerable amount invested in Canon glass. I find the buy/sell process a costly pain so would not recommend a switch to a different brand.

Canon is doing its best to catch up to Sony & Fuji in the mirrorless department and with the adapter you can use the glass you already have. I have talked to people who own the M series with adapter and are quite happy with that. But then again there is NO saving in lens weight using the adapter, in fact my Fuji with battery grip and 100-400 is as big and heavy as any canon or Nikon. I generally don't make recommendations on equipment, as that is usually a personal thing. But listening to your story and having moved to Fuji for the same reasons. I believe the M series with 1 or two general purposes mirrorless lenses would provide you what you want most the time and when they didn't you would still, have your current gear to fall back on.

The cost of changing brands can be staggering. While Fuji is what I would recommend for someone just staring out, and I believe Sony/Fuji to be the better choices for a full mirrorless system, I can't recommend replacing an already developed to your specifications system. The cost is just too high.

[ddt0725]

Thank you, Bill for your insight. I appreciate your taking the time to help me out with this decision-making process. I have bounced back and forth on this for days trying to figure it out. I need to figure out something soon so I can sell my gear and take advantage of either Black Friday deals or start looking for used & refurbished.

Here are my thoughts (could change by tomorrow, LOL):

First, I have to adjust how and what I shoot and learn to accept my limitations and embrace change!

1.) Carry my gear differently ...NOT hanging around my neck! Buy the BlackRapid Breathe Curve strap.
2.) Hold my gear differently. Before I used my right hand to really grasp and hold most of the weight of everything when shooting and held my hand underneath for support when I wasn't manual focusing. Now I am going to have to use my left hand underneath to hold most of the weight and use my right to support and work the camera.
3.) Actually use my tripod, monopod and gorillapod! Minimize hand-holding whenever possible.
4.) Give up wildlife photography, accept the lenses for that are way too heavy for me now and long hikes are out of the question.
5.) Get a good table top set-up for macro photography. Any suggestions on a good soft box light tent set-up?

Now for the gear:

1.) Sell my heaviest lenses (150mm - 600mm and 50-150mm to start).
2.) For a camera, the 6d is okay but the width on the right side is close to the limit of what I can stretch my thumb and index finger without starting to strain and feel the pain in the tendons. So, I need to sell the 7d II for sure. So, I am also going to sell the 6d and get the 6d II. Shutter speed is better and will make up for the loss of the 7d II somewhat in that regard, size is good for short periods and I can use on my tripod and use the lenses and flashes I already have. I will also have to sell my 17-50mm since it is only for crop sensors.
2.) For more of a go-to walk around camera, I am really leaning toward the Fuji XT-2! Size and weight are good, reviews are good and it has quite an array of lenses to choose from. Bill, how is the XT-2 on high ISO in your opinion??

Thoughts???

I would need to get moving on selling my gear so I can take advantage of any Black Friday deals and upcoming sales and be ready to buy on the used/refurb market when something pops up. Adorama has a few of the XT-2 cameras available.

Input on my thinking would be appreciated. I sometimes don't make the best decisions!

[clemmb]

The Fuji XT-2 looks pretty good to me. Try any two camera comparisons (http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM) you like. :)

[ddt0725]

Thank you for the link, Mark. Now I am leaning toward my first choice on the mirrorless ... the Sony A7 II. Eventually, I will get this figured out!

[Kayaker72]

Thank you for the link, Mark. Now I am leaning toward my first choice on the mirrorless ... the Sony A7 II. Eventually, I will get this figured out!

:)

Lots of good options out there these days. I'll just echo what was previously said, I would recommend not deciding this on specs and reviews alone. I would get someplace and get some hands on experience.

Good luck!

[DavidEccleston]

I would recommend not deciding this on specs and reviews alone. I would get someplace and get some hands on experience.
THIS! My first DSLR was a Nikon, purchased online. It went back real quick. It doesn't matter what the IQ is like at high ISO if you can't how the camera works or feels.

