If you are a photography lover, EVIL cameras can help you do a professional job. And without the need for you to be a great expert! If you want to know more about these cameras, continue reading. In this buying guide you will find everything you need to know about them.
An EVIL camera is also known by the name of mirrorless or mirrorless camera. In other words, its main distinctive range compared to the famous SLR cameras is that they do without that mirror that redirects light. This has some advantages and disadvantages, as you will see below.
What are EVIL cameras and how do they work?
CSC or EVIL ( Electronic Viewfinder With Interchangeable Lens ) cameras are gaining in popularity in recent years. And it is that they offer a quality very similar to that of SLR cameras, but with certain advantages for the average public. But what exactly is an EVIL camera? The answer is simpler than it seems: it is a camera that does not bring with it the characteristic mirror of SLRs.
CSCs do not need an optical viewfinder. This means that the light they receive reaches the sensor directly, creating much sharper images. Although they do not have a mirror, the objectives can be exchanged. They do not lose that versatility that SLR cameras provide of being able to choose the range that is preferred at all times.
This optical viewfinder is replaced by an electronic viewfinder , or even the rear of the screen. This is how the user can see what the image he is going to take will look like before hitting the button directly. Thanks to dispensing with an optical viewfinder, you can clearly see how the picture you are going to take is going to look. There is nothing in between that can affect the colors or the warmth of the light. In addition, this electronic viewfinder can bring with it a large amount of information about the image: parameters, visual warnings, focus aids… Very interesting data! And you can even use this viewer while recording videos.
Are EVIL cameras a real alternative to SLR cameras?
There are many prejudices that exist regarding EVIL cameras, calling them inferior to SLRs. However, today the technology has evolved a lot and there are few real differences that we are going to find. Moreover, on many occasions it is better to opt for an EVIL camera since they are less heavy.
The advantages that a mirrorless camera can present are many. In the first place, and as we have pointed out, you will be able to appreciate the image in real time . You will be able to observe both the exposure and the brightness, contrast and depth. In this way, there will not be a viewfinder that distorts your perception and your eyes will capture reality in a much more efficient way. To this we must add that they are cameras that are characterized by great quality, and by having a totally silent shutter.
As a general rule, these CSC cameras are smaller. However, this very much depends on the two models you are comparing at the time. In spite of everything, you will find EVIL cameras of great quality and with smaller dimensions . This will allow you to take it with you anywhere in a much more comfortable way, and even store it better.
You will still be able to buy different lenses , although there are fewer than for SLR cameras. This could be the first real disadvantage of these devices, although it is a relative disadvantage. It will depend exactly on what you are looking for in a photography camera that the absence of lenses is a problem for you. You should also keep in mind that the bursts that the EVIL cameras launch are usually slower. It is not a problem per se , but it can be if you need to perform that type of technique.
How to choose the best EVIL camera: fundamental parameters
The first thing you should know before buying an EVIL camera is that they are specifically designed for photography . Of course, many of them also allow you to record videos, but it is not their main function. And it could be the case that you prefer a different camera to perform that task.
First of all, you need to choose whether you want your camera to have an electronic viewfinder or not. There are cameras that, due to their small size, do not have a viewfinder and only have the rear screen with them. However, if you are going to use your camera professionally, the viewfinder can be essential on many occasions. It will allow you to capture the image much better before making it. The screen is comfortable as a complement but can sometimes distort the perception you have of the image itself.
It is essential to analyze other types of characteristics together with the viewer. Like the shutter speed , which is in charge of setting the time that the sensor is going to be exposed to light. That is, it indicates the exposure of the photograph. There are cameras on the market that have a wide range of shutter speeds to choose from, allowing you to get disparate results. If you want to have more versatility in this regard, you should prioritize this point.
Objectives: a key factor
As its name suggests, on an EVIL camera you can swap lenses. When deciding on a camera, you should first analyze if you can change the objective and put the ones that interest you the most. After all, the lens is one of the most important points of any camera, regardless of whether it has a mirror or not. By changing the lens, you are completely changing the image you are going to get.
Each objective will bring associated some very important characteristics:
- The zoom : you will find lenses with which you can zoom, but there are also others that are known as fixed focal length . The latter provide higher quality images, but with the former you get greater dynamism. You can always have several, since they can be easily exchanged.
- The autofocus . This parameter can help you get better photos in difficult conditions. For example, if you need to take a quick picture. In those cases, autofocus will help you get it out of focus without taking up too much of your time.
- The aperture of the diaphragm marks the amount of light that will pass through the lens. Its operation is very similar to that of the human iris: it opens or closes depending on the light it wants to receive. If you want to take images at night, you will need it to have a large aperture diaphragm. Remember that a large diaphragm opening always implies a shallow depth of field .
- Finally, it is important to consider the focal length . This refers to the visual field that our objective will be able to capture, and is measured in millimeters.
2 EVIL cameras for less than €500
Let’s start with two EVIL camera models for less than €500 , perfect for those who want to get started in this world. If you are beginning to be interested in photography, either of these two cameras will be more than enough for you.
