The Exciting World of Modern Mirrorless Cameras

  As a photographer who lives and breathes image technology and “gear talk”, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement when I look at the current state of cameras and what’s out there for us to use. The tools at our disposal are evolving at such a fast pace and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in both still and motion capture. 

If you’re looking to upgrade or switch systems there are a lot of options to suit your shooting style and budget.

Cameras just keep getting better—lighter, smarter, and with bigger sensors. There’s always something new and exciting. It’s hard to keep up with what’s out there. Let’s take a look at some of the best camera models in 2024 and who’s making waves right now.

Flagship Phenoms

Canon EOS R1

It’s meant for speed! And video? Canon’s latest flagship is a technological tour de force that has me itching to get my hands on it:

• 24.6MP stacked CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF X
• Quad-pixel AF system for what they say is unparalleled tracking and accuracy
• Blazing fast 195 fps burst shooting with electronic shutter
• 8K/60p video recording in RAW, 4K/120p in 10-bit 4:2:2
• Built-in AI processing unit for advanced subject detection and tracking
• In-camera neural (!) network upscaling (2x) and denoising
• Blackout-free EVF with 5.76M-dot resolution and 240 fps refresh rate
• Dual CFexpress Type B card slots for lots of storage
• Ethernet port for high-speed tethering and FTP transfer
• Enhanced weather sealing and heat management – great for the elements.

    The R1’s AI capabilities are particularly intriguing. Imagine the action shots you could take with such a fast focus and write speed to capture the perfect moment. I’m excited.

Nikon Z9 : The Other Speed Demon

Nikon’s flagship brings significant refinements to an already impressive package:

• 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor (carried over from Z9)
• Increased burst shooting up to 120 fps (a substantial jump from 30 fps on Z9)
• 8K/60p video recording capability (up from 8K/30p)
• Improved AF algorithms for more reliable subject detection and tracking
• Dual CFexpress Type B card slots
• Extended pre-release capture to 1 second (doubled from 0.5 seconds)
• In-camera 12-bit RAW video recording,
• Pro Res 422 HQ in camera!

    The Z9’s enhanced burst rate and buffer are a game-changer for wildlife and sports shooters. Capturing that split-second of action is what it’s all about.  Nikon rounds this versatile camera with pro video capabilities with the in camera ProRes recording and 8k/60p. The slightly smaller Nikon Z8 seems like the choice if you’re looking for smaller form factor and don’t need all that speed.

Leica SL3: Precision Meets Innovation

Leica’s entry into the high-end mirrorless market is a force to be reckoned with:

• 60MP full-frame sensor for stunning detail
• Phase-detect autofocus system
• 8K video recording capabilities
• IP54 weather sealing for shooting in challenging conditions

  While the SL3’s battery life and some control placements have been noted as potential drawbacks, its image quality and build are perfect for those who demand uncompromising quality in a modern package.  I would start with a Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 24-90mm f2.8/4 lens and probably the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm 1.4. 

Hasselblad X2D 100C: Unlocking New Potential in Landscape Photography

The Hasselblad X2D 100C promises to be a powerful tool for landscape photographers. Its specifications really set the high mark for how image quality and size.

At the heart of this camera is a 100-megapixel sensor that captures an amazing level of detail. Imagine being able to capture the intricate textures of rock formations or the subtle color variations in a vast sky. This detailed capture allows for some recomposition flexibility and experimentation in the post process. The 15-stop dynamic range offers the potential to handle drastic lighting conditions.

Key features for landscape photographers:

• Huge 44 x 33 mm sensor for exceptional detail
• 16-bit color depth for nuanced color reproduction – so much color to work with
• 5-axis stabilization for sharper handheld shots
• Weather-sealed body for outdoor durability

Hasselblad’s renowned color science means this camera should reproduce nature’s palette with remarkable accuracy. The large touchscreen and high-resolution viewfinder make composition easier, even in bright outdoor conditions.

While not designed for speed, the X2D 100C seems to encourage a thoughtful approach to shooting landscape photography. For those seeking to push the boundaries of landscape photography, the Hasselblad X2D 100C looks to be an exciting option worth exploring if you can swing the expense.

