Professional cameras with interchangeable lenses, but how to choose?

So, having received hundreds of likes on Instagram, having played enough with point-and-shoot cameras and simple cameras, you have finally decided to buy a serious, professional camera. One that will not only allow you to create beautiful photos, but it is also possible to build a business.

A few years ago there was not much choice - for professional photography you had to buy a SLR camera. But everything changed in 2009 when Olympus released 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 generally offer better quality. APS-C will cost less, although it cannot be said that they are worse. Both types of sensor can be found on both types of cameras.

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

Battery

Most DSLR cameras can shoot an average of 600-800 frames on a single charge. Top cameras can withstand more than 1000 frames (it is clear that they will be more expensive). Mirrorless cameras are weaker in this regard and are capable of shooting 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 large 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 DSLR have approximately the same parameters. But the first is capable of shooting 1100 frames, and the second - 340 per charge. The performance among other “parallel” cameras will be very similar.

Why exactly this happens is difficult to say; perhaps it has to do with mechanics, battery size and display operation.

If we take the cheap segment, then a budget DSLR will provide more possibilities than a similar mirrorless camera. So for those who want more and for less, a DSLR is still the best solution.

An example is the Nikon D3300 DSLR camera from the budget segment, equipped with an APS-C matrix, an optical viewfinder, manual settings, a battery capable of withstanding 700 frames and a bayonet mount that allows access to all Nikon lenses.

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

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.

It is impossible to make a final choice in favor of any type of camera. Here everything 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 for now and trust the choice of professionals - a SLR camera. For someone new to photography, similarly, a DSLR camera will provide more benefits. But when it comes to amateur photography or video shooting, it is still better to give mirrorless cameras a chance. At a minimum, they are much easier to transport.

To learn to take good photographs with a mirrorless camera There are a few things to understand. First of all, you need to know how the camera works, you need to master the theory. Therefore, let's start with a description of cameras.

What is a mirrorless camera?

As many might understand from the name, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror. The operation of a mirrorless camera relies more on electronics than mechanics. So in a DSLR, in order to create a frame, the mirror must rise. In a mirrorless camera, the light flux hitting the sensor at a certain time is simply recorded. The same goes for the viewfinder. In SLR cameras it is predominantly optical (not always). It is usually absent in mirrorless cameras, but if it is present, it is certainly electronic. The autofocus system of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is also slightly different.

SLR camera design

In an SLR camera, there is a mirror behind the lens that reflects the light flux into the viewfinder pentaprism. The pentaprism makes the image not upside down. Autofocusing is carried out using a special sensor unit. The sensors usually receive light from an additional mirror. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror rises and the viewfinder no longer shows the frame. All the light goes to the matrix, which leads to exposure of the frame.

Luminous flux in a SLR camera at the time of photography

Advantages of a DSLR camera:

• The optical viewfinder allows you to see the picture without the participation of electronics. This eliminates distortion and braking when moving quickly.
• Phase sensors used in the autofocus system of a SLR camera allow you to work very quickly and efficiently.

Disadvantages of a DSLR camera:

• The camera design is too complex. Lots of mechanical elements. expensive process of making a camera.
• The presence of a rising mirror and pentaprism does not allow for a compact body.
• The reliability of the camera is reduced due to the large number of moving parts.
• With long exposures, the mirror covers the viewfinder and the view of the frame becomes unavailable.

The design of a mirrorless camera is much simpler. There is no mirror, pentaprism, optical viewfinder and phase sensors.

Mirrorless device

Light passes through the lens and is projected onto the sensor. The processor reads this signal and converts it into a video signal, which is sent to the display.

Advantages of mirrorless cameras:

• It is possible to make the camera very compact.
• Due to the small number of mechanical parts, the reliability of the camera increases.
• Production and development costs are reduced.
• For many, using the display is easier and more familiar than using the viewfinder.
• You can view pictures taken with custom filters and settings (B/W, Sepia, etc.)

Disadvantages of mirrorless cameras:

• When shooting, the image processed by the processor is displayed on the screen. The screen also has limitations in displaying contrast and saturation.
• The display of the image occurs with some delay, which is associated with the speed of the processor.
• In bright light, the screen may become subject to glare, making it difficult to see the image on the screen.
• Constant operation of the screen and processor quickly drains battery power.

Both types of cameras have their pros and cons. Designers are constantly looking for solutions to many shortcomings. For example, many SLR cameras have acquired the Live View function. during its operation, the mirror is raised for a long time and the image is displayed on the screen like in mirrorless cameras. This makes it possible to shoot video on DSLR cameras.

Mirrorless cameras are also improving. Their processors are becoming faster, screens, optics and sensors are improving. Electronic viewfinders bring the capabilities of mirrorless cameras closer to SLR cameras. They have learned to install phase detection autofocus sensors on matrices, which allows the use of both types of autofocus (contrast and phase detection).

