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My rating of tested cameras with interchangeable lenses. The best mirrorless cameras

SLR cameras annually lose 20-30% of the market. According to experts, by the end of next year, the global ratio of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras will be 50/50. Both in the amateur and professional segments, SLR technologies are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and mirrorless cameras are rushing to replace them, the latest models of which effectively cope with both everyday photography and serious tasks. Of course, for a number of specific areas, for example, photographing auto racing or aerial photography, the usual “reflex cameras” are still used. However, given the pace of development of mirrorless cameras, they will soon be able to cope with such tasks.

Before deciding why new technologies are so good, let's figure it out - what is mirrorless? This is a system camera in which sighting occurs using a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The absence of a complex optical reflex focusing mechanism allows the mirrorless camera to be small in size and weight, and, moreover, remain virtually silent during shooting.

It is worth clarifying right away that not all small “mirrorless” cameras are mirrorless. The difference between the UPC and compact cameras such as "soap dishes" is that they have removable optics. This means that (as in the case of a DSLR) you can choose a lens for your needs and change to another at any time. In addition, mirrorless cameras have matrices that correspond in size to the matrices of crop SLR cameras. This allows them, unlike the "soap box", to shoot higher quality frames and use high ISO values.

Principle of operation

The fundamental difference between a mirrorless digital camera (BZK) and a reflex camera, as you might guess, is in the absence of a mirror (it’s even a shame to write so much in the style of Captain Obvious, but without this phrase it’s impossible to really talk about the device of such a camera).

Let's compare a DSLR and a mirrorless camera. In the first case, light passes through the lens into the lens and falls on the mirror, which initially covers the matrix. Then the rays pass through the focusing frosted glass and enter the pentaprism - here the image is flipped 90 degrees. When you press the button, the shutter is released and the mirror goes up. The light flux changes direction and hits the surface of the matrix. At the end, the image is read, processed and displayed on the screen.

In a mirrorless camera, everything is much simpler: the light flux immediately hits the matrix. The processor reads this signal, the image is instantly processed by the processor and enters the display. The refresh rate is up to 100 frames per second. In addition, unlike a DSLR, you will be able to see the frame as it happens, even before you press the shutter button.

A bit of history

Today, consumer mirrorless cameras are progressing much faster than DSLRs, which have essentially stalled in their development. There is even a chance that very soon there will be no advantages left for SLR cameras, and all shooting will be done using a compact mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. However, the latter has passed a difficult path to its consumer.

The appearance of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses on the market of photographic equipment caused a mixed reaction, both among amateurs and among the professional community. The first BZK model went on sale in 2008, but for a long time sales were low: back in 2013, mirrorless cameras accounted for only 5% of the total number of cameras on the market.

At that time, wired.com even called the new cameras “evil” - EVIL (an abbreviation for Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangable Lens - “electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses”).

In 2012, Fujifilm announced the X-Pro1, the first mirrorless camera with a built-in hybrid viewfinder. And this novelty was the first device that could compete not only with consumer equipment, but also with cameras of a higher class - full-frame SLR cameras.

By 2015, the popularity of mirrorless cameras skyrocketed, and they already accounted for a quarter (!) of all cameras in Europe. Many companies, such as Fujifilm, have completely abandoned the production of SLR cameras in favor of the UPC.

After the appearance of the first UPCs, manufacturers tried to solve two important problems that prevented the device from competing with SLR cameras. First of all, it was necessary to provide the electronic viewfinder with a resolution that would not be inferior in quality to the optical viewfinder.

The second problem was that the contrast autofocus, originally used in DSLRs, worked twice as slow in the UPC compared to, for example, phase detection autofocus. That is why professional photographers covering sports events or events have long refused to switch to mirrorless cameras. Today, both of these problems have been solved. For example, one of Fujifilm's latest mirrorless cameras, the X-T20, has an updated algorithm that provides a maximum autofocus speed of 0.06 seconds. Thanks to a new algorithm, the X-T20 can "finish" focus on small light areas and objects with low contrast and fine textures (such as bird feathers and animal fur). The speed of the contrast autofocus system covers almost 85% of the frame. In addition, almost 40% of the frame area is covered by phase detection autofocus pixels for capturing completely different scenes. And the focus sensors, which are located directly in the plane of the matrix, exclude back and front focus.

Example of shooting on Fujifil X-T20

What are the benefits?

Today, mirrorless cameras have firmly occupied their niche - cameras that equally well perform the functions of high-quality amateur shooting and even professional tasks. It is UPCs that become the main competitors of SLR cameras, and the latest models of leading companies already have a number of significant advantages over them. Let's try to consider some of them.

First of all, this is one of the features mentioned above - the lack of a mirror (yes, yes, Captain Obvious is back with us). DSLRs became popular because they could frame accurately through the lens and were also lighter than medium format cameras. But during the shooting process, the mirror moves, creating unnecessary camera shake. In addition, there is an obvious minus: you do not see the very moment of shooting, since the mirror covers the matte focusing screen, and the picture disappears in the viewfinder.

The second equally important plus of mirrorless cameras is high-quality video recording. In terms of video, many DSLRs are not the best option, but their competitors often boast HD quality. For example, the Fuji X-T20 records high-definition video in 4K and in Full HD (1920 x 1080). Also, while shooting with this camera, you can manually adjust the exposure, aperture and ISO sensitivity. And the “Film Simulation” feature allows you to create different effects: with Classic Chrome you can create a documentary feel with muted colors and rich tonality, or with ACROS turned on, you can capture stunning monochrome shots with smooth gradation of tones and deep blacks.

Another very important point for a number of shootings is camera noise. The shutter sound of DSLRs is quite loud, and in some cases (for example, in nature) this can interfere with shooting. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are very “quiet”: the X-T20 is equipped with a silent electronic shutter with a response speed of up to 1/32,000 second. The quiet operation of the camera is due to the lack of moving mechanical parts, so you can naturally photograph sleeping children or animals.

In addition, the X-T20 has Wi-Fi support, which allows you to control various functions remotely via a smartphone or tablet. This is very convenient when taking group photos, taking self-portraits, and taking pictures of animals in their natural habitat. The resulting images can be selected and transferred to a smartphone immediately.

And, perhaps not the most important, but undoubtedly a pleasant plus of a mirrorless camera is its dimensions and weight. The dimensions of the same Fuji X-T20 are 118.4 mm x 82.8 mm, and the weight, including battery and memory card (without lens), is only 383 grams. A mirror of this size is simply not to be found. And with fewer moving parts in the camera body, the reliability of a mirrorless camera increases.

