Buy the best nikon system camera. Nikon Z mirrorless system: introduction, features, lenses. Best mirrorless cameras for advanced users

Until recently, it seemed that such giants of the photo market as Nikon and Canon were deeply behind the latest trends and are going to forever rest on the laurels of the success of traditional SLR technology, slightly diluting its slender rows with compact cameras with truncated functionality and small matrices.

But the fall of 2018 came and Nikon introduced completely new ones without SLR cameras... And not just any compact sets, but real full-matrix ones. So the hegemony of the troika Sony companies, Fujifilm and Olympus in this market seem to have come to an end.

We couldn't resist the temptation to test the new flagship Nikon Z7. The camera is designed for advanced amateurs and professionals.

Nikon Z7: What's Interesting?

So what's new Nikon has to offer this time around? First, of course, the new Z-mount. It is the largest full-frame mount available today, with an outer diameter of 55mm and an inner diameter of 49mm. Secondly, the mirror has, of course, disappeared from the design of the camera. Accordingly, there is no optical viewfinder, and now you can take pictures either through the electronic viewfinder or on the display.

In general, this makes the process much easier: all the results of exposure metering and white balance can be seen even before shooting, and not after it. If you are used to looking at the histogram with the distribution of shadows and highlights, again, you will see it before you press the trigger. This is the virtue of any mirrorless camera. By the way, we compared Nikon Z7 with Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha 7R II DSLRs.

Body and filling

The Nikon Z7 is, as we expected, much lighter and smaller than its DSLR counterparts. But along with this, questions arose about ergonomics - if in a large hand a full-frame Nikon D600 SLR was lying like a glove, then with a Nikon Z7 the little finger hangs in the air. However, the problem can be solved by screwing on the battery handle or installing a special lightweight ergonomic handle.

At the same time, the Nikon Z7 body, like most Nikon SLR cameras, has good weather protection and is not afraid of frost. Made of magnesium alloy - also a popular solution in this price segment, albeit adding a little weight relative to other, simpler cases (weight 675 grams with battery and memory card).

Since there is no mirror here, the flange distance from the rear surface of the lens to the matrix is ​​significantly less than that of DSLRs. That is, the camera turned out to be very compact in all three dimensions.

Among the interesting innovations Nikon uses an internal 5-axis matrix stabilizer in the Z7 model, which allows you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds as long as 4 stops, relative to the usual (for example, up to 1 / 5sec when shooting handheld). The processor is the latest EXPEED 6. With lenses equipped with their own stabilizer, the effect can be further enhanced, and when shooting video, in addition to the matrix stabilizer, electronic image stabilization is also available.

On the top of the camera there is a convenient LCD display with technical shooting parameters. It is almost square in shape, with colors inverted (light on dark). It is very convenient in order not to occupy the display of the camera with this information and once again not to climb into the menu. The main display of the 3: 2 format is located on the back of the camera, and it is touch-sensitive and movable. You can tilt the screen 45 degrees downward and about 100 degrees upward.

Overall, the controls and setup menus are pretty much the same as earlier Nikon cameras, and with some experience with them, you shouldn't have any problems. Focus modes are the same as in DSLRs. The block with the release button, power lever and a pair of function keys is slightly raised above the top panel. Two more customizable buttons are located near the mount and in general it is convenient to work with them.

On the back of the camera there is a joystick for quick selection of the focusing area, and a touch screen on the display - you can aim in any convenient way. Autofocus uses a hybrid system that combines a contrast method with phase sensors that are located directly on the sensor.

The total number of focus points reaches 493, giving 90% coverage of the area. When focusing manually, you can turn on the focus peaking, which can be adjusted both in color and in intensity. There is face focusing, but there is no new feature yet - eye focusing. I hope it will appear with new firmware.

The viewfinder here is electronic and of very high quality: large OLED matrix with a resolution of 3.69 million dots, minimal lag and no stroboscopic effect when used with artificial light. When approaching, the camera turns off the main display on the sensor, although sometimes it does it too early and not always in time.

The camera is equipped with a physical switch between photo and video modes, which is of course very convenient. For the quick transfer of masterpieces to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth Low Energy are built into the camera.

Nikon Z7 is capable of 4K 30p, FullHD up to 120p... Slow motion is available in FullHD, continuous shooting is limited to 30 minutes. In 4K mode, the camera withstood about 25 minutes of continuous shooting with normal display brightness, after which it began to overheat and turned off.

