Picking the Right Mirrorless Camera for You

With more and more smartphone providers focusing on camera and screen specs, digital photography is easier than ever, but there’s nothing like the heft of a good camera to really get you into the photography mood. If you’re on the lookout for a new camera, there are tons of great models available to choose from. But if you’re looking for a camera that gives you great photo and video quality without the bulkiness of a DSLR, then mirrorless is the way to go.

What is a Mirrorless Camera?

According to Digital Trends the term mirrorless camera is used to refer to a type of digital camera without a reflex mirror. A reflex mirror is a key component of DSLR and traditional cameras, and reflects light into the optical viewfinder in a way that’s similar to how our own eyes work. In a mirrorless camera, there’s no optical viewfinder, and the sensor that captures images is instead exposed to light at all times, with images reflected on the LCD screen or electric viewfinder.

This technology is more or less the same as point-and-shoot cameras, but what sets mirrorless cameras apart is the use of interchangeable lenses. Just like DSLR and SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras are able to use a variety of lenses depending on the lens mount. For photographers who like a little more variability in their shots, this combined with the lightness of the camera body make mirrorless cameras a great option for travel photography and videography.

Picking the Right Camera

The right camera can be different for different people, and it all boils down to what you intend to use it for. Are you the type of photographer who prefers detailed, professional-looking portrait shots outdoors or in a studio? Are you a budding wildlife photographer? Do you travel a lot and need a camera that’s light and easy to carry around? Are you a vlogger or blogger who’s looking for a camera that can take OOTDs and vlogs in the resolution you want?

With so many variables per camera, including sensor size, available lenses, price, image resolution, video resolution, and body type, it can be pretty hard to pick which camera is the right one for you. You may even struggle with a few of the technical terms, especially if you’re new to the subject. That’s why Daydreaming in Paradise has put together a roundup of some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market right now to help you have an easier time with your decision. Check out the list below for some ideas, and hopefully next time you’ll come home with a camera that’s perfect for you.

Sony Alpha A6400

  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 24.2 MP
  • Monitor: 3.0 inch tilt-angle touchscreen
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 11fps
  • Video: 4K at 30fps
  • Weight: 403g
  • Price: Around Php 54,990.00

The Sony Alpha A6400 is a great alternative for those looking to transition to mirrorless cameras from DSLRs. With its high continuous shooting rate at 11fps, it’s especially good for sports photographers who need something lightweight and easy to carry around. This model also has fast focus tracking, with the EyeAF system locking easily onto the eyes of the subject. And for easier image transferring, it has a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC system to allow image sharing with smartphones.

Fujifilm X-T30

  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 26.1 MP
  • Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle touchscreen display
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8fps
  • Video: 4K at 30fps
  • Weight: 383g
  • Price: Php Around 48,749.00

Fujifilm has been leading the way for mirrorless cameras for years now, and its X-T series is among the best of the best. With a large APS-C sensor and 26.1 megapixel resolution, you’re sure to capture images faithfully and in high resolution. Shooting sports and action shots is easier than ever with its high maximum continuous shooting rate of 8fps, and at less than 400g it’s sturdy yet easy to carry around for its specs. If you’re into travel vlogging, the Fujifilm X-T30 has great video capabilities with 4K video at 30fps.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

  • Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
  • Resolution: 16.1 MP
  • Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle display
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.6 fps
  • Video: 4k at 30fps
  • Weight: 410g
  • Price: Around Php 27,290.00

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds sensor means that its lenses are interchangeable with Panasonic mirrorless lenses, which means better value for money if you’re the type to own more than one camera. Its OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a low-cost system that’s both easy to use for beginners and packs a features punch that makes it a great fit for more professional photographers. It has a sturdy, SLR-style body and at 410g is a hefty weight, without the plastic-y feel of other models.

Fujifilm X-A3

  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 24 MP
  • Monitor: 3.0 inch tilt-angle touchscreen
  • Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6fps
  • Video: 4k
  • Weight: 361g
  • Price: Around Php 28,399.00

The trouble with mirrorless cameras is that tons of features packed into a small body mean that most of them have short battery lives of around 200 shots. The Fujifilm X-A3 mitigates this problem with an excellent battery life that allows you to shoot over twice the number of shots— around 410— before needing to charge. This makes it a great option for fashion bloggers out on OOTD shoots. Unfortunately, its limited video options might make it a bit of a hard sell for videographers, so if you’re more into photography this might be the camera for you.

Canon EOS M100

  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Resolution: 24.2 MP
  • Monitor: 3.0 inch tilt-angle touchscreen
  • Maximum continuous shooting: 6.1fps
  • Video: 1920 x 1080 full HD
  • Weight: 320g
  • Price: Around Php 19,990

Designed for novices, the Canon EOS M100 is Canon’s entry-level mirrorless camera. It has a fast and responsive autofocus and compact retracting kit lens that make it lightweight and easy to carry around. With its built in Wi-Fi and NFC system, as well as its always-on Bluetooth LE connection, it has fast and easy automatic image transfer to smartphones. Unlike other offerings, however, its video capabilities are only up to 1920 x 1080 full HD, which is still a decent resolution but might not be enough for more dedicated bloggers.

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