In my last blog, I wrote about the appeal of old cameras with CCD image sensors and film cameras.
In conclusion, even if the color development is slightly inferior, the latest camera is safe.
autofocus performance,
image stabilization performance,
high sensitivity performance,
Movie performance
Well, which one is better this time, SLR or mirrorless? We will talk about the information you want to know before purchasing a camera.
In this article, I will try to make the article easy to understand even for beginners, in order to solve the confusion about choosing a camera as much as possible.
I refuse to say that everything is my point of view and dogmatic opinion.
I am a photographer based in Africa.
I also have extensive experience in camera adviser in Japan.
What do you miss about being in Africa, near the station, and selling cameras?
Reference, a previous blog where the author considered single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless cameras
table of contents
Choosing a camera, which manufacturer's camera is good?
Different lens mounts for different manufacturers
List of camera manufacturer mounts
First camera, recommended camera, lens kit
SLR or mirrorless?
Single-lens reflex and mirrorless camera mechanism
How a mirrorless camera works
How a single-lens reflex camera works
Advantages of mirrorless
Disadvantages of mirrorless
Advantages of SLR
Disadvantages of SLR
It is my own opinion as to what kind of camera is recommended for the subject and shooting scene.
When choosing a camera, actually hold it in your hand
Let's get to the point.
Choosing a camera, which manufacturer's camera is good?
Well, the first conclusion is that you can take satisfactory pictures with any camera currently on the market.
At least, if you think of it as a camera dedicated to photography,
The size of the camera you can carry
favorite design,
I think it would be a good idea to take these factors into account when choosing a camera.
Ultimately, once you get used to using it and the camera becomes your hands and feet, it will be the best camera no matter what model it is.
However, the important point to know before choosing a camera is the sensor size of the camera, as I mentioned in my previous blog.
Depending on the sensor size, the size and weight of the lens used, including the camera, will change greatly.
And will it be a single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless camera?
That alone narrows down the camera considerably.
Different lens mounts for different manufacturers
The connection between the lens and the camera is made between the mounts.
Nikon F mount
The connection between the body and the lens must be the same mount, so basically it is not possible to mount cameras and lenses from different manufacturers.
Also, even within the same manufacturer, there are different mounts for single-lens reflex cameras, mirrorless cameras, full-frame cameras, and APS-C cameras, so be careful.
When you decide on a camera manufacturer, lenses and accessories are also decided.
Changing manufacturers later can also be costly.
Before you buy your first camera, you should also choose your camera manufacturer carefully.
To make it easier to understand, I summarized the camera manufacturer, format size, and mount in the table.
List of camera manufacturer mounts
| 43.8x32.8mm, Medium Format | 36.0x24.0, 35mm Full Size | APS-C | Four Thirds |
Nikon SLR | ｘ | ｆ mount | f mount | ｘ |
Nikon Morrorless | x | Ｚ mount | Ｚ mount | ｘ |
Canon SLR | ｘ | EF mount | EF-S mount | ｘ |
Canon Mirrorless | ｘ | RF mount | early model EF-M mount, transfered RF mount | ｘ |
SONY Morrorless | ｘ | E mount | E mount | ｘ |
Fuji Mirrorless | G mount | ｘ | X mount | ｘ |
Pentax SLR | 645 mount | K mount,（KAF, KAF1, KAF2, KAF3, KAF4） | K mount（KAF, KAF1, KAF2, KAF3, KAF4） | ｘ |
Panasonic Mirrorless | ｘ | L mount | ｘ | Micro Forthirds |
Olympus Mirrorless | ｘ | ｘ | ｘ | Micro Forthirds |
Sigma Mirrorless | ｘ | L mount | ｘ | ｘ |
*There are exceptions, such as Canon's full-frame EF-mount lenses being attached to APS-C and EF-M mounts, even if the mount names are different.
I recommend that you actually hold it in your hand and try it out.
*Nikon single-lens reflex lenses can be attached to a mirrorless Z mount by using the manufacturer's genuine mount adapter ZTF-II.
*There are a limited number of combinations of mount adapters that enable connection between cameras and lenses from third parties, but various types are available.
If you use a combination of a lens and a camera made by another manufacturer, the functions may not work properly, and the manufacturer's warranty will not apply.
*Nikon, Pentax, and Sony use the same mount for both full-frame and APS-C.