Matrix

Sensor in Nikon Z7 full format (36 × 24 mm) with a resolution of 45.7 megapixels, and, in contrast to the matrices used by the company in recent years, produced by Nikon itself, has a back-illumination technology, which gives advantages when shooting in low-light places. Sensitivity range - ISO 64-25 600, expandable to 32-102 400. Dynamic range 14 stops, which allows flexible work with RAW. And of course, an important thing is the 5-axis stabilizer already mentioned above.

Optics

The new design requires a different approach to optics, and therefore a separate line of optics has been developed for the new Nikon mirrorless cameras. Consequently, it is smaller and lighter than traditional F-mount optics. The Nikon Z7 is equipped with the new 24-70 / 4 lens. In addition, the company has presented a plan to release a line of new lenses for several years to come.

There are a lot of plans, let's say, but the main part of new products lies ahead of us. Considering that only three lenses are still available from the new line (35 mm 1.8 and 50 mm 1.8 are still available), and more than 350 items have been produced with the F-mount since 1959, the company has thought out how to smooth out the transition period to new optics.

Along with the camera, an FTZ adapter was also presented (isn't that a good name?), Which is designed to use a camera with old optics. In our test, we tried the camera with F-mount lenses - Nikon AF-S 18-35 f / 3.5-4.5G and Nikon f / 2.8 AF-S 28-70mm. All lenses worked flawlessly and focused quickly and accurately. But there is one caveat - the use of an adapter adds weight to the camera and, complete with it, it weighs almost the same as the junior full-frame Nikon DSLRs. That is, the weight gain when using the new camera will be clearly visible only with the use of the new smaller and lighter optics.

The 24-70 / 4 lens seemed quite sharp, focusing in the presence of a little illumination works quite correctly and quickly. But there are questions about the work of autofocus in the dark - sometimes it scoured and could not focus normally. When shooting at night, at times it was necessary to switch to manual focus mode. We hope that this flaw will be eliminated in future firmwares.

In addition, the lens is structurally designed in such a way that it changes its dimensions when the focal length is changed. This is not very good, because over time, dust is sucked into the lens in this way, which is why this type of construction has long been called a "vacuum cleaner".

Battery

As the camera body has shrunk, so has the physical size and therefore the battery capacity. Now, about 310 shots can be taken on a single charge, and this can be very frustrating for some professional photographers. For comparison, the battery of a Nikon D750 full-frame DSLR camera makes it possible to shoot about 1200 frames without recharging.

Memory cards

Nikon has used a controversial technical solution in the new mirrorless cameras - to equip the cameras with one slot for memory cards, but not just any, but for the latest XQD cards. These cards are undoubtedly high-speed and promising, but so far the vast majority of photographers do not have them (such cards were used only on flagships, starting with D4). Meanwhile, the cost of such a card starts from 5,500 rubles, which is not at all budgetary.

Total: our impressions

The fact that full-frame mirrorless cameras would appear in the range of photo giants was obvious. The Nikon Z7 is an excellent example of how vast experience and modern technology can be successfully combined. Now, both advanced hobbyists and pros alike will have to make a difficult choice between the D850 with mirror and the Z7 / Z6. And we would choose a mirrorless.

Experts believe that Nikon will have problems with this system, just because it uses a 1-inch CX sensor, which is smaller than Micro Four Thirds. It looks like consumers are welcoming Nikon mirrorless cameras with open arms. The point is that the Nikon 1 J1 delivers excellent image quality. Very good high ISO performance. Difference between Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Nikon 1 J1 in ISO range up to 1600. At ISO 3200 and above, you can see that J1 and V1 do a little worse, but they are not too far behind.

The big question is, is there a barrier with a 1-inch CX sensor that Nikon can overcome to dominate the mirrorless market? One of the main reasons this market is booming is because consumers want to enjoy the benefits of a large sensor compact camera. That's the whole idea of ​​interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras in the first place.

