Mirrorless, Modular, or Invisible: The Evolution of Future Cameras

We often forget just how quickly things changed in the world of photography. Only twenty years ago, if you wanted to take good quality photographs, you needed to cart around a big, expensive DSLR camera, a bunch of lenses, and you had to worry about buying and developing bags of film. If you wanted to take a snapshot of your friends, you would need to take out a few minutes to pull out the whole camera setup and take the picture. Luckily, things are much better now. Almost everyone has a phone these days, and the phones all have really good quality cameras built in. And the good news is, the evolution is definitely not over!

With AI and computer-based photography taking over, the actual shape and design of the modern camera is changing and will not be as rigid as what we have seen in the past. The evolution of devices to take photos will not just be based on how to take better and more quality photos. This is part of the jigsaw, but the primary focus will be on how to change the whole idea and perception of the photographer, the device being used, and the photography subject.

The Reign of Mirrorless: Shrinking the Pro Tool

For a long time, the king of professional photography has been the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera. The mirror mechanism uses a mirror that reflects light up into an optical viewfinder and slaps up and down with every shutter press. It is a satisfying mechanism, but it is also bulky, loud, and mechanically complex.

Over the years, the shift to mirrorless photography has been the most prominent in the professional market. Without the mirror box and optical viewfinder, developers (Sony, Canon, Nikon) have been able to build smaller, lighter, and faster bodies. Without size and weight, the advantages of mirrorless cameras are limitless.

The Electronic Advantage

The last significant advantage is electronic viewfinders (EVF), which allow the photographer to see everything the camera and sensor know before they take the shot (in real time). Everything shown in the EVF is affected by the camera settings, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and active filters. No mechanical mirror means the camera is capable of near-silent shooting and a very high frame rate. No other type of camera is more ideal for wildlife and sports photography.

Computational Integration

Mirrorless systems have a remarkable advantage when integrated into the engineering of computational photography. As the exposed sensors and embedded processors constantly study the environment, the cameras have the potential to know the environment. This results in the ability of the cameras to develop advanced auto focus systems to an almost scary degree of tracking, and the cameras are able to make computational adjustments in real time, unlike DSLRs.

Modular Cameras: The Ultimate Customization

While mirrorless cameras fine-tune the traditional shape of a camera, modular systems dismantle it. The concept is relatively simple and powerful. Instead of buying a device that has a static set of features, why not own a core system that has a set of features that can be upgraded over time?

Breaking Down the Box

In a modular system, there are separate units for sensors, processors, lens mounts, and even screens. For example, if you want a screen that can do real-time processing or has a high resolution for video, you change the brain. This concept is becoming very popular in high-end cinema camera systems, offering massive flexibility.

Sustainability and Longevity

Photographers typically have to throw away an entire camera if the autofocus malfunctions, which is why modular systems can alleviate the problem of electronic waste. Modular systems allow the photographer to extend the life of their camera by adding new and upgraded modules. Users can even customize their setups to their individual shoots by removing parts and adding modules for more functionality. They can swap modules for specific needs, such as a more lightweight camera for a drone flight or adding grips and monitors for a studio shoot.

The Rise of the "Invisible" Camera

The most significant change in the camera industry is the fact that cameras no longer have to look like cameras. Advances in technology have enabled the miniaturization of sensors and enhanced the processing power, meaning cameras can be installed in ordinary objects and are therefore disguised.

Wearable Tech and Smart Glasses

The social backlash against Google Glass and Snap Spectacles resulted in a temporary slowdown for the technology, although it has continued to develop. Smart glasses will be able to capture and record everything the wearer sees, eliminating the need for an explicit camera button. Smart glasses of the near future will utilize AI to determine the best time to capture images. They will rely mainly on voice control, removing the need for an explicit button to handle the experience or the interaction.

The AI Factor

The AI-driven device referred to as an "invisible" camera does not depend on optics but on algorithms. This is where computational photography actually takes over. A tiny lens on a pair of glasses cannot gather as much light as a huge professional lens. AI can, however, reconstruct details, reduce noise, and the gap is being closed by the ability to simulate depth of field more convincingly, year after year. In the future, the light-gathering hardware will become unimportant, and the software will be the key.

Is the Traditional Camera Dead?

With all these advancements, it is natural to wonder if the dedicated handheld camera is doomed. The answer is likely no, but its role will change.

For the average consumer, the "camera" will be a function of other devices—phones, glasses, or even clothes. The convenience of an invisible camera that is always with you is very beneficial. On the other hand, for the artists and professionals, the tactile experience of a dedicated tool—mirrorless or modular— will continue to be important. When you have a camera in hand, and you look through a viewfinder, you have to compose the shot, and that deliberate action and creative process is something that you cannot wear as tech.

Taking Pictures Using Our New Technology

Our journey with cameras will not be linear. New tech will continue to refine cameras in a way that removes all mechanical parts. New modular systems will allow customers to create a camera they want instead of buying a pre-built camera. Soon, cameras will be so embedded in our lives that we won't think twice about using them to capture moments in our lives with fashion tech.

Selfie sticks will not be a thing of the past. Soon, we will experience cameras in a whole new way.