When professional photographers (who depend on their camera and equipment for their livelihood) switch from their trusted traditional-mirrored DSLR to a mirrorless DSLR, you know that there has been a fundamental change that has taken place. Call it paradigm shift, crossing the chasm or any of the other terminologies that business writers are so fond of inventing and writing about–the truth of the matter is that a leaf has been turned and, just like we moved from film SLR to digital SLR, we are now witnessing a move from digital SLR to mirrorless. That does not mean that all pros will stop using DSLRs right away, but we believe that the direction of future camera design tend toward mirrorless since mirrorless cameras are now starting to offer innovative, useful and practical features that are simply not available on DSLRs.
FUJIFILM X-T1
The Fujifilm X-T1 features the tactile direct control dials (shutter speed dial and aperture ring) that make using this camera such a pleasure, especially for those who grew up using film SLRs. The huge, very high (2.36-million-dot) resolution and extremely fast refresh (“real-time”) OLED EVF is the first viewfinder that automatically rotates the information display to match the landscape or portrait orientation, depending on whether you are holding the camera horizontally or vertically. Other features include a large high resolution (1.04-million-dot) tilt LCD and a Dual mode and Digital Split Image function to assist manual focusing. You can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 movies with stereo sound.
Fujifilm X-T1
The all-metal body is weather-resistant and allows operating down to -10 Celsius. Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to post images to social sites. The free Camera Remote app lets you remotely control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. Shooting modes include AUTO and PASM modes. Film Simulation and Time-lapse allow for creative shooting.
Read our review of the Fujifilm X-T1
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
Buy from B&H:
Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Graphite Silver Edition)
Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens (Black)
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 was the first mirrorless camera that started challenging professional DSLRs. Now in its V4.0 firmware upgrade, lots of new features have been added: Support for Advanced Olympus Capture camera control software, in-camera Focus Stacking, Focus Bracketing, Advanced Movie Functions, 4K Time-Lapse Video, Silent Shutter, and Simulated Optical Viewfinder mode. It features a large high resolution 2.36M-dot OLED EVF, a large 3.0-in. high resolution (1.04-million-dot) Touch Tilt LCD and 5-axis in-body image stabilization to help reduce or eliminate blurred images due to hand shake. The Micro Four Thirds (M43) lens mount means that it can accept any lenses designed for that mount, e.g., M43 lenses designed for Panasonic mirrorless cameras. You can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 movies.
Olympus OM-D E-M1
The all-metal body is weather-resistant and allows operating down to -10 Celsius. Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to post images to social sites and the free OI.SHARE app lets you remotely control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. Shooting modes include AUTO, Scene Modes, and PASM modes. 4K Time-lapse and Art Filters allow for creative shooting. A small external flash is included.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
Buy from B&H:
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Black, Body Only)
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Silver, Body Only)
SONY ALPHA 7R II
The Sony α7R II induced a number of high-profile professional photographers to switch from their DSLRs. It features a 42.4-MP full-frame image sensor and Hybrid AF system with 399 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points for the kind of fast auto focus pros are used to have on their DSLRs. Sony also introduced more quality FE lenses designed specifically for its full-frame sensor and in the focal lengths pros demanded. Compose on its high resolution (2.4-million-dot) XGA OLED EVF or on the large 3.0-in. high resolution (1.23-million-dot) Tilt LCD. The built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization helps reduce or eliminate blurred images due to hand shake. You can record 4K movies with stereo sound.
Sony α7R II
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow you to post images to social sites and share between devices. The free PlayMemories app lets you remotely control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. Shooting modes include AUTO, Scene Modes, and PASM modes. Art Filters allow for creative shooting. An electronic shutter lets you shoot unobstrusively in total silence.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
Buy from B&H:
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
SONY ALPHA 7S II
The Sony α7S II is the low-light king of all cameras, mirrorless and DSLRs alike, shooting full-frame at a high ISO 102400, extendable to ISO 409600. Its Autofocus system features 169 contrast-detection points and is sensitive down to -4EV. Compose on its high resolution (2.4-million-dot) XGA OLED EVF or on the large 3.0-in. high resolution (1.23-million-dot) Tilt LCD. The built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization helps reduce or eliminate blurred images due to hand shake. You can record 4K movies with stereo sound.
Sony α7S II
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow you to post images to social sites and share between devices. The free PlayMemories app lets you remotely control the camera with your smartphone or tablet. Shooting modes include AUTO, Scene Modes, and PASM modes. Art Filters allow for creative shooting. An electronic shutter lets you shoot unobstrusively in total silence.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
Buy from B&H:
Sony Alpha a7S II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
You will have noticed that almost all the cameras match in features, with the higher-end models using better grade metal and weather-resistant construction. Follow the link to the manufacturer’s site if you need to delve into the nitty gritty details for a specific feature you may be looking for.
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
