To learn to take good photographs with a mirrorless camera There are a few things to understand. First of all, you need to know how the camera works, you need to master the theory. Therefore, let's start with a description of cameras.
What is a mirrorless camera?
As many might understand from the name, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror. The operation of a mirrorless camera relies more on electronics than mechanics. So in a DSLR, in order to create a frame, the mirror must rise. In a mirrorless camera, the light flux hitting the sensor at a certain time is simply recorded. The same goes for the viewfinder. In SLR cameras it is predominantly optical (not always). It is usually absent in mirrorless cameras, but if it is present, it is certainly electronic. The autofocus system of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is also slightly different.
SLR camera design
In an SLR camera, there is a mirror behind the lens that reflects the light flux into the viewfinder pentaprism. The pentaprism makes the image not upside down. Autofocusing is carried out using a special sensor unit. The sensors usually receive light from an additional mirror. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror rises and the viewfinder no longer shows the frame. All the light goes to the matrix, which leads to exposure of the frame.
Luminous flux in a SLR camera at the time of photography
Advantages of a DSLR camera:
- The optical viewfinder allows you to see the picture without the participation of electronics. This eliminates distortion and braking when moving quickly.
- Phase sensors used in the autofocus system of a SLR camera allow you to work very quickly and efficiently.
Disadvantages of a DSLR camera:
- The camera design is too complex. Lots of mechanical elements. expensive process of making a camera.
- The presence of a rising mirror and pentaprism does not allow for a compact body.
- The reliability of the camera is reduced due to the large number of moving parts.
- With long exposures, the mirror covers the viewfinder and the view of the frame becomes unavailable.
The design of a mirrorless camera is much simpler. There is no mirror, pentaprism, optical viewfinder and phase sensors.
Mirrorless device
Light passes through the lens and is projected onto the sensor. The processor reads this signal and converts it into a video signal, which is sent to the display.
Advantages of mirrorless cameras:
- It is possible to make the camera very compact.
- Due to the small number of mechanical parts, the reliability of the camera increases.
- Production and development costs are reduced.
- For many, using the display is easier and more familiar than using the viewfinder.
- You can view photos taken with custom filters and settings (B/W, Sepia, etc.)
Disadvantages of mirrorless cameras:
- When shooting, the image processed by the processor is displayed on the screen. The screen also has limitations in displaying contrast and saturation.
- The display of the image occurs with some delay, which is associated with the speed of the processor.
- In bright light, the screen may become subject to glare, making it difficult to see the image on the screen.
- Constant operation of the screen and processor quickly drains battery power.
Both types of cameras have their pros and cons. Designers are constantly looking for solutions to many shortcomings. For example, many SLR cameras have acquired the Live View function. during its operation, the mirror is raised for a long time and the image is displayed on the screen like in mirrorless cameras. This makes it possible to shoot video on DSLR cameras.
Mirrorless cameras are also improving. Their processors are becoming faster, screens, optics and sensors are improving. Electronic viewfinders bring the capabilities of mirrorless cameras closer to those of DSLR cameras. They have learned to install phase detection autofocus sensors on matrices, which allows the use of both types of autofocus (contrast and phase detection).
Mirrorless cameras
Nikon 1 J1 mirrorless camera
Many people may think that all cameras without a mirror are mirrorless, but this is not true. Cameras that have non-removable optics belong to the compact class.
Cameras that have removable optics, but operate without a mirror, are called mirrorless cameras.
Cost difference
Top-end mirrorless cameras cost no less than many DSLR cameras. It would seem that it is better to take a DSLR camera, which is guaranteed to give an excellent picture and will serve for a long time. But there is one caveat. Mirrorless cameras have long been able to take photographs as good as DSLRs. The picture turns out no worse than on a DSLR in the same price category. Here the question of size arises. The lens will not allow you to put the mirrorless camera in your pocket, but carrying it around your neck or in a backpack is much easier than a large DSLR camera. For studio photography, of course, a DSLR is better suited, but lovers of hiking and traveling will probably prefer a mirrorless camera.
Buying a DSLR camera does not guarantee high quality pictures simply because not everything depends on the camera: without the appropriate knowledge How And What When taking photographs under certain conditions, the picture may come out clumsy. That is, shooting with “Auto with Flash” against the sun and expecting the candy to come out is very reckless. This way you end up with bulky and often expensive photographic equipment that is inconvenient to carry around not only because of the weight, but also the fear of damaging it or accidentally “messing up the settings.”
Secondly, look not expensive or compact You don’t even have to start with a SLR camera. DSLRs, due to their design (size of the mirror, pentaprism, location of the optical viewfinder), simply cannot fit into a jacket pocket. This technique only happens relatively compact And relatively inexpensive, because simple cameras like Nikon D5100 will cost from 12 thousand rubles for a “carcass” (a camera without a lens).
Why not a SLR camera?
Firstly, because dimensions And design housing. SLR cameras have, have and will have massive bodies. There is simply no other way: since it is impossible to reduce the space for the reflex system (mirrors and pentaprisms), it is impossible to make cameras of this class smaller. Plus, the identical location of the optical viewfinder in all cameras makes devices of the same type look similar to each other (at least for the average user). Perhaps the only thing that can be distinguished is the presence of a rotating display and the location of some physical control buttons, the shape and coating of the body in the grip area. Otherwise, the body is like a body for 90% of SLR cameras with similar functionality.
Secondly, due to weight. In the case of SLR cameras, larger dimensions also mean more weight. Inexpensive models will weigh less than professional cameras, because... For the production of the housing and their controls, plastic of medium quality and strength was used. However light It will still be difficult to name them.
