Nikon Mirrorless
Capture stunning photos and videos with a mirrorless camera!
The performance and features of mirrorless cameras have improved and expanded in leaps and bounds in recent years, and show no signs of stopping. The high-end models now equal (or exceed) the pro-level DSLRs, once considered the rulers of photography, and are causing many photographers to question whether to opt for a mirrorless or DSLR camera.
While DSLRs are often considered the default choice for most professional and amateur photographers, they’re not always the most practical option because of their bulkiness and heavy weight. More and more, photographers are making the switch to much lighter, fast, and tough mirrorless cameras.
What is a mirrorless camera?
When hearing about mirrorless cameras, you will also hear them being called Micro Four Third (4/3), a micro-SLR, bridge camera, compact pro, or even a hybrid cameras. Those all mean they occupy the category between a compact and a DSLR, with stunning image quality but low weight.
So, what is the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras? As the name suggests, mirrorless cameras do not have the mirror which DSLR cameras use to reflect the image captured by the lens to the camera’s optical viewfinder. mirrorless cameras also don’t have an optical viewfinder. They use a simplified system in which the image captured by the lens passes directly to the camera’s sensor for capture, and is then projected to the electronic viewfinder and the LCD screen.
What are the benefits of mirrorless cameras?
Mirrorless cameras are compact and lightweight, making them some of the best travel cameras out there. They’re amazing for everyday photography, as they won’t take up too much space or add too much weight to your camera bag. By opting for a mirrorless camera, your camera kit can remain lightweight and comfortable to carry around - just add a compact camera lens and the right accessories, and you are ready to capture your best shots wherever you go!
Beyond their portability, these cameras are also notable for their great photographic image quality and high-end video capture. Mirrorless models also tend to be more affordable than expert-level DSLRs, so if you’re not yet ready to commit to a DSLR, a mirrorless camera might be the perfect affordable camera for beginners that you're looking for. Plus, recent models feature modern connectivity, microphone compatibility, and more, making them the best cameras for vlogging and live-streaming.
What’s the best mirrorless camera for me?
Major camera manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony are releasing more and more mirrorless models. Their full-frame mirrorless cameras aim to meet the high expectations of professional users, without sacrificing the portability that makes mirrorless cameras such an attractive choice for photographers.
Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic have also continued to produce brilliant mirrorless cameras which push the boundaries on what can be expected from such compact cameras. To find the best mirrorless camera for you, check out Ted’s Top 5 mirrorless cameras guide.
Mirrorless Camera FAQs
How do mirrorless cameras work?
Mirrorless cameras, like DSLR cameras both produce high-quality images because they use large image sensors and can be paired with high-quality lenses. However, their internal designs are different. What is the difference between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR?
A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera uses a mirror to reflect the image from the lens up to an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the mirror moves out of the way, and the image hits the sensor.
A mirrorless camera, as the name suggests, has no mirror. Instead, the image goes directly from the lens to the image sensor, which then displays the image on an electronic viewfinder or an LCD screen. This gives you a live, digital preview of the shot you’re about to take.
Are mirrorless cameras better than DSLR cameras?
With more and more photographers choosing the latest mirrorless cameras, this begs the question: are mirrorless cameras actually better than DSLR models? The short answer is that while DSLR cameras still offer brilliant image quality and great durability, mirrorless cameras are a better option if you want portability, excellent image quality, and rapid autofocus systems that are a better match for hybrid image capture - that is, both photos and videos.
Are mirrorless cameras good for video?
As mentioned above, mirrorless camera technology can result in lightning fast AF performance, which is a great match for video and vlog production. Mirrorless cameras in general are great for video, and if you want the best possible mirrorless camera for video, look for these features:
- High-Resolution Video capture (up to 8K)
- Headphone and Microphone Ports - for producing great audio to match your videos
- Advanced Autofocus Features
- Tilting LCD screen - for better framing and composition
Do professional photographers use mirrorless cameras?
Thanks to the premium image recording abilities and performance features that the latest, top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras provide, it is safe to say that the majority of professional photographers now keep mirrorless camera gear in their camera bags.
Do you need a lens for a mirrorless camera?
Yes, you do. Since mirrorless cameras haveinterchangeable lenses, the camera body itself doesn't include a lens; you need to attach one to take pictures. Many camera kits come with one or two lenses to get you started. The main benefit of this design is that you can adapt your camera for different types of photography and videography by simply changing the lens.
Are mirrorless cameras quieter than DSLRs?
Yes, they are. As they do not feature a mirror that needs to swiftly move out of the way during capture, modern mirrorless cameras provide near-silent performance.
Can mirrorless cameras use DSLR lenses?
No, not directly. Mirrorless cameras are designed with their own unique lens mounts, meaning only dedicated mirrorless camera lenses can be mounted on them. That said, there are a range of lens adaptors available, which allow you to use select DLSR camera lenses on mirrorless cameras.
