You may have heard the buzz about mirrorless cameras but wondered, what is a mirrorless camera exactly?
What is a mirrorless camera?
In an SLR there is a mirror that reflects the light coming through the lens, up into a prism on top of the camera, and through the eyepiece for you to see exactly what the lens is seeing. Sort of like a periscope (see photo right).
When you press the shutter button to take a photo, the mirror flips up out of the way, the aperture in your lens opens, and the shutter that’s behind the mirror opens to allow light to hit the sensor at the very back of the camera. This all happens in an instant and that click-clack noise you hear when you take a photo is the mirror flipping up and down each time.
This is why DSLR bodies are made as deep as they are, they need to accommodate the mirror inside and its movement during the exposure.
Mirrorless cameras have no mirrors
In the new mirrorless cameras – as you may have guessed by the name – there is no mirror.
When you look into the viewfinder you’re not seeing exactly what the lens see, but an approximation in electronic form called an electronic viewfinder (EVF). When they first came on the market mirrorless cameras were not up to standard for most shooters, even advanced amateurs – as they had some issues including: a long shutter lag time, slow focus, lower image quality, and the electronic viewfinders weren’t so great.
They’ve come a long way with this technology and most of those issues have been addressed and handled well but the top manufactures in the mirrorless camera market. I’ve been wanting to jump in for some time and I’m excited to say I just picked up the Fuji X-T1 and am taking it on both of my upcoming photo tours to Nicaragua and Cuba!
Why I decided to get a mirrorless camera
There were several reasons but the biggest being weight.
My Canon 5D MarkIII with the standard 24-105mm f/4 lens is heavy.
Really heavy!
That combination weighs a whopping 1.6kg (3.5lbs), while the new Fuji rig with 18-135mm lens tips the scales at only 930g (just over two pounds!). That’s almost half of the weight, and when I factor in the other two lenses I also bought and am taking – my bag has been downsized significantly. If you’re a traveler and like to take lots of lenses with you – then you’ll know what I’m talking about here!
Another reason is that the X-T1 actually looks less professional.
When traveling that can be an advantage in that people you might want to photograph aren’t as intimidated by your “big” camera and lens and don’t automatically assume you’re going to sell it or put them all over the internet making money from their image.
So it actually makes it easier to approach people cause you look like just another tourist.
Even if you have a Canon Rebel or entry level Nikon or another brand – any of the larger size DSLRs have the same effect, people make the leap and assume you’re a pro even if you are not. As a fringe benefit you also won’t be as big of a target for thieves who are looking for the big ticket items.
I’m anxious to get it out in the field and give it a go. I wanted to share two videos with you that might help you decide if mirrorless is for you or not, maybe even this little Fuji. I chose this model because it most reminds me of my old film cameras with dials and knobs, not hidden menus. If you like the digital menus then the Sony NEX line might be more to your liking. Do some research and see which fits your needs best, I did and landed on the Fuji.
Fuji X-T1 review by Digital Rev TV
The host of this channel, Kai, seriously cracks me up. Be for warned he does say “sh*t” in this one so don’t watch if you have sensitive ears. I find his sense of humor is great and yet the information is still valid and useful. Check it out:
The great mirrorless autofocus shootout by The Camera Store
In this second video the guys at the Camera Store in Calgary, Canada put four mirrorless cameras to the test in the area of autofocus. If fast focus is on your list of “must have” features he does three tests and ranks them in order based on that criteria so you’ll find this really helpful. The cameras covered are:
- Panasonic GH4 – $1697 $1497 USD body only (four thirds sensor)
- Fuji X-T1 – $1299 $1198 USD body only (APS-C sensor)
- Sony A6000 – only $698 USD body only (APS-C sensor)
- Olympus E-M1 – $1299 USD body only (micro four thirds sensor, the smallest of this bunch)
What is the Best Digital Camera?
If you want help deciding on which is the best digital camera for you, I wrote an article that walks you through the decision process with 8 questions you need to ask yourself first.
What do you think?
So what are your thoughts on this? If you have an DSLR now is this idea of a smaller camera with the same power appealing to you? Or if you are using a point and shoot are you considering upgrading and going mirrorless?
Before making any decisions though, read my article on How to Choose the Best Digital Camera for You. It’ll likely help with you ask yourself some questions before deciding.
Share your thoughts on where you’re at in the comments below. If you’ve already invested in a mirrorless camera tell us which one and why you chose that one?
Cheers,
Hi Darlene,
Mirrorless camera – yes, but when
the right level of capability becomes available at the right price, including
lenses! What follows is as much my talking to myself, as to
you…..