So, for example, the Canon EOS 1200D weighs 480 grams (without battery and lens) with body dimensions of 130x100x78 mm.
Thirdly, due to mirrors And shutter. Each shot involves movement of these elements. The fact is that the mirror does not rotate silently - a soft click will accompany every frame you take. Nikon cameras, for example, have a silent mode, but it would be more correct to call it quiet. In some shooting conditions, noise is more than undesirable. Plus, with the movement of the mirror, the air in the camera body also moves, so it is easier to dust the matrix in a DSLR camera than in a mirrorless one.
No matter how hard manufacturers try, the mechanics of an SLR camera still lead to camera shake, even if only slightly. During daytime photography this does not affect the clarity of the photographs, but at long exposures it shakes - a critical drawback.
The mechanics significantly limit the frame rate. Nikon D7100, for example, shoots 7 frames per second in standard mode, and Nikon D4 – as much as 11! But to better understand, What must happen to shoot these 11 frames in 1 second, watch the video.
By the way, every SLR camera has a “shelf life”, measured not in years and months of service, but in the number of frames it takes. So, for example, a maximum run of 150-200 thousand frames is already an excellent indicator. If you think that you won’t be able to do that much in your entire life, you are mistaken. On average, 40-50 thousand pictures can be taken in a year of active use.
Please note that this limitation only applies to shutter operation - other elements of a DSLR camera can withstand longer. But after reaching a critical number of shutter clicks, it will probably start to act up. So be prepared for this.
And finally, mechanics are an expensive pleasure when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
We also add that purchasing a SLR camera also includes purchasing replacement lenses. Most cameras in the entry-level and mid-price segments are equipped with a kit lens (18-55 mm), the shooting quality of which leaves much to be desired. If you want to shoot portraits with beautiful blurry backgrounds and stunning close-up detail, you'll have to buy a portrait lens because... You won't get this kind of picture quality on Kit.
This is not to say that DSLRs are complete crap and there are some cool mirrorless cameras on the market - better buy them. But simply to the fact that when purchasing equipment, it is better to know as much as possible about it.
Why a mirrorless camera?
In the last 5-6 years, the market has been actively filled with mirrorless cameras: it’s not to say that the best mirrorless cameras are much cheaper than equivalent DSLR models. Often we can talk about the same price rating. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect that a mirrorless camera will be cheap either. By the way, do not confuse mirrorless cameras and point-and-shoot cameras: the absence of a mirror does not make this technology low-grade.
The choice of a mirrorless camera can be justified by:
- less weight and size;
- lack of mechanics with a mirror;
- the presence of a hybrid automatic focusing system;
- presence of an electronic viewfinder;
- cost.
Sales of “pocket” cameras went down when smartphone manufacturers changed their approach to positioning mobile equipment. Now, when you buy a good expensive smartphone, you also buy a good camera - models with 13 megapixels, 20.1 megapixels, an optical stabilization system and other “tenacious” characteristics are no longer new. In this case, the combination of fairly compact dimensions and high quality photographs speaks in favor of a mirrorless (system) camera.
The absence of a mirror and pentaprism allows the camera to be smaller: the compact mirrorless camera Sony Alpha A6000 has dimensions of 120x67x45 mm and weighs only 344 grams (with a charged battery).
Without a moving mechanism, this equipment is less subject to wear, makes less noise when shooting, there is no shaking that occurs when the mirror is working, the camera is capable of shooting more frames per second (11 frames is the average, and not the maximum, as among DSLRs), and it’s also mirrorless easier to clean :-)
What does a hybrid autofocus system provide? Greater accuracy and speed of focusing on an object. The hybrid system is also found in some SLR cameras, by the way.
Not every SLR camera has a live view mode, that is, using not an optical viewfinder, but the ability to adjust the frame by viewing the shooting scene directly on the display. Mirrorless cameras do not have an optical viewfinder and you need to navigate by the image on the display or by the picture in the EVF (electronic viewfinder). But this has a number of advantages.
So, for example, all the involved settings will be displayed on the screen and EVF at the time of shooting (in SLR cameras, some of the settings can be seen in the optical viewfinder, mainly these are autofocus points, aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings). In addition, in bright sunlight, when most displays simply go blind, the EVF will help you view the footage without having to look for a shadow or cover the display with your palm in the hope of seeing something.
With an EVF, what you see through the viewfinder and what you end up shooting are identical images, while the optical viewfinder basically covers 95% of the frame, which sometimes results in unwanted elements appearing in the photo. you simply didn’t see it in OVF.
DSLR cameras have a limited number of focus points (for example, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III has 19 focus points, while for most average cameras the norm is 11 points). In mirrorless cameras, the phase tracking sensor is placed directly on the sensor, so there is no restriction on what exactly you want to focus on.
To better understand what we are talking about: the focus points in DSLR cameras are mainly concentrated around the center of the frame, so focusing on objects in the corners of the frame without ruining the composition can sometimes be very difficult.
A mirrorless camera also “follows” a dynamic subject better. In DSLRs, this function is currently implemented only in top models.
In the mirrorless class there are both prime models and mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, and the quality of the latter is in no way inferior to lenses for DSLR models. True, everything here is also relative: the optics for Samsung mirrorless cameras are produced by the South Korean company itself, whose products have never been seen in the hands of professionals until this moment. This is thought provoking. But there is no doubt about the quality of lenses for Sony cameras, for example.
