Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses

How to choose the right mirrorless camera

We live in a time when any complex technology has not only a body and a certain set of mechanisms, but also an electronic part, represented by digital components: memory, processors, displays, and so on. The importance of electronics varies across different types of devices, but it increases over time. For example, the first cameras were purely mechanical, without the use of electricity. Over time, cameras appeared with a built-in exposure meter that measures the illumination of the subject, but the viewfinder and shutter worked solely due to mechanics. However, to improve performance, the latter began to be driven by magnets, and then the camera display expanded. During the 1980s, communication between lens and sensors also became electronic. With the advent of digital cameras came the introduction of color liquid crystal displays, on which the result of the shooting could be immediately seen.

One design has gone through all these stages without fundamentally changing: the viewfinder of a SLR camera. Initially, one of its main advantages appeared: through it, the same image was projected that ended up on the film, thanks to which, when shooting, you could immediately understand what would be included in the frame and what it would look like.

As a result, SLR cameras turned out to be the most popular class of photographic equipment.

However, any modern digital camera can use the display to show how the frame will turn out, that is, a mirror viewfinder turned out to be an optional “additive”. The mirror viewfinder was replaced with an electronic one, and so-called mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, or simply “mirrorless” cameras, appeared.

So, a mirrorless camera is a digital camera with the ability to change lenses, which uses a display or an electronic viewfinder for viewing. This scheme has its own characteristics, they are given below.

You can display any information on the liquid crystal display and clearly show how the frame will turn out. The dimensions of the image on the display will always completely coincide with what appears in the photo.

The camera can be as compact as possible, since it does not have any “extra” mechanical parts.

The sensor itself is used to confirm autofocus, so constant autofocus misses are eliminated.

There is no movable mirror, that is, the sound itself when photographing is quieter than that of SLR cameras. This is useful when shooting in quiet public places

The saturation of electronics complicates the design and quickly drains the battery.

The high cost of lenses that are required to have their own autofocus drives.

Since mirrorless cameras are relatively new to the market and show no signs of going away, they can be called “cameras of the future.”

As for the basic characteristics of mirrorless cameras, they do not differ from those found in other cameras. Such general things as display, size, autonomy, etc. are obvious and do not require much explanation.

We should look in more detail at mirrorless camera systems.

The fact is that modern cameras with interchangeable lenses have a so-called “bayonet mount” - a petal mount that is used to connect the lens. Only two manufacturers use the same mount - Panasonic and Olympus; all other DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have different lens mounts that are not compatible with each other.

Mirrorless camera lens mount

The lens mount for a camera is the so-called “system” to which this camera belongs. Accordingly, cameras with the same lens connector belong to the same system. There are several mirrorless systems called by mount type. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Sony E system

This system is fully supported by Sony, which is a leader in the production of electronics for cameras. Accordingly, the electronic part is the strong point of these cameras. How is it shown?

Firstly, it is the only common mirrorless system that includes cameras with a full-frame sensor - the Sony Alpha A7 and A9 line. If the lens name contains the letter combination FE, then it is intended for such cameras.

Sony Alpha A7 Mark II camera

Secondly, all cameras in this system, without exception, allow high-quality video recording.

Camera Sony Alpha A6300

The main disadvantages of Sony cameras are related to the approach of this company as such. Many of its decisions look “overengineered” or lack healthy conservatism. For example, the flash connector on Sony cameras is not the same as that used on its first DSLRs, camera menus can be confusing and change beyond recognition from generation to generation.

Micro 4/3 system

This is the same system to which two manufacturers belong - Panasonic and Olympus.

Its main feature is that the matrix size is smaller than that of competitors, and the aspect ratio is 4 to 3, and not 2 to 3, like theirs.

This is the main advantage of this system: the smaller size of the lenses than its analogues. Here it is possible to assemble a set of professional optics for all occasions, which will fit in a small backpack.

Plus, the fact that the system is supported by two manufacturers allows for more confidence in the long term, following the adage that “you can’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Panasonic and Olympus have different priorities in camera development.

Olympus cameras have a retro style and are famous for their built-in stabilizer.

Camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Panasonic is focusing on video, introducing features found in professional camcorders ahead of its competitors.

Camera Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

The Micro 4/3 system was the first to appear and takes full advantage of the fundamental advantages of the mirrorless camera class.

Fujifilm X Mount System

Many people may associate Fujifilm as a manufacturer solely with photographic film, but it really shouldn't be underestimated. Suffice it to say that she belongs to an elite circle of designers of cinema camera lenses, each of which costs millions.

Camera Fujifilm X-T20 Kit 16-50mm

The first thing that catches your eye about this system is that all the cameras are made in a retro style. On cameras in the upper price range, control of the main exposure parameters works in the same way as on cameras of the 70s, that is, for each of them there is a separate control wheel with value scales. Here the question may arise: is such a retrograde necessary? In fact, this is very convenient: the camera can even be adjusted blindly, since each click when turning the control wheel changes the parameter by one step, and each value corresponds to only one wheel position.

The second feature of this system is that there are practically no budget lenses. Almost all of them have a metal body, top-notch optics and a price to match.

Fujifilm mirrorless cameras also use a matrix with an original arrangement of color filters on pixels, with a repeating pattern of 6X6, while most cameras use a simpler pattern of 2X2 pixels. This helps to remove the so-called moiré in photographs - stripes that appear in photographs of objects with a regular texture arranged in rows, for example, fabric.

The Fujifilm X Mount system appeared later than its competitors, so it is not the most popular. However, she does have a loyal following, and the above explains why this is so.

Canon EF-M system

This system, rather, is intended for fans of Canon itself, since in terms of menu, color rendition, and design, it corresponds to its compacts and DSLRs. The manufacturer itself is counting on precisely such users, and therefore is not chasing leadership in the mirrorless niche. In some ways, this system lags behind competitors in terms of characteristics; it does not have many cameras and lenses, but for those who value ease of use and “standard” Canon color reproduction, it is quite suitable.

Canon EOS M6 camera

conclusions

It is unlikely that we will be telling a lie if we claim that while reading this article or before that, you were already interested in the range of mirrorless cameras. Most likely, you noticed that this class is very diverse. The fact is that its device does not impose any restrictions on the shape and size of cameras: they can be small or large, with or without different viewfinder locations. So, there is room for both manufacturers and users to “expand” here.

Also, it should be noted that, unlike “DSLRs”, which are supported by only two large companies, mirrorless cameras are produced by a fairly large number of manufacturers. Therefore, there is a high probability that their number will be reduced, so it is important to “guess” the system, to find among them the one that will be most relevant in the future. It is difficult to give 100% advice here; you do this at your own peril and risk.

We can also advise you to familiarize yourself with the range of mirrorless cameras and specific models on the market.

10 Best Mirrorless Cameras 2018

We've selected the 10 best mirrorless cameras for 2018. From professional tools to amateur photographer's companions.

The industry is gradually moving from DSLR cameras to mirrorless cameras. They are more compact, lighter, faster and provide many other advantages. If you are thinking about a mirrorless camera, check out our selection.

Sony A7 III

According to the editors of fototips.ru, the Sony A7 III is the best mirrorless camera today.

Full-frame matrix with a resolution of 24 megapixels, wide dynamic range and high operating sensitivity. Maximum sensitivity ISO 51200 units.

The camera has the best (according to the editors) autofocus among mirrorless cameras, inherited from the reportage Sony a9. There are 693 autofocus points throughout the frame. At the same time, continuous eye focusing is available.

Plus a compact body, built-in stabilizer and ample video shooting capabilities including 4K HDR.

Fujifilm X-H1

The flagship and first Fujifilm camera equipped with 5-axis stabilization.

The 24-megapixel X-Trans matrix produces a detailed image. And the built-in 18 film simulation modes, including one film, often allow you to do without color correction in photo and video shooting.

The camera is designed with great attention to ergonomics. The X-H1 has a comfortable grip, smart controls, and even a shutter button designed from scratch to prevent vibration.

Plus a rotating display, touch control, dust and moisture protection and frost resistance, 4k video, compactness and Fujinon lenses with stunning designs.

Read more about the camera in our X-H1 review.

