The History of Mirrorless Cameras

For sure you will be surprised to know who released what could be considered the first Mirrorless Interchangeble-lens Camera or MILC. 

The first mirrorless camera was the Epson R-D1, introduced in 2004. It was a digital rangefinder camera and is considered the first commercially available mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC). The camera used Leica M-mount lenses and was unique in its design, blending digital technology with a classic rangefinder experience.

Shortly after, in 2008, Panasonic released the Lumix DMC-G1, which was the first digital camera explicitly marketed as a "mirrorless" camera. It used the Micro Four Thirds system, developed in collaboration with Olympus, and marked the beginning of the modern era of mirrorless cameras.

But what about the Big players? 

Sony released its first mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha NEX-3, in May 2010. The NEX-3 was part of the Sony NEX series, which used the Sony E-mount system and APS-C sensors, offering DSLR-quality images in a compact form factor.

Nikon released its first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC), the Nikon 1 J1, in September 2011. This camera was part of the Nikon 1 series, which used the Nikon CX format with a 1-inch sensor. The Nikon 1 J1, along with the Nikon 1 V1 (released at the same time), featured a fast autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting, targeting both beginner and enthusiast photographers.

Canon entered the mirrorless camera market later, with the release of the Canon EOS M in July 2012. The EOS M was Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, using the new EF-M mount and an APS-C sensor. This model was designed to appeal to users looking for a compact camera with DSLR-like capabilities, though it received mixed reviews due to its slow autofocus performance at the time.