System cameras. What to choose - a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera

In 2008, the first models without SLR cameras. 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. Focusing 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 their 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.

Model examples

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

Fujifilm X-Pro1 was recognized as the best professional system camera of 2012–2013. 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 a 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 is the best professional system camera of 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.

Every season, a whole bunch of new camera models of various price categories with individual features appear on the world market. To choose a camera which will be most convenient for you in all respects, I have divided all digital cameras into 5 categories. This will bring clarity to the huge number of cameras you choose from online stores. Agree, it is simply impossible to compare models and understand their numerous characteristics directly upon purchase. The classification I propose allows choose the best camera or, at a minimum, make an informed decision before purchasing a camera, based on objective data.

Before you start analyzing the characteristics and types of cameras, decide on the following questions:

1. For what purposes will the camera be used: amateur or professional?
2. How much are you willing to spend on the device?

For example, professional photography in addition to careful selecting a camera involves the purchase of various modules and additional accessories for the camera. System and SLR cameras require modernization by purchasing replacement lenses, flashes and other components. Of course, most cameras in other categories can also be improved with additional accessories, but to a much lesser extent.

If you intend to use future photographs mainly for publication on the Internet, but the quality provided by a smartphone, even with a good camera, is not enough, then make sure that the model has a built-in wi-fi (WLAN module). I advise you to take a closer look at cameras with Android OS on board; they will make posting photos on the Internet even easier. The article will consider only those devices that have video recording functionality with Full HD support.

Megazoom cameras

Megazoom cameras They are a mixture between DSLRs and compact models. Their main feature is the widest range of focal lengths. These cameras are always equipped with large lenses and offer a variety of manual settings. Such models have compact matrices, but “megazooms” have dimensions that exceed the dimensions of conventional cameras.

Cameras in a protective housing

Users who prefer leisure and extreme sports place special demands on digital cameras. These devices must be compact, lightweight, have a shockproof housing, protection from dust and moisture, and their control must remain convenient in any situation. When choosing this type of camera, you should pay close attention to the degree of security.

Universal cameras

Users who lack the capabilities of budget camera solutions and are not happy with the dimensions of megazoom or SLR cameras should take a closer look at universal models. They have an abundance of various settings, high-capacity batteries and the ability to install additional accessories and extensions. A big size The matrix, in turn, allows you to create excellent pictures.

System cameras

In a nutshell, system camera is a “DSLR” housed in a lightweight and compact body. This is one of the most promising types of cameras today.

DSLR cameras

A DSLR camera provides the photographer with great opportunities due to the presence of an interchangeable lens and a huge number of manual settings. To get acquainted with the “DSLR”, the optics supplied with it (Kit) are quite suitable. But in some cases, buying a model without a lens will save you enough money to purchase better-performing optics from a third-party manufacturer, depending on the camera mount.

Megazoom cameras

The main feature of megazoom cameras is a lens with a huge range of focal lengths, providing the ability to shoot both with a wide viewing angle and low magnification, and with a very narrow angle and a fairly large zoom. The main task of the manufacturer is to fit a fast, universal lens into a compact body. As a result, you have to sacrifice either neat lens dimensions in favor of aperture ratio and optical quality, or vice versa. In addition, the larger the telescope of the lens, the more compact it is, but the less reliable and durable it is. Of course, megazoom cameras have dimensions that exceed the average dimensions of conventional compact models. We also note that such devices are aimed primarily at enthusiastic users, especially those who love to take panoramic photos or sporting events.

Best Camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

The best overall performance was the model from Sony. The camera attracts with its rich functionality, but the 18-megapixel CMOS matrix does not have a very large physical size - 1/2.3′ (6.17 × 4.55 mm). The device is equipped with a three-inch screen and uses a micro-USB connector for both communication with a PC and for charging. The camera also has a built-in GPS module that allows you to link photos to geographic coordinates and register a track even when the device is turned off

Best Choice: Canon PowerShot SX240 HS

This camera, with a very attractive price, has almost perfectly balanced characteristics: the scores obtained in the main disciplines are almost equal. The camera offers an interesting (especially for fans of sports events) video recording mode at a speed of 240 fps. The disadvantage of the model is, perhaps, the low resolution of the three-inch display (461,000 dots) - the other representatives of this category have twice as much.