I hardly use my DSLR (a venerable
Sony α550) any more, unless I really
need a long lens; the noise and CA, even with my 50mm f1.8 prime, is just
so much work to deal with, and even worse with the Sigma 18-250. That setup
actually did a very good job in Svalbard and Palestine (in excellent light), but
not so good in India (where the Sigma failed early on) and very patchy in
Antarctica (with very variable light). For the last 2 years I have used my Sony RX100II almost all the
time; it’s so small that it can be with me all the time (in a wallet-sized belt
pouch that also takes a spare card and battery, or just in my pocket), it shoots
HD video when I want it, the IQ is very good indeed – and with the tilting
screen I don’t (often) even miss a viewfinder.
So what I’m looking for is a system
camera that will offer even better IQ than the RX100II, along with faster and
more accurate AF, the flexibility of high-quality interchangeable lenses, the
ability to fit filters, and at a reasonable price. Until recently, the Sony
α6000 was the stand-out choice, but I
have hesitated over the limited range of lenses. Now the lenses are pretty well
there – but the α6000 is due to be
superseded, and I’m waiting to see what is coming.
Is the
right Mirrorless system out yet? – yes, but the Sony
α7RII (and especially the lenses) just cost
much more than I can justify; and as with any full-frame system, any lens beyond
200mm that is a good match for the camera’s capability is both huge and
mega-expensive (also some shorter lenses for Sony FE).
* I’m really taken by the
Olympus EM-5II (IBIS, hi-res mode for landscapes, and some superb lenses) – but
it is quite expensive for 16Mp, and the MFT test reviews keep saying that “it
can now challenge APS-C DSLRs”, whereas I want
something to beat them.
* I was also very interested in
the Fuji XT-10; in a twin-lens kit with the 18-55 and 55-200 at £1,000, and with
substantial ‘cashback’ on additional lenses, it is exceptional value for money.
However, it seems that to get the best from Fuji images in post-processing you
need Iridient Developer; but that only runs on Apple, so I would have to replace
my Windows laptop (at considerable extra cost) – and at age 70 I’d have to learn
a new camera system, new software and a new OS!!
* I have even looked at the
Pentax K-3II (fairly compact for an AS-C DSLR, and with IBIS and hi-res mode,
but I’m not convinced by Pentax lenses) and Canon 6D (excellent camera, but
full-frame lenses are so big).
I am therefore waiting to see what
the rumoured Sony α7000/6100/6000II
will offer – as long it is not too long delayed – I’m hoping for IBIS and a
hi-res mode, but might settle for an improved sensor and image processor, hybrid
AF, and 4K video.
I hope that this is not too much of
an essay, and I would welcome any comments that you might wish to feed back to
me – especially perhaps in relation to your Fuji XT-1.
all the best – and keep your great articles coming!
JimR
Agreed, one main reason why I chose the Fuji was having the viewfinder.
The weight of the fuji x t1 with 18-135 lens is NOT 440g, but more than double that figure, 930g. 440g is the weight the body only (with battery and memory card). The lens is another 490g. Despite this math error, the fuji kit is still a lot lighter than the canon body and lens that you mentioned, which weighs in at 1,530g. Your error would be no big deal if it weren’t that the whole point of this article is WEIGHT. Apparently you are more artist than scientist. 🙂
On another note, I’m looking to get the fuji x100t for its compactness. I have a 5D II and find that more and more, when deciding which lens to go out with, weight is a more important criterium. I like my canon 85 f1.8, for example, just because it’s so nice and small and LIGHT. I have a 50 f1.2, and sometimes think I would’ve been just fine with the 1.4. The x100t weighs only 440g and fits almost anywhere. Maybe It will be my Christmas present to myself. 🙂
Thank you for your interesting articles. I enjoy them very much. Never miss one!
Tony, I took the weight specs from the technical info on this page: http://www.adorama.com/IFJXT1KC.html
Which seems a bit misleading. It’s a page for the kit but the weight is only for the body. Thanks for catching that. The lens is 490g http://www.adorama.com/IFJ18135.html additional.
I first got the photography bug from my uncle when I was about 12. He taught me to shoot with a Leica rangefinder, I’m not sure of the exact model. When I decided to look into a higher quality digital (I had a Sony point and shoot), I looked at the Leica M. Very nice, well made, great image quality and light years above my price range. To make a long story short I wanted a camera with image quality that would still be impressive 4 or 5 years down the road and I wanted that Leica rangefinder look (looks like a camera not a video game controller). I wanted easy access to manual controls, and smaller, lighter, less conspicuous and well made. I chose a Fuji X E2 (The T1 was still a few months away). I love the camera and when the time comes to upgrade, Fuji will be my first choice. My wife has since bought a X M1 which I love to death as well and we use the same lenses, Bonus!
Hope you enjoy your T1.