Mirrorless cameras

Nikon 1 J1 mirrorless camera

Many people may think that all cameras without a mirror are mirrorless, but this is not true. Cameras that have non-removable optics belong to the compact class.

Cameras that have removable optics, but operate without a mirror, are called mirrorless cameras.

Cost difference

Top-end mirrorless cameras cost no less than many DSLR cameras. It would seem that it is better to take a DSLR camera, which is guaranteed to give an excellent picture and will serve for a long time. But there is one caveat. Mirrorless cameras have long been able to take photographs as good as DSLRs. The picture turns out no worse than on a DSLR in the same price category. Here the question of size arises. The lens will not allow you to put the mirrorless camera in your pocket, but carrying it around your neck or in a backpack is much easier than a large DSLR camera. For studio photography, of course, a DSLR is better suited, but lovers of hiking and traveling will probably prefer a mirrorless camera.

With the advent of cameras on the market that simply do not have 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, by design, have some inherent flaws and limitations. This is partly due to the fact that they were originally designed to work with film. With the advent of digital photography, virtually nothing changed, and electronic components were housed in a housing with mechanical switches.

Apart from the introduction of digital sensor systems and other electronics, other camera components have not changed. Same mechanical mirrors, same pentaprism/optical viewfinder, same phase detection autofocus. Of course, the introduction of various innovations eventually led to significant expansion of camera functions (photo editing mode, HDR, GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.), but the DSLRs themselves remained bulky for several reasons. First, the mirror inside the camera body must be the same size as the digital sensor, which means it takes up enough space. Secondly, the pentaprism that converts vertical rays into horizontal ones in the viewfinder also needs to fit the size of the mirror, causing the top of DSLR camera bodies to look bulky.

Finally, manufacturers wanted to maintain compatibility of existing lenses with digital cameras so that the transition from film to digital photography would not be too expensive for consumers. This meant that manufacturers also had to maintain the “floating distance” (the distance between the camera mount and the film/sensor plane). While slightly smaller APS-C/DX sensors seemed like a great way to reduce camera bulk, the fixed flange length left them quite large and heavy. The 35mm standard eventually evolved into modern full-frame digital sensors, and mirrors and pentaprisms haven't changed much since the days of film photography. On the one hand, by maintaining the standard flange distance, manufacturers have achieved maximum compatibility when using lenses. On the other hand, DSLR cameras simply cannot go beyond the minimum mirror and body size requirements, making 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 the top. This also means that the viewfinder must be mounted in the same place on any DSLR camera, in line with the optical axis and digital sensor, and there is virtually no other place for it. As a result, most DSLRs have an identical appearance.

2. Weight. Larger sizes actually mean more weight. Although most entry-level DSLRs have plastic controls and internal components to reduce weight, having a mirror and pentaprism automatically means a lot of unused space that needs to be covered. And it would not be wise to cover such a large area of ​​the body with a thin layer of plastic, because fundamental idea DSLR cameras are also durable. Additionally, DSLR lenses tend to be quite large and heavy (especially full-frame lenses), so the weight balance between body and optics must also be maintained. Essentially, the large physical size of a DSLR camera directly impacts 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 creates a number of questions:

- mirror clicking. Most of the noise you'll hear from DSLRs comes from the mirror moving up and down (the shutter is much quieter). This not only results in noise, but also some camera shake. Although manufacturers have come up with creative ways to reduce noise by slowing down the movement of the mirror (Nikon's Quiet 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 flipped, air moves inside the camera, which can move dust and debris that can eventually land on the surface of the sensor. Some users claim that DSLR cameras are better than mirrorless cameras 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 camera? Obviously, dust will circulate inside the case. In my experience with mirrorless cameras, they are actually less prone to dust intrusion than any DSLR.

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

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

- high cost of 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 be time consuming.

4. No LivePreview mode. When looking through an optical viewfinder, it is impossible to see exactly what it will actually look like.

5. Second mirror and accuracy of the phase method. You may already know that all digital autofocus cameras with phase detection autofocus require 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 phase focusing depends on this. If there is even a slight deviation, it will lead to a loss of focus. And to make matters worse, the detection sensors and the second mirror must remain strictly parallel to each other.

6. Phase determination and optics calibration. The problems with the traditional DSLR phase detection method are directly related to minor issues such as mirror alignment, and also require the optics to be perfectly calibrated. In fact, this is a two-way process, because accurate focusing requires the ideal angle, distance from the second mirror to the sensors, as well as correctly calibrated optics. If you've had problems focusing your optics in the past, you've most likely sent your lenses to the manufacturer. Very often, the support service asks to send the lens along with the camera itself. After all, there are actually two options for where problems can arise.

