Mirrorless cameras offer image quality at the same level as DSLR, allowing lenses to be changed, but smaller and lighter.
Contents
The Concept
The concept of a mirror-free camera with interchangeable lenses is virtually as old as the photograph itself. In the more difficult times of film photography, two types of devices appeared - rangefinders and later SLR cameras. They ultimately prevailed for their versatility and practicality, and cameras with interchangeable lenses and without a mirror became a marginal matter.
The change came when high-quality displays and electronic viewfinders appeared. The sensor data processing speeded up, and the cameras suddenly did not need a complex and expensive mirror and viewfinder system. As a result, the body and lenses were made smaller at the same time, and production was simplified.
It didn't take long for such cameras to be offered by almost all camera manufacturers.
The Pros & Cons
SLRs have both advantages and disadvantages over SLRs.
Benefits include:
- Lower weight and dimensions
- More convenient and faster shooting through the display
- Automatic viewfinder and display switching
- Same focusing through viewfinder and display
- The video can also be shot through the viewfinder
- Non-original lenses through attachments and adapters can also be easily used
- Easy manual focusing
The disadvantages are then:
- Less choice of lenses, sometimes more expensive
- Low battery life
- Especially on cheaper models slower focus
- The electronic viewfinder does not suit everyone
- When changing the lens directly exposed chip - beware of dust and damage
- The price is not lower - sometimes the opposite
Mirrorless cameras can be tiny, including lenses. And although it's a matter of taste, they can be much more stylish than classic SLRs. DSLRs look like black blobs - mirrorless come in a much more extensive range of shapes and designs.
In particular, ladies will appreciate the fact that they can often choose from a variety of colors. Including blue or even pink, and younger users will welcome that many models are equipped with a rotating display for a selfie.
Let’s have a look for the available models in this entry-level category:
- OLYMPUS E-M10 II
- FUJIFILM X-T100
- CANON M50
- Sony Alpha A6000
- Panasonic Lumix GX80 / GX85
OLYMPUS E-M10 II
The OM-D E-M10 is a great camera that is packed with Olympus's best-of-breed design and technology. Nothing is missing, but instead offers something extra.
I like its retro design. It has quite fast software, clear menus; controls are exactly where they should be.
I also like the quality of craft ergonomics of holding. The camera is more for smaller hands than mine, but when you go to buy it, you buy it just because it is small and compact.
Also, the camera offers 5-axis image stabilization, built-in flash, or WiFi support.
A high-speed AF system is available for shooting action shots.
There are 25 scene modes to choose from, including portrait, landscape, night mode, panorama, macro, etc. These modes automatically optimize camera settings according to specific conditions. With Creative Photo Story, you can easily create collage images from slides, or add stylish frames based on preset templates.
Tech Specs:
16MP
ISO 200 - 25600
5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
3″ Tilting Screen
2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
8.0 fps continuous shooting
1920 x 1080 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
390g. 120 x 83 x 47 mm
Pros & Cons
+ 5-axis stabilization
+ metal construction
+ design and image
+ WiFi
+ Enhanced EVF
+ AF targeting PAD
+ improved control ergonomics
+ rich functional equipment
+ quiet electronic shutter
+ AF and video stabilization
+ large buffer
+ artistic effects
+ MyClips
- has no NFC
- not sealed
- the display is only tilting, not rotating
- more complicated menu
- lower quality of 4K Time Lapse videos
FUJIFILM X-T100
With the right lens and in the right hands, the Fujifilm X-T100 has excellent potential. The X-T100 has a chance to reach a broader range of photographers. The picture quality is unique, and it is one of the top APS-C cameras. Enjoy high-quality OLED viewfinder, hybrid focus, tilt display, connectivity with smart devices. Although it is mirrorless, it has perfect battery life.
The top and bottom of the device are made of aluminum, which gives it strength and durability. The body itself weighs only 448 grams, so it sits comfortably in your hands. You'll like it because it offers three rotary dials on the top to quickly adjust the aperture, exposure, and other functions. The X-T100 has a highly efficient 2.36m points EVF viewfinder. Thanks to its precise electronics, you will see how the final image will look like. You will appreciate its quality most on very sunny days when the visibility of the display is limited. The 3-inch touch screen has more than 1 million pixels. You can easily take pictures from the ground or overhead, or flip it over for natural self-portrait photography.
