DSLR vs Mirrorless: Which Camera is Best for You?
Debate in the photography world over which is better – DSLR vs. Mirrorless – has gone back and forth since mirrorless systems entered the picture pun intended. Though I may have a personal preference, I am not here to promote one over the other but to help you decide which is best for you. While the image quality between the two is comparable, the differences lie primarily in the mechanics of how the shot is taken, which then impacts other aspects of the camera operation and design. It’s tough to definitively say one is better than the other when, quite honestly, that depends on what you’re shooting and the conditions you’re shooting in.
DSLR vs Mirrorless camera: differences in how they operate
The main difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera lies in the mechanism they use to capture light: a DSLR uses a mirror to reflect light onto the image sensor, while a mirrorless camera lets light directly hit the sensor, resulting in a quieter and quicker process. A DSLR (short for Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera operates through a series of steps, from light traveling through the camera’s lens to a mirror that sends the image to the image sensor. When you press the shutter button to take a photograph, the reflex mirror flips up, obstructing the viewfinder and allowing light to hit the image sensor. This light is converted into an electric signal that is processed to create the final image. The mirror then flips back into place once the image is captured. This mechanical procedure is responsible for a DSLR camera’s distinctive shutter sound. On the other hand, a mirrorless camera does away with the mirror mechanism of a DSLR. Instead, light passes directly through the lens onto the image sensor, which sends a preview of the image to the rear screen or an electronic viewfinder (EVF). When you press the shutter button, the image sensor records the light information to produce the final photograph. With no mirror to flip up and down, the mirrorless camera process is quieter and quicker. While mirrorless cameras might be “quieter and quicker,” the differences don’t end there.
Autofocus
The autofocus system in your average DSLR cameras uses phase detection technology. This is achieved via a separate autofocus sensor that works together with the mirror mechanism to quickly measure the convergence of two light beams. This method is highly effective in good lighting conditions, but it can struggle in low light or when capturing high-contrast scenes. On the other hand, most mirrorless cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems. The autofocus system in your average DSLR cameras uses phase detection technology. This is achieved via a separate autofocus sensor that works together with the mirror mechanism to quickly measure the convergence of two light beams. This method is highly effective in good lighting conditions, but it can struggle in low light or when capturing high-contrast scenes. On the other hand, most mirrorless cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems. That said, many of the latest mirrorless cameras now incorporate hybrid autofocus systems, utilizing both phase and contrast detection, significantly improving their autofocus performance and speed.
Low-Light Shooting
Along with their innovative AF systems, many mirrorless cameras are ideal for shooting in low-light conditions as the electronic viewfinders allow us to see the preview with the adjusted exposure in real-time, thus shortening the need for editing in post-processing. In contrast, with DSLR cameras you have to tweak everything when shooting in dim setting, while mirrorless cameras do this automatically since they can instantly detect that the environment is poorly lit.
Continuous Shooting Capabilities and Shooting Speed
When it comes to capturing action or shooting in burst mode, DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer continuous shooting capabilities, but the speed and performance can vary. Due to their mirror mechanism, DSLR models have a physical limitation on how fast they can shoot continuously. When the mirror lifts to expose the sensor, it has to come back down after each shot, which takes time, making the speed of continuous shooting in DSLR equivalents generally slower than in mirrorless cameras. The highest-performing DSLR cameras can usually shoot up to 10-12 frames per second (fps), while many high-end mirrorless cameras can shoot up to 20 fps in full resolution, and often even faster in lower resolution modes. However, continuous shooting speed doesn’t just depend on the camera alone. It also heavily depends on the capabilities of your memory card. No matter how fast your camera can shoot, if your memory card can’t write the data as fast, you’ll find the camera buffer filling up quickly and slowing down.
Imaging Sensor
Unlike DSLR cameras, the camera sensor (or digital sensor) on mirrorless cameras is completely exposed, making it much more prone to damage and dust. On top of that, since the image is being digitally processed, encountering lag shouldn’t be that surprising. The same also applies to lag in refresh rates, but higher-end mirrorless cameras, like the Sony A1’s, are exempt. In fact, we are rather impressed with the refresh rate of the A1s – a whopping 240 fps!
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is a crucial aspect that photographers consider when choosing between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Traditionally, DSLR cameras have relied on lens-based image stabilization, where gyroscopes in the lens detect vibrations and move certain elements to counteract the shake. However, the newer mirrorless cameras have made significant strides in this area, with many models now offering in-body image stabilization (IBIS). IBIS works by moving the sensor itself to offset camera shake, a method that can be more effective because it works with any lens attached to the camera. Therefore, mirrorless cameras tend to have the edge in image stabilization, providing smoother and steadier images, especially in low light conditions or with longer lenses.
Shooting Video
When it comes to shooting video, DSLR and mirrorless cameras each offer excellent quality, but with some notable differences. DSLR technology allows them to shoot high-quality video, but they tend to lack the versatility of their mirrorless counterparts. This is primarily due to the mirror mechanism in a DSLR which can constrain live view autofocus when recording video, often resulting in slower and less reliable autofocus during video recording. On the other hand, Mirrorless cameras excel in this area due to their lack of a mirror mechanism. They offer continuous autofocus in live view and video modes, which allows for seamless focus transitions and tracking of moving subjects. Additionally, mirrorless cameras often offer more video features, such as 4K or 8K video, higher frame rates, and log profiles for advanced color grading. Additionally, mirrorless cameras often offer more video features, such as 4K or 8K video, higher frame rates, and log profiles for advanced color grading.
