Professional and sub professional camera systems are now
incredibly within reach to ordinary consumers thanks to lowered prices and
wider options in terms of brand and features. Digital SLRs for example have
experienced a considerable price drop compared three to five years ago. But
nowadays, a new batch of more compact camera systems are slowly emerging and
gaining popularity over consumers due to their sleek designs and less bulky
bodies.
These camera systems are called ILCs or Interchangeable lens
cameras or simply mirrorless cameras. ILCs
or sometimes referred to as EVIL (electronic viewfinder with interchangeable
lens) cameras are basically trimmed down versions of ordinary DSLR cameras.
Aside from their smaller size, they feature almost the same set of capabilities
as their full size cousins. But if you’re currently looking to upgrade
from your point and shoot camera to more powerful tool, will an ILC suffice for
your needs or would a DSLR be a smarter investment for you?
Well, there are quite a few things to consider before
deciding which system works best for you. And in today’s Tech Tuesdays episode,
we’ll be talking about the different things that differentiate these two types
of cameras from each other to help us identify which system would be the best
choice for a person.
DIMENSIONS – Of course
the main difference between a DSLR and an ILC are its dimensions. ILCs don’t
have a mirror or pentaprism which is the mirror that reflects the light from
the lens to the optical viewfinder that photographers use to see their subject
before taking an image. The removal of
the pentaprism and the optical viewfinder allows for ILCs to be smaller in size
compared to digital SLR cameras.
As a replacement for the optical viewfinder, EVIL cameras
would usually make use of a small LCD screen just like ordinary compact digital
cameras, which is permanently active whenever the camera is set to take a shot.
There are also some models that have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that works
like a mini-LCD display, showing all the shooting options available.
BATTERY and SPEED – as
a result of having an EVF that usually stays active while the camera is in use,
ILCs are consumer more power compared to regular DSLRs. Another thing one has
to worry about is the camera’s speed. For users who are interested in sports
and action photography, a DSLR might be a better choice as they are more adept
in capturing high-speed shots.
However, a lot of manufacturers nowadays have claimed that
they have improved on this feature and speed of ILCs can now match those of
digital SLRS.
SENSOR SIZE – Another
major consideration before choosing the camera system for you is the sensor
size. As ILCs are generally smaller in size compared to digital SLR cameras,
imaging sensors are also restricted by their more compact forms. With the
exception of Sony’s and Samsung’s ILC line, most of the brands that offer EVIL
cameras have equipped their products with smaller image sensors.
In general, photographers would prefer devices with larger
sensors as they are less prone to digital noise issues at higher ISO
sensitivities and are often more effective especially in low light conditions.
There is also an issue with compatibility of lenses available in the market. Most
ILC are incompatible with existing lenses and a user would need to use an
adapter in order to use lenses that are not native for that brand.
And since lenses are the most expensive components of a
camera system, this feature may make EVIL cameras a more precarious investment
compared to the trusted DSLR.
Pricing may also play a factor as most brands would position
their product in a segment that caters to casual photographers who want an
upgrade from their point and shoot cameras but are not yet ready for a full-fledged
DSLR camera. In fact there are certain models of ILCs that are more expensive
than other entry level digital SLRs.
However, advanced users may also choose an ILC over a
digital SLR if they want the flexibility that the former provides due to its
smaller and more bag-friendly size. Having
said all these, the choice between getting a DSLR camera and an ILC camera
would definitely depend on how a person will use it (just like what I always
say when purchasing gadgets).
So there you have it guys. I hope this post was helpful to a
lot of our readers. If you have anything to say about this article, please do
leave a comment below as comments and suggestions are always welcome here at
TFL. You might also want to add us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google
Plus or subscribe
to our blog in case you want to get more Filipino lifestyle stories.