7. Cost. Although manufacturers have improved the production system of DSLR cameras over the years, mounting DSLR mechanisms remains a challenging task. Many moving systems require high assembly precision, 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 replace it, which is a time-consuming task.

Will mirrorless cameras save us?

With the advent of cameras on the market that simply do not have 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 each new DSLR camera, it seems like the ceiling for innovation has already been reached. Autofocus, performance and accuracy have largely plateaued. The processors are fast enough to process HD video in 60p format. In fact, to maintain sales levels, manufacturers often simply resort to rebranding the same camera under a new name. What else can you add? GPS, Wi-Fi? Instant photo sharing? These are all 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 advantages of mirrorless cameras:

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

The rise in sales of smartphones and compact cameras has taught the market an important lesson - convenience, small size and light weight can be more important than image quality. Sales of point-and-shoot cameras have plummeted because most people believe their smartphone is just as good. All smartphone manufacturers now advertise camera functionality so that people understand that in addition to a phone, they also get a camera. And judging by sales, it works. Simply put, compact size and light weight are winning the market right now. We can see the same trend in the gadget market, which tends to be thinner and lighter.

2. Lack of mirror mechanism. The absence of a mirror moving up and down means many important points:

- less noise: no clicks other than shutter releases;

- less jitter: unlike the mirror in a DSLR, the shutter itself does not produce much vibration;

- no air movement: accordingly, there is a lower probability of dust getting on the sensor;

- easier cleaning process: Even if dust ends up on the surface of the sensor, the cleaning process is greatly simplified. In fact, all you have to do is detach the lens. Additionally, most mirrorless cameras don't have a lot of unnecessary bulk inside the body for dust to circulate;

- very high shooting speed per second: The absence of a mirror means that the dependence on the speed of its raising is removed. In fact, the figures are much higher than 10-12 frames per second;

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

3. Real-time viewing. Mirrorless cameras give you the opportunity to preview the shot exactly as you'll receive it. If you mess up the white balance, saturation, or contrast, you'll see it in the preview window, whether it's the EVF or LCD.

4. There is no second mirror and phase method. Many modern mirrorless cameras have a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase detection and contrast detection methods. In a number of new generation mirrorless cameras, the phase detection sensor is located on the camera sensor, which means there is no need for distance calibration, 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 this moment is not low, since manufacturers intend to make high profits. Also, do not forget about the costs of various technologies, such as an electronic viewfinder and marketing budgets for promoting devices on the market.

6. Electronic viewfinder. One of the biggest advantages of mirrorless cameras and the technology of the future in photography. Without a doubt, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) has several advantages over an optical viewfinder (OVF). It may just be a matter of time before the current implementation of EVF technology is so simple and effective. Here are some key advantages of an electronic viewfinder over an optical viewfinder:

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

- dynamic view: The live view function can be enabled on the LCD monitor as well as on the electronic viewfinder;

- viewing ready-made images: Another key feature you won't get with an OVF viewfinder is image viewing. With OVF you are forced 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, the video below will show the basic principle.

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

- full frame coverage by viewfinder: OVF typically provides about 95% frame coverage, especially on low-end DSLR cameras. There is no such problem with EVF because it guarantees 100% frame coverage;

- high display brightness: 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 whether the subject is in focus before shooting. With EVF, the brightness level will be normal, as if you were shooting during the day. There may be some noise, but it's better than guessing with OVF;

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

- Eye/FaceTracking functions: Because the EVF shows what's actually 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 mainly 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? Mirrorless cameras with an on-sensor phase tracking sensor can remove this limitation;

- subject tracking and other data analysis functions: If tracking eyes and faces in the frame is already available, then what functions will appear in the near future on mirrorless cameras is anyone's guess. Nowadays, even the most advanced DSLRs have problems 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 AF area to concentrate on, subject tracking can be as automated 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 restrictions.

1. EVF response time. Some of the current cameras have EVFs that are not very responsive, which can result in latency. In fact, it is only a matter of time before electronic viewfinders improve as technology continues to evolve.

2. Continuous autofocus/subject tracking. Although contrast focusing has already reached impressive levels, it is quite weak during 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 is only a matter of time;

3. Battery life. Another big drawback of mirrorless cameras at the moment. Supplying power to the LCD and EVF significantly reduces battery life, which is why most mirrorless cameras are rated for about 300 shots on a single battery charge. In this case, DSLRs are much more efficient, allowing you to achieve more than 800 frames per charge. While this isn't a big problem for the average user, it can be problematic for travelers;

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

As you can see, the list is quite short, but in the next few years it will probably become even shorter. 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. Don't think that everyone will soon switch to mirrorless cameras. However, it is already clear that it makes no sense for manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon to continue investing in the development of the DSLR segment. Let's look further at what steps Nikon and Canon may take in the near future.

