The best mirrorless cameras

What to choose? DSLR vs. Mirrorless

We have already discussed many questions under the “What to choose” section. 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?

A DSLR 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 serfdom had just been abolished in Russia, the camera had 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 - a distinctive feature of any DSLR.

What is a mirrorless camera?

A mirrorless camera, just like a DSLR camera, 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.

An optical viewfinder is 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 is unique to DSLR 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.
DSLRs have better ergonomics 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.
DSLR cameras are generally less expensive 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.
A DSLR camera turns on much faster than a mirrorless camera. In a split second, while mirrorless cameras can turn on in 3 seconds.
life of DSLR cameras is significantly longer 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 are 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: today, professional shooting with a mirrorless camera is almost impossible. 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.
Large selection of 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?

TOP 5 mirrorless cameras

Just yesterday we talked about which is better: a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, where we identified their main differences. We won’t go into too much detail here, but let’s note the fact that mirrorless cameras have some advantages and many of them are worthy competitors to entry-level and even semi-professional level SLR cameras.

Below is a rating of the best mirrorless cameras, which was based on customer reviews. Reviews were taken from the Yandex.Market service.

1st place – Sony Alpha ILCE-6000

To make it easier to perceive and compare devices, we will write down the main characteristics of the model in the following table.

Price	800 dollars
Matrix type	CMOS
Number of pixels	24.7 million
Maximum resolution	6000 x 4000
Shooting 3D	Eat
Video recording, Video resolution	1920×1080
Video recording speed	60 fps
Zoom	4x

Quite an expensive device with good technical data. This camera also differs in that it has an almost ideal price/quality ratio. Its closest competitor is the Canon 7d mark II, but it costs much more. There are cheaper models, by the way, from Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras (entry-level DSLRs), but in terms of parameters they fall a little short. So this camera is one of the best mirrorless devices.

The following disadvantages can be identified from the reviews:

The battery drains quite quickly. By the way, this is a problem with mirrorless cameras. Here, to take a picture, a matrix, a processor, a focusing system, and most importantly an electronic viewfinder in the form of an LCD screen are involved in the work, and it consumes a lot of energy. So it’s not particularly surprising that the battery drains quickly;
The choice of optics is small. Indeed, optics for mirrorless cameras are rare on sale, and even then, they are quite expensive. It is likely that a large selection will appear soon, since mirrorless cameras are relatively new on the market;
Some artificial restrictions. For example, there is no HFR (120 + fps) and 4k mode. It is assumed that the hardware of mirrorless cameras is weak and does not support these modes, but inside the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit there is quite decent hardware;
The debt screen turns on;
The matrix overheats when shooting video. Therefore, there is a limit of approximately 20-25 minutes for shooting. The matrix cools down quite quickly.

In fact, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras with an excellent matrix and a fairly wide range of functionality. It's better than many entry-level DSLR cameras.

2nd place – Samsung NX Mini

According to tradition, characteristics:

Price	$450
Matrix type	BSI CMOS
Number of pixels	20.9 million
Maximum resolution	5472 x 3648
Shooting 3D	–
Video recording, Video resolution	1920×1080
Video recording speed	25/30 fps at 1280x720 and 1920x1080 resolutions
Zoom	–

About the main thing: this is a relatively inexpensive mirrorless camera that pleases with the quality of the image. It is compact, easy to use, and equipped with a capacious battery (as the manufacturer claims, the battery is enough for 650 shots). Some models with the same matrix are much more expensive than this device, which is a big plus.

According to reviews, the main disadvantages:

Build quality. Some buyers complain about the body of the device. The pier creaks and dangles. There are also complaints about poor attachment of the lens to the body - it wobbles, although this is just an isolated case;
Ergonomics. The device itself is compact, but with a lens it becomes quite large and awkward. It definitely won’t fit into your pocket with a lens;
No stereo recording for video;
No zoom. It's very rare for a camera to not have a zoom;
Very limited choice of optics.

Despite its shortcomings, the camera is actively sold on the market, and buyers respond very positively to it. So this device is deservedly in second position in the rating.

3rd place – Olympus OM-D E-M10

Device characteristics:

Price	$730
Matrix type	Live MOS
Number of pixels	17.2 million
Maximum resolution	4608 x 3456
Shooting 3D	Eat
Video recording, Video resolution	1920×1080
Video recording speed	25/30 fps at 1280x720 and 1920x1080 resolutions
Zoom	Eat

A beautiful externally and quite good internally mirrorless camera with excellent ergonomics. The model is quite compact, and the presence of touch controls is beneficial, although it would seem that it is easier to control the camera with mechanical buttons. Focusing deserves special attention. It is manual and implemented perfectly: there is focus picking, plus you can increase the focusing area - all this is enough to accurately aim at the object. In general, we can talk about the advantages for a very long time. The cons are much more interesting.