And one more thing

You can also select the Advanced SR AUTO mode. The camera will then automatically select the optimal AF and exposure settings from 58 presets, such as Landscape, Nightscape, Beach, Sunset, Blue Sky, Portrait, Moving Subject, and more. All you have to do is press the shutter button.

At the same time, a mirrorless camera, just like a SLR, allows you to select the appropriate parameters using the lens. Today, the FUJINON X-Mount lens lineup includes 24 models ranging from ultra-wide angle to telephoto lenses, including five premium fast prime lenses. In addition, the fleet of optics is constantly expanding and replenished with new lenses.

Outcome

Of course, the emergence of new compact and lightweight cameras that successfully cope with a large number of tasks in the future may become a good alternative to SLR cameras. The obvious benefits are already there: the ability to see a picture with true exposure and depth of field, the lack of front/back focus, and the light weight that comes from a simple design.

And all the new additional features of the cameras and the ever-expanding fleet of optics, perhaps, will win over even the "conservatives" of photography.

This article is about mirrorless cameras. They are called so because their design lacks a bulky mirror and an optical viewfinder. In the design of classic DSLRs, a mirror located behind the lens at an angle of 45 degrees to the optical axis allows you to observe through the viewfinder an image obtained directly through the optics mounted on the camera. Its presence does not affect the image quality (at the time of shooting, it generally rises and covers the optical viewfinder). Due to the large size of the mirror itself, the distance between the matrix and the lens increases, which in turn complicates the optical design of the lenses, increases the size of the camera itself, and makes it more cumbersome and noisy.

SLR or mirrorless camera: what to choose

Why is a DSLR better than a mirrorless camera? For a long time, SLR cameras were the most popular among amateur photographers, since the advantages still overlapped the disadvantages. However, progress does not stand still, and modern digital technologies have allowed manufacturers to create a new class of cameras. Mirrorless system cameras have absorbed all the advantages of a SLR camera in the face of ease of sighting, speed of electronics, as well as the ability to change optics. At the same time, the absence of an optical viewfinder and a mirror allows the cameras themselves to be made smaller, lighter, with a simpler and more efficient design. Initially born as a niche product, this class of cameras is gaining more and more new fans every year, while the number of models on the market is growing like an avalanche. In all this diversity, it is not surprising to get confused!

System cameras with interchangeable lenses

In this article, we have selected the most interesting, in our opinion, representatives of mirrorless cameras, or, as they are also called, compact system cameras with interchangeable lenses. We will talk about those models that, in terms of their characteristics, have already come close to the performance of SLR cameras, if not completely surpassed them. Mirrorless cameras can be of interest to a wide range of people. For example, those who want to step forward from the usual compact soap dish or mobile phone. Intuitive control of most of these cameras allows you to get acquainted with all the basics of photography, while remaining in the comfort zone. They are also suitable for those amateur photographers who have a large park of old high-quality photo optics left over from film times. Many companies produce adapters for different mounts, through which you can install and use your favorite lenses on the camera. They are also often chosen as a backup or second camera by many DSLR owners, and sometimes completely switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless system!

And another important point: for some models of mirrorless cameras (for example, Olympus), the price has practically not increased. Other models added as a result of the December rise in price not as much as SLR cameras.

Olympus mirrorless cameras

If size and weight matter the most to you, then you should look into mirrorless cameras from Olympus. In their cameras, they use a Micro Four Thirds size matrix (approximately 17.3x13 mm). This solution allows the production of cameras and optics of small sizes. At the same time, the Micro Four Thirds matrix is quite large and provides image quality close to APS-C matrices. Olympus in their cameras, in terms of picture quality, literally squeeze everything out of 4/3 sensors! Among the rich Olympus line, I would like to highlight two OM-D E-M10 and OM-D E-M1

Received numerous awards in 2014, including from EISA, DPpreview and TIPA, as the best value for money camera in its class. The OM-D E-M10 is the continuation of the OM-D series that has taken the world by storm with its classic design combined with the latest advances from Olympus. The camera is very fast. The autofocus speed is only 0.06 seconds, and the shooting speed in RAW format is 8 frames per second. Add, judging by the huge possibilities for customizing the interface, the ease of manual and semi-automatic control, shooting in Full-HD format, and you will get a camera that outperforms most SLR cameras, but takes up much less space.

The older brother of the E-M10, the flagship of the Olympus Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system. With every facet, this camera is sharpened for reporting and has a rich arsenal of professional solutions. Improved electronic viewfinder with a larger field of view than many DSLRs. Unique 5-Axis Image Stabilizer for Stills and Video: Compensates for 3-D shaking as well as rotational moments. Fast as a cheetah, hybrid autofocus. Dust- and moisture-proof frost-resistant case. This camera is also available with a large number of optional accessories that expand its capabilities even more. Of the available accessories, I would like to note the MMF-3 adapter, which allows you to install and use all the functions of 4/3 format optics (such optics were used in Olympus and Panasonic DSLRs in the recent past). Autofocus with such optics will work using phase detection sensors located on the matrix.

Fujifilm mirrorless cameras

The next manufacturer, which also focused on the production of mirrorless cameras and ignored the DSLRs, is the Japanese corporation Fujifilm. The main advantage of Fujifilm is a unique matrix and optics designed for it. And this is not surprising, because Fujifilm engineers have adapted all their experience and knowledge gained over many years of improving color emulsions to digital technologies. The result of their labors was a matrix with X-Trans technology.

This technology is interesting in that the pixels on the sensor are arranged in a non-linear manner and due to this there is no need to use a low-pass filter. The picture acquires its own unique charm, as well as exceptional sharpness in the smallest details. All these details allow you to capture the optics of your own design. Among the cameras from the Fujifilm line, I would like to highlight the following mirrorless models.

It is the most affordable model in Fujifilm's line of cameras with X-Trans technology. It differs from its older brothers, primarily in size, as well as the absence of an electronic viewfinder and less developed ergonomics of the controls (fewer buttons). The camera is available in three different body colors, has a swivel screen, Wi-Fi function and will be an inexpensive entrance ticket to the world of the Fujifilm system.

This is Fujifulm's bid to play on the same field as the Olympus OM-D E-M1. On the field of reporting cameras in direct competition with DSLRs. The model belongs to the premium segment and is currently the most advanced system mirrorless camera from Fujifilm. outwardly, it looks like a DSLR, but instead of an optical viewfinder, an electronic one is used, which, due to its size and quality, is practically indistinguishable from an optical one. The camera body is dust- and moisture-proof, frost-resistant and has classic mechanical dials for controlling shutter speed and exposure compensation (the aperture ring on the lens is installed on most Fujifilm lenses). It uses an X-Trans CMOS II matrix with ISO increased to 51200. The new processor and electronics have virtually minimized the turn-on time and the interval between shots, resulting in a camera with the highest response speed. Phase-detection autofocus with object movement prediction allows you to shoot up to 8 frames per second. For this model, as in the case of Olympus, Fujifilm released a large line of additional accessories and new dust- and moisture-resistant lenses.