By the way, you can also come across full-frame mirrorless cameras in stores. What does it mean? Full frame produces higher-quality images (especially at high ISO values), gives images an effect of depth and expands the frame area by almost 30%. In other words, a lot more image fits into the frame on the so-called full frame.
Full-frame SLR cameras are the ultimate dream of almost everyone interested in photography, and for professionals, having a full-frame is almost a prerequisite for quality work. Professional mirrorless cameras are still an emerging segment of the market and few people are switching to full-frame mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha 7 or Sony Alpha 7R. If only because the image quality of the “mirror” is still noticeably better. And there are much more professional optics, without which it would be stupid to shoot full-frame, for DSLRs.
Why not a mirrorless camera?
Perhaps the main disadvantage of mirrorless cameras today is the limited operating time on a single battery charge. While DSLR cameras are capable of taking both 1,000 and 5,000 frames, mirrorless cameras generally do not last longer than 300-400 frames.
And so, you need to look at it in the context of each specific model: for some, few interchangeable lenses have been released so far, for others, the EVF has a slow response, for others, the electronic viewfinder is too contrasty, which also makes working with the camera very difficult.
If you are not an advanced photographer, but are simply interested in high-quality photography with small camera dimensions, you can safely buy a mirrorless camera instead of a DSLR.
Well, or put the question of choice differently: definitely buy a mirrorless camera instead of a compact point-and-shoot camera. Here a mirrorless camera is definitely a hundred times better. Yes, it will cost more, but the image quality is noticeably high compared to compacts, comfortable Dimensions, as well as advanced settings (such as the presence of a touch screen and built-in Wi-Fi module) more than justify this.
Let's summarize
Why is a DSLR camera better than a mirrorless camera? If we talk about the middle and higher price segments, then the image quality, first of all. No matter how hard the manufacturer tries, the mirrorless camera still does not reach the level of a DSLR camera. But it comes as close as possible to it. The second main advantage is the insufficient number of interchangeable optics for mirrorless cameras, while for DSLR cameras with lenses there are no problems at all (by the way, you will not be able to install the optics from a DSLR on a mirrorless camera).
The differences between a DSLR camera and a mirrorless camera that speak in favor of the latter are its compact dimensions with high image quality. Entry-level mirrorless cameras also take good photos, but it would be more logical to compare them with the quality of photos taken with regular compacts. Plus, the lack of a rotating mirror mechanism can extend the life of the camera before the first repair or cleaning.
As for prices, the same full-frame mirrorless digital cameras and entry-level full-frame DSLRs cost almost the same - for the Sony Alpha 7 you will have to pay, on average, 56 thousand rubles, while the Nikon D600 costs 57 thousand (which replaced it Nikon D650 – 64 thousand).
The initial price level is also proportionate: approximately 11-12 thousand rubles.
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Elizabeth
Without a twinge of conscience, I ask for “phone numbers” from guys and girls I don’t know well. To check whether the lock button fits comfortably under your finger and whether the autofocus works quickly :) I would like to visit MWC and conduct a live blog from the thick of things.
Interestingly, just a few years ago, all it took to spark a heated debate was to mention a comparison between Nikon and Canon. Websites and forums were filled with endless controversy, as soon as someone dared and posted something like: “I gave up my Nikon camera and am switching to Canon” (and God forbid you said anything against Pentax - you would be bombarded with curses and death threats). Nowadays, it seems that everything has changed - users are much less enthusiastic about discussing the differences between DSLRs from one manufacturer to another. Transferring the battles of the photo community has now moved on to discussing the comparison of DSLRs with mirrorless cameras.
On one side of the barricade are DSLR camera users who defend their position with statements like: “You can only snatch the DSLR camera out of my hands when I’m dead!” And on the other hand, there are people who claim: “Mirrorless cameras are the future, it’s time to say goodbye to the flapping mirror!” Both sides of the dispute present their reasons and arguments, which are not without meaning, but as soon as emotions begin to dominate the dispute, it becomes unconvincing and meaningless.
So, at the moment we can see how manufacturers are attacking each other. Sony, Fuji and some other manufacturers in marketing campaigns often compare their cameras with DSLRs, pointing out the advantages of their systems in weight, dimensions, etc. Manufacturers of DSLR cameras counter with the autofocus speed, reliability and performance of DSLRs. Be that as it may, the fact remains that DSLRs are losing their market share, and user interest in mirrorless technologies is steadily growing.
We have already compared the weight and dimensions of a DSLR camera with a mirrorless one. Let's revisit the topic of comparing DSLR cameras to mirrorless cameras and analyze a few more important factors.
Recently, as part of the X-Pro2 announcement, Fuji presented an image that shows the mirrorless camera with two cans of beer balancing one DSLR camera, along with the text: "2 additional 500ml cans of beer":
This marketing ploy clearly shows the absurdity and absurdity of the opposition between DSLR and mirrorless cameras today.
Nikon is clearly unhappy with its financial performance, leading the company to attribute its failure to meet its economic forecasts to the global state of the economy - and this has continued quarter after quarter, year after year for the past several years. While the global financial crisis is certainly one of the reasons for low sales, Nikon and Canon certainly feel the threat posed by mirrorless competitors who are promoting their products more actively and more aggressively. In a recent video, Nikon marketers also compared the D500 to a mirrorless camera, highlighting their product's faster and more reliable autofocus system. And this only confirms that Nikon is frightened by the growth trend in the mirrorless segment.
Do mirrorless cameras really have a size and weight advantage? Do DSLRs still have the fastest and most reliable autofocus systems? What other nuances should be taken into account when comparing these systems? Let's try to figure it out.
