We’ve talked about the pros and cons of mirrorless camera systems before, but we thought that this would be a good time to revisit the discussion. With newer and more mature technology, and many systems to choose from, mirrorless cameras are here to stay. The real question remains: should you upgrade to one? The question might not be as simple as it seems.
Rick recently got his hands on the new OM System (formerly known as Olympus) OM-1 mirrorless camera. This new micro 4/3 format camera delivers many features worthy of “flagship” designation, including an improved EVF, subject-detect AF, and up to 120fps RAW capture. There are also some areas for improvement, and we’ll talk about those, too. We’ll also answer some questions we received about the OM-1 from our Facebook Page readers.
Is 20+ frames per second really necessary in wildlife photography?
Brandt’s cormorant on final approach, La Jolla, CA | Nikon Z9 + 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6S VR Z Nikkor
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Introduction
Wildlife photographers love mirrorless cameras because many of them offer incredibly fast frame capture rates. I recently got the new Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, and one of its best features is its ability to shoot RAW at up to 20 frames per second (fps) with no viewfinder blackout. Other mirrorless cameras, like the Sony A1 and Canon R3 offer frame rates as high as 30 fps. The appeal of such fast burst rates for still photography is that these speeds increase the probability that you’ll capture a moment of peak action, or a dynamic animal pose.
The downside to capturing images at these high frame rates is the sheer volume of images you’ll end up with. Not only will you fill your memory cards faster, but you’ll also have to slog through hundreds or even thousands of shots in your triage/culling workflow. Another challenge with setting your camera to high-speed frame advance is that it becomes nearly impossible to fire off a single shot. Even with practice and good shutter release technique, once the camera is set to capture images at greater than 12 fps, shooting individual images is really difficult.
Obviously, there are certain subjects and situations that call for fast burst rates, and for most wildlife photographers, flying birds are most frequently that subject. In most wildlife photography scenarios, super-fast frame rates just lead to lots of redundant images. But when you’re trying to capture flying birds, high frame rates do offer an advantage.
This week, Rick and Jason discuss Nikon’s mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7. Both Jason and Rick own and use these cameras, and offer their first-hand thoughts of the new Z-mount, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Nikon Z system.
Are mirrorless cameras the future of photography? This week, Rick and Jason sit down to give their thoughts on the current state of mirrorless camera systems, their pros and cons, and whether you should consider getting one.