Sony mirrorless cameras

Speaking of mirrorless cameras, one cannot fail to mention Sony Corporation. Among the achievements in this market segment, I would like to highlight two models: the Sony A6000 with the most advanced autofocus and the Sony A7 II with a 5-axis optical image stabilization based on a matrix shift, implemented for the first time on a full frame.

This is a 24MP APS-C E-mount mirrorless camera that comes in three colors. At first glance you will be struck by its thoughtful ergonomics. The camera fits well in the hand, has many customizable controls, and a well-thought-out interface. But the most interesting is its autofocus system with 4D focus technology. Not only did it outperform even Sony SLR cameras in speed, but also pointing is carried out in four dimensions: horizontal, vertical, depth and time (meaning predictive algorithms that allow you to predict the movement of an object at the next moment in time). Other features include an extended sensitivity range of the matrix up to ISO 25600, a high-resolution intelligent electronic OLED viewfinder, Wi-Fi and NFC protocols for data transfer. Another interesting fact is the ability to download various kinds of applications that improve and expand the capabilities of the camera from the PlayMemories Camera Apps store.

With an E-mount and a full-frame sensor, it stands apart from all mirrorless cameras. This is the world's first camera with a 5-axis optical image stabilizer implemented for a full-frame (24x36 mm) sensor. The stabilizer will work with native E-mount optics for this model, and with optics from Sony and Minolta DSLRs with A-mount (you will need an appropriate adapter), and with any other lenses installed through adapters. If the adapter electronics allows the camera to understand which lens is being used, the stabilizer will automatically adjust to the lens. If the lens or adapter has no electronics at all, then the focal length of the lens will need to be specified manually.

The autofocus of the camera is hybrid, the most accurate and fast, with the ability to predict movement. Videographers will also appreciate this camera as it has a full range of video recording features, and outputs video in Full HD format with a bit rate of up to 50 Mbps. Add here a convenient ergonomic design, a high degree of freedom regarding control settings, ease of wireless data transfer and convenient download of additional tools through proprietary PlayMemories Camera Apps, and we get a mirrorless camera with endless possibilities, and most importantly - with a full-frame matrix.

". But somehow they bypassed the question of which is better, a DSLR or a mirrorless one? Today we will catch up and talk about the differences between two types of photographic equipment - mirrorless and SLR cameras. Go.

What is a reflex camera?

Reflex camera is a camera whose viewfinder is based on a mirror. In general, there are single-lens and dual-lens reflex cameras. But since in the world of digital photography there is only room for the first type, it will be discussed further.

The first single-lens reflex camera appeared in 1861. Yes, while serfdom had just been abolished in Russia, the camera had already been invented in England. That is, the history of the SLR camera began in the century before last, more than 150 years ago.

Of course, the first SLR cameras were very different from what we have now. One of the differences is the use of film. Today, film, as you all know very well, has practically died out and exists only thanks to enthusiasts who fell in love with film photography a long time ago. Digital technologies have made it possible to replace the film in the camera with a matrix.

Let's get back to the SLR camera. Every DSLR has a mirror-based viewfinder. The mirror is at an angle of 45 degrees and allows you to see a real non-digitized picture through the viewfinder. The mechanism is generally quite simple in terms of understanding. Through the lens, light (and the image, respectively) enters the camera body, where a mirror is installed at an angle of 45 degrees. The light reflected by the mirror rushes up, where it enters the pentaprism (or pentamirror), which wraps the image, giving it a normal orientation. Simply put, if there were no pentaprism, the image in the viewfinder would look upside down. That's all. This is the optical viewfinder - a distinctive feature of any DSLR.

What is a mirrorless camera?

mirrorless as well as a SLR camera has interchangeable lenses. But, as you understand from the name, it does not have a reflex viewfinder. Instead of a viewfinder, inexpensive cameras use a screen, while more expensive cameras use an electronic viewfinder. In fact, unlike the optical one, such a viewfinder shows us a digitized image. We can say that this is a small screen. It has a certain resolution, which is indicated in the specifications of the camera. Naturally, as with a monitor, the higher the resolution, the better.

Why is a DSLR better than a mirrorless camera?

Let's start by talking about why a DSLR is better than a mirrorless one.

Optical viewfinder- not only a feature of a SLR camera, but also its advantage over a mirrorless one. There are several reasons. First, the optical viewfinder shows the picture in real time, raw and undigitized. That is, the way your eye would see it without a viewfinder. Secondly, when using an electronic viewfinder, there is a slight image delay that an optical one does not have. Those. with the latter you always see the picture in real time.
Phase detection autofocus- it is peculiar only to SLR cameras. The latest mirrorless models have learned to use phase sensors on the matrix, thereby giving rise to a hybrid focusing system, but today it still does not reach the speed of focusing a SLR camera.
Ergonomics mirrors are better. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the pentaprism mirror itself takes up quite a lot of space in the carcass. Because of this, in fact, these cameras are so large. But this minus turns into a plus when you need to control the camera: especially professional cameras have excellent access to all important functions using buttons, wheels and other controls placed on the carcass. Of particular note is the optional monochrome display, which is found on large DSLRs and is never found on mirrorless cameras. This display helps a lot with professional shooting, and for amateur shooting it is never superfluous.
Huge optics park. Remember, we talked about the fact that SLR cameras have been produced for a century and a half? Nikon started producing cameras in the 1950s. To date, the fleet of Nikon optics is huge and continues to grow. Of course, mirrorless cameras are still far from such wealth.
Price SLR cameras are generally lower. Specific example. There is a Nikon D5100 with a Nikon 35mm 1.8G DX lens. This is a very inexpensive kit, its cost is less than 20 thousand. You need to spend a lot more money to get the same quality with a mirrorless camera.
SLR camera turns on much faster than mirrorless. In a fraction of a second, while mirrorless cameras can turn on for 3 seconds.
Working hours SLR cameras on a single battery charge is significantly higher than mirrorless cameras. And the batteries themselves are usually more capacious. Thus, amateur cameras like the Nikon D7100 can shoot one and a half thousand frames on a single charge. Professional equipment, like the Nikon D4, is capable of snapping more than 3,000 shots on a single battery charge with the help of a photographer.
SLR cameras more reliable. Some of them have dust and moisture protection. That is why you are unlikely to see a photographer with a Sony A7 in the savannah. But with the Canon 1Dx - there's nothing to do. There are more of them than lions and bison ...

