Updated: 08/03/2016 Oleg Lazhechnikov

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Those who follow me on social networks could already see that I had a kind of revolution in my mind and I switched to a mirrorless camera. She became the Sony Alpha a6000. Unfortunately, the post was not paid for, since they did not answer me anything to my letter of cooperation, so I had to buy for my own money. But now the post is not about the camera, but the sensations after the transition, so Sony still has time to think again :)

Also, there will be no test comparative shots in the post, because now I don’t have a DSLR with me, I didn’t take it to Warsaw. After all, initially everything was started for the sake of reducing weight, otherwise nothing fits into my hand luggage. In short, mirrorless is a lifesaver!

Previously, I was completely skeptical about mirrorless cameras, they did not suit me in various ways. But time passed, and now mirrorless cameras are no longer technically inferior to mirror counterparts. It seems to me that a little more and there may be nothing left of the class of amateur DSLRs at all, there will be no point in them. Although for now they are a good alternative because of the price, since mirrorless ones are more expensive. Actually, therefore, for beginners, I would still advise for the time being, simply because of the savings. But, if the question of price is not worth it, then you can safely take something Nex-o-like from Sony or other brands.

After I realized that technically I get almost the same camera (corresponding to my needs), such a minus as ergonomics came to the fore. Although I am not a reporter, you get used to the convenience of management very quickly. Looking through the viewfinder, you can change settings in a fraction of a second by turning the various wheels blindly. Also, the Canon 7d camera focuses very quickly (and almost does not smear), it is instantly ready for use after turning it on. It seems, you might think, a fraction of a second, but it is difficult to abandon the usual, especially since the new camera is in a similar price category. It's like a phone, if it starts to slow down, and you wait a few seconds for the application to load, then such a phone starts to irritate quickly. This is what I feared here.

About six months ago, I twisted the Nex-5 and Nex-6 (previous models) in my hands and I liked everything. Lightweight, compact, good pictures too. A6000 is even better, it has faster focus, more convenient controls and menus. Therefore, before the next trip, I decided sharply (one day) and bought it, having received the box the day before before departure. In fact, it was only at the airport that I used the camera for the first time.

Reasons for the transition

The main reason for the transition was that I was tired of carrying heavy things with me, and it was no longer possible to take something large with me. Although I only have a Canon 7d carcass and two lenses 24-105 and 11-16 for it, it still came out 2 kg. Plus, additional batteries, chargers, remote control, filters, tripod (1kg), that is, a total of about 3-4 kg minimum. My hand luggage on the plane usually weighed under 10 kg along with a laptop and other things. In general, all this ceased to fit normally in the one with which I usually travel.

In the end, I just looked the truth in the eye and realized that I haven’t taken the whole set with me for a long time, since most often we go somewhere together, and I also have Egor’s toys in my backpack, some food, his clothes and etc. Or even, if I take a DSLR with me, then it is inconvenient for me to dig it out of my backpack, and I take pictures on my phone. It's no good.

The second reason for the transition is mainly photos for my blog, and this is only 900px wide, sometimes more. For two years I also printed a couple of times in total, and the size of 15x20 does not require much. Thus, it is quite possible to reduce your requirements for a camera for every day (for a travel camera), but not for a wedding photographer.

What did I get

The weight of the Sony a6000 camera with an 18-105 lens is about 0.9 kg. It seems, too, not a little, but still unusually easy. In addition, you can put a smaller lens, up to a small pancake, and the camera can even be put in your pocket. But for now I don’t plan anything else, one lens will suffice, as a universal one. In fact, it covers almost all the focal lengths I need when traveling, only the width of 10-18 is sometimes not enough. Also, I will not buy any additional filters, remote controls for now, and I will change my tripod to something completely miniature and light. In general, it turned out very compactly, I am satisfied, the main task is completed. It remains to sell the DSLR with accessories and just all purchases will pay off.

Camera crop 1.5, that is, the matrix is ​​the same size as I had. Shoots in RAW, then everything lends itself well to processing in Lightroom. The dynamic range seems to be good too, I won’t say that I see a noticeable difference, to be honest, I don’t see it at all. ISO working up to 1600-3200, but 3200 is already noisy for me. The picture is nice, but different, the color reproduction is different. Bokeh has changed.

In general, if it were not for speed, then there are no complaints at all, even to ergonomics, because after all it is rarely necessary. But the speed is also solvable, you just have to remember to set the burst shooting mode, as the machine gun scribbles then.

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It is unrealistically difficult to choose insurance now, therefore, to help all travelers, I am compiling a rating. To do this, I constantly monitor forums, study insurance contracts and use insurance myself.

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With the advent of cameras that simply lack a mirror (hence the name “mirrorless”), most manufacturers have already realized that traditional DSLR systems will not be the main focus of sales in the future.

DSLR cameras have some inherent flaws and limitations in their structure. This is partly because they were originally designed to work with film. With the advent of digital photography, almost nothing has changed, and electronic components have been placed in a housing with mechanical switches.

Other than the advent of digital sensor systems and other electronics, other camera components have not changed. The same mechanical mirrors, the same pentaprism/optical viewfinder, the same phase detection autofocus. Of course, the introduction of various innovations eventually led to a significant expansion of camera functions (photo editing mode, HDR, GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.), but the DSLRs themselves remained unwieldy for several reasons. Firstly, the mirror inside the camera body must be the same size as the digital sensor, and therefore take up enough space. Secondly, the pentaprism, which converts vertical beams to horizontal beams in the viewfinder, also has to match the size of the mirror, which makes the upper body of DSLR cameras look bulky.


