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So really it was only three pages long discounting a quantity of cheap starchy filler that no one would ever read .....

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Smaller and lighter bodies and lenses is one big draw. And yes, I know there are also some larger and heavier mirrorless bodies and lenses but the general trend is to smaller. Additionally, for me the EVF is a game changer especially for low light indoor photography. Also, since mirrorless cameras focus directly onto the camera's sensor, rather than using an autofocus sensor like a DSLR, there is much less likelihood of AF issues requiring some form of micro adjustment. It is rare I capture an image that is not pin sharp.

I was a Canon shooter for many years, with my last DSLR a Canon 7D Mark II with a number of lenses including some L lenses. I now shoot a Nikon Z mostly with small prime lenses and I'm much happier for it. Two of my primes are fast Voigtlander manual focus lenses. Nailing focus manually using a bright EVF is easy on mirrorless cameras with a combination of focus peaking, image magnification, and other manufacturer specific features. It is not as easy to use manual focus lenses using a DSLR's OVF, especially in very low light. There is also the option for completely silent photography, obviously not available on a DSLR with a mirror and mechanical shutter box. Lastly there are no mirror flap vibrations to contend with. I could go on and on, but those are some of the main reasons I've moved to mirrorless and won't look back.

iactxh

I had not had time for serious photography for some years and wanted back in. My previous set up had been organized around a Nikon F2, body, view finders, lenses, etc. My research—c. 2014 f.—suggested that mirrorless was the coming technology and that Fujifilm had engineered its XT body, lenses etc. from the ground up and not just reworked a digital SLR. Beyond that, the availability and arrangement of controls fitted my experience with the F2. I also loved the on-board film simulations and needed the reduced weight of body/lens combinations, particularly the 100-400 zoom for birding. I get good results from the prime lenses and thoroughly acceptable ones from the multi focal length ones. I love the flexibility the XT line affords. (I’m not sure this responds to your query, but . . ..)

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

1. IBIS
2. Related to #1 ability to use ALL my R, FL, FD and EF/EF-S lenses on the same body.
3. The best in class AF and in particular eye AF that tracks the subject in erratic motion.
Otherwise for me nothing else but these.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"For those mentioning weight, size, and quiet, those aren't photographic qualities."

Indeed they are not but I bet a majority of those here using mirrorless will refer to them. It was shortly after 2002 or so that I saw an advertisement from Olympus about their mirrorless cameras. I was curious. Out of that curiosity I bought a used Olympus EPL-1 at a most reasonable price with the kit lens. When I received the camera I could not believe how small and light it was. I did not like the fact it had no viewfinder but as the time went by I learned people will not pay attention to me when using the camera looking at the rear LCD but I was the focus of attention when using a dSLR at eye level. The little camera was a godsend for street photography, not that I practice street photography that often.

I sold the little camera and bought a refurb Pen EP-5, a heavier camera but nothing comparable to a dSLR. Then I found an EVF-4 for when I wanted to use the camera at eye level or during strong sunshine hours. I still could use the camera without the viewfinder when I wanted and then it came a trip to Sedona with the family and I rented the Zuiko 12-40 f2.8 Pro. The exposures were right on, real time to check what I was doing in the LCD, silence while actuating the shutter and so small combo that it was easily carried in a small bag. Because of the IBIS in camera my use of the tripod was limited only to some night scenes. Upon returning from the trip I enlarged one of the images to 12x18 inches. It was tack sharp and in my humble opinion much better than when I used a dSLR with different lenses.

I began to use the little camera in my trips. I was still able to take the camera body and a couple of lenses in the same small bag. I never felt restricted in any way including mobility. I had at my disposal superior technology than I had with my dSLR and that indeed improved my photography. Then I bought from Olympus a refurb EM-10 Mk II, such a little camera with the EVF built in. I took it through the Caribbean in a cruise and I made some of the most beautiful images I have ever made in my cruises. It had new technologies like the Live Composite and it certainly improved my night photography. None of my little cameras were good for wildlife or action photography as we know them but I was not into that except perhaps once a year and for that I was using my dSLR.

The mirrorless lenses are only a very short distance from the sensor. No mirror and IBIS means that the images can indeed be sharper. No need to use a tripod for a majority of shots, even at nighttime. Today AF is excellent for the little cameras and in my case I have an infinite number of interchangeable lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, some of them Leica lenses for those who are Leica fans. If I want to use my dSLR lenses a cheap adapter will take care of that. More modern mirrorless cameras have even more technologies than those I have in my old bodies which make photography easier and most probably better. I do not need anything fancier and I am perfectly happy with what I have. Both little cameras satisfy my needs.

I know Bob I am not addressing what you want to know from mirrorless cameras but those mentioned are important facts that made me take the decision to use mirrorless. As I get older it is more and more difficult to look back.
Something I can guarantee, mirrorless is not only the future but more and more photographers will be seen using these little cameras. Already a majority of professionals do.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

For me it is the light weight.

As for photo quality, I see no difference between the mirrorless and my DSLRS. The photos I post here come from both mirrorless and DSLR cameras, and I defy anyone to tell the difference without looking at the metadata.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

For me, it was all bought the weight. Nothing to do about any advantage regarding taking a picture. With the proliferation of software based on someone else's genius, you can manipulate a photo to whatever you want.

geneg12 Loc: Virginia

I can give 3 reasons I added a mirrorless camera to my photography: Image stabilization, new focus methods with eye detect and finally the display and seeing the change when over or under exposing.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Hi Bob. After using my D800E and D3S for years and being happy with the results, curiosity finally got the better of me. I bought the least expensive Nikon mirrorless camera (Z50 with 16-50 kit lens) to try it out. I thought if I didn't like it, I would just sell it. Turns out I loved it, so much so that I later purchased a Z7ii. The image quality is superb with wonderful Nikon color, and the files are very easy to work on.

For me, the advantage of seeing the actual image pre-exposure was worth the price of admission all by itself. The other major factor was the quality of the lenses. My 50mm 1.8 Z lens is the sharpest I've ever owned.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Hooray!!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

This is not a criticism of anyone choosing mirrorless over another type of camera. This is a new realm of photography. I do not believe a person should rip off someone’s head. No one should shove a specific camera down someone’s throat or in another person’s hands demanding a great photograph.


When I view a photograph, I absorb the elements within. It it well lit, properly shaded, composed correctly and is there a story to be made from it. I don’t wonder what kind of camera was in the photographer’s hand. I am concerned about the shutter speed, aperture and ISO.

I have gone into B&H and held the R3. I may buy one but not today. I do enjoy my Canon AE-1, my Canon Rebel 2000, my Canon 5D Mark IV. Each one is for a day of photographing and just enjoying what is around me.

As per CHG_CANON puts it in perspective, I use a dinosaur which automatically sends it into extinction. Funny, when I look in the mirror, I’m a dinosaur too. I see you kids in the bone yard soon enough.

Happy Shooting! 😄😄

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

I don't see that anybody is doing that. In any case it has no impact on the simple fact I stated. "...working with wide lenses, mirrorless cameras are photographically superior tools."

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Iron hammer, platinum hammer,
they both pound nails.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

In order to succeed, we must believe the best equipment matters most.
Steven, are you really one of those people?