I’m going to be honest. When I first started my photography journey, I had no idea what all the camera technology was. I used a DSLR camera because I was able to borrow one. I had no clue what a mirrorless camera was and the differences between the two. If you’re in the same boat I was, no worries. Your confusion between DSLR and mirrorless will be over! I’m going to cover some key factors at play and my experience with both.
What is the difference?
Before getting into specifics, you should know the basic difference between DSLR and mirrorless. An article by TechRadar gives a detailed and technical explanation on the differences and advancements with today’s camera technology. They explain “The key is in the names. DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, which works by the light hitting a mirror angled at 45 degrees. That light goes straight up into an optical viewfinder which allows you to see precisely what the lens is looking at.” When you’re ready to take a photo, that mirror moves out of the way and the image sensor is revealed. Mirrorless cameras, by name, do not have a mirror. Light hits the image sensor without obstruction to be processed.
We’ve seen crazy innovation in mirrorless camera technology. For years, a DSLR was a no-brainer when it came to purchasing a camera. With the growth of technology, mirrorless proves itself to be a strong competitor in the camera ring. Most of my comparisons are based on this fact, and show how those innovations could be beneficial to your photography
Size: DSLRs are the heavy weights and mirrorless are more compact.
Believe it or not, size and weight make a difference. For some shoots, this factor may not seem important, but think of the long term and your kind of photography. Will lugging around a heavy and larger camera slow you down? A DSLR reigns supreme in size, they are the big boys. Remember, DSLR cameras have additional mechanics that contribute to its overall body size. Mirrorless camera bodies are noticeably smaller and lighter. From personal experience, switching to a mirrorless might save your wrist.
Image Speed: Mirrorless cameras are fast in action.
Remember that mirror we keep talking about in a DSLR? Well, that component will affect the speed you can capture images. The mirror flip can slow things down and cause shutter lag. If you shoot in bursts, this can become more apparent. Mirrorless has the advantage in that it does not have that extra process and can record images at a higher frame rate.
Battery Life: DSLRs hold strong and last long.
It is evident, mirrorless camera innovation is booming. It has more digital elements compared to a DSLR. This means major drainage on the battery. Personally, I can go quite some time without charging my mirrorless camera. However, if you were to be shooting a 10 hour wedding then the battery life will come into play. Does this mean that mirrorless will have a subpar battery compared to DSLR forever? No, because the mirrorless is quickly developing and appearing to be improving and might eventually surpass DSLRs.
Image Quality: Both are tough competitors.
Probably the one question you’re asking is “what is going to get me the better quality images?” If you’re trying to build a portfolio or starting a business, you want the highest quality images. I will preface by saying that the majority of the time, the gear does not take the good photos, it is the photographer that takes them. That DSLR I said I started off with was 10 years old and it did the job. When I decided to invest in my own gear and bought a mirrorless, the image quality was vastly different only due to the fact that it was a decade newer. Both DSLR and mirrorless capture great photos. An article from Adorama explains how it all comes down to the sensor in your camera and that varies between each model of camera. From my experience, a full frame sensor is the way to go (with either DSLR or mirrorless).
My mirrorless is a staple for my shoots!
I am a HUGE fan of my mirrorless camera and have converted to a diehard Sony user. Mirrorless cameras used to get the short end of the stick in the industry, but innovation in digital and technological components are making it a tough competitor. I struggled with my decision when it came to purchasing a DSLR or mirrorless, but we’re seeing a lot of other developments geared towards the mirrorless camera. If you are on the fence, do it. Eventually, the switch will be inevitable because DSLR is evolving less and less and mirrorless is bound to take the lead in the market in no time. I shoot with a Sony A7iii and I LOVE having it in my photography tool box.
