The world of photography has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with mirrorless cameras gaining immense popularity among enthusiasts and professionals alike. One camera that has sparked a lot of debate is the Canon 90D. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Canon 90D and explore whether it is a mirrorless camera or not.
Understanding the Basics: What is a Mirrorless Camera?
Before we dive into the specifics of the Canon 90D, it’s essential to understand what a mirrorless camera is. A mirrorless camera, also known as an electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens camera (EVIL), is a type of camera that does not use a mirror and prism system to view the scene. Instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder or LCD screen to preview the image.
In a traditional DSLR camera, light passes through the lens and hits a mirror, which reflects the light up to the viewfinder. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror flips up, and the light passes through to the image sensor. In contrast, a mirrorless camera does not have a mirror, and the light passes directly to the image sensor.
The Advantages of Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras offer several advantages over traditional DSLR cameras. Some of the key benefits include:
- Faster Burst Mode: Mirrorless cameras can shoot faster burst modes since they don’t have a mirror that needs to flip up and down.
- Quieter Operation: Mirrorless cameras are generally quieter than DSLR cameras since they don’t have a mirror that slaps up and down.
- Increased Video Capabilities: Mirrorless cameras are better suited for video recording since they can use the image sensor to capture video, rather than a separate video mode.
- Smaller and Lighter: Mirrorless cameras are often smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras since they don’t have a mirror and prism system.
Canon 90D: A Closer Look
Now that we have a better understanding of what a mirrorless camera is, let’s take a closer look at the Canon 90D. The Canon 90D is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that was announced in August 2019. It features a 32.5-megapixel APS-C image sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD.
The Canon 90D is designed for enthusiasts and professionals who want a camera that can deliver high-quality images and videos. It features a range of advanced features, including:
- Fast Autofocus: The Canon 90D features a fast and accurate autofocus system that can track subjects quickly and easily.
- 4K Video Recording: The Canon 90D can record 4K video at 30p, making it an excellent choice for videographers.
- Weather Sealing: The Canon 90D features weather sealing, making it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in harsh environments.
Is the Canon 90D a Mirrorless Camera?
So, is the Canon 90D a mirrorless camera? The answer is no. The Canon 90D is a DSLR camera that uses a mirror and prism system to view the scene. While it features many advanced features, including fast autofocus and 4K video recording, it is not a mirrorless camera.
Why Did Canon Choose to Make the 90D a DSLR Camera?
So, why did Canon choose to make the 90D a DSLR camera rather than a mirrorless camera? There are several reasons for this:
- Optical Viewfinder: Canon believes that an optical viewfinder provides a more accurate and immersive viewing experience than an electronic viewfinder.
- Battery Life: DSLR cameras tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras since they don’t have to power an electronic viewfinder.
- Cost: DSLR cameras are often less expensive to produce than mirrorless cameras, which makes them more accessible to a wider range of photographers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon 90D is not a mirrorless camera. While it features many advanced features, including fast autofocus and 4K video recording, it uses a mirror and prism system to view the scene. Canon chose to make the 90D a DSLR camera rather than a mirrorless camera due to the benefits of an optical viewfinder, longer battery life, and lower production costs.
While the Canon 90D may not be a mirrorless camera, it is still an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality camera that can deliver excellent images and videos. With its fast autofocus, 4K video recording, and weather sealing, the Canon 90D is an excellent choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
What’s Next for Canon?
So, what’s next for Canon? Will they release a mirrorless version of the 90D? Only time will tell. However, Canon has already released several mirrorless cameras, including the EOS R and EOS RP, which have received critical acclaim.
It’s likely that Canon will continue to develop and release new mirrorless cameras in the future. However, for now, the Canon 90D remains an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality DSLR camera.