Finally, manufacturers wanted to keep existing lenses compatible with digital cameras so that the transition from film to digital photography was not too expensive for consumers. This meant that the manufacturers had to keep the "working distance" (the distance between the camera mount and the film/sensor plane) as well. While the slightly smaller APS-C/DX sensors seemed like a great way to reduce camera volume, the fixed "span" left them rather large and heavy. The 35mm standard eventually grew into today's full-frame digital sensors, and mirrors and pentaprisms haven't changed much since film photography. On the one hand, by maintaining the standard "working distance", manufacturers have achieved maximum compatibility when using lenses. On the other hand, DSLR cameras simply cannot go beyond the minimum requirements for a mirror and corresponding body size, which makes them much more difficult to manufacture and maintain.

Limitations of DSLR cameras.

1. Dimensions. The reflex system needs space for the mirror and prism, which means that DSLRs will always have a massive body with a block protruding from above. This also means that the viewfinder has to be fixed in the same place in any DSLR camera, in line with the optical axis and the digital sensor, and in fact there is no other place for it. As a result, most DSLRs have an identical appearance.

2. Weight. Big size actually means big weight. Although most entry-level DSLRs have plastic controls and internal components to reduce weight, the presence of a mirror and pentaprism automatically means a lot of wasted space that must be covered. And covering such a large area of ​​​​the body with a thin layer of plastic would not be reasonable, because the fundamental idea of ​​​​DSLR cameras is also their strength. In addition, DSLR lenses tend to be quite large and heavy (especially full-frame lenses), so the weight balance of the body and the optics must also be struck. In fact, the large physical dimensions of an SLR camera directly affect its weight.

3. Mirror and shutter. Each shutter release means the mirror moves up and down to let light directly onto the sensor. This in itself raises a number of questions:

- mirror click. Most of the noise you can hear with DSLRs comes from moving the mirror up and down (the shutter is much quieter). This leads not only to noise, but also to some camera shake. Although manufacturers have come up with creative ways to reduce noise by slowing down the movement of the mirror (Nikon's silent mode, for example), it still remains. Camera shake can also be a problem when shooting at slow shutter speeds and long focal lengths.

- air movement. When the mirror is turned upside down, air moves inside the camera, which can move dust and debris, which can eventually get on the surface of the sensor. Some users claim that DSLRs are better than mirrorless due to safer lens changes due to the presence of a mirror between the sensor and the mount. There is a deal of truth in it. But what happens to the dust after moving the mirror inside the chamber? Obviously, dust will circulate inside the case. In my experience with mirrorless cameras, they are actually less prone to dust penetration than any DSLR.

- frame rate limit. Although modern mirror systems and shutter mechanisms are truly impressive, they are limited by the physical parameter of mirror up speed. When the Nikon D4 shoots at 11 frames per second, the mirror actually moves up and down 11 times within a second along with the shutter being released. To do this, you just need the perfect synchronization of the system. The video shows the slow motion of this mechanism (from 0:39):


Now imagine a speed of 15-20 operations per second? Most likely, it is physically impossible.

- high cost of the camera and maintenance. The mechanism for raising the mirror is very complex and consists of a dozen different parts. Because of this, it is difficult to organize and provide technical support for such systems. Disassembling and replacing the internal components of a DSLR camera can take a long time.

4. No Live Preview Mode. When looking through the optical viewfinder, it is impossible to see exactly how it will actually look.

5. The second mirror and the accuracy of the phase method. You may already know that all digital phase-detection AF requires a second mirror. In fact, the second mirror is needed to transmit light to the detection sensors, which are located at the bottom of the camera. This mirror must be located at a clear angle and at a strict distance, because the accuracy of the phase focusing depends on this. If there is even a slight deviation, it will lead to a missed focus. And even worse, the detection sensors and the second mirror must remain strictly parallel to each other.

6. Phase detection and optical calibration. The problems of the traditional DSLR phase detection method directly depend on such minor issues as mirror alignment, and also require perfect optical calibration. In fact, this is a two-way process, because accurate focusing requires an ideal angle, distance from the second mirror to the sensors, as well as correctly calibrated optics. If in the past you have experienced problems with the accuracy of focusing optics, then most likely you sent the lenses to the manufacturer. Very often, the support service asks to send the lens along with the camera itself. After all, in fact, there are two options for a place where problems can arise.

7. Cost. While manufacturers have perfected the DSLR production system over the years, mounting mirror mechanisms remains a challenge. Many moving systems imply high assembly accuracy, the need for lubrication at friction points of components, etc. Moreover, if something goes wrong with the mirror mechanism in the future, the manufacturer must repair or change it, which is a time-consuming task.

Will mirrorless cameras save us?

With the advent of cameras that simply lack a mirror (hence the name “mirrorless”), most manufacturers have already realized that traditional DSLR systems will not be the main focus of sales in the future. With every new SLR camera, it seems like the innovation ceiling has already been reached. Autofocus, performance and accuracy have pretty much stopped their progress. The processors are fast enough to process 60p HD video. In fact, to maintain sales levels, manufacturers often simply resort to rebranding the same camera under a new name. What else can be added? GPS, WiFi? Instant photo sharing? All these are additional features, but not innovations that will be important in the future.