So, the main thing: today professional photography mirrorless camera is almost impossible. SLR camera for commercial shooting is preferable. And the amateur must decide for himself whether the advantages of a DSLR are important to him, or what the mirrorless offers is enough. And more on that below.

Why is mirrorless better than DSLR?

Yes, but are there any advantages to a mirrorless camera that a SLR does not? Eat. And now we'll talk about them.

Olympus is one of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market.

Size. This is the most obvious. Less mirrorless. Optics for such cameras are also more compact. The end result is a mirrorless system that is smaller than a DSLR, but still delivers the same quality shots.
Electronic viewfinder. Electronic viewfinders have their advantages too. First, they can display various additional information. Secondly, such viewfinders will be more convenient for nearsighted people. The optical viewfinder must be used with glasses or use the diopter correction function, which is enough for vision at -2.5, but if the minus is greater, then alas. The electronic viewfinder, as we said above, is a small screen. And, of course, when used by a nearsighted person, there are no problems with it.
Big choice manufacturers. Mirrorless cameras are now produced by the following companies: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, Samsung. But affordable DSLRs are produced only by the first 3 companies plus Pentax.

What do DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have in common?

There is something that unites these cameras.

Matrix. The most important part of a digital camera. A couple of years ago, I could have said that mirrorless cameras do not have a full-frame sensor. But Sony fixed this by releasing the A7 series cameras. They have matrices that are not inferior to those used in SLR cameras. We have already talked about matrices more than once, there is no need to repeat them.
Consistency. For some reason, many people call mirrorless cameras system cameras, forgetting that SLR cameras also belong to this class. This is the similarity between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras - these are system cameras that are characterized by interchangeable lenses.

What is better? Mirror or mirrorless?

There is no definite answer to this question. Everyone must make their choice based on needs. My opinion is that DSLRs are still far superior to mirrorless cameras today. For me personally, when choosing a camera, the most important criteria are speed (focusing, switching on), a wide choice of optics and price (both for the camera and for lenses). Yes, you don’t always want to take a huge mirror set with you. Better to have a choice. For example, for large (long, important, etc.) shootings, have a SLR, but for the soul - something small, maybe not even a mirrorless camera, but a compact camera like Fuji x100s or the like. But if you choose one single camera, then I repeat, I would choose a DSLR. But this is just my opinion. What would you choose?

Articles

Compact devices with interchangeable lenses or, as they are also called, mirrorless cameras - a relatively new type of camera appeared about 5 years ago. I remember that in the early 2000s, when the first affordable digital SLRs began to appear, people on the forums dreamed of an "ideal" camera - the size of an average soap dish, but with image quality like a SLR. In those days, such a device looked like an unrealizable dream, since the element base did not allow doing something like that - large-sized matrices consumed a large amount of electricity, had a tendency to heat up, and, as a result, an increase in the noise level. Nevertheless, technologies developed, the element base was updated, and in 2005 the first mirrorless camera with an APS-C matrix appeared - the Sony Cybershot R1.

Sony Cybershot R1

The camera did not cause much excitement on the market, as there were many controversial points in it - immodest dimensions, non-replaceable optics, low burst speed (especially in raw), "inertia" of the viewfinder and LCD screen, slow autofocus and something else. little things. Nevertheless, the device was somewhat revolutionary - it was the first mirrorless camera. Time passed, technology improved. Since then, mirrorless cameras have come a long way in development, getting rid of many childhood diseases. Sony R1 caused many problems with a weak processor.

The processors of modern devices are many times faster than it. According to some speed characteristics, for example, burst speed, frame rate when shooting FullHD video, modern mirrorless cameras are seriously ahead of SLR cameras. For example, the burst speed of the Sony NEX-6 mirrorless camera is 10 frames per second! Most DSLRs have burst speeds that are at least twice as slow.

Below I will give a brief description of the platforms and the approximate cost of owning a professional (or close to it) set of equipment for this platform. The professional package includes the following:

"Top" carcass
Fast zoom (in the equivalent of 24-70 mm / 2.8) - we try to consider the most profitable options when such a lens comes with a carcass
Fast telephoto (70-200 mm/2.8)
Portrait lenses (fixes 85, 135 mm)

Micro 4/3

The Micro 4/3 platform has been promoted by two brands - Olympus and Panasonic, and for a long time. An interesting feature is full compatibility. The same lens will work great with both Olympus and Panasonic.

Devices of the Micro 4/3 family

The devices themselves have a wide range in price. The cheapest ones cost about 20 thousand rubles, the most expensive - up to 100 thousand rubles or more (among them there are dust and moisture resistant models, as well as extended sets of accessories). The quality of photos is much better than that of soap dishes, but for the most part it falls short of devices with an APS-C matrix (not to mention a full frame). The Micro 4/3 system currently has one important advantage.

Since several years have passed since the appearance of the first devices of this system, there are many different accessories on sale - lenses, flashes. Lenses cover focal lengths from 14 to 300 mm (in "film" equivalent), which is enough to satisfy the needs of the vast majority of amateur photographers. In terms of cost, lenses of the Micro 4/3 system are comparable to lenses for DSLRs - from 8 to 60 thousand rubles.

The cost of the top configuration of Olympus is as follows:

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As of November 2018, the approximate cost of such a kit will be 260 thousand rubles. Panasonic is about the same price.

Despite the apparent "similarity" of Olympus and Panasonic cameras, there are still differences between them. I have personal experience with these cameras and can say the following about them:

Olympus cameras are more "artistic" in terms of photography, mainly due to the interesting and slightly unusual color rendering, giving off warmth. After shooting landscapes on Olympus, I literally fell in love with his picture. But in the portrait, he constantly tries to go into redness, especially when you try to photograph in the evening light.
Panasonic's color reproduction is more restrained and neutral, some may even find it boring. But in modern cameras, the matrix does not have a low-pass filter - this makes it possible to get a more detailed picture. Even on a whale lens, the sharpness is impressive. Panasonic will also be stronger in terms of video capabilities.

Sony Mirrorless

Sony cameras were among the first to enter the mirrorless niche and firmly entrenched in it. The model range currently includes both relatively inexpensive amateur-class cameras with an APS-C matrix and professional full-frame system cameras.