DSLR or mirrorless? Comparison of weight and dimensions
After using Nikon DSLRs for the past 10 years, I'm more impressed with DSLRs than mirrorless cameras: it's a system I can trust and that I see value in further developing. The DSLR can satisfy the needs of almost any genre and type of photography. At the same time, in the last few years I have gained experience shooting with new generation mirrorless cameras, which, in my opinion, are also quite attractive.
One of the advantages of switching to mirrorless cameras, which we are constantly told about, is their lighter weight and dimensions. But are mirrorless cameras so smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras that we can talk about such an advantage?
We have already considered this issue in detail and came to the conclusion that. It's true that a mirrorless camera will always be lighter than its DSLR counterpart - it has fewer mechanical components and is thinner - but this difference is not so significant, and it only applies to the camera body itself.
First, it takes some time for a potential buyer to realize that “bigger is not always better.”
With a lens attached, a full frame mirrorless camera has no weight advantage over a DSLR with a lens! So if you have a backpack full of photographic equipment, then the only thing you can save space and weight on is the camera body. And once you add a couple of batteries to a mirrorless camera, its weight advantage becomes even less noticeable.
At the time of launch, Sony's slogan was "Lighter and smaller", but by the time the updated line of G-lenses was announced, it became obvious that Sony began to rely on excellent handling, ergonomics and professional-quality lenses, and not on weight advantages and dimensions. And the new G-series lenses cannot be lighter than their SLR counterparts simply because it is impossible to defeat the laws of optics. While a shorter flange distance allows you to create a lens with some savings in weight and size, these savings will be insignificant.
Where mirrorless cameras really have a weight and size advantage is in the APS-C camera segment. Unfortunately, DSLR camera manufacturers have been extremely slow to offer attractive lenses for APS-C DSLRs. For example, if we compare Fujifilm lenses with Nikon DX lenses, we will see that among the former there is a much wider selection of lenses designed specifically for the Fuji X mount, while most Nikon DX lenses are represented by slow zooms that force users of the Nikon DX system sooner or later switch to more expensive, bulky and heavy full-frame FX lenses. From this point of view, mirrorless cameras are superior to their competitors, since lenses specifically designed for small sensors will always be lighter and more compact. Canon is no better in this regard - most of this manufacturer's APS-C lenses are also slow-aperture zooms.
The future of APS-C DSLR cameras
That's why I've been saying for years that APS-C DSLRs have no future. Without an extensive line of quality APS-C lenses, neither Nikon nor Canon will be able to provide an adequate alternative to mirrorless cameras. Four years ago, in my article “Why DX Has No Future,” I argued that the lack of high-quality lenses put DSLRs at a disadvantage compared to mirrorless cameras in terms of weight and size. And now I am even more convinced that I believe that in the future the APS-C camera segment will be dominated by mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless camera manufacturers such as Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and others are focused on creating lenses for their full-frame cameras, and the benefits of this approach are obvious: the range of lenses for APS-C cameras from these manufacturers surpasses the offerings of Nikon and Canon for their cropped cameras. Moreover, mirrorless cameras have an advantage not only in quantity, but also in quality! At one time, neither Nikon nor Canon managed to create truly attractive full-frame lenses, concentrating most of their efforts on creating full-frame lenses, and at the present time, I believe, these manufacturers have already missed the moment to catch up with their backlog. Mirrorless cameras have an undeniable advantage in this area. Why should you buy if for the same money you can buy the Sony A6000, a more compact and innovative camera? And this is just the beginning - new mirrorless cameras, for example, the Sony A6300, are capable of becoming leaders in autofocus performance and reliability, and DSLRs most likely will not be able to compete with them in this area.
Although Nikon has done a phenomenal job, this camera will only be of interest to a certain niche of photographers involved in sports photography and wildlife photography - there will be few users willing to pay about 2 thousand dollars for a cropped DSLR capable of shooting at 10 frames per second , when for the same (or even less) money you can buy a full-frame SLR or mirrorless camera.
DSLR or mirrorless? Difficulties in moving from one system to another
Looking at sales data over the past few years, we see a rather confusing picture - if mirrorless cameras are the future, then why do DSLRs continue to dominate global sales charts? In my opinion, there are several reasons for this.
First, it takes some time for a potential buyer to realize that “bigger is not always better.” The term “mirrorless” is quite new to the consumer’s ears, and its advantages still need to be talked about.
Secondly, people tend to avoid changing systems due to the investment made in the existing one. If users already have a number of lenses and accessories, they avoid the hassle of selling equipment from one system and purchasing another. After all, this is a rather expensive process, both in terms of finance (selling used photographic equipment, especially cameras and accessories, as a rule, does not provide enough money to reinvest in an equivalent system from another manufacturer), and the time required to master and adapt to new tool.
Finally, before taking such a step, photographers often evaluate the new system as a whole and carefully analyze all the pros and cons that are associated with its purchase. This reveals the biggest shortcoming of mirrorless systems at the moment: they cannot offer users the same number of tools, accessories and lenses as DSLRs. And this is what keeps many professionals and amateurs from making such a transition.
The user of a DSLR camera is free to choose from a wide variety of photography genres. You can start with portrait photography, then move on to landscape photography, architectural photography, etc. - you can find lenses for almost any genre. The same goes for accessories - a photographer has a much higher chance of finding flashes, triggers and other photo accessories for a DSLR than for a mirrorless camera, simply because the former have been in production for much longer and are widely accepted as the gold standard among photographers. Because of these advantages of DSLR systems, many photographers are quite cautious about switching to mirrorless cameras.
