Articles Cameras

Mirrorless Camera Buyer’s Guide

IV. PRO MIRRORLESS

INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS

The mirrorless era is here and we are going to see less and less focus on professional DSLR cameras as manufacturers pour all their technical expertise to bring out the top mirrorles 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. And now both Nikon and Canon have definitely thrown their hats into the full-frame mirrorless arena. 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).


  CANON EOS R1 (Jul 17, 2024)

Canon EOS R1

Canon EOS R1 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Canon EOS R1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (all prices in US $)


  CANON EOS R3 (Sep 14, 2021)

Canon EOS R3

Canon EOS R3 QuickFact Sheet

Canon EOS R3 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) (all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX 100SII (May 16, 2024)

Fujifilm GFX 100SII

Fujifilm GFX 100SII

Fujifilm GFX 100SII Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX 100SII (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX100S (Jan 27, 2021)

Fujifilm GFX100S

Fujifilm GFX100S

Fujifilm GFX100S Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX100S (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX100 II (Sep 12, 2023)

Fujifilm GFX100 II

Fujifilm GFX100 II

Fujifilm GFX100 II Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX100 II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX100 (May 23, 2019)

Fujifilm GFX100

Fujifilm GFX100

Fujifilm GFX100 QuickFact Sheet

Fujifilm GFX100 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX100 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX 50S II (Sep 2, 2021)

FUJIFILM GFX 50S II

FUJIFILM GFX 50S II

Fujifilm GFX 50S II Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX 50S II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM GFX 50R (Sep 25, 2018)

Fujifilm GFX 50R

Fujifilm GFX 50R Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm GFX 50R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM X-H2S (May 31, 2022)

Fujifilm X-H2S

Fujifilm X-H2S

The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best hybrid still/video APS-C camera — if not the best. It has the same excellent image quality as the X-T4, but with much improved Subject/Eye AF, improved image stabilization, improved video modes and dynamic range, and a 40 fps burst rate. It does not have the dedicated controls (separate shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation dials, and aperture ring) of the X-T4, but has a PASM Mode Dial and a Top Panel.

The Fujifilm X-H2S is geared for high speed shooting with a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 5 stacked back-illuminated sensor, 6.2K/30P video shooting, Continuous Shooting at 15fps (mechanical) and 40fps (electronic).

If APS-C is sufficient for your needs, the Fujifilm X-H2S is right there at the very top at a fraction of the cost of similarly-speced full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Fujifilm X-H2S QuickFact Sheet

Fujifilm X-H2S Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm X-H2S (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM X-H2 (Sep 8, 2022)

Fujifilm X-H2

Fujifilm X-H2

The Fujifilm X-H2 is geared for high-resolution shooting with a 40.2MP sensor, 160MP Pixel Shift Multi Shot, 8K/30P video shooting, Continuous Shooting at 15fps (mechanical) and 13fps (electronic).

Fujifilm X-H2 QuickFact Sheet

Fujifilm X-H2 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm X-H2 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  FUJIFILM X-H1 (Feb 15, 2018)

Fujifilm X-H1

Fujifilm X-H1 QuickFact Sheet

Fujifilm X-H1 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Fujifilm X-H1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  HASSELBLAD X2D 100C (Sep 7, 2022)

Hasselblad X2D 100C

Hasselblad X2D 100C

Hasselblad X2D 100C Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Hasselblad X2D 100C (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  HASSELBLAD X1D II 50C (Jun 19, 2019) Hasselblad X1D II 50C Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Hasselblad X1D II 50C (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  LEICA S3 (Mar 6, 2020)

Leica S3 with SUMMARIT-S f/2.5 70mm lens

Leica S3 with SUMMARIT-S f/2.5 70mm lens

Leica S3 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Leica S3 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  LEICA SL3 (Mar 7, 2024)

Leica SL3

Leica SL3

Leica SL3 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Leica SL3 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  LEICA SL2-S (Dec 11, 2020)

Leica SL2-S with APO-SUMMICRON-SL 1:2/90 ASPH.

Leica SL2-S Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Leica SL2-S (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  LEICA SL2 (Nov 6, 2019)

Leica SL2

Leica SL2

Leica SL2 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Leica SL2 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  NIKON Z 9 (Oct 28, 2021)

Nikon Z 9

Nikon Z 9

Nikon Z 9 QuickFact Sheet

Nikon Z 9 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Nikon Z 9 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  NIKON Z 8 (May 10, 2023)

Nikon Z 8

Nikon Z 8 QuickFact Sheet

Nikon Z 8 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Nikon Z 8 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1X (Jan 24, 2019)

Olympus E-M1X Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Olympus OM-D E-M1X (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  PANASONIC LUMIX S1H (May 31, 2019)

Panasonic S1H Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Panasonic Lumix S1H (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  PANASONIC LUMIX S1R (Feb 1, 2019)

Panasonic Lumix S1R

Panasonic Lumix S1R

Panasonic S1R Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Panasonic Lumix S1R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  PANASONIC LUMIX S1 (Feb 1, 2019)

Panasonic Lumix S1

Panasonic Lumix S1

Panasonic S1 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Panasonic Lumix S1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  SONY ALPHA 1 (Jan 26, 2021)

Sony Alpha 1

Sony Alpha 1

Sony Alpha 1 QuickFact Sheet

Sony Alpha 1 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Sony Alpha 1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  SONY A9 III (Nov 7, 2023)

Sony A9 III

Sony A9 III

Sony A9 III Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Sony A9 III (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  SONY A9 II (Oct 3, 2019)

Sony Alpha 9 II

Sony Alpha 9 II

The Sony A9 II is Sony’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. It is targeted more to professional photographers and improves on the A9 with enhanced connectivity and network capabilities to provide quicker professional workflow required by news agencies. A new Voice Memo function allows spoken information to be attached to images in the form of voice memos that can be replayed when the images are reviewed. The voice data can also be included with images sent to an editor, giving them important information needed for effective editing. It is also possible to auto-transfer images with attached voice memos via FTP to an FTP server without ever having to operate a smartphone.

Other improvements include faster subject tracking AF, 10 fps Continuous Shooting with the mechanical shutter, a larger grip, improved control dials placement and functionality.

Sony A9 II QuickFact Sheet

Sony A9 II Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
Sony A9 II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)


  SONY A9 (Apr 19, 2017)

Sony α9

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.

The A9 is 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. It can also shoot faster than — and with AF performance as good as — some of the flagship DSLRs.

Sony A9 Press Release

Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site

Buy from B&H (Thank you for your support!):
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