Last Updated on January 23, 2022
Buying Guide for Mirrorless Cameras
How to Buy Your First Mirrorless Camera
In the 2000s, we were overwhelmed by the progress of DSLRs but by 2010s began, many photographers, especially the ones on the go, were wondering if the benefits of the DSLR could come in a smaller, lighter package.
Soon enough, we had mirrorless, but they were then buggy and not to be taken seriously. Cut to 2018; mirrorless cameras gave a tough competition to DSLRs in terms of sales.
Further Reading: Best Courses for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
They may beat them in 2019 if the trends are going right. Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm have joined in the race with Sony to have their share of the market. So like everyone, if you are also considering buying a mirrorless camera, it won’t be considered as outlandish, as, say five years back.
Know what you’re getting!
Page Contents
Mirrorless cameras may appear better alternatives because of the smaller size and lighter weight, but full-frame mirrorless cameras aren’t as small as you would imagine. This is because the size of the sensor remains the same, and thus the lens required is supposed to be large.
To make sure there’s a proper balance, the sizes aren’t as small as they can be. However, they are still smaller than actual DSLRs. Also, they are definitely lighter.
Mirrorless cameras have an electronic viewfinder. It means they are constantly draining the battery. While it is easier for exposure, it is very hard on the battery, which is one issue you will have to deal with consistently.
The Common Questions
Whether you are buying a DSLR, a Mirrorless, a couple of questions remain the same. Which manufacturer would you prefer, and would you prefer a full-frame or crop-frame sensor. In the DSLR discussions, it was mostly a toss-up between Canon and Nikon, with Sony, Pentax, and Olympus lagging behind.
In the Mirrorless though, the race is reverse. Sony has the lion’s share of the market with Fujifilm and Olympus following up. Canon and Nikon both started really late, although they are now up and running.
It doesn’t mean the camera from a manufacturer with a larger share is going to be better. It means, though, that it has been investing more into development, has better technology and more support owing to the number of cameras it has sold. Sony is a clear leader, but you can’t neglect others just yet.
More so because Sony uses adapters to add the ability to use other manufacturer lenses, and other manufacturers have started making their Mirrorless cameras themselves.
A full-frame mirrorless camera, as explained above, beats the purpose by being bulky itself, although slightly smaller than DSLR. It is lighter. Crop-frames have been truly commendable in terms of dynamic range, high ISO and low light performance, and sharpness, among other factors, but the growth is shared with full-frame cameras.
What it means is that technological advancement has impacted both, so the full-frame cameras still have the same benefits over the crop-frame cameras – primarily being a better depth of field, better dynamic range, a truly superior high ISO performance including colour reproduction.
The Problem of Lenses
The availability of lenses is a problem with Mirrorless cameras. Although Sony has been putting in the work, the availability is still much lesser than Canon and Nikon DSLRs, especially when you consider third-party lens availability. There are, of course, adaptors, to use Canon and Nikon lenses.
However, they will increase the bulk of the Mirrorless to almost the same as DSLRs, thereby defeating the purpose entirely of a smaller and lighter camera. Also, the contacts in the adapter may work well enough, but you do lose time.
So it is better to research well about the lenses you will be using, and if you need fast shooting, the cost and availability of lenses must be confirmed, along with the performance review of each.
What Do You Shoot Primarily?
Mirrorless are great cameras, with one of the most significant advantages being What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get in the electronic viewfinder. For travel and street photographers, mirrorless is a beautiful product. For wedding photographers, it might be useful for those who shoot natural light.
For Fashion and product photographers, it might be the dynamic range that attracts them rather than other benefits. Depending on these, you can lay down your choices. For those on the move, a crop-sensor would be ideal. For wedding and fashion, you may choose a full-frame model with a higher dynamic range.
The Video Shooting Experience
Primarily, mirrorless is better at videos than DSLRs. Even the mid-range crop-frame mirrorless cameras offer 4k videos and slow-motion among other premium video features found in only high-end DSLRs.
If you are shooting video, the idea should be to focus on features such as 4k, slow-motion, mic and earphone availability and very good battery life or battery grip. You will need an additional battery regardless, but it will help you if the battery life is even marginally better.