Disadvantages according to reviews:

The video camera is bad. And in general, video cameras in cameras are bad a priori;
There is a lot of noise at ISO 3200;
Dependence on light. There will be noise in poorly lit rooms, but almost all cameras suffer from this;
Ergonomics. The camera is compact, so much so that people with large hands have problems using it;
Expensive optics for the device;
Weak battery. If you go for a walk with your camera, it is better to take a spare battery.

In general, that's all. As a conclusion, we can say: this is one of the best mirrorless cameras with positive customer reviews. That is why it is in 3rd place in the ranking.

4th place – Fujifilm X-M1

Characteristics:

Price	$770
Matrix type	X-Trans CMOS
Number of pixels	16.5 million
Maximum resolution	4896 x 3264
Shooting 3D	–
Video recording, Video resolution	1920×1080
Video recording speed	25/30 fps at 1280x720 and 1920x1080 resolutions
Zoom	Eat

Fujifilm X-M1 Kit is a beautiful device in appearance, which in terms of characteristics is vaguely reminiscent of the previous model. The price difference is small, but the matrix type is different. Overall, the model is not bad, although its big drawback is its overpriced price for Russia. For the same money you can find good analogues. Still, the camera has received positive reviews, which is why it is included in the list of the best.

Flaws:

Overcharge;
Expensive lenses;
Weak ergonomics. It's frankly uncomfortable to hold the camera in your hands;
The body is mostly plastic. There is also metal, but it is not enough;
Small capacity battery. It's better to carry a spare one with you.

Still, despite all the disadvantages, the camera is very pleasing. The picture is simply magnificent, and that’s the main thing. Color reproduction is excellent, and in general Fujifilm is one of the leading leaders in this. Can we recommend this mirrorless camera? Of course yes! Still, carefully study the shortcomings of the device and read as many customer reviews as possible. And one more thing: the price of the device is high and, at least for this money, there is a competitor - the Olympus OM-D E-M10.

5th place – Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

Price	$450
Matrix type	Live MOS
Number of pixels	16.84 million
Maximum resolution	4592 x 3448
Shooting 3D	Eat
Video recording, Video resolution	1920×1080
Video recording speed	50/60 fps at 1280x720 and 1920x1080 resolutions
Zoom	4x

Let's talk about the advantages right away: the kit comes with a fairly good kit lens, the size is compact, and the image quality is excellent. I am glad that the camera is well assembled and it is clear that high-quality materials were used. The controls are buttons and switches, which are rare given the size of the camera. In general, the first impressions of the device are excellent.

Compactness. The other side of the coin: the controls and small size take some getting used to. However, after a month or two you can get used to the camera;
The lens is large. Despite the compactness of the device, you can’t carry it in your pocket;
Functionally there is a shutter speed. However, after holding for 10 seconds, the matrix begins to overheat;
Optics that fit this camera are available in just a few units - very difficult to find.

In general, although it is one of the best mirrorless cameras, we still do not want to recommend it. If possible, choose something from the list above. That's all.

Why you shouldn't buy a full-frame mirrorless camera

Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras are very popular. Many fans of this system talk about the unconditional victory of this format over SLR cameras, but not everything is so rosy. Sony markets its cameras based on several claims. Let's look at them in order.

Claim #1: Compact

First of all, we're hearing that full-frame mirrorless cameras are more compact than DSLRs with the same sensor format.

Let's look at this statement. You can use camerasize.com to compare camera and lens sizes.

Consider the Sony a7RII, Canon 5DS and Sony A99. Each camera has a 24-70 F/2.8 lens, which is produced specifically for this type of camera. As you can see the overall length is the same. Sony failed to overcome the laws of physics. If you make the camera smaller, you will have to add length to the lens.

So you have the choice of either buying one large body and many small lenses, or one small camera and many large lenses. Many photographers carry a lot of optics with them. Thus, the total equipment volume of a mirrorless camera is greater than when using a DSLR camera. Also with larger lenses it's not the best balance when using a mirrorless camera.

Sometimes full-frame Sonys with lenses are even larger than DSLRs with the same optics.

Shown here is the Sony a7RII with the new 85mm F/1.4 GM compared to the Sony A99 with the Sony-Zeiss 85mm F/1.4.

We can also compare this camera with a Canon DSLR:

Here the a7RII with 85mm F/1.4 is larger than the Canon 5DsR with 85mm F/1.2, despite the fact that the Canon optics are faster.

Then, when you compare the Leica SL full-frame mirrorless camera to a DSLR, the lack of size advantage becomes even more striking:

From left to right: Leica SL with 50mm F/1.4 Summicron, Sigma 50mm F/1.4 ART with Canon 5DsR, Canon 50mm F/1.4 with 5DsR, and A99 with 50mm F/1.4.

The only time a mirrorless camera wins is when compared to a pancake lens:

Here the a7RII and A99 are shown with the 20mm F/2.0 lens.

Interestingly, the Zeiss Batis 85mm F/1.8 lens produces the same depth of field as the APS-C Fuji XF 56mm F/1.2. At the same time, you cannot find similar optics with an F/1.2 aperture for Sony cameras. Why do you need a full frame if you can't get a smaller depth of field than on an APS-C camera.

