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What Are Mirrorless Cameras?

Mirrorless cameras belong to the growing field of compact system cameras that were first produced around the mid-2000s. Their popularity has skyrocketed over the years, and today, top brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm and Olympus all offer their own mirrorless range. But what exactly is a mirrorless camera? And how do they differ from DSLR cameras? In this blog, we’ll take a look at all you need to know about mirrorless cameras.

What Is A Mirrorless Camera? 

The key characteristic of mirrorless cameras is that they work without a reflex mirror. Reflex mirrors direct light entering a camera into a viewfinder or onto a viewing screen. In this way, the lens has the same view of an image as the photographer. In mirrorless cameras, light passes directly to the camera's digital sensor, displaying the image on your screen so that you can view it and change the settings before you take the shot. Lots of modern mirrorless cameras come with interchangeable lenses, allowing you to tailor yours to your style.

View our blog for more photography tips and tricks.

How Do Mirrorless Cameras Work?

Mirrorless systems are relatively uncomplicated; when the sensor in the camera is exposed to light, the electric viewfinder generates a live image of the scene. 

Pressing the shutter button slides up a door which covers the image sensor. Next, the door slides down, and the sensor is exposed to light. Finally, another door slides up, covering the sensor, stopping the exposure and taking a picture. 

Advantages of using a mirrorless camera: 

  • Lightweight and portable: - Mirrorless cameras are light and compact, making them perfect for travelling, expeditions and days out.

  • More control over your photos: - Mirrorless cameras give you a live preview of your shot on the electronic viewfinder. This allows you to edit settings like contrast, brightness, exposure and more, giving you more control and creativity over your photography.

  • Clear images: When using a mirrorless camera, you'll benefit from handy features like image stabilisation, improving image clarity and giving your shots a professional feel.

  • Silent shooting: Mirrorless cameras contain fewer components, meaning they'll hardly make a sound when you're taking pictures. This is perfect for wildlife shots, as well as other types of photography where discretion is important.

  • Fast shooting speeds: Built with modern technology, impressive focus capacities and quick shutter speeds, you'll be able to take pictures at a rapid rate.

What's the difference between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR camera? 

Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras have reflex mirrors inside them which divert light into the optical viewfinder; this is one of the main differences between DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, it's not the only difference. We've included some more below:

Mirrorless cameras are more compact 

Mirrorless cameras are more portable and lightweight than DSLR cameras, making them better for travelling or days out. DSLR cameras require additional parts, and although these can improve the quality of your photographs, they may be difficult to carry around.

Mirrorless camera allow you to check settings like exposure and contrast before taking a photo

While a mirrorless camera allows you to preview images before you take them, you'll have to wait until after the photo is taken to check exposure on a DSLR camera.

DSLR cameras have a better battery life

The electrical viewfinder in a mirrorless camera requires more battery power than the optical viewfinder in a DSLR camera, so if you're planning on being out all day, a DSLR may be your best bet.

DSLR cameras are generally more affordable

Since there are so many accessories available for DSLR cameras, you'll still get good quality from a budget camera. For this reason, they may be a better option than mirrorless cameras for beginner photographers.

DSLR devices are better for low light photography

This is due to the fact that DSLR cameras have a larger sensor size than mirrorless devices.

DSLR cameras have a better autofocus system

As mirrorless devices use contrast detecting rather than phase detection, they're less accurate than DSLR cameras when it comes to measuring the distance between the lens and subject. 

Get your mirrorless camera from Harrison Cameras

We stock an impressive selection of mirrorless cameras, and as an official dealer of several top brands, we’re able to sell quality cameras at the most competitive prices. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our Sheffield store - a member of our team will be happy to help. View our camera bags and photography accessories to keep your new camera safe!

Mirrorless Cameras FAQs 

What is a mirrorless camera used for? 

Mirrorless cameras can be used for all types of photography. The electric viewfinder is a huge advantage for photographers; since everything is duplicated from the image sensor, you'll be able to see settings like white balance, saturation and more. You'll even be able to make additional information overlays like live histograms.

They're great for long-distance photography, with features like focus peaking and face detection helping you capture precise shots. Plus, their fast shooting speeds and silent shooting mean they're ideal for taking pictures of objects in motion. They make switching between stills and video simple, while guaranteeing high-quality results.

Why choose a mirrorless camera?

Buy a mirrorless camera if you want a device that's compact, light, fast and great for videos. Mirrorless devices are usually better suited to beginners, and if you're less concerned about lenses and accessories, then they're the perfect choice.

What is a mirrorless camera lens? 

Unlike some other compact cameras, mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses, giving you lots more freedom in your photography. View our range of mirrorless camera lenses.

Can you use a mirrorless camera for astrophotography? 

Yes - mirrorless cameras are great for astrophotography.

Choose your mirrorless camera today 

Order your mirrorless camera from our collection today and get free delivery!

by Harrison Cameras on 11/02/2022

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