Nikon 1 J1 and V1 sensor versus Olympus OM-D E-M5 and PEN E-PL3 Micro Four Thirds sensor

Yes, Nikon's 1 J1 and V1 cameras use smaller sensors than Micro Four Thirds and much smaller sensors than APS-C. Sure, this company can focus on making nifty cameras and lenses, but a smaller sensor will always give way to the superiority of a larger sensor. Maybe the word "never" is the most appropriate, but it's hard to imagine Nikon coming up with revolutionary patented technology that would make their sensors better against larger sensors. Both Sony and Canon, in their pursuit of excellence, have opted for APS-C sensor size with their mirrorless cameras.

The Nikon 1 mirrorless camera is indeed very compact. People who have already had the pleasure of using Nikon photography equipment and lenses know that the reputation of these interchangeable lenses is a good reason to opt for them despite the varied offerings of other mirrorless camera manufacturers.

Next, let's compare the dimensions of the following cameras: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5, Canon EOS M, Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 versus Nikon 1 J1 and V1. You can see that V1 is actually the largest in the group in terms of height, Nikon 1 J1 is the smallest (size calculated excluding protrusions). The Nikon 1 J1 is of course smaller than other cameras. The reason for this diminutiveness is the lack of a viewfinder that is provided with the V1.

Pentax Q vs Nikon 1 V1 and J1 - size comparison

In the picture above, you can visually compare the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 with the Pentax Q, which uses a 1/2 3-inch sensor, which is much smaller than the Nikon 1 J1. This is the main reason why Pentax failed with this model. Of course, after that, the company released the Pentax K-01 with an APS-C sensor size. The Pentax K-01 has earned an excellent reputation with competent professionals. As for the Pentax Q, this product may remain on the market for some time (about two years), but there are no prerequisites for bright prospects for this camera.
So Nikon chose a sensor size that sits somewhere in the middle. It is larger than the Q, but smaller than the Micro Four Thirds. It is believed that Nikon engineers will have a technological opportunity in the future that will lead to the creation of new and exciting features that will maximize the benefits of using a smaller sensor. We've already seen from 10fps to 50fps using an electric shutter. And that alone gives us only a cursory glimpse of what Nikon is planning for us in the future with the Nikon 1 camera.

techradar.com in their review of the Nikon 1 J1 wrote: “The image quality cannot be compared with the Micro Four Thirds cameras.” On the other hand, CNET liked the camera as a whole. Some in their reviews praise this camera very much, while others emphasize its shortcomings (no manual focus ring, slow flash sync in J1, small upper ISO range). add new features that will actually be very useful.

Most of us probably won't shoot at ISO 1600, and for this reason, it's better to use a smaller sensor that won't have any problems up to ISO 1600 (will improve over time), but in turn, the consumer gets new features that will be helpful and enjoyable. I think Nikon has made a compromise with the Nikon 1 camera. So, understanding the needs of hobbyist and enthusiast photographers with technological limitations, it seems that Nikon made a smart choice in offering a smaller sensor. This formula works because the product is selling well (so far).

Now, Canon has entered the market with its EOS M mirrorless camera. The market for interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras is getting more saturated. Competition is fierce from cameras too mobile phones... A lot of cash injections are spent in order to create new technologies in this market and to stand out in the crowd. The second of the two main reasons why people choose MILC is the ability to use special interchangeable lenses.

If there was only one lens, there would be no reason to choose an MILC camera. Many people would prefer a large compact fixed lens (like the Sony RX100). Interchangeable lenses give photographers a lot of flexibility and more possibilities for creativity. You can use 1: 1 macro lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, high quality very fast prime lenses, and ultra wide angle lenses. You can take pictures that cannot be captured with mobile phone cameras, or you can shoot with a camera with a large sensor, but with a fixed lens.

At the time of this writing, Nikon offers 4 Nikkor lenses: 10-30mm VR 30-110mm VR, 10mm and 10-100mm VR. 10-100mm VR PD-Zoom was specially designed for video shooting (dedicated lens). At the moment, the choice is not very large, but Nikon plans to release new lenses in the near future. Nikon is renowned for the quality of its optics. We are confident that all new lenses will demonstrate the optical quality at the highest level (at least we hope).

The Nikon 1 series is a unique example of how photographers must find their way out of challenging situations in a changing market. Maintaining a strong position in the DSLR segment, Nikon has been able to find its own niche in the emerging class of mirrorless cameras by creating a range of models with a unique set of characteristics.

Nikon 1 V3

Nikon 1 V3

18.3MP 10-30mm PDF3.5-6.6 3 "36,000 rubles.