Sony A7R III

The A7R III is Sony's flagship mirrorless camera and one of the best full-frame professional cameras on the market.

The Sony A7R III has a 42.4-megapixel sensor with a maximum ISO of 32000. Thanks to reportage algorithms, the Sony A9 perfectly tracks the movement of the subject even in poor lighting.

This is an ideal camera for studio shooting. Thanks to the pixel shift function, you can get maximum detail and color reproduction. USB-C connectivity allows you to control the camera and quickly transfer data.

The electronic viewfinder (read what it is here) is equipped with a 3.68 megapixel OLED display, which makes manual focusing easier in zoom mode.

Among other things, the camera has extensive capabilities for shooting video in 4K format.

Fujifilm GFX 50S

The GFX 50S is a full-frame medium format mirrorless camera from Fujifilm.

The camera has a removable viewfinder, a rotating touch display, excellent ergonomics and customizable keys. However, the GFX 50S camera body is smaller than a full-frame DSLR.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S is equipped with a 51.4 megapixel Bayer sensor and supports all the film simulation modes familiar to users of Fujifilm cameras. Thanks to the processor, the camera works very quickly.

177 autofocus points cover almost the entire frame area, tracking autofocus shows very good results for the medium format.

This is one of the most affordable digital medium format cameras on the market. Read the GFX 50S review for more details.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

Panasonic GH5 is the best mirrorless camera for shooting video (according to the editors of fototips.ru). We are sure that thousands of professional operators will agree with this.

Micro 4/3 format matrix with a resolution of 22 megapixels, 5-axis stabilizer, touch rotating display, 3.68 megapixel OLED viewfinder.

The GH5's video performance is amazing. Unlimited shooting duration, 4K 60p/50p resolution, rolling tent suppression, 4:2:2 10-bit recording and bitrate up to 400 Mbps.

The compact case has serious dust, moisture and frost resistance.

For operators working in extremely low light conditions, the GH5S has been released. But this is a topic for a separate article.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus's flagship and one of the smallest mirrorless cameras on the market.

The E-M1 Mark II is equipped with a micro 4/3 format matrix with a resolution of 20 megapixels and an operating sensitivity of 6400 units.

The camera's built-in stabilizer compensates for up to 5.5 shutter speed stops. When using optics with a stabilizer, the effect increases to 6.5 steps.

At the same time, the camera is capable of shooting a series of photos at a speed of 60 fps in RAW format when focusing one frame at a time. Live Composite mode allows you to view the image formed by a long exposure on the camera screen. Read the full camera review here.

Sony a6500

This is one of the best mirrorless cameras for the advanced hobbyist.

Magnesium alloy housing, dust and moisture resistant. Inside there is a fast processor and an APS-C format matrix with a resolution of 24 megapixels.

The camera has received a lot of functions from the professional models of the Alpha series, including built-in five-axis stabilization, high working ISO, ample video shooting capabilities and a rotating touch screen.

Autofocus is handled by the 4D focus system, one of the best cameras in this class. The camera focuses quickly and accurately in any light.

Another plus is good autofocus when shooting video. It’s not worth working seriously with this (and in general, camera operators don’t use autofocus), but it’s just right for shooting a blog or a child at your leisure. Full review of the a6500.

Fujifilm X-T2

The X-T2 is a powerful camera for enthusiasts and professionals in a retro body.

Equipped with a 24 megapixel X-Trans sensor, it produces high detail and excellent colors.

Film Simulation modes with 17 profiles let you shoot straight to JPG for stunning color images. No other manufacturer has matched this image quality.

The camera's rotating screen supports tilting in portrait mode, making it one of the best cameras for Instagram photography.

Dust and moisture protection and frost resistance allow you to use the camera in any conditions. And Fujinon optics give a very nice picture. Read the X-T2 review.

Sony A9

This is the first full-frame mirrorless camera designed specifically for professional photojournalists. It is ideal for sports photography and reporting.

Sony a9 received a matrix with a resolution of 24 megapixels, a high working ISO, and a shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second.

The 693-point autofocus module covers about 93% of the frame.

The electronic viewfinder has resolved the problem of darkening between frames, making it easier to follow the scene when shooting a series of frames.

