Cameras are in crested in almost all the handy gadgets that we use today. It is the perfect time for us to take a look at what’s outside the box beyond Canon and Nikon. If you are still thinking about the cameras with mirror, then you’re wrong.
The current trend slants towards the use of mirrorless cameras which have taken the market by storm. Many companies and well-reputed brands have opted for them because of the immense number of benefits that they offer.
What really intrigues the buyers is the fact that these cameras have less weight, carry less technical parts and are in compliance with the current standards. These full frame cameras will soon have some good reviews pouring in from notable companies like Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic.
Why choose Mirrorless?
All of us know that the functionality of the SLR cameras was a prerequisite for the DSLR cameras. The framework for these cameras is quite simple enough. The first stage is when light actually passes through the lens, bounces through a mirror and then moves on to the pentaprism through which the image is projected. This sounds simple but the truth is that the inside complexity is different for the mirrorless cameras.
The evolution of these cameras opened the doors to new standards in their industry. They are being used for wildlife, sports, and wedding photography. What’s more interesting is that the batteries for these cameras have been improved and so has the battery time.
So the bigger question is that will you choose to invest in something that will last forever or something that will run out after its lifetime?
Well, here is a list of the 10 Best Mirrorless Cameras that you can find on the market.
1) Sony Alpha A7II
Immediately after its introduction to the market, this cameras rightly justified itself as the best choice for its customers. Owing to the amazing features that it has, this technology cemented its position amongst the other options available.
The first time when we put our hands on this camera, it was a bit difficult to understand the functionality. However, being a Sony product, it rightly justified itself and was fun to carry.
It wouldn’t be fair enough on this camera’s part if we overlook Meta Bone Adapters. These adapters act as a catalyst for the transition process in Canon, Nikon, Sigma and other brand’s lenses. Sony has since then been working on their lenses.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Unlike other conventional camera sensors, the sensor in this camera is relatively small because it has a micro 4/3rds sensor.
This camera was introduced in the market by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008. The basic idea was to develop something for mirrorless camcorders and lenses.
The camera works on the functionality of an advanced system and to last for a longer period of time. Olympus has also been lucky to have benefitted from MetaBone along with Leica lenses which can be attached too.
Buyers love its small size and special features of weatherproof. This camera is certainly a portable item for regular photographers to have.
3. Fujifilm X-T2
This company stands concrete on its feet for being the only one which is completely invested in making great things for photography. They don’t promote their insiders very often, but surely they do everything themselves from managing films down to camera lenses.
This model of the company is light in weight and very strong. If you are interested in photography and journalism, then this model is the right choice for you.
The camera has been designed in such a way that it can easily withstand dust and moisture. It has approximately 63 points of weather sealing and 14 degrees Fahrenheit of resistance flow. When buying this camera, you will also need to buy the weather sealed lenses.
4. Fujifilm X-HI
This version of the Fuji camera has been prepared on customers demand. This camera can be specially used for shooting videos. This time the camera comes with a much safer and larger grip along with king sized buttons. The autofocus system of the camera works quite fast and smooth.
So now you have a camera in which you can fit the cinema lenses without having to afford an entire retail camera system. This will certainly intrigue a new buyer.
Most of you would have certainly felt that different cinematic touch in movies, right? There are many complications within the color correction process inclusive of the work done by the cinematographer. The pivotal role is still played by the camera.
This camera comes with a special feature known as the ETERNA mode, which basically is a transition process from conventional video recording to movie video recording.
5. Panasonic GH5
This camera came out last year but yet stands as a first class choice for any person. Many expect that the mirrorless camera will soon dethrone this camera soon.
Many users have complained of the overheating problem, but this camera won’t have such issues at all. This camera has earned great respect for itself owing to the 4K video recording mode which it introduced back in 2014. This camera successfully replaced GH4.
Vloggers can easily carry and use this camera all over the year. You can use it in places where even light is low.
The Best Mirrorless Full Frame Cameras
It is no wonder that whenever something new comes out in the market by Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic, it becomes difficult to spot the pieces immediately. Our topic of discussion here will be pivotal to Sony. Sony has always been successful in making its customers happy with the kind of innovations it gives out every year. Let’s take a look at some of the mirrorless cameras which have come out in the last years:
6. Sony A9
Tired of handling the old DSLR camera in your hand? Well, there’s something new coming up for you. Sony is all set to break through the market with its A9, which was introduced just last year. The reviews of A7R compelled the company to come up with a more and advanced form of the mature model.
This model will surely cost you some extra dollars, but certainly, the experience that you will get is worth imagining.
Are you invested in photojournalism or sports photography? Then you certainly need to have this camera in your hand. One of the salient features of this camera is that it allows you to click images in RAW and JPEG formats before erasing off its memory. One of the most talked about competitive edges of mirrorless cameras is that they shoot really fast, unlike DSLR’s. These cameras do not depend upon moving parts.
The autofocus feature of this camera is also great. It features around 20 frames/second. Moreover, this camera comes with 693 detection points which makes up to 93% of an accurate precision.
7. Sony A7R II
Now, let’s brush out the DSLR’s from under the carpet. Sony has released yet another economical mirrorless camera. This camera will surely take care of the needs of people in a way that they’ll immensely love it.
