how to respond when asked "why don't you get a DSLR?"

being a 2+yr mirrorless shooter (and never used a DSLR), I often get comments like "nice photos, why don't you get a DSLR?" Sometimes I try explaining the sensor equivalence to most DSLRs therefore similar image quality (and then I get the "huh?" look), while other times I just get lazy and say DSLRs are too big. What might be the most sensible & informative way of explaining myself?

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinwlyu/

I always respond "Because I have something better already." Which is true in some ways and not true in others, but sometimes there's nothing wrong with bluffing your way a bit in life too. Others seem to do it all the time  And I made already 2 people buying nex cameras because of my photo quality (technically speaking mind you, not the artistic sense as I'm just a beginner myself.) 

Depends on whether you want to have a conversation or not.

I always say "this is more fun and takes equally good pictures". They've seen the results. Now most of my friends own NEX and RX100:-)

There are two kind of people that can give you this questions. Clients (or possible clients) or not clients (friends, fellow amateur photographers, people on the street).

For the second kind, say whatever you want. It is lighter, it takes good pictures, I dont care for DSLRs, cause I like new things, cause Im not a dinosaur,  etc.

For clients or possible clients, I always show the camera the first time, with as much things on as possible. that means, with the LEAE2 and my sigma macro 70mm 2.8. That combination looks impressibe, and even people with DSLRs ask me what it is, and looks intimidating. I generally explain that I have the best of both worlds with that combination. That I have somehting as a modular DSLR (actualy DSLT, but I dont educate people on that). I can have the big DSLR with the LEAE2 adapter and the lenses (I dont explain the adapter) and a smaller kind of point and shoot but with the same image quality without the adapter.

After they see the first images and like it, I can start changing the lenses and get into a smaller configuration.

Im actually an amateur (I consider myself that) but Im getting small gigs, so Im starting to think as a pro, or try to look as one (pro as in, charge for my work) to start getting more, but I don't consider myself that (but I will never admit it)

I find it a little harder Kev because of whats on the front of the 7. I was out shooting birds with two other nature shooters about a month ago and one said, what is that camera, I just said a Sony NEX and the other photographer said, don't worry about it, look whats on the front. That's exactly it really, its a box with a decent sized sensor in it.

I always get asked what camera is that even from people walking by. I just say its a Sony. Met some fantastic people though because of it, which is strange but nice at the same time. Nature shooters just don't believe it when they see it thats for real

All the best Kev.

Danny.

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Birds and macro. NEX and m4/3
http://www.birdsinaction.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzmacro/

Q: why don't you get a DSLR?

It can do everything a DSLR can but a DSLR can't do, what it can.

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Sony A55, Sony NEX-3, Sony F828

I usually ask if they have a big ugly old cathode ray TV at home or if they have upgraded to a slim modern LCD TV.....they usually get the analogy....

.....although I do have an a57 as well as my Nex!

Don't give them the pleasure of an argument, just smile sweetly, keep shooting and let them continue to  envy your images.

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Tom Caldwell

Grin, you certinly have good technique, I can see the stifled yawns and the darting eyes looking for a way to politely escape this conversation ....

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Tom Caldwell

"The IQ is as good as 95% of the DSLR's, and the camera plus a few lenses fit in the same space my DSLR(1DIII) does just by it's self, and I can mount and use just about any lens made since photography started."

or

"Try hauling a kit that weighs 5lbs vs a kit that weighs 20lbs all day long that provides the same IQ."

Kev,  it reminds me of something similar that Ricoh owners get:

"What brand of camera is that?"

"A Ricoh"

"Oh" (puzzled look)  Usually too stunned to ask the inevitable "why don't you get a proper camera?"

As a NEX owner talking to those that only know dslr cameras "as the best" you will understand those that are equally mystified on why anyone would want to use a Rioch.  Most Ricoh owners have given up trying to explain why they use them.  All crazy fools apparently.

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Tom Caldwell

Exactly, or just ignore them.

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Novice photobug, proud NEX-3 owner
http://davesnex-3photos.blogspot.com/

I just say, same size sensor as a DSLR, yet 1/3rd the weight.

wll

I have been asked why I don't use a DSLR at times when out with my NEX7.

I would generally tell people I have 15K of Canon bodies and L lenses sitting at home gathering dust. Glorified paper weights. I would then proceed to tell people to NOT buy a NEX, because their DSLR's will probably suffer a similar fate

I am kidding when I say something like this to some extent, as my DSLR's to have their place. But I do favor the NEX line to my Canon full frame combo.

Its very easy for me since I was a long time Canon DSLR shooter.  I tell people I shoot more photograph with mirrorless since I always have my camera with me.

you need a sticker that says "my other camera is a DSLR"

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http://www.daisyseyecancerfund.org/Files/Awareness/photographing_rb_poster.pdf

If they know nothing about cameras and they genuinely seem interested, maybe try to explain the differences. I guess it all depends on the situation..

It's a reasonable question.  Just give them the answer for you.  I assume there's some actual reason you shoot NEX instead of a DSLR.  If it's because it's smaller but with the same image quality, then that's what you tell them.

Bart

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http://bhimages.zenfolio.com

I tell that I was once a legendary photographer along with my fiancee, who was tragically killed in the course of a catastrophic and freak dSLR mirror failure accident...

So therefore I cannot ever use a dSLR again... ever.

*cue tragic backstory accompaniment music from cellphone*