Find whatever adjustments you regularly do, and see how/if they work on the new camera. If you need to go 5 menus deep to change a setting every 2 shots, you'll go mad.


For me I'd be looking at things like:

How easy is it to switch exposure compensation. Canon makes this too hard by default on the 7D, having to go into a menu. Oddly enough, this was simpler on the T1i, as it had an EC/bracketing button that the 7Ds lack. As I tend to stay in single-point AF mode, I assigned EC to the focus mode switch of the 7D2, making it very easy.

Does it do auto-ISO in M mode? Can you still apply EC when using this mode. Canon now has this working, and it's wonderful.

How easy is it to switch between tracking/burst and focus-lock/oneshot.

How does the camera transition between shooting and image review? How quickly can you go through those images?

How does the camera handle making adjustments during auto-review?


The last two are where the Nikon I tried drove me nuts. After shooting the image review was either off, 1 second, or 10 seconds. At 1 second I couldn't pull the camera from my eye and focus on the screen, and see much before it was going away... far too short. 10 seconds didn't work for me either. When it showing the auto-review image, any attempts to change the settings (aperture or shutter) would instead automatically put your in image-review mode, and start scrolling through the images, instead of changing the settings. So I'd have to take one shot, review, wait for 10 seconds to expire before I can adjust anything, and then take another shot. Auto-review off was yes another failure. In this case, pressing the button to manually review-images took several seconds to switch modes, despite the auto-review being able to do this instantaneously. There simply wasn't a good option. Well, there was... I returned it and bought a Canon. ;)

A spec sheet won't tell you these sorts of annoyances, but 10 minutes with the camera will.

[ddt0725]

I stopped at Best Buy and they only had the Sony a6000, a6300 out on display to try. Tiny little buggers!! I thought the menu, buttons and all were okay. Very disappointed that they didn't have a Fuji X-T2 available to try! The more I am reading and seeing pictures taken with that one the more I am liking it but yes, I know the real deal in my hands can make all the difference!

[ddt0725]

Is in-camera stabilization very good and something I should be considering? Sony has it, Fuji does not.

[Dave Throgmartin]

Table top macro setup:

https://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

I've made one of these and primarily use it for buy and sell listings LOL!

Dave

[ddt0725]

Thanks, Dave. I knew you had something set-up that you shared once before. Getting something going is going to be my winter project!

I think I have done all the research reading and picture viewing of photos taken with various cameras than I can possibly handle anymore and I have made a decision. I am definitely going with the 6d II and Fuji X-T2! If I don't like it, I will just have to return it.

Tomorrow I will start taking pics, pricing and selling my gear. Hopefully, I will make enough to get both of those at an awesome price and one lens to start off with for the Fuji. I have my eye on a couple! From what I understand, my Sigma for Canon crop sensor lenses will work with the Fuji with an adapter, right?

Thank you so, so much everyone for helping me think my way through this. Now, I am not so depressed of having to stop shooting completely and feeling positive now!

[Dave Throgmartin]

Thanks, Dave. I knew you had something set-up that you shared once before. Getting something going is going to be my winter project!

I think I have done all the research reading and picture viewing of photos taken with various cameras than I can possibly handle anymore and I have made a decision. I am definitely going with the 6d II and Fuji X-T2! If I don't like it, I will just have to return it.

Tomorrow I will start taking pics, pricing and selling my gear. Hopefully, I will make enough to get both of those at an awesome price and one lens to start off with for the Fuji. I have my eye on a couple! From what I understand, my Sigma for Canon crop sensor lenses will work with the Fuji with an adapter, right?

Thank you so, so much everyone for helping me think my way through this. Now, I am not so depressed of having to stop shooting completely and feeling positive now!

No problem, I've actually used the light box for a lot of stuff. Here's a 2 flash setup using it (just a play around shot here):

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1586/24765546421_f8c9338a65_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DJrU8F)2016_02_06_15345_upd (https://flic.kr/p/DJrU8F) by dthrog00 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dthrog00/), on Flickr

I don't think a Canon EF lens will have aperature control or autofocus on a Fuji. Fuji glass is supposed to be really good, you're probably best off using Fuji glass on the Fuji camera.

