You want to buy a brand-new camera, right? If so, the first step is to decide between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR camera. In this blog, we’ve listed the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras to end the debate. DSLR cameras have been the most popular choice for professional photographers for a long time. However, mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more popular these days.
There is a difference between these two in terms of how well the images look and how far technology has come. In this blog, we look at the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras by comparing their pros and cons.
What is a DSLR Camera? How Does It Work?
A DSLR camera stands for a digital single lens reflex camera. The lens, mirror, shutter, camera sensor, prism, and viewfinder are the most important parts. Let’s look at the diagram below to see how the DSLR works.
- First, light comes in through the lens and goes back out through the mirror.
- The light then goes through a special prism and into the viewfinder.
- Then it ends up in your eye.
- Now, when you press the button to take a picture, the mirror flips up.
- And it lets light get to the camera’s sensor.
- The viewfinder goes dark and the camera’s shutter opens to take your picture.
The DSLR camera works well, but it has a problem that goes to its core. Its mirror is big and takes up a lot of room. When you pick up a DSLR camera, you’ll notice how big it is. Some photographers don’t mind how heavy it is, but for photographers who shoot all day, travel a lot, and want to carry something small and light, a DSLR camera is not the best choice.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
A DSLR camera is the same as a mirrorless camera. The main difference between a DSLR camera and a mirrorless DSLR camera is that the mirrorless camera doesn’t have a mirror. Let’s learn how a camera without a mirror works.
- First, the lens lets light in. But it doesn’t go back and forth between the mirror and the viewfinder.
- Instead, the light just goes straight into the sensor.
- The sensor is then digitally shown on the LCD and electronic viewfinder on the back of the camera.
- Now, when you press the shutter button, the sensor will take a picture.
Mirrorless cameras are smaller than DSLR cameras because they don’t have a mirror. There are different kinds of mirrorless cameras on the market, such as ones with lenses that can be changed or ones that only have one lens. You already have a mirrorless camera if you have a smartphone. All smartphones have cameras that don’t need a mirror.
In the next section, we’ll take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Then we’ll talk about the main differences between the two based on some things they have in common.
Pros And Cons Of DSLR Camera
Pros
- Amazingly long battery life
- Autofocus is faster than on a camera without a mirror.
- Large lens selection
Cons
- Bulky in size
- It takes a long time to shoot.
- Only high-end models can get HD or 4K video.
Pros And Cons Of Mirrorless Camera
Pros
- tiny and portable
- Since there is no mirror, there will be no camera shake.
- It has body stabilisation built right in.
- The electronic viewfinder can be used in video mode.
Cons
- The battery life is not great.
- The options for lenses are limited.
- In low light conditions, the electronic viewfinder can occasionally become constrained.
Mirrorless Vs. DSLR Camera Quick Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of Mirrorless Camera Vs DSLR Camera based on a few common factors.
Size
A mirrorless camera is small, light, and easy to carry around. The DSLR camera, on the other hand, is big and heavy. So, it’s not a good choice for people who travel a lot for shoots.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, a mirrorless camera’s battery life is shorter than that of a DSLR camera. The electronic viewfinder on the mirrorless camera needs battery power, so it is not the best choice if you want to shoot for a long time. The battery life of the mirrorless camera isn’t as long as the battery life of the DSLR camera.
Shoot Speed
Both mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras can take pictures quickly. But the simple mechanics inside a mirrorless camera let it shoot faster than a DSLR when there is continuous shooting.
Price
Both cameras cost a lot of money. On the other hand, there are more accessories for DSLR cameras. So, a beginner photographer might get more out of a budget DSLR camera than out of a mirrorless camera.
Accessories
When it comes to a mirrorless camera, there aren’t as many accessories like lenses that you can buy. But with DSLR cameras, you can choose from a wide range of lenses that can be switched out.
Image Stabilization
A mirrorless camera doesn’t have a mirror, so the picture will be more stable. Since a mirrorless camera has fewer moving parts, the photos will be quieter and more stable.
Autofocus System
Instead of phase detection, the mirrorless camera’s autofocus system uses contrast detection. It means that, unlike a DSLR, a mirrorless camera can’t measure the exact distance between the lens and the object.
Sensor Size
The sensor size in a DSLR camera is bigger than in a mirrorless camera. So, the mirrorless camera is not good for taking pictures when there isn’t much light.
Exposure And Contrast
Before you take a picture with a mirrorless camera, you can look at the screen to see how the contrast and exposure are set. But the DSLR camera has a viewfinder that is made of glass. So that the user can see what the lens sees in real time. But if you use a DSLR camera, you need to look at the photos you just took to make sure the exposure is right.
Final Takeaway
In a nutshell, the main difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras is that each has its own pros and cons. Nobody is better than anyone else. Mirrorless cameras offer live exposure simulation, silent shooting, and a small size that fits in your pocket. DSLR cameras, on the other hand, have great battery life and great optical viewfinders.
In short, if you want a camera that is small and quiet, you should get a mirrorless camera. But if you want a camera with a long battery life and a clear optical viewfinder, you should get a DSLR.
It’s up to you now.
Do you want to buy a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera? Why? Tell us what you think in the section below.