Photolution

Since the very beginning of the first single lens reflex camera invention in 1935, the developers have been always experiencing one huge problem - the reflex mirror itself. Let me explain you why is it so.

Here is cross-section view of the single reflex camera:

1. 1. Front-mount lens

   2. Reflex mirror ( at 45-degree angle)

   3. Focal plane shutter

   4. Film or sensor

   5. Focusing screen

   6. Condenser lens

   7. Optical glass pentaprism or pentamirror

   8. Eyepiece

       

As you can see on the cross-section view, to bring the image onto film or sensor, the reflex mirror should be lifted. And there are some difficulties because of this. Reflex mirror lifting device makes the camera more expensive, decreases its security and also brings vibration and defocusing of the camera in the moment of taking a picrure, because of the neccesity to move massive reflex mirror really fast.

As far as I can see, these problems had been solved already long time ago and questions had been answered, just the technological development cannot make them generally available.

However, Sony recently introduced two cameras, that have static semi-transparent reflex mirror and standstill 100% of the time. Which helps to:

- use quick auto focus in LiveView mode and while video shooting

- use object-finder while video shooting

-extra protect the sensor from the dust while changing lenses

-get rid of microvibrations of the moving reflex mirror.

But I think, there are some difficulties because of these as well, for example decreasing of the sensor's photosensibility.

Nevertheless, Sony engineers are sure about the high sensor photosensibility. And this is really good news.

A little digging helped me to find out that this kind of camera had been made actually before Sony, back in 2000 Olympus E-10, without interchangeable lens had been created. However, honestly speaking, I couldn't find any information why this technology didn't get its own niche.

I really want to believe that Sony can make it happen and these kind of cameras will take thier well-deserved niche and may be even replace their forefathers from the market.