The only reason to limit the aperture to F/1.8 is to create smaller lenses. If they made F/1.2, then the optics for full-frame Sonys would be even larger. But look at this:

Shown here are a Sony a7RII with a Zeiss 85mm F/1.8 Batis, a Nikon D810 with an 85mm F/1.8 and a Fuji X-Pro2 with a 56mm F/1.2. All sets have the same viewing angle thanks to the Fuji's crop factor. At maximum aperture, all of these systems produce the same depth of field along with the same focal length.

If compactness really matters, then the choice falls on the Fuji 56mm F/1.2.

To really get compact, you'll have to go down to a smaller format. APS-C mirrorless cameras are actually more compact than APS-C DSLRs:

Here the Fuji X-Pro2 is shown with a 56mm F/1.2 lens and the Pentax K-3 with a 55mm F/1.4 lens. Even though the Fujifilm lens is faster, the overall system is more compact.

Therein lies the problem: the size advantage of APS-C mirrorless doesn't scale to full frame given the size of the optics. The camera body may be smaller, but you can't shoot without a lens. This is why with a 50mm F/1.8 lens, there is no benefit in size:

Here the a7RII is shown with the new 50mm F/1.8 and the 5DsR with the 50mm F/1.8. If you carry multiple lenses, then in the case of a mirrorless camera you will feel the disadvantage of the size of the optics.

Claim #2: Weight

The next point in favor of full-frame mirrorless cameras is that the camera weighs less than a DSLR. There is also talk about a smaller height and width of the camera. However, this is only partly true because Sony puts such small batteries in its cameras that you have to carry several spare batteries with you. This will minimize the difference in the size of the total payload you need to carry.

Here we see the rear view of the Canon 5DS R, Sony a7RII and Leica SL.

Claim #3: In-body image stabilization

Sony full-frame DSLRs have built-in sensor-shift stabilization (IBIS).

Sony have had 2-axis IBIS (Steady Shot) in DSLRs since 2003. Now the system has developed to five axes and has migrated to mirrorless cameras. Pentax also has 5-axis IBIS in the K-1. It turns out that built-in stabilization is not a feature of mirrorless cameras. It can be used in any design. It all depends on the system that the manufacturer develops.

Optics manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron are reluctant to spend money on developing lenses that support IBIS. The fact is that the sensor moves up and down, as well as to the sides when stabilizing. Therefore, the lens must provide a larger image circle so that the matrix does not extend beyond its limits. This can affect the quality and cost of the optics. Such a system should be developed initially with specific goals. In addition, this approach will affect the size of the lens. This is one of the reasons why the optics for Sony cameras are so large.

In addition, Zeiss argued that the short distance between the bayonet and the matrix does not allow for high-quality images in wide-angle optics. At a short distance, light rays hit the matrix at a very large angle, which leads to artifacts and distortions.

Statement No. 4: Adaptation of non-native lenses

Another important advantage of Sony mirrorless cameras is that they allow you to use optics from other manufacturers using adapters. Sony's Kimio Maki said the following in an interview:

Do you expect that someone who has a collection of Canon telephoto lenses could potentially use them to shoot sports with the a7R II?

I hope our native lenses are better! But it will happen. I see people using Sony a7 series cameras with third party lenses all the time... This is because people already have those lenses. It works, but our native lenses are much better...

Adapters certainly do a good job, but they are awkward to use and often do not provide full functionality.

Some adapters reduce light transmission by about 1/2 stop. The advantage of the native autofocus functionality is lost. It's always much better to use your original lenses.

Statement #5: Preview the actual exposure

The next statement is that in the electronic viewfinder you can always see the real brightness of the photo. Of course, this is a good feature, but a new Canon patent suggests combining an electronic and optical viewfinder. The same feature will soon appear on DSLRs.

conclusions

Mirrorless cameras do not have significant advantages over DSLRs. Each system has its own pros and cons. If you use one camera and only a couple of lenses, undoubtedly in the case of Sony you will gain in size and weight, but when working with a large number of optics, this advantage smoothly turns into a disadvantage.

Most of Sony's claims about the benefits of their cameras are overrated. This is a marketing ploy. We are forced to look at small details, such as compact cameras and built-in stabilization and weight, but are not shown the big picture, that with optics their cameras are no more compact than devices from other manufacturers.

There's a lot of talk about autofocus speed. Undoubtedly, Sony has developed a unique and high-quality autofocus system that can even work with optics from other manufacturers via adapters. This is good for luring users of other systems into purchasing their compact full-frame cameras. But every DSLR manufacturer has cameras whose autofocus works no worse than Sony’s with native lenses. So the only advantage is that you can use different lenses.

Special projects7 reasons to choose a mirrorless camera

What you need to know about modern cameras

Just a few years ago, DSLR cameras were the only choice for those who decided to take photography seriously. But now they have a competitor - mirrorless cameras. In a joint project with Fujifilm, photo editor Ksenia Babushkina spoke with photographer Konstantin Mitrokhov about how different types of cameras differ and why he chose a mirrorless one.

