GEAR
MIRRORLESS GUIDE
COMPACT TECH
From super-high resolution to compact and affordable, here is the latest crop of cameras you need to focus on
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
W hile some filmmakers swear by DSLRs or cinema cameras, it’s been with mirrorless cameras that filmmaking technology has really moved on. These affordable wonder cams often boast the latest innovations and sensor technology, like advanced on-sensor phase-detection AF to built-in image stabilisation, ludicrously fast frame rates, and even whole new lens mounts. They are at the pinnacle of camera development. Of course, they are not all perfect as large, high bit-rate video files create lots of heat, which can cause problems. And you often have to bolt on external monitors and recorders to get the best results. But they have opened up filmmaking to a much wider market.
retain functionality – such as Canon’s EF-RF mount adapters. Making a camera choice currently entails howmuch you demand the latest AF functionality, what lenses you have, or whether you plan to buy more in the future. If you’re a Sony user with lots of E-mount optics, then there’s no issue, as they fit all the brand’s cameras. But for those fancying a full-frame Panasonic, it’s probably going to involve investment in Leica L-mount lenses. Similarly for Canon, you should be considering a potential future of RF- mount lenses or even Fujifilm G-mount. We’ve taken a look at the standout mirrorless cameras on the market right now that can effectively be used for professional stills and video.
So, when it comes to choosing a new camera, the decision is often affected by the huge investments in lenses and accessories you might already have. And in stills shooting, where many rely on the speediest AF, this is still the case. But in video shooting, many are happy using adapters to make one lens mount fit another make of camera, even if it’s at the expense of all autofocus functions. Canon EF lenses have been used on Sony E-mount for many years, for example. But right now it feels a like a change is in the air, as just about all mirrorless camera manufacturers have taken on very advanced hybrid AF systems that use a mixture of contrast-detection and phase-detection. These often require native glass or special adapters built to
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