Best of 2016: Mirrorless Cameras

This was quite the year for mirrorless cameras, with nearly every company showing off its latest and greatest technology. The biennial photokina most certainly played a part in the excitement and let us recognize the extraordinary variety of 2016, including some brand new medium format options, advanced sensor technologies, and some beautiful retro designs.

Fujifilm Updates its Pro Lineup and Teases Medium Format

We’ll begin with Fujifilm for two reasons: the company released the first mirrorless cameras of 2016, and introduced a wonderful medium format surprise at photokina. Beginning with the pro lineup, we have the long-awaited X-Pro2, packing the rangefinder styling many have come to love, and the X-T2, a 4K-shooting powerhouse with a classic design reminiscent of an SLR. Both of these have their own unique list of features and capabilities, but star a revamped 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor and the X-Processor Pro Engine. There is a lot to love about both models, so it will come down to personal preference and needs, especially since both also have Wi-Fi, advanced AF systems, 8 fps continuous shooting, sensitivity up to ISO 51200, weather sealing, and dual SD card slots.

The real surprise in Fujifilm’s mirrorless line has to be the medium format GFX 50S, with its monster 51.4MP 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS image sensor. This is a beautiful camera because it clearly takes all the best parts of its X series and makes them even better. It features a bit of customization, as well, with a removable electronic viewfinder and a variety of aspect ratios in which to shoot. There is so much more to learn about this camera, but it looks like it will definitely shake up the industry with its eventual release in 2017. Fujifilm even revealed a line of G-mount lenses that makes this setup even more enticing.

For those looking for something smaller or more affordable, Fujifilm did also unveil updates to its entry- and mid-level lines with the stylish X-A3 and practical X-E2S.

Hasselblad Enters the Mirrorless Game

Legendary Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad was the first to the market with a medium format mirrorless, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The Scandinavian-designed X1D-50c is a 50MP masterpiece that will definitely draw the attention of older medium format shooters and those looking to break into this upper tier. It benefits from Hasselblad’s experience, incorporating the company’s Natural Color Solution, along with 16-bit raw files and 14 stops of dynamic range. The XCD lenses also feature some advanced medium format technology, namely central shutter mechanisms capable of reaching 1/2000 of a second for getting perfect flash sync at any speed, and an XH Lens Adapter permits the use of H-mount lenses. If you are curious about medium format or mirrorless, this is a camera to check out.

Sigma Brings Out the Foveon Sensors

Known for releasing sometimes unexpected, yet great lenses, Sigma also makes some very distinct cameras that incorporate Foveon sensor technology. This year we saw the release of the APS-C sd Quattro and APS-H sd Quattro H, each with its own stacked image sensor and the Sigma SA lens mount. To quickly explain Sigma’s stacked sensor designs, they use layers of red, green, and blue pixels stacked on top of each other with a 1:1:4 ratio, allowing the camera to record full color information at each pixel site. This creates a raw file with exceptional detail and practically non-existent artifacting, since there is no color interpolation. The sd Quattro line also claims excellent ergonomics, no doubt due to its more unique design, which has a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder, a main LCD and sub monitor, and more. These could be the most interesting mirrorless cameras of the year.

Canon Upgrades Mirrorless Line with the EOS M5

Though relatively quiet in the mirrorless arena in the previous couple years, Canon did offer a worthy upgrade to its camera lineup with the release of the EOS M5. This model differs from its predecessors by offering a larger, more ergonomic body design that incorporates an electronic viewfinder. This more SLR-like shape is sure to appeal to shooters who have become so accustomed to their DSLRs’ larger grips. Utilizing a redesigned 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 processor, the EOS M5 is able to offer Canon’s outstanding Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which promises to dramatically speed up the autofocus system. This camera also boasts a brand new Digital IS 5-axis image stabilization system that will make sure your stills and video are crystal clear.

Sony’s Super-Fast Releases, the a6300 and a6500

After a few years of almost nonstop mirrorless camera releases, it looks like Sony is taking a much deserved break, but not before releasing the a6300 and a6500, mid-range and flagship APS-C models that aimsto be extraordinarily popular options in their Alpha camera series. Building on the design of the much-loved a6000, these fresh models turn things up a notch with a more durable body design, an even faster 4D FOCUS system with 425 phase-detect points, and internal UHD 4K video recording with the S-Log3 gamma. Speed has been Sony’s major selling point when it comes to these models, and both cameras deliver with continuous 11 fps shooting, a 120 fps high-speed setting for crystal clear imaging in the EVF, and even Full HD video up to 120 fps . The redeveloped 24.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor improves the sensitivity to ISO 51200. Of course, the flagship a6500 offers some bonus features, including 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization, a Slow & Quick Motion setting for 1-120 fps Full HD video, and a touchscreen LCD for advanced control over the camera.

Olympus Goes for Retro, Pro, and Style with Trio of Releases

This was a very good year for Olympus, releasing a digital version of its classic PEN-F; an impressive flagship update in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II; and a compact, super stylish PEN E-PL8.

The PEN-F is one of those cameras that blends form and function perfectly; the outside has a distinct look that takes a lot from its film ancestor, but brings in the digital advancements with ease. It also features a newly developed 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor and the TruePic VII processor that can shoot at up to 10 fps, record Full HD video and offer a sensitivity range up to ISO 25600. Olympus’ 5-axis in-body image stabilization tech manages to squeeze itself in here, as well, making this a very nice option for mirrorless shooters.

Focusing more on the future than being a flashback to the past, Olympus announced details for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. This easily takes the crown of Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds camera lineup and is the first to incorporate DCI and UHD 4K video recording. It is incredibly fast, as well, able to sustain 18 fps shooting with continuous autofocus and utilize a 121-point phase- and contrast-detection Dual F.A.S.T AF system. An upgraded body design makes shooting ergonomic, while a sensor-shift-type 5-axis stabilization system will compensate for up to 5.5 stops of shutter speed. Additionally, a new Pro Capture Mode will make sure you capture the decisive moment by initiating a pre-record function, saving 14 frames before you press the shutter fully, so you can go back in time and find the ideal image.

While not the powerful flagships we discussed above, the PEN E-PL8 is worthy of a mention, with its redesigned appearance that will upgrade your style and imaging skills. It uses a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor and the TruePic VII processor, which support 8.5 fps continuous shooting, a sensitivity of up to ISO 25600, and Full HD video shooting. An 81-area FAST AF system is available, and 3-axis sensor-shift stabilization is available, as well. Making this model stand out is the 3.0" 180° tilting touchscreen that makes taking selfies super easy.

Panasonic Goes 4K all the way and Unveils the GH5

Last, but certainly not least, is Panasonic with its series of 4K-shooting Micro Four Thirds cameras. Similar to what Fujifilm did with its “Pro” series, Panasonic revealed a rangefinder-styled DMC-GX85 and an SLR-styled DMC-G85. Both of these cameras feature 16MP MOS sensors, a variety of 4K Photo modes, and UHD 4K video recording. These are very capable cameras, including electronic viewfinder, adjustable touchscreens, 10 fps shooting with autofocus, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization, so it is really nice that Panasonic lets you pick the design best suited to your personal taste and style. But this isn’t all they did this year, they also lifted the curtains on the DMC-GH5.

We don’t know all that much about the GH5 yet, but plenty to get us excited for its “early 2017” release. Including DCI 4K video recording at up to 60 fps, 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording options, 6K Photo modes, and more. The 6K Photo is particularly interesting, allowing users to pull large 18MP stills from a continuous stream of footage, ensuring they don’t miss the decisive moment. We will have to wait a bit longer for more details, but it looks like it is a worthy successor to the GH4.