Mirrorless cameras offer huge opportunities for innovation in the future and can solve many of the traditional problems of DSLRs. Let's discuss the benefits of mirrorless cameras:

1. Less weight and size. The absence of a mirror and a pentaprism frees up a lot of space. With a shorter working distance, the physical dimensions of not only the camera, but also the lens are reduced. This is especially important for APS-C sensors. No wasted space, no need for additional hull reinforcement.

The growth in sales of smartphones and compact cameras taught the market an important lesson - convenience, small size and light weight can be more important than image quality. Pick-up-and-shoot camera sales have plummeted because most people think their smartphone is just as good. All smartphone manufacturers are now advertising the functionality of cameras so that people understand that in addition to the phone they also get a camera. And judging by the sales, it works. Simply put, compact size and light weight are now winning the market. We can see the same trend in the market for gadgets that tend to be thinner and lighter.

2. No mirror mechanism. The lack of an up-and-down mirror means many important points:

- less noise: no clicks other than shutter releases;

- less jitter: unlike a mirror in a DSLR, the shutter itself doesn't vibrate much;

- no air movement correspondingly less likely to get dust on the sensor;

- easier cleaning process: even if there is dust on the sensor surface, the cleaning process is greatly simplified. In fact, it is only necessary to detach the lens. Also, most mirrorless cameras don't have extra bulk inside the body for dust to circulate;

- very high frame rate per second: The absence of a mirror means the removal of dependence on the speed of its raising. In fact, performance far exceeds 10-12 frames per second;






- lower production and maintenance cost: Fewer moving parts means lower manufacturing cost.

3. Live view. Mirrorless cameras give you the ability to preview the shot as you will receive it. If you've screwed up the white balance, saturation, or contrast, you'll see it in the preview window, whether it's the electronic viewfinder or the LCD.

4. No second mirror and no phase method. Many modern mirrorless cameras have a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase and contrast methods. In a number of new generation mirrorless cameras, the phase detection sensor is located on the camera sensor, which means that distance calibration is not needed, because it is on the same plane.

5. Cost. The production of mirrorless cameras is much cheaper than the production of DSLRs. At the same time, the cost of mirrorless cameras is not low at the moment, as manufacturers intend to make high profits. Also, do not forget about the costs of various technologies, such as an electronic viewfinder and marketing budgets to promote devices in the market.

6. Electronic viewfinder. One of the biggest advantages of mirrorless cameras and the technology of the future in photography. Without a doubt, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) has a number of advantages over the optical viewfinder (OVF). Perhaps the current implementation of electronic viewfinder technology is not yet so simple and effective, it's just a matter of time. Here are some key advantages of an electronic viewfinder over an optical one:

- full information: with OVF you will never be able to see more than a few key indicators. At the same time, EVF gives you the opportunity to get any information you need. Various warnings can also be added, such as potential defocus.

- dynamic preview: the live view function can be enabled on the LCD monitor and on the electronic viewfinder;

- viewing finished images: Another key feature that you don't get with an OVF viewfinder is image viewing. With OVF, you have to periodically look at the LCD screen, which can be problematic in bright daylight.

- Peaking focus function: if you are not familiar with this innovation, then the video below will show the basic principle.


In fact, the area that is in focus is painted in the color you choose, making focusing much easier. It is basically impossible to achieve the same effect with OVF;

- full frame coverage by the viewfinder: OVF typically gives about 95% frame coverage, especially on lower end DSLRs. There is no such problem with EVF because it guarantees 100% frame coverage;

- high brightness display: if you work in low light conditions, you won't be able to see much in OVF. Focusing with OVF in low light conditions is extremely difficult because it is impossible to know if the subject is in focus before shooting. With EVF, the brightness level will be just right, as if you were shooting in the daytime. Some noise may be present, but this is better than trying to guess with OVF anyway;

- digital zoom: one of the most popular features. If you've used previews on DSLRs, you know how useful zooming can be. With mirrorless cameras, this feature can be built right into the viewfinder! A number of mirrorless devices already have this advantage;

- Eye/FaceTracking features: Since the EVF shows what is really happening in the frame, it also has access to additional technologies for data analysis, namely eye and face tracking. In fact, the camera can automatically focus on eyes or faces that are in the frame;

- potentially unlimited number of focus points: As you know, most DSLR cameras have a limited number of focus points, which are mostly located around the center of the frame. What to do if the focus point needs to be moved to the very edge of the frame? For mirrorless cameras with a phase tracking sensor located on the matrix, this limitation can be lifted;

- subject tracking and other data analysis functions: If tracking eyes and faces in the frame is already available, then what features will appear in the near future for mirrorless cameras is anyone's guess. Now even the most advanced DSLRs have trouble tracking fast moving objects in the frame. At the same time, if the data is analyzed at the pixel level, and there is no real focus area to focus on, subject tracking can be automated as much as possible.

Limitations of mirrorless cameras.

We've touched on many of the benefits of mirrorless cameras. Now it is worth paying attention to some limitations.

1. EVF response time. Some of the current cameras don't have very responsive EVFs, which can result in lag. It's actually only a matter of time before electronic viewfinders improve, as technology advances all the time.