But things are changing quite quickly. If a couple of years ago the choice of lenses for mirrorless cameras was quite scarce, today you can find lenses for them that meet many photography needs. Of course, DSLR cameras still have an advantage in the field of fast lenses, but with the current trend this will disappear very quickly.
DSLR vs Mirrorless Camera Comparison: Autofocus Performance
If a couple of years ago, raising this issue, one could laugh at the deplorable state of affairs with autofocus in mirrorless cameras, but now the situation is radically changing. Unless DSLR camera manufacturers find ways to convert optical analog output to digital for later analysis, mirrorless cameras will very soon surpass DSLR cameras in autofocus performance, especially in autofocus accuracy. Why? It's all very simple: on a DSLR, analysis of data received directly from the camera matrix is impossible, since this is prevented by the mirror and the closed shutter located in front of the matrix. Autofocusing occurs using an autofocus module that receives light/analog image from a secondary mirror. By comparison, in mirrorless cameras, information can be scanned and analyzed directly from the sensor before shooting. Modern mirrorless cameras feature phase detection sensors built directly into the camera sensor. We've already seen how effective face detection can be on mirrorless cameras, and if manufacturers continue to improve their products in this direction, then soon enough every image captured will be ringingly sharp, and the camera will automatically focus on the eyes of the person closest to you. Some cameras are already capable of recording images before the shutter is released to avoid shooting the model with their eyes closed, and we've become accustomed to cameras that automatically take a photo as soon as the person in the frame smiles. On a DSLR, you won’t be able to implement similar functions unless the light continuously falls on the camera’s sensor. Although, thanks to advanced analysis of the scene being filmed, the tracking system for moving objects is becoming increasingly better, and cameras are potentially able to predict the direction of movement of an object.
Would you like a clear example of the successful development of mirrorless autofocus? Take a look at the autofocus capabilities of the latest Sony A6300:
With 425 focus points, the A6300 is capable of analyzing a large amount of information, enough to accurately focus and track a moving subject. While this technology has not yet been introduced on other more advanced and expensive mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6300 can be considered a kind of “test bed” for what we will see in the future. At the proper level of development, this technology will allow mirrorless cameras to quickly take the lead from DSLR cameras. It's only a matter of time before we see this AF system with amazing capabilities in the next full-frame mirrorless camera from Sony.
Comparison of a DSLR camera with a mirrorless camera: Battery capacity
Most mirrorless camera manufacturers are running wild trying to make their products smaller and lighter. For this reason, companies such as Sony were forced to develop lightweight rechargeable batteries, the capacity of which, unfortunately, is enough to shoot no more than a few hundred frames. To create real competition for DSLR cameras, mirrorless camera manufacturers need to start offering cameras with larger batteries. Until we see any real advances in battery technology or power consumption reduction, the best manufacturers can do is increase battery capacity. If the battery capacity of mirrorless cameras is increased by at least 2 times, they will become much more attractive to photographers who currently use DSLR cameras. And if the price for this is a slight increase in the size of the camera, then so be it - still, many DSLR camera users complain that mirrorless cameras are too small for their hands.
If Nikon and Canon are too slow, they may follow Kodak's fate
Disadvantages of DSLR Cameras: Lack of Innovation
If we compare DSLRs to mirrorless cameras in terms of the use of technological advances, it becomes clear that DSLR cameras do not use as much innovation as before. The user may be able to get improved resolution, faster continuous shooting speeds, expanded video recording capabilities, improved autofocus modules and perhaps more built-in modules such as Wi-Fi and GPS, but this is not enough to truly interest the younger generation photographers. Mirrorless cameras will continue to excite users with their functionality, since their capabilities are truly limitless. Just look at the camera's ability to continuously record an image, adjusting exposure in different parts of the scene, and then combine this information into one RAW file! Goodbye overexposure and blocked shadows!
Conclusion: Are the days of DSLR cameras numbered?
Although mirrorless cameras are taking over the market, there are some issues that mirrorless camera manufacturers still need to overcome before I can recommend upgrading from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera. Increased battery life, a more reliable autofocus system (particularly for capturing fast and unpredictable movements), a larger buffer, an expanded range of lenses (especially super telephoto lenses), an improved electronic viewfinder, cameras equipped with built-in Wi-Fi + GPS modules and improved ergonomics - here areas in which mirrorless camera manufacturers, in my opinion, need to improve their products. As you can see, there are a lot of tasks, but manufacturers cope with them quite quickly. In the coming years, we should see mirrorless cameras that can successfully compete with DSLR cameras in every way.
But despite this, I don’t think the days of DSLRs are already numbered. If Nikon and Canon don't get into the mirrorless game now, they could suffer even bigger setbacks later. Today, DSLR cameras may outsell mirrorless cameras, but it's just a matter of time before that changes. Although Canon and Nikon have mirrorless systems, neither the EOS M nor the CX are currently able to compete with other manufacturers in this segment.
I don't think Nikon and Canon should continue to develop mirrorless cameras with a unique mount type. Currently, such a strategy would be a mistake, since it entails the need to develop a full line of lenses for the new mount. Instead, in my opinion, these giants should develop mirrorless cameras with a mount like DSLR cameras. If Nikon and Canon can gain a foothold in the mirrorless market, and devote more time and financial resources to creating quality mirrorless cameras, then they will be able to maintain their existing customers, as well as their dominant position in the market. But if they are too slow, they could end up like Kodak.
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Discussion: 12 comments
Alexey, thank you for your feedback. If it's not a secret, what did you replace the DSLR with?
Answer
Hello!
