What is a system camera?

A system camera is a camera with interchangeable lenses. It is often also referred to as a mirrorless camera.

It owes its name to the fact, that it does not use a mirror to reflect light through a prism to an optical viewfinder, as is the case with DSLR cameras. In a system camera, light hits the camera sensor directly, and the image to be photographed can be viewed on the LCD screen or through a digital viewfinder. This means that the image you see on the back of the LCD screen or in the electronic viewfinder is an interpretation of what the lens sees. This is a fundamental difference from DSLR cameras, where you look "through the lens" via a mirror system.

Since a system camera does not take up space with a mirror system and prism, system cameras are often more compact and significantly lighter than DSLR cameras.

There are different types of system cameras. Some are focused on video, others on photography, and some combine both. Additionally, system cameras come with various sensor sizes; generally, the larger the sensor, the better the quality.

What to Consider When Buying a System Camera

1. Megapixels
   Megapixels are often the first thing consumers look at and what manufacturers proudly advertise. However, more megapixels do not automatically mean better image quality. The number of megapixels is especially important for printing photos sharply. To give you an idea, about 8 megapixels are needed to print a photo sharply in A3 size. Additionally, it’s often the case that fewer megapixels perform better in low-light conditions. More megapixels can be an advantage when cropping images.
2. Sensor Size
   The sensor is the foundation of every digital camera. The sensor essentially determines the quality of your photos. The general rule here is: the larger the sensor, the better the photo. Therefore, pay attention to the size of the sensor in the specifications and compare it with the sensors of other cameras.
3. Image Stabilization
   Since the camera will be significantly lighter than an average DSLR, it may also be less steady in hand. Particularly at higher shutter speeds, this can lead to blurry photos. Different manufacturers use various techniques for optimal image stabilization. Terms you will often encounter include optical stabilization (stabilization using gyroscopes in the body or lens), sensor stabilization (gyroscopes in the body that move the sensor to correct movement), and digital stabilization (optimizing the image by adjusting the photo settings). The most important stabilization today is 5-axis stabilization, which allows for handheld shooting even in low-light conditions, making a tripod almost unnecessary.
4. Autofocus
   The speed of autofocus is particularly important. While the number of autofocus points matters, it is of little use if the speed is not good enough. You can test the autofocus speed by half-pressing the shutter button. Once you start shooting, it can be quite annoying if the autofocus takes too long, causing you to miss the perfect moment. In most system cameras, autofocus is even faster than in DSLRs, although this difference is negligible in the more expensive models.
5. Video
   In addition to photos, you can also use the system camera to shoot videos, so pay attention to the video quality that the camera offers. Most system cameras can now record videos in Full HD or even 4K quality, and with the variety of lenses, you can apply different video effects. Keep in mind that video requires a lot of storage capacity.
   As already mentioned, finding the camera that best fits your needs can be quite a search. This largely depends on your requirements, preferences, and photography level. Additionally, you should consider the different types of situations in which the camera will be used.