IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
We are starting to see mirrorless cameras specifically targeted to professional photographers. To get professional photographers (who depend on their cameras and equipment for their livelihood and have very specific photographic needs) to switch from their trusted DSLRs to mirrorless, mirrorless technology not only has to catch up with DSLR technology, but also has to offer definite improvements and advantages over DSLR technology to make it worthwhile for pro photographers to switch.
Advantages like size and weight have driven some pros (who pack several heavy camera bodies, lenses and tripods) to switch to compact and lighter Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless cameras. Others have found that the retro design and analogue controls of the Fujifilm X mirrorless cameras have simplified their shooting, allowing them to concentrate more on the picture. Sony has the full-frame DSLRs in their cross-hairs and want pros to stay full-frame but switch to their mirrorless cameras with practical features that are difficult, if not impossible, for DSLRs to emulate. Hasselblad and Fujifilm are presenting their medium format models as being better than full-frame.
The truth is that pro photographers will use whatever camera and tools suit their needs. It’s not just about features, but how practical and usable the features really are, how robust the cameras are (how much can they take in the field without failing), how intuitive the cameras are in actual use, whether there are supporting lenses and accessories, and does the “tool” fit the use or does the photographer have to do contortions to use a particular feature? Mirrorless cameras targeted specifically to pro photographers need to address issues of availability of quality lenses in the focal length and aperture pros need, availability of flash accessories, dependable weather resistance and special level of dedicated field support (professional services).
Fujifilm GFX 50S with optional Vertical Grip
Fujifilm GFX 50S Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm GFX 50S (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Fujifilm GFX 50R Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm GFX 50R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Hasselblad X1D QuickFact Sheet
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Hasselblad X1D (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic S1 R
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix S1R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic S1 R
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix S1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony α9
The Sony A9 shoots at 20 fps at full 24MP resolution, with no viewfinder lag and no blackout during continuous shooting. It is targeted to professional photographers who shoot sports, action, wildlife and wedding photography.
The A9 features a 3.7M-dot OLED viewfinder (1280 x 960 pixels) with a fast 120 fps refresh update, a 1.44M-dot tilt touchscreen LCD, silent shooting, 4K video, highly accurate AF Tracking and Eye AF.
Making a full-frame mirrorless camera that is as light and small as (or even lighter and smaller than) some of the mirrorless cameras that use smaller APS-C and MFT sensors is quite a feat. Add to this a camera that shoots faster than — and with AF performance as good as — a flagship DSLR caught the attention of the two major DSLR manufacturers.
The Sony A9 is Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera and currently and undisputedly the best (full-frame or otherwise) mirrorless camera.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Sony a9 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