The future of Nikon mirrorless cameras.

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

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

When everyone is actively developing the mirrorless camera segment, Nikon has finally created a new CX mirrorless camera mount with a small 1-inch sensor. While the imaging and autofocus performance of Nikon's mirrorless cameras is top-notch, and the cameras themselves are surprisingly compact, the biggest issue remains the small sensor size. With 1-inch sensors (which is much smaller than APS-C cameras), Nikon 1 cameras simply cannot compete with APS-C DSLRs for 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. This can essentially kill DX devices. To compete with current APS-C mirrorless cameras, Nikon should consider creating a new mount with a shorter flange. 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 could make lenses and cameras themselves smaller and lighter.

2. Keep the current F-mount, but discard 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 could choose not to develop the DX format and focus entirely on the 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 did with its A7 and A7R cameras. This scenario is also unlikely, since a huge number of Nikon full-frame lenses have already been sold and will continue to be sold. Plus, it's pretty stupid to create such compact full-frame cameras. Yes, Sony, they took this step, but there is some compromise with the lenses. Sony made the lenses a little slower (F/4 vs F/2.8), so any fast lens will create an imbalance.

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

The future of Canon mirrorless cameras.

Canon is in a better position to make the transition to mirrorless devices. Firstly, it does not have the same small format mounts as the Nikon CX for support. Secondly, Canon already has the first generation of APS-C mirrorless devices - Canon EOS M. Naturally, it will eventually transfer all its APS-C EF-S cameras to M-mount. The only question that remains is the fate of the full-frame EF mount, which most likely awaits the fate of the Nikon F mount. Thus, 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 various manufacturers, and there is still a battle for supremacy in this market. Let's compare all mirrorless camera models that exist today. We'll start with entry-level mirrorless cameras and then move on to mid-range and flagship cameras.

Below is a table comparing entry-level mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Cameras such as the 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 his favorite independently. This table clearly shows you the advantages and disadvantages of existing system cameras, according to which you can choose the model that is right for you.

Can a mirrorless camera replace a DSLR?

“For the same money I would buy a DSLR” - I heard these words many times, if we're talking about about mirrorless cameras in conversation with a novice photographer. DSLRs have been the mainstay of image quality for a long time, and in many people's minds they have become the hallmark of any professional photographer. Many novice photographers often do not know which camera to give preference to and which SLR to start their creative career with, especially if they have never used anything other than a point-and-shoot camera before. Choosing your first DSLR camera can often be very difficult, especially if you don’t know what you want to do and what exactly you’ll 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 ones who own expensive cameras and need such expensive equipment.

The DSLR has been the default choice for every good photographer for many years, but then improvements in quality and speed 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 this “miracle” is simply difficult for the average person to believe. And yet, more and more amateurs and professionals are beginning to abandon tired stereotypes and give preference to high-quality new products. Why is this happening?

Matrix format and image quality

Image quality largely depends on the physical size of the sensor, not the size of the camera itself. Most compact cameras have huge magnification but have a tiny sensor, which is a limitation when shooting in low light conditions. But a DSLR camera is equipped with a large sensor, which ultimately provides much better image quality when working in low light conditions, and also provides a shallow depth of field, allowing you to create pleasant bokeh. Most mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras have the same or slightly smaller sensors as APS-C sized DSLR cameras and are capable of delivering the same image quality and sometimes even better results. Today you cannot give preference to a DSLR camera, arguing for the difference in image quality (unless we are talking about a full-frame camera), the main argument can only be that you plan to take photographs. For specific purposes such as sports and wildlife photography, where autofocus speed and subject tracking ability are as important factors as having a quality viewfinder, mirrorless cameras are not suitable. This remains an advantage of SLR cameras for now. Of course, mirrorless models have not yet fully caught up with DSLRs in terms of performance, but it's just a matter of time (more on that below).

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

Potential

Mirrorless cameras have great potential. The reason why DSLR cameras are so large and heavy is because they have a mirror and an optical viewfinder, as shown below:

For proper operation camera there should be a large distance between the sensor and the lens mount. The optical viewfinder and the distance between the mount and the sensor force 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 is the same size as in the compact Nikon 1 V1 mirrorless camera. This suggests that it is possible to create a fast camera that takes high-quality images with a large sensor and a sufficient buffer for capturing moving objects using compact electronic components. You could potentially have a pocket camera with features similar to the D4. Moreover, even lenses with large focal length may be lighter and smaller. Looks quite tempting, doesn't it? I know many professional wedding photographers who will ditch their big, heavy DSLR cameras as soon as this prospect becomes a reality.

