DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras: Key Differences and What to Choose
Are you choosing between a DSLR or a mirrorless camera? Explore their key differences in size, autofocus, video capabilities, and more to find the perfect fit for your creative needs.
While the debate continues, the landscape has shifted. Camera makers now focus on mirrorless systems, expanding their lineup with enhanced features. DSLRs, however, still deliver the proven quality and technology they're known for. So, maybe you’re wondering, how do today’s mirrorless cameras compare to a traditional DSLR?
In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.
DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
In recent years, mirrorless cameras have gained popularity among professionals and hobbyist due to their compact size and advanced features. Meanwhile, DSLRs remain a trusted choice for durability and battery efficiency.
While DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a lot of similarities, they both produce high quality images and have the ability to change lenses, there are fundamental differences.
What is a DSLR Camera?
DSLRs work by having a Digital Single Lens Reflex mechanism that reflects light into the optical viewfinder using a mirror.
This mechanism adds to the size and weight of a DSLR because the mirror has to physically move out of the way so light can reach the sensor behind it.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
Mirrorless cameras work without a mirror mechanism. Light passes directly onto the sensor, and you see a projection of the image on the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen. With this technology, you can preview your camera settings before you shoot your image.
What is the Main Difference Between DSLR and Mirrorless?
Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s do a side-by-side comparison between mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Size and Weight
A noticeable difference between the two systems is size and weight.
Because mirrorless cameras lack the mirror mechanism that DSLRs have, they tend to be smaller and lighter. This makes mirrorless cameras easier to carry when shooting in the field or out on a long shoot. Travel photographers and videographers really benefit by having a lightweight kit where every ounce counts.
The camera’s weight may make little difference when shooting on a in studio, but when looking for on the go, naturally, mirrorless cameras have access to lightweight tripod solutions, like , which can help lighten the load even further.
Interestingly, some photographers prefer the larger form factor of a DSLR to better balance with larger lenses. The debate on camera size also includes a perceived level of professionalism. Some photographers and videographers want people, especially their clients, to know they are a serious professional and worth the big bucks, and having a big camera achieves this.
For others who don’t want to stand out, it’s ideal to be inconspicuous and blend in with the crowd, so a smaller camera is less noticeable. It's also important to think about ergonomics and preference, what feels good in hand. Creatives with larger hands may like the feel of a larger camera while creatives with smaller hands may prefer a smaller camera in hand.
Autofocus System
A major improvement in cameras in recent years is the autofocus, which has benefitted mirrorless camera systems by working faster and more accurately. Newer systems have expanded AF points and access to tracking moving objects. The latest mirrorless cameras include options like eye tracking, face tracking and even animal and vehicle tracking.
Still, DSLRs have reliable and accurate auto-focusing capabilities and there are situations where the AF may be faster due to having a dedicated AF chip.
That said, for the most part, mirrorless cameras are on the cutting edge when it comes to autofocus.
Electronic Viewfinder vs Optical Viewfinder
A big differentiator between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is the viewfinder.
DSLR’s have a direct and real-time connection to the actual image with an optical viewfinder (OVF). It’s common for photographers to take a test shot to visualize their camera settings. On the other hand, mirrorless camera users see a version of the image in the electronic viewfinder (EVF), similar to what is displayed in the LCD screen.
The big advantage to having an EVF is that you can see what the sensor sees when it takes the picture with all the camera settings applied. This can be helpful in a lot of situations, like when it’s too dark to see with the naked eye. DSLRs have this feature too, previewing shots through the LCD screen in “live view mode,” but it’s not available in the viewfinder.
Lenses
Because mirrorless cameras have a shorter flange distance allowing the lens to sit closer to the sensor, mirrorless lenses are not compatible with traditional DSLR cameras.
You can, however, use legacy DSLR lenses with mirrorless cameras with an adapter. For example, Canon has a handful of EF to RF adapters at the ready, one with a programmable control ring, one with a drop in ND filter slot, and even one that makes your lens faster and wider (EF-EOS R 0.71x mount adapter).
While there is a wide selection of lenses available for DSLRs of various superpowers and price points, lenses for mirrorless cameras are catching up to match the needs of mirrorless camera owners. Today, there are lots of choices for mirrorless camera lenses, and the options continue to grow at a rapid pace. For DSLR owners, it may be daunting, and expensive, to make the switch to mirrorless after you’ve already acquired an impressive arsenal of legacy lenses to choose from.
At the same time, how long can you afford to NOT to take advantage of the new and improved technology being built into the mirrorless camera system?
Video Capture
One place the mirrorless system continues to outperform the DSLR system is in video. Because the mirror needs to be lifted up to access auto focus for DSLRs, it tends to be slow. As well, DSLRs are not currently benefiting from the latest technology.
On the other hand, mirrorless cameras by nature offer a strong set up for capturing video on camera, because the visual goes straight to the sensor. As well, you can take advantage of high performing auto-focus for identifying people or tracking a subject. Mirrorless cameras now also pack in pro video settings like shooting in log with view assist and recording at high resolutions like 4K and 8K.
When it comes to video, there’s no question a mirrorless camera is a solid choice.
Continuous Shooting
Mirrorless cameras typically have both a mechanical and electronic shutter, whereas DSLRs tend to have a mechanical shutter, though some pro models have both.