The Nikon 1 Series is a unique example of how photographers must find their way out of challenging situations in a changing market. Maintaining a strong position in the DSLR segment, Nikon has been able to find its own niche in the emerging class of mirrorless cameras by creating a range of models with a unique set of characteristics. One of these, undoubtedly, winning finds is the V3 camera, which has no analogues among competitors.

As the main bargaining chip in the struggle for the attention of photographers, the developers took advantage of the main advantage of the Nikon 1 system - the rate of fire, which is provided by the small matrix of an inch format. With an updated 18MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 105 pairs of phase-detection AF sensors spread across virtually the entire frame, the camera delivers incredible performance. The shooting speed of 60 frames / s with the duration of a series of 40 shots in RAW format with the focus locked and 20 frames / s with active focusing can now not be provided by any "system" compact. Moreover, there was nothing like this even in the professional mirror segment.

Nikon 1 V3 demonstrates excellent results in high-speed video shooting. 120fps recording mode is now available with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels. The videographic functionality provides full control of exposure parameters, control of the sound recording level, the ability to use an external microphone, including a condenser one, since the audio jack provides power if necessary.

To emphasize the Nikon 1 system's main advantage - compactness - the body has been extensively redesigned. The device has become much smaller than its predecessors. The solid grip protrusion has shrunk to a slight tide, but those who value comfort and ergonomics more compact can use an additional accessory - a removable handle equipped with a second release button and a wheel with customizable functions. The victim of minimizing body size is the built-in electronic viewfinder. However, for those who like to compose the frame looking through the eyepiece, the manufacturer suggests using an optional external viewfinder. It has excellent characteristics, in particular, it demonstrates 2.3 million points.

Nikon 1 V2

Nikon 1 V2

14.3 Mp 10-30 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”26,000 rubles.

If Nikon 1 V3 can be recommended as a second camera for professional photographers, then the V2, which has faded into the background and has become cheaper, has every chance of gaining attractiveness among amateurs. It doesn’t have the record-breaking performance of its successor or offer the same sophisticated ergonomics, but it is still a small, fast camera with an abundance of settings and manual control options. And if you consider that it is offered at a price less than a number of much less capable amateur "systems", then keen photographers should definitely consider it.

Compared to most mid-range mirrorless cameras, the V2 looks like a baby. The magnesium alloy body and large, comfortable grip make the device comfortable to use and well balanced. Two wheels for selecting parameters allow you to work relatively quickly with the installation of shooting settings.

The rate of fire common to all Nikon 1 cameras is backed up by responsive electronics and fast, responsive hybrid autofocus. The compactness is not least achieved by the small inch sensor. When shooting, two processors are involved at once, each of which is responsible for its own front of work, which allow the camera to achieve impressive (albeit not as record-breaking as the V3) performance. The device can record pictures with a frequency of up to 15 fps and keep the subject in focus. Predictive Shooting, or Slow Motion as it is called here, allows you to record a series of shots even before you press the shutter, making it much easier to capture the right moment in the frame.

Specifications:

Nikon 1 J4

Nikon 1 J4

14.3 Mp 10-30 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”19 900 rubles.

The fourth generation of Nikon J-series “system” cameras are more in line with the conventional wisdom of what a modern amateur camera should be like than its predecessors. The novelty turned out to be well balanced in functionality, dimensions and control structure. A simplified interface and suite of automated survey controls should help beginners master the technique and get good results in the end. That being said, the camera offers a range of both creative and entertaining functions.

Thanks to the touch display that appeared in this camera, the user has the opportunity to change it as needed, simply by poking his finger at the screen, and not remember in which menu or which combination of keys or wheels it is installed. By tapping the screen, it is more convenient to control the palette of artistic software filters, applying the desired effect in the right amount in a certain area of ​​the picture. If the traditional control method is closer or you are too lazy to take off your gloves in the cold (the resistive screen is triggered only by contact with the skin), then the touch input can be used only for some operations - for example, to select the focusing area, and all other actions can be performed using keys on the case.

From the flagship V3, the latest hobbyist model borrows more powerful electronics and a latest generation sensor with phase detection autofocus sensors. Thus, despite the noticeable increase in resolution, and, consequently, the amount of graphic information for processing, the J4 can now also shoot 20 frames / s with continuous autofocus. However, the buffer memory is smaller here, so the series will be shorter. The video mode has grown in frame rate when using the Full HD format.

