Photography Masterclass Magazine
Expert guide
The pros and cons on whether you should take the plunge to a mirrorless camera revealed!
Should You Go Mirrorless?
Maybe you have been a photographer for quite some time or maybe you are just getting into photography for the first time in your life. But with technology constantly evolving you may have heard the word “mirrorless” thrown around with new camera equipment. So what is mirrorless? Basically inside any DSLR is a mirror, used to reflect light coming through the lens up to the viewfinder to allow you to compose your shot. It flips up and down when you press the shutter button to allow light to come through your lens and hit your camera’s sensor and capture the image.
But mirrorless cameras have removed the need for this mirror and simply project light directly onto a sensor instead of having to project on a mirror that you see through your viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras instead use an LCD screen in the viewfinder that shows you the image before you snap the photo.
So should you consider switching your gear and going for this new high-tech camera? Well, before you go running off to your nearest camera store, let’s examine the pros and cons of going mirrorless.
Let’s first start with the pros. These are all the reasons why you should go out and drop some serious cash on a mirrorless camera.
SILENT
Wedding and wildlife photographers love the silence of mirrorless cameras. When you hear a camera click you are basically hearing the internal mirror flip up and down before you snap a photo, but this all goes away when you go mirrorless.
Another great thing about not having a mirror is it’s usually the most expensive part of the camera to fix.
If your DSLR is broken it’s usually due to the mirror flipping up and down too often and in due time getting worn down. Mirrorless is much cheaper and easier to fix.
LIGHTWEIGHT
For photographers with neck and back problems, this may be a huge deciding factor. Mirrorless cameras are so much more lightweight, portable, and easier to hold onto for hours at a time. This is especially handy for travel and vacation photographers. It can become exhausting carrying around bulky heavy DSLR cameras and their even sometimes heavier lenses.
LIVE VIEW
When you look at the LCD screen of a mirrorless camera, what you see is what you get. Many amateur photographers may prefer this option because they can adjust in real-time. Unlike a DSLR camera where you are usually your light meter and then looking at the photo after to see the outcome. With a live view, you know immediately how the photo is going to print and save on your camera body.
VIDEO
Many wedding photographers love mirrorless cameras for their stellar video capabilities. They are easier to maneuver and carry around on a gimbal while chasing down important wedding day activities. Also, the quality is crystal clear and brilliant to look at. Many photographers believe the future is video, and most mirrorless cameras automatically come with 4k shooting at a cheaper price.
Now here are a few of the reasons or cons you may want to wait on going mirrorless.
LENSES
Because mirrorless cameras are still relatively new technology they do not offer as many lens choices. DSLR’s offer an abundance of choices across brands and focal lengths. If you are someone who really enjoys using different lenses, mirrorless may not be for you.
BATTERY LIFE
The live view on your mirrorless camera will be a real power drainer. Because the screen must constantly remain on it means your batteries will die quicker. Many photographers prefer DSLRs for this reason and because they like putting their eyes up to a physical hole to see the view better. Many times with a live view screen, bright sunlight, or other factors may obstruct your view. One thing is for sure, you will get many more snaps out of a battery in a DSLR camera.
DURABILITY
Many photographers agree they like the feel and strength of a bulky DSLR. If you are hard on cameras meaning you tend to drop, throw them around, or travel to extreme places then a mirrorless may feel a little too fragile for your work. While mirrorless cameras are lightweight and more portable that also comes with an easier breaking point.
CLIENT REACTIONS
The age-old stereotype is true when it comes to cameras. Clients tend to think bigger is more professional. Because mirrorless is relatively new technology that not many clients know about yet, they may not think you are legit if you show up with a small camera or something that looks like a point and shoot that their Uncle Bob uses. When you come with your large DSLR body and a 200mm zoom they think, wow, this guy must know what he’s doing! Even though that may not be true, it often is the thought of the client.
IN CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the jury is still out. For many longtime photographers, it’s tough to make the switch after they have already spent thousands on their DSLR equipment over the years.
Much of this equipment will not work with a mirrorless camera which means completely starting over on gear and a heavy hit to your bank account.
Instead, what many pro photographers are deciding to do is instead invest in one mirrorless camera and shoot with their DSLR as well. They are slowly adding to their mirrorless collection while maintaining use of their old equipment. Investing over time means you can slowly fade out your old gear.
The other thing to consider is if this is your first investment in top gear then maybe start with mirrorless. Many experts agree it will be the future so if you are opening your pocketbook for the first time you may as well start with mirrorless.
But the final decision is of course yours in the end. So make sure you spend some valuable time testing out both types of cameras. It’s a good idea to even rent a mirrorless camera to get a feel for it and if you like shooting with it before buying one for yourself. Many camera stores rent equipment for affordable daily rates.