Mirrorless System Advantages for Bird Photography

Has the Canon EOS R5 changed the conversation about using mirrorless cameras for bird and wildlife photography? This is the position of our guest, David Speiser who, this summer, traded his Canon 1D X Mark III for the R system camera and lenses. But his colleague, fellow bird photographer and—for now—DSLR stalwart Grace Scalzo, is not quite ready to make that switch.

Today's episode of the B&H Photography Podcast focuses on the features of the Canon R5 and RF lenses that specifically benefit bird photographers. Speiser relates his decision to sell a treasure-trove worth of gear and re-invest in Canon's mirrorless system. He notes the advanced eye-focus, the customization features, in-body image stabilization, and new, sharp lenses as factors in his decision. Grace Scalzo, however, is not ready to give up her rugged, fast, and ergonomically balanced DSLR with its broad selection of quality glass and an optical viewfinder. This is a fun-spirited and well-articulated debate between two shooters who really know their gear and their craft.

In addition to the DSLR vs. mirrorless smackdown, we discuss 600mm lenses, adapters, gimbal heads, tripods, sharpening software, and even some land management and wildlife ethics issues. Join us for this vastly informative conversation, ideal for Canon photographers and wildlife shooters considering their next purchase.

Also, please check out the Musea Gathering virtual photo conference to be held on February 22 & 23, 2021, a wonderful two-day event on wedding and family photography.

Guests: Grace Scalzo and David Speiser

Photograph © David Speiser