System cameras. System camera: review of the best models, characteristics, description, capabilities, reviews

" 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 in Russia they just canceled serfdom, the camera has 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 - distinctive feature 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, we talked about the fact that it’s been a century and a half since they’ve been releasing DSLR cameras? 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 technicians, like Nikon D4, is capable of taking 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 different 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 need to repeat ourselves.
• Systematicity. For some reason, many people call mirrorless cameras system cameras, forgetting that SLR cameras also belong to this class. This is the similarity between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras - these are system cameras that feature interchangeable lenses.

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?

In 2008, the first models of mirrorless cameras entered the market. These cameras are called differently:

• EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangable Lens) - electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses,
• MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens (Compact) Camera) is a mirrorless compact camera with interchangeable lenses,
• ILC (Interchangeable Lens Compact) - interchangeable compact lenses,
• ACIL (Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens) - an advanced camera with an interchangeable lens.

These are all names of one class of cameras: mirrorless system digital cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Differences between mirrorless cameras

The main difference between this class of cameras and SLR cameras is absence of a movable mirror and pentaprism. This made it possible to reduce the working distance of the lens.

Sighting and depth of field assessment occurs using an LCD screen or electronic viewfinder.

On the left is the mirror block of a SLR camera, on the right is the sighting and lens block of a mirrorless camera.

Another difference is considered focusing method. Focus in mirrorless cameras occurs only using the contrast method.

DSLR cameras use faster and more accurate phase focusing. But in mirrorless cameras, when manually focusing, you can bring the focusing area closer, which is an advantage. There may also be an indication of the contrast level in the focusing area, which makes focusing easier. Yes, and using the touchscreen you can select an object in the image on which to focus.

The latest models of mirrorless cameras also have phase focusing, which uses sensors built into the matrix. Then the camera uses hybrid focusing (phase and contrast).

What do system cameras provide?

The use of a mirrorless camera with a larger matrix than that of compacts and the ability to use interchangeable lenses allows the photographer to get Image quality comparable to photos taken with DSLR cameras. And all this with a camera comparable in size and weight to compacts.

In terms of capabilities and price, mirrorless cameras are located between compacts and DSLRs. Often their characteristics are comparable to DSLRs entry level. These cameras can be recommended for amateur photographers who lack the capabilities of a compact camera, but size and weight play a role.

It is worth saying that the choice of optics for DSLRs is much larger, and you may encounter a problem when choosing the lens needed for a mirrorless camera in a particular situation. But manufacturers are constantly expanding their fleet of lenses for system mirrorless cameras, and various adapters are also being produced to match cameras and lenses.

Mirrorless cameras cannot replace professional SLR cameras, but for advanced amateurs they are quite suitable.

Pros and cons of mirrorless cameras

• The first and most obvious argument of system (mirrorless) cameras is case size and weight. Still, the mirror unit takes up quite a bit of space in a DSLR camera.
• Large ASP-C matrix gives a big advantage to mirrorless cameras over compact cameras and does not allow them to be much inferior to full-format SLR cameras in this parameter.
• Having gotten rid of the mirror, the time for shooting has now been reduced. The shooting speed now depends only on the time of reading information from the matrix, which makes it possible to implement a shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. or less. The absence of a block of mirrors also eliminated the vibration of the body from the mechanical operation of this mirror.
• Using the screen as a viewfinder now allows you to fully appreciate the depth of field and brightness of the entire frame. But in some situations, when very precise focusing is needed, a screen with a limited resolution may not provide desired result. At the same time, in bright external lighting (bright sun), the LCD screen may lose its contrast and aiming will become difficult. This is where the optical viewfinder of a DSLR would have an advantage.
• Constant operation of the matrix, processor, screen leads to faster battery discharge and matrix overheating. This is not the case in DSLRs, because they aim through the optical viewfinder.
• In SLR cameras autofocus occurs according to the phase method, which uses the flow of light from the mirror in its work. System cameras do not have a mirror, so focusing is based on contrast analysis. But it is slower and less accurate.
• Another advantage of mirrorless cameras is that they are smaller lens flange distance. This is the distance from the last lens element to the matrix. This design allows telephoto lenses to be made smaller and lighter than for DSLRs. But at the same time, the production of wide-angle lenses becomes more difficult.

Examples of models

As an example of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, we present camera models that have been recognized as the best in last years according to EISA.

Best professional system camera 2012 - 2013 Fujifilm X-Pro1 was recognized. This camera uses a new X-Trans CMOS sensor, equipped with a special color filter. A hybrid viewfinder and Fujinon optics are used.

The approximate price of Fujifilm X-Pro1 is about $1000.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is recognized as the European Compact System Camera. Very fast autofocus and electronic viewfinder. There is a five-axis optical stabilization system. Matrix 17x13 mm with a resolution of 16 megapixels.

