Choosing a Mirrorless Camera: beginners guide
So, you want a new camera that can take awesome photos without being too big or heavy, right? Well, you might want to check out a mirrorless camera. In this guide, I'm going to tell you what a mirrorless camera is, how it's different from a DSLR and what are some of the good and bad things about using one. I'll also give you some tips on how I picked my own mirrorless camera.
What's a mirrorless camera?
A mirrorless camera, like the name says, is a camera that doesn't have a mirror inside. A mirror is a part of a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, which bounces the light from the lens to a prism and then to an eye-level viewfinder. This way, you can see exactly what the lens sees when you look through the viewfinder.
A mirrorless camera, on the other hand, doesn't have this thing. Instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or a LCD screen to show you the image captured by the sensor. This means that there's no optical path between the lens and the viewfinder, which makes the camera body smaller and lighter.
Why would you want a mirrorless camera?
There are several reasons why you might like a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR. These are listed below:
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A mirrorless camera is usually smaller and lighter than a DSLR, which makes it easier to carry around and travel with. You can also find more compact lenses for mirrorless cameras, especially for those with smaller sensors like APS-C
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A mirrorless camera usually has faster and more accurate autofocus than a DSLR, especially in low-light situations. This is because it uses the same sensor for both focusing and capturing the image, whereas a DSLR uses a separate system that can mess up sometimes. A mirrorless camera can also use contrast-detection and face- or eye-tracking features to improve the focus accuracy.
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A mirrorless camera is generally better for video recording than a DSLR, as it offers more features and options, such as 4K resolution, slow motion, time-lapse, and in-body image stabilization. A mirrorless camera also doesn't make that annoying "mirror slap" noise that can ruin the sound quality of a DSLR video.
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A mirrorless camera is often more advanced and innovative than a DSLR, as it offers more possibilities for customization and creativity. For example, some mirrorless cameras have tilting or swiveling screens, touchscreens, electronic shutters, silent modes, built-in filters, and more.
What are the drawbacks of a mirrorless camera?
Of course, a mirrorless camera is not perfect and has some downsides as well. Click on each category to find out more:
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A mirrorless camera tends to have shorter battery life than a DSLR, as it uses more power to run the EVF or LCD screen. You might need to bring extra batteries or a power bank if you plan to shoot for long periods of time.
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A mirrorless camera's EVF or LCD screen might not be as clear or comfy as a DSLR's optical viewfinder, especially in bright sunlight or when shooting fast-moving subjects. You might also notice some lag or delay in the display, which can affect your timing and composition.
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A mirrorless camera might have fewer lens options than a DSLR, depending on the brand and mount system you choose. Some mirrorless cameras use their own mounts that are not compatible with other brands or adapters. Some lenses might also be more expensive or harder to find for mirrorless cameras.
What mirrorless camera did I choose for myself?
I knew I wanted a Sony because my friend had one and having the same lens mount would be an advantage. And I also knew that I wanted it to be a full frame sensor. After a few research I decided to buy the Sony A7III. This still is a highly recommended mirrorless camera for several reasons:
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The A7III features a 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, providing high-resolution images suitable for most of my needs.
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The camera's autofocus system is fast and powerful, with 693 phase detection points and 425 contrast detection points, ensuring sharp and clear images
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The camera is capable of recording oversampled 4K video, making it a great choice for creating content on social media.
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This feature helps to reduce the blur caused by camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
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The A7III uses a larger 'Z-type' battery. This battery is so good that I only have one in my backpack.
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This allows for larger storage and redundant storage too, if you want more security you'll still have some photos to check when you get home.
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The A7III is more affordable compared to other full-frame cameras, despite its advanced features. And that’s because it was launched in 2018. I know it may seem outdated, but the Alpha 7M3 is still a great mirrorless camera which can help you get crazy images.
Wrapping up
A mirrorless camera is a great choice for anyone who wants a versatile, compact, and powerful camera that can take high-quality photos and videos. However, before you buy one, you need to do some research and compare the different models and features available. You also need to think about your own needs and preferences, and what kind of photography you want to do. And more important, when you decide at mirrorless camera body, you need to take in consideration what lenses are available for that specific body mount.
If you want to know which lenses I chose for my first mirrorless camera as beginner photograper, subscribe to my newslettter to be the first to know when that article is posted.