It will not be very convenient to transfer footage shot to J4 through a card reader, since microSD cards are used as a storage medium - extremely miniature, rather fragile, and most importantly created precisely in order to get lost. An alternative will be the module for transferring photos and videos via Wi-Fi: not very fast, but much more reliable. With its help, saving the finished material on a computer as an intermediate step, you can exclude and immediately send pictures and videos to online galleries or social networks.

Nikon 1 AW1

Nikon 1 AW1

14.3 MP 11-27.5 mm F3.5-5.6 AW 3 ”26,000 rubles.

Speaking about the Nikon 1 paradigm as a field of unique “system” cameras, we should mention the AW1 camera. It can submerge in water and shoot at depths of up to 15 meters without expensive boxes and dedicated lens ports. Previously, only compacts with built-in optics could boast of such skill. There are two waterproof lenses to choose from for the AW1. Naturally, all other Nikkor optics are available on land, including those for DSLRs. And even if the inch format imposes some restrictions on the quality of the images obtained, the photographs obtained with the AW1 will certainly be much better than those taken from amphibious compacts.

Designers have tried to give a solid sealed construction a completely "secular" look, and unlike many "waterfowl" cameras, the Nikon 1 AW1 does not betray its specialty. It will look appropriate and discreet in any situation, not just in a dive center or a ski resort.

With external neutrality, the camera is well suited for extreme travel. Due to the additional reinforcement of the structure, the camera is not afraid of falling from a height of 2 meters on land. The device remains fully operational during prolonged exposure to frost. Built-in GPS module with electronic compass and altimeter - additional useful functionality for the travel photographer. This camera, like the rest of the Nikon 1 system, stands out for its responsiveness to user actions, powerful autofocus and fast burst performance. So shooting extreme sports, coupled with unfavorable environmental conditions, is the most suitable format for her.

Specifications:

Nikon 1 S2

Nikon 1 S2

14.3 Mp 10-30 mm F3.5-5.6 3 ”15 600 rubles.

Only Samsung cameras can compete with the S2 in terms of affordability in the entry-level segment (if, of course, we consider current, not outdated models). Pay attention to this camera for those who are looking for more versatility and higher quality of shooting in a camera than compacts in this price range can offer, but at the same time appreciate the "pocket". Here, the only rival to S2 will again be the Samsung NX Mini, but the competitor is significantly inferior in terms of the number of lenses available.

At a low resolution of 14 megapixels, the sensor attracts with other advantages. First of all, it is equipped with sensors for determining the sharpness by the phase difference of light waves. Thanks to this, autofocus is not only accurate but also fast. Do not underestimate the effectiveness of focusing in an entry-level camera, as its the target audience is unlikely to be puzzled by manual focusing. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, moiré suppression is performed in software. This will give you more real-world image detail than most cameras with higher nominal resolutions. The Expeed 4A processor delivers continuous shooting at 20fps in full image size with active autofocus. The model differs from the J4 in smaller dimensions, a conventional display with an average resolution and no Wi-Fi. The wireless interface, if necessary, will be available as an option: the miniature WU-1a transmitter will add missing, but popular functionality.

At the heart of mirrorless technology is an electronic viewfinder. Its application allows to reduce the size of the camera in comparison with SLR cameras, while retaining advanced functionality and interchangeable optics.

The first mirrorless cameras, which appeared in the early 2000s, were not in demand due to their high cost and limited features. But for last years the situation has changed. The technical parameters of modern models are comparable to DSLRs and are second only to professional technology. But the mass distribution of mirrorless cameras is held back by the high cost and undeveloped fleet of optics. The use of adapters and non-native lenses often leads to a decrease in quality.

Mirrorless technologies are being actively mastered by all manufacturers of photographic equipment, including the leaders of the "mirror" market Canon and Nikon, but so far their success in the new field cannot be called outstanding. Olympus and Panasonic are the leaders here, but in recent years Sony has become the recognized leader.

Mirrorless cameras are confidently conquering the market and, over time, may supplant DSLRs. However, novelty is a deterrent to increasing sales. Even specialized store sellers are not always ready to provide competent advice. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to focus on reviews, reviews and ratings of the best mirrorless cameras.