Equally important, mirrorless cameras are slowly but surely starting to utilize all their theoretical capabilities. To be completely fair, it should be noted that now system cameras are not always of interest to professionals. Such cameras are initially created for users who are looking for a worthy replacement for their boring point-and-shoot camera. Cameras such as the Sony NEX-5 are an alternative to DSLR cameras and at the same time are in approximately the same price range. The camera was created specifically for those users who, not wanting to buy a heavy and bulky SLR camera, are willing 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 models such as the Sony NEX-7, Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Fujifilm X-Pro1. Many of them offer fast continuous shooting mode, great video performance, quality build quality and above all, excellent image quality. Nikon 1 is equipped with almost the same autofocus system as DSLR models. It is now clear that mirrorless cameras have enormous potential, which should be enough for even professional street or wedding photographers to choose it in the future. Perhaps in the future, the viewfinder will become so much better that even wildlife and sports photographers will start purchasing mirrorless cameras.

Market

As noted, mirrorless cameras are becoming more serious every year. We've seen huge improvements in autofocus, viewfinder, design and image quality. The OM-D E-M5 proved that small 4/3 sensors are indeed a very well thought out compromise of what was not entirely obvious in DSLR models. Fujifilm's sensor technology has finally helped us realize that improvements can be achieved not only by increasing pixel count, ISO and dynamic range, but also by innovating the sensor design itself (something Sigma has strived to do with its Foveon sensors). All of these improvements ensure that mirrorless cameras receive the attention they deserve from both photography novices and experienced users. They make small cameras that are much more attractive to professional photographers due to their size and weight. The few disadvantages of such models include the lack of a full frame and a sufficient number of interchangeable lenses, but the second drawback will probably be corrected soon.

The only option for a truly compact full-frame camera with interchangeable lenses was provided by Leica, but this is the only camera to date, which was released back in 2009, the model is called M9. Perhaps one of the reasons that contributed to the low popularity of these cameras is their cost and inaccessibility for most photographers. Leica's full-frame mirrorless camera is great for certain types of shooting, but it doesn't work very well with telescopic lenses. Another drawback was the small number of compatible lenses, and those that were released cost exorbitant amounts of money. In other words, the Leica camera was a highly specialized product whose use was difficult for many to comprehend, not to mention simply not worth the purchase. 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 like the NEX-7 and X-Pro1. We have a full frame compact camera in the form of the Sony RX-1. A complete and convenient full-frame mirrorless camera will appear sooner or later and will attract great interest from professional photographers. By then, the contrast ratio and hybrid autofocus system will likely have caught up with, and perhaps surpassed, the capabilities of DSLRs.

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

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

These videos are specifically designed for the Sony NEX series camera market. Sony is committed to ensuring that more people abandoned the idea of ​​​​purchasing DSLRs and are attracting attention to their cameras from the NEX series. The number of such users will undoubtedly grow.

Mirrorless cameras have quite a few 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 user-friendly 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 remain 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'd like to own a full-frame X-Pro5 mirrorless camera with a bright portrait lens, but for now that's just a dream. Partly, in cases with full-frame cameras, it is their weight that is a big advantage. They look much more reliable and when working with them, you are confident in the high quality of the results. Sports and wildlife photographers likely 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 releases 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 DSLR and mirrorless models. Even if it requires an adapter like the Nikon FT-1, it will still retain potential customers and not disappoint users.

Maybe, over time, mirrorless cameras will force us to throw away our bulky DSLRs. Technology changes quickly, so I think it's just a matter of time. A mechanical mirror that must move up and down before and after the rays hit is another potential option for simplifying cameras in the future. Sony already got rid of the mirror in their translucent SLT cameras, but the mirror is still there. SLT is an intermediate step for now, which I'm sure Sony will eventually improve upon.

Why is this so important?

In no case do I want to slander SLR cameras. Instead, I just want to highlight the introduction of a new, lighter and more compact option that will be a good alternative in the future. I love photography, I can’t boast of enormous experience, but over the four years that I’ve been working with a SLR camera, I’m a little tired of constantly carrying around this whole bulky arsenal of a camera, flash and lenses, and even more so holding a heavy camera five or more hours of shooting. The opportunity in the future to purchase a camera and optics that will weigh and take up much less space seems very tempting. If a couple of years ago I only considered 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 SLR cameras quite quickly. Not only are they good enough for photographers who work day in and day out, but also for those who plan to travel a lot and simply 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 larger 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 models such as Sony NEX, Fujifilm X, Olympus, Panasonic and other mirrorless cameras to suit your taste. Of course, no one excludes the possibility that a DSLR camera will suit you better. Today you have a choice, which is the main good news for all of us.

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" But somehow they avoided the question of what is better, a DSLR or a mirrorless camera? Today we’ll catch up and talk about the differences between the two types of photographic equipment – ​​mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Go.

What is a SLR camera?