Tech Specs:
24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO 200 - 12800( expands to 100-51200)
3″ Tilting Screen
2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
6.0 fps continuous shooting
4K - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
448g. 121 x 83 x 47 mm
Pros & Cons
+ Excellent picture quality
+ Stylish design
+ Easy to use
+ It has EVF and touch screen
+ very decent control
+ great price / performance ratio
-4K low-frequency video
- Average autofocus
- No weathering resistance
CANON EOS M50
Excellent CSC camera even with Ultra HD video. It offers a rich set of features that you won't miss anything essential.
The camera is suitable for beginners and intermediate. The fully rotatable display and microphone connection make it an appropriate model for beginners.
This is Canon's first mirrorless to consider. Thanks to its reasonable price, small size and very decent image performance it makes sense for novice photographers, or even moderately advanced, who prefer something small and compact
Tech Specs:
24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO 100 - 25600( expands to 51200)
3 Fully Articulated Screen
2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
10.0 fps continuous shooting
4K - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
390g. 116 x 88 x 59 mm
Pros & Cons
+ very decent video performance and speed
+ great control
+ reasonable price, which gives the camera a chance to compete with SLR cameras
+ Dual Pixel CMOS AF
+ OLED EVF
+ Fully rotatable touch screen display
+ 4K video
- missing sensor stabilization
- no electronic shutter mode
- Smaller buffer
- Smaller lens portfolio
Sony A6000
Sony A6000 is the best CSC from Sony with the APS-C sensor. It combines the best of the NEX-6 and NEX-7 models very well. It further shifts the image quality, but mainly radically improves the criticized autofocus. If you're looking for a compact and affordable APS-C SLR with interchangeable lenses, then the Sony Alpha 6000 is the best choice.
The camera includes a 24.3 Mpx Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor that excels in capturing superb low-noise images. The BIONZ X image processor also makes perfect use of the sensor's capabilities, making snapshots and Full HD video very quickly.
The camera also satisfies photographers looking for manual settings. A total of 7 buttons adapt to your photo preferences. In situations where you take pictures through the viewfinder and want to adjust the settings quickly, you will appreciate the control wheel, with which you can do it very quickly. The mode dial (P / S / M / A / video) can be found in an easily accessible position directly on the top.
Tech Specs
24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO 100 - 25600( expands to 51200)
3″ Tilting Screen
1440k dot Electronic viewfinder
11 fps continuous shooting
1920 x 1080 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
344g. 120 x 67 x 45 mm
Pros & Cons
+ quality of processing
+ picture quality
+ quality viewfinder
+11 fps
+ WiFi with NFC
- Slow start
- Saving photos is relatively slow
- You should avoid Sony 16-50mm OSS lens
- The menu could be more effectively organized
Panasonic Lumix GX80
A great camera that fits in a larger pocket for everyday use and individual photographic work. Old and new features make it a decent replacement for much larger devices. The GX80 could have a pop-up viewfinder like its predecessor. It offers a rich choice of features, excellent results, and a small body. Unobtrusiveness is welcome, especially when taking pictures of people.
The LUMIX DMC-G80 features an improved version of the Dual I.S optical stabilizer. 2. As the name suggests, this gyroscopic technology adjusts the lens shift (O.I.S. - Optical Image Stabilizer) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5 axes), which moves the sensor itself. In perfect cooperation, they achieve extremely precise results. Blurring caused by shaking is very significantly suppressed. As a result, pictures, and videos are sharp even in low light, or when shooting in motion. You can afford to increase the shutter speed by up to 5 EV compared to a camera without a stabilizer. The stabilizer works with both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
Tech Specs:
16MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
ISO 200 - 25600( expands to 100)
5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
3" Tilting Screen
2764k dot Electronic viewfinder
8.0 fps continuous shooting
4K - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
426g. 122 x 71 x 44 mm
Pros & Cons
+ Dual I.S. image stabilization
+ Viewfinder and display quality
+ Display is tilting and touch
+ Silent mechanical shutter
- 4K video is more compressed than in GX8
- Missing external microphone jack
- X-sync only 1/160 s.
- The 16: 9 viewfinder may not suit everyone