When an APS-C lens is attached to a full-frame camera, the angle of view narrows to APS-C. There are models that can be switched to full size, but basically the surroundings are circular.
First camera, recommended camera, lens kit
When choosing a camera and lens for the first time, it is recommended to use a genuine lens that reliably works with camera shake correction and autofocus functions, or a lens manufactured by a lens manufacturer that uses the same mount.
There is no doubt that it is a genuine lens, but there are many high-performance lenses on the market that are as good as the genuine ones, such as Tamron, Sigma, and Kenkot Kinna, so it would be a good idea to consider them.
It may be cheaper and safer to buy a set of camera, body and lens for the first time.
The lens that comes with the lens set is a standard zoom lens that covers the most frequently used focal lengths.
First of all, it's a lens that doesn't lose even if it's a necessary focal area.
If you are thinking of a telephoto lens, buying a double zoom set will save you a lot of money.
*Models with lens sets and double zoom sets are limited.
SLR or mirrorless?
Even if the sensor size is the same, even within the same manufacturer, single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless cameras are sold.
So which one is the better choice?
Nikon has stopped developing SLR cameras.
Currently (2023), only Nikon, Canon, and Pentax are selling single-lens reflex cameras.
There is no doubt that the trend of the times is shifting to mirrorless.
But SLR cameras still have their advantages.
Now let's see what the pros and cons are and what the differences are.
一眼レフ、ミラーレスのカメラの仕組み
Single-lens reflex and mirrorless camera mechanism
First, I prepared a diagram to understand how the camera works.
The top is a typical mirrorless camera, and the bottom is a SLR camera that has been inherited from the film era, expressed as simply as possible.
It is a cross-sectional view of the camera and lens viewed from the side.
Single-lens reflex and mirrorless schematic diagram
Some mirrorless models do not have an LCD viewfinder.
How a mirrorless camera works
Normally, the shutter is open, allowing light to reach the image sensor and continue to provide an image of the subject in the viewfinder. The aperture is also set to the aperture set for basic photography.
When you press the shutter, the shutter closes once, opens and closes again for shooting, and opens again to enter the standby state. (Recently, some cameras have come out without a mechanical shutter curtain.)
Normally, the aperture is closed to the set aperture.
Basically, the viewfinder disappears when shooting, but there are some models that use an electronic shutter so that the viewfinder image does not disappear when shooting.
The LCD viewfinder cannot be seen unless the power is on.
All smartphone cameras and compact cameras are mirrorless cameras. The only difference is that the lenses are interchangeable.
To distinguish it, it is called interchangeable lens mirrorless.
How a single-lens reflex camera works
Normally, the light of the subject is reflected by a mirror and projected onto a frosted glass screen on the mirror box to form an image. Aperture is open. Basically, you can see the viewfinder image even when the power is off.
The image formed on the viewfinder screen is erected by a pentaprism and is viewed through the viewfinder.
The moment you press the shutter, the mirror flips up and the light is guided to the image sensor (film).
At the same time as the mirror flips up, the shutter opens and the diaphragm blades are narrowed, allowing you to capture the image and take a picture.
When the shutter closes and the picture is taken, the mirror returns to the bottom and the aperture blades return to their open state.
Since the camera incorporates a mirror, mirror box, screen, and prism, it is larger and heavier than the basic mirrorless camera.
The viewfinder image disappears when shooting.
In the past, several single-lens reflex cameras equipped with semi-transparent mirrors (pellicle mirrors) that do not disappear when shooting have been sold.
In addition, we will dig a little deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of mirrorless and single-lens reflex cameras.
Advantages of mirrorless
Viewfinder that matches the output image 100%
You can shoot while checking the color and brightness, which is close to the output image of exposure and white balance, so you can reduce mistakes.
There are no mirrors, screens, pentaprisms, etc., so the camera can be designed smaller.
Fewer mechanical moving parts, less risk of mechanical failure
Since there is no vignetting due to the mirror box, it is possible to design lenses such as large-aperture lenses that ensure a sufficient amount of peripheral light.
Since the distance from the rear end of the lens to the image sensor (flange back) is short, the degree of freedom in lens design is increased, enabling the design of wide-angle, bright, compact, and high-performance lenses.
Even if you put an extremely bright subject such as the sun into the field of view, it will be clear without damaging your eyes. It hurts my camera...
Depending on the model, the focus area extends to the corner of the screen, and the focus can be adjusted automatically to the corner of the screen.
