January 16, 2023
Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras
Have you given any thought of going mirrorless?
I don’t mean to suggest that you should break your mirrors. Not in your home, and not in your camera. Actually, don’t break any mirrors, not a good idea and nobody wants to clean that up. Ok, there is a point to this, so please keep reading!
Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras or DSLRs as they are more widely known have been around for years. You’ve likely seen them or heard of them. They are large, heavy and bulky with myriads of buttons, and look fascinating yet intimidating. They are recognizable by the interchangeable lenses and the digital display on the back. There are great DSLR cameras on the market and seemingly all camera manufacturers have a line of them, or rather, have had. What’s happening? Well, the mirrors are going, going, and almost gone.
The Mirrorless Wave is here. Manufacturers are going a different route. One without mirrors can mean less bulk, less weight, less size, and potentially less to go wrong. With traditional DLSR cameras, light from an image comes in through the lens, hits an angled mirror and then reflects off another mirror before you see it through the optical viewfinder. On the back of mirrorless cameras, you will see a digital display and sometimes and Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). Those images are digital, not optical. Think of it as using a series of mirrors to look out the window vs. looking at a digital display of what’s outside. Is one more appealing than the other to you?
We’ve talked to some veteran advisors that have made the switch, and asked why they went mirrorless. This is what they said:
“I moved to mirrorless for a couple reasons. The autofocus is better and the ability to shoot at higher fps is great for sports and events. I also found doing video was easier, although it was possible with a DSLR as well.”
Greg F. (Sony a7 Series)
“We went mirrorless to keep up with evolving technology. Cameras are continuing to go that route so it was the natural next step. We’re also taking advantage of conversion rings to keep using our lenses.”
Marcus M.
“I went mirrorless because I needed to replace my camera and I wanted to choose the newest technology. Unfortunately, none of my old lenses would focus with the new camera so I had to replace them. And they were extremely expensive. That is definitely a downside to switching. I’m not sure what the quality of the new DSLR is, but the quality of this mirror less camera I have right now is Outstanding. I’ve never seen anything like it. Night and day.”
Christine R.
To break it down we’ve got a direct comparison for you:
DSLR
Viewfinder is optical, simply a reflection of what’s captured in the lens.
Focusing less precise, often automatic
Can be heavy and lead to fatigue
Much greater range of lens options (but very little new development)
Much longer battery life (often 1800+ shots per charge)
Sensor protected by mirror and shutter
Best for beginners
Mirrorless
Viewfinder is digital, which can occasionally lead to latency – a short delay between what the camera sees and what the screen shows
Precise, manual focusing
Small and light, easy for continuous use.
Fewer lens options (but a great deal of R&D in this currently underway)
Short battery life (400 shots per charge typical)
Sensor is much more exposed, leading to risk of dust
Best for tech-savvy experienced photographers
Regardless of how you choose to move forward with your photography purchases, there’s a camera out there, just waiting for you to pick it up and capture something!
Nabil Mouallem
Print Sales Consultant