Dimensions

Now I have a Fujifilm X-T2, and before that I had a Fujifilm X100S - a compact mirrorless camera with which I photographed dozens of editorials. It gives an excellent picture and does not attract attention - this is a big plus when you are filming a report. With a big camera - and DSLRs are usually big - you're always visible, and people wonder why you're photographing them.

When I got a compact camera, I began to take more spontaneous pictures on the street. So gradually I stopped using the DSLR and sold it. DSLR cameras are large because they have a pentaprism and a mirror itself, which rises with a loud click at the moment of shooting, turning any DSLR camera into a mirrorless one. The mirror does not affect the image quality. It was especially relevant in the film era, when there were no matrices and displays, as it made it possible to see what was happening in the lens. Modern cameras do not need a mirror - the image is instantly displayed on the display.

Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter, they do not attract attention, which is convenient if you shoot reports

Semyon Evlatyev FUJIFILM X-T2 XF16-55mmF2.8

Elena Petrova FUJIFILM X-T2 XF16-55mmF2.8

Konstantin Gribov FUJIFILM X-T2

Taras Bychko FUJIFILM X-T2 XF18mmF2

Elena Petrova FUJIFILM X-T2 XF16mmF1.4

Oleg Samoilov FUJIFILM X-A2 XF10-24mmF4

Lenses

The lens largely determines what the image will be like. They come in two types: primes, in which the focal length is fixed, and zooms, in which it can be changed during shooting, enlarging or zooming out the image. An important characteristic of a lens is its aperture, that is, how much light can pass through it when the shutter is released. Fix gives a brighter and sharper picture.

Lenses for mirrorless cameras are lighter and smaller, and the price of some models is lower. I currently use two primes - Fujifilm XF 50mm and XF 16mm. The first is needed for portraits or details, the second - for general plans, interior and architectural photography. With both, you can shoot in rain, snow and down to minus 10 degrees.

Fujifilm has produced a large number of professional lenses for mirrorless cameras - the line covers all the most popular focal lengths. There will be 30 lenses in total by the end of the year. You can also use adapter rings for any brand of optics. For example, install a Leica or Helios manual lens.

Mirrorless camera lenses are lighter, smaller and often cheaper

DSLR vs mirrorless camera: what to choose in 2017?

In the not-too-distant past, a DSLR camera was the only option for a person planning to take up photography professionally. The alternative was a “soap box”, which looked completely frivolous.

However, now there are a huge number of mirrorless cameras on the market that can take high-quality pictures and, moreover, do not cost a lot of money like DSLRs.

Conservative photographers look at the new technology with obvious disdain, arguing that professional photography without a mirror is nonsense. But are mirrorless cameras really that bad?

What is the main difference?

A DSLR camera has a viewfinder, the operating principle of which is based on a mirror. This type of viewfinder is called an optical viewfinder (OVF). The mirror is placed in the device at an angle of 45 degrees, so the photographer can see the real image, not digitized. This is called parallax-free sighting .

Through the lens, the image hits the mirror, which gives a reflection to the pentaprism located at the top of the device. The purpose of the pentaprism is to flip the image so that its orientation is normal. Without a pentaprism, the photographer would see the image upside down.

Mirrorless cameras do not have mirrors inside - they are equipped with electronic viewfinders ( EVF ). The photographer sees an image that has previously been digitally processed and can immediately adjust the brightness, contrast and other parameters. Parallax-free viewing is not available to the user of such a camera.

Mirrorless: better or worse than a DSLR?

To understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of camera, it is necessary to consider their main characteristics.

Dimensions

It's worth starting with the obvious - with sizes . A mirror device, as a rule, has a massive body and a block protruding from the top - it houses a pentaprism. Since mirrorless cameras do not have this block, they will be lighter and more compact. A mirrorless camera can be hidden in your trouser pocket, while a DSLR will definitely have to be worn around your neck. In terms of dimensions, we note the defeat of mirror devices.

Over time, manufacturers manage to produce less and less bulky “DSLRs”. Mirrorless devices have the opposite trend - they are equipped with more and more functions, so they become “fat.” The difference in size will likely be erased by the hand of technological progress in the coming years.

Autofocus

Mirror devices are distinguished by phase focusing - special sensors are used that are located next to the pentaprism and examine the light flux.

Mirrorless cameras use contrast autofocus. This means that focusing is carried out using software after analyzing the image that is captured on the matrix. Mirrorless cameras focus much slower than DSLRs, and not as accurately.

Some modern mirrorless models have phase sensors installed on their matrices, but in terms of focusing speed, these devices are still inferior to DSLRs.

Lenses

Since DSLR and mirrorless cameras have different designs, they also require different lenses.

There are significantly more lenses for SLR cameras - the owner of one of these devices will definitely not be limited in choice.

The owner of a mirrorless camera, however, should not be embarrassed by this, because he can purchase an adapter .

