DSLR vs mirrorless cameras

10 Jun 2017

Our handy guide will help you choose between DSLR and mirrorless camera models – so you can focus on capturing the moments that matter.

There’s been a lot of buzz about the new kid on the block in digital photography: the mirrorless camera. But are these newer cameras really going to unseat DSLRs as the gold standard?

THE BASICS

DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex. These cameras use a mirror to reflect light, which allows you to preview your shot through the viewfinder. The click you hear when you hit the shutter is the mirror flipping up so light can hit the image sensor and capture your shot.

Mirrorless cameras allow light to hit the image sensor directly, which passes a digital image onto the preview screen. Most models feature an electronic viewfinder so you can still view your image through an eyepiece like you would with a DSLR.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

With fewer moving parts, mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than DSLRs. This means they are good for on-the-go photography. But there is a downside: many people find the larger DSLRs easier to hold and use.

BATTERY LIFE

A typical DSLR camera can take around 800 photos on one charge, while a typical mirrorless takes around 400. That’s because DSLRs can shoot without using a rear screen or electronic viewfinder.

LENS OPTIONS

DSLR cameras allow you to use a wide range of lenses from different manufacturers. Right now, mirrorless models are typically only compatible with lenses from the same manufacturer.

If you want to experiment with different lenses, or think you might be ready for a professional grade lens one day, a DSLR is your best bet.

VIEWFINDER

Mirrorless cameras tend to show a more accurate preview of your final image than DSLRs. That’s because mirrorless cameras use an electronic display that takes into account changes in your settings, while DSLR cameras rely on a mirror to reflect the real-life image back to you.

However, DSLR cameras tend to give a sharper preview in low light.

IMAGE QUALITY

Early mirrorless models used smaller image sensors than DSLRs, which meant lower quality images. But today’s image sensors have advanced to the point that there is little difference. You’ll be able to take high quality photos with either style.

The bottom line is, neither camera is superior. It all depends on how you use it and what you're hoping to capture.