DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Abstract

A study of the effect of mirror slap on the sharpness of images shows that (not a surprise) the use of a solid foundation for a camera is an important element in the generation of sharp images. The study was performed in order to quantify the effect. A series of tests were performed to see what the effect of the internal motions of elements in a camera would have on the sharpness of edges in the resulting image. The results indicate that the sharpness can be decreased by a factor of around two if the camera is not solidly constrained.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=3089

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Most of the currently made DSLR cameras that I have recently do not suffer from excessive mirror slaps. I do not have experience with every camera on the market but most of the digital Nikon and Canan models I have used over the past 18 or 20 years did not exhibit this issue to an alarming extent. I am no camera engineer or repair expert, but it seems the engineers have provided sufficient buffering of internal vibration.

I do recall, that my old and beaten-up Nikon F began to sound like a Model T Forn that needed a tuneup and slapped like a defective fan belt toward the end of its existence.

Even in the olden days, many of the better medium format SLR operated smoothly enough. Hasselblads, considering the size of the mirror and the complexity of the mechanism, were pretty good. Someof the less costly Japanese and Russian models would practically jump off the table when the shutters were released.

The new camera is not nearly as problematic in that respect, but old habits die hard and especially at slower shutter speeds, I use a sturdy tripod whenever it is practical and reflexively lock up the mirror before making the exposure. I still pref a cable or remote real for slower shutter speeds and remember the basic concept of not POKING at the shutter release on handheld shots.

It is something kinda ironic that some folks will go out and purchase the sharpest possible lenses and bodies with enormous megapixel counts and yet ignore or for some of the basics of supporting the camera, releasing the shutter, and managing the mirror issue. Sometimes it is no wonder- some shooters are so preoccupied with the back-button operation and all the control dials and sliders that they can't concentrate on someof the basics. To me, someof the cameras look like the instrument panel on the flight deck of a jet aircraft- too much stuff to mess with folks forget to "get a grip"!

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I don’t know if the mirror system in my 5DSR is specific to that high rez camera, or is in common with all newer Canons. But it’s waaaaay different from earlier model Canon SLRs.

Basically, there’s now no slap. The mirror doesn’t pivot upward and strike the frame of the screen as in the oldies. It travels a special path and then gently parks itself by moving backward rather than upward. If you’re accustomed to classic SLR slap, this mechanism seems downright spooky. No shock, and verrrrry much quieter than older SLRs.

Perhaps the standard 5D3 has the same system, and therefor also the 5D4, but I’ve never used those. It’s kinda funny to see a thread about mirror slap in the last days of SLRs, but Hogsters always need stuff to obsess over.

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The tests are very interesting. No real world importance. The benefit of a tripod is common knowledge, but you have quantified it. Thaz interesting.

I’m extremely familiar with the real world benefit of IS, as inspected at pixel peeper level at 50MP, but quantifying that would not increase the benefit, so no call for lab testing. I can easily see “very significant” by eye.

I’m in the midst of a project that requires very clean sharp contrast edges. With various cameras and IS methods, it’s grossly obvious that the AA filter does far more damage than mirror motion or lack of a tripod.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There are three points of motion that can affect sharpness - mirror, photographer, and the actual shutter itself. Most consider mirror slap to be an issue when in fact it can be shutter shock. Some versions of Sony mirrorless cameras are plagued by this. As are most DSLRs, unless electronic first curtain is used.

https://blog.kasson.com/a7riv/sony-a7riii-and-a7riv-shutter-shock/

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

Mirror slap and shutter shake become greater problems at higher magnification macros. Once on a firm foundation, such as a sturdy tripod, live view (in most recent cameras) will lock up the mirror and in many Canon cameras (and probably others) will initiate electronic first shutter, which will eliminate the most harmful shutter movement. Remote triggers also help in the effort to get the sharpest image.

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

I remember with fondness my early model Pentax 67 that had a ferocious slap to its shot that Bobby Hull would have been proud of. As for irony,we are a funny species...often, unintentionally so.

Irwin

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Yup. SOP.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

It also helps to have a fast shutter speed. With a fast shutter speed, you can easily shoot hand held with little to no effect of mirror slap, even at 10 fames per second.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

My vote= assuming hand holding that is, poor operator practice...improper or poor camera holding technique, and JABBING at the shutter release and not PRESSING gently. Barring to slow a shutter speed, to slow for specific object in motion. Shutter slap and shutter movement in higher end cameras are IMO negligible.

old poet

Beautiful shot!

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

Could also be hyper marketing to help boost sales......Mirror Slap...how did anyone ever take pictures with it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I don't have the link handy, but there is a range of low shutter at which mirror vibration isn't an issue.

I spoke too soon. I think the links below cover that.

https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/the-shutter-vibration-issue-explained-by-joseph-holmes/
https://camtest.eu/technology/knowledge/63-impact-of-mirror-and-shutter-induced-camera-shake

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Mirrorless cameras have no mirror slap.