2. Continuous autofocus/subject tracking. Although the contrast focus has already reached an impressive level, it is quite weak in continuous autofocus and subject tracking. This makes mirrorless cameras virtually unsuitable for wildlife and sports photography. However, with the advent of hybrid autofocus systems and their continued development, mirrorless cameras with much better continuous focus capabilities are not far off. One of the reasons for the lack of rapid development in this direction is the massiveness and size of telephoto lenses. But again, it's only a matter of time;

3. Battery life. Another big disadvantage of mirrorless cameras at the moment. Powering up the LCD and EVF significantly reduces battery life, so most mirrorless cameras are rated for around 300 shots on a single battery charge. SLRs in this case are much more efficient, allowing you to reach the level of more than 800 frames per charge. And while this is not a big problem for the average user, it can become problematic for travelers;

4. Strong contrast EVF. Most modern EVFs have fairly strong contrast ratios, similar to modern TVs. As a result, you see a lot of black and white in the frame, but few shades of gray (which can help determine the dynamic range).

As you can see, the list turned out to be quite short, but in the next few years it will probably be reduced even more. In fact, all of the above may gradually disappear with each new camera.

I would like to note that in the future, DSLRs simply do not have the ability to compete with mirrorless cameras. Do not think that soon everyone will switch to mirrorless cameras. However, it is already clear that it makes no sense for manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon to continue to invest in the development of the DSLR segment. Let's take a look at what steps Nikon and Canon can take in the near future.

The future of Nikon mirrorless cameras.

At the moment, Nikon has three sensor formats and two lens mount formats:

• CX- Mount for Nikon mirrorless cameras with 1-inch sensor. Camera examples: Nikon 1 AW1, J3, S1, V2;
• DX- Nikon F mount, APS-C sensors. Camera examples: Nikon D3200, D5300, D7100, D300s;
• FX- Nikon F mount, 35mm full frame sensors. Camera examples: Nikon D610, D800/D800E, D4.

When everyone is actively developing the mirrorless segment, Nikon has finally created a new mirrorless CX mount with a small 1-inch sensor. While imaging and autofocus are top notch on Nikon's mirrorless cameras, and the cameras themselves are remarkably compact, the biggest problem remains the small size of the sensor. With 1-inch sensors (much smaller than APS-C cameras), Nikon 1 cameras simply cannot compete with APS-C DSLRs in terms of image quality, just as APS-C cameras cannot compete with full-frame cameras. If Nikon intends to develop the mirrorless camera segment, then it has several options for DX and FX devices.

1. Creating a separate mount for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. In fact, this can kill DX devices. To compete with current mirrorless APS-C cameras, Nikon should consider creating a new mount with a shorter working distance. This will obviously take some time and cost a lot of money. Instead of two mount formats, the company will have to deal with three at once, but if this does not happen and Nikon maintains the current working distance, Nikon's APS-C mirrorless cameras will always remain at a disadvantage. Creating a new mount can make lenses and cameras smaller and lighter.

2. Leave the current F-mount, but abandon the mirrors. This is obviously the easiest and cheapest way to ensure lens compatibility.

3. Killing the DX format. If Nikon doesn't want to develop a separate mount for APS-C mirrorless cameras, it may choose not to develop the DX format and focus entirely on CX and FX formats. But such a scenario is hardly possible.

1. Creating a separate mount for full-frame mirrorless cameras. In fact, Nikon can do the same thing that Sony can do with its A7 and A7R cameras. This scenario is also unlikely, as a huge number of full-frame Nikon lenses have already been sold and more will be sold. Plus, it's pretty stupid to create such a compact full-frame camera. Yes, Sony took this step, but there is some compromise with the lenses. Sony made lenses a bit slower (F/4 vs. F/2.8) so any fast lens will introduce an imbalance.

2. Leave the F-mount, but abandon the mirrors. This is the most likely scenario for the development of events. All current and older Nikon lenses will continue to work as long as the focal length is the same. Pro-level FX cameras will be heavy and bulky for better balance with lenses, and for those who want more compact cameras, there will be FX models available.

The future of Canon mirrorless cameras.

Canon is in a better position to move to mirrorless. First, it doesn't have Nikon CX identical small format mounts to support it. Secondly, Canon already has the first generation of APS-C mirrorless devices, the Canon EOS M. Naturally, it will eventually move all of its APS-C EF-S cameras to the M-mount. The only question remains the fate of the full-frame EF mount, which is likely to be the fate of the Nikon F mount. As such, Canon will focus on two mount formats in the future - EOS M and EF.

Which mirrorless camera is better - recommendations when buying a system camera.

You know that today there is a wide variety of models from different manufacturers, and in this market there is still a struggle for supremacy. Let's compare all the mirrorless camera models that exist today. Let's start with entry-level mirrorless cameras and then move on to mid-range cameras and flagship models.

Below is a table comparing entry-level mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Cameras such as Pentax K-01 and Ricoh GXR were not included in the comparison. The list is sorted alphabetically.

We will not determine the winner among entry-level mirrorless cameras. There are many criteria by which each user determines a favorite for himself. This table clearly shows you the advantages and disadvantages of existing system cameras, according to which you can choose the model that suits you.

Can a mirrorless camera replace a DSLR?

"For the same money I would buy a DSLR" - I heard these words many times when it comes to mirrorless cameras in a conversation with a novice photographer. DSLRs have been the main guarantor of image quality for a long time, and in the minds of many people have become something of a hallmark of any professional photographer. Many novice photographers often do not know which camera to give preference to and which DSLR to start their creative career with, especially if before that they did not use anything other than a soap dish. Choosing the first SLR camera can often be very difficult, especially if you don’t know what you want to do and what exactly you have to photograph. Wedding photographers, photojournalists, wildlife and sports photographers are basically all those who take digital photography seriously and make money from it. They are the owners of expensive cameras and need such expensive equipment.

