Which is better - a mirrorless camera or a DSLR? On choosing DSLR and mirrorless cameras

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 exists 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 amazing 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 number” 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.

" 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?

Reflex camera 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 picture 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?

Mirrorless Just like a SLR camera, it 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.

Optical viewfinder- 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– it is typical only for SLR 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.
Ergonomics DSLRs are better. 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.
Price DSLR cameras are generally lower. 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.
DSLR camera turns on much faster than mirrorless. In a split second, while mirrorless cameras can turn on in 3 seconds.
Working hours DSLR cameras' battery life is significantly higher 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 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: for today professional photography almost impossible with a mirrorless camera. 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 myopic person, there are no problems with it.
Big choice 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 point in repeating 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?

Articles

The trend towards optimization of photographic equipment provides many advantages for users, but along with them, the disadvantages of such models inevitably appear. These include limited functionality and very average shooting characteristics. The reverse approach is demonstrated by the example of system cameras that combine the advantages of compacts and SLR cameras. But during operation, much will also depend on the specific model.

Features of system cameras

For photography enthusiasts today, there are several options to choose from, the main ones being smartphones, digital compact cameras and DSLRs. And if the first two groups are not suitable for sophisticated amateur photographers due to the low quality of the images, then SLR models are large in size and have complex functionality, which is also not suitable for every user. The solution may be a system camera, which is modest in size and provides truly high-quality results, in some parameters even close to a professional level. For example, Sony system cameras in some modifications weigh only 300-400 g, fitting into clothing pockets. In terms of shooting capabilities, their modular design allows you to assemble a photographic tool for almost any task. For example, the basic equipment can be expanded to include a lens, lens, microphone and flash. And this is only part of the capabilities that distinguish system camera models. Now it’s worth taking a closer look at what exactly the leading manufacturers of this equipment offer.

Sony mirrorless cameras

System cameras from the Japanese company Sony use two types of matrices:

Amateur APS-C. Compared to standard 4/3 format modules, it is 1.6 times larger, and compared to 1/2.3 compact matrices, it is 13 times larger.
Premium 35mm full frame.

In other words, Sony system cameras are equipped with two lens options to choose from, and in both cases an E mount is provided. As for additional features, almost all models of this standard receive NFC and Wi-Fi wireless modules, allowing you to control the device remotely from a smartphone and transfer photo and video materials to other devices. Amateur models with an APS-C matrix are also provided with optical image stabilization.

This modification is considered the world's first representative of a system mirrorless camera intended for the mass consumer. The device is equipped with a 35 mm matrix, the resolution of which is 24.3 megapixels. The device belongs to professional photographic equipment, which is confirmed not only by the high price level, but also by a wide dynamic spectrum, low noise level and natural colors - advantages that characterize full-frame shooting. We equipped the Sony Alpha system camera of this version with fast combined autofocus. To integrate the viewfinder, microphone and flash, a bracket with a sync contact is provided. The basic kit includes a zoom lens with a range of 28-70 mm. The shooting speed is 2.5 fps.

II Body

The second generation of Sony's full-frame mirrorless camera, which retains the same core in the form of a processor, matrix and autofocus system. But a new 5-axis stabilization has been added. This inclusion eliminated the “shaking” effect when shooting suspended in low light conditions. As users note, the quality of close-ups has also improved, regardless of the type of lens. The system camera also features high-quality video recording in FullHD at 60 frames per second and XAVC S formats. However, the advantages in performing this function still belong to the A7S modification, which confidently works with 4K video.

Fujifilm system cameras

Another Japanese giant in the photographic equipment market, which focuses on mechanical controls in the mirrorless segment. This gives the models a special retro look, reminiscent of classic film cameras. In particular, the design has dials for switching shooting modes, and XF series lenses have aperture adjustment rings. Moreover, Fujifilm system cameras do not have image stabilizers - this function applies entirely to lenses. In order to expand the possibilities for a modular layout, the developers have endowed the devices with the ability to combine with Leica lenses, but only through an adapter to the M mount. Wi-Fi is provided for wireless communication with other devices.

Fujifilm X-A2 camera

A low-end model in the Fujifilm mirrorless segment, the advantages of which include its modest size and ergonomic control. Despite the average technical characteristics, material of fairly high quality can be extracted from this device. This will be facilitated by a wide range of shooting modes (again with a manual switch), an optional flash connection and an included lens with a range of 16-50 mm. If we talk about the disadvantages, the system camera of this modification is equipped with a matrix with a resolution of only 16 megapixels and does not have a viewfinder. Accordingly, you should prepare to position frames via the LCD screen. Although the design of the display itself, with the ability to recline by 75%, makes the device convenient for shooting self-portraits.