EVIL Pentax Q-S1 camera
First of all, we present the Pentax Q-S1 camera, with a 12.4 Mp sensor with CMOS technology. It has a Q Engine processor that offers great image quality. Its screen is 3 inches, with a resolution of 460,000 points and an aspect ratio of 3:2. The most curious thing is that it incorporates an anti- reflective coating that will allow you to work very comfortably.
In addition, its design has a classic look , with very nice leather details. And if you want to make videos, it has a digital image stabilizer, and allows video recording at 1080p. Not a detail escapes him!
Panasonic Lumix G DC-GX880KECD
The design of this camera is very striking since there is a very interesting contrast between its metal parts and leather-like areas. It has a live mos digital sensor , which combines with the venus engine to achieve sharp images with minimal noise. And it even achieves this in low light conditions.
If you like selfies, this is your camera. It has the double shutter button and a 3-inch, 180-degree flip-up touch screen , very practical for being able to observe yourself when taking the photo. And, in addition, it has the Post Focus function. This allows you to review the image and retouch the part of the photo where you want to improve the sharpness.
We raise the rank: 4 EVIL cameras for professionals
The two EVIL cameras that we have pointed out are very interesting, but they may fall short. In that case, continue reading because we have four other alternatives for you.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80M
This EVIL Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80M camera is more focused on outdoor photography. This is possible thanks to its dual image stabilizer, which will allow you to take the best pictures. With it you can take clear photos even in difficult environments or with a lot of movement.
It has a 16 Mp Live MOS digital sensor . In addition, it has 5-axis Dual IS 2 (Image Stabilizer) technology, which combines lens and body stabilization for more precise shake correction. Its built-in optical viewfinder is the LCD Live View Finder (2,764,800 equivalent dots) and allows you to record 4K videos.
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 EVIL Camera
With this Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 camera you can make video recordings in 4k 60p resolution and with the slow-motion function. She is very focused on the look of the videos, although she will make incredible photographs. If you need to perform both tasks, this is a perfect camera for you.
It is even compatible with anamorphic lenses, allowing 6K resolution clips to be recorded. It also has a 5-axis dual optical stabilizer, which combines wonderfully with the lens stabilizer.
An EVIL camera from Sony: Alpha ILCE-7K
Another of the best cameras on the market is this Sony Alpha ILCE-7K. This is a photo camera that captures professional quality images. It offers 24.3 MP resolution and has a high resolution OLED viewfinder. One of the most interesting factors is that it reacts very quickly and accurately, thanks to its fast hybrid autofocus.
It features a 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor , and you can shoot Full HD videos. Its high-speed BIONZ X image processor will allow you to reproduce every aspect of the scene with fidelity.
Sony Alpha 6500 EVIL Camera
This CSC camera offers great image quality thanks to its 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor . It also has a fast and precise autofocus, with AF of 0.05s and Eye AF. In this way, it manages to achieve clear photos in any situation.
If you want to take pictures of moving subjects, with this Sony Alpha 6500 camera , you can do it. It features high-speed continuous shooting up to 11fps (High+), where you can choose from three speeds of up to 8fps for shooting.
And for the most demanding: two high-end EVIL cameras
Finally, we have made a selection of two cameras only suitable for the most demanding. Its price is much higher than the previous ones, but so are its benefits. If you want an EVIL camera that will not leave you at any time, these two are made for you.
Sony Alpha 7C
This Sony Alpha 7 C is surprising both for its minimalist design and for its features. We are facing a camera that is a real gem. It has a resolution of 24MP, allows video recording in 4K. In addition, it has an ISO 100-51200, so you will capture all the details in any lighting situation.
It has fast and accurate autofocus. Also, the subject is always in focus and sharp thanks to real-time tracking AF. You can even follow the focus on human and animal eyes. And also in video mode! In addition, it has an image stabilization of up to 5 steps, and a vari-angle touch screen. There will be no photography that will resist you with this camera.
Sony Alpha 7 III: an unbeatable EVIL camera
This Sony Alpha 7 III camera features a full-frame CMOS sensor, high-speed response, ease of use, and good durability. Its autofocus achieves real-time tracking, and incorporates Eye AF (people / animals). Thanks to this, you can take sharp photos in any situation. It also has the option of continuous shooting. And it even comes with a 5-axis optical image stabilization mode to compensate for camera shake.
The image quality is very good, since its 24 Mp sensor combines with high ISO to offer an optimal image even in low light. And it allows high-resolution 4K HDR video recording. In addition, it has a built-in Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom lens. Another gem! Even the most exquisite palates will appreciate this camera, since it is a real delicacy.
Our recommendation: the best EVIL camera
Having seen these six cameras, if we had to pick one, it would be the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80M EVIL camera. The most remarkable thing about this device is that it offers great features, and will allow us to take incredible photographs. In addition, it is designed with a resistant and compact body to be able to take it with you on any adventure. To this we must add that it has state-of-the-art 4K functions, both image and video. And its price is not as high as others that we could have mentioned, which makes it the perfect option .