Pixiq

© 2010 Steve Meltzer

My first digital camera was a Konica-Minolta A-2 and this photo of a Pilates teacher was taken with it. The A-2 was an 8 MP camera that was variously called a “bridge” camera, an EVF (Electronic ViewFinder), an CILC (Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera) and most recently a Superzoom. These cameras are different from the DSLR because they lack a mirror viewfinder system. In its name “Digital Single Lens Reflex”  the word “reflex” refers to the mirror box and pentaprism system that reflect the light coming through the lens to the viewfinder for focusing and framing. The bridge cameras have no mirror systems, they have little TV sets in the viewfinders instead.

It had a non-interchangeable 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) lens and a articulated LCD monitor screen and a teensy-weensy electronic viewfinder. It was a great camera and a great way to get into digital photography. Over the years I switched from 35mm film SLRs to digital SLRs but somehow always managed to have a superzoom in my gear bag.

And the funny thing was that I found myself using the superzoom more often than my DSLRs. Even went to Paris with ONLY a superzoom and no DSLR gear. How crazy was that? Well it wasn’t. I had a great time. I slipped the camera under my arm and head out with no camera bag of gear.

It was frightening and exhilarating.

I remember standing in my hotel room and staring into the mirror and realizing that I was done with DSLRs.

Sweating heavily I said, “I am a mirror-less camera guy and I am still a good photographer.” Admitting one’s problem is a good starting place for recovery.

And so I gave up my DSLRs and got into a mirror-less camera system. I’d long been addicted to the Panasonic FZ cameras and from my first DMC FZ7 to my last FZ35 I’ve owned and used every one of their superzooms. Today I’ve moved beyond the FZs and have a brace of Panasonic G cameras (G! and GF1) and several lenses. Small and light they are a delight. They are perfect for travel although as a professional I use them for everything from shooting jewelry to portraits to product shots.

And I feel that I was actually ahead of the curve. Look careful at the trends in digital photography and you’ll see that more companies getting on the mirrorless camera bandwagon.

While it stands to reason that older photographers who grew up on and always used SLRs would feel comfortable with a DSLR. And I suspect that a lot of younger photographers who haven’t grown up with SLRs, could care less about whether a camera has a mirror system or not.

I also love it that while the mirror-less cameras have been improved over the years to the point that they are easily as good or better than many ‘entry’ DSLRs, their price continues to be less than those DSLRs.

I love my non-DSLR digitals and look forward to the future of these systems.