Sony NEX mirrorless

The main advantages of Sony system cameras include a high-quality picture due to a wide dynamic range (especially at full frame), convenient and logical control. Full-frame cameras have a very high resolution sensor - for example, the Sony A7 Mark III has as many as 44 megapixels. The Sony A7s mirrorless camera has a full-frame resolution of only 12 megapixels, but it has a sky-high working ISO, which makes this carcass very popular with professional videographers, since even in the worst lighting the noise level is minimal.

Naturally, among the mirrorless Soneks there are simpler cameras - these are the 5000 (amateur series), 6000 (advanced amateur) families.

The main disadvantage of Sony system cameras is the limited amount of high-quality optics and its high cost.

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As you can see from the price tags, owning a top-end Sony kit is not a cheap pleasure! At the prices of November 2018, the cost of the kit easily exceeds 600 thousand rubles (compare with the prices for Olympus :). For this money, you can have a miracle of the Russian car industry - the Lada Vesta car (link to my second site) :)

Naturally, it is incorrect to compare Sony's full-frame cameras with the "double-cropped" Olympus, but in general, the Sony E platform is 1.5-2 times more expensive than Micro 4/3. If for professionals these are means of production, investments in which pay off, then for amateurs this is a great reason to think, because the picture quality of amateur Sony and Olympus / Panasonic cameras is almost the same.

Fujifilm Mirrorless

Fujifilm cameras deserve special mention. A distinctive feature of these cameras is the X-Trans matrix, which has a high working ISO and provides high image detail.

I have had little experience shooting with Fujifilm mirrorless cameras and can say the following about them. To feel at ease with this camera, you need to have experience in photography. These cameras are not for beginners - there are too many controls in which it is easy to get confused without knowledge of the matter. What are four (!) Knobs and several levers on the top panel:

But those who are not afraid of the words exposure, exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, find Fujifilm's controls very convenient and logical.

The advantages of Fujifilm, in addition to the high quality of the picture, include the availability of a large number of high-quality optics for sale. For the most part, these are fast lenses with a fixed focal length, which once again confirms Fujifilm's focus primarily on experienced amateur photographers. Judging by the videos on Youtube, there are quite a few professional photographers who switched from Canon and Nikon DSLRs to Fujifilm mirrorless cameras and did not regret it at all.

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The total cost of the kit is around 300 thousand. In this regard, Fujifilm is not much more expensive than Micro 4/3, but noticeably cheaper than Sony E. This makes the Fujifilm platform very interesting and attractive for professional photographers. The crop factor of 1.5 is compensated to some extent by the larger aperture of the lenses. For example, the standard lens with which the top X-T2 body is sold is a portrait fix 56 / 1.2. Aperture - one and two! In terms of depth of field, this turns out to be "full-frame" 1.8, that is, no one will notice a big difference in background blur with full-frame 85 / 1.8.

Of course, you can argue endlessly about the real focal length and the transfer of perspective, conduct laboratory experiments and shoot under ideal conditions to see the difference between the real and equivalent focal lengths, but in real conditions this difference simply will not be visible. Then why pay more? Is it for perfectionism ... (my personal opinion!)

Canon Mirrorless

Canon "clicked" the time to enter the niche of system cameras and still retains the status of "catching up". And he chased, apparently, for Sony, that is, for the leader. Evidence of this is the recent introduction of the Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The camera is promising, although it is somewhat inferior to the latest Sony A7r Mark III, however, full compatibility with Canon EF, EF-S optics (via an adapter) captivates. Native mount - Canon RF. Matrix resolution 30 megapixels. When using cropped optics, only the central part of the matrix is involved and the image resolution drops to 11.6 megapixels. If you assemble a working kit based on this platform, the alignment is as follows:

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The approximate price tag of the kit is 450 thousand rubles, that is, about 1.5 times cheaper than based on Sony E-Mount. Moreover, the optics included in the kit are the most “top-end” ones, with the exception, perhaps, of the 24-105 / 4L whale lens. So, if you have a set of Canon optics and accessories, but until recently you've been sucking on Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras, now is a good time to reconsider your attitude to this issue. Although I would wait for the Canon EOS R Mark II to appear - for sure, the first model has some childhood sores that will be corrected in the second version of the camera. Plus, the price tag for the first version will become more humane.

Naturally, among Canon mirrorless cameras there are those that are focused on the amateur segment - these are Canon EOS M cameras. Now there are already many different modifications. The M5 family looks the most interesting due to the presence of an electronic viewfinder, but they are not cheap either. They mainly compete with the Sony A5000, A6000 families. Personally, my opinion is that the choice between Sony and Canon is more likely not a comparison of technical characteristics (they are comparable), but subjective personal preferences. Better video capabilities speak in favor of Sony (the presence of 4K and a higher frame rate in FullHD), faster burst shooting. Canon bribes firstly with the price, and secondly - with a large number of lenses, including SLRs.

Nikon mirrorless

Nikon 1

Nikon once promoted its Nikon 1 platform. These were compact amateur mirrorless cameras with a crop factor of 2.7.

Nikon J1

In terms of functionality, these cameras differed little from amateur soap dishes, the main emphasis was placed on auto mode. The picture quality is comparable to top-end soap dishes.

I had the opportunity to shoot with the Nikon J1 - for an amateur level, the result is quite acceptable. The device focused well in home lighting, the photos were balanced in tones with an acceptable noise level. The maximum working ISO is about 1000 units.

Disadvantages - a limited set of settings, a small selection of optics and expansion of its range is not planned, since Nikon has curtailed the production of this line.

Nikon Z

This is Nikon's second attempt to conquer the mirrorless market, but not in the amateur, but in the professional segment.

The Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras were released relatively recently and there is little information on them. Apparently, this is another competitor to the Sony A7 and A9. If you look at the characteristics, the first thing that catches your eye is the presence of a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 24.4 and 45.7 megapixels (Z6 and Z7), respectively. The cost of carcasses is still near-cosmic, the set of native optics is small, but any Nikon lens can be installed through an adapter.

Can't stand the competition

There are first-tier manufacturers who also tried to produce mirrorless cameras and did it quite successfully, but they did not have the strength to fight those who entered this niche first - Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm.

Pentax

I must say, Pentax cameras are not the most popular in our country, perhaps this played the role of the failure of their mirrorless cameras on the market. And there were two attempts.

Pentax Q

These are the smallest and most compact devices, they have a 1 / 2.3 "soapy" format matrix. Accordingly, the crop factor is 5.6.