Best mirrorless cameras for hobbyists

3 Canon EOS M50 Kit

Not picky about consumables model. Eye focusing
Country: Japan
Average price: 44,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Mirrorless with the best characteristics if we take into account the loyal price of the gadget. Here interchangeable optics, a three-inch rotary display, Wi-Fi and bluetooth, a matrix with a resolution of 25.8 megapixels and support for 4K. In reviews, the owners of this mirrorless camera swear that 4K is dishonest, but even in Full HD, the M50 shoots amazingly.

Users, after more than six months of experience using this model, share their observations in reviews. Autofocus is gorgeous: there is tracking focus, focus on the eyes, and the ability to select the focus point with a tap on the screen when using an electronic viewfinder. With a cheap Chinese adapter, you can connect a 50 mm STM lens. The camera also accepts cheap batteries without any problems. The flexibility of the menu and many settings are also pleasing. All buttons can be reassigned. This is the best mirrorless camera for hobbyists and more.

2 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit

The optimum ratio of price and quality. Optical stabilizer
Country: Japan
Average price: 39,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The advanced electronic filling is hidden behind the retro style. The advantages of the camera include a large electronic viewfinder, high sensitivity, good color rendering and fast autofocus. In the new version, a useful option has appeared on the rotary touchscreen: the choice of the focusing area with your finger across the screen.

But the best among competitors OM-D E-M10 Mark II makes the built-in 5-axis optical stabilizer, which is not found in all older models. With it, you can confidently shoot handheld at long exposures in low light and record video.

There are no complaints about the image resolution in the video mode, the maximum video frequency is 120 frames. The rate of fire is also great. 8.5 frames per second is enough for professional reportage photography... The buffer is not rubbery, but capacious: the maximum series of 22 shots in RAW format. Of the minuses, users note an illogical menu, but you can get used to it.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Most popular mirrorless camera
Country: Japan
Average price: 39 490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Despite its compact size, this mirrorless camera will outperform most amateur DSLRs. The main thing competitive advantage – best speed autofocus. A record 179 pixels provide full frame coverage, Sony can easily handle any action scene. The reporters will not be let down by the impressive shooting speed - 11 frames per second.

Tenacious tracking autofocus could make the model a leader in video quality. Full HD resolution and recording speed meet modern requirements, but the manufacturer decided not to focus on video. There is no microphone jack on the body, and users complain that the camera overheats with prolonged continuous use.

The indisputable advantage of the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 is also its low noise level. ISO up to 3200 is rated as working, and 6400 is guaranteed to work well for a home album. Other useful features include Wi-Fi, NFC and a rotating screen.

The only drawback of a mirrorless camera is the cost, which will seem unreasonably high to novice photographers.

Best mirrorless cameras for advanced users

3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Kit

Best for videography
Country: Japan
Average price: 43309 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A mirrorless camera that takes mediocre photos and shoots videos gorgeous. At its disposal is a 16-megapixel matrix, the ability to record videos up to 30 minutes in 4K resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a rotary touch screen and successful tracking autofocus. In reviews, this model is called the best low-cost solution for videographers.

The software contains a variety of video assistants. There are many settings. The built-in microphone does its job perfectly well. Light weight and slim dimensions make this model the best for advanced users looking for a camera for 4K video and more. Bonuses: powerful battery, good sound recording, gorgeous video detail. The main drawback is not the best quality materials for the case. The plastic looks flimsy.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-7S Body

Full frame camera
Country: Japan
Average price: 97385 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The launch of the full-frame Sony Alpha A7s marks a technological breakthrough in the world digital photography... By increasing the pixel size, the manufacturer has achieved previously unthinkable sensitivity. During daylight hours, this solution does not offer advantages, but in the dark, Sony shows incredible results. Experts agree that when ISO is set to 6400, the use of noise reduction devices will not be required. The wide dynamic range allows you to capture details even in total darkness. Other advantages include a metal body, flip-down display and Wi-Fi.

The mirrorless camera has impressive potential for video shooting. Contrast focusing does not lose autofocus even if the subject is constantly moving. All settings are adjusted during shooting. The frame rate of the movie reaches 120 frames per second, and when connected to an external recorder, recording in 4K format is possible.

The main complaint with Sony is the weak battery. When traveling and long-term shooting, you will need a few spare blocks. In addition, the mirrorless camera has low rates of fire: 5 frames per second is not enough for reporters, but the manufacturer set itself other tasks.

