Mirrorless cameras are all the rage in 2022. But what exactly are they, and which are best? We cover the basics and list the essentials, from beginner to expert.
What is a mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras came into use in the mid-2000s, with household names like Sony, Canon and Panasonic soon getting in on the action. Nowadays, new cameras will most likely be mirrorless rather than digital single-lens reflex (DSLR,) which were the norm before the 2010s.
But what does ‘mirrorless camera’ mean? It refers to the lack of a reflex mirror, which is an integral part of traditional DSLR cameras. Mirrorless cameras work far more simply than DSLR gear.
How does a mirrorless camera work?
In a DSLR camera, the mirror is used to bounce light to the viewfinder and sensor. However, in a mirrorless camera, light hits the sensor directly, which creates a live preview of your shot on the electronic viewfinder. Think of it like your smartphone’s camera.
Differences between DSLR and mirrorless cameras
They might look fairly similar, but if you’re buying a camera, you should know the differences between DSLR and mirrorless. There are quite a few!
Size: A smaller sensor and no mirror means mirrorless cameras are more compact and portable than DSLR models, making them popular for on-the-go photography and filming.
Viewfinder: Mirrorless cameras’ viewfinders are displayed on an LCD screen, giving you the chance to adjust settings like exposure, brightness and more before capturing any content. The optical viewfinder for DSLR cameras can be accessed through the rubber eyepiece near the top, with finished footage appearing on the screen once taken.
Image stability: No mirror means fewer moving parts within the camera. For that reason, mirrorless cameras offer more stability than DSLRs.
Shutter volume: Fewer parts also means less noise – mirrorless cameras give you more chance of silent filming than DSLRs.
Shutter speed: Mirrorless cameras often run at a higher shutter speed than DSLR cameras.
