Smaller Cameras – MILCs

The smaller, higher quality cameras to which I’m referring are known as mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs). From its name, you can deduce that a MILC is patterned after a DLSR with its moving mirror and pentaprism viewfinder removed thereby making a much smaller footprint. Without its mirror, either an LCD screen or electronic viewfinder is used for composition.

MILCs were introduced several years ago by Olympus and Panasonic with their Micro Four-Thirds system using smaller sensors which allows further reduction in size. More recently, MILCs from Samsung and Sony use larger APS-C size sensors to boost image quality while keeping overall size remarkably small.

Lenses for these cameras are significantly smaller than equivalent lenses for DLSRs. The result is a high quality, feature-packed interchangeable lens camera that is convenient and compact.

Today manufacturers including Fuji, Nikon, Pentax, Samsung and Sony are producing their own models, making MILC the fastest growing part of the market for advanced equipment.

By far, the two largest equipment makers are Canon and Nikon. Both have been slow to delve into the MILC category, but now that they have new products, it’s pretty clear that it’s going to get very crowded. At the show I visited Canon and Sony to get a look at their new MILC models.

Sony NEX6

When Sony introduced their NEX series of MILCs in 2010, they decided to use an APS-C size sensor. Doing this put the NEX series on par with the image quality of many DLSRs.

Since then, Sony has continued to enhance and improve their MILC series.They have had produced no fewer than six new models and two additional models are forthcoming. One of these new models is the NEX6 which includes several new and improved features.

One new feature is the introduction of a hybrid auto focus mechanism which combines both fast phase detection and precision contrast detection. This improves the slow and somewhat erratic performance of the auto focus system in earlier NEX models.

A second is the addition of a dedicated mode dial to select from the various shooting modes. With earlier models, the user had to change modes using the menus.

A third is the built-in wifi capability. With this feature, you can transfer images directly from the NEX6 to most any wireless device where you can view them.

Like its big brother the NEX7, this new model also has a high quality OLED electronic viewfinder that lets you see any exposure adjustments before you capture you image.

The price bundled with a new 16-50mm image stabilized lens is $1000. The Sony rep told us that the NEX6 will be available about November 15th.

Canon EOS M

Canon is the largest and surprisingly the last major photo equipment manufacturer to have a MILC product. Recently announced, the EOS M is scheduled to reach retailers in mid-October, just a few weeks away.

When I first picked up one of the samples at the Canon booth, I was surprised at how small it is. With the 22mm pancake lens attached, its profile is similar to a large point-and-shoot. The EOS M easily fits in my hands yet I am able easily access the controls.

From what I can see, the EOS M is targeted at the advanced photographer who wants complete control over the operation of his/her equipment. It uses an 18 mp APS-C sensor that’s speedy enough to capture 4.3 frames/second at ISO settings up to 12,800. In addition to two M-series lenses initially available (22mm and 18-55mm zoom) more than 60 of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses are usable with an optional adapter. For those concerned with style, you can purchase the EOS M in black, red, white and silver.

One nice feature of the EOS M is “video snapshot” where you can shoot several short clips (2 to 8 seconds each) and paste them together to create a movie slideshow. While I wasn’t able to test the movie capabilities, the EOS M can also shoot full HD 1080p video at 30 fps.

Its hybrid auto focus system uses a combination of phase and contrast detection which is faster and more accurate than more widely used contrast-only setups.

To keep its size small, the EOS M does not have a bult-in flash. However, Canon has designed the 90EX flash unit as an optional $150 accessory. While other Canon flash models can be mounted and used on the EOS M’s flashshoe, their larger size may be a little overwhelming.

Most of the settings are made using the EOS M’s touch sensitive LCD screen. During the few minutes playing with the menus I found the myriad of features easy to access and understand. While not as fast as dedicated dials and buttons, the touchscreen controls provide instant explanation for the extensive menus.

Some photographers such as myself may find the lack of a viewfinder for the EOS M to be a drawback. From my experience, using only the LCD screen to compose in bright sun or with a telephoto lens attached is difficult. Unfortunately, Canon has not announced an optional viewfinder – neither electronic nor optical – for this new camera. Unlike other manufacturers, Canon has decided to use a fixed LCD screen rather than one that tilts and swivels.

In any case, the new EOS M is due to make its appearance mid-October. The price with the fast 22mm f/2 pancake lens is $800.