Nikon released a new full frame mirrorless camera in late-August in an attempt to challenge Sony’s reign over the mirrorless market. Consumers weighed the pros and cons between traditional digital single-lense reflex or mirrorless cameras.
What is mirrorless?
According to bhphotovideo.com, an online photography and video store, the definition for mirrorless is, ”no mirror inside the camera in front of the sensor… [Mirrorless] design allows for a very short focal flange distance, or the distance between the lens mount and the plane of the sensor.” The website explains the advantage of this short distance: lenses with a large focal flange length can be used on mirrorless cameras when you have a compatible adapter.
In addition to a wide selection of mirrorless-dedicated lenses, most SLR lenses can also fit onto mirrorless cameras as well. This is important to know if you have old lenses lying around or are making the switch from a DSLR to mirrorless; chances are there are adapters to fit your lenses to your new camera. Of course, you should always check compatibility before making any purchases.
What are the advantages of having a mirrorless camera?
Danielle Knox, a junior from California majoring in graphic design said “A couple of pros are the image quality is really amazing. I’ve noticed a big difference in using a Canon (mirrorless) versus a Sony. I work at the Media Production center and we have the Sony A7Sii and I’ve noticed the resolution and dynamic range is pretty impressive.”
Focusing on the portability of mirrorless cameras, Christian Salenga, a senior from the Philippines studying human resources said, “The advantage of these cameras is that they are small and easy to carry.”
According to Nikon’s website, their intentions for the Z-Series was to make their new line of cameras “Lighter than comparable DSLR camera bodies with a thinner, more compact footprint.”
Regarding battery life, Alvin Dy a senior from the Philippines studying graphic design said, “Things are innovating for the better, recently Sony has released the A7iii with a huge improvement on battery life. Previously the battery life was a huge downside for mirrorless cameras.”
What are the disadvantages?
One disadvantage Knox highlighted was battery life. However, she said, “It doesn’t bother me too much because when you own a camera you should usually bring a couple batteries with you anyways.”
Another con for Knox was was fewer lens options for mirrorless cameras. She said, “The lenses that are available for a mirrorless camera, you need a converter for cheaper lenses. Lenses made for mirrorless tend to be more expensive and I think that’s just because it’s still a growing thing.”
Salenga also agreed that mirrorless lacks a larger range of lenses. He said, “I think they’ll come as the industry increases their usage of the mirrorless cameras. Especially if you own a DSLR and would like to switch to mirrorless.”
Is it worth a shot?
Advocating exploring options, Knox said, “I think it’s worth playing around with a mirrorless camera and seeing how it works for photos. I think I would wait and see what they come up with and maybe they can make a mirrorless camera that is more geared to what people who prefer photos are wanting.”
Dy said, “Things are innovating for the better, but people are just hesitant and it will simply just take time before DSLRs will soon be replaced with the new mirrorless system.”
Writer: Bruno Maynez