spiegelloze

Spiegelloze refers to a class of cameras designed without a reflex mirror, in contrast to traditional single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. In spiegelloze models, the image is captured by a digital sensor and framed or composed via an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen. The lack of a mirror allows a shorter flange focal distance and typically a more compact, lighter camera body with a different lens ecosystem.

The development of spiegelloze cameras began in the late 2000s, with early systems such as Micro Four Thirds from Olympus and Panasonic and Sony’s NEX line popularizing the concept. These designs emphasized reduced size and weight, faster lens development, and the use of electronic viewfinding rather than an optical one. Over time, major brands expanded into larger formats, culminating in full-frame mirrorless systems from companies like Canon, Nikon, and Sony, and a diverse range of mirrorless lenses from all manufacturers. The market shift toward spiegelloze bodies has been profound, leading many former DSLR lines to be discontinued or reoriented toward mirrorless platforms.

Technical characteristics of spiegelloze cameras include the use of an electronic viewfinder or live LCD for composing and reviewing images, interchangeable lenses with various mounts, and sensor-based autofocus methods that often rely on on-sensor phase-detect or contrast-detect systems. The short flange distance enables compact lens designs and easier adaptation of legacy optics with appropriate adapters. Battery life, while improved over time, has historically been a consideration, and some photographers cited EVF lag or dynamic range as factors in choosing between mirrorless and DSLR systems.

In contemporary photography, spiegelloze have become the dominant system for both enthusiasts and professionals, valued for portability, advancing autofocus performance, and continuous innovations in image quality and video capability.