Mid-Range Marvels

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: Versatility Redefined

This update brings some of the R1’s capabilities to a more accessible price point. Big difference the R5 is slower but has more megapixels:

• 45MP full-frame sensor (unchanged from R5)
• Increased burst shooting up to 40 fps (doubled from 20 fps)
• 8K/60p video recording (up from 8K/30p), 10 bit video
• Improved AF with enhanced subject detection and tracking
• In-camera AI processing for upscaling and noise reduction
• Dual card slots: 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x UHS-II SD
• Improved heat management for longer video recording times

The R5 II’s AI-powered features and improved video capabilities make it a versatile option for hybrid shooters who need performance for video and still photography. This camera seems to have everything one could want to cover still and video needs – 8K video, 45mp still photos, autofocus.

Sony A7C II: Compact Powerhouse

Sony’s compact full-frame offering sees significant upgrades:

• 33MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor (up from 24MP)
• 4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video (up from 4K/30p 8-bit)
• Improved AF with real-time tracking and AI subject recognition
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) rated for 7 stops
• Vari-angle touchscreen LCD (replacing the tilt-only screen)
• Improved EVF with 2.36M-dot resolution (up from 1.44M-dot)
• Dual UHS-II SD card slots (up from single slot)

The A7C II packs a serious punch in a compact form factor, making it an attractive option for travel and street photography where space is at a premium.  I’ve been waiting for this form factor/price point to come out from Sony. The small compact full frame Sony A7CII is an amazing value for a full frame camera with Sony excellent autofocus and video and still capabilities. 

APS-C Innovation

Fujifilm X-S20: The Hybrid Hero

Fujifilm’s hybrid APS-C camera brings high-end features to a more affordable price point (1699.00):

• 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
• 6K/30p and 4K/60p 10-bit video recording
• 7-stop in-body image stabilization
• Subject detection autofocus for humans, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, planes, and trains
• Vari-angle touchscreen
• F-Log2 profile for increased dynamic range in video
• Improved heat management for longer recording times

The X-S20’s video capabilities and IBIS make it an excellent choice for content creators and vloggers who need versatility without sacrificing quality. 

Of course, the Fuji x100VI should be mentioned here because of it’s popularity as it seems to be the best camera for social media with the retro camera “cool kid” styling and the the ability to dial in interesting looks for immediate upload. 

Leica’s Unique Vision

Leica continues to carve out its niche with cameras that blend cutting-edge technology with classic design:

• No Screen?  No Logo? The Leica M11-D strips away the LCD screen, offering a purist approach to digital photography that harkens back to film days, all while housing a huge 60.3MP full-frame sensor.  But…but..how will we see our photo?

• The Leica Q3, with its fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens and 60MP sensor, is a street photographer’s dream (with a screen!), offering 8K video and subject tracking in a compact body.

• For those seeking a more affordable entry into the Leica ecosystem, the D-Lux 8 offers a 17MP Four Thirds sensor with a midrange zoom (24-75 35mm equivalent) in a compact body, perfect for everyday carry.

Exciting Trends and Innovations

  The integration of AI into our cameras is reshaping how we approach shooting. Real-time subject recognition and tracking are becoming really sophisticated, helping us to focus more on the moment and less on the technical aspects of capture.

  Computational photography is blurring (or unblurring) the line between capture and post-processing. Features like in-camera upscaling, noise reduction, and focus stacking – are now available in camera – in the field.

    The rise of the hybrid shooter is driving impressive video capabilities across the board.  8K recording, 10-bit color, and RAW video output are becoming standard features, even in still-focused cameras.  Even if you’re primarily a stills shooter, you might find yourself experimenting with motion more often. The slow-motion capabilities are stunning and could be used to beautiful affect in the right hands.

  The push towards smaller more compact full-frame and medium format systems is challenging the notion that high-end cameras must be large and unwieldy. Manufacturers are proving that power and portability can coexist. 

Looking Ahead – Keep Shooting

It’s important to remember that even the most advanced camera is just a tool.

What matters is to go and create. Use what we have on hand to tell our stories.  The future of mirrorless is bright – it’s exciting to think about what’s out there currently and where this technology will take us.

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We’d love to see what you’re up to and what you’re shooting with these days. Please email: [email protected]