Pentax Q-family apparatus

A distinctive feature of this Pentax line is its exceptional compactness, for which you have to sacrifice the quality of photographs (it is like that of soap dishes). These devices also have some interesting features. For example, the shutter is not built into the camera itself, but into the lens. Pentax Q cameras have an image stabilization system with a moving matrix. The advantage of these devices in comparison with traditional soap dishes is a high-aperture whale lens 8.5mm f/1.9 (in terms of a full frame, it turns out 47 mm, according to the depth of field - like f/11).

Perhaps these cameras are still sold on the secondary market, but I do not see any point in buying them. Only as a fashion toy... The optics of the Pentax Q system is expensive, its choice is very limited. In addition to two zooms (5-15 mm, 15-45 mm), lenses with a fixed focal length predominate in the lineup. Personally, my opinion is that for the price of these toys it is better to buy a normal smartphone, there will be more sense :)

Pentax K

This family is represented so far by only one model K-01. A distinctive feature of this device is full compatibility with optics from DSLRs by maintaining the working distance - the distance from the rear edge of the lens to the matrix. On the one hand, this is a big plus if you have a Pentax DSLR with a fleet of optics - all these lenses will work on the K-01 without any adapters.

But there is also a minus - the dimensions of the camera. It's a brick! This is probably the heaviest mirrorless camera in existence today. Pentax K-01 has an APS-C format matrix, which provides it with picture quality like that of a DSLR. It makes sense to buy this device if you are either a big fan of the brand, or you have a bunch of Pentax glasses and you don’t know what kind of use this bunch can find.

You definitely shouldn't start your photography career with this camera! :)

What to look for when choosing a system camera?

We found out which mirrorless cameras from which manufacturers can now be bought in stores. It remains to find out what characteristics should be paid special attention to.

1. Dimensions, weight, ease of operation

As mentioned above, this is the strongest side of system cameras compared to DSLRs. On the one hand, small weight and dimensions are an advantage, but you should not reach fanaticism when choosing, since there is such a thing as ergonomics - the convenience of a camera in operation. If you plan to shoot only in automatic mode, there are no questions - only the shutter button is needed from the controls. But if creative shooting is in the plans, the camera should have a physical mode dial (P-A-S-M) so as not to climb every time in the menu and 1 or 2 control dials for setting shooting parameters.

How many disks are better - 1 or 2? One dial is enough if you shoot in P, A, S modes. In this case, one parameter is manually set - exposure level, aperture or shutter speed (respectively). But if you prefer manual mode, I strongly advise you to look for an option with two control dials - one is responsible for shutter speed, the other for aperture. Such cameras are more expensive, but it is much more convenient to work with them - just work, and not click left and right :) Some models of mirrorless cameras also have a third disk - manual exposure compensation. It can also be useful in some cases, but it’s not worth overpaying for it on purpose.

Still small overall dimensions of the camera, as a rule, entail one more trouble - the small capacity of the accumulator. The filling of a pocket camera is exactly the same as that of a larger one, respectively, the power consumption is the same. But in a large camera there is room for a capacious battery, in a compact one it is very limited.

2. The presence of a viewfinder

The vast majority of above-average cameras have an electronic viewfinder (EVF), and often this is the only serious difference from models that are 20-30% cheaper. Is he worth the money?

Manufacturers and marketers unequivocally position the EVI as "an excellent tool for shooting in the bright sun, because the picture on the screen is almost impossible to see." Is it so?

To begin with, not all cameras have an electronic viewfinder that really helps when shooting. Even now, far from all mirrorless EVI works without delay - at least a fraction of a second, but it is. The size of the picture in the viewfinder also does not always allow you to fully use it for manual focusing. But still, EVI is really more convenient when shooting in bright sunlight than a screen subject to flare. Nevertheless, in the absence of EVI, it is quite possible to set the exposure "according to instruments" - a histogram or illumination of highlights / shadows.

EVI also has a feature - it drains the battery faster than a regular screen. Not much, but faster. It would seem a paradox! The explanation is simple - the resolution of the EVI is usually higher than that of the back screen of the camera, respectively, more current is required for power supply.

From all this we can conclude that EVI is really a useful thing, but only for more or less professional use of the camera. At the same time, it should be large and informative. For amateur use, an electronic viewfinder is completely optional.

3. Rotary/touch screen

These are really valuable options. The touch screen allows you to specify the focus point simply by pointing your finger at an object on the screen. The camera can be configured to automatically take a frame when it comes into focus in a selected area. This is extremely convenient when shooting from a tripod - you do not need to move the focus area frame with the arrows, just touch the screen in the right place. When shooting video, touch focus allows you to smoothly shift focus from one shot to another - also a valuable option.

The swivel screen makes it easy to shoot from unusual angles. It was the swivel screen that I missed in my last camera (Olympus E-PM2), that when choosing the next mirrorless camera, I preferred the model with a swivel touch screen.

The rotary screen can have a different number of degrees of freedom. For some cameras, the screen can only be tilted up and down, for others it can be rotated 180 degrees to take selfie photos and selfie videos. The choice is determined only by your requests.

4. Connecting external accessories

These are a flash, a microphone, an enlarged viewfinder, a battery pack, a sync connector, etc. For amateur photography, this is generally not needed. If you plan to use the camera for more or less serious video shooting, I strongly recommend that you pay attention to the presence of a hot shoe (you can install a video light and an external microphone on it) and the ability to connect a battery pack - when shooting a video, a regular battery runs out very quickly.

5. Powering the camera and recharging

Battery capacity is important, but camera economy is more important. On batteries of the same capacity, different cameras can take a different number of shots, and the trend is that modern models are more economical in terms of power consumption. The average number of shots per charge indicated in the camera specifications is 300-400. In practice, this number is usually higher.

As for battery charging, there are two options - charging inside the camera and charging with an external charger. Both methods have their pros and cons.

In-camera charging is more convenient if the shooting volume is not very large (typical amateur use), in which case you do not need to carry a bulky charger with you, most modern cameras can be charged from USB - from a mobile phone charger, from a USB port in a car and etc. That is, if you do not take thousands of shots and do not move away from civilization (or at least a car) for a long time, internal charging is one sheer convenience. But for large volumes of shooting, the use of an external charger and several batteries is more preferable. It is important to clarify whether non-original batteries are on sale and whether the camera can work with them. It happens that the original batteries are chipped and the use of a Chinese non-original with Aliexpress is not possible - the camera refuses to recognize it. In some cases, this is treated by the camera firmware, but this is somewhat risky process. Whether you need it or not is better to decide at the stage of choosing a camera than to face it when the train has already left.

About reviews of system cameras on the Internet

Why are mirrorless reviews so controversial? Are these devices really that different from each other? Or is the build quality unstable? Neither one nor the other. If you read carefully, you can distinguish two groups of users who write reviews that contradict each other.

