Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Mirrorless cameras are popular these days because they allow users to take high quality photos and videos with a lightweight camera that can be easily carried around. They are becoming the go to choice for professional photographers. But how do they work? Are mirrorless cameras worth it? In this article, we’ll explain how mirrorless cameras work in layman’s terms so you can get an idea of how they function without having to read the manual.
The mirrorless system is more straightforward than a DSLR. Instead of using the camera’s internal mirrors (Reflex Mirror) to bounce light to the viewfinder, known as an optical viewfinder, it instead allows you an unimpeded digital preview in its electronic display with no wait for data from your lens and sensor combination.
How a Mirrorless Camera Works
A mirrorless camera uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to show how the photo will be taken in real-time on your LCD screen. They are also known as EVIL cameras, which stands for electronic viewfinder imaging lens. This helps you frame your photos better before pressing the shutter button showing exactly how the photo will turn out.
A mirrorless camera has a sensor that is the heart of how it operates, and this will be what captures the data for your photos or videos. The sensor on these cameras are different from other digital cameras because they tend to have more megapixels which makes them great at taking high quality images with detail in every single pixel.
Lastly, how a mirrorless camera works is when the shutter button is pressed, a door slides up to cover the image sensor, this is known as a mechanical shutter.
Finally, the sensor begins to expose (or capture/save) the image, and the shutter doors go back down. This allows the sensor to take a photo of the light before a second shutter door slides from top to bottom to recover the sensor, stopping the exposure (or saving). The doors will reset ready to snap another photograph.
Mirrorless cameras also feature another type of shutter known as an electronic shutter. This allows for silent operation. These shutters function similarly to mechanical shutters in that they expose the light for a set length of time to capture an image. The electronic shutter, on the other hand, works by switching the sensor on and off again.
How Autofocus Works on a Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to how autofocus system works on a mirrorless camera, there are a few different ways. The first is phase detection autofocus (PDAF), which is used by most DSLRs. This method uses an array of tiny sensors that are located around the image sensor.
The second way is contrast detection autofocus (CDAF). This method works by taking multiple images at different focus distances and then comparing them to find the sharpest image. Mirrorless cameras usually use this method because it doesn’t require moving parts like PDAF does.
Lastly, there is hybrid autofocus (HAF), which is a combination of both PDAF and CDAF. This gives you the best of both worlds and is found in high-end mirrorless cameras.
Advantage of Mirrorless Cameras
The sensor on a mirrorless camera is usually larger than those found in other digital cameras. This is because the sensor doesn’t have to share space with the mirrors used in DSLRs. Because of this, they are able to capture more light and produce better images even in low-light conditions.
Mirrorless cameras also tend to be quieter because they don’t have the mirror slapping around inside the camera. This is great for photographers who want to take pictures discreetly or during a performance.
Mirrorless cameras also tend to be lighter compact cameras, making them easier to carry around with you on your travels.
Finally, one of the biggest advantages of mirrorless cameras is how easy it is to access all of their features. They tend to have more dials and buttons on the outside, so you don’t need an electronic viewfinder or a screen since everything can be controlled with physical knobs and buttons.
Disadvantages Of Mirrorless Cameras
While there are many advantages mirrorless cameras, there are some disadvantages as well.
The biggest disadvantage of mirrorless cameras is how they can be slower to autofocus and take a photo than DSLR cameras due to their lack of mirrors inside the body. This means that you might miss out on capturing important moments if your camera doesn’t have autofocus capabilities like most newer mirrorless cameras do.
Another disadvantage of mirrorless cameras is that they usually have a shorter battery life, this is because they need to use more battery power to operate the electronic viewfinder and screen. This means you might need to carry an extra battery with you if you’re going on a long trip.
Finally, one downside of mirrorless cameras is how they tend to be more expensive than other types of cameras. This is because a lot goes into making them, from the sensors and processors needed for their high-quality images (which cost a lot) plus all that technology crammed inside one camera body!
Conclusion
The future of photography is mirrorless technology. They’ve been around for a while, and they’re becoming increasingly popular every day. They come in a variety of sensor sizes, ranging from crop sensor to full frame sensor. They’re releasing new fantastic interchangeable lenses every day. Not only do they have excellent image quality, but they also provide excellent video quality.
If you want to update your camera, or purchase one for the first time, then we recommend considering a mirrorless vs DSLR camera.
FAQ
Why is it called mirrorless camera?
The name “mirrorless camera” comes from the fact that these cameras don’t have a mirror inside the body like DSLR cameras do.
Do Professionals Use Mirrorless Cameras?
Yes, many professional use mirrorless cameras as they are lighter and smaller then DSLR cameras. The selection of lenses keeps on expanding every day making it easier for professionals to find the right lens for the job.