All these features are collected in a compact case with a rotating touch screen, five-axis stabilization, dust and moisture protection and other features.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

This is one of the best cameras for a beginner photographer who wants to get the most out of a compact body.

The camera with a micro 4/3 format matrix with a resolution of 16 megapixels is capable of taking photos at a speed of 8.6 fps, recording 4K video and is equipped with a very powerful autofocus module.

Add to this a powerful built-in stabilizer, compactness and a rotating display.

Due to the small matrix resolution for 2018, the camera shows good results in frames with high sensitivity. And for most enthusiasts, 16 MP is quite enough.

There are a few more mirrorless cameras due out this year that will likely change our list a lot. The announcement of Nikon Z6 and Z7, Fujifilm X-T3 and possibly full-frame Canon is ahead.

There may be a lot of new things at Photokina 2018

Well, if you are not yet ready for mirrorless cameras, check out our selection of the 10 best full-frame DSLRs of 2018.

EOS M mirrorless cameras

Always be ready to shoot with a compact, lightweight interchangeable lens camera that delivers DSLR-like quality

High quality,
compact size

Fascinating stories surround us.
All you need is a camera that's always ready to go when you're in the middle of the action.

EOS M6 Mark II

Portable and powerful mirrorless camera with 32.5 megapixel resolution and continuous shooting speed up to 14 fps.

EOS M5

DSLR-quality quality and speed plus portability

EOS M6 Mark II

Portable and powerful mirrorless camera with 32.5 megapixel resolution and continuous shooting speed up to 14 fps.

EOS M6

Create amazing photos and videos.

EOS M50

Step into the future of innovative technology with this compact, connected mirrorless camera.

EOS M200

DSLR quality and smartphone convenience in an ergonomic, compact design. Taking amazing photos just got easier and more fun.

EOS M100

Easily share incredible stories.

What is a mirrorless camera?

Unlike DSLR cameras, where light is reflected into the viewfinder through a mirror, mirrorless (or compact) cameras are designed without a mirror or optical viewfinder, making them smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras.

If compactness is your priority, the Canon EOS M line of mirrorless cameras offers ease of use and flexibility, as well as high-quality photos and videos. The camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder, which reduces the size and weight of the device, allowing for additional creative functions.

From models with APS-C sensors and small lenses to full-frame, powerful, short-flash cameras, all EOS cameras in the mirrorless line are designed to give you the best photography experience.

Exceptional quality

Our mirrorless cameras combine the best of compact and DSLR cameras to deliver accurate detail, color and atmosphere in photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.

The best mirrorless cameras: bestsellers of 2019

Advantages of mirrorless cameras

The most important advantage of mirrorless cameras is undoubtedly their compactness. Due to the fact that such models do not have physical glass, manufacturers are able to significantly reduce the size of their body.

The second advantage is the electronic viewfinder. When using a classic DSLR camera, in order to see the final result without distortion, you have to look at the screen after each photo taken. This distracts from the creative process and takes a lot of time. Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder, which displays the same image as on the screen. Many photographers, after using mirrorless cameras with an electronic viewfinder, can no longer return to their DSLR camera just because of this advantage.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S

Last year, Panasonic updated its flagship camera GH5. Photographers criticized the old model for its short operating ISO range, which made it impossible to shoot in the dark without external light. The updated version of the Panasonic GH5S received Panasonic Dual Native ISO technology, which migrated from professional video cameras. It made it possible to significantly increase the dynamic range, while reducing the noise level. The GH5S also learned to shoot video in DCI (4096 x 2160) at 60 frames/sec. Regarding changes in photos, the camera can now save 14-bit files in Raw format, and also take a series of photos with autofocus at a speed of 7 frames/sec.

Another change was the reduction in camera resolution from 20.3 megapixels to 10.2 megapixels. This allows the use of larger pixels, which, in combination with the 14-bit mode, provides a clear picture. However, the GH5S lacks 5-axis matrix stabilization. This was due to the fact that most users already shoot with external stabilizers, which do an excellent job. In general, the decision is quite justified.

