WordofMany

Mirrorless

7 hidden features of mirrorless cameras you need to know

By Anya Petrova

Published: 02 Mar 2025

My First Camera and the 'Aha!' Moment

Let me paint you a picture. It's 2010, I'm 17, and totally obsessed with capturing those perfect Instagram-worthy shots of my dog, Barnaby (a fluffy Samoyed who thinks he's a lion). My trusty point-and-shoot? Totally inadequate. The photos were blurry, the colors muted...it was like trying to paint a masterpiece with a splotchy sponge. That's when my Uncle Dimitri, a semi-professional photographer, gifted me my first mirrorless camera. It was a revelation! The image quality was stunning, the controls intuitive – even for a photography noob like me. That's where my journey began; it's also why I'm so keen to share these hidden gems with you!

Teenage girl with a mirrorless camera and her dog | Image: Supplied

1. Focus Peaking: Your New Best Friend for Sharp Shots

Ever struggled to get that perfectly crisp focus? This feature's a lifesaver! Focus peaking highlights the in-focus areas of your image with a color overlay (usually yellow, but check your camera's settings). It's amazing for manual focus, especially when shooting macro or portraits where pin-sharpness is key. Seriously, I've nailed countless shots thanks to focus peaking -- shots I'd have otherwise completely missed. Give it a go; you won't regret it!

Close-up image showing focus peaking on a mirrorless camera | Image: Supplied

2. Zebra Stripes: Exposing the Secrets of Your Highlights

Overexposed photos? I've been there. What are zebra stripes? They're those annoying (but helpful) blinking lines that appear on your LCD screen when a part of your image is overexposed. Think of them as tiny warning signals – they show you where you're losing detail in the bright areas. It’s a godsend for getting perfect exposure, especially when shooting in harsh sunlight or bright scenes. Master this, and your photos will look incredible!

Mirrorless camera screen with zebra stripes visible | Image: Supplied

3. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Shoot Like a Pro (Even in Bright Sun)

One of the things I love most about mirrorless cameras is the electronic viewfinder (EVF). It's like having a super-accurate preview of your shot before you even press the shutter button. You can see the exact exposure, white balance, and even the effects of your settings in real-time. Plus, it works brilliantly even in direct sunlight, unlike optical viewfinders, which can be really hard to see in bright conditions. This is something I really appreciate!

Close up of a person using the electronic viewfinder on a mirrorless camera | Image: Supplied

4. Intervalometer: Time-Lapse Magic at Your Fingertips

Okay, confess – don't you dream of making those beautiful time-lapse videos? With an intervalometer (either built into your camera or as a separate accessory) you can set your camera to take photos at regular intervals. You can create time lapses of moving clouds, blooming flowers, or even the bustling city life. It adds a level of creativity that I just adore and is surprisingly simple to use. So why not try it out?

Time-lapse video showing clouds moving across the sky | Image: Supplied

5. Picture Profiles: Customize Your Image Look (No Editing Necessary?)

Think of picture profiles as pre-set filters, but much more powerful. They allow you to tweak your camera’s color, contrast, and sharpness settings to create a specific look for your photos. I personally use a vibrant profile for landscapes and a more muted one for portraits – it's like having a custom filter that perfectly matches your creative vision. No more annoying filters that alter your photo!

A split-screen showing the same image with different picture profiles applied | Image: Supplied

6. Wi-Fi and Remote Shooting: Control Your Camera From Anywhere!

This is awesome! Connect your mirrorless camera to your smartphone using Wi-Fi. You can remotely control the camera, view your photos, and even share them directly to social media. This is a perfect solution for group photos or shots where you need to be in the picture yourself. I know its pretty useful!

Smartphone app showing remote camera control | Image: Supplied

7. Customizable Function Buttons: Make Your Workflow a Breeze

Mirrorless cameras let you assign frequently used functions (like ISO, aperture, or white balance) to customizable buttons. This means you can access important features quickly, without hunting through menus. I have my focus peaking toggled to one button, allowing for super fast adjustments. This is a huge time-saver for action shots or when you need to react quickly to changing light conditions!