Group 1. Former owners of soap dishes

This group is very numerous, which is represented by people who do not "photograph", but "take pictures" of everything - at home, at work, in the country, on a walk, while traveling. Previously, they had a soap dish that either got old or broke and they decided - "why would I buy this huge SLR when there are devices that provide the same quality of photos, but much more compact?". They buy mirrorless cameras and their choice is actually very wise. For amateur mirrorless photos - just what the doctor ordered! As a rule, they significantly outperform their former soap dishes in terms of speed, they shoot wonderfully on the machine, they have a bunch of all sorts of “improvements” for pictures like chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction and other things - this allows you not even to think about the RAW format. These people write 90% of rave reviews about these devices, and this says a lot. If you belong to this group (there is nothing wrong with that!), then a mirrorless camera will be the best choice for you - you shoot like a soap dish, you get the quality like a DSLR, and this is not a hoax. You will shoot and enjoy!

Group 2. Former owners of DSLRs

As a rule, these are people who are tired of carrying a heavy SLR around with them and they acquire a mirrorless compact for this purpose. Everything is not so clear here, since the requirements for mirrorless cameras are often overestimated. Although the image quality of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is comparable, the shooting process itself is different. In many ways, the negative comes from the fact that people are simply not used to shooting with a mirrorless camera. This phenomenon is temporary. I, too, felt uncomfortable at first when I bought myself an Olympus PEN, but time has passed and now I find shooting with a compact mirrorless camera (which out of habit "fell out of my hands" after the Canon EOS 5D) quite comfortable. Former owners of DSLRs who switched to mirrorless compacts complain about one or another of their features, but for almost every "complaint" there is some kind of compromise counterargument "but ..." or "although ..."

Rapid battery drain. If the battery of the DSLR is charged once and it lasts for a week of enough active filming, then the mirrorless camera will have to be charged more often. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that most mirrorless cameras can take 300-400 frames on a single battery charge, and this is not so bad.
Slower autofocus. Mirrorless cameras use contrast focusing, which works well only in good light and is comparable in speed to the phase detection autofocus of DSLRs. However, in lower light, contrast focusing works less confidently. But Mirrorless cameras are not aware of such a problem as front / back focus.
Many functions are hidden in the menu. If you shoot mainly in auto mode, then this is not a significant drawback, but if you often have to use manual settings, the need to constantly climb into the menu annoys some. Although, mirrorless almost always has function buttons to which you can assign the most commonly used functions.
The touch screen is inconvenient for many- when necessary, it does not work the first time, when it is not necessary, some kind of menu pops up from an accidental pressing. But on the touch screen, it is convenient to select the focus object. In the end, touch control can be turned off.
whale optics does not always provide the level of quality that is expected from it (however, DSLRs have the same problem). When shooting in Jpeg, the camera has the ability to programmatically correct some shortcomings, but when shooting in RAW, the picture is saved "as is" and its quality can become a subject of disappointment. Of course, the RAW converter solves the problem of correcting deficiencies, but with a large number of processed files, this is a rather tedious and routine task.
Mirrorless optics are too expensive. Yes, the price tag for mirrorless lenses is at least 1.5 times higher than for similar lenses for DSLRs. But do not forget that this optics is much lighter and more compact (to match the carcass). Personally, I appreciated this when traveling and hiking - instead of the traditional backpack with a DSLR, I had a small and light bag on my shoulder. After several long walks, I really appreciated the convenience that comes with a compact and lightweight technique. The high cost of accessories is a retribution for convenience. I don't know about you, but I'm willing to pay for it.

From all this, we can conclude that at the present stage of development, mirrorless cameras occupy a fairly large niche between advanced soap dishes and above-average class DSLRs. Former owners of soap dishes increasingly prefer mirrorless devices. The owners of DSLRs are in no hurry to part with their seemingly "morally obsolete", but at the same time quite functional devices. Most often, they buy mirrorless cameras as a "second device" for constant carrying with them - a compact one that can take high-quality photos not only on the street, but also indoors without a flash. In this case, a "pancake" is often purchased as a lens - a small lens with a fixed focal length (usually wide-angle). With it, the device fits, if not in a pocket, then in a small waist bag.

So, it's time to draw some preliminary conclusions

In the foreseeable future, there will come a moment when mirrorless cameras will replace SLRs from the amateur niche. Here are the main reasons that have already provided this class of devices with mass recognition.

Mirrorless is more convenient for the "average" user. Not all hobbyists need instant access to some sophisticated features and settings. Almost all mirrorless cameras have a basic minimum of buttons - white balance, exposure compensation, flash control, self-timer. There are also buttons to which you can assign custom functions. The rest is available through the menu. More, in general, is not required. The mirrorless camera displays the photo before shooting, and immediately with a histogram, making it possible to make corrections in advance. In a DSLR, this is available through LiveView, but this mode by itself turns a DSLR into a mirrorless one. And, most often, in a slow mirrorless camera.
Simpler shutter design- and this is a simplification and reduction in the cost of the design, and at the same time an increase in the resource of the device - there is practically nothing to break).
Contrast autofocus, which was slow for the first devices, is now close in speed to the phase autofocus of DSLRs (at least in good lighting). Models with hybrid autofocus have appeared, for example, the Canon EOS M - it has both contrast and phase focusing, and all this works at quite a decent speed, comparable to the autofocus speed of DSLRs. I am sure that in a year or two, mirrorless cameras will learn to focus quickly even in poor lighting.
The new optics was originally "sharpened" for video shooting, which allows you to easily use autofocus while shooting video. For DSLRs, only a few models can boast of this possibility, although in the future their list will be replenished.
No need for provision backward compatibility new optics with old carcasses. Many optical imperfections (aberrations, lens distortion) can be corrected by the built-in camera software - the performance of modern processors allows this to be done on the fly. This will make it possible to reduce the cost of new lenses and not think about "how will this lens perform on the carcass of the 2004 release?". A mirrorless system is built from scratch with modern technology in mind, with no regard for the old junk that you could theoretically use a given lens with and need to make sure everything works well.
The question of using flash very relevant for amateur photography. Some mirrorless cameras do not have a built-in flash, but they come with a small external one - a necessary measure to reduce the size of the device. Despite the apparent inconvenience in use, there is nothing wrong with that. The flash when folded is quite compact and does not greatly increase the dimensions of the camera. If you do not need it at the moment, you can keep it in a small pocket of your photo bag.