Using an adapter, you can install a lens from a DSLR onto a device without a mirror. Whether this decision turns out to be reasonable is up to the photographer to decide - his compact “mirrorless” camera with a large lens from a DSLR will most likely look ridiculous and be somewhat inconvenient to handle due to the shifted center of gravity.

Battery life

Using the electronic viewfinder and display requires constant energy consumption, and due to the compact size of the “mirrorless” camera, it cannot be equipped with a high-capacity battery. Therefore, the owner of such a device is recommended to carry an additional battery with him everywhere.

Thanks to the mechanical design of the viewfinder, the DSLR does not require a large supply of milliamps. A budget SLR camera is capable of taking 800 or more pictures on a single battery charge, and the Nikon D4 can take 3,000 pictures. You can take a maximum of 300 photos with a mirrorless camera - then the device will require recharging.

The insufficient battery capacity of a mirrorless camera is unlikely to be a problem for a city photographer (300 shots is quite a lot), but a traveler will definitely have to save power.

Moment of shooting

At the moment the shutter on the “DSLR” is released, the pentaprism and the mirror rise – a mechanical operation accompanied by vibration and noise. Some photographers find the shaking of the device in their hands uncomfortable, while others, on the contrary, like to “feel life” inside the device. A DSLR camera is noisier than a mirrorless camera, but this cannot be clearly called an advantage or disadvantage.

Some manufacturers have come as close as possible to eliminating shutter noise from their DSLRs. For example, modern Nikon devices have a “quiet mode” - noise is reduced by slowing down the movement of the mirror.

Matrix

The larger the matrix in physical size, the higher the quality of shooting will be - especially in low light conditions. A large matrix with a lack of light provides a shallow depth of field and quite pleasant bokeh (background blur).

“Mirrorless cameras” in this case suffer from their compact dimensions - as a rule, tiny matrices are installed in them.

Full-format matrices (full frames) are not yet used in mirrorless cameras - and this is one of the key arguments of DSLR supporters. However, whether a novice photographer needs such a matrix is a big question. Typically, DSLRs with full frames are used only in exceptional shooting situations.

Price

Installing mirror mechanisms is not an easy task. A “DSLR” includes a lot of moving components - as a result, the assembly of the device must be as precise as possible. Creating a “DSLR” is a labor-intensive process, and therefore the cost of the device is high.

A mirrorless device with approximately the same characteristics will have a more liberal price, but you won’t be able to buy this device for nothing either. Mirrorless cameras are still a relatively new product on the market, and new products always require large marketing expenses. Ultimately, the buyer of a mirrorless camera has to overpay - for advertising by the manufacturer.

Other characteristics

A photographer choosing between a DSLR and a mirrorless device needs to remember the following aspects:

Reliability. “DSLRs,” despite the fragility of the elements, are generally more reliable - many of them are dust- and moisture-proof. If the photographer’s goal is to film parkour classes or “hunt with a photo gun” for wild animals in the desert, you should refuse to buy a “mirrorless” camera.
Limiting the shooting speed. After each shutter release, the mirror in the DSLR rises. The operation occurs incredibly quickly, but still requires some time. The record holder among DSLRs in this regard is Nikon D4. It is capable of shooting up to 11 frames per second. This actually means that the mirror goes up and down a whopping 11 times in just 1 second! In slow motion, the high-speed frame change on Nikon looks like this:

However, owners of mirrorless cameras will not be impressed by the speed of the Nikon D4. Even an average mirrorless camera can shoot at 8-10 frames per second.

Air movement. Due to the movement of the mirror inside the camera, air moves - and with it dust and dirt. Mirror devices have to be cleaned much more often.

conclusions

Buying a DSLR camera is advisable if:

The photographer is going to photograph sporting events. A mirrorless camera cannot focus quickly enough and is therefore not suitable for this task.
The photographer is a naturalist and will photograph wildlife. A “DSLR” can live for a long time without a power outlet—“in the wild,” this is important.
The camera will be used for filming parkour and other extreme activities. From a design point of view, a DSLR is stronger than a mirrorless one.
The photographer is engaged in studio photography. The “SLR” has an impressive size, and therefore it is easier for its owner to convince potential clients of his own professionalism.

You need to purchase a “mirrorless” camera if:

Budget is limited. Mirrorless devices are cheaper than DSLRs with similar parameters, as they have a simpler design.
The photographer is going to shoot parties. “Mirrorless cameras” are characterized by a high frame rate - therefore, the likelihood of getting an excellent photo during continuous shooting is higher.
For a photographer, it is important that the camera be compact. “DSLR” cameras have larger dimensions than “mirrorless” cameras, which are easy to hide in your pocket.

Even the luminaries of photography cannot come to a consensus on which camera is better - a DSLR or a mirrorless one. According to statistics, in 80% of cases, owners of DSLRs resort to LiveView - that is, they do not use the mirror at all. The use of a mirror is necessary if, for example, shooting takes place in sunny weather or if quick focusing is needed.

In most other cases, you can get excellent photos from a mirrorless camera.

