Four Mirrorless Cameras To Add to Your Collection

What is all the hype around mirrorless cameras you ask? Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras or MILCs (we’ll just call them Mirrorless Cameras from here forward) have wedged their way in between DSLRs and compact cameras. While DSLRs are highly evolved, full of features, and have traditionally been the go-to camera type of pros, they’re also more bulky and hefty. In contrast, compact cameras are more conveniently sized but lack the versatility of interchangeable lenses and smaller sensors often leave something to be desired in image quality (especially for printing and image manipulation)  Mirrorless cameras combine the most sought after benefits of DSLRs and compact cameras. Many technical improvements such as faster brighter display finders and screens have greatly advanced the capabilities and useability of mirrorless cameras since they first entered the market over a decade ago. There are tons of reasons to consider purchasing mirrorless cameras.  If you’re looking to enjoy some of the advantages of mirrorless cameras  here are four of our favorites.

Sony Alpha A7RII

The A7RII is equipped with a tough, weather sealed magnesium body great for traveling in almost any condition. Its durable body has been redesigned to provide a stronger,more stable lens mount more suitable for longer and heavier lenses. You’ll certainly find some lighter and less expensive cameras below, but considering this the A7RII packs a Full Frame 35mm sized sensor along with ample power to process 42MP images and 4K video rapidly. At 1.37lbs it’s remarkably light and weighs in a pound lighter than competing SLRs.  Speaking of traveling, adventures can sometimes be unexpected, so the 5-Axis Image Stabilization comes in handy to correct camera shake. Once paired with a stabilized lens you can also capture the perfect photo in low light scenes. The A7RII also has 399 Phase Detection AF sensors on that massive chip so it can keep up with the mirror flippers when things get moving. If you’re thinking of upgrading a bit you can even check out the A7RIII .

Canon EOS M5

The M5 gives you the best of both worlds. Compact for easy travel and high quality features  for endless creativity. It’s equipped with and APS-C sized sensor just like Canon’s more well known Digital Rebel line of DSLRs so you get amazing photos from it’s very compact body which also has great ergonomics.  This is one of Canon’s best mirrorless cameras, thus far. it’s perfect in size, weight and quality for summer travels. If you’re interested in an even lower price point, check out the Canon EOS M3.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

The Lumix DMC-GX85’s slim , compact, and flat top design was inspired by rangefinder style cameras.  With decades of experience in the video realm Panasonic brings a unique perspective features to it’s cameras that make them some of the most innovative multimedia tools around.  The GX85’s Micro Four Thirds lens mount is natively compatible with a ton of great lenses (including some really nice Olympus M.Zuiko optics). To get the most speed from it’s focusing system use one of the over 20 interchangeable Panasonic lenses to leverage it’s DFD (Distance From Defocus) info.  . The GX85 is equipped with a variety of creative control modes for novel images such as, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrom and more! For extra clarity the videography capabilities are a great addition! You’ll never miss a moment with the  8MP 4k ‘Pre-Burst’ photo mode that continuously buffers images and records 30 frames from the second before the shutter released is pressed and 30 frames from the second after the button is pressed.

Fujifilm X-A3

The X-A3 is perfect of entry level photographers, especially those interested in traveling, due to its affordability and its small, light compact body.  Put some sharp Fujinon optics on the front of this APS-C sensor and you’ll find out why there’s a cult of Fuji fans out there. Fujifilm also enjoys a reputation of amazing color reproduction and their cameras feature film emulation modes that make familiar feeling images. The X-A3 also features image filters for more creative expression including Toy camera, Miniature, Pop color, High-key, Low-key, Dynamic tone, Fish-eye, Soft focus and more. Also, compatible with a range of  Fujinon lenses for sharp images.More towards the top of the line the larger SLR inspired Fujifilm X-T2 though pricier is faster and offers more amenities.

Maybe you’ve tried your hand at one or more of the above cameras and you’re itching for something new in the mirrorless realm. Rumor has it, we aren’t far away from a new Nikon mirrorless cameras. The Nikon 45MP full frame mirrorless camera is suspected to hit the market at about $4.6K, and the Nikon 24MP full frame mirrorless camera at $2.9K. SIzes are expected to be on par with Full Frame Sony’s.  Get your savings ready, because shipping is expected to begin between August and September.

Lastly, Canon is also expected to announce two new full frame mirrorless cameras beginning in 2019. The first is rumored to be a flagship model with a lot of relation to the Canon 5D Mark IV. Both will allegedly shoot 4K, however the second could have better video features. As of now, there are no names for these mystery cameras, and the announcement date is unknown. Keep an eye out mid 2019, so you’ll be ready to add new gear to your collection.