The approximate price of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is about $1000.

Sony Alpha 7R - the best professional system camera 2014. Matrix Full Frame, 36 MP.
Sony Alpha 7R

The approximate price of Sony Alpha 7R is about $2000.

Read more about the best cameras of 2014.

Those who would like to buy digital camera, we were asked the same question more than once: “?” 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 accurate display into 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 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 turning off 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 sensors in the focusing system receive light directly from the object. This autofocus is called phase.

In mirrorless cameras (like any compacts) there is no way 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-length 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 spent brief analysis 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.

1. There is no clear winner for all occasions. It all depends on what tasks and conditions the camera is needed for;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. To receive nice pictures for a home photo archive, do not delve too deeply into the technical intricacies of photography or the creation artwork, in general, it’s worth paying attention to compact pseudo-mirror cameras or simply compact cameras with a fixed lens.

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 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.

This article will focus on mirrorless cameras. They are called so because their design does not include a bulky mirror and an optical viewfinder. In the design of classic DSLRs, a mirror located behind the lens at an angle of 45 degrees to the optical axis allows you to observe through the viewfinder the image obtained directly through the optics installed on the camera. Its presence does not affect the quality of the image (at the moment of shooting it generally rises and covers the optical viewfinder). Due to the large size of the mirror itself, the distance between the matrix and the lens increases, which in turn complicates the optical design of the lenses, increases the size of the camera itself, making it more bulky and noisy.

DSLR or mirrorless camera: what to choose

Why is a DSLR camera better than a mirrorless camera? For a long time, SLR cameras were the most popular among amateur photographers, since the advantages still outweighed the disadvantages. However, progress does not stand still, and modern digital technologies allowed manufacturers to create new class cameras Mirrorless system cameras have absorbed all the advantages of a DSLR camera in the form of ease of sighting, speed of electronics, and the ability to change optics. At the same time, the absence of an optical viewfinder and mirror allows the cameras themselves to be made smaller, lighter, with a simpler and more efficient design. Initially born as a niche product, this class of cameras is gaining more and more new fans every year, and the number of models on the market is growing like an avalanche. In all this diversity, it’s easy to get confused!

System cameras with interchangeable lenses

In this article, we have selected the most interesting, in our opinion, representatives of mirrorless cameras or, as they are also called, compact system cameras with interchangeable lenses. We will tell you about those models that, in terms of their characteristics, have already come very close to the performance of SLR cameras, or even surpassed them. Mirrorless cameras can be of interest to a wide range of people. For example, those who want to take a step forward from the usual compact soap dish or mobile phone. The intuitive controls of most of these cameras allow you to become familiar with all the basics of photography while remaining in your comfort zone. They are also suitable for those amateur photographers who have big park old high-quality photo optics left over from film times. Many companies produce adapters for different mounts, through which you can install and use your favorite lenses on the camera. They are also often chosen as a backup or second camera by many DSLR camera owners, and sometimes even switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless system entirely!

And another important point: for some mirrorless models (for example, Olympus) the price has practically not increased. As a result of the December price increase, other models did not increase as much as SLR cameras.

Olympus mirrorless cameras

If size and weight matter most to you, then you should look towards mirrorless cameras from Olympus. In their cameras they use a Micro Four Thirds size matrix (approximately 17.3x13 mm). This solution allows us to produce cameras and optics of small sizes. At the same time, the Micro Four Thirds matrix has enough big size and provides image quality close to APS-C matrices. In terms of picture quality, Olympus squeezes literally everything out of 4/3 sensors in their cameras! Among the rich Olympus line, I would like to highlight two OM-D E-M10 and OM-D E-M1

In 2014, it received numerous awards, including from EISA, DPpreview and TIPA, as a camera with an ideal price-quality ratio in its class. The OM-D E-M10 is the continuation of the OM-D series, which has captivated the world with its classic design combined with the latest advances from Olympus. The camera is very fast. Autofocus speed is only 0.06 seconds, and RAW shooting speed is 8 frames per second. Let's add, judging by the enormous possibilities for customizing the interface, ease of manual and semi-automatic control, shooting in Full-HD format, and you will get a camera that outperforms most SLR cameras, but takes up much less space.

The big brother of the E-M10, the flagship of the Olympus Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system. Every facet of this camera is tailored for reporting and has a rich arsenal of professional solutions. Improved electronic viewfinder with a field of view larger than many DSLRs. Unique 5-axis image stabilization for photos and videos: compensates for shake in three planes, as well as rotational moments. Cheetah-fast hybrid autofocus. Dust- and moisture-proof frost-resistant housing. This camera is also available with a large number of additional accessories that expand its capabilities even further. Among the available accessories, I would like to note the MMF-3 adapter, which allows you to install and use all the functions of 4/3 format optics (such optics were used in Olympus and Panasonic DSLRs in the recent past). Autofocus with such optics will work using phase detection sensors located on the matrix.