One of the cool benefits about an electronic shutter is that you can shoot silently, which can make a big difference when you don’t want to get caught making a noise. As well, electronic shutters offer impressive continuous shooting speeds, much faster than a mechanical shutter. So if you’re looking to shoot in bursts, mirrorless cameras have you covered. One thing to note is that the electronic shutter may not sync with some artificial lights (ie. florescent), and may not be able to keep up with fast-moving objects, like a quickly refreshing LCD screen or a helicopter propeller. In this instance, the image could look distorted if the image changes before the full photo is captured. So, the electronic shutter it’s not perfect for all types of photography.
That said, the increased continuous shooting speeds for mirrorless cameras is a game changer!
Image Quality
There’s no question, both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems produce high quality images. Because mirrorless cameras employ the latest technology, including high speed communication between the lens and body, you’ll find these cameras work so fast they can even make corrections on the fly. Both systems offer options in sensor size, such as full-frame and smaller APS-C, so you should be able to match image quality to your desired budget and needs.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, DSLRs typically win this game because mirrorless cameras rely on battery power, but it depends on how you use your camera. The electronic viewfinder in a mirrorless camera requires power to function, whereas the optical viewfinder in a DSLR does not require power, so you can survive much longer on one battery with a DSLR. However, if you’re shooting with the LCD screen, it typically requires more power on a DSLR than on a mirrorless camera.
Generally speaking, without comparing individual models side by side, the battery life comparison is much closer when shooting with the LCD screen.
Dust protection
Maintenance and upkeep is a necessary part of camera ownership, and getting dust on your sensor is never fun.
Mirrorless camera sensors are more susceptible to dust since the sensor is more accessible and closer to the lens throat, although they are also easier to clean for this same reason. Some mirorless cameras employ a sensor cover that shields the sensor when changing lenses. This is super helpful to avoid getting debris in your camera.
In comparison, the sensor in a DSLR is located behind the mirror and shutter, so it’s more difficult to access. That means it’s easier to keep it clean, but also harder to clean if you do get dust in there.
Most cameras, DSLR and mirrorless, have self-cleaning mode that shakes the sensor to keep it free from dust, though it’s not a substitute for manual cleaning.
Price
Mirrorless cameras on the market today are priced competitively for their advanced features and cutting edge technology, with a wide variety of options in terms of price between full-frame and APS-C sensors and more.
DSLRs still offer solid features and high quality, sometimes at a fraction of the original cost as they mature. There’s also a healthy second-hand market for DSLR gear.
Which One is Right for Me?
While mirrorless cameras are holding strong across the board, you might be wondering, which is better, DSLR or mirrorless?
Your Individual Needs
● Image Quality: While both mirrorless and DSLR cameras produce high quality images, the newer sensor technology in mirrorless cameras cannot be ignored.
● Video Needs: For those who are shooting video, mirrorless cameras are proving to be superior to the video mode in DSLR cameras, which lack some advanced features like autofocus, as well as high resolution formats like 4K and 8K.
● Portability: Because mirrorless cameras do not have the mirror mechanism in DSLRs, they are lighter and more compact to carry. While some visual storytellers prefer how DSLRs feel in hand and balance with large lenses, most creators are happy to lighten the load.
Budget Considerations
● Compare Costs: While there are some great deals on DSLRs, with savings on a healthy supply of second hand bodies and lenses, splurging on top-of-the-line tech in mirrorless cameras means you’ve got some premium features to play with.
● Long-term Investment: While it’s easy to focus on your needs this very moment, investing in gear that will last you years down the line is always smart. Given the trends towards the mirrorless revolution, a purchase in this camp also reduces risk long term.
Use-case Scenarios
● DSLRs: For photographers who are highly specialized in specific genres, such as wildlife photographers who may need to conserve battery when in remote places, and sports photographers who are shooting high burst, you might opt to stick with a DSLR and have an optical viewfinder for that real-time connection.
● Mirrorless: For visual storytellers who are on the go and prioritize portability and video capabilities, the mirrorless system is hard to beat. Travel photographers, videographers and vloggers will especially benefit from the mirrorless camera system which cuts down on size and weight. Other specialties like wedding, news and doc shooters will also benefit from this efficient technology.
The choice is yours
While the legacy and reputation of DSLR cameras is valid, the mirrorless system is performing high and promising more.
While DSLR technology has a wide array of lenses to choose from, the growing number of mirrorless choices, both bodies and lenses, available on the market are meeting creatives where they are and where they want to be.
The advantages of a mirrorless system, having a lighter and smaller form factor, advanced auto focusing capabilities, high speed continuous shooting options, silent shooting, and high quality video recording make mirrorless cameras a strong choice.
The benefits of the DSLR system focus around preference in the larger body size and weight, ability to conserve battery power using the optical viewfinder, and consistency for those using a mechanical shutter capturing quick moving subjects and operating in specific lighting scenarios.
While the debate between mirrorless and DSLR systems evolves, it’s hard to ignore the leaps and bounds that have make the mirrorless system a success. Based on your needs, preferences, style and budget, the choice is up to you! Keep on exploring and capturing the action with the camera in your hand.
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