The DSLR has been the default choice for all moderately good photographers for many years, but then the improvement in quality and speed of work inevitably led to an increase in the size and weight of the model. Today things are a little different. Mirrorless cameras are simply too new to be considered serious photographic tools. Not to mention the fact that they look so frighteningly good that it is simply difficult to believe in this “miracle” for an ordinary man in the street. And yet, more and more amateurs and professionals are beginning to abandon bored stereotypes and give preference to high-quality novelties. Why is this happening?

Sensor Format and Image Quality

Image quality is largely dependent on the physical size of the sensor, not the size of the camera itself. Most compact cameras have a huge expansion, but are equipped with a tiny sensor, this is a limitation when shooting in low light conditions. But a DSLR has a large sensor that results in much better image quality in low-light conditions, as well as a shallow depth of field to create pleasing bokeh. Most mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras have the same or slightly smaller sensors as APS-C sized DSLRs and are able to deliver the same image quality, and sometimes even better results. Today, you can't give preference to a DSLR based on the difference in image quality (unless it's a full frame camera), the main argument can only be what you plan to photograph. For specific purposes such as sports and wildlife photography, where autofocus speed and subject tracking ability are as important as having a good viewfinder, mirrorless cameras are not suitable. This is still the advantage of SLR cameras. Of course, mirrorless models have yet to fully catch up with DSLRs in terms of performance, but it's only a matter of time (more on that below).

For all other situations, a mirrorless camera will prove to be much more useful as it is smaller, lighter, potentially compatible with smaller lenses. All this gives you the opportunity to always and everywhere take it with you without damage and all sorts of inconveniences. The main thing is to understand and remember for yourself that being the happy owner of a DSLR is not as cool as you think. Think about all the benefits of mirrorless cameras.

Potential

Mirrorless cameras have a lot of potential. The explanation for why DSLRs are so big and heavy is that they have a mirror and an optical viewfinder, as shown below:



There must be a large distance between the sensor and the lens mount for the camera to work properly. The optical viewfinder and the distance between the mount and the sensor forces DSLRs to be relatively large and wide. However, other components are relatively small. Even the same powerful image processor, such as EXPEED 3, does not take up much space. The processor in the latest Nikon D800 camera is the same size as in the Nikon 1 V1 compact mirrorless camera. This suggests that it is possible to create a fast camera that takes high-quality pictures with a large sensor and enough buffer to capture moving objects using compact electronic components. Potentially, you could have a pocket camera similar in performance to the D4. However, even long focal length lenses can be lighter and smaller. Looks very tempting, doesn't it? I know many professional wedding photographers who will ditch their big, heavy DSLRs once that prospect becomes a reality.

Equally important, mirrorless cameras are slowly but surely beginning to use all their theoretical possibilities. To be completely fair, it should be noted that now system cameras are not always interesting for professionals. Such cameras are initially created for users who are looking for a worthy replacement for their boring soap dish. Cameras like the Sony NEX-5 are an alternative to DSLRs and are in roughly the same price range as them. The camera was created specifically for those users who, not wanting to buy a heavy and bulky SLR camera, are ready to pay the same amount of money for a lighter, but no less high-quality option. Already today, we can talk about more advanced mirrorless cameras, which, in particular, include such models as Sony NEX-7, Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Fujifilm X-Pro1. Many of them offer fast continuous shooting, great video performance, build quality and above all excellent image quality. Nikon 1 is equipped with almost the same autofocus system as the SLR models. It is now clear that mirrorless cameras have a huge potential, which should be enough for even professional street or wedding photographers to choose them in the future. Perhaps in the future, the viewfinder will become so much better that even wildlife and sports photographers will start buying mirrorless cameras.

Market

As noted, mirrorless cameras are getting more serious every year. We have seen tremendous success in improving autofocus quality, viewfinder, construction and image quality. The OM-D E-M5 proved that the small 4/3 sensors are indeed a very well thought out compromise of what was not entirely obvious in the SLR models. Fujifilm's sensor technology finally helped us realize that improvements could be made not only with more pixels, ISO and dynamic range, but also with an innovative approach to sensor design itself (something Sigma was aiming to do with its Foveon sensors). All of these improvements make sure that mirrorless cameras get the attention they deserve from photography newbies and experienced users alike. They make small cameras that are much more attractive to professional photographers because of their size and weight. The few drawbacks of such models include the lack of a full frame, and a sufficient number of interchangeable optics, but the second drawback, in the near future, will certainly be corrected.

The only true compact full-frame camera with interchangeable lenses has come from Leica, but it's the only camera to date that was released back in 2009, called the M9. Perhaps one of the reasons that contributed to the lack of popularity of these cameras is their cost and inaccessibility for most photographers. Leica's mirrorless full-frame camera was great for certain types of photography, but it didn't work very well with telescopic lenses. Another drawback was a small number of compatible lenses, and those that were released cost fabulous money. In other words, the Leica camera was a highly specialized product, the use of which was difficult for many to understand, not to mention that the purchase simply did not justify itself. In this case, it is not so much important how the first full-frame mirrorless camera turned out, but the very fact of the possibility of its appearance. This opportunity attracted the attention of other manufacturers, not to mention potential buyers. We now have professional APS-C mirrorless cameras such as the NEX-7 and X-Pro1. We have a full frame compact camera in the form of the Sony RX-1. A full-fledged and convenient full-frame mirrorless camera will appear sooner or later and will attract a lot of interest from professional photographers. By then, the contrast ratio and hybrid autofocus system will likely catch up, if not surpass, the capabilities of DSLRs.

