Mirrorless Cameras Will Change Photography Forever

[Editor]

Technology has come a long way, and so has photography. Gone are the days where tourists would trawl the streets with bulky DSLRs with huge, do-it-all zooms. The DSLR, which used to be every professionals' go-to cameras are taking a backseat as more photographers go for mirrorless camera systems instead. These cameras are smaller and more portable, allowing users to produce image and video quality that are equivalent or better than conventional DSLRs.

To the uninitiated, a mirrorless camera basically cuts down on size and weight by ditching the mirror and optical viewfinder of a DSLR, and packs itself with a high-resolution sensor. For those who’ve read our previous article, and have chosen to go mirrorless, the choices you have are plenty.

But now comes the hard part: Which is the right mirrorless camera for you? Regardless of your shooting needs, Sony has the right range of mirrorless cameras you can choose from.

1.Casual Snapshooter/Beginner
If you're the kind who enjoys capturing the night out without caring about the technicalities or just starting out, the Sony’s α5000 could be the mirrorless shooter to get your feet wet. This entry-level mirrorless camera packs a large APS-C sensor and allows you to capture memories with DSLR-like quality. Just set the camera to auto or program modes and you never have to worry about your exposure as the camera uses the most optimized settings during image capture, just like a point-and-shoot.

The α5000 is also Wi-Fi enabled, so you will be able to share your party snaps with your friends and family on social media with ease. This can be easily done with the free PlayMemories Camera AppsTM via any Android and iOS devices.

If you need more resolution and a convenient touchscreen, you can also opt for its successor the α5100, which comes in at 24.3-megapixels and faster burst-shooting capabilities. Both cameras come with 180-degree tilting screens if selfies are your kind thing.

2.The Enthusiast

If you're the enthusiast who needs a higher-spec performance mirrorless camera but prefers a smaller form factor, then the Sony's mirrorless cameras such as the α6300 and α6000 would be right up your alley.

To keep up with fast-paced action, the compact α6300--Sony’s flagship APS-C mirrorless camera--offers the world’s fastest AF speed1 with its ability to shoot at.0.05-second autofocus speeds. The camera utilizes a 4D Focus feature which gives you the world’s highest2 number of AF points by a wide-coverage 425-point phase-detection system with a 169-area contrast detection system that works in tandem when it comes to fast and accurate autofocus performance. Users will also be able to track moving subjects with ease across the entire frame with the shooter's High-density Tracking AF function. The camera also supports with full pixel readout and can record videos at a high bit rate of 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during HD recording.

The α6300 also gains an edge in terms of build quality as the camera is dust and moisture resistant to withstand use in extreme environments.

1. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras equipped with an APS-C image sensor as of February 2016, based on Sony research, measured using CIPA-compliant guidelines, and internal measurement method with an E PE 16-50mm F3.5-5,6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use.

2. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras as of February 2016, based on Sony research.

 

[Editor]

3.Serious Hobbyist

Those who want to take their photography to the next level can step it up with Sony’s Alpha mirrorless α7 camera series.

For users who already have a specific genre in mind, such as landscape and macro photography, for example, would naturally be drawn to the Sony’s α7Rii due to its whopping 42.4-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor. And the fact that the camera lacks a low-pass filter means that the images produced are sharp, and more vibrant with a wider dynamic range. Thanks to the high resolution sensor, Macro photographers will be able to perform more than 100 percent crop into where it matters without suffering loss of image quality.

Besides its image sensor, the α7Rii also packs an electronic viewfinder which gives you a “What you see is what you get” view of your scene, allowing you to adjust your camera settings for the perfect exposure before you even press the shutter. This is beneficial for landscape photographers, where the light can change in split seconds during a sunset.

4. Budding Film-maker

Have you always wanted to shoot your own movie but was turned off by the expensive costs of professional 4K-standard video equipment?

Well, you’ll be happy to know that the Sony’s α7SII and α7RII cater to aspiring videographers with its ability to record 4K videos in-camera without having to shell out more money for an external recorder--unlike professional video gear back in the day.The 4K movies are recorded in the full-frame format featuring full pixel readout without pixel binning which will result in better quality 4K movies that contains less moiré, jaggies and noise.

Unique to the α7SII is its 12.2-megapixel full-frame sensor provides superb high ISO noise performance in extreme low-light shooting conditions along with a whole host of video-centric options such as Picture Profile tone adjustment, time/code/user bit precision editing, functions only found in costly, high-end video-oriented cameras. for advanced users.

5. Jack of all trades

Sure with so many options, it is hard to make a choice and perhaps, you just want a camera that can do it all and cover a variety of situations.

If you can’t make up your mind, Sony’s α7II is an all-rounder model worth checking out, as it packs some of the functions and features found in the other Sony mirrorless cameras, such as a hybrid autofocus system, 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization, a 2.6M-dot OLED viewfinder, all housed in an magnesium alloy chassis.

Of course, these classifications are just examples of what people may typically shoot and the list is non-exhaustive. At the end of the day, your shooting style and preferences will dictate which camera you choose in the end. Besides camera specifications, we also recommend going down to the shop to have a good touch and feel of the camera.

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