Getting Started With Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are the factory standard and the perfect choice for anyone getting into photography, video, or content creation. With the number of features and ever-evolving technology available, you can create professional-looking work in no time. If you’re new to the world of mirrorless cameras, then this guide will discuss what they are, how they work, and how to get the best performance from them. Let’s get started!
- What Is a Mirrorless Camera?
- Parts of a Mirrorless Camera
- How Does a Mirrorless Camera Work?
- Using Your Camera
What Is a Mirrorless Camera?
A mirrorless camera is a digital camera that doesn’t use a reflex mirror. Many cameras these days (including smartphones) are mirrorless, but what sets mirrorless cameras apart from others, such as phones and action cameras, is the ability to change lenses. They’re referred to as interchangeable lens cameras (ILC).
Parts of a Mirrorless Camera
If you have experience with DSLR or SLR cameras, then a mirrorless camera will feel familiar. However, if you’re moving from a phone or action camera, then it may take a little time to get used to it.
A mirrorless camera has just a few main parts: the lens, the sensor, an electronic viewfinder you look through, a display screen, and a processor. Your camera may also have extra buttons or dials, so check out the owner’s manual for more information.
How Does a Mirrorless Camera Work?
DSLR and film (SLR) cameras relied on mirrors and pentaprisms to capture an image. Mirrorless cameras, as the name implies, do not use mirrors or pentaprisms. Instead, light passes through the lens and digital image sensor and then is processed and displayed in the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or display screen.
DSLR vs. mirrorless camera light path
Using Your Camera
Using a mirrorless camera is like using any other interchangeable-lens camera. Attach the lens, hold the camera in a comfortable position (or mount it on a tripod), and shoot! Here are a few tips to get you up and running.
- When holding the camera, cradle one hand under the lens, one hand on the grip, and tuck your arms in. This makes it easier for the camera to remain steady.
- Use a camera strap to prevent damage if the camera slips out of your hands!
- Consider investing in a tripod if you plan to use larger lenses or shoot extended sessions.
- You may need to adjust autofocus settings depending on what you are using the camera for.
- Many mirrorless cameras offer autofocus settings for different scenarios such as eye tracking or animal tracking, so refer to the owner’s manual for specific details.
- Preset modes (e.g., Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority) are tailored to specific styles and environments. Test each preset to get the desired result.
- Learn more about each preset in your camera’s owner’s manual.
- Understanding the “exposure triangle” will make it easier to pick the right preset, especially if you want to shoot in manual mode.
- Mirrorless cameras display the post-processed image in the viewfinder and on the display screen, so what you see is the final product.
- Always place the lens mount cap on the camera when the lens is removed and not in use.
- Make sure you have the latest firmware update installed on your camera!
SD Cards
IMPORTANT! Be sure to confirm SD card compatibility from your camera’s owner’s manual or product page!
Mirrorless cameras often use SD cards for storage, and there are a few things to keep in mind when using one with your mirrorless camera.
- The SD card type and class required depend on your application. Some models may have a minimum requirement for certain file formats.
- CF Express cards can also be used since they have faster read and write speeds. There are two types: Type A and Type B. If you choose to use a CF Express card, then make sure you select the correct one, as they are different sizes!
- Label, archive, and store your SD cards so they’re easy to find! While a large-capacity SD card will last you a while, you may want to keep a few spares on hand, especially if you plan to use the camera for mixed media (still image and video).
- Format the SD card directly on your camera, if possible. This will guarantee read and write functionality.
- Be sure to back up any images and video beforehand! Formatting an SD card will erase any stored data.
- Some mirrorless cameras have multiple SD card slots. There may be settings that let you change how your media is stored (e.g., on record to both or auto-switch).
- Refer to your owner’s manual for available storage options.
Camera Lenses
You can swap lenses with mirrorless cameras, and each lens serves a different purpose. Here are a few things to know about using lenses with your mirrorless camera.
- To attach a lens, line up the lens and lens mount markers then turn until it clicks into place.
- Hold the lens release button and turn the opposite way to remove the lens. Make sure to have a good grip so you don’t drop the lens!
- Make sure to place both caps on the lens when you remove it from your camera.
- Some mirrorless cameras have a lens compensation feature which is built-in image correction that can fix potential optical flaws caused by a lens. The results will vary depending on the lens, so test the settings beforehand.
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