pentaprisms | Photocrati

Q and A: What’s the deal with the new cameras lacking pentaprisms and reflex mirrors?

Question

What is the advantage of the new cameras without a pentraprism and a reflex mirror … like the Micro models from Panasonic and Olympus, and the Samsung NX? Is the benefit simply smaller size versus a Digital SLR? In that case, why wouldn’t someone just buy a smaller camera like the Canon Powershot G11 which also has a built-in viewfinder? R.N.

Answer

The primary appeal of the “mirrorless” or “non-reflex” cameras – and their new petite lenses – is certainly the greater portability. Of course there are some intangibles as well with the latest Micro Four-Thirds cameras: the Lumix GF1 and particularly the Olympus E-P1 and E-P2. These models are very classy and they feature rangefinder-like styling, which appeals to many camera buyers. (See my Olympus E-P1 Review: Field Test Report ) But let’s discuss some of the other important aspects to clarify additional issues.

As this illustration of the Lumix DMC-GF1 versus the Lumix L10 DSLR indicates, a Micro Four-Thirds camera can be much smaller than a DSLR especially if it omits a viewfinder. Since the lenses are also smaller, the entire package is substantially more portable. — As this illustration of the Lumix DMC-GF1 versus the Lumix L10 DSLR confirms that a a Micro Four-Thirds camera can be much smaller than a DSLR especially if it omits a viewfinder. Since the lenses are also smaller, the entire package is substantially more portable.

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