Mirrorless Camera Features That You Should Be Using

Mirrorless Camera Features That You Should Be Using

Many photographers start out as hobbyists and make do with any cameras they may have access to. As you start to get more technical and serious about your craft, however, more advanced equipment is something to consider.

While DSLRs remain as popular as ever, mirrorless cameras are also starting to gain a lot of attention. In fact, the global market for mirrorless cameras is expected to reach roughly $2.54 billion USD (about £1.9 billion) by 2026. The emergence of mirrorless cameras has already made high-quality picture-taking more accessible to people, closing the gap between photography as a hobby and as a profession. This issue is because there are many features that mirrorless cameras offer that are comparable to what one gets out of a DSLR.

With all of this in mind, here’s a look at some of the specific features that make mirrorless cameras interesting.

1. In-Body Image Stabilisation

Sensor stabilisation has become a common feature for many mirrorless cameras, with Olympus, in particular, pioneering the technology. Optical image stabilisation works by having the sensor move on different axes to compensate for any camera movements that will affect the image. With this technology, some mirrorless cameras can capture very sharp shots even at one-second shutter speeds. Today, even a four-second shot taken without a tripod is completely possible, and if you’re patient enough with steady hands, you might even be able to go further with slower shutter speeds.

2. Compositing Effects

Some photographers may want to merge multiple shots to achieve a double exposure effect. In the past, it wasn’t possible to do this in-camera; it had to be done by merging multiple shots during post-processing, which can be very time-consuming. Some mirrorless cameras facilitate double exposure in-camera however, which not only saves time and effort but also allows you to re-do your shots as necessary in real-time. Olympus is the star here once again, with features such as Live Composite that can give you light painting, star trails, and excellent firework shots. Plus, with Olympus’s mirrorless cameras, you can see live previews of your photos on screen, so that you know exactly when to stop. Images are also saved in RAW format, making it easier to edit in post.

3. Bracketing

While bracketing is nothing new, it is an underrated feature of mirrorless cameras. Bracketing is a technique where the same image is taken using different camera settings. This is done so that the photographer can merge the images together to extend their dynamic range and produce the perfect shot. While the feature itself isn’t groundbreaking though, the newer processors in modern devices has made it more commonplace. Mirrorless cameras today are often equipped with HDI circuit boards, which are essentially powerful board with high interconnect density –– meaning they pack more performance capability into a smaller space. Among other things, HDI circuit boards allow for more demanding functions even in smaller modern cameras. Bracketing is one such function and is quite helpful when you’re shooting challenging scenes.

4. Electronic Shutter and Processing Speed

One of the most popular features of the mirrorless camera is its silent shutter. In addition to getting rid of the flipping mirror noise found in DSLRs, some mirrorless cameras can also capture images without activating mechanical shutter curtains. Internal processors can power pixels from top to bottom. What’s more, e-shutters can go up to speeds well beyond 1/4000 or 1/8000 of a second, and continuous shooting can be maintained at 60 frames per second. Soon, the electronic shutter could become the standard for consumer photography. (This technology already exists in high-end cinema, so it may only be a matter of time!)

No matter the mirrorless camera model you choose –– whether it’s from Olympus, Sigma, Pentax, or even Leica –– understanding these features is key to maximising your photography experience.