Model Fujifilm F X-T10 16-50

Also a budget-level camera, equipped with a 16-megapixel matrix, but with a wider range of functional tools. The company used innovative hybrid autofocus technology, which “guides” the subject even when the body is actively moving. The frame rate of the F X-T10 16-50 system camera is only 8 frames per second, so this choice is more suitable for a beginner photographer. But what it lacks in performance it makes up for with a fast viewfinder with 0.005 second lag, a flip-out LCD screen and a built-in flash. Once again, it is worth emphasizing the successfully implemented design in the style of devices of the last century, which distinguishes this line from more technologically advanced competitors.

Olympus system cameras

Without fail, all cameras from this company are equipped with a stabilizer and a Wi-Fi module with the ability to control via a smartphone. Premium versions also get zoom lenses with a range of 14-42mm for long-range photography. Olympus mirrorless cameras support the layout with auxiliary devices like the same flash, viewfinder and lens, but such an addition requires some configuration. Connection problems are common, which can result in a camera system error like No camera head. This means that the camera head is not connected - most likely the connection was made with the wrong adapters.

Olympus is also famous for its joint developments with other photographic equipment manufacturers. The most notable model in the niche under consideration was Micro 4/3, on which specialists from Panasonic also worked. The device received a 35 mm matrix with a resolution of 16 megapixels. According to users, with its compact size, this mirrorless camera, combined with the right lenses, produces excellent quality images.

Panasonic models

Of course, Panasonic also includes in its assortment completely “its own” developments of system cameras. This segment is represented by the DMC series with several versions. The Lumix DMC-GF7K, intended for beginner amateur photographers, is considered the basic one. The device is equipped with a rotating display, accurate and fast autofocus of the Contrast AF system, a built-in flash and a Wi-Fi module. That is, in terms of basic functionality, this is the best entry-level system camera, but there is also a more advanced modification - the DMC-G7K. This camera supports 4K video recording at 25 fps with a matrix resolution of 8 megapixels. But the creators pay special attention to high-contrast DFD autofocus, which captures objects in 0.06 seconds, allowing 6 frames per second in continuous focus mode. This system only works with branded Panasonic lenses.

Nikon and Canon models

These photographic equipment manufacturers occupy leading positions in the SLR camera segment, and the niche of system devices attracts them much less. Nevertheless, they also have interesting offers.

For connoisseurs of mirrorless cameras, Nikon has developed a compact model 1 J5 Kit, the one-inch matrix of which has a resolution of 20.8 megapixels. Moreover, almost a pocket camera is capable of shooting video in 4K format, and in autofocus mode it takes up to 20 pictures per second. In terms of functional equipment, a high level is also maintained - wireless communication modules NFC and Wi-Fi are provided, a built-in flash and an LCD display with a 180-degree rotating mechanism. The only thing that will upset experienced photographers is a wide-angle lens with a focus of 10-30 mm.

Canon system cameras are also present on the photographic equipment market, the most notable representative of which is the EOS M3 Kit. The model is equipped with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C matrix and a folding screen, and optionally you can connect an electronic viewfinder and an external flash. Control is implemented both manually and using built-in Wi-Fi and NFC modules.

Samsung Galaxy NX Camera

The Korean manufacturer focused on the intelligent capabilities of the camera, providing the Galaxy NX model with Android OS. The design of the device also turned out to be unusual - the design is made in a large but flat form factor, which is praised for its ease of physical handling. The increase in size relative to previous versions of NX is due to the use of a 4.77-inch diagonal LCD display. As for shooting capabilities, high quality images are ensured by a 21.6 megapixel APS-C matrix, electronic viewfinder and autofocus. Communication capabilities are implemented through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. HDMI and DLNA interfaces are provided for communication with video and audio equipment.

Thanks to the Android platform, the Galaxy NX system camera also has the ability to program photo settings through the iFunction option. In particular, such parameters as photosensitivity, shutter speed and aperture, white balance, etc. can be quickly auto-corrected. What is also noteworthy is that the device supports a GPS navigation system, and with a SIM card installed, it can work with SMS messages. Overall, the result was a high-tech smart device that significantly expanded the functional range of system photographic equipment without reducing the basic shooting quality in its class.