Reflex camera is a camera whose viewfinder is based on a mirror. In general, there are single-lens and double-lens SLR cameras. But since in the world of digital photography there is only room left for the first type, it will be discussed further.

The first single-lens reflex camera appeared in 1861. Yes, while in Russia they just canceled serfdom, the camera has already been invented in England. That is, the history of the SLR camera began in the century before last, more than 150 years ago.

Of course, the first SLR cameras were very different from what we have now. One of the differences is the use of film. Today, film, as you all know very well, is practically extinct and exists only thanks to enthusiasts who fell in love with film photography once upon a time. Digital technologies have made it possible to replace the film in the camera with a matrix.

Let's return to the design of a SLR camera. Every DSLR has a mirror-based viewfinder. The mirror stands at an angle of 45 degrees and allows you to see a real non-digitized image through the viewfinder. The mechanism, in general, is quite simple from the point of view of understanding. Through the lens, light (and the image, respectively) enters the camera body, where a mirror is installed at an angle of 45 degrees. The light reflected by the mirror rushes upward, where it enters a pentaprism (or pentamirror), which wraps around the image, giving it its normal orientation. Simply put, if there were no pentaprism, the image in the viewfinder would appear upside down. That's all. This is the optical viewfinder - distinctive feature any DSLR.

What is a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless Just like a SLR camera, it has interchangeable lenses. But, as you understand from the name, it does not have a mirror viewfinder. Inexpensive cameras use a screen instead of a viewfinder, while more expensive cameras use an electronic viewfinder. In fact, unlike an optical viewfinder, such a viewfinder shows us a digitized image. We can say that this is a small screen. It has a certain resolution, which is indicated in the camera specification. Naturally, as with a monitor, the higher the resolution, the better.

Why is a DSLR camera better than a mirrorless camera?

Let's first talk about why a DSLR is better than a mirrorless one.

• Optical viewfinder- not only a feature of a DSLR camera, but also its advantage over a mirrorless one. There are several reasons for this. First, the optical viewfinder shows the image in real time, raw and undigitized. That is, as your eye would see it without a viewfinder. Secondly, when using an electronic viewfinder there is a slight delay in the image, which is not present with an optical viewfinder. Those. with the latter you always see the picture in real time.
• Phase detection autofocus– it is typical only for SLR cameras. The latest models of mirrorless cameras have learned to use phase sensors on the matrix, thereby giving birth to a hybrid focusing system, but today it still does not reach the focusing speed of a SLR camera.
• Ergonomics DSLRs are better. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the mirror itself with the pentaprism takes up quite a lot of space in the carcass. Because of this, in fact, these cameras are so large. But this minus turns into a plus when you need to control the camera: especially professional cameras have excellent access to all important functions using buttons, wheels and other controls located on the body. Particularly noteworthy is the additional monochrome display, which is found in large SLR cameras and is never found in mirrorless cameras. This display is very helpful in professional photography, and it is never superfluous for amateur photography.
• Huge optics park. Remember when we said that SLR cameras have been produced for a century and a half? Nikon began producing cameras in the 50s of the twentieth century. Today, Nikon's optics fleet is huge and continues to grow. Of course, mirrorless cameras are still far from achieving such richness.
• Price DSLR cameras are generally lower. Specific example. There is a Nikon D5100 with a Nikon 35mm 1.8G DX lens. This is a very inexpensive kit, costing less than 20 thousand. To get similar quality with a mirrorless camera you need to spend a lot more money.
• DSLR camera turns on much faster than mirrorless. In a split second, while mirrorless cameras can turn on in 3 seconds.
• Working hours DSLR cameras' battery life is significantly higher than that of mirrorless cameras. And the batteries themselves are usually more capacious. Thus, amateur cameras like the Nikon D7100 can shoot one and a half thousand frames on a single charge. Professional equipment, like the Nikon D4, can take more than 3 thousand pictures with a single battery charge.
• DSLR cameras more reliable. Some of them have dust and moisture protection. This is why you are unlikely to see a photographer with a Sony A7 in the savannah. But with Canon 1Dx there is nothing to do. There are more of them there than lions and bison...

So, the main thing: for today professional photography almost impossible with a mirrorless camera. A DSLR camera is preferable for commercial photography. And the amateur must decide for himself whether the advantages of a DSLR are important to him, or whether what a mirrorless camera offers is enough. More on this below.

Why is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR?

Yes, but are there any advantages to a mirrorless camera that a DSLR camera doesn’t have? Eat. And now we will talk about them.