So... Can a system camera really replace a DSLR?

There are more and more opinions that this is possible every day. The day when APS-C mirrorless cameras become cheaper than entry-level DSLRs will come and then most people will start moving towards lighter and more compact models. There are already budget options on the market, like the Sony NEX-F3, but they lack a viewfinder (which is either impossible or too expensive to add to budget models) and have the advanced functionality and customization options of entry-level DSLRs. However, it is clear that the market for mirrorless cameras is already competing with simpler, lower cost DSLRs. Take a look at some of the commercials that show Sony camera users who have no idea how to use a DSLR.

These videos are specifically designed for the Sony NEX series camera market. Sony is committed to getting as many people out of the idea of ​​buying DSLRs as possible and are drawing attention to their NEX cameras. The number of such users will undoubtedly grow.

Mirrorless cameras have enough advantages over their larger siblings. They are smaller, lighter, and perhaps the lenses released for them will also be smaller and lighter. They have a very comfortable design, which will especially appeal to photojournalists and street photographers. There is no apparent reason why DSLRs will be able to compete in the future.

What about full frame cameras? I think, in this case, the advantage will be on the side of DSLRs for a long time. Partly because manufacturers have invested a lot of money, time and resulting benefits in them, partly because they are simply more suitable in some cases. In five years, I would like to have a full-frame X-Pro5 mirrorless camera with a bright portrait lens, but for now, these are just dreams. In part, in cases with full-frame cameras, it is their weight that is a big advantage. They look much more reliable and, working with them, you are sure of the high quality of the results. Sports and wildlife photographers probably appreciate large cameras for their ergonomics for mounting large lenses.

However, there is a possibility that full-frame DSLRs will become very specialized tools in the future, similar to medium format cameras today. What if Nikon comes out with a full-frame mirrorless camera that performs so well that many people want to buy it and forget about their DSLRs? In this case, the only correct option would be the ability to use lenses on different cameras, and the compatibility of optics on SLR and mirrorless models. Even if it requires an adapter like the Nikon FT-1, it will still keep potential customers and won't disappoint users.


Maybe in time, mirrorless cameras will make us throw away our bulky DSLRs. Technology is changing fast, so I think it's just a matter of time. A mechanical mirror that needs to move up and down before and after hitting the beams is another potential future camera simplification. Sony has already gotten rid of the mirror in their translucent SLT cameras, but the mirror is still there. SLT is an intermediate stage at the moment, which I'm sure Sony will eventually improve upon.

Why is it so important?

In no case do I want to slander SLR cameras. Instead, I just want to celebrate the emergence of a new, lighter and more compact option that will be a good alternative in the future. I love photography, I can not boast of colossal experience, but in the four years that I have been working with a SLR camera, I am a little tired of carrying all this bulky arsenal of camera, flash and lenses with me all the time, and even more so to hold a heavy camera on five or more hours of shooting. The possibility in the future to purchase a camera and optics that will weigh and take up space at times less seems very tempting. If a couple of years ago I considered only a DSLR as an additional camera, today I would most likely buy a mirrorless camera.

It is important to understand that system cameras are catching up with SLRs quite quickly. Not only are they good enough for day-to-day photographers, but also for those who plan to travel a lot and just don't want to carry extra weight unnecessarily. Wait another two or three years and you'll probably find a mirrorless camera in your work bag. A large selection of lenses will appear over time. If you are looking for a worthy candidate for the role of your first serious camera, then you can safely give preference to such models as Sony NEX, Fujifilm X, Olympus, Panasonic and other mirrorless cameras to your taste. Of course, no one excludes the option that a SLR camera will suit you better. Today you have a choice, which is the main good news for all of us.







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Each of us has admired beautiful photographs more than once, looking at sites on the Internet or magazines. This inspired many to try their hand at photography. And immediately a lot of questions arise. What photography equipment to choose? SLR or mirrorless, which is better? What are the pros and cons of different camera systems?

The modern photographic equipment market offers many options in which it is easy for an inexperienced user to get confused. To understand the whole variety of offers, let's first find out the main differences and principles of operation of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

What is a reflex camera?

Looking through camera models, it is quite logical to ask yourself the question: “What is a SLR camera?” So, the design of a DSLR has not fundamentally changed since the days of film photography. Today, in the digital age, this principle is widely used in both amateur and professional cameras.

A feature of the digital SLR is the design of the viewfinder, which uses a mirror. When a photographer looks into the viewfinder of a DSLR, he sees an image that hits the mirror through the lens, and then, through a special optical device - a pentaprism, onto the focusing screen.

Thus, the photographer accurately sees the composition of the frame. When you press the shutter button, the mirror rises, allowing light to reach the sensor, where the image is formed.

What is a mirrorless camera?

It's very simple, a mirrorless camera is a camera that does not use a mirror and other optical systems of the viewfinder. Instead, the image is displayed on a liquid crystal screen.

In fact, you see a picture built for you by electronics, which does not always correctly convey reality. Many of these devices have an electronic viewfinder, but this is not required. Sometimes there is only a screen. Like DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses. But the choice of lenses for a particular model can be very limited, you need to be ready for this right away.

