How do mirrorless cameras work? Reasons why you should consider them

The idea is simple: light from the scene goes through the lens and hits the image sensor, which turns it into a digital signal. The image processor then turns the signal into a picture that you can see on the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Unlike a DSLR, which uses a mirror to reflect the light up to the optical viewfinder, a mirrorless camera lets the sensor see the light all the time, giving you a live preview of your shot.

The first real mirrorless camera came from an unlikely source: Epson, a printer company, in 2004. The Epson R-D1 was a digital rangefinder camera with a 6.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and Leica M-mount lenses. It was a rare and expensive beast, costing $3,000 at launch. Since then, mirrorless cameras have become more advanced and affordable, offering features such as fast autofocus, silent operation, live preview and high image quality. Today, many camera brands make mirrorless cameras with different sensor sizes and lens mounts, challenging DSLRs in the market.

Why should you go for a mirrorless camera over DSLR?

One of the main advantages of mirrorless cameras is that they are smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, which makes them easier to carry around and use. Mirrorless cameras also have fewer moving parts, which means they are quieter and more durable.

Mirrorless cameras also tend to have better video capabilities than DSLR cameras, because they can use the full sensor area for recording and offer faster autofocus, higher frame rates, and more advanced features. Some mirrorless cameras can even record 8K video, while most DSLR cameras are limited to 4K or lower. This makes them ideal for content creators especially in India for wedding photoshoots where a combination of photos and videos are required.

Another advantage of mirrorless cameras is that they can achieve faster shooting speeds than DSLR cameras because they do not have to move a mirror up and down between shots. This allows them to capture more frames per second, which is useful for action or sports photography.

Mirrorless cameras arguably offer better image stabilisation than DSLRs, thanks to the presence of IBIS. IBIS stands for In-Body Image Stabilisation and is a feature that helps you take sharp photos and videos without a tripod. It works by moving the sensor inside the camera to counteract any hand movements. This way, you can use slower shutter speeds in low-light situations and avoid noisy images. IBIS also smooths out your video footage, making it look more professional. IBIS is not available in all mirrorless cameras, but it is one of the advantages they have over DSLRs.

Are there any downsides to mirrorless cameras?

Mirrorless cameras are often praised for their compact size, fast shooting speed, and video capabilities, but they also have some drawbacks when compared to DSLR cameras. One of the main disadvantages is battery life. Because mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder, they consume more power than DSLR cameras, which use an optical viewfinder (OVF) that reflects the image from the lens. This means that mirrorless cameras need to be charged more frequently, or require spare batteries, especially for long shoots or travel.

Another disadvantage of mirrorless cameras is lens availability. Although the number of lenses for mirrorless systems has increased in recent years, DSLR cameras still have more lens options and variety, especially for specialised or niche purposes. DSLR cameras can also use decades-worth of lenses from previous generations, while mirrorless cameras often need adapters to use older lenses.

But the biggest drawback is the price. While starting prices may be similar between the two types of cameras now, DSLRs do offer more for less.

What are the things to keep in mind before getting a mirrorless camera?

If you are thinking of getting a mirrorless camera, there are some things you need to keep in mind before making your purchase. Since mirrorless cameras are built differently, they have different features and performance compared to DSLRs. Some of the factors you need to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera are:

Sensor size: This affects the image quality, depth of field, low-light performance and lens compatibility of your camera. There are four main sensor sizes in mirrorless cameras: Micro Four Thirds, APS-C, full frame, and medium format. Generally, larger sensors offer better quality but also cost more and require bigger lenses.

Resolution: The greater number of pixels on your sensor, the more detail your images can capture. Higher resolution is good for cropping, printing and zooming in, but also requires more storage space and processing power. Most mirrorless cameras offer between 20 to 50 megapixels, which is enough for most purposes.

Video capabilities: If you want to shoot video with your mirrorless camera, you need to check its video features and specifications. Some of the things to look for are, 4K or higher resolution, frame rates, autofocus system, stabilisation, audio input and output, log modes and colour profiles. Some mirrorless cameras are more geared towards video than others, such as the Panasonic Lumix S5 or the Sony A7S III.

Lenses and accessories: You need to consider the availability, quality and price of the lenses and accessories that suit your needs and style. Some mirrorless systems have more lens options than others, such as the Canon EOS R or the Fujifilm X series. You may also need other tools such as tripods, filters, flashes, batteries and memory cards to enhance your photography experience.

Choosing a mirrorless camera can be overwhelming, but it can also be rewarding if you do your research and find the one that fits your budget and goals.