Olympus technology is one of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market

• Size. This is the most obvious. Mirrorless cameras are smaller. The optics for such cameras are also more compact. As a result, you can get a mirrorless system that will be smaller than a DSLR, but will allow you to get the same high-quality images.
• Electronic viewfinder. Electronic viewfinders also have their advantages. Firstly, they can display various additional information. Secondly, such viewfinders will be more convenient for nearsighted people. You need to use the optical viewfinder with glasses or use the diopter correction function, which is enough for vision of -2.5, but if the minus is greater, then alas. The electronic viewfinder, as we said above, is a screen. And, of course, when used by a nearsighted person, there are no problems with it.
• Big choice manufacturers. Mirrorless cameras are now produced by the following companies: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, Samsung. But affordable DSLRs are produced only by the first 3 companies plus Pentax.

What do DSLR and mirrorless cameras have in common?

There is one thing that these cameras have in common.

• Matrix. The most important part of a digital camera. Just a couple of years ago, I would have said that mirrorless cameras do not have a full-frame sensor. But Sony corrected this by releasing the A7 series cameras. They have matrices that are not inferior to those used in SLR cameras. We have already talked about matrices more than once; there is no need to repeat ourselves.
• Systematicity. For some reason, many people call mirrorless cameras system cameras, forgetting that DSLR cameras also belong to this class. This is the similarity between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras - these are system cameras that feature interchangeable optics.

What's better? DSLR or mirrorless?

There is no clear answer to this question. Everyone must make their choice based on their needs. My opinion is that DSLR cameras today are still too much superior to mirrorless cameras. For me personally, when choosing a camera, the most important criteria are speed (focusing, switching on), a wide selection of optics and price (both for the camera and lenses). Yes, you don’t always want to take a huge mirror set with you. It's better to have a choice. For example, for large (long, important, etc.) filming, have a DSLR, but for the soul - something small, maybe not even a mirrorless camera, but a compact camera like Fuji x100s or the like. But if you choose one single camera, then again, I would choose a DSLR. But that's just my opinion. What would you choose?

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Just five years ago this question could have been classified as purely rhetorical. Despite the fact that the number of mirrorless photographic equipment on store shelves was already beginning to grow rapidly, these newfangled products did not pose any serious competition to classic SLR cameras. And the vast majority of professional photographers and photo reporters continued to use their DSLR Nikons and Canons. Advanced amateur photographers made the same choice.

However, development experts technical systems unanimously assured that a revolution in the photo market would definitely happen at the earliest coming years. And mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders will bury “DSLRs”, just like digital cameras in the early 2000s they brought their film brothers to the grave. So what do we have today?

Background

At the very moment when photographic film in cameras was replaced by a light-sensitive matrix, it became clear that the days of SLR photographic equipment were numbered. If we receive a digitized image using a matrix, then God himself ordered to transfer it to an electronic viewfinder, as is done, for example, in video cameras, and examine with our eyes the picture that we get at the output. This decision promised many advantages.

Firstly, the photographer was able to make adjustments to exposure or white balance without taking test shots, which would increase the life of the camera.
Secondly, we got rid of the not very reliable mechanism for raising the mirror, which also greatly increased the size of the camera.
And, as a bonus, it became possible to display various information useful for the photographer in the viewfinder field. For example, show an enlarged image at the focusing point to simplify focusing manual lenses.

All that was left to do was to ensure that the electronic viewfinder would produce an image comparable in quality to the image produced by the viewfinders of DSLRs.

Let me remind you, by the way, that mirrorless digital cameras were born before DSLRs. And my first digital camera was some kind of point-and-shoot camera from Olympus with an electronic viewfinder. But the quality of the image it created was so poor that it was impossible to determine in the viewfinder the direction of the subject’s gaze or distinguish other details important to the photographer.
It is not surprising that I soon abandoned this camera.

However, it must be admitted that today the quality of electronic viewfinders has stepped forward significantly. So why don’t we hear mourning music about the “DSLRs” that untimely departed from the photographic market?

Advantages and disadvantages of mirrorless cameras

To answer this question, first of all, you need to decide what advantages a “mirrorless” camera with interchangeable lenses has over “DSLRs,” and how important these advantages are for a photographer.

1. Smaller dimensions and weight. Since we're getting rid of the mirror lift mechanism, it's possible to make the camera body flatter and a little lighter. Is this always a good thing? I think no. This is where a factor such as the comfort of photography comes into play. The camera should fit comfortably in your hand. And for this it must have certain dimensions, proportional to the size of the hand.
It is no coincidence that many photographers complain about entry-level DSLRs, the dimensions of which are greatly reduced compared to top models. But, on the other hand, there are areas of camera application in which weight and dimensions play an important role. For example, photography while traveling.

2. Higher shutter reliability. Since in “DSLRs”, in addition to the camera shutter itself, there is also a mirror lifting mechanism, which is often the first to fail, “mirrorless cameras” should have greater reliability and a longer shutter life. It is difficult to say how true this is in real life. However, some companies give the number 400 thousand in the technical characteristics of their “mirrorless” products. That's how many photos you can take before the shutter breaks for the first time. This is a very good indicator, comparable to the lifespan of professional DSLRs.

