Sony A7s III and Sony A7s II mirrorless cameras.
Mirrorless Camera Lens Mount Systems
Sony E-mount:
The Sony E-mount is a lens mount designed by Sony for their line of mirrorless cameras and camcorders. The E-mount system was introduced in 2010 and has since become a major player in the mirrorless camera market.
The E-mount is characterized by its short flange focal distance—the distance between the lens mount and the camera’s image sensor—which measures 18mm. This short flange distance, combined with the absence of a mirror box, allows for more compact camera and lens designs, as well as the potential for improved optical performance. The E-mount system supports both full-frame and APS-C sensor formats.
The Sony E-mount began with the launch of the Sony NEX series of mirrorless cameras in 2010. The first cameras in this series were the NEX-3 and NEX-5, both featuring APS-C sensors. These cameras were designed to offer a more compact and lightweight alternative to DSLRs while still delivering high-quality images and advanced features. With the introduction of the NEX series, Sony also launched a range of E-mount lenses.
In 2013, Sony expanded the E-mount system to include full-frame sensors with the introduction of the Sony α7 and α7R cameras. These cameras marked a significant milestone, as they were among the first full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market, offering a more compact option for photographers seeking the image quality and performance benefits of a full-frame sensor.
Canon RF-mount:
Introduced in 2018, the Canon RF mount was developed by Canon for its full-frame mirrorless camera system.
The RF mount is characterized by its large diameter of 54mm and short flange focal distance of 20mm, which is the distance between the lens mount and the camera’s image sensor. This design allows for more efficient light transmission and enables the development of lenses with larger apertures, as well as compact and lightweight lenses. The RF mount is also equipped with a 12-pin electronic contact system that facilitates faster communication between the camera and lens, resulting in improved autofocus, image stabilization, and overall performance.
The Canon RF mount began with the launch of the Canon EOS R, the company’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, in 2018. This release marked a significant shift for Canon, as it transitioned from its long-standing EF mount used on DSLR cameras to the new RF mount tailored specifically for mirrorless systems. Along with the EOS R, Canon introduced four native RF lenses, including the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM, RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM.
Nikon Z-mount:
Introduced in 2018, the Z mount was designed specifically for mirrorless cameras and marked a significant shift in Nikon’s approach to lens mounts as it transitioned from the F-mount used on its DSLR cameras.
The Z mount is characterized by its large diameter of 55mm and short flange focal distance of 16mm, which is the distance between the lens mount and the camera’s image sensor. This design allows for efficient light transmission and enables the development of lenses with larger apertures, as well as compact and lightweight lenses. The Z mount also incorporates an 11-pin electronic contact system that facilitates faster communication between the camera and lens, resulting in improved autofocus, image stabilization, and overall performance.
The Nikon Z mount began with the launch of the Nikon Z7 and Z6, the company’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras, in August, 2018. This release marked a major transition for Nikon, as it moved away from the long-standing F-mount used on its DSLR cameras to the new Z mount tailored specifically for mirrorless systems. Alongside the Z7 and Z6, Nikon introduced three native Z lenses: the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S.
Micro Four Thirds system:
The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount system is an open standard for mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital cameras and camcorders, designed and developed by Olympus and Panasonic. Introduced in 2008, the MFT system was created to combine the benefits of compact mirrorless cameras with the versatility of interchangeable lenses, offering photographers and filmmakers a lightweight and portable alternative to traditional DSLR systems.
The MFT system is defined by its unique sensor size, which measures 17.3mm x 13mm, and is approximately half the size of a 35mm full-frame sensor. This smaller sensor size enables the development of compact cameras and lenses without compromising on image quality. The MFT system also features a shorter flange focal distance (19.25mm) compared to DSLR cameras, which allows for thinner camera bodies and more streamlined lens designs.
The MFT system was announced in August 2008 as an extension of the original Four Thirds system, which was introduced in 2002 by Olympus and Kodak. While the Four Thirds system was designed for DSLR cameras, the MFT system was specifically developed for mirrorless cameras, addressing the demand for more compact and lightweight photographic equipment. The first MFT camera, the Panasonic Lumix G1, was released in October 2008, followed by the Olympus PEN E-P1 in June 2009.
Since its introduction, the MFT system has expanded to include numerous camera models and lenses from various manufacturers, including Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, and Samyang. MFT cameras cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, offering features such as advanced autofocus systems, high-speed continuous shooting, and 4K video recording capabilities. The MFT lens lineup includes a diverse range of prime and zoom lenses, as well as specialized optics, such as macro and ultra-wide-angle lenses, designed to cover various photographic applications.
In addition to its use in still photography, the MFT system has found a strong foothold in the world of video production. Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH series have been popular among filmmakers due to their high-quality video recording capabilities, compact form factor, and compatibility with a wide range of MFT lenses. Furthermore, the MFT mount has also been adopted by several professional video camera manufacturers, including Blackmagic Design and JVC.
The L-mount:
Developed by Leica Camera AG, the L-mount is an open standard that was later adopted by Panasonic and Sigma as part of the L-Mount Alliance.
The L-mount system is characterized by its full-frame sensor format (36mm x 24mm) and a flange focal distance of 20mm, which allows for the design of compact and high-performance lenses. With a large inner diameter of 51.6mm, the L-mount enables the creation of lenses with fast apertures and exceptional image quality. The L-mount system was designed to accommodate both full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras.
In 2014 Leica introduced the Leica T (Typ 701), an APS-C mirrorless camera that employed the L-mount for the first time. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the L-mount gained wider adoption with the formation of the L-Mount Alliance, a collaboration between Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. The partnership aimed to create a unified, full-frame mirrorless camera system with lenses and accessories that could be used interchangeably among the three companies’ products.
As a member of the L-Mount Alliance, Panasonic announced its first L-mount cameras, the Lumix S1 and S1R, in September 2018. Both cameras featured full-frame sensors, advanced autofocus systems, and robust video capabilities, catering to professional photographers and filmmakers. The S1, with its 24.2-megapixel sensor, targeted hybrid stills and video shooters, while the S1R, with its high-resolution 47.3-megapixel sensor, was designed for photographers who required exceptional detail and image quality.
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