Welcome to my blog again. I’m in touch with you, Timur Mustaev. Since nowadays there are different kinds digital cameras, then in today’s article I would like to touch on the topic of mirrorless cameras. Let's get started.

What is a system camera? This is a mixed class of digital cameras, which is a compact technique with interchangeable lenses and no mirror. Well, let’s immediately agree that system cameras and mirrorless cameras are one and the same.

In fact, all the advantages and disadvantages will be considered in comparison with SLR cameras.

Advantages

Small dimensions. Mirrorless cameras are only slightly larger in size than point-and-shoot cameras. Makes it possible to take a large number of lenses with you.
Light weight.
High image quality. The image quality is the same as that of amateur SLR cameras.
Silence. The shutter is quieter than DSLR cameras because there is no mirror.
No vibration. Vibrations are practically not felt due to the absence of a mirror, which means it is possible to obtain sharper images.
High-quality standard optics. Kit lenses are of better quality than budget DSLRs.
High shooting speed. The ability to use shutter speeds of 1/2000 s or less due to the absence of a mirror. On average, you can take 10-12 pictures per second.
Easy and fast cleaning process. Since there is no mirror, there are no unnecessary problems. Cleaning is done when the lens is disconnected and is quite possible at home.
Availability of large ASP-C matrix. System cameras outperform compacts in this regard, and with full-format SLR cameras they are almost on the same level.
More mileage. Each digital camera has its own conditional shelf life, which is called mileage - the number of frames taken by the camera before the structure wears out. For example, if you take a Nikon D5100 SLR camera, then its mileage will be 100,000 shots, that is, it can be used for 3-4 years. For mirrorless cameras, this figure is much higher, mainly due to the lack of a mirror. I have two detailed articles: and.

Flaws

Small selection of accessories. The choice of suitable accessories (lenses, flashes, etc.) is significantly small compared to DSLRs. I think this is temporary, since system cameras appeared on the market not so long ago, just at the beginning of this century.
No optical viewfinder. The photographer uses only a display or an electronic viewfinder. This affects inaccurate focus adjustment and incorrect color reproduction. It is difficult to work with this viewfinder in the dark due to the fact that the display transmits a lot of digital noise, and the image is barely visible. IN Lately Cameras with both electronic and optical viewfinders began to appear, which significantly improves the work of the photographer.
Control suffers due to compactness. There are few control buttons on the body. Most of the functions are moved to a multi-level menu, which is not very acceptable for most photographers, since you have to learn the location of the functions and spend a lot of time on settings. Holding the camera is also not entirely comfortable.
Contrast autofocus. Since autofocus is contrast, that is, the camera adjusts the parameters according to contrast, its operation is very slow and less accurate. It is being adjusted gradually. This will prevent you from shooting sports photography. The absence of a mirror affects. In some cameras, manufacturers have begun to implement hybrid autofocus (phase-contrast), which significantly speeds up and corrects shooting.
High price. Since system cameras are a new trend in the photographic equipment market, the price is corresponding. In numerous cases, the cost of mirrorless cameras and their accessories is higher than their DSLR counterparts.
Rapid battery discharge and short service life. The combined operation of the processor, matrix and display leads to rapid discharge of the camera. Mirrorless cameras with a single battery can be used for 300 shots, while DSLR cameras are capable of 800 or more. This problem affects travelers the most.
Contrast differences. In the images you see a strong contrast between white and black and very little in between - grey.

Kinds

System cameras are divided into 3 types:

Amateur

Semi-professional

Professional: Sony a7, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3.

System cameras are a controversial category of digital cameras. Sure, they beat compacts, but not DSLRs. Small dimensions are sacrificed for image quality and low battery charge, which can become a playing factor for a photographer photographing wildlife in remote places. In terms of cost, many cameras can be superior to inexpensive DSLRs since this is a new category of digital cameras on the market. The choice is yours.

And finally, I would like to say, do not forget to clean your camera, be it a point-and-shoot camera, a mirrorless camera or a DSLR. I use pencil And with a cloth for cleaning, which are always with me and always help me out. I bought them on Aliexpress and was impressed by the quality. And also, I wrote a detailed article. Be sure to read it carefully so as not to damage the lens.

And I say goodbye to you, subscribe to my blog, share with your friends on social networks.

All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.