Fujifilm mirrorless cameras

The next manufacturer, which also focused its efforts on the production of mirrorless cameras and ignored DSLRs, is the Japanese corporation Fujifilm. The main advantage of Fujifilm is its unique matrix and optics designed for it. And this is not surprising, because all my experience and knowledge accumulated over long years improving color emulsions, Fujifilm engineers adapted them to digital technologies. The result of their work was a matrix with X-Trans technology.

This technology is interesting because the pixels on the sensor are arranged in a non-linear manner and due to this there is no need to use a low-pass filter. The picture acquires its own unique charm, as well as exceptional sharpness in the smallest details. All these details can be captured using proprietary optics. Among the cameras from the Fujifilm line, I would like to highlight the following mirrorless models.

It is the most affordable model in the Fujifilm camera line with X-Trans technology. It differs from its older brothers primarily in size, as well as in the absence of an electronic viewfinder and less developed ergonomics of the controls (fewer buttons). The camera is offered in three different body colors, has a rotating screen, Wi-Fi function and will be inexpensive entrance ticket into the world of the Fujifilm system.

This is Fujifulm's bid to play on the same field as the Olympus OM-D E-M1. In the field of reportage cameras in direct competition with DSLRs. The model belongs to the premium segment and this moment is Fujifilm's most advanced system mirrorless camera. Outwardly, it is similar to a DSLR, but instead of an optical viewfinder, an electronic one is used, which, due to its size and quality, is practically indistinguishable from an optical one. The camera body is dust- and moisture-proof, frost-resistant and has classic mechanical dials for controlling shutter speed and exposure compensation (the aperture on most Fujifilm lenses is mounted on a ring on the lens). It uses an X-Trans CMOS II matrix with ISO increased to 51200. New processors and electronics have virtually minimized turn-on time and the interval between shots, resulting in a camera with extremely fast response times. Phase detection autofocus with subject motion prediction allows you to shoot up to 8 frames per second. For this model, as in the case of Olympus, Fujifilm has released a large line of additional accessories and new dust- and water-resistant lenses.

Sony mirrorless cameras

When talking about mirrorless cameras, we cannot fail to mention Sony Corporation. Among the achievements in this market segment, I would like to highlight two models: the Sony A6000 with the most advanced autofocus and the Sony A7 II with a 5-axis optical stabilizer based on matrix shift, implemented for the first time on a full frame.

This is a 24MP APS-C mirrorless camera with E-mount, available in three colors. At first glance, you will be struck by its thoughtful ergonomics. The camera fits well in the hand, has many customizable controls, and a well-thought-out interface. But the most interesting thing is its autofocus system with 4D focus technology. Not only has it surpassed even Sony SLR cameras in speed, but also guidance is carried out in four dimensions: horizontal, vertical, depth and time (meaning predictive algorithms that allow you to predict the movement of an object at the next moment in time). Other features include an extended sensor sensitivity range up to ISO 25600, an intelligent electronic OLED viewfinder high resolution, Wi-Fi and NFC protocols for data transfer. One more interesting fact is the ability to download various kinds of applications that improve and expand the capabilities of the camera from company store PlayMemories Camera Apps.

With an E mount and a full-frame sensor, it stands somewhat apart from all mirrorless cameras. This is the world's first camera with a 5-axis optical image stabilizer implemented for a full-frame (24x36 mm) sensor. The stabilizer will work with the “native” optics for this model with E-mount, and with optics from Sony and Minolta DSLRs with A-mount (you will need an appropriate adapter), and with any other lenses installed via adapters. If the adapter electronics allow the camera to understand which lens is being used, the stabilizer will adjust to the lens automatically. If the lens or adapter has no electronics at all, then the focal length of the lens will need to be specified manually.

The camera's autofocus is hybrid, extremely accurate and fast, with the ability to predict movement. Videographers will also appreciate this camera, as it has a full range of video recording functions and outputs video in Full HD format with a bitrate of up to 50 Mbps. Let's add here a convenient ergonomic design, high degree freedom regarding control settings, ease of wireless data transfer and convenient downloading of additional tools through the proprietary PlayMemories Camera Apps and we will get a mirrorless camera with limitless possibilities, and most importantly - with a full-frame matrix.

Hello! I’m in touch with you, Timur Mustaev. Photographers never tire of discussing different types cameras, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. We will not ignore this issue either.