Canon EOS R

Canon surprised everyone by releasing its first full-frame mirrorless camera last fall. It turns out that over the past few years she has been persistently preparing for the release of Canon EOS R, and the wait was worth it. The camera body is made of magnesium alloy and is protected from dust and moisture.

The most important change was the transition to a new RF mount, with which came a whole series of new lenses with fast autofocus. The manufacturer also provided an adapter for the old EOS mount, which comes immediately in the box. The camera runs on the new DIGIC 8 processor and is equipped with a large 30.3 MP full-frame sensor with an ISO range of 100–40,000.

Canon engineers did a great job on the EV -6-18 exposure range. This allows you to take clear photos in low light conditions and also focus on objects correctly. Regarding autofocus: it accurately captures objects and faces in any lighting in both photo and video modes. Unfortunately, the camera has only one slot for an SD card, and the ability to recharge it via an external battery is limited to several models of power banks.

Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7

Nikon also did not stand aside and at the end of 2018 released two full-frame mirrorless cameras: Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7. In general, both devices are very similar, but let’s focus on their differences. The Z6 has a 25.28 megapixel matrix and a maximum image resolution of 6048 × 4024 pixels, a working range of ISO 100–51,200, 273 focus points and a burst speed of up to 12 fps. In turn, the flagship Z7 is equipped with a more powerful 46.89 megapixel matrix, has a maximum photo resolution of 8256 × 5504 pixels, ISO 64–25,600, offers 493 focus points and a burst speed of up to 9 frames/sec. Both cameras received a new Nikkor Z mount with fairly good optics. Even more models will be released in the future, but for now you can use lenses with the old F-mount mount using the included adapter.

Externally, the cameras are almost identical, with a magnesium alloy body. Both models have two displays. The first is a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a rotating mechanism. The second - monochrome - is located on top and displays all the main parameters of the camera. To save pictures, new Nikons use an XQD format card instead of the usual SD. It is more expensive, but has faster recording speed. Both cameras also have 5-axis matrix stabilization and can record video in 4K resolution up to 30 fps: very good for models aimed at photography.

Fujifilm X-T3

The distinctive feature of all Fujifilm cameras is their appearance. All of them are made in a retro style, but retain the capabilities of modern cameras. The Fujifilm X-T3 is sold with an excellent 18-55 mm f2.2-4.0 kit lens, which can be used to shoot really high-quality photos and videos. The X-T3 features a new 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 200-12800 and expandable to 80-51200. The entire system runs on the new X-Processor 4 processor.

This camera is bought not only for photography, but also for video - even many professional video makers opt for Fujifilm cameras. It can shoot in 4K resolution up to 50 fps. The disadvantage of the camera is its autonomy, because one charge is enough to record a 40-50 minute video. To solve this problem, you should buy a couple of batteries, a battery grip, or use an external battery on an ongoing basis. Another disadvantage of the camera is the lack of matrix stabilization, and this is even more depressing if you remember that not every Fujifilm lens has image stabilization.

Fujifilm GFX 50R

Another interesting new product from Fujifilm is the GFX 50R. It replaced the 50S and is currently perhaps the most compact camera with a medium format sensor. The device is suitable for studio shooting: with a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames/sec and a 51.4 MP matrix resolution, it is easy to take large photographs, which can later be printed even on large advertising posters.

The entire sensor is covered with 425 focusing points, and the ISO sensitivity range is 100–12800. The camera has two SD card slots, but you cannot set up recording on both cards at the same time. Another disadvantage of the GFX 50R is the uncomfortable handle, which is too flat.

Sony Alpha 6400

Sony recently introduced an updated version of the budget model Alpha 6300 - Alpha 6400. It received a fresh Bionz X processor with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C matrix. Continuous shooting speed is now up to 11 fps. Regarding design changes, the camera is equipped with a flip-out display, which is convenient for recording vlogs.

The autofocus system has 425 focusing points across the entire sensor, which can also track subjects. Among the minuses, it is worth noting the lack of matrix stabilization and a small battery reserve. The Sony Alpha 6400 will be sold in three configurations: Alpha 6400 Body, Alpha 6400 6-50 mm and Alpha 6400 18-135 for $898, $998 and $1298 respectively.