Until recently, the photographic equipment market was represented mainly by two classes of devices - SLR cameras and digital point-and-shoot cameras. “DSLRs” were aimed at professional photographers and advanced users. While compact point-and-shoot cameras with automatic shooting modes are aimed at a wider, amateur audience. At the same time, compact digital cameras did not provide all the opportunities for amateurs to realize their creative vision and unleash their creative potential. But in recent years, a new class of devices has appeared on the market, which can be considered intermediate between SLR cameras and point-and-shoot cameras. These are mirrorless (system) cameras with interchangeable lenses.

In terms of their technical parameters, image quality and ease of use, “mirrorless” cameras can easily compete with amateur and even semi-professional SLR cameras. Moreover, their cost is often significantly lower. Therefore, today those who are planning to purchase a digital camera have a reasonable question: what to prefer - an SLR camera or a hybrid (mirrorless) camera? In order to answer this question, let's try to compare these two classes of devices.

Design of a mirrorless and SLR camera

SLR camera design (http://fujifilmru.livejournal.com)

As you know, a SLR camera differs from a regular digital camera by using a special system with a mirror (1) and a pentaprism (3). The mirror in this case is designed to deflect light into the pentaprism optical viewfinder (2). At the moment the shutter is released, the mirror is raised, due to which the light flux, instead of the viewfinder, is directed to the surface of the photosensitive matrix (4). Focusing of the optics is carried out using a block of individual phase sensors (5). The advantage of this design of an SLR camera is that the image seen in the optical viewfinder is transmitted without any distortion or changes.

In addition, a DSLR camera provides the photographer with ample opportunities to change all shooting parameters to achieve the optimal result. Thanks to the design features of the SLR camera, it is possible to use fast phase detection autofocus, which, together with the optical viewfinder, allows you to instantly catch and capture the moment the photographer needs in the picture.

Everything is clear with a SLR camera - it has long become a common tool not only for professional photographers, but also for beginner photography enthusiasts who want to improve their skill level. Moreover, today there are SLR camera models designed for beginners. They are equipped with automatic shooting modes and convenient controls.

But what is “mirrorless”? As you might guess, the idea behind these cameras is to avoid using a mirror. The production of mirrorless cameras was started by Olympus and Panasonic, who presented the Olympus PEN E-P1 hybrid camera based on the MicroFourThirds matrix format. In recent years, many “mirrorless” models have been released, which quickly proved that they can compete with many DSLR cameras in terms of image quality.

The device of a mirrorless camera (http://fujifilmru.livejournal.com)

So, the design of a mirrorless camera does not include a mirror or any associated devices. If in a SLR camera the light passing through the lens system in the lens hits a mirror with a pentaprism, then in a “mirrorless” camera the light flux is immediately directed to the photosensitive element (1). The image preview is not carried out using an optical viewfinder, but by reading the image by the processor (2) directly from the camera matrix. Sighting occurs using an electronic viewfinder (3), which is an LCD display that supports LiveView mode. It should be noted that the idea of abandoning the very principle of operation of a SLR camera by removing the device with a mirror from the body has both its pros and cons.

Mirrorless Canon EOS M cutaway

Comparison: advantages and disadvantages

Now let’s compare mirrorless and DSLR cameras according to the main parameters, taking into account the features of their design:

— Overall dimensions and ease of use

The absence of a system with a mirror and a penta prism has made mirrorless cameras more compact. They have smaller weight and size characteristics, which allows the photographer to carry the “mirrorless” camera with him all the time like a regular point-and-shoot camera. Of course, compact size is one of the main advantages of mirrorless cameras. Carrying a large and heavy DSLR camera with you, especially when traveling, is very inconvenient.

But at the same time, compactness does not always mean ease of use. Indeed, on the large body of the mirror device you can place many more controls. In addition, excessive compactness often interferes with a more comfortable grip of the camera. However, this is largely a matter of habit and individual preferences of the photographer.

- Matrix

Unlike compact digital cameras, which use light-sensitive matrices that are noticeably inferior in their characteristics to sensors used in SLR cameras, this is all right in “mirrorless” cameras. They are equipped with large sensors, exactly the same as in SLR cameras, which allows you to take high-quality images.

Yes, of course, mirrorless cameras do not have full-frame sensors, but you must agree that full-frame digital cameras are not required for every shooting situation. They are needed only by professional photographers seeking to obtain the highest image quality. If we compare the matrices of amateur-level SLR cameras and “mirrorless” cameras, then there is virtually no difference in characteristics between them.