At one time I decided to completely abandon photography and bought a Canon PowerShot SX150 IS digital point-and-shoot camera. So to speak, take pictures simply to remember the place and event. But a little later I decided to take something better, and bought a Canon SX40 HS ultrasonic camera for testing. In principle, I shoot and am satisfied.
I'm an amateur photographer and I'm not going to grab stars from the sky ☺. Although to be honest, thoughts about purchasing a DSLR often come to my mind. Who knows, maybe I'll buy it someday.
You can see some of my photos on my blog. They were filmed with different cameras. I'd love to hear your comments about them. The opinions of experienced people are always interesting to me ☺.
All the best.
Answer
Great article! Thanks for the detailed review and comparisons. I left the DSLR camera a long time ago. And recently I heard about Sony’s mirrorless, but did not attach any importance to it. Now I will monitor news on this topic more closely.
Answer
A good article, more or less intelligible compared to most that has been written comparing DSLRs with mirrorless ones.
I don't quite agree with some things:
Hybrid autofocus, in my opinion, is in no way inferior to DSLR cameras - I compared my Sony a6000 with the Canon 650D and Canon 5D Mark2 - a clear victory for Sony in terms of tenacity, because Canons often fail, all other things being equal. The autofocus speed is approximately the same, but the Sony is definitely not slower (stated 0.06s).
Regarding a camera that shoots at 10 frames per second and costs 2 grand - the Sony a6000 shoots 11 frames per second in RAW with focusing on each frame. I checked it myself - I was filming my daughter running towards me; out of 22 frames taken, 4 were out of focus. In my opinion, just a great result. The cost of the camera is 600-700 Baku rubles.
Manufacturers just have to solve the problem with the fleet of high-aperture lenses, which, by the way, is already being done. In this regard, on Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, the autofocus of Kenon lenses works perfectly through an adapter - just like native ones. Unfortunately, they don’t work on crop, but I think adapter manufacturers will solve this problem.
Thanks for the very informative articles. At one time I was torn between a DSLR and a Sony a77. I chose a more innovative solution. After 5 years of honest work with the a77, I have become so accustomed to its functionality and convenience that I have long looked at the adherents of the holy mirror with a smile. Knowing that a good photograph is taken by the photographer, not the camera, I only evaluate the convenience of the tool for the job. See the result even before shooting, use (online) histogram, level, picking, control all the necessary parameters on the screen - such “pluses” are not available to DSLRs. Not to mention the “nailed” screen, which only recently began to change. Cons of the a77, work at high ISOs. I forgot what it’s like to shoot through the viewfinder, I shoot on the screen (like a point-and-shoot camera) with peripheral vision while holding the entire process. Having a fleet of good Minolta and Zeiss optics, I waited a long time for the reincarnation of the A99, but alas... I bought the A7m2 and have no regrets. Every top third-party lens is now available, including some great rarities. There is only one drawback, the low capacity of the batteries, which can be corrected by purchasing cheap spare analogues. My purely personal opinion is that the future belongs to mirrorless technologies and it has already arrived. Schumacher car enthusiasts on the “handle” look with contempt at the owners of the “automatic”. It's funny to watch these "athletes" in city traffic jams. The main thing is to get there efficiently, comfortably and quickly, in the sense that the photographic result is good.
Answer
Mirrorless cameras cannot be used for unpredictable shooting. The battery will run out in a day, even if you don't remove it at all. The start time of a mirrorless camera is 5-30 times slower than that of a DSLR.
For a DSLR, you can make a faster, large, heavy zoom lens, for example 24-70 f1.4. Install an even more powerful battery.
Answer
I have a purely electronic technical question.
In a DSLR, the matrix rests until we take a photo; in a mirrorless camera, it is constantly working.
As you know, any electronic device heats up during operation, and the higher the operating frequency (the scanning frequency of the matrix is higher, the higher its physical resolution), the greater the heating. Heating greatly affects the parameters of semiconductor devices. I will not go into the physics of the processes, I will only note that from the point of view of the quality of the final photograph, this can lead to an increase in the noise level even at moderate ISO. I would like to know opinions on this matter.
Answer
Updated: 08/03/2016 Oleg Lazhechnikov
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Those who follow me on social networks may have already seen that I had a kind of revolution in consciousness and switched to a mirrorless camera. It became the Sony Alpha a6000. Unfortunately, the post was not paid for, since they did not respond to my letter about cooperation, so I had to buy it with my own money. But now the post is not about the camera, but about the sensations after the transition, so Sony still has time to come to its senses :)
Also, the post will not contain test comparison shots, because I don’t have a DSLR with me now, I didn’t take it to Warsaw. After all, initially everything was started to reduce weight, otherwise nothing fits into my hand luggage. In short, a mirrorless camera is a simple salvation!
Previously, I was completely skeptical about mirrorless cameras; they did not suit me in various respects. But time has passed, and now mirrorless cameras are no longer technically inferior to their mirrored counterparts. It seems to me that a little more and there may be nothing left of the class of amateur DSLRs at all, there will be no point in them. Although for now they are a good alternative simply because of the price, since mirrorless cameras are more expensive. Actually, that’s why I would still advise beginners, just because of the savings. But, if price is not an issue, then you can safely take something Nex-o-like from Sony or other brands.
After I realized that technically I was getting almost the same camera (meeting my needs), the first minus came out as ergonomics. Although I’m not a reporter, you get used to the ease of control very quickly. Looking through the viewfinder, you can change settings in a split second by blindly turning the various wheels. Also, the Canon 7d camera focuses very quickly (and almost no blurring), and is instantly ready for use after turning it on. It seems like, just think, a fraction of a second, but it’s difficult to give up what you’re used to, especially since the new camera is in a similar price category. It's like a phone, if it starts to slow down and you wait for several seconds for an application to load, then such a phone quickly begins to irritate. This is what I feared here.