The only spot where this camera doesn’t comply with A9 is the target. Professional photographers, who need to shoot from different angles, need this camera. This camera will surely be a great deal for those who have hands-on experience in the field of photography.
Don’t worry about the lenses, there is no need for owning big lenses for doing good work. Most of the people choose to rent out lenses so that they can actually have their event not spoiled and covered properly. Well, with this camera in your hand, you won’t need to spend those extra dollars.
Nikon Z7
Canon EOS R
Panasonic Lumix G9
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERAS
A couple of years ago, it was very likely to fill our minds with a certain type of camera when we mentioned the phrase “professional photography”. Of course, we are talking about DSLR cameras, which are starting to fade away by now.
Why we are so sure mirrorless cameras are here to stay?
If you are reading this, it is extremely likely that you’ll have understood that Mirrorless camera systems are here to stay and not the other way around. But if you aren’t sure yet, let us give you a brief lesson from History.
After photography became a real thing, painters said that it won’t last, due to its vernacular nature and lack of aura. That didn’t happen and painting took different roads away from their previous goal of representing reality.
Large format plate based view cameras where the standard, then medium format arrived at it was diminished by purists. Then 35mm arrived and it was diminished by purists (surprised? even our beloved full-frame format was seen as a less valuable format).
After digital photography arrived, everything went nuts between film and digital. DSLR cameras became the new standard, and now we have Mirrorless cameras. Do you see the pattern here?
At first mirrorless camera systems suffered from the same bashing DSLR cameras suffered when they first appeared. So, what makes other people nowadays think that mirrorless cameras are just a trend that will fade away leaving DSLRs back in the game? It is just nonsense, mirrorless cameras will evolve even more than they have actually evolved in previous years.
Enough of justifying mirrorless cameras legitimacy, let’s talk about what to look in order to find the best mirrorless camera for you.
Ergonomics
As you already know, DSLR cameras have a built-in mirror and pentaprism that makes it possible to see through the lens before taking a photograph. Thanks to these features, they are bigger, bulkier and heavier than mirrorless cameras; and when traveling or working for several hours, having a lightweight system is highly appreciated. Since mirrorless cameras lack mirrors, they are all pretty similar in size and weight so we won’t tell you to look for the lighter, but what to look in a camera in terms of ergonomics.
Testing a camera before buying it is the best thing you could ever do. Try them and feel how they fit in your hands and eyes. Also very important, try out how controlling it (changing the exposure values) feels too. If you are able to find a group of cameras that feel like an extension from your body, then you’ll have an intelligent baseline to choose from.
Lenses Capabilities
A great camera body is nothing without a lens to take pictures with. Try to look for a camera system or a brand that has a generous lens offer. At first, when mirrorless camera systems arrived, this was a huge drawback from upgrading from DSLR to Mirrorless. Nowadays, almost after 10 years since the first mirrorless camera appearance, there is a vast offer, but they could still be better.
Battery Life
This was perhaps the strong one with DSLR cameras when Mirrorless systems started pouring more and more. Battery consumption is indeed greater in mirrorless cameras due to Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). On DSLRs battery drops slower because they have Optical Viewfinders (OVF). Try to invest in a system that promises better battery performance, and of course, you can always keep a spare in your pockets.
EVF Lagging Time
Earlier mirrorless systems suffered from ketchup-slow rendering times, camera manufacturers have worked hard into this, and today many systems perform almost at real time.
Weather Sealing
It is normal to be concerned about seals with such small systems and such fragile layout (the sensor is barely naked). Investing in a weather sealed camera should be a decision everyone should take, not only the extremely hardcore and outdoorsy photographers but also the ones at the consumer level, dust is pretty sneaky and it gets inside everything.
Adapters
Did you know that you can use virtually any lens on some mirrorless camera systems? You just need to have a camera with an adapter friendly mount. The most expensive adapters like these ones allow you to even use auto-focus from attached lenses, which allows you to have seamless integrations.
Sensor
One thing that you need to understand is that you shouldn’t be looking for megapixels but for sensor capabilities. Sensors are the devices registering light, and they should perform extremely well in complex lighting situations, even at high ISOs. The price tag will be highly influenced by sensors.
You can have Micro 4/3s, APS-C, APS-H, full-frame (35mm), and medium format too. By the way, these guys recently hacked the system and made an affordable medium format mirrorless camera system. If mirrorless is the present, perhaps medium format digital mirrorless cameras will be the next milestone in the history of photography.
Video Capabilities
A lot of camera users (especially vloggers) are totally in love with mirrorless camera systems due to their video capabilities. If you are into video, try to look for a system that performs extremely well in video as well. A good camera for video, will definitely work well for stills in many cases.
Stick to your League
Mirrorless cameras have a broad variety of options so you might find a little bit overwhelmed when looking for the perfect camera for you and your needs. Try sticking to your league, and you’ll narrow down that vast offer. You don’t need to have the latest and greatest for shooting wonderful photographs, you need something that covers your needs, and that is enough.
Cameras aren’t going to take great photographs by themselves, they aren’t even intelligent and creative, and you are the one that should be taking all the creative decisions. Remember that, always, and you’ll be a great photographer no matter what. Shoot always from the heart, and your images will speak right and true.
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