Some of the top mirrorless cameras worth considering:
Nikon Z50
- 20.9 MP (Expeed 6)
- ISO 100 – 51200
- 4k UHD
Canon EOS Ra Astrophotography
This camera is a full-frame mirrorless camera for astrophotography. The most important specifications are:
- IR Filter – Infrared filter for astrophotography
- 30.3 MP – Full-frame (DIGIC 8)
- ISO 100 – 40000 for low light shooting
- 4k Film and timelapse
- Battery life Approx. 370 shots
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
- 32.5 MP (DIGIC 8)
- ISO 100 – 25600
- 4K movie 3840 x 2160
- Battery life 305 shots
Nikon Z50
“Small in size but big in image quality, the Nikon Z 50 unleashes your unique creativity from day one. Combining the unrivalled potential of the Z-mount system with simple, well-thought-out camera operation, it helps you find new enjoyment in making stunning images just as you envision them – day or night. What’s more, you can transfer your photos and videos immediately to your smart devices via the SnapBridge application, for easy sharing online. Get ready to capture the world in a way that you can only express with the Z 50.”
Canon EOS M50
“The Canon EOS M50 (PDF-manual guide) features a vari-angle LCD touchscreen, which makes possible Live View shooting from a variety of angles, and a high-resolution built-in EVF that makes possible comfortable viewfinder shooting. What’s more, in addition to a Creative Assist function, which can be easily activated from auto mode, the camera features a Visual Guide aimed at first-time users that coaches them towards easily achieving their desired visual expression.”
Sony A7R III
It is Sony’s megapixel monster which provides 42.2 MP resolution and has a viewfinder with 3686k dots. An auto-focus of 399 points delivers effortless focusing on photos as well as videos. Videos at 4k and slow-motion videos at 1080P add another charm to this top of the line mirrorless camera.
Nikon Z7
Nikon joined the mirrorless party late, but has two entrants among top models, with Z7 being the 45.7 MP model, the higher version of Z6 – which has all other features precisely the same. A 435-point AF and 3690 dots viewfinder, 4k videos at 30fps and slow-motion at 1080P, it is excellent also because of the ability to add Nikon’s lenses via adaptor without losing autofocus or auto exposure capabilities.
Nikon Z6
Known as an all-around camera, the Nikon Z6 features a 24.5MP full-frame sensor, an ISO sensitivity range that runs between ISO100 to 51,200. Also, a 5- stop image stabilisation that integrates the use of the Vibration Reduction technology system. This helps to stabilise the process of capturing videos and photos. The Nikon Z6 has the ability to shoot images 12 frames per second.
Fujifilm X-T30 & X-T20
The greatest thing about Fujifilm cameras, irrespective of performance, remains the beautiful designs. The vintage class reaffirms itself in X-T30, with an APS-C sensor capable of taking great stills at 26.1MP, aided with 425-point AF, and superior video capability with 4k shooting ability at 30 frames. It is everything you need, at a fraction of a sensor and cost.
Canon EOS R
Same as EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EOS R Camera is also loaded with an advanced full-frame CMOS sensor that can capture fine details with 30.3 MP rating. Dual Pixel RAW function that allows users to create a larger RAW file with dual photo bodies of this sensor.
Canon EOS RP
We cannot say that Canon EOS RP has all good features; some bells and whistles are still present. For example; it doesn’t have an ultra-high-resolution sensor, provides messy shooting rates, and many other nifty features are missing such as AF tracking, High-resolution multishot mode, and IBIS, etc
The present-day presents us with many great mirrorless cameras. Choosing them wisely depends on knowing what you are going to shoot, and the ergonomics of the camera.
Summary
There has never been the same number of practical choices as we have at present. It is without a doubt an extraordinary time to be in the market for another camera. The framework you settle on will positively affect your work, so do intensive research and pick carefully.
Keep in mind; the perfect determination ought not to be founded on what every other person is doing, yet what will enable you to understand your remarkable vision.
This must be chosen by you, not a sales rep, or discussion jabber. Most importantly, your next camera ought to be one that motivates you to lift it and use it all the more regularly.
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Canon EOS RP is currently available at a reasonable price, and it offers great value for the money. Below you can order this product online to enjoy fast delivery at your doorstep.
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