About six months ago I twirled the Nex-5 and Nex-6 (previous models) in my hands and liked everything. Lightweight, compact, the pictures are also good. The A6000 is even better, it has faster focus, more convenient controls and menus. Therefore, before my next trip, I made a sharp decision (one day) and bought it, having received the box the day before departure. In fact, it was only at the airport that I used the camera for the first time.
Reasons for the transition
The main reason for the transition was that I was tired of carrying heavy things with me, and it was no longer possible to take something large with me. Even though I only have a Canon 7d body and two lenses for it, 24-105 and 11-16, it still came out to 2 kg. Plus additional batteries, chargers, remote control, filters, tripod (1kg), that is, a total of about 3-4 kg minimum. My hand luggage on the plane usually weighed under 10 kg, including the laptop and other things. In general, all this no longer fits normally in the car with which I usually travel.
In the end, I just faced the truth and realized that I haven’t taken the whole set with me for a long time, since most often we go somewhere together, and in my backpack I also have Egor’s toys, some food, his clothes and etc. Or even if I take a DSLR with me, then it’s inconvenient for me to dig it out of my backpack, and I take pictures with my phone. This is no good.
The second reason for the switch is that I mostly have photographs for the blog, and the width is only 900px, sometimes more. I also printed it a couple of times in two years, and the 15x20 size doesn’t require much. Thus, it is quite possible to reduce your requirements for a camera for every day (for a travel camera), not a wedding owner.
What did I get
The weight of the Sony a6000 camera with an 18-105 lens is about 0.9 kg. It seems to be quite a lot, but it’s still unusually easy. In addition, you can put a smaller lens, down to a small pancake, and you can even put the camera in your pocket. But for now I don’t plan anything else, one lens will suffice as a universal one. In fact, it covers almost all the focal lengths I need when traveling, but sometimes the width of 10-18 is not enough. Also, I won’t buy any additional filters or remote controls for now, and I’ll change my tripod to something very miniature and light. In general, it turned out very compactly, I am satisfied, the main task was completed. All that remains is to sell the DSLR with accessories and all purchases will pay off.
The camera is crop 1.5, that is, the matrix is the same size as I had. It shoots in RAW, then everything lends itself well to processing in Lightroom. The dynamic range seems to be good too, I won’t say that I see a noticeable difference, to be honest, I don’t see it at all. ISO is working up to 1600-3200, but 3200 is already a bit noisy for me. The picture is nice, but different, the color rendition is different. The bokeh has changed.
In general, if it were not for speed, then there are no complaints at all, even about ergonomics, because after all, it is rarely necessary. But speed is also a problem, you just have to remember to set the burst mode, like a machine gun then.
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Comments (121)
- There is no clear winner for all occasions. It all depends on what tasks and conditions the camera is needed for;
- From the point of view of professional photography with obtaining images of maximum quality, for reportage shooting, for maximum control over the process of using precise manual settings, and obtaining artistic effects, it would be better to buy a SLR camera;
- To solve 90% of the tasks facing advanced and novice amateur photographers, as well as those who use photographic equipment for commercial purposes, but are not photojournalists for Reuters, both cameras are suitable. Ideally, have both. This is the case when the price will ultimately decide a lot;
- If compactness and weight are important, especially when shooting outside the studio and relatively stationary objects, it is of course better to buy a mirrorless camera;
- To get good pictures for your home photo archive, without delving too deeply into the technical intricacies of photography or the creation of artwork, you should generally pay attention to compact pseudo-mirror cameras or simply compacts with a fixed lens.
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Those who would like to buy a digital camera have repeatedly asked us the same question: “?” Today there is such a range of different photographic equipment on the market that resolving a dispute is only half the battle. There are also ultra-compact superzoom cameras with fixed optics, which can also intervene in this debate. But even if we don’t consider advanced compacts, then after searching, the buyer will have to plunge into the problems of choosing a specific model, and there are its own characteristics. In general, this is a difficult and ambiguous question. To understand Which is better, mirrorless or DSLR cameras?, let's look at their main differences.
What is a mirrorless camera? Mirrorless, like a SLR camera, has a fairly large number of terms that are used to name them. And, unfortunately, there is no single standard. Such devices may be called mirrorless camera, single lens system camera, MILC camera, EVIL camera, ILC, ACIL. All English abbreviations essentially describe the same thing - the absence of a mirror, interchangeable lenses, the presence of an electronic viewfinder. Let’s not add confusion to an already complex dispute and will use the most common one - mirrorless.
How does it work? mirrorless? Yes, very simple. Let many people say that a mirrorless camera and a regular digital compact point-and-shoot camera are different cameras, but the principle of operation (and only the principle) is the same. Light, passing through the lens system in the lens, hits the light-sensitive element (in digital cameras - the matrix). In a mirrorless camera, there is a pentaprism in the path of the light flux, which redirects the flux to the optical viewfinder for parallax-free viewing of the frame.
Parallax-free sighting - this is a property of the camera that allows the photographer to preview exactly what will be recorded by the matrix, without any distortion. Previously, when cameras were still film, the axis of the viewfinder and the axis of the lens did not coincide slightly and there were certain distortions. To avoid this, a pentaprism with a mirror was invented, redirecting the exact image to the optical viewfinder. But with the development of digital cameras, it became possible to solve the problem of parallax by previewing the image directly from the matrix.