TOP 12 best mirrorless cameras

Modern technologies make it possible to create mirrorless cameras that are almost as good as SLR cameras in terms of image quality. How to make the right choice of a mirrorless camera among a large range of products? We present a rating of the best models of conventional cameras from different price categories. Check out the main characteristics, pros and cons of each device.

The best inexpensive mirrorless cameras

The first category includes budget, high-quality cameras that have the best functionality and have collected the most positive reviews from users.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Body

A display that shows the picture as it should appear
Large dynamic range of the matrix
Compact size
Ability to do HDR in-camera
The quality of the images is not inferior to amateur crop DSLRs
Possibility of using old manual lenses
Good viewfinder and flip-up screen

No built-in stabilizer
Not the best quality case

A mirrorless camera with Wi-Fi/NFC support allows you to transfer files directly to your mobile device. Thanks to the built-in flash and sensitive shooting from 100 to 25600 ISO, photos are exactly the same as on a DSLR camera. A variety of automatic and manual settings will allow you to give your frame various effects. The model is equipped with a 24.3 million pixel matrix and a rotating LCD display with a tilting mechanism.

Canon EOS M100 Kit

There is wifi, bluetooth, nfc
Multiple shooting modes
Push-button touch control system
Tenacious, smooth autofocus
Excellent picture quality
Many shooting settings, fine-tuning ISO
Suitable for beginners

Lens cap without lanyard
No microphone input
No USB charging option

This model was included in our rating of the best inexpensive mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses in 2019 due to its balanced combination of price and functionality. The camera has a 25.8 million pixel matrix. It provides a macro shooting option, a burst mode, and the ability to change frame formats. Flash distance is up to 5 m. Photographers will appreciate the automatic sensor cleaning and Auto ISO functions. Canon EOS M100 Kit is not just a good, but an excellent choice for your money.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit

Excellent color rendition
Touch display, tiltable in one plane
Wireless Wi-Fi module
Fast autofocus
Large and very clear electronic viewfinder
Lots of different settings
Advanced stabilization system

Weak battery
No microphone input
Very cumbersome and not always intuitive menu

The updated camera design from Olympus has retained the main crazy features of the line, but the “filling” itself has received many additions. The camera matrix is 17.2 million pixels, with a crop factor of 2. The device has a matrix clearing function, a hot shoe, and many manual and automatic settings. The screen in this camera model for novice photographers received an oleophobic coating and the option to select the focus area by touching it when looking into the viewfinder. The mirrorless camera has already been rated with the highest scores not only by amateurs, but also by professionals.

Middle segment (from 35,000 to 100,000 rubles)

For those who are willing to spend money on a more expensive quality camera, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the three best models from the mid-price category.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Body

Convenient menu and controls
Excellent photo quality
Moisture-resistant, very durable housing
There is a good stabilizer
Touch screen
Huge professional potential for settings
Can work powered by power bank

Weak battery
Low write speed via USB
Gets hot when working for a long time

The Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Body is a functional device for your creativity and self-expression. The device is equipped with a built-in stereo microphone, a 25 million pixel matrix, and extended ISO values. In addition to automatic, the camera has many manual settings, and the flash range is 6 meters. The battery is a little disappointing, it only lasts for 320-350 shots, but it can be replaced or you can use a power bank.

Canon EOS M50 Kit

DSLR-level image quality
Flip-out touch screen allows you to shoot from different positions
Latest RAW format
Convenient wireless features
Fast continuous shooting
Many different photo and video shooting modes
Very well made, nice plastic, yet light and compact
Availability of a 3.5 mm jack for an external microphone

4K video can only be shot statically
Cannot charge from power bank

This Canon interchangeable lens camera has many of the features of a DSLR, but without the complex settings. The model is compatible with all lenses in the Canon EF-M line. The camera supports autofocus tracking, has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC, electronic stabilization, and the ability to focus with your finger on the screen while using the electronic viewfinder. It has a fairly high shooting speed - 10 frames per second. and flexible ISO settings.

