We are in 2018 now, where camera is getting smaller and lenses are bulkier and longer. With not so much technological advancements in DSLR and how they are implemented with mirror tehchnologies, Mirrorless cameras are benefited from this and they are now much more improved than what they were 3-4 years back. Here in this blog we will see Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR War – Best Entry Level Mirrorless camera in 2018 ?
When we look back we could see there was a significant difference in DSLR and Mirrorless cameras and that is why most people were inclined towards DSLR. But in 2018, the gap is largely closed such as autofocus system is immensely improved, high resolution EVF (Electronic View Finder) is fast enough and there are many more.
Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR War :
The major difference between Mirrorless camera and DSLR is that latter fitted with internal mirror mechanism that reflects the image acquired by lens through phase-detection AF module on ceiling of camera before exiting through optical viewfinder. Once shutter is pressed and focus is locked, mirror flips up exposing sensor which captures the image. In mirrorless, there is no mirror so light passes through lens, camera and then finally on image sensor, on the other hand its advantages are, they’re usually smaller and lighter due to lack of mirror.
Limitations with Mirrorless Cameras :
- Slow AF :
Earlier mirrorless cameras lacks phase detection AF system, means they had to use contrast-detect technology to acquire focus, which is slower than phase-detect AF found in DSLR. However, now a days many mirrorless cameras use on-sensor phase-detection AF, mostly in combination with contrast-detect AF to produce AF speeds to competes with DSLR.
- Continuous Shooting Speed :
Since there’s no mechanical mirror means mirrorless cameras are generally capable of much higher continuous shooting speeds.
- Lack of extensive library of lenses and accessories that DSLRs offer.
- Viewfinders in Mirrorless : Most digital cameras do not have a viewfinder, instead you can preview the photo you’re about to take by looking at the LCD on the back of camera. Some digital cameras however do have built-in viewfinders, which have several advantages including no battery drain and the ability to use them in bright light.
Though there are few points in favour of DSLR currently but I afraid this gap will be closed soon too :
- Support for Native Lenses : Since much of the technological differences are closed between DSLR and Mirrorless camera but still in terms of native lenses support, most consumer will find DSLR as the only answer. Currently DSLR supports all kind of lenses from prime to telephoto or even a budget lens. Most people are not ready to spend $1000 only on single lens. That’s practically not affordable. DSLR is still the way to go for beginners and Photography Enthusiast.
- Quality vs Prices and Affordability : This is another point where DSLR are way ahead from Mirrorless. In an entry level Mirrorless camera price you could easily get good enough DSLR camera to get you started with at least one extra lens. It’s a huge gap still I feel and it will take time when Mirrorless camera gets inside the minds of Budget Oriented people who looks for great quality image without spending lot on high fancy stuffs.
Below are some of my best picks for Best Entry Level Mirrorless Camera in 2018 with their specification :
Panasonic Lumix GX800
- 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
- ISO 200-25,6000 (expandable to ISO 100)
- 5fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.04m-dot flip-up LCD
- No EVF
- 4K video capture
Sony A6000
- 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600)
- 11fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/921k-dot tiltable LCD
- 1.44m-dot EVF
- 1080p Full HD video capture
Fujifilm X-T20
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
- ISO 200-12,800 (expandable to ISO 100-51,200)
- 14fps continuous shooting (via electronic shutter)
- 3-inch/1.04m-dot tiltable touchscreen LCD
- 2.36m-dot EVF, 100% coverage at 0.62x
- 4K video capture
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- ISO 200-25,600 (expandable to ISO 100)
- 8.6fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.04m-dot tilting LCD touchscreen
- 2.36m-dot EVF
- 4K video capture
Panasonic Lumix G9
- 20.3MP Four Thirds Sensor
- ISO 200-25,600 (exp to ISO 100)
- 12fps burst shooting (with mechanical shutter in AF-S mode) or 60fps burst shooting (with electronic shutter in AF-S mode)
- 3in, 1040-kdot vari-angle touchscreen
- 3.68-million-dot EVF
- 4K video capture
Fujifilm X-T2
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III
- ISO 200-12,800 (exp to ISO 51,200)
- 8fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.04m-dot vari-angle LCD
- 2.36-million-dot EVF
- 4K video capture
Olympus OM-D E-M1 II
- 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor
- ISO 200-25,600 (expandable to ISO 64)
- 18fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.03m-dots vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- 2.36m-dot EVF
- 4K video capture
Panasonic Lumix GH5
- 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
- 200-25,600 (expandable to ISO 100)
- 12fps continuous shooting
- 3.2-inch/1.62M-dots vari-angle touchscreen
- 3.68-million-dot EVF
- 10-bit 10:2:2 4K video capture
Sony A7 II
- 24.3MP full-frame CMOS
- ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 50)
- 5fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.22m-dot LCD
- 2.4m-dot EVF
- 1080p Full HD video capture
Sony A9
- 24MP full-frame Exmor RS sensor
- ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to ISO 50-204,800)
- 20fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch/1.44m-dot touchscreen LCD
- 3.68m-dot OLED EVF
- 4K video capture
Mirrorless Camera in Future :
The way mirrorless camera were in news in second half of 2017, it should not be a surprise if we see 2018 as a mirrorless year for camera industry. Many brands are already planning slew of Mirrorless camera releases in first half of 2018. The demand for these camera are also increasing quite rapidly due to its portable size. DSLR has to bear the cost of using old conventional mirror mechanism method still in 2018, there are no major breakthrough in DSLR world and this is where Mirrorless camera gets ahead now in terms of bridging gaps or even extending it beyond and far from DSLR.
On one hand companies like Panasonic, Sony or Olympus are already geared up for 2018 battle, the big brother Nikon and Canon needs to step up to keep competitive in market with latest trends before it gets too late for them.
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