Common Camera Mounts Quick Reference

So, what exactly is a camera mount?

Think of it as the “connector” between your camera and your lens — the part that locks them together. There are a few common types, like bayonet (twist to lock), screw-in, and breech-lock styles.

You‘ve probably heard of mounts like Canon EF, Nikon Z, or Sony E for regular cameras. For industrial or specialty cameras, there are also ones like C-mount and S-mount.

The type of mount matters because it decides which lenses you can use. Things like flange distance (the space between the mount and the sensor) and throat size (the inner diameter) are what make

each mount different — and what affect whether a lens will fit and work properly.

Here is a Common Camera Mounts - Quick Reference

Current Main Mirrorless Systems

Brand	Mount Name	Format	Status
Canon	RF Mount	Full-frame & APS-C	Current flagship system
Nikon	Z Mount	Full-frame & APS-C	Current flagship system
Sony	E Mount	Full-frame & APS-C	Current flagship system
Fujifilm	X Mount	APS-C	Mainstream system
Fujifilm	G Mount	Medium Format (44×33mm)	Professional system
Panasonic/Leica/Sigma	L Mount	Full-frame	Alliance system
OM System/Panasonic	Micro Four Thirds	M4/3 (17.3×13mm)	Compact system
Hasselblad	X Mount	Medium Format (44×33mm)	Professional system

• Canon EF-M Mount (APS-C mirrorless)

• Nikon 1 Mount (1-inch sensor)

• Pentax Q Mount (1/1.7-inch sensor)

• Sigma SA Mount (DSLR)

Mirrorless Advantages:

• Shorter flange distance (typically 16-20mm)

• Larger diameter for better optics

• Fully electronic communication

• Generally lighter and more compact

Adaptability:

• Most DSLR lenses can be adapted to mirrorless

• Cross-brand adaptation often possible with limitations

• Vintage lenses easily adaptable to mirrorless

Alliance Systems:

• L-Mount Alliance: Leica, Panasonic, Sigma - shared full-frame standard

• Micro Four Thirds: OM System, Panasonic - shared compact standard

Here is a Quick Selection Guide

For new buyers:

• Full-frame mirrorless: RF, Z, E, or L Mount

• APS-C mirrorless: X Mount (Fujifilm) or crop modes in RF/Z/E

• Compact travel: Micro Four Thirds

• Ultimate image quality: Medium Format (G Mount or Hasselblad X)

For existing lens owners:

• Canon EF/EF-S → RF with excellent adaptation

• Nikon F → Z with excellent adaptation

• Sony A → E with good adaptation

• Legacy lenses → Most mirrorless systems with adapters

Professional video:

• Native E or RF Mount for hybrid shooters

• PL Mount for dedicated cinema cameras

Basically, this covers the main types you'll find, what they work with, and what to keep in mind. Right now, mirrorless systems are where all the new action is—that's what most new cameras are. But DSLR mounts

aren't going away anytime soon, mostly because there's already a huge library of lenses out there for them. So if you've already got DSLR gear, it's still very much relevant.