A mirrorless camera is best for shooting in low light conditions. Of course, there are some shortcomings in it, which are eliminated by the released second version, but the cost of the new model is disproportionately higher.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Kit

Quality 5-axis image stabilization
Country: Japan
Average price: 92102 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A neat mirrorless camera with great features and compact dimensions. This Alpha shoots in 4K resolution, has a 25-megapixel camera, flip-down touchscreen and supports interchangeable lenses. 5-axis stabilization works well. Autofocus pleases not only with clarity, but also with quick response - the manufacturer calls autofocus in its creation the fastest in the world. There are a lot of phase focusing points - 425 pieces.

In the reviews, they write a lot of pleasant things about this mirrorless camera. There are also complaints: a weak battery, not always correct operation of the focus on "non-native" lenses, and a low write speed via USB. Users note that the gadget almost does not heat up, pleases with ergonomics and low weight, it is distinguished by high-quality stabilization. There is a kit lens in the kit, so additional attachments you don't need to start taking pictures.

The best mirrorless cameras for professionals

4 Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body

Image quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 141,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Full-frame 24 megapixel sensor, which produces photos at a resolution of 6000x4000. Autofocus hybrid and pleases with the speed of work, a large number of points, tracking function and "smart" work when shooting portraits. There are headphone, microphone and USB type-C jacks, as well as support for two flash cards at once. The screen rotates only in the up and down position, which is convenient when shooting from the belly, for example, but vertical photos from above will have to be taken blindly. But the focus points can be indicated directly on the screen: the system will understand you.

Electronic viewfinder with 100% field of view. The battery is quite capacious - it is enough for 510 photos, although in burst mode the Alpha ILCE-7M3 is capable of producing several thousand frames on a single charge. Users in the reviews note that the camera can withstand more than a 5-hour interval in active mode without recharging.

3 Fujifilm X-T20 Body

Best price
Country: Japan
Average price: 49,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Compact, versatile Japanese quality option. The device is excellent for both video and photo in professional quality... Here is a 24-megapixel sensor that creates 4K video content without cropping. The screen is touch-sensitive and rotatable, the diagonal size is three inches. I am glad that the camera does not overheat even when recording video in ultra format.

Despite the touching dimensions, the camera is capable of delivering excellent images with excellent quality. It's a shame that there is no function to change ISO when recording video. Otherwise, this is a professional mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, encrypted for a budget compact camera. The camera hit the top best cameras not only due to the pleasant price, but also the surprisingly high quality of the footage.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-A7R III Body

Support for two memory cards
Country: Japan
Average price: 189,400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

A compact professional version with a 44 megapixel matrix and support for 4K video is also included in the top. Autofocus performs its function regularly even at dusk. When shooting portraits, autofocus is eye-guided - convenient. Matrix stabilization and helps out great when shooting. The viewfinder is electronic and of high quality. The processor is powerful and even during the saving of a captured frame, it leaves the user the opportunity to change settings and move around the menu.

The menu, unfortunately, is very overloaded - in the maze of settings it is difficult to quickly navigate and get to the desired characteristics. But even in low light, the photos do not wash and are characterized by high quality. One more nice bonus for wedding and reportage photographers - high shooting speed. Up to 10 frames are created per second. Every megapixel of the sensor is felt and expressed in the quality of the images. The body is nice, the wheels are metal, the travel of the buttons is tight, so that every press is felt. The shutter button is smooth.

1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Kit

High resolution images. Work speed
Country: Japan
Average price: 189898 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

A compact mirrorless option for those who take photographs on professional level... Here is a 20-megapixel camera that shoots at 5184 x 3888 resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a touch-sensitive rotary LCD display. The autofocus is hybrid and works quickly, correctly and accurately. The number of focusing points is striking - 121. There is manual focusing and even an electronic rangefinder.

The body is made of metal and is protected from dust and water. The gadget sits perfectly in the hand, providing a comfortable grip with a well-thought-out body shape. Auto ISO is programmable, which allows you to get a high-quality image without noise. The detail is amazing, especially in RAW format. The white balance in the automatic mode works decently - the color reproduction is natural. For portraits and reportage photos, this is the optimal model considering the price and quality. In addition, there is excellent stabilization, fast work(from switching on to processing the frame) and tenacious focus with tracking function.