The acronym for these cameras might sound odd, but EVIL stands for Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lenses. All of the cameras in this class have a common feature: they are mirrorless with interchangeable lenses. This gives us another common acronym MIL. Unlike a DSLR, these cameras don’t have a mirror-based viewfinder but still incorporate an interchangeable lens mount.

An EVIL camera is considered to be a fairly new category between point and shoot and DSLR camera segments. These cameras have the benefit of a smaller form factor similar to a point and shoot while providing more manual control options and the ability to change lenses, which are two important benefits of DSLR cameras.

An EVIL camera is an excellent option for someone who has graduated past the automated features of a traditional point and shoot but doesn’t want to carry a more substantial DSLR. An EVIL camera allows the user to experience the full range of features found in a DSLR, the creative capabilities of changing lenses, all without the bulkier body of a DSLR.

As the EVIL class of cameras has developed over the last few years we see two subsets emerging aimed at different photographers.

The first subset features cameras built around DSLR-sized (APS-C) imaging sensors. This group of cameras offer smaller and slimmer bodies than DSLR’s with lenses that are compact versions of existing DSLR lenses. The Sony NEX cameras are examples of this EVIL subset.

The alternative subset is made up of EVIL cameras that use smaller imaging sensors than a standard DSLR’s APS-C sized sensor. By using a smaller imaging sensor the manufacturers can then make smaller lenses too. The Nikon1 series falls into place with this EVIL subset.

No matter which sensor size is used, today’s EVIL cameras are quite adept at handling low light conditions and have HD video functions that work well when in automatic focus mode. They have also demonstrated a fairly high resale value so recouping part of the investment if you one day move to a DSLR is another benefit.

For the photographer that loves to shoot sports, EVIL cameras offer some of the fastest sequential shooting rates around. Without the mirror to swing into and out of the image path, speeds of up to ten frames per second are common.

That said, there are also a couple of drawbacks to consider. There are only a few companies currently offering EVIL cameras, so the selection is much smaller than with a traditional DSLR and the same can be said for the range of lenses offered. Another consideration is that accessories such as a flash or viewfinder will come at an additional cost, so it will add up depending on which features you feel you need for proper shooting.

If you’d like to learn more about the latest offerings in EVIL cameras and how they might be the perfect fit for your photography endeavors, please stop by the store, post a question on our Facebook page or give us a call at 800-553-2001. We’d love to show you the latest in this exciting new technology. You just might find that an EVIL camera is a heavenly choice!

By guest blogger Laura Oles

Laura Wooten is an award-winning professional photographer whose career path started as teen when she joined her high school yearbook staff and her father placed a completely manual Nikon FM2n in her hands.  Under his care and guidance, Laura’s talent flourished and she soon found herself completing a photography degree in college and working as a photojournalist for major Texas newspapers and as a freelancer for the Associated Press.

Today, Laura has leveraged her considerable skills and has established a successful portrait studio specializing in wedding, portraiture and on-location photography.  We asked her what she wished she had known when she was in the early stages of launching her portrait studio.

Laura was generous with her advice, happy to help others dreaming of one day becoming members of the profession.   “I wish I had realized early on how important presentation is when working with clients.  I started off with a ‘sell online’ strategy, in part, because it was easy and it made sense with the advent of digital technology.  What I didn’t understand is that putting portraits online meant that the customer now owned the image in her mind.  She was free to share my work–disabling the right-click function doesn’t protect your images–and could show friends and family the final product.   I had invested a substantial amount of time and energy and the customer hadn’t invested a dime.”

Digital photography’s convenience can be a double-edged sword, especially for professionals working hard to be properly compensated for their craft.  For Laura, the solution evolved from a sincere desire to properly showcase her work while providing a heightened quality experience for each client.

Laura explains, “I now offer a special viewing experience for my clients through projection sales, and my in-person sales have tripled since adopting this approach.  My clients now see a movie-like presentation of their images, which are supported by music and special effects.”

How do her clients respond to this method of presentation?  “I’d say ninety-five percent of my clients tear up or cry during the presentation.  I’m able to connect with them emotionally this way, and they are far more satisfied with the overall experience than they were simply by viewing the proofs online.  It also allows me to help counsel them on the best choices for their albums, gifts and for enlargements for hanging in their homes.”

Laura’s desire to provide a stellar customer experience and to separate her offerings from the plethora of ‘shoot and burn’ photographers have catapulted her studio to a new level of success as well as a steady stream of client referrals.

Laura still provides digital images but her strategy is stronger now, in part, because of presentation and timing.  “Once the client has finished ordering, I’ll write a blog entry about their session and include a few images as well as place the same information and images from their portrait session on my Facebook page.  This allows the client to share the images while also helping to drive traffic to my website.  It’s a solution that benefits everyone involved, and the feedback I receive from clients is incredible.”

To learn more about Laura Wooten and her work, visit www.thesmilehouse.com.