What is a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless cameras are cameras that have interchangeable lenses but do not have a reflex mirror or optical viewfinder like a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera but may have an electronic viewfinder.

Compared to DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras are mechanically simpler and are typically smaller, lighter, and quieter due to the elimination of the moving mirror. While nearly all mirrorless cameras still have a mechanical shutter, many also have an electronic shutter, allowing completely silent operation.

Identifying the buttons

Mode Button

This is used to change your camera's mode to Auto, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Manual.

Movie Shooting Button

This is a short cut that enables you to start recording movie .

Main Dial

This is an on-camera cogwheel that enables you to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and other settings. however not all cameras have one.

Multi- functional button

It enables one to change important camera settings like ISO, drive mode white balance etc quickly.

Shutter Button

Shutter Button

LCD Panel Info Switching Button

This button activates an amber backlight, allowing you to see the options on the panel in low light or complete darkness.

AF -Assist Beam

It is a light source that facilitates your camera's autofocus in low-light situations.

Grip

This is a ridge on the camera's right side that makes holding it more comfortable.

DC Coupler Cordhole

It is frequently used in mechanical and electrical operations to isolate power and communication circuits.

Contacts

This interface enables the transmission of power and data between the camera body and the lens

Lens Mount

The mount is the mechanical fitting that attaches the lens body to the camera and secures it in the proper position for use.

Flash Sync Contacts

This is the firing of a camera flash in time with the opening of the shutter, allowing light to enter the image sensor.

Hot Shoe

This is a mounting area on the top where a flash unit and other appropriate accessories can be attached.

RF Lens Mount Index

It is an indicator on the lens mount that makes it easier to firmly mount the lens to the camera body.

Speaker

A device that transforms an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound in a camera.

Focal Plane Mark

This marking on the outside of the camera body indicates where the focal plane surface is located inside the device.

Strap Mount

This is a mechanical fitting located at the top of each side of the camera to which a strap can be attached.

Microphone

This is a built-in microphone for recording audio during filming.

Image Sensor

It is a sensor that detects and transmits information used to create an image.

Lens Release Button

It allows you to unlock the lens mount and detach the lens by rotating it.

Lens Lock Pin

These are pins that are part of the lens mount and help to secure the lens to the camera body.

Body Cap

A cap is used to close the lens mount and keep dust out of the camera when the lens is removed from the body.

Eyecup

An eyecup is often a contoured rubber cup fitted to the camera's eyepiece

Viewfinder

This is a small window on the camera that you use to compose your photograph and focus on a subject.

Dioptric Adjustment Knob

This is an optical tool that adjusts the viewfinder of your camera to fit your eyes.

Power Switch

This turns the camera on and off.

Terminal Cover

It is used on cameras to protect the battery and other holes.

LCD Panel

This is used to view menus and camera settings, playback captured images and videos, and frame your shot

Multi Functional lock Button

It stops the Multi-controller, Quick Control Dial, and Main Dial from accidentally moving and changing a setting.

Quick Control Dial

It quickly allow you move the frame to the feature you want to select, then select a setting.

AF Start Button

This is the system that automatically adjusts the focus of the camera

Viewfinder Sensor

It is a device that aids the viewfinder in detecting the subject that the photographer is attempting to capture.

Info Button

This acts as a shortcut for quickly displaying information like shutter speed, aperture, exposure count, etc.

Access Lamp

The light simply indicates that the camera is reading or writing to the memory card.

Quick Control

It allows you to change certain settings without having to use the function buttons (the ISO button, Exposure Compensation button, and so on)

Remote Control Terminal

This is a connector that allows you to connect the camera to an external device.

Menu Button

This opens the camera's menu, where you may adjust your camera's settings for image quality, focusing, and other features.

Digital Terminal

This terminal connects the camera to a computer for tethered remote shooting

External Microphone In Terminal

It allows you to connect the camera to an external microphone.

HDMI Out

It is a cable that connects the camera to an external device, like a television.

Headphone Terminal

Headphone Terminal

Advantages of a Mirrorless Camera

Size

Mirrorless cameras can be smaller than their DSLR counterparts because they don’t need room inside their bodies for a flapping mirror.

Stabilization

The mirror isn’t moving up and down  in a mirrorless camera, this automatically limit camera shake as compared to a DSLR. 

Silent

With less moving parts, mirrorless cameras are quieter than DSLRs

Electronic viewfinder

Electronic viewfinders pull a live feed from the sensor, they can also show you how changing your settings will affect your final image. This can be used in video mode, while the optical viewfinder on a DSLR cannot. 

Autofocus speed

Mirrorless cameras excel when it comes to automatically tracking subjects with focus. Many mirrorless cameras can hone in on a subject’s eye to ensure it’s sharp when you press the shutter.

Shorter flange distance

Thanks to the absence of a mirror, lens mounts can be wider and sit closer to the sensor, allowing for wider lens adaptability and it allows lens makers to create new and unique lenses like the Canon Rf 28-70mm F2

Disadvantages of a Mirrorless Camera

Battery life

Due to the small sizes of mirrorless cameras, there is usually no room for a decent size battery. As a result, powering the camera, LCD screen and electronic viewfinder drains the battery very quickly

Price

Mirrorless cameras are typically more expensive when compared to DSLRs.