A guide to choosing a budget mirrorless camera. Spring 2014

Mirrorless cameras were created as a compact alternative to bulky DSLRs. In this case, special emphasis was placed on image quality and large sensor format. These two points are exactly what clearly distinguishes mirrorless cameras from simpler compacts with non-replaceable optics. The latter, in turn, are losing ground under the onslaught of smartphones.

Available system cameras from the Nikon 1 family

A mirrorless camera is usually looked at by those who have simply outgrown the level of a digital point-and-shoot camera and require a noticeably higher quality result. Moreover, even budget mirrorless cameras successfully cope with this task. Such cameras are also called system cameras.

“A system camera is a camera of modular design with interchangeable key components that are assembled around a system core, most often a housing with a mechanism and a film channel,” as Wikipedia describes a system camera. From this definition it follows that the term system camera has existed since the film era, but digital cameras of mirrorless design also fell under the definition of system cameras. Today, the image quality produced by mirrorless cameras is practically indistinguishable from the result of a DSLR camera. At the same time, mirrorless cameras offer a number of advantages over mirrorless ones: fewer moving parts and a reduced risk of breakdowns due to mechanical wear, extremely compact dimensions and weight of the camera itself and compatible optics due to the elimination of a bulky pentaprism, as well as support for contrast-phase autofocus.

Visual comparison of sensor sizes

There are only a few leading systems, differing primarily in the sizes of the matrices used. The Micro Four Thirds system uses a double-crop sensor - its diagonal is half the diagonal of the full frame (24x36 mm). This system is founded by Panasonic and Olympus. System cameras from Fujifilm, Sony, Samsung and Canon are based on APS-C format sensors with one and a half crop. Nikon and Pentax systems stand apart. Nikon offers cameras with a 2.7x crop factor, while Pentax cameras are extremely miniature and use matrices with a 4.7x crop factor. The physical features of the sensors are such that the higher the area of the matrix and its individual pixel, the smaller the available depth of field and the less noise. The system is characterized not only by the size of the matrix, but also by the type of bayonet, that is, the mounting of the optics. Each manufacturer invents its own bayonet mount, forcing the use of only native optics. To circumvent this nuance, there are various adapters from one system to another.

Which system should you choose? This depends on several conditions. To get semi-professional image quality, you should look at cameras with large sensors and a wide selection of optics. These cameras include products from Sony and Panasonic. Extreme compactness is offered by systems with small matrices - Nikon and Pentax. If you want a wealth of mechanical controls, then you should take a closer look at DSLR-style cameras. They are produced by Samsung and Panasonic, although they are already beyond the budget range. The Micro Four Thirds system is considered the most compromise option.

Mirrorless cameras vary greatly in price - the simplest solutions can be purchased for up to 20,000 rubles, and the most expensive system cameras from Sony, Olympus and Fujifilm are priced at 70,000 rubles. We will talk about the latter in the second part of the review, but today we will talk about only available solutions.

Canon EOS M

Canon EOS M is the debut mirrorless camera in Canon's arsenal. Its successor EOS M2 has so far appeared on sale only in its native Japanese market. At the same time, the first generation EOS M has dropped significantly in price and is a good buy in terms of price-quality ratio. The camera is built on an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor with hybrid autofocus. And, although the camera was presented in the summer of 2012, the image produced can be called very decent even now. After updating the device's firmware, the speed and accuracy of autofocus, which customers complained about at the start of sales, increases. The budget mirrorless camera can shoot video in Full HD, take pictures in RAW format, and perform burst shooting at a frequency of 4 frames per second. By the way, hybrid focusing also works for video recording mode.

By the way, Canon EOS M at one time became the lightest and most compact system camera with an APS-C sensor, but later lost its primacy to Sony. Its weight is 298 g with dimensions 109x66x32 mm. The flash comes with the camera and attaches to a standard hot shoe. By modern standards, the camera lacks a built-in Wi-Fi module. Well, the main drawback of the Canon EOS M and the system as a whole is the modest selection of compatible optics. There are only three lenses available, and third-party optics developers are not at all fond of the EOS M.

Fujifilm X-A1

Fujifilm actively exploits the design of classic film cameras of the last century in its digital cameras. The trend started with the Fujifilm X100 back in 2010, then several expensive mirrorless cameras were released, but the most affordable model, made in retro style, appeared only last fall.

Fujifilm X-A1 uses a one-and-a-half crop sensor made using classic CMOS technology with a Bayer color pattern. The camera contains a three-inch tilting display with a resolution of 920,000 dots, a built-in flash and a Wi-Fi module. In addition, the camera offers a set of creative filters that simulate the effects of classic film, as well as a good burst rate (6 fps) and Full HD video recording with stereo sound. Unlike flagship mirrorless cameras, the budget model does not have a viewfinder, but boasts a quick start video shooting button. Of course, the Fujifilm X-A1 uses simpler materials, and the finish of the body is rather rough, but in terms of its capabilities, the camera is practically not inferior to the more expensive X-M1 model, which is discussed below.