Fujifilm X-T3 Body

The viewfinder is very clear and convenient
Photo quality is excellent
Great built-in stereo microphone
Convenient menu
Excellent optics at a reasonable price
In terms of image quality and functionality, it is no different from a DSLR.
Very high shooting speed – 30 fps.
4K video recording works fine

Video recording time limit (30 minutes)
Weak battery for such a powerful camera

The Fujifilm X-T3 Body digital mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses will seem flawless even to those who are used to working with SLR optics. The camera operates on a 26.1 million pixel matrix. and takes pictures in 6240x4160 pixel format. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards with a capacity of up to 512 GB. The 3-inch screen ensures comfortable work.

Expensive segment (from RUB 100,000)

Most likely, professional photographers or amateurs who are very passionate about their hobby will want to choose a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses from the expensive segment. Such cameras not only have improved functions and fine-tuning, but also higher quality details.

Nikon Z6 Kit

Compact size, comfortable grip
Extremely high working ISO
High autofocus speed
Full matrix
Rotatable touch screen
There is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
There is an output for an external microphone

Weak battery for such an expensive camera

A compact camera with a full-frame CMOS sensor allows you to create fine-grained settings for stunning images. A wide mount with a diameter of 55 mm allows you to capture more light. The combination of such a matrix and high-quality lenses makes it possible to obtain the most detailed frames taken both from close and far distances.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Kit

Monolithic structure, dust and moisture protection
The image is very high quality
Autofocus works great
Clear color reproduction
Instant response to any action
Rotating remote screen
High-tech “filling”

Not detected

The flagship model in the OM-D line combines high technology, ergonomics, and stylish design. The camera is positioned as a professional one and has almost all the capabilities of a DSLR. The device has a rotating screen, which allows you to rotate it almost 360 degrees. The case has HDMI, USB TypeC connectors, a microphone input and a headphone output. The camera comes with a new type of high-capacity battery – BLH-1.

Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body

Holds a charge for a long time on one battery
Highest image quality
Two slots for memory cards
High photosensitivity
Can be charged from powerbank
Ability to reassign any button
Digital viewfinder
Protected housing

The screen does not rotate, only up, down + tilt
Unusually large and complex menu

The new Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body model with interchangeable lenses has advanced functionality and high build quality. The dust- and moisture-proof housing allows you to work in any conditions. The device is equipped with an Auto ISO function and an automatic matrix cleaning option. All settings can be made for yourself. The camera can take shots with a time delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds. It has an excellent video finder, convenient eye focusing and many other possibilities for the photographer's wide creativity.

The best mirrorless cameras with high image quality

Our top mirrorless cameras are rounded out by models that take pictures in the best quality, even without complex settings.

Which mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses should you choose?

Nowadays it is difficult to find equipment that does not have electronic filling. Its purpose depends on the type of device. Electronic versions gradually replaced mechanical models. Thus, digital SLR and mirrorless cameras have replaced “analog” cameras. And if the first quickly gained popularity among both amateurs and professionals, the second option was less popular.

This was explained by the fact that the first models had a high cost. At the same time, in terms of functionality, mirrorless devices were inferior to DSLRs. But the situation has gradually changed and now “mirrorless cameras” are becoming more and more popular.

Features of choice and advantages of mirrorless cameras

All digital cameras use a liquid crystal display to capture frames and display images. This led to the fact that the viewfinder with which the DSLR is equipped became an unnecessary part. The mirror viewfinder was replaced with a digital one. This is how “mirrorless cameras” appeared.

A mirrorless camera is a camera that has the ability to install the necessary lens, which is equipped to capture the frame and display the image with an electronic viewfinder.

Such devices have their own technical features, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of mirrorless cameras:

Liquid crystal display. The device allows you to display all the necessary information on the screen. This is necessary in order to evaluate the quality of the image in real time. In this case, the dimensions of the picture displayed on the LCD display will be identical to the size of the finished photograph.
Size. The camera is small in size. This is due to the absence of various mechanical parts.
Autofocus The camera matrix is responsible for the correct autofocus. Thanks to this, any possibility of a mistake is eliminated.
The absence of a movable mirror made the photographing process almost silent. This is especially useful when shooting in noisy or crowded environments.