Rugged cameras

These cameras are intended primarily for lovers of active and extreme types of recreation. To ensure that the devices can be used underwater, their housings are made completely sealed. Control buttons, which in standard models are the main conductors of water inside the case, in protected chambers do not allow it to pass through, and the covers of the battery and memory card compartments are equipped with special sealing gaskets. In addition, protected cameras are not afraid of shocks, sudden changes in temperature and pressure. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the degree of security of cameras varies, therefore, when purchasing such a model, you should carefully read the specification. You have to pay for protection literally(such a camera, of course, is more expensive than a similar unprotected one), and portable - these devices are larger and heavier than classic compact models and are not equipped with rotating displays.

Best Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5

This model of a secure camera allows you to take photos and videos at a depth of up to 13 m. Also, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 can withstand a fall from a 2-meter height. At the same time, the camera shows best quality The images are in the class and are well equipped: there are built-in WLAN and GPS modules, an NFC interface, as well as a tourist’s travel kit: a compass, a barometer and an altimeter.

Best choice: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20

This representative of the TX series (ultra-compact rugged cameras from Sony) with a 3.3-inch touch screen is distinguished by a stylish design, low price, rich equipment and excellent performance. This allowed the model to earn the title of the best choice in its class. The camera remains waterproof to a depth of 5 m, and shock resistance is guaranteed when dropped from a height of no more than 1.5 m.

Universal cameras

Cameras in this class continue to be the best-selling cameras because they are the best choice among all categories of cameras. They have an impressive number of different settings, both manual and automatic, fairly large batteries and the ability to purchase additional accessories, such as a separate flash, as well as telescopic and macroscopic lens attachments. The large physical size of the matrix allows you to take very good shots, and in terms of image quality, provided there is good lighting, such cameras are comparable to SLR models. Universal cameras are well suited for all kinds of trips and travel, as well as situational shooting using the “saw, got it, shot” principle. These devices are also supported by the fact that even many professionals purchase such devices as a second device for everyday use.

Best Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X

The best camera in terms of image quality among those reviewed, this is facilitated by a huge matrix for this type of camera, exceeding the 4/3 standard used in system cameras. The device offers a ton of manual and automatic settings, a tilt-and-turn display, and a variety of mechanical controls. The only drawback is the low performance - this applies to both continuous shooting and shutter delay.

Optimal choice: Nikon Coolpix P7700

Yes, the camera is no longer a new product, but it is still competitive. Here's why: high image quality, excellent equipment, a lot of manual settings (there are three dials for setting parameters, as many selections of operating modes and functions). Let's add to this the presence of a folding display, a fast lens and the largest optical zoom among those mentioned in the article. Yes, and a great price.

System cameras

Manufacturers have long been looking for a solution to overcome the limitations imposed by the presence of a mirror as a key element of DSLR cameras. Several years ago, digital devices without mirrors, but with interchangeable optics, appeared on the mass market. They came to be called system cameras, or “mirrorless cameras.” The presence of a large sensor and interchangeable lenses allows you to take pictures of almost the same quality as mirror models. At the same time, their dimensions, weight and price are smaller due to the absence of a mirror block. The image from the lens goes directly to the sensor, from there to the display and/or electronic viewfinder. This design easily allows you to use the tilt-and-turn display in shooting mode and record video, which for DSLR cameras requires a fair amount of technical tricks: you need to raise and fix the mirror, and send the image from the lens to the matrix, essentially turning the device into a mirrorless one.

Best Camera: Sony NEX-6

The picture quality and performance of this model are almost ideal when compared with competitors. In addition, the Sony NEX-6 is very richly equipped. For perfection, the only thing missing is a movable display that rotates only in one plane.

Best choice: Sony NEX-F3

According to test results, the Sony NEX-F3 model demonstrates the same image quality and resolution, since it uses a similar sensor. The ISO range of the younger model is narrower, and the noise at equal ISO is higher, which is a consequence of simplified electronics. Of course, the equipment and performance differ greatly to a lesser extent. But the battery life has even increased.

DSLR cameras

SLR digital cameras in Lately are no longer the preserve of only professionals and enthusiasts. Behind short period of time A lot of budget amateur “DSLRs” have appeared. Such models provide the photographer with great opportunities both due to the presence of interchangeable lenses, external flashes, devices for macro photography, and due to an impressive number of different settings, manual and automatic. In their design, SLR cameras are fundamentally different from all others: in them, the image passing through the lens is projected not directly onto the matrix, but onto a mirror unit, from where it is then perceived by the photographer’s eye through the optical viewfinder. Therefore, these devices allow you to immediately see and evaluate the frame. Entry-level DSLRs are good for photography enthusiasts, but most users may find them bulky and difficult to use.