Fujifilm X-M1

And here is a more advanced and at the same time affordable mirrorless model from Fujifilm. Its main difference from the X-A1 is the proprietary X-Trans CMOS sensor, which provides a more detailed picture due to the absence of an anti-moire optical filter.

The matrix demonstrates excellent color rendition and low noise level, and additional shooting modes include multiple exposure, interval shooting, panorama shooting and HDR stitching. The controls are more aimed at beginners, unlike premium models. The Fujifilm X-M1 is the first camera in the company's line of mirrorless cameras priced under $1,000. In addition, the X-M1 was the first to offer on-board Wi-Fi and a tilting display.

Nikon 1 S1

In our review, we described this mirrorless camera with the succinct phrase “it couldn’t be simpler,” and it’s true. Its price today is about ten thousand rubles. This camera is suitable even for children, it is so uncomplicated.

The Nikon 1 S1 offers minimal controls and a non-touch screen with a resolution of only 460,000 dots. This is a very compact and stylish mirrorless camera, flavored with Nikon branded features. The 10-megapixel small 1″ format sensor is complemented by a fast 135-point hybrid focusing system and a powerful EXPEED 3A processor. The camera features several interesting modes, such as super slow motion videos, 60 fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter, shutter speeds up to 1/16000 sec, motion snapshot and best moment selector. There was even room in the camera for a built-in flash, but for wireless communication with mobile devices you will have to purchase an external Wi-Fi module WU-1b.

Nikon 1 J3

Nikon 1 J3 is one step higher than the younger S1, which does not prevent it from remaining a budget camera for beginners. The camera has the same compact dimensions and light weight as the Nikon 1 S1, as well as a control system simplified to the limit. The camera is suitable for undemanding users who have just switched from an inexpensive compact to a more serious system.

DSLR or mirrorless: how to choose

Crop, bracketing, ISO, digital stub and other words that are still unfamiliar to a novice photographer will not help you find a decent DSLR camera or its modern alter ego, a mirrorless camera.

Our consultants will help you understand the many characteristics between models; a 24-hour hotline is available throughout Russia free of charge 8 (800) 505-43-75; you can ask questions about the characteristics of cameras on social networks or here on our website.

Of course, you can always choose a technique yourself; it is for this case that the function of searching by parameters and comparing the characteristics of different cameras has been developed - this will not be difficult for photography experts. Beginners will have to delve into the terminology, but the search for the best affordable, functional camera within the budget will hopefully become much easier after reading this review.

First, let's define: DSLR cameras ( Digital Single - Lens Reflex ) are models with a mirror viewfinder, and in a mirrorless viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as BZK or CSC) it has an electronic digital format . Other differences are optional, depending on the class and cost of the camera.

What is better: a modern fashionable mirrorless camera or the usual common SLR photographic equipment?

Who you are?

For a beginning enthusiast, it is quite reasonable to learn how to work with both types of cameras; colleagues will tell you where to start (opinions will differ, be prepared), but the final choice of equipment will show your accumulated experience and intentions regarding development in the profession. But let’s be honest, it’s more convenient to shoot extreme photography with a BZK: you’ll get high-quality, clearer, brighter photos.
Confident, experienced user - you have already mastered the DSRL technique and are thinking about upgrading your “carcass” or changing the camera to a fundamentally different system. Of course, it will be easier for you to understand a mirrorless camera if you already have experience shooting with more conventional DSLR cameras. Buying a digital model is completely justified; it won’t be any worse, but good results in photographs can be achieved with a high probability.
Professional photographer – already shooting with a Leica or Hasselblad? Even these famous manufacturers produce mirrorless models, therefore, any skepticism regarding their choice should be forgotten.

Why do you need a camera?

Shoot everything for memory - in automatic mode, occasionally understanding the manual settings out of curiosity. Which model to buy for this case depends only on the budget. Fortunately, manufacturers do not force you to choose between image quality and cost; for household, non-professional use, it is quite possible to find inexpensive cameras in their segment with the best characteristics. It doesn’t matter what kind of viewfinder it is.
As a tool for a hobby, a camera is purely for passion, the desire to work not for publication in a prestigious magazine, but for one’s own experience. BZK or DSLR, it doesn’t matter, you should start from the plot that you want to shoot more of. Let us remind you that sports, extreme sports, and movement are better suited for mirrorless cameras.
To make money - there is, and not without reason, a professional opinion that cameras with an electronic viewfinder show themselves to be more accurate relative to manual focus, even in poor lighting. The function of illuminating areas with insufficient exposure will also be useful in the BZK camera. You can save a lot of time by taking pictures right away and well, without preliminary “shooting”.

Spoiler alert: there are still not many interchangeable lenses and accessories available for mirrorless cameras, so if you plan to shoot in all styles and for all eminent publications, becoming a universal photography genius, it is still wiser to remain faithful to DSLRs, tested in the most extreme conditions.

What's your budget?