— Viewfinder

But where there is a difference is in the viewfinder. In addition to the notorious mirror, mirrorless cameras also lack an optical viewfinder, which works great in any lighting conditions. Thanks to the optical forward viewfinder, the user can always see exactly what is happening in reality, without any distortion or delay.

Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical viewfinder, that is, a display operating in LiveView mode. The display quality on such an electronic viewfinder is often inferior to traditional optics, since the resolution of the display has not yet reached the limits accessible to the human eye. In addition, the built-in electronic viewfinder does its job rather poorly in low light conditions - the picture begins to become clogged with noise, and the image becomes grainy. In a word, in this parameter “mirrorless” cameras are inferior to DSLR cameras.

— Autofocus

The same can be said about the autofocus system, although here mirrorless camera manufacturers make serious efforts to compensate for the autofocus shortcomings inherent in hybrid cameras. The fact is that, due to the design features, mirrorless cameras use contrast autofocus instead of phase detection, which is used in DSLRs. In this case, focusing is done programmatically, by analyzing the image falling on the matrix.

As practice shows, phase autofocus is slightly faster than contrast autofocus in terms of speed and accuracy. Therefore, in this parameter the SLR camera also wins. DSLRs are faster at focusing and have no problems with “clinging” to the desired object in various shooting situations.

— Replaceable optics

Of course, DSLR cameras now have a much larger selection of photo accessories and interchangeable lenses than any mirrorless camera. The choice of lenses for DSLRs is wider, but you need to understand that mirrorless cameras have appeared on the market relatively recently. And in this short time, photographic equipment manufacturers have already released a sufficient set of optics for their mirrorless cameras. Probably, in a few years, given the growing popularity of mirrorless cameras, the range of interchangeable optics for them will be as wide as for traditional DSLRs. We can say that thanks to the constant expansion of the line of optics for mirrorless cameras, this problem will eventually become a thing of the past.

— Autonomy of work

One cannot ignore such a parameter as the battery life of the camera. A feature of mirrorless cameras is the constant operation of the light-sensitive matrix, image analyzer and display, which leads to fairly rapid depletion of the battery reserves. As a result, DSLR cameras can significantly exceed mirrorless cameras in terms of battery life. In addition, the impressive dimensions of the body of SLR cameras allow them to install more capacious batteries to ensure long-term battery life of the device.

conclusions

Before answering the question of which is better - a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, you need to understand that ideal photographic equipment, in principle, does not exist. Each camera, due to its design features, presents a set of certain types of compromises. And if these compromises seem quite reasonable to one user, then for another they may turn out to be completely unacceptable.

As you can easily see from the comparison above, mirrorless cameras in general have more disadvantages compared to a traditional DSLR camera. But all these shortcomings, be it contrast autofocus or an electronic viewfinder, cannot be called insurmountable. Technical progress does not stand still, and leading photographic equipment manufacturers are constantly working to improve the performance of mirrorless cameras by introducing new technical solutions. It is not for nothing that articles are now increasingly appearing in the press asking the question: is the era of SLR cameras coming to an end?

If you choose today between a SLR camera and a hybrid camera, it is difficult to determine a clear winner. It all depends on the specific tasks facing the photographer and his individual preferences. For the vast majority of shooting situations, either camera is suitable. Ideally, by the way, it is better to immediately purchase both a DSLR camera and a “mirrorless” model that you can carry with you like a regular point-and-shoot camera. The good thing about a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is that you get almost everything you need, but in a much more compact package.

If compactness and weight of equipment are important to a photographer and at the same time he requires high quality photographs, then purchasing a mirrorless camera is the optimal solution. If he wants to take pictures of maximum quality, shoot reportage scenes and fully control the shooting process by using precise manual settings, then it is better to prefer a traditional DSLR.

When choosing a digital camera that provides high quality photographs, you will have to face not so much the need to decide between a DSLR and a mirrorless model, but rather the problem of choosing a specific model. In general, when making a comparison between hybrid and SLR cameras, it is best to proceed from the characteristics of specific models.

There is currently a wide variety of photographic equipment models on the market, and in a good sense, complete “anarchy” reigns here. This means, for example, that a mirrorless camera can cost more than an advanced DSLR without being superior in any significant way. And vice versa. Therefore, when choosing a digital camera, you should always start, first of all, from your current tasks, individual preferences and budget.