{"id":5982,"date":"2015-12-19T17:07:37","date_gmt":"2015-12-19T22:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/?p=5982"},"modified":"2024-09-05T17:02:35","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T22:02:35","slug":"mirrorless-year-in-review-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/mirrorless-year-in-review-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Mirrorless Year in Review 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Another year is drawing to a close, and 2015 saw the further rise of mirrorless, thanks largely to the success of the Sony full-frame E-mount system, though the other mirrorless makers continued to improve their systems and flesh out lens and camera lineups, with Micro 4\/3 and Fuji X both rounding into nearly complete camera systems.. While the worldwide market for camera equipment is still in decline, DSLR sales continue to slump while mirrorless is on the rise.  The continued innovation by the four major mirrorless makers (as well as by Samsung, who unfortunately may be exiting the industry) has been a bright spot in the industry. This is only one data point, but I spoke with someone who works at a major camera retailer just yesterday who told me that Sony was kicking Canon and NIkon to the curb in terms of their sales this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As to this site, it’s been another successful year, and I have all of you readers to thank for that.  Readership grew by around 30% over an excellent 2014, increasing from 1.8 million views to over 2.3 million views. I completed 25 camera and lens reviews while providing coverage for PhotoPlus Expo 2015 in New York and writing an additional 35 articles. Thanks to everyone who has visited for your support.  Without you, this site wouldn’t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirrorless Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Links on a lens or camera name will bring you to the Admiring Light Review for that item.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Micro 4\/3<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s an interesting time for the mirrorless systems, as there’s quite a bit of variation on the maturity of each system.  Micro 4\/3 is very nearly fully mature, with dozens of lenses from the cheap kit zooms to truly professional grade optics. The Panasonic GX8, which I hope to review shortly, finally ushered in a new sensor design, with a new 20 megapixel shooter in its full-featured body.  Olympus refined several cameras this year, with releases of the Mark II versions of the venerable E-M5 and E-M10.  Both the E-M5 Mark II <\/a>and E-M10 Mark II<\/a> are extremely mature and complete cameras and I’d expect a Mark II version of the E-M1 to follow sometime in 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Olympus released two new lenses in their new PRO lineup: the 7-14mm f\/2.8 <\/a>and the 8mm f\/1.8. The Olympus 300mm f\/4 PRO that was announced at Photokina last year has still not seen the light of day though rumors are that we may see it very soon.  Panasonic released two f\/1.7 prime lenses, the 42.5mm f\/1.7 and 25mm f\/1.7, and the new Leica branded 100-400mm should be coming shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuji<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fuji only released two new cameras in 2015.  The first was a minor update to the low-end X-A series, with the X-A2.  The second was the outstanding mid-range X-T10<\/a>, a camera that has the majority of the features of the flagship X-T1 at a much more modest price.  The X-T1<\/a> wasn’t stagnant, however.  Fuji released one big firmware update at the end of 2014 and another huge one this summer, adding a plethora of new features and essentially giving X-T1 owners a free camera upgrade. When taken together, the improvements are significant enough that most manufacturers would view the X-T1 with firmware 4.2 to be a new model when compared with the X-T1 under firmware version 1.0.  All told, Fuji added full electronic shutter capabilities, a completely overhauled and improved autofocus system, AF+MF capabilities, a large increase in customizing options, improvements to Auto ISO, a new film simulation and much more.  The long-awaited X-Pro 2 with a new sensor was a no-show, but rumors are fairly confident that we’ll finally see that camera materialize on January 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The 16mm f\/1.4 with its included hood<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the lens side, Fuji focused squarely on the high-end, releasing several new outstanding lenses, from the excellent 16-55mm f\/2.8 <\/a>to the truly exceptional 16mm f\/1.4 <\/a>and 90mm f\/2<\/a>, to the compact but outstanding 35mm f\/2<\/a>.  All these Fuji lenses are weather resistant as well. The only major holes remaining in the Fuji lineup are top-tier long glass and a 1:1 macro lens.  Both of those should be coming in 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sony<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s no secret that Sony has been the 800 pound gorilla in the mirrorless space in 2015.  There was an explosion of innovation and new products for the E-Mount this year.  While Sony has all but forgotten the APS-C market, the array of full-frame options has been staggering.  Sony released the FE 28mm f\/2<\/a>, the 90mm f\/2.8 Macro<\/a>, the 24-240mm super zoom, the 35mm f\/1.4 <\/a>and two conversion lenses<\/a>, while Zeiss added the 85mm f\/1.8<\/a> and 25mm f\/2 <\/a>Batis and the new 21mm Loxia.  That’s 9 new native lenses in just one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the camera side, all three A7 series cameras have been updated to new Mark II versions with in-body stabilization and a new body design. While the A7 II<\/a> was released at the end of 2014, Sony made waves with the release of the A7R II<\/a> this summer, packing a new 42 megapixel sensor, on-camera 4K video recording and a stunning array of features.  The A7S II joined the Mark II lineup a short while later. These cameras took the successful designs of the earlier cameras and truly refined them to create outstanding camera bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Zeiss<\/a>
Zeiss FE 35mm f\/1.4 Distagon on the Sony A7 II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the Sony system has always been good for adapting lenses<\/a> of other manufacturers’ lenses, the A7R II and later the A7 II (via firmware update) made using autofocus adapted lenses truly viable for everyday use by enabling phase-detect autofocus with a wide range of lenses.  Using something like the Metabones EF to E adapter, a large portion of the Canon EF lineup can be used with excellent autofocus speed and accuracy<\/a>. While not every EF mount lens will work well, in my experience it works well with the vast majority of them, opening a wide new world of lens options for Sony shooters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I expect the Sony system to continue to mature and grow in the coming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leica and Samsung<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The tale of two manufacturers with these two.  Leica has been around for ages, but threw their hat in the mirrorless ring with the second full-frame mirrorless system: the Leica SL.  While very expensive and quite large, the Leica SL and the three announced lenses have very high quality and impeccable imaging prowess.  I got a chance to play with the SL and two of the lenses at Photo Plus Expo this year.  Check out my report <\/a>for details and full size image samples.  It remains to be seen how well Leica will fare in the mirrorless industry, as the camera and standard zoom together cost as much as a small car: but the image quality looked darn good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Leica<\/a>