The article will logically include three sections: about mirror devices, about system devices, and at the end the advantages of both. Thus, the reader himself will be able to form his own opinion about the cameras and understand for himself whether an SLR or a system camera is better.

In one of the previous articles we discussed in more detail. We won’t dwell on this today.

Any digital camera is equipped with main and auxiliary elements, the coordinated work of which ultimately forms the image.

For a camera to fulfill its purpose, it cannot do without a body and an optical part with a lens system. There are several important blocks in the body: shutter; sensor; processor, etc., and, what is important for us, the viewfinder.

This is in general terms about photographic equipment, and now in more detail on our topic.

DSLR device

In a SLR camera great importance has a mirror located closer to the shutter and directly connected to the eyepiece. The signal arriving at the mirror is reflected and hits the ground glass, collecting lens and pentaprism. Only after this we see the image through the visor.

Thanks to a complex device, an initially blurry and inverted picture can be observed as normal, corresponding to reality.

Such a viewfinder is called a mirror viewfinder, just like the device itself. I think it has become obvious that DSLRs are complex in design and can be an order of magnitude more expensive than other models. Note that we only touched on one detail in DSLRs!

Specifics of system devices

Olympus, as well as Panasonic, began the production of compact camera models that refused to use mirrors in them. System devices are devices with a modular design, including a core and replaceable elements.

In system devices, light passes through the lens and immediately hits the photosensitive device. The viewfinder here, accordingly, is not a mirror one, but a telescopic or electronic one (additional display).

In the latter version, the camera processor reads information from the matrix and displays it on the LCD display in Live View mode, which is also available on DSLRs.

Despite the peculiarities of system cameras, most of them have good matrices, and it is possible to provide additional equipment. If previously such cameras were single-lens, now this limitation has been overcome.

Comparison of cameras: focusing on the pros

We have covered the basic concepts, all that remains is to talk about the advantages that cameras have. First, let's focus on mirrored ones:

1. Reliability. Yes, SLR photographic equipment has impressive dimensions, which can be inconvenient for a photographer, but it is still more durable and perfectly protected from dust and moisture.
2. Frame. The body of the DSLR camera is designed to fit comfortably in your hand. For a good grip, they often have small rubber attachments.
3. Accessories. Of course, here we can find everything that will be useful to us during filming: various kinds of filters and devices, external flash, etc. And not an insignificant fact - a large selection of lenses.
4. Lots of features. What can you not find in DSLR cameras! Any genre of filming and embodiment of bold ideas can be available to you, the main thing is to choose wisely.
5. Big matrix, allowing you to take photos and shoot videos in high resolution.
6. Working hours. A DSLR can run significantly longer on its battery than a mirrorless camera.
7. Price benefit. DSLR cameras come in different levels of professionalism. And depending on your needs, you can buy either a very expensive and sophisticated one, or a budget option that combines reasonable cost and quality.
8. Focusing. Users note how focus works and that it allows you to quickly concentrate on an object. Also, phase detection autofocus is typical only for DSLRs.
9. Optics in the viewfinder. As mentioned above, SLR cameras, accordingly, have a mirror visor. Only this type of viewfinder displays the image without negative changes and without delays.

One can guess that the opposite features will be highlighted in system devices.

Let's talk about them:

• Small size and lightness. These properties allow system devices to be carried without much effort and taken with you on trips. In addition, they will always be at hand, and perhaps you won’t need a special bag.
• Control. System cameras are more reminiscent of point-and-shoot cameras and lack as many photographic capabilities as SLR cameras, however, everything is easy with them. Many beginners pay attention to these types of cameras because of their ease of handling.
• Matrix, only slightly inferior in terms of quality to mirror models.
• Low price. Mirrorless cameras are often cheaper. Now progress does not stand still and more expensive lines are appearing. They retain the same compactness, but the functions are significantly expanded: completely manual settings, shooting video of maximum resolution, etc.
• Lack of mirror. On the one hand, this is a minus, but on the other, due to the fact that the device is simpler, there is basically nothing to break in it. SLR cameras themselves often suffer from their mechanism: during operation, small vibrations from moving parts occur, but nevertheless affect the photograph.
• Replacement Components. Flashlights, rings, etc. available for system cameras. It is possible to change lenses, although the choice is not as wide as with DSLRs.

As you can see, both mirror and system models have their merits. After analyzing them and deciding on the purpose of purchasing a camera, you can understand which camera is best for you.

If you have a mirror one and want to understand it in detail, here are the best video courses for your attention. All my acquaintances and friends to whom I recommended these courses thank me to this day for their effectiveness!

My first MIRROR- for CANON adherents.

Digital SLR for a beginner 2.0- for NIKON adherents.

That's all for today. Goodbye, readers of my blog! Subscribe and don't miss anything important and interesting. Share with your friends.

All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.