With equal characteristics, cameras with two different viewfinder systems may have, at first glance, inexplicably different prices, and sometimes the overpayment is unjustified if, for example, you are purchasing a camera for home use.

Don’t forget also that in addition to the “body”, that is, the camera itself, you will need to buy lenses, filters, accessories, and other additional equipment. The same is true for both types of cameras, but for models with mirror optics, more replacement elements are needed.

If your enthusiasm has not disappeared and the upcoming expenses do not frighten you, you can proceed directly to choosing equipment. Of course, there is more information about DSLRs on the Internet and this type of camera is more familiar and familiar to users, so let's start with CSC models.

Advantages of mirrorless cameras

In addition to the already mentioned manual focusing accuracy, each DSLR boasts a good continuous shooting speed. And not at the expense of quality - some BZK cameras can produce up to 20 frames per second, but for reporting, even action-themed ones, 8 is quite enough.

This result is achieved by saving time on raising and lowering the reflection elements from the matrix, as happens in SLR cameras. And what, even autofocus works smoothly? Of course, the resulting photos turn out noticeably better over the entire area, including clear, sharp edges of the frame. Alas, this property cannot be called stable on DSRL cameras.

Autofocus and placement points. In addition to the fact that BZK models have a face recognition and focusing function, which is very convenient for portrait photography, in cameras of this type the focal points are distributed using undoubtedly the best technology. The frame turns out to be more detailed, sharp, and alive. It is hardly possible for DSLR cameras to catch up with this level.

Weight. If you photograph events of any nature, even an extra 500-700 grams in the camera at the end of the event will seem like an unbearable weight to you. Unlike SLR cameras, equipment in the BZK category is lightweight; in addition, these cameras are more durable, since there is no fragile reflective element in the design.

Treatment. Of course, the time will come when the best photographic equipment in terms of its characteristics will be produced in a size and weight no larger than a modern smartphone. In the meantime, the ability to apply filters directly to the RAW format has been added to the properties of UPC cameras, similar to frame processing in phone programs. It is not necessary to immediately save the effects; a camera with an electronic viewfinder allows you to simply “try on” the processing on a frame.

Zebra. Remember the backlight in the viewfinder for underexposed areas? Now in more detail - in no DSLR it is possible to evaluate the quality of the frame before creating the frame itself. That is, the BZK camera will show you all the problem areas in the viewfinder, before you press the shutter, and let’s face it, this is the best and most convenient way to take beautiful pictures, especially if you are a photographer without a lot of experience, but with great enthusiasm to work with a camera at night. Yes, this is also possible, the BZK camera will help out with a preliminary histogram even in insufficiently good lighting.

Mileage. Of course, cameras also have their own resource, and unlike DSLRs, BZK models have really good comparative endurance indicators. To be honest, there is nothing to break in such cameras, except that you should pay attention to the battery - a BZK camera on one battery charge will be able to take up to 400 frames, while DSLRs will produce more than 1000. But if you remember that mirrorless cameras do not need test frames, then this difference is leveled out.

It seems that this set of functionality should inspire beginners to master the art of working with a camera, especially considering that technology is developing at an incredible speed. If today, in 2018, you miss the moment and ignore training with a UPC camera, then it will be somewhat difficult to catch up with this level. The feeling doesn’t disappoint, these are really good, promising devices, but you still shouldn’t write off a DSLR camera.

Advantages of mirror models

Both types of cameras - matrix and system, that is, with interchangeable lenses and for DSLR versions, the choice of lenses is unconditionally good and varied. Despite the decent functionality of the UPC models, professionals are not yet in a hurry to abandon the usual heavy cases with many interchangeable lenses. It's all about the possibilities - you can quickly select the right optics for any subject. Wide-angle for landscapes or interiors, portrait, telephoto (for when shooting from afar is required), macro, etc.

Bayonet is a beautiful and extremely important word for everyone who has decided to choose equipment specifically for the further expansion of the photo park. Not all lenses are compatible with camera bodies, and the mount will be the culprit for purchasing adapters. This is the attachment point for the optics on the camera; before purchasing a lens, it is always a good idea to make sure that it fits the mount.

The turn-on and focusing speed on DSLRs is slower ; the battery lasts, as we have already found out, for a longer period of time and number of frames. Photographers who work more often in manual shooting mode still find it difficult to get used to the buttons, wheels and switches on DSLR cameras, which also provide access to settings in the shortest possible time. It's comfortable.

The viewfinder is a controversial point and it all depends on your preferences. Real-time image in optical or transferring the image to a digital screen in CSC cameras is not worth raising, this can develop into a meaningless debate about which is cooler: Canon or Nikon.

Cost is a relative aspect, but so far no other models can compete with the capabilities included in the base price of DSLR cameras.

What to choose? We sincerely apologize, but we do not have a clear answer to this question. We know one thing: to be honest, beginners will be equally pleased to get used to both types of photographic equipment, and professionals are not without pleasure waiting for the next breakthrough from the creators of mirrorless models. We are sure that you still have questions, and we will readily answer them at any convenient time.