And now an important point related to how the transition from film photographic equipment to digital was carried out. There were both compact film cameras (with parallax due to the offset of the viewfinder) and SLR (without parallax) film cameras. They installed a matrix here and there, just with different technical characteristics. After all, compacts should be smaller and cheaper, why do they need more powerful and expensive matrices. If today a digital camera was immediately invented, then the pentaprism and mirror might not exist at all. This is due to the gradual development of technical evolution of technology.
In compact point-and-shoot cameras and mirrorless cameras, viewing occurs using an electronic viewfinder, which, in fact, serves as a display on the back wall of the camera. In a DSLR - using optical viewfinder or the same display in LiveView mode. By the way, according to statistics, those who use budget and semi-professional DSLRs shoot in LiveView mode up to 80% of the time, i.e. don't use a mirror at all.
An optical viewfinder is used in three cases. When shooting when viewing the screen is difficult, for example, in sunny weather due to glare; when using DSLRs that simply do not have a mode LiveView(until 2006 all DSLRs were like this); and out of habit. There is also the practice of using the optical viewfinder and disabling LiveView in order to save battery power and focus faster. And here, of course, the DSLR wins over its counterpart.
The display quality on the electronic viewfinder (more precisely, the display) is slightly worse than that of the optics. Resolution of any display has not yet reached the maximum limits accessible to the human eye. Optics don't have this problem, because... there the eye sees exactly that picture, as if a person was looking at the object directly. There is also a certain delay when displaying movement on the electronic display. But these problems will be technically solved in the near future.
It is worth mentioning one more important point, which is that when comparison of DSLR and mirrorless, gives a certain advantage to the first type. These are different principles for implementing automatic focusing. There are two of them. In a DSLR, when shooting using a pentaprism, special focusing system sensors receive light directly from the subject. This autofocus is called phase.
Mirrorless cameras (as well as any compact cameras) do not have the ability to use their own sensors for autofocus (you can’t put them in front of the matrix). Therefore, focusing is done programmatically, analyzing the image falling on the matrix. This autofocus system is called contrasting. So, phase detection autofocus is much faster and slightly more accurate than contrast detection. Therefore, in this parameter the DSLR wins.
Now the camera dimensions and weight. The pentaprism and mirror system itself makes the camera larger in size and heavier in weight. This is both good and bad. A larger body can accommodate more controls, the grip is more comfortable, and more powerful components and batteries can be placed inside. Mirrorless cameras Because of their compactness, they are forced to use a software control interface, fighting for every gram and millimeter inside. Even the transition to touch screens is still inferior to the traditional buttons and wheels of DSLRs. True, a lot depends on habit. On the other hand, carrying a large and heavy camera, especially when traveling, is also inconvenient. Compactness is a huge advantage that you can’t argue with.
The next thing you should pay attention to when conducting comparison of DSLR and mirrorless, this is the moment of shooting itself. When the DSLR is operating, at the moment the shutter is released, the pentaprism with the mirror mechanically rises, and this means additional vibration and banal noise. Of course, it's not the worst thing that can happen, but sometimes it causes problems. Mirrorless cameras do not have such problems. True, some people love DSLRs precisely for this sound. But this is more of a psychological question than a technical one.
Next is the matrix itself. The more powerful it is and the larger its physical size, the higher the quality of the image. Everything is simple and clear. You can, of course, start a philosophical discussion about where this race for megapixels will lead us, but we’ll leave that for other articles. Today, matrices used in DSLRs and matrices in mirrorless cameras are almost equal in characteristics . Yes, mirrorless cameras do not yet have full-format matrices or full frames. Nobody argues here. Professional shooting of the highest image quality is possible only with DSLRs. But these are high-end cameras that cost thousands of dollars and are needed by a very small number of professional photographers. The rest is all the same. And some brands have started talking about plans to release a full-format mirrorless camera soon.
Now about the lenses. The camera has such a parameter as working distance . This is the distance between the outer lens of the lens and the matrix. For mirrorless cameras it is smaller, therefore, the size of the lenses and their weight are also less than for DSLRs. But there are simply very few lenses designed for mirrorless cameras for one or another mount or matrix form factor. The choice of lenses for DSLRs is much wider. True, this issue can be resolved by using various adapters. This is not to say that it is simple and convenient, but it is possible. In addition, the line of lenses for mirrorless cameras is constantly expanding and over time the problem will go away.
We have carried out a brief analysis of those points that are the main differences and which are important to keep in mind when deciding Which is better - a mirrorless camera or a DSLR?. But that's not all. Conducting comparison of DSLR and mirrorless It’s better to talk about some specific models. This makes it much easier to determine the advantages or disadvantages that are more important to YOURSELF. Don’t forget about such a parameter as the prices of mirrorless and DSLR cameras. There is also complete “anarchy” here. Today you can buy a DSLR camera that costs no more than an advanced ultrasonic compact, and the price of a mirrorless camera can be higher than a semi-professional DSLR camera. Again, it is better to compare specific models.
Conclusions. Whatever one may say, Fotix readers are still waiting for an answer to the question, Which is better - a mirrorless camera or a DSLR? or who won the fight. Let us express our purely subjective opinion. We will be grateful if you join the discussion in the comments and express your opinion in defense of your favorite technique.
And the most important thing. Don't try to buy a camera that will last forever. It's impossible to predict. Choose based solely on your current tasks and opportunities. Progress does not stand still, and tomorrow the camera may change beyond recognition. But, whatever your choice, you will find any sample of photographic equipment on our website.
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