Depending on the model, the camera AI will select the focus area while recognizing the subject, so the focus accuracy will increase further.
The viewfinder image can be partially expanded, and the focus can be adjusted more reliably even in manual mode.
Some models do not erase the viewfinder image even when the shutter is pressed, making it easy to keep the viewfinder in place while shooting a fast-moving subject.
Offers more accurate autofocus even with wide-angle lenses
Mirrorless is advantageous for pursuing optical performance.
But it's not just the merits, I wrote down the disadvantages of mirrorless below.
Disadvantages of mirrorless
If the power is off, nothing can be seen in the viewfinder image
It takes some time to start up after turning on the power.
A momentary delay in the viewfinder image, a slight time lag occurs
If you stare at the LCD viewfinder for a long time, your eyes may be damaged, so be careful.
Since the viewfinder display consumes power, it is essential to prepare spare batteries in consideration of battery consumption when shooting for long periods of time.
Shooting in extremely dark places can cause damage to night vision due to the difference in brightness between the real image and the viewfinder image.
Viewfinder image looks dark in extremely bright locations
Due to the characteristics of the liquid crystal, it is displayed in frames per second (30, 60, 120, 240), so if the shutter speed is fast, the invisible time between frames increases.
Viewfinder image with increased frame speed and noise in dark areas
I feel that there are a few issues in terms of battery issues and the protection of the photographer's eyes.
Next, let's take a look at the benefits of a single-lens reflex camera.
Advantages of SLR
There is no finder time lag at all, so you can see the finder image as it is, so it is strong at the moment of moving objects.
Viewfinder with zero blocked-up shadows and blown-out highlights
Like LCD, the viewfinder with zero time frame and frame invisible time, every moment can be seen realistically.
The brightness of the viewfinder image is always the same as that of the outside world, so it is easy on the eyes even in extremely dark or bright situations, and you can immediately concentrate on the subject in the viewfinder.
You can stare into the viewfinder for a long time without damaging your eyes. A viewfinder that is easy on the eyes
Since the viewfinder display consumes almost no electricity, you can devote yourself to shooting without worrying about battery consumption during long shooting.
You can check the viewfinder image even when the power is off. (Some models may blur if batteries are not installed.)
The feeling of startup after turning on the power is very fast
Anyway, just listening to the mechanical and pleasant acoustic shutter sound makes taking pictures fun. Subjectivity of the writer
If you raise the mirror, you can use the LCD screen and enjoy the same benefits as mirrorless.
Disadvantages of SLR
The mirror, screen, and pentaprism make the camera bigger and heavier
The movement of the mirror causes vibrations that lead to blurring (cameras with a mirror-up mechanism can prevent this)
Vignetting occurs due to the mirror box when using a large aperture lens
Since the distance (flange back) from the rear end of the lens to the sensor (film) is long, especially bright wide-angle lenses become huge.
Even if the exposure and white balance are not correct, the Fouinder image will look real and clear, leading to failed photos with incorrect exposure and white balance.
If you use a dark lens, the viewfinder image will also be dark and difficult to see.
Appearance depends on visual acuity
The advantage of a single-lens reflex camera is the viewfinder with no time lag
Single-lens reflex viewfinder with 0 time lag and close to ∞ dynamic range
The viewfinder of a single-lens reflex camera allows you to see the actual object optically as it is.
So, if you express the optical viewfinder digitally, it will be a miracle viewfinder with 0 time lag, ∞ frame speed, 0 shadows, 0 highlights, and ∞ dynamic range.
In a sense, the single-lens reflex viewfinder can be said to be a viewfinder with outrageous performance.
I don't know the picture of the finder image above because it was taken with a smartphone and digitized,
When I actually look through the viewfinder, I feel very comfortable because I can see the subtle details of light and shade, including the resolution, to the fullest extent of my eye's ability.
The easy-to-see viewfinder image of a single-lens reflex camera can also be enjoyed with an inexpensive entry-level single-lens reflex camera.
If you want a camera that is resistant to movement without spending as much as possible, we recommend a single-lens reflex camera for beginners.
I feel that single-lens reflex cameras are still advantageous for photographing wild birds and wildlife, where you spend a lot of time staring through the viewfinder for a moment, and often shoot early in the morning or at dusk.
Mirrorless LCDs have also improved in performance and are much easier on the eyes than they were a decade ago.
