Mirrorless camera systems such as the Micro 4/3 cameras by Olympus and Panasonic, as well as mirrorless models by Sony, Fuji, Samsung, and even some attempts from Nikon and Canon, are compact camera systems with many of the same features of larger DSLR’s.
How a DSLR Camera Works
Instead of the mechanical mirror assembly in a DSLR, which is used to divert the image from the from the sensor to the viewfinder, the image in the viewfinder on a mirrorless camera is provided electronically. This reduces the size and weight of the camera. A small camera body, with interchangeable lenses has some definite advantages. These cameras are getting more lenses to choose from all the time including pro quality lenses.
- You can take it with you. It’s easy to throw a mirrorless kit in the car, or take it with you wherever you are going, because it takes up very little space. I keep my Panasonic Lumix, an extra lens, batteries, and other small items in a bag smaller than my wife’s purse. It’s very easy to keep it in the car for whatever photo opportunities may arise.
- Keep a low profile. Street photographers love these cameras because they don’t draw attention to the photographer. Carrying one of these around, you don’t look like a pro photographer with a huge camera and lens hanging around your neck. This makes it easier to take candid street scenes.
- Great for hiking and back packing. On a long hike, weight must be avoided. On a long hike, you may not want to take a DSLR with you, but a smaller camera like my Panasonic does not add a significant amount of weight to my pack.
- Low Cost. Campared to a comparable DSLR, a mirrorless camera and lens combo will usually cost significantly less.
- Innovative features like the live bulb mode on the Olympus. Many of these cameras are adding features. Panasonic’s video integration very well done. Olympus has a Live Bulb mode that lets you watch a long exposure image “develop” on the screen as time elapses. Some of these cameras are really pushing technology and innovation.
- Less noise. No mirror flipping up means less noise when you are taking a photo. At weddings or other places where quiet may be important, this can be very helpful.
- Fewer moving parts. Fewer moving parts usually means there are fewer things that can break. I don’t hear too many instances of DSLR’s coming apart inside, but I still feel that simpler is better.
- Lenses. Any new camera with a new lens mount is going to have fewer lenses available A Canon or Nikon DSLR has a huge assortment of lenses. However, Olympus and Panasonic share the Micro 4/3 lens mount, and there are a growing number of lenses becoming available, including pro quality glass with large aperture’s. This isn’t necessarily an advantage, because there are still more lenses available. But I put it on the list because it is quickly becoming less of a disadvantage.