Want to know the difference between Mirrorless and DSLR cameras? We break down the pros and cons of these two popular types of cameras so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next camera.
- What is a DSLR
- What is a Mirrorless Camera
- Key Differences
- Pros and Cons
What is a DSLR?
DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, and these cameras have been around for quite some time. They use a mirror and prism system to reflect light into the viewfinder, which allows you to see exactly what your lens is seeing. When you press the shutter button on a DSLR, the mirror flips up and the image is captured by the camera's sensor.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
As the name suggests, these cameras do not have a mirror system! They are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs. Instead of using a mirror to reflect light into the viewfinder, mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which displays a digital preview of what the camera's sensor is seeing. This can be a great advantage when it comes to composing shots, as you can see exactly what the image will look like.
Key Differences
1. Viewfinder
DSLRs use an optical viewfinder, which allows you to see the scene through the lens via a mirror and prism system. Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which shows you a digital preview of the scene. Some mirrorless cameras also have the option of using the rear LCD screen as a viewfinder.
2. Size and Weight
Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs because they do not have a mirror mechanism. This can make them more portable and easier to carry around.
3. Autofocus
Mirrorless cameras typically have faster and more advanced autofocus systems than DSLRs because they use the same sensor for autofocus and image capture. DSLRs use a separate autofocus sensor, which can be slower in live view mode.
4. Lens Selection
DSLRs have been around for much longer than mirrorless cameras, so they have a larger selection of lenses available. However, this gap is narrowing as mirrorless cameras are getting more advanced and popular.
5. Battery Life
DSLRs typically have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras, because they use an optical viewfinder and do not need to power an electronic viewfinder. However, newer mirrorless cameras have improved battery life.
6. Video
Mirrorless cameras generally have better video capabilities than DSLRs including 4K video, higher frame rates, and more advanced video autofocus.
7. Sensor Size
DSLRs typically have larger sensors than mirrorless cameras, which can result in better low-light performance and image quality. Many mirrorless cameras are now full-frame, which produces excellent optical image quality.
Pros and Cons
Below is a general list of Pros and Cons of the two systems- we note that these are generalisations as specific cameras will have slightly different strengths and weaknesses.
DSLR Camera |
Mirrorless Camera |
|
Pros |
Large range of lenses available Optical viewfinder is clearer Longer battery life Better low light performance (on average) More durable |
Smaller and lighter Faster autofocus and continuous shooting Electronic viewfinder provides a digital preview of the scene you are shooting More advanced video features Generally better in-body stabilisation |
Cons |
Larger and heavier than mirrorless cameras Slower autofocus in live view Can be noisy due to mirror mechanism Less advanced video features |
Smaller range of lenses available (this is improving) Electronic viewfinder may not provide natural view of scene Generally shorter battery life Limited weather resistance (improving) |
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