DSLR vs Mirrorless Camera!

Updated: May 1, 2022

Stock photos of DSLR Vs Mirrorless Camera. Not the property of Ya Hump Photography

Looking at the pictures DSLR and Mirrorless Camera’s have similar designs. The DSL’s tend to be larger and heavier, while the mirrorless is streamlined and lighter. The lenses look similar as well, but on the DSLR the lens is also heavier and bigger.

DSLR:

For the most part, DSLRs use the same design as the 35mm film cameras of days gone by, with an image sensor occupying the place where film would have resided. A mirror inside the camera body reflects light coming in through the lens up to a prism (or additional mirrors) and into the viewfinder so you can preview your shot. When you press the shutter button, the mirror flips up, the shutter opens and the light hits the image sensor, which captures the final image.

Stock photos of Nikon D750 DSLR. Not the property of Ya Hump Photography

Today’s mirrorless cameras have advanced to the point that they are on par with the more well established DSLR, and in many cases the mirrorless is superior to the DSLR.

It is most important that we do are research both on specs and how the camera feels in our hands. Keep in mind what type of photography and video you will be taking with the new camera. For instance, if you are doing travel or nature photography it might be beneficial to purchase the lighter mirrorless camera and lenses.

Mirrorless:

In a mirrorless camera, light passes through the lens and right onto the image sensor, which captures a preview of the image to display on the rear screen — just as a smartphone camera does. Some models also offer a second screen via an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that you can hold up to your eye for a better view when you're in bright sunlight.

Stock Photo of Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Camera. Not the property of Ya Hump Photography

Both the DSLR and Mirrorless cameras offer the two main sensor types offered by Camera manufacturers: Full-frame and APS-C (often called “crop-frame”). Again, both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras have the same basic modes; Auto, Programed, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode.

DSLR’s have a larger variety of lenses and accessories, but the mirrorless is quickly catching up. Mirrorless camera has been leading the DSLR in video quality and facial recognition, but the newer DSLR’s are closing the gap.

Image quality is a dead heat. With equivalent sensors and image processors, both camera types can take great photos. While Mirrorless has a faster shooting speed because the simpler mechanics of mirrorless cameras allow them to shoot more photos per second the DSLR is close behind.

The DSLR has a better battery life since DSLR’s offer the ability to shoot without using the LCD screen or EVF, which can extend the battery life considerably. However, Mirrorless batteries have improved dramatically over the last few years.

Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer image-stabilization systems: Early versions tended to use similar in-lens stabilization. Sensors measure camera movement, and the camera slightly shifts either part of the lens or the image sensor in a direction that's opposite to the shake.

in-body five-axis image stabilization shifts the sensor to compensate for movement not only on the vertical and horizontal axes but also along three other axes: pitch (tilting up and down), yaw (turning side to side) and roll (rotating).

In body Five-axis image stabilization gave mirrorless cameras the edge, recently DSLR’s have developed in-body five-axis image stabilization,

Both camera types have entry level models with plastic bodies that will not stand up to the durability of higher ends models. Both camera types offer models that are hardened against the elements, although mirrorless cameras tend to offer durability at lower entry prices.

Like any other major purchase, personal taste both in camera type and manufacturer comes into the decision. As todays DSLR’s and Mirrorless cameras tend to be a long-term investment. I would suggest speaking with a reputable camera store, do online research, speak to a friend who is into photography, and consider what type of photography & video you are interested in exploring with the new camera.