Why mirrorless?

Hi,

Sorry for the basic question but I wonder why mirrorless cameras are put on the market?  What's the plus?  I still have a Canon 300D bought 11 years ago and the mirror is still working...  Thank you.

Cheers

There are a few advantages in a mirrorless camera

1. There are no vibration(mirror slap) generating mechanical reflex mirrors in the design. This has a number of advantages as the photographic workflow will be a lot more seamless/uniform as one doesn't have to place the camera in a 'Mirror Up' mode in certain shooting scenarios to eliminate mirror slap. Note: that in 'Mirror Up' mode, even the professional photographer is reduced to a 'P&S' mode of using the lowly LCD to compose the image.

2. The electronic viewfinder found in most of the better Mirrorless cameras can be used for both Stills and Video, whereas in a DSLR, one cannot use the viewfinder for video. Again as point 1 above states, the mirrorless camera provides a more seamless/uniform shooting experience with all aspects of the camera.

The main current disadvantage of a mirrorless camera is that fast AF using PDAF on moving subjects is not quite up to the mark, but with more and more sensors including On-sensor PDAF, this could change in the near future.

Hope this answers your question

Fast and accurate AF at SAF mode but poor in CAF mode, no back/front focus problem. Size for those who prefer a smaller size and non intimidating camera. Cheaper units without sacrificing IQ, highly customizable menus and real time information during live view.

My understanding is that without a mirror it is possible to place the rear element of the lens closer to the sensor making lens design easier, especially for wide angles.  The lenses also seem to be smaller; at least that is the case with my L quality Fujinon 18-55 f2.8-4 for Fujifilm X mount cameras compared to my 18-55 f3.5-4.5 for my EFS mount cameras.

Point 1 is incorrect as that boils down to specific camera models. Many mirrorless cameras keep sensor exposed and to take an exposure it drops down the shutter for first curtain and then reopens it and drops down for second curtain.  This definitely has higher consequences than many DSLR designs that have been optimized over time for burst operation.

Some mirrorless and DSLRs have electronic first curtain capability. Some mirrorless and even DSLRs have leaf shutters.  So in the end it depends on the model, but to generalize and say DSLRs has more camera shake induced by actuations actually goes against my experience depending on models.

mirrorless still have the satisfying clack of a real shutter.  the advantage of mirrorless cameras to me, btw, is their lighter weight.

The purpose is to bring (entry level) DSLR image quality to a compact camera. They fill the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs.  It's a compact on steroids or a DSLR on a diet. Upgraders who are familiar with compact cameras will experience better images, an increase in size/weight and a shallower depth of field (and more out-of-focus snapshots as a result). Those who are familiar with DSLRs experience a loss in continuous AF, lens choice and camera size/weight. Well, at least that is how I look at them.

Midwest wrote:

10s wrote:

The purpose is to bring (entry level) DSLR image quality to a compact camera. They fill the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. It's a compact on steroids or a DSLR on a diet. Upgraders who are familiar with compact cameras will experience better images, an increase in size/weight and a shallower depth of field (and more out-of-focus snapshots as a result). Those who are familiar with DSLRs experience a loss in continuous AF, lens choice and camera size/weight. Well, at least that is how I look at them.

Well said but don't forget that the optical viewfinder of the DSLR is generally better - no lag, no smearing, and 'real time'.

Indeed I also should have stressed that. Once you've experienced a decent viewfinder, EVF's are a step back. Thanks for adding that.

So why did I buy a Fujifilm X-E1 instead of a compact SLR when I got tired of hauling my 5D MKIII with L lenses around?

Simple L (or better) quality lenses and the best sensor (great high ISO performance) in a cropped frame camera all in a compact package.  Sure there are the disadvantages mentioned.  But that little camera with a 35 mm f1.4 lens is inconspicuous and quiet.