Dave

[ddt0725]

That set up worked extremely well for that shot, Dave.

I thought I read in all my research that there was an adapter that would make the Sigma's work. But maybe it was a different camera I was looking at at the time. I was hoping to keep those (17-50mm and 50-150mm) but I guess I will have to let them go.

[Manofmayo66]

I did a quick search in Kenosha WI and noticed one camera shop in town (Rodes) and several more in Milwaukee. Have you visited your local camera store? Surely they would have a better supply of equipment than Best Buy.

At one point (maybe 9 months ago), I seriously looked at switching to the Sony A7ii, however there were 3 things I didn't like: I didn't like the feel of the A7ii compared to the 6D. My hands are small for a man, but the grip and the controls just didn't work for me. Second, the battery life is atrocious and finally the star eater issue. For any exposure longer than 30 seconds, the Sony noise reduction kicks in (non-defeatable) and eliminates stars it thinks are heat noise from long exposures. As I understand the A9 doesn't have that problem, nor does the new A7Riii, but who knows if that is true.

I have seen other photographers using the BlackRapid system of camera straps, and seen them in camera shops....even tried them out, however, they don't work for me. I use a wrist strap from Tamrac I think....it was a close out from 4 years ago. The strap scares people because I can let the camera (sometimes with a speedlight) slip out of my hands to hang by my wrist.

I might have said this before....between my diabetic neuropathy and foot problems, hiking and carrying a heavy pack is out. If I travel, I might bring more than 2 lenses in my pack, but when I am out exploring, I generally carry only 2 lenses (a 35 & 90), as either of the lenses are small enough to put into a coat pocket.

[ddt0725]

I have lived in Kenosha all my life and Rode has been here twice as long, it is a very, very small store. It is only less than 3 minutes from my house. I stopped there about a few years ago to see what they had for gear and to look at straps, talked with an older gentleman employee there for awhile. He had absolutely no knowledge about camera gear or photography. I told him I shot Canon and was looking for a strap. I was looking to put a new one on my old 7d when I was putting it up for sale. He handed me the only strap they sold and very seriously asked me if I liked this one ...it had NIKON in big bold letters on it. I looked at him and said I don't think so and left. I haven't gone back except for when KEH was there buying gear and they offered me less than half the $ amount that I was able to make on my own.

I'll stop over there tomorrow just to see what they may have.

[Manofmayo66]

The only time I could ever recall a Best Buy having a decent selection of camera gear was during the Christmas holiday season & they had reps from Canon, Nikon and Sony hawking gear. And after talking to the reps, they each said I should head to Glazers or Kenmore Camera (Seattle Camera stores) if I wanted the best price and selection (Which I knew already).

[Kayaker72]

Before investing more in the M series and before buying the G7XII, I wanted to get my hands on them. Bit of a long story, but I ended up looking near me in southern NH and in Orlando. What I found out is that certain Best Buys are designated as having true camera centers and others, just have some cameras. It isn't close, certain stores have significantly more brands and models. Here in NH, it is (or was) the Best Buy in Salem, NH. In Orlando, it was a Best Buy that was further up off of I-4. These centers had a much larger selection compared to other stores. For my purposes, it was literally the difference between having a M3/G7XII or not.

Two ways you can find them, 1) ask; 2) Look online and look for stores with certain cameras in stock available for same day pickup.

[Dave Throgmartin]

The BB in Brookfield is one of the few that actually has a full setup of camera equipment with many displays, etc... regular ones do not.

Dave

[ddt0725]

I looked to see the closest BB that would have the Fuji X-T2 on display and it showed there wasn't one within 250 miles.

[ddt0725]

I stopped in at Rode Camera Shop and they didn't have anything to look at.

So, now if my gear sells I will hopefully have enough $ to get the cameras (at a good deal) but my lens stock will be in a sad world of hurt! Thank goodness it is winter and will give me time to save, save, save!!