Final Thoughts
In the end, whether or not the Canon 90D is a mirrorless camera is not the most important thing. What matters most is the quality of the images and videos it produces, and the Canon 90D delivers in spades. With its fast autofocus, 4K video recording, and weather sealing, the Canon 90D is an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality camera that can deliver excellent results.
| Camera Model | Type | Image Sensor | Autofocus | Video Recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 90D | DSLR | 32.5-megapixel APS-C | Fast and accurate autofocus | 4K at 30p |
| Canon EOS R | Mirrorless | 30.4-megapixel full-frame | Fast and accurate autofocus | 4K at 30p |
Note: The table above compares the Canon 90D with the Canon EOS R, a mirrorless camera.
Is the Canon 90D a mirrorless camera?
The Canon 90D is not a mirrorless camera. It is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which means it uses a mirror and prism system to view the scene through the lens. This is in contrast to mirrorless cameras, which do not have a mirror and instead use an electronic viewfinder or LCD screen to preview the image.
The Canon 90D’s DSLR design allows for an optical viewfinder, which many photographers prefer for its accuracy and lack of lag. However, it also means that the camera is slightly larger and heavier than many mirrorless cameras on the market.
What are the key features of the Canon 90D?
The Canon 90D is a high-end APS-C DSLR camera that features a 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. It also has a 45-point all-cross-type AF system, 4K video recording, and a maximum burst mode of 11 frames per second.
In addition to its impressive specs, the Canon 90D also has a number of features that make it well-suited for wildlife and sports photography, including a fast and accurate autofocus system and a robust weather-sealing system. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to transfer images to a smartphone or computer.
How does the Canon 90D compare to other DSLR cameras?
The Canon 90D is a high-end APS-C DSLR camera that competes with other cameras in its class, such as the Nikon D500 and the Pentax K-3 Mark III. Compared to these cameras, the Canon 90D has a number of advantages, including a higher-resolution sensor and faster burst mode.
However, the Canon 90D also has some disadvantages, such as a lower maximum ISO range and a smaller buffer size. Ultimately, the choice between the Canon 90D and other DSLR cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
Is the Canon 90D suitable for professional photographers?
The Canon 90D is a high-end DSLR camera that is suitable for professional photographers who need a reliable and feature-rich camera for their work. Its 32.5-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus system, and robust weather-sealing system make it well-suited for a variety of applications, including wildlife, sports, and portrait photography.
However, professional photographers who need a full-frame sensor or more advanced features may want to consider other options, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D850. Ultimately, the suitability of the Canon 90D for professional photographers will depend on their specific needs and preferences.
Can the Canon 90D shoot 4K video?
Yes, the Canon 90D can shoot 4K video at 30p, as well as 1080p video at 120p. It also has a number of features that make it well-suited for video production, including a vari-angle touchscreen LCD and a microphone input.
However, the Canon 90D’s 4K video capabilities are not without limitations. For example, the camera can only shoot 4K video in a cropped mode, which may limit its usefulness for certain applications. Additionally, the camera’s autofocus system can be slow and inaccurate in certain situations, which may make it difficult to track moving subjects.
Is the Canon 90D compatible with all Canon lenses?
The Canon 90D is compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, which means that photographers who already own a collection of Canon lenses can use them with the camera. However, the camera is not compatible with Canon’s newer RF lenses, which are designed for use with the company’s mirrorless cameras.
Photographers who want to use RF lenses with the Canon 90D will need to use an adapter, which can add bulk and weight to the camera. However, the camera’s compatibility with EF and EF-S lenses makes it a great option for photographers who already own a collection of Canon lenses.
Is the Canon 90D a good camera for beginners?
The Canon 90D is a high-end DSLR camera that may not be the best option for beginners. While it has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a vari-angle touchscreen LCD and a guided user interface, it is also a complex camera that requires a good understanding of photography basics.
Beginners may find the Canon 90D’s menu system and controls overwhelming, and may prefer a more entry-level camera that is easier to use. However, photographers who are willing to learn and invest time in understanding the camera’s features and capabilities may find the Canon 90D to be a great option.