I am sometimes asked whether switching to mirrorless systems is worth it. My answer: Soon, the question will no longer need to be asked. The industry has decided.

What mirrorless means — and why it matters

DSLRs have a mirror that directs light from the lens into the optical viewfinder. In mirrorless cameras, this mirror is eliminated — the image goes directly to the sensor. What sounds like a technical detail has significant practical consequences: no mechanical parts that need to move. Faster frame rates. More compact bodies. Modern mirrorless cameras such as the Sony FX3 or the Canon EOS R5C offer video features that previously would have required six-figure investments in dedicated video cameras.

The electronic viewfinder as a tool

What many underestimate: The electronic viewfinder (EVF) shows the image exactly as the sensor captures it — including exposure, color profile, and depth of field. I can see what the final result will look like right in the viewfinder. With a DSLR, I see the image much like the human eye — and only realize an exposure error after the shoot.

Coming soon

AI-powered autofocus systems, internal 4K RAW recording, integrated ND filters — development is moving faster than most producers can keep up with when making purchasing decisions.

For anyone starting out or upgrading today: a mirrorless system. For anything else, there are convincing reasons only in niche situations.

Best regards,
Sascha Manke