Of course, in the "mirrorless" segment, not everything is so smooth yet, in particular in the field of optics and accessories - the choice of lenses is still limited, although everything you need is already there - regular zooms, telephoto lenses, primes. I am sure that in the future these areas will develop and new interesting lenses will appear. There are adapters that allow you to use "reflex" optics on mirrorless ones, however, the focusing speed will be much slower than that of DSLRs, since older lenses are optimized for phase focusing, and mirrorless ones use contrast. The cost of original adapters is most often overpriced, however, you can find non-original adapters that, at a much lower cost, will successfully perform the same tasks. Mirrorless devices are also popular among fans of old non-autofocus optics. Due to the short working distance, these devices allow using lenses from old rangefinders through adapters, among which there are very interesting glasses. On SLRs, the use of this optics is difficult due to the mismatch of working segments.

Let's look into the future. Crop is no longer a hindrance?

What fate awaits amateur cropped DSLRs, when on the one hand they are pressed by system cameras, on the other - a cheaper "full frame".

Olympus and Panasonic completely closed the production of DSLRs and switched to system cameras (Micro 4/3), which gained a foothold in the primary and middle class, and also won back part of the professional segment from the giants of the photo market Canon and Nikon. It is noteworthy that these devices are fully compatible with each other in terms of accessories. There are also quite successful attempts to storm the premium segment - the cost of Olympus OM-D devices is comparable to the cost of full-frame DSLRs, despite the fact that OM-D has a crop factor of 2.

An unspoken division has formed between Olympus and Panasonic - Olympus is bought more for photos, Panasonic for video. Although, it is clear that this division is very conditional - no one can prevent the owner of a Panasonic camera from taking beautiful photos, and Olympus from shooting video :) 99% it all depends on the skill level of the photo (video) graph.

In terms of dynamic range and ISO sensitivity, it all tends to improve. For example, the "double-crop" Panasonic GX8 has more dynamic range than the full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark III (pruflink). The third camera on the link - Panasonic G1 - one of the first mirrorless cameras. Shown to show how far Micro 4/3 cameras have come in the last 10 years.

fujifilm does not lag behind Micro 4/3, and in some ways even outperforms it - mainly due to a smaller crop factor and X-Trans matrices with high sensitivity and high-quality color reproduction. Fujifilm cameras also attract with their beautiful and solid appearance, a large number of customizable controls. This makes life difficult for beginners, but many pros appreciate Fuji's ergonomics (although some of them are dissatisfied!). Fujifilm initially positions its products for advanced amateur photographers, otherwise the optics lineup would not be replete with fixes that are so popular with pros.

Sony abandoned the shutter with a movable mirror, developing two lines in parallel - with a translucent mirror and Sony A electronic viewfinder, and Sony E system cameras. Over time, I think Sony A DSLRs will disappear from the shelves. The full-frame mirrorless Sony A7 is the first sign that brought mirrorless full frame to the masses. Now she already has many different modifications, full-frame optics are slowly appearing on sale, but the prices for it are affordable, alas, not for everyone.

Canon went down a path similar to Sony, but does not intend to give up a movable mirror yet. This is confirmed by the simultaneous release of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with the same matrix, but different mounts (EF-S and EF-M). It's embarrassing that the new models EOS 650D, 700D compete with each other - one manufacturer, one class, the same matrix, very similar functionality, but different mounts. Particularly interesting is the STM technology - step-by-step autofocus for LiveView mode and video shooting with DSLRs, finally equalizing the main functions of the 650D DSLR with the EOS M compact. In this regard, there are already disputes about which Canon mount is better and more promising - EF-S or EF-M . Also recently appeared full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R and a new line of optics for this platform.

Nikon despite the first failed attempt (Nikon 1), he did not give up hope of conquering the mirrorless market and released as many as 2 full-frame models Z6 and Z7. Let's hope that they will be more successful in the market than the compact Nikon 1 family.

Pentax couldn't.

Mirrorless Samsung initially they were not very popular on the market, now they are almost gone for sale - apparently old stocks are being sold. Apparently, Samsung turned this direction, at least in Russia, and focused on what it does best - household appliances, mobile devices. I would not recommend buying a Samsung system camera - in the foreseeable future it will turn into a complete illiquid asset, since it will be impossible to buy anything for it.

And the Chinese are great! Recently on sale Xiaomi system cameras, the well-known Aliexpress service played an important role in this. They did not reinvent the wheel, but simply "clung" to the Micro 4/3 platform. Personally, I did not have the opportunity to test the Xiaomi camera, but judging by the reviews, they are still losing to Olympus and Panasonic in terms of picture quality. I have no doubt that over time they will bring their cameras to mind - just like they did with smartphones. At first, no one took Xiaomi smartphones seriously, then they quietly snatched a fair share of the market from Apple and Samsung. I have a Xiaomi smartphone for the third year and I am quite satisfied with it, especially considering its cost. We wish them success in their new endeavors!

The reflex Sony Alpha 99 II received a full-frame 42-megapixel CMOS sensor with a five-axis optical stabilization system, an electronic viewfinder, and a hybrid phase autofocus system. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that 79 focus sensors are located on a separate module, and 399 are located directly on the matrix. In terms of performance, the Alpha 99 II is also good. Despite the heavy weight of the final photos, the burst rate is 12 frames per second.

Another feature of the camera is support for video recording in 4K resolution. And given that the headphone and microphone jacks are located on the side, the conclusion is that the Sony Alpha 99 II will appeal to videographers who want to get videos of excellent quality. What's more, the micro-HDMI port allows you to connect an external monitor to the camera.

Note that the Sony Alpha 99 II is very easy to use, and the location of the controls indicates the manufacturer's thoughtful approach to the ergonomics of its product. By the way, the camera settings, which can be accessed through the on-screen menu, are also structured as meaningfully as possible.

Sony Alpha 7: The first mass "mirrorless"

The Sony Alpha A7 is arguably the first mass-produced mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor. Resolution of 24 megapixels, low-pass filter, hybrid autofocus, high build quality - the list of advantages of this camera can be continued for a long time. We note right away that this model costs almost the same as semi-professional “DSLRs”. But what is the advantage then?

First and foremost, it is almost half the size and weight, which is very critical for most photographers today. The second is support for all modern wireless interfaces and the ability to connect directly to gadgets via Wi-Fi. Of course, the Sony Alpha A7 also has disadvantages compared to DSLRs: for example, shorter battery life, relatively low burst speed, and not such a rich choice of optics. However, once you try shooting with the Sony Alpha A7, you won't want to go back to the big camera.

With the use of good lenses, the images taken with this camera will satisfy the requirements of professional photographers. The highest quality of the picture both in daylight and in the dark is provided to you.