LOL I love your comparison – video game controller. That’s how they feel to me too. I wanted buttons and dials.
Hi everyone, I just helped my mum determine whether to get the Sony A5000 or a superzoom point and shoot. I am SO pleased she went with the Sony; thankfully, so is she! We have already been out and about on a photowalk, comparing images and seeing just how well this little camera performs – I can honestly say I am a little bit jealous, and might just have to ‘help’ my mum a bit more 😉
A lighter weight rig is tempting, but I’ve got a lot invested my current camera system & an assistant that swears my bag is not too heavy!!
But you can’t always have an assistant, what if you are on vacation? My husband often carries my bag and he’s refreshed by the lighter load and not having to carry my bag for me.
My boyfriend is my assistant, so he’s typically there no matter the occasion. Something to consider for my future, but for now I’ll stick with what I’ve got. And maybe take up weightlifting!!
Yup there’s always that! LOL
I’ve had a couple of Lumix GF2s for quite a while. I love the small size. I shot some large group pics yesterday and was very pleased. For street photography they are great. No one pays attention. They’re a little old now, but when I upgrade I’ll stay with the micro 4/3.
I like to hike in the backcountry on multi-day excursions – where every pound counts. Last year I did an 80 to 90 km trail rated as difficult, and I was carrying a D800, 24 mm PCE, 50 mm f1.8 and 105 mm macro lens, and a few odds and ends. I figure it all came in at about 6 pounds, and my total weigh-out was about 45 pounds. If I had a Sony A7R, and some of the lighter Zeiss primes, I could have probably shaved 3 pounds off of that. The main loss is that I would not have had the tilt-shift – unless I got an adapter for by existing one.
A couple of things appeal concerning a mirrorless camera, and less weight is near the top of the list. Another advantage is the ability to use neutral density (ND) filters and still see the image due to electronic amplification. (Focusing with a 10-stop ND filter in front of the lens can be painful with a DSLR.)
The downside of mirrorless is battery life, and moving to a whole new system. But it Nikon made a mirrorless equivalent of the Sony A7R I would be very, very tempted.
Oh, and did I mention, the lower profile would make a Sony A7R a killer street camera.
Yes agree with all of that.
I got a Sony A6000 last May and sold my Nikon D90. No regrets, even though I loved the Nikon. Sony has some nice e-mount lenses that imho outperform their price points. Their 55 210, for example, works very well for bird photography and the 24 megapixel camera itself allows for a great deal of cropping without losing significant detail. What’s also nice is that even with outsize-looking lenses (see the video above) the camera very light… a pleasure to carry around.
Long been a fan of M 4/3 and with the Panasonic GX7 you get a great EVF and LED screen in a compact size that with the 20mm f1.7 pancake slips into my pocket. With zooms from 14mm – 600mm (35mm equiv) it fits in a very light bag (I can even take my G3 as well) that looks like a “man bag” rather than a special camera bag and the only things I have to take separate are the tripod, (the Gorillapod fits into my other pocket) flash kit, grad and solid NDs, reflectors etc. but everything except the reflectors fits into the tripod bag so I have more than halved the weight of my previous Cannon kit without looking an idiot by pointing a 100-400L with its tripod collar etc. Great glass now available too (although on the pricey side). What not to like?
I agree with Les on this one as well. Spent 10 days in Hawaii and only took my Nikon D610 and my 28-300 lens, and got really tired fast lugging that around. My shots are great but it was not always convenient taking this thing on hikes and did not even take it on a snorkeling adventure and we missed a bunch of shots of a huge pod of dolphins swimming around us for half an hour. I have a Nikon D7000 that I may sell with lens and go mirrorless as well.
Yes having it with you is a big key to getting the shots and if it’s more of a chore the camera is likely to stay behind.
Yes! I’m with you on this one. I still have my DSLR(s), but I went on holliday in Barcelona with my X-T1, and enjoyed a lot. Less weight to cary around, smaller size, but giving up nothing on photo quality. Now I keep my DSLR(s) for “studio” work, and take the Fuji out. I’m still waiting to buy 2 prime lenses for the Fuji, and bye-bye DSLR(s). I really like the Fuji line. And I won’t go back to DSLR when I go out.
Nice site
Regards
It is really hard to start thinking about another camera when I have several thousand tied up in camera bodies and lenses–sometimes technology doesn’t do us any favors with rapid changes–professionals can afford these changes but serious hobbyist have a more difficult time constantly changing equipment. That being said, as I get even older I may want to switch because packing around a dslr with zoom lenses gets heavy when you are in your mid-70’s! Bu the way your articles are the best I read and I read a lot of different ones.
Thanks Les – yes the cost is an issue for anyone even pros. But for anyone considering upsizing or downsizing I would say it’s an option.