3. Great information content of the viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder has several significant advantages. The photographer sees in it almost the same picture that he will receive after pressing the shutter button. That is, he can increase the exposure if the frame seems too dark to him. Or adjust the white balance without taking test shots. In addition, when shooting in the dark, he can see the subject better because the image in the electronic viewfinder will be bright. Also in the electronic viewfinder you can, like on the screen, display many useful information, as mentioned earlier.

4. Lower cost. In theory, the absence of an expensive mechanism for lifting the mirror, lower weight and dimensions should lead to the fact that the “mirrorless” camera will be cheaper than its “mirror” counterparts. But for now the situation is rather the opposite.

Now, in order to be objective in my assessments, I will also talk about the disadvantages of “mirrorless” cameras.

1. Due to their reduced dimensions, they fit worse in the hand.

2. The electronic viewfinder consumes power to operate. And since it works constantly while shooting, the batteries run out quickly. While many DSLR cameras can take more than a thousand frames on a single charge, mirrorless cameras can barely take 400 pictures. It’s especially disappointing that even when you’re not shooting, but just looking at something through the viewfinder, battery power is actively being consumed. That is, you won’t take aim for a long time.

3. Although the image quality in the electronic viewfinder has improved, it is still inferior to the image of the optical channel in DSLRs. 4. Mirrorless cameras turn on a little slower, and in some of them the image is presented with some delay, which, however, is not critical. 5. Many “mirrorless” cameras are still inferior in terms of autofocus speed, although the appearance in the latest models of hybrid autofocus, where focusing is based on both contrast and phase sensors, has almost corrected the situation.

Comparison with specific examples

Judging by the ratings of Yandex Market and the MOYO trading network https://www.moyo.ua/foto_video/photo_video/cameras/, one of the most popular top-level “mirrorless” cameras is the Sony Alpha A7R2, the price of which now fluctuates around 200 thousand rubles per body without lens. This is approximately the cost of a DSLR camera such as the Canon 5D mark3.

Let's compare them and announce, if not the final verdict, then at least the results of the intermediate finish in the ongoing race between these two types of cameras.

Camera type:
Appearance:
Sensor size:	36 x 24 mm	35.9 x 24 mm
Frame Size:	5760 x 3840 or 22.3 million pixels	7952 x 5304 or 42.4 million pixels
Matrix type:	CMOS	BSI CMOS
Matrix stabilizer:	Absent	5-axis stabilization
Shooting speed:	6 fps	5 fps
Viewfinder:	Optic	Electronic 2359296 pixels
LCD screen:	1044000 dots, 3.20 inches	1228800 dots, 3 inches
Excerpt:	30 – 1/8000	30 – 1/8000
Battery capacity:	950 frames	340 frames
Video resolution:	1920x1080	3840x2160
Max frame rate HD video:	30 fps	60fps
Camera size:	152x116x76 mm, without lens	127x96x60 mm, without lens
Camera weight:	950 g, with batteries	625 g, with batteries

As you can see, the dry logic of the numbers suggests that the “mirrorless” camera Sony Alpha A7R2 wins in most respects.
It has a more advanced back-illuminated sensor, which reduces noise at high sensitivity values.
It allows you to take pictures almost twice as long bigger size by number of megapixels.
Shoots video in 4K format. And in HD format it makes it possible to shoot videos at a frequency of 60 frames per second versus 30 frames for Canon.
At the same time, it is lighter and more compact than its mirror competitor.

And one more important point: Sony Alpha A7R2 has an effective stabilizer on the sensor. While Canon does not have it, since the company still prefers to install optical stabilizers directly into lenses, which terribly increases their cost.

The Sony Alpha A7R2 loses so far only in shorter battery life and slightly in rate of fire. A little in focusing speed and turn-on time. It also feels less comfortable in the hand and is not as easy to control.

At first glance, it is clear that this “mirrorless” camera has more advantages than disadvantages compared to the flagship from Canon.

So why do most professional photographers and advanced amateurs still prefer to shoot with DSLRs? The reason, in my opinion, should be sought on two levels.
Firstly, the Sony Alpha A7R2 and most other “mirrorless” cameras are still inferior in efficiency and ergonomics, which are often crucial for professionals.
Secondly, there is a certain inertia of choice at work. It takes time for the buyer to believe in a new type of camera. And the problem of switching to a new line of lenses should not be discounted.

For those photographers who are choosing a camera from scratch, today it makes sense to think about buying a “mirrorless” camera, especially if it will be used primarily while traveling, where every kilogram of weight creates considerable problems.

It turns out that the age of “DSLRs” is coming to an end. Unless, of course, their manufacturers come up with something out of the ordinary.

Valery MISHAKOV