Mirrorless, electronic and mechanical shutters

[DanSeaman]

Just getting around to getting my first Mirrorless camera (R6 II)

There are so many different pros and cons by the looks of it between the Electronic shutter (ES) Electric first curtain (EFC) and Mechanical shutter (MS)

Am I right in saying for fast jets/birds/landscapes to use the ES? And the MS for props/sports?

Just pondering others experience in using these.

[EGDR]

The mechanical shutter allows the camera to capture 14 bit RAW files, while electronic only allows 12 bit. So for landscapes I'd absolutely keep it on mechanical shutter. As for jets and birds, I'd still use mechanical as much as possible. The newer cameras are really good in terms of avoiding rolling shutter, but you can still get hit with it while photographing anything that moves. That being said, if you're trying to get that perfect bird in flight shot, or a crossover pass at an airshow, the electronic shutter will likely suffice.

[DanSeaman]

Ok so only use the electronic shutter for when you need the high fps thanks EGDR

[TomG]

My experience so far - I'm pretty new to mirrorless equipment having recently purchased a R5 using the 100-500 lens. Spent a lot of time chatting to friends with similar equipment to take advantage of their experiences and to try different modes to see what worked (or didn't) for me. With regards to shutter modes I've taken to using EFCS as my default and having used the camera now for helicopters, props, fast jets, displays and also for wildlife. I see no apparent 'rolling shutter' effects and see no reason for me to change to any of the other modes, very happy with the camera and lens.

Good luck with the new camera, look forward to seeing some of your results.

[SW Sky Blue]

My experience so far - I'm pretty new to mirrorless equipment having recently purchased a R5 using the 100-500 lens. Spent a lot of time chatting to friends with similar equipment to take advantage of their experiences and to try different modes to see what worked (or didn't) for me. With regards to shutter modes I've taken to using EFCS as my default and having used the camera now for helicopters, props, fast jets, displays and also for wildlife. I see no apparent 'rolling shutter' effects and see no reason for me to change to any of the other modes, very happy with the camera and lens.

Good luck with the new camera, look forward to seeing some of your results.

Agreed.....EFC al the way for me too

[SW Sky Blue]

My experience so far - I'm pretty new to mirrorless equipment having recently purchased a R5 using the 100-500 lens. Spent a lot of time chatting to friends with similar equipment to take advantage of their experiences and to try different modes to see what worked (or didn't) for me. With regards to shutter modes I've taken to using EFCS as my default and having used the camera now for helicopters, props, fast jets, displays and also for wildlife. I see no apparent 'rolling shutter' effects and see no reason for me to change to any of the other modes, very happy with the camera and lens.

Good luck with the new camera, look forward to seeing some of your results.

Agreed.....EFC al the way for me too

[EGDR]

Main thing to look out for with EFCS is if you're shooting at a wide aperture, the way the shutter curtain operates can sometimes make the out of focus areas, or bokeh, look a bit strange. This is because the electronic curtain and the mechanical curtain aren't exactly aligned. Mostly becomes apparent at very fast shutter speeds.

[DanSeaman]

Thank you guys! Having only just had a quick play with it I think the main thing to be getting used to is actually the EVF! Those high frame rates are overkill aren’t they

[DanSeaman]

So after so experimenting the the ES works well however trying to pan with a moving subject using the MS is nearly impossible because there is so much lag in the viewfinder. Is there a setting to minimise this that anyone has found?

[TomG]

So after so experimenting the the ES works well however trying to pan with a moving subject using the MS is nearly impossible because there is so much lag in the viewfinder. Is there a setting to minimise this that anyone has found?

As per my post above re: EFC.

[DanSeaman]

Will that not introduce rolling shutter on props? I’m sorry for probably daft questions but with this issue on these new mirrorless cameras is it now in practical to use a mechanical shutter on fast moving subjects like we have for years on DSLRs, because the EVF can’t keep up?

[TomG]

Will that not introduce rolling shutter on props? I’m sorry for probably daft questions but with this issue on these new mirrorless cameras is it now in practical to use a mechanical shutter on fast moving subjects like we have for years on DSLRs, because the EVF can’t keep up?

No apology needed, valid questions. Have a see for yourself; all three with the camera set for EFC; I'm more than happy with the results.

Shutter Priority (Tv) 1/100th sec.

741 C-130H Hellenic AF/356 MTM 'Iraklis' (Hercules) by Tom Gibbons, on Flickr

Shutter Priority (Tv) 1/60th sec.

ES915 CH-47SD Hellenic Army/4 TEAS by Tom Gibbons, on Flickr

Shutter Priority (Tv) 1/100th sec.

84-00170 C-12U-3 Huron US Army by Tom Gibbons, on Flickr

Cheers, Tom

[DanSeaman]

Thanks Tom, I’ll take a trip upto LHR tomorrow for more of a play around, great shots there!

[DeavesPhotography]

Thanks Tom, I’ll take a trip upto LHR tomorrow for more of a play around, great shots there!

Keen to hear how you got on! I'm just starting to use my R6 mkII in anger too.

[DanSeaman]

EFCS definitely better than the MS but it was on the slower Civil stuff, I’m glad I’ve still got the old DSLR because that’s what i still Lean towards. It’s going to take a long time for me personally to get accustomed to this EVF! Be interested to hear about how you find it Deaves!

[DeavesPhotography]

EFCS definitely better than the MS but it was on the slower Civil stuff, I’m glad I’ve still got the old DSLR because that’s what i still Lean towards. It’s going to take a long time for me personally to get accustomed to this EVF! Be interested to hear about how you find it Deaves!

I love mine so far. A little bit of rolling shutter for panning shots but the ES will come into its own with airshow season. Fully transitioned to it as my main camera now and will keep my old one as backup or lens changing.