If you don't use it in a special way, such as staring at the moment for a long time, you probably don't need to worry too much.
Nikon had D3000 series, D5000 series, and other single-lens reflex cameras recommended for beginners, but they were all sold out.
Based on that, if you're just starting out with a camera, the mirrorless camera that major manufacturers are focusing on seems to be a good choice.
Still, as I wrote above, there are many merits to single-lens reflex cameras.
Canon and Ricoh Pentax have released single-lens reflex cameras for beginners.
If you want to enjoy photos with a viewfinder image that is easy on the eyes, time lag, and stress-free, we recommend SLR cameras from these manufacturers.
It is my own opinion as to what kind of camera is recommended for the subject and shooting scene.
Let's take a look at the actual model.
This is my own opinion, so it's just for reference.
I want to capture my child's sports day with a telephoto lens in a clear and large size, and leave a lifetime of memories!
I recommend a set of a standard zoom lens and a telephoto zoom lens for an APS-C single-lens reflex camera. If lens exchange is troublesome, we recommend a high-power zoom.
If the continuous shooting performance is fast, if you can shoot at 6 frames per second or more, it will be easier to take decisive photos.
There are cameras that can shoot dozens of frames per second, but considering the amount of data and the time required to organize it, it may be better to shoot video.
Until a while ago, there was an APS-C single-lens reflex camera recommended by Nikon, but they were all sold out.
If you don't mind, we recommend second-hand goods.
Well, next time I want to go to Africa! in the case of
For my first trip to Africa, I want to take beautiful pictures of wild animals and leave them as memories!
I want a telephoto lens of about 500mm. With APS-C and 500mm, you can take pictures that are quite close to wildlife.
Mirrorless or single-lens reflex cameras are both fine, but if you're mainly going to be taking pictures, I recommend a single-lens reflex camera because there is no time lag in the viewfinder.
Low power consumption saves you from battery problems. Recent safari cars have inverters and AC power can be taken inside the car, so you may not worry too much about the battery.
In any case, if you have enough spare batteries, you don't have to worry about mirrorless cameras.
APS-C size with a 600mm lens is a great combination for safari. Tamron 150-600mm reference article
If you have 150-600mm and 18-140mm, you can cover almost everything from landscapes to wild animals.
I think it's a combination of nature's best combinations.
Also nature safari
Please forgive me because I like nature.
I'm going to see the aurora, so I'd like to take pictures of the aurora and the starry sky!
A full-size lens with high sensitivity is advantageous, and a super wide-angle lens with f2.8 or higher is recommended to capture a wide range. Since you will be shooting in a cold place, be sure to prepare enough batteries before shooting. In terms of battery, single-lens reflex cameras have an advantage. Mirrorless cameras have an advantage when it comes to lens performance.
It may be better to choose a camera based on the lens you want to use rather than single-lens reflex or mirrorless. You should prepare plenty of spare batteries.
I want to make the snapshots that I usually take with my smartphone clearer and more three-dimensional! ...
from Micro Four Thirds to full-frame, any camera will meet your requirements. The important point is how much weight of the camera you can easily carry around. If you choose a large and heavy camera just because the image quality is good and you can't carry it around, you're putting the cart before the horse. Considering the ease of use, I think a mirrorless APS-C or a Four Thirds mirrorless would be better. If you want to blur the front and back of the subject extremely, the full size is advantageous, but if you use a lens that is brighter than the standard, even the Four Thirds will be quite out of focus and make the subject stand out. Conversely, if you want to capture the entire screen clearly, Four Thirds, which has a wide range of focus, is advantageous.
I recommend only single-lens reflex cameras, but recently, mirrorless cameras have been released to compensate for the shortcomings of the past.
When choosing a camera, actually hold it in your hand
When you actually purchase a camera, we recommend that you visit a mass retailer or manufacturer's service center to actually hold the camera in your hand and see how it feels.
Pick up your camera, look through the viewfinder, focus, and release the shutter. Then, you can check the feeling by yourself, such as the ease of changing lenses, the feeling of zooming, the speed of autofocus, the ease of manual focusing, the performance of camera shake correction, etc. It is important.
If it's a camera that suits you, it fits comfortably in your hand, and you want to take such and such photos! I think I can take a picture of this! And my heart flutters.
In the future, I will slowly add photos, paste links, and make corrections to make it easier to read and understand.
Until the end Thank you for reading.
Next, I will write about accessories that I want to have with my came
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