The main characteristics of the device do not differ from those of other digital camera models. Their main feature, which must be taken into account when choosing, is the presence of a special system - a bayonet mount. This is the petal system needed to fix the lens.

The same mount can be found only in two brands - Panasonic and Olympus.

Other manufacturers use different lens mount options that are incompatible with others.

Reference! When choosing the optimal mirrorless camera model, it is important to consider the mount system to which it belongs. Cameras with identical mounts belong to the same system variant, and their lenses are interchangeable.

The main disadvantages of mirrorless cameras are their high cost and small selection of optics. This explains the fact that there is not a very large selection of this type of device on store shelves.

Many brands have just started releasing mirrorless devices, and the novelty of the device is a limiting factor for increasing sales.

In order not to make a mistake with your choice, before purchasing, it is advisable to read reviews of the models you are interested in, as well as study the annual ratings of the best cameras.

Choosing a mirrorless camera 2019: the best models

All manufactured device models differ in their characteristics and the presence of certain functions. Therefore, a camera for amateurs will be significantly different from a camera used by professionals. Conventionally, cameras can be divided into three types:

professional;
semi-professional;
for amateur photography.

In each of these categories there are models with higher parameters and an optimal set of functions.

Cameras for professional photographers

The following models can be distinguished in this segment:

SONY Alpha ILCE A7R BODY. The device is small in size and has a 44 MP camera. This professional device can shoot video files in 4K resolution. High-quality autofocus allows you to take high-quality pictures even in the dark. In portrait mode, the device focuses on the eyes of the subject. Stabilization is matrix, viewfinder is high-quality, electronic. Thanks to a powerful processor, the owner can set the desired settings right at the moment when the device saves the captured frame. A small drawback of the camera is the confusing and overloaded menu, which is difficult to navigate at first.
Olympus OM-D MARK. The body of the product is made of metal and is protected from dirt and moisture. Thanks to its small size, the device is easy to use and fits comfortably in the hand. Camera - 20 megapixels, maximum image resolution - 5184 x 3888, viewfinder - electronic type, liquid crystal screen - rotating. Autofocus ensures fast and clear operation. The quality of the resulting images is very high, with maximum detail and natural color rendition.

Cameras for semi-professionals with interchangeable lenses

The optimal choice in the semi-professional camera segment:

Panasonic DMC-GH4. This is the first mirrorless camera to record video in 4K format. Therefore, more videographers than photographers will be able to fully appreciate all the capabilities of the device. The device has a large number of different video settings and a high bitrate. The optics are removable, the detail of the picture is maximum, the quality of the picture can be compared with a professional video camera. At the same time, the quality of the images will be significantly lower than that of competitors.
SONY Alpha ILCE-7R. The camera is universal. It can be used both in open areas and indoors. In this case, the lighting level will not affect the quality of the pictures. It has an enlarged matrix and a full-frame sensor with high sensitivity. Since the device does not have an optical low-pass filter, the resulting images are impressively sharp. The case is ergonomic, protected from dirt and moisture.

Cameras for hobbyists

The following models are ideal for beginners:

Olympus OM-D E-M10. The device is made in a retro style, but has the most modern electronic filling. The device has a large number of undeniable advantages: stylish design, large viewfinder, high-quality autofocus, excellent color rendition. The main advantage of the camera is the five-axis built-in stabilizer. This option is not available on all professional devices. It allows you to take long exposure photographs while holding the camera in your hands, even in low quality lighting. The disadvantages include an uninformative, inconvenient menu.
Canon EOS M10. Thanks to its compact size and ease of use, it is suitable even for inexperienced beginners. Despite the reduced functionality, the camera retained the basic settings. The disadvantages include: non-ergonomic body, poor autofocus performance in night shooting conditions, uncomfortable grip. But all this is compensated by the low price of a “mirrorless” camera.

Mirrorless cameras are becoming increasingly popular and will eventually be able to completely replace DSLR cameras. Their design allows cameras of all shapes and sizes to be produced, with or without a viewfinder. Another advantage of such devices is that they are produced by several manufacturers. Thanks to this, the user can easily choose a model that will suit his individual needs.