Best Product: Sony Alpha SLT-A77

This camera is made using translucent mirror technology, in which the light flux from the lens is divided between the matrix and the viewfinder, which increases the reliability and speed of shooting, since the mirror remains motionless during the photographing process. On the other hand, this design somewhat reduces the light flow reaching the matrix. However, given the photosensitivity of modern matrices, this is not very significant. In addition, this camera is the most equipped among its competitors.

Best choice: Canon EOS 60D

A camera with the best price/quality ratio and a well-balanced combination of key parameters. The advantages include a display that rotates in two planes (one of the first movable displays from this manufacturer) with high resolution. The disadvantage is the low burst speed and rather narrow ISO range. In addition, high color noise makes it practically useless starting from a value of 3200 units.

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 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 put a matrix here and there, just different in technical specifications. 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. It's all to blame gradual development 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 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.

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 is 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 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.

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 DSLR?

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 of the device of the same type makes similar friend to a friend (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 operating 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 a beautiful blurred background and stunning close-up detail, you will 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 get good camera– models with 13 megapixels, 20.1 megapixels, an optical stabilization system and other “tenacious” characteristics are no longer news. 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). Moreover, in bright conditions sunlight, when most displays simply go blind, 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 so far 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 gives 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 required condition 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 and a mirrorless camera that speak in favor of the latter are its compact dimensions with high quality Pictures. 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 (the Nikon D650 that replaced it costs 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.

On currently Sigma offers just one system DSLR camera, the SD1 Merrill, with a SIGMA SA mount and an APS-C sensor. This year, two mirrorless cameras were announced, compatible with the SIGMA SA mount, equipped with electronic viewfinders: sd Quattro (APS-C matrix) and sd Quattro H (APS-H matrix). Cameras differ in matrix size and resolution.

System and intersystem compatibility

As a rule, lenses from “senior” photo systems from one company can be successfully used with cameras from “junior” systems from the same company, but backward compatibility is always problematic. In order to install a full-frame lens on an SLR camera with an APS-C matrix, no additional equipment is required. The lens will work great, and its focal length will increase by the crop factor value (1.6). Installing a lens with a smaller image field (designed for cameras with APS-C sensors) on cameras with a full-frame sensor is usually also possible, but the photo may show strong vignetting and deterioration of the image until it completely disappears towards the edge of the frame. Automatic or manual cropping, which cuts off the edges of the frame and reduces the resolution of the image, helps improve the result.

Installing a lens from an SLR system on a mirrorless camera with a matrix of any size is a little more difficult. The working distance of mirrorless cameras is smaller than that of SLR systems, so for correct operation of the lens you will need a special adapter ring, an adapter that increases the distance between the lens and the light-sensitive matrix.

So, in order to install a lens from DSLR systems on a Canon mirrorless camera of the EOS-M system, the MOUNT ADAPTER EF-EOS-M adapter is suitable.
The Mount Adapter FT 1 performs a similar function for the Nikon One system.

Sony's range of adapters is somewhat wider, since the company decided to equip its adapters with an additional fast autofocus sensor with a translucent mirror. Sony LA-EA4 is an adapter with fast autofocus for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and LA-EA2 is suitable for cameras with APS-C matrices. Sony also has regular adapters without a mirror: owners of full-frame SLR cameras need the LA-EA3, and for cameras with an APS-C matrix, the LA-EA1 is suitable.

The Olympus MMF-3 Four Thirds and Panasonic DMW-MA1 adapters will help you pair the optics from DSLR cameras of the 4/3 system with mirrorless cameras of the Micro 4/3 system. In addition, Olympus produces adapters that allow the use of OM system optics with 4/3 (MF-1) and Micro 4/3 (MF-2) cameras.
The result of the collaboration between Panasonic and Leica are adapters that allow the use of Leica optics with Micro 4/3 cameras. The Panasonic DMW-MA2 adapter will allow you to mount Leica M lenses, and the DMW-MA3 will allow you to mount Leica R lenses.

The case when a company produces “native” adapters for using optics from other companies with its cameras is the exception rather than the rule. But independent manufacturers offer a lot of different adapters that allow you to install a wide variety of optics on cameras of all systems - albeit with certain functional limitations.

Reference article based on the expert opinion of the author.