Advantages of SLR cameras:

• The optical viewfinder is an undeniable plus of SLR cameras. This system allows you to most accurately compose the frame without missing important details.
• Autofocus system. It is in DSLRs that the phase autofocus system is implemented. Without going into unnecessary details, we note that this system was invented specifically for this type of camera and is fast and accurate, although it requires additional sensors. Fast focusing, even in low light, is indispensable for reportage shooting, when a good shot is separated from a bad one by a fraction of a second.
• Size. Yes, the rather large size of DSLRs can be a plus. The pentaprism and mirror take up a lot of space, which makes the apparatus large. This becomes convenient when the camera has to be reconfigured - the size of the body allows you to move the main controls to convenient places for the photographer. Do not forget about additional screens. They are usually located on the top panel and below the main screen. They display various service information.
• Huge selection of optics for every taste and budget. SLR cameras have been around for decades and the amount of optics available for them is truly impressive. It is worth remembering the legendary Soviet lenses that can be mounted on the camera using adapters.
• Many DSLRs turn on instantly, while mirrorless ones can take a few seconds. And because of this, you can miss a good shot.
• A DSLR can be outrageously cheaper than a mirrorless camera with similar specs, especially when you look at used cameras.
• Lots of available accessories made specifically for DSLRs: tripods, filters, straps, lens hoods, bags, remote controls, etc.

Advantages of mirrorless cameras:

• Small size. An obvious plus of mirrorless cameras, especially if you need to take a high-quality picture and not attract undue attention.
• Silent operation. You won't hear the characteristic mechanical shutter sound of a DSLR.
• The quality of the pictures is at a sufficient level.
• Fewer moving mechanical parts and therefore less wear.
• Matrices on modern mirrorless cameras are not inferior in quality to matrices of amateur and semi-professional SLR cameras.
• Mirrorless cameras can also shoot in RAW format.
• Many mirrorless cameras have more burst shots.
• Many mirrorless cameras charge via USB, which means that they can be charged, for example, from a solar panel while camping.

Cons of SLR cameras:

• Mirrors are big. This can be a disadvantage, especially if you are a fragile girl and you have to carry a camera, lenses and accessories.
• SLR optics are large. There are small SLR cameras, but the optics for them do not get smaller, which is due to many design features. Sometimes the lens can weigh several times more than the camera itself.
• As a result of this, a person who decides to shoot and buys an expensive DSLR, as well as optics for it, simply does not take it out of the house. I’m too lazy to carry weights with me, I’m also reluctant to take it on a trip, they’ll suddenly steal it. It’s scary to take to nature, suddenly it’s raining. As a result, he continues to take pictures on his mobile phone.
• The focus sensors are located closer to the center of the frame, making it difficult to bring objects near the edge into focus.
• The movement of the mirror during shooting is transmitted to the camera. This is especially noticeable on devices with a high resolution and during long continuous shooting. There is a risk of getting blurry pictures.
• SLRs are too noticeable and noisy.
• Autofocus speed in LiveView mode is frustratingly slow.
• For a beginner, the device and operation of DSLRs and their lenses may seem complicated, as a result, a novice photographer will carry three kilograms of equipment, but take pictures only in automatic mode.

Cons of mirrorless cameras:

• sighting system. As we said earlier, the electronic viewfinder on mirrorless cameras may seem like a minus to many photographers because of the not always reliable picture.
• Small case, which is difficult to place all the controls. Therefore, to change the settings, you have to search for the desired parameter in the menu for a long time.
• Limited choice of optics. Since mirrorless cameras are just beginning to conquer the market, accessories for them are not available in the same quantity as for the usual SLR cameras.
• Focusing speed is slower due to the use of a special autofocus system.
• If you advance in photography, you may find that many mirrorless cameras lack some important additional settings.
• Rapid consumption of battery power.

What can be advised? Which camera to choose? There is no universal advice. As we can see, both systems have strengths and weaknesses, pluses and minuses. Good pictures can be taken with any camera.

Masters of the past shot with bulky film cameras, the technical capabilities of which were in many respects inferior to modern ones, but their works are still exhibited in museums.

There can be only one advice here: look wider at the world, absorb its wonders with delight, look for beauty in everything and try to pass it on to others. This is the whole secret of great pictures.

Also, read on our portal useful articles about and about.

Professional cameras with interchangeable lenses, but how to choose?

So, having received hundreds of likes on Instagram, having played enough with soap dishes and simple cameras, you finally decided to buy a serious, professional camera. One that will not only allow you to create beautiful photos, but also, possibly, build a business.

A few years ago, there was not much choice - for professional photography, you had to buy a SLR camera. But that all changed in 2009 when Olympus launched its first mirrorless camera, the Pen E-P1.

True, not everything is limited by the number of megapixels, since the size of the matrix remains the most important factor in this regard. Full frame sensors are larger and tend to offer better quality. APS-C will cost less, although it cannot be said that they are worse. Both types of sensors can be found on both types of cameras.

Micro 4/3, which is used on Panasonic and Olympus cameras, is smaller than APS-C, both the cameras themselves and the lenses for them are smaller. Therefore, the question here is what is more important - size or chic quality.