Viewfinder
DSLR cameras utilize an optical viewfinder that works through a process involving a mirror and a pentaprism. When light enters the lens, it hits a mirror which redirects it up into the pentaprism, which then flips the image and projects it into the viewfinder. The image seen through an optical viewfinder is a real-time, through-the-lens (TTL) view of what the camera will capture. This allows for a highly accurate and sharp preview, unaffected by lag or pixel resolution. The image seen through an optical viewfinder is a real-time, through-the-lens (TTL) view of what the camera will capture. This allows for a highly accurate and sharp preview, unaffected by lag or pixel resolution. The EVF displays a digital replica of the scene that includes real-time exposure adjustments and additional shooting information. While this can be incredibly useful for framing and exposure control, the digital rendering can be subject to lag, lower resolution, and a less natural look compared to an optical viewfinder. DSLR cameras provide a more accurate and natural viewing experience through optical viewfinders, while mirrorless cameras offer a more informative and adaptable one. The choice between the two often comes down to a photographer’s personal preference.
Size and Weight
The physical size and weight of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can differ significantly. Mirrorless cameras with their direct light path, are generally smaller, lighter, and easier to carry than DSLRs. Most DSLRs, with their prism and mirror system, tend to be bulkier and heavier. At the same time, they also typically have a larger grip than mirrorless cameras, which while that adds to its weight, it can also make it more comfortable when shooting for extended periods. Additionally, that extra size allows for additional battery power (we’ll touch on this more below). Apart from providing long-lasting battery life, DSLR systems can be manipulated more efficiently, and there are many more options to choose from compared to the mirrorless counterpart. Plus, the heavier design also prevents camera shake. On a sort of related note, mirrorless cameras are also quieter – we all know the mechanical shutter sound of DSLR cameras, and though it may be addicting to some, others find it irritating or disruptive.
Battery Life
DSLR cameras typically boast longer battery life than mirrorless cameras as their larger size allows for larger batteries. Plus, the optical viewfinder in a DSLR camera consumes far less power compared to the electronic viewfinder or rear screen of a mirrorless camera, which has to be constantly powered for live view. That being said, advancements in battery technology and power management are gradually reducing this gap in newer models. Some mirrorless models offer a battery grip option for additional power. Of course, that changes size, weight, and cost of the camera. But, it can be an option. It’s worth noting that carrying extra batteries can easily offset this disadvantage, but it’s so nice to pop in one battery and know it’ll last for a shoot.
Lens Flexibility
DSLR lenses, being part of a mature system with a long history, have a vast selection available from lens designers covering almost all types of photography from macro to wildlife. They tend to be better optimized for their respective camera bodies, offering superior autofocus performance and image quality. Moreover, third-party lenses for DSLR systems provide a wider range of options suitable for various budgets. However, the downside is that DSLR lenses are generally larger and heavier due to the need for a longer flange distance. The mirrorless camera lens mount is simplified, with mirrorless lenses taking advantage of the shorter flange distance in mirrorless cameras. This makes mirrorless camera lenses more compact and lightweight, making the whole system easier to carry around. This makes mirrorless camera lenses more compact and lightweight, making the whole system easier to carry around. As mirrorless systems are newer, the selection of native mirrorless lenses can be limited compared to DSLRs, particularly for less common types of photography. However, this is rapidly changing as manufacturers expand their lens lineups and third-party lens makers start to support mirrorless mounts more.
Cost
When it comes to cost, both mirrorless and DSLR cameras have options spanning a wide price range, from entry-level to professional-grade models. However, on average, mirrorless cameras tend to be slightly more expensive than their DSLR counterparts. This is largely due to the newer technologies incorporated in mirrorless cameras, such as advanced electronic viewfinders, in-camera image stabilization, and high-speed silent shooting capabilities. DSLR cameras, on the other hand, being a more mature technology, often offer similar image quality at a lower price. That said, the total cost can also heavily depend on the lenses and accessories you purchase along with the camera body.
Overall Performance
When it comes to performance, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras have their unique strengths. DSLRs have been around longer, benefitting from years of design refinement. They offer superior autofocus systems, especially in low-light conditions. The viewfinder allows for real-time composition and a more natural look, with no lag or pixelation. On the other hand, mirrorless cameras are catching up fast. Their fewer moving parts make them more silent and less prone to mechanical issues. The electronic viewfinder (even if not as true as those on a DSLR camera) provides a preview of the image as it will appear in the final shot, including exposure, depth of field, and color balance adjustments. All of that combined with their faster continuous shooting speeds and improvements in autofocus performance, for many photographers, there’s no contest at all. Major camera manufacturers have taken everything that was lacking from DSLR cameras, improved it, and placed it nicely in a compact design. Additionally, perks like a touch LCD screen, OLED electronic viewfinder, and Wi-Fi have made mirrorless cameras that much more attractive. As companies continue to focus their efforts on improving mirrorless technology, the gap is likely to grow as mirrorless cameras will be updated and improved continuously by major camera manufacturers.
Future of mirrorless vs DSLR cameras
The debate between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is one that continues to evolve. As of now, mirrorless technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, with manufacturers investing heavily in the development of new features and capabilities. In the ever-evolving realm of photography, it’s clear that mirrorless cameras are poised to redefine the future landscape. Given the rapid advancements in mirrorless technology, along with the benefits of compactness, silent operation, and the real-time preview of images, it’s only a matter of time before they potentially eclipse DSLR cameras. This is not to say that DSLRs will be obsolete right away, as they still hold a firm place in the market due to their superior autofocus systems and natural viewfinder experience. That said, the day will likely come when mirrorless cameras become the new standard in photography, replacing DSLRs. For right now, however, the choice between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera should be dictated by your specific needs, preferences, and comfort level with the differing technology and maintenance requirements. Ultimately, your passion for photography and your personal preferences will guide your choice today, but keep an eye on the horizon for the exciting changes that the future holds.