Leica SL with 24-90mm f\/4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Samsung, on the other hand, appears to be closing up shop.  After releasing the rather incredible NX1<\/a> at the end of 2014, Samsung followed it up with a mini-version in the NX500.  Apparently neither caught on, as Samsung is pulling out of markets across Europe and will likely start shuttering their camera division entirely in the coming year.  It’s really a shame.  The NX1 was an amazing camera with a lot of promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue: Admiring Light’s Camera and Lens of the Year<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Camera of the Year – Sony A7R II<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This will come as a surprise to almost no one, as almost all media outlets have similarly crowned the A7R II, but it’s for very good reason: the A7R II is simply a stellar camera. The A7R II packs a 42 megapixel backside illuminated sensor into its modestly sized body, producing images with incredible detail, outstanding dynamic range and phenomenal high ISO performance.  Then there’s the excellent in-body image stabilization, 399 phase detect autofocus points that can natively focus adapted lenses from other major manufacturers, built-in 4K video recording and a giant and clear viewfinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Sony A7R II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While not everyone will need the super-high megapixel count of the A7R II, the camera sets a new benchmark for overall image quality. DxO puts the sensor quality at the very top of its rankings for digital sensors.  The array of features and usability improvements as well as robust construction (with a shutter rated for a half million actuations) make this the best camera of the year.  The real question is: how is Sony going to top it?  Check out my full review of the Sony A7R II here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honorable Mention – Olympus E-M5 Mark II<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It was a close choice for this slot between the E-M5 Mark II and the Fuji X-T10, but I’ll give the edge to the E-M5 II.  This revision to the original OM-D is built like a tank, with a super-solid construction with weather sealing and excellent tactile feedback on the chunky dials and firm buttons. Image quality is excellent and the unique high-resolution mode utilizes the refined in-body stabilizer to actually shift the sensor to create a true 64 megapixel RAW file.  While this feature requires absolute stability and a stationary subject, when you do your job right, it churns out amazing ultra-high resolution images.  The rest of the camera is typical OM-D, which is outstanding.  It’s feature packed and allows for endless customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Olympus<\/a>
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with Olympus 12-40mm f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The E-M5 Mark II can’t shoot 4K video like the high-end Panasonic bodies, and it lacks the PDAF capabilities of the E-M1, but for general stills shooting, it’s the best Micro 4\/3 camera around. Check out my full review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lens of the Year: Fujifilm Fujinon XF 90mm f\/2 R WR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I’ve reviewed a lot of lenses this year, and a great many of them have been excellent, but the Fuji 90mm f\/2 stands above the rest as the best lens of the year. Reviewing the 90mm f\/2 was difficult not because it was hard to shoot with but because it was hard to find any flaws with the lens.  It focuses quickly, is built beautifully, is pin sharp right from f\/2 across the frame, has utterly phenomenal bokeh, no chromatic aberration, minimal vignetting, outstanding color and contrast and no distortion.  It’s a truly phenomenal optic. The only thing that could be improved is the addition of a stabilizer. If you’re a Fuji shooter who likes this focal length, there is no choice to be made: get this lens. I’ve got plenty of image samples in my full review of the Fuji 90mm f\/2 here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The XF 90mm f\/2 on the Fuji X-T1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Honorable Mention: Zeiss Batis 85mm f\/1.8 Sonnar T*<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There were several worthy lenses released this year, but I feel the Zeiss Batis 85mm f\/1.8 deserves special mention.  The Sony FE lens lineup desperately needed a fast portrait prime, and Zeiss delivered a winner.  The Batis 85mm is extremely sharp right from f\/1.8, has that gorgeous Zeiss color and contrast, good (though not excellent) bokeh and a solid build with a unique digital focus scale that makes hyperfocal distance focusing extremely simple. It’s also optically stabilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The Zeiss Batis 85mm f\/1.8 Sonnar T*<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Batis 85mm focuses quickly and is lighter than it looks given the fat size of the front barrel.  It’s an expensive lens at $1199, but it’s stellar optical prowess makes for a wonderful addition to the Sony system.  Zeiss has been doing great things with the E-mount with both the Batis and Loxia lines.  Let’s hope it continues for a while! Check out my full review of the Zeiss Batis 85mm f\/1.8 here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So there you have it! Another great year. Before the end of the year, I’ll have my traditional favorite photos of the year post, and a look at the Panasonic 25mm f\/1.7 should be up just after the first of the year.  On my immediate review docket is the Panasonic GX8, the Zeiss Loxia 21mm f\/2.8, (hopefully) the Fuji X-Pro 2 and the Olympus 8mm f\/1.8 fisheye. Thanks for visiting the site and have a wonderful holiday season and happy 2016!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Another year is drawing to a close, and 2015 saw the further rise of mirrorless, thanks largely to the success of the Sony full-frame E-mount system, though the other mirrorless makers continued to improve their systems and flesh out lens and camera lineups, with Micro 4\/3 and Fuji X both rounding into nearly complete camera […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2},"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shop"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/batis_25.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p28RGq-1yu","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5982"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5982\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12694,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5982\/revisions\/12694"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}