• Battery



Most DSLRs can shoot an average of 600-800 shots on a single charge. Top cameras can handle more than 1000 frames (it is clear that they will be more expensive). Mirrorless cameras in this regard are weaker and are able to shoot 300-400 frames per charge. If you need more frames from the camera, you will have to stock up on additional batteries.

With such a wide gap between the capabilities of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you need to clearly understand what is more important for the user. The Nikon D7200 DSLR and the Fuji X-T2 mirrorless are about the same in terms of parameters. But the first is capable of shooting 1100 frames, and the second - 340 per charge. The performance among the other "parallel" cameras will be very similar.

Why exactly this happens is difficult to say, perhaps the matter is in the mechanics, the size of the battery and the operation of the display.






If you take a cheap segment, then a budget DSLR will provide more features than a similar mirrorless one. So for those who want more and cheaper, a DSLR is still the best solution.

An example is the Nikon D3300 SLR camera from the budget segment, equipped with an APS-C matrix, an optical viewfinder, manual settings, a battery that can withstand 700 frames and a bayonet mount that provides access to all Nikon lenses.

The similarly priced mirrorless Sony Alpha A6000 is equipped with almost the same 24MP APS-C sensor and has an electronic viewfinder. But the battery will need a spare.

At the amateur and professional level, the differences are less noticeable. Smaller and lighter won't always equal cheaper, but it's worth remembering that only more expensive mirrorless cameras will have a viewfinder.

The final choice in favor of any type of camera is impossible to make. It all depends entirely on personal preferences and goals. If this is photography in the most serious sense, as a profession, it is best not to deviate from the classics yet and trust the choice of professionals - a SLR camera. For a beginner in photography, likewise, a SLR camera will give more advantages. But when it comes to amateur photography or video shooting, it's better to give a chance to mirrorless cameras. At the very least, they are much easier to transport.

Currently, both types of cameras are about the same as each other, as mirrorless cameras have been the lion's share of innovation in the ILC market over the past few years and are really expanding. But manufacturers of SLR cameras do not stand still and create new technologies. We invite you to compare both types of cameras.

Size and weight

SLR camera bodies are comparatively large, as they must fit into both a mirror and a prism. For example, the body of the Nikon D3400 is a rather voluminous 7.5 cm deep before you mount the lens. With an 18-55mm lens, the camera weighs about 700 grams.

The body of a mirrorless camera can be smaller, with a simpler design. The Sony A6300 is only 4cm thick and weighs 800g with a 16-50mm kit lens.

Winner: mirrorless camera.
A mirrorless camera is more compact, allowing you to fit more gear, such as extra lenses, into your camera bag.

Autofocus speed

SLR cameras use fast and reliable phase detection autofocus, the modules of which are located under the mirror. Focusing itself occurs while the mirror is lowered, but in the viewfinder it is noted only when the mirror is raised and the shutter is released. When using autofocus in live view, the mirror must be up and the camera switches to slower contrast autofocus and uses the image captured by the sensor.

Among the advanced mirrorless cameras, there are also those that combine contrast autofocus with elements of phase detection on the matrix, which gives them both accuracy in focusing and speed. Therefore, these cameras do an excellent job of tracking the subject.

Winner: both cameras
Both types provide fast autofocus.

Image quality

Both types of cameras can capture high quality images with similar resolutions and the amount of grain, known as noise. Camera manufacturers have learned to create more sensitive chips and better suppress noise. In addition, several mirrorless camera manufacturers such as Sony now use the same APS-C sensors found in most DSLRs. The Sony A7 line of cameras use the even larger full-frame sensor type found in the best professional DSLRs.

Winner: both cameras
With equivalent sensors and image processors, both types of cameras can take great pictures.

Image Preview

All DSLRs, from the cheapest to the most expensive, have an optical viewfinder. This is not surprising, because the viewfinder is one of the main elements of the mirror mechanism. But some mirrorless cameras use only the LCD display to build the composition of the frame, and this is not always convenient.

A number of mirrorless cameras, the more expensive ones, have electronic viewfinders. They display the image directly from the matrix, and not through a mirror system.

Electronic viewfinders, of course, are developing rapidly and the latest ones boast incredible quality. But so far, they are not perfect, and with fast movement, there will still be a noticeable lag.

However, such viewfinders also have advantages over optical ones - they can display more information. For example, histograms.

Winner: both cameras

For many situations, both types of cameras provide you with very handy viewfinders.

So, if you shoot mostly in good light, both types of cameras will work well. If you often shoot in low light or other difficult conditions, a DSLR will be easier to shoot.

Video quality

Because of their built-in focus sensors, mirrorless cameras are usually better suited for video shooting. SLRs cannot use mirror image focus detection while recording video, so they have to use a slower, less accurate focusing method. This causes the image to become blurry in the middle of the video when the camera starts looking for the correct focus.

A growing number of mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A6300 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, can shoot 4K or Ultra HD video at 4x resolution. Currently, only better DSLRs like the Nikon D5 shoot 4K/Ultra HD video.

Winner: Mirrorless Camera
With most autofocus models, mirrorless cameras provide the best results for most filmmakers.

Battery life

DSLRs tend to have longer battery life as they can shoot without using an LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder, both of which use a lot of power. However, both types will have similar batteries if you are using LCD screens to preview and review captured images, as this consumes a lot of power. All DSLRs and mirrorless cameras come with removable batteries, so you can always have a spare battery with you.

Winner: DSLR
DSLRs allow you to shoot without using an LCD screen or EVF, which can extend battery life.