Mirrorless cameras have taken hold of the kingdom, dethroning DSLRs as the go-to choice for interchangeable lens photography.
The secret to their success? Size — and so much more. Mirrorless cameras deliver results that rival or exceed their DSLR counterparts in a smaller, more travel-friendly form factor. Couple that with fewer moving parts, superior autofocus, purpose-built lenses, and no mirror-induced camera shake, and you have a camera system worthy of the throne. Read on to discover everything you need to know about mirrorless cameras.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
To understand mirrorless technology, it helps to first understand how DSLR cameras work. DSLRs use a mirror and prism system to reflect the image from the lens up through an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, exposing the sensor and capturing the photo.
Mirrorless cameras remove this mirror entirely. Images pass directly from the lens to the sensor, which means mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of an optical one. An EVF displays a live feed from the image sensor — essentially a real-time preview of your final image, including exposure, white balance, and depth of field.
What Are the Benefits of Mirrorless Cameras?
The simplified design of mirrorless technology allows manufacturers to produce much smaller and lighter cameras than traditional DSLRs. This size reduction extends to lenses too — mirrorless lenses are generally more compact, and manufacturers like Canon (RF mount), Nikon (Z mount), Sony (E mount), and Fujifilm (X mount) are using the mirrorless platform to produce some of the highest-quality optics ever made.
While early mirrorless cameras — also known as Compact System Cameras (CSC) — had autofocus limitations, modern mirrorless cameras use on-sensor phase-detection autofocus that is fast, accurate, and capable of tracking subjects in even the most demanding scenarios. This has made mirrorless cameras a genuine choice for sports, wildlife, and professional video work.
Other key benefits include:
- No mirror vibration — eliminating a source of camera shake for sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
- Silent shooting — electronic shutters allow completely silent operation, ideal for weddings, wildlife, and theatre.
- Real-time exposure preview — the EVF shows you exactly how your image will look before you press the shutter.
- Higher burst rates — without a mirror to flip, mirrorless cameras can shoot at extremely high frame rates.
- Advanced video capabilities — most modern mirrorless cameras offer 4K or higher video recording with professional-grade features.
Choosing the Right Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras are available at every level — from beginner-friendly entry-level bodies to professional flagships used by working photographers and filmmakers worldwide. The right camera for you will depend on your budget, shooting style, and the subjects you love to capture.
At Ted's, we stock mirrorless cameras from all the major brands including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade to a professional system, our team can help you find the perfect match.
Browse our full range of mirrorless cameras at Ted's Cameras, or visit your nearest store for personalised advice from our expert team.