Now that you’re aware of mirrorless cameras and DSLRs and their capabilities, the big question is going to be—which one do I purchase? Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs are both proven professional photography devices. The one major difference is that they differ in terms of how exactly they take photos.
Here we’ll explore a couple of factors such as price, function, and versatility to see if there isn’t a clear winner between the two. At the end of the day, mirrorless cameras and DSLRs both feature state of the art photography technology.
Price
The best mirrorless cameras and DSLRs share much of the same price range—anywhere from hundreds of dollars to a couple grand. Both types of cameras boast state of the art processors and image sensors, so it’s no wonder the price is so high.
On top of being high-quality, both mirrorless and DSLRs have a number of features including video, portrait, and other shooting methods to change up the way your photos come out.
On average, a basic mirrorless camera (not counting additional lenses) is going to cost less than a standard DSLR.
Function
Cameras overall are extremely complicated to understand, which each internal piece fine-tuned to create a high-quality image. Overall, DSLRs have larger image sensors to pick up on the key details. A larger and more powerful sensor is going to get you the best possible image in low light and less than ideal conditions.
Mirrorless cameras are going to make heavier use of electronics than DSLRs due to their lack of viewfinders. A focus on electronics means processing and composing an image will be easier but require more energy. One major complaint about mirrorless cameras is that they overheat when large quantities of images are taken. Though, some have the ability to switch themselves off when this occurs, but it can be annoying.
Versatility
Depending on which camera you buy, a good portion of mirrorless cameras will not have a viewfinder (almost all DSLRs do). This will make the shooting process for moving objects and the burst mode feature hard to master. A user with a viewfinder will have an easier time tracking something through a viewfinder and getting an exact image of what he or she sees.
Mirrorless cameras do have the advantage of being able to mount DSLR lenses. If you don’t want to spend the money on an expensive DSLR and are willing to compromise with a mirrorless camera, this could be the path for you.
Overall
The DSLR has the advantage of being able to make more accurate shots with its viewfinder. While some mirrorless cameras also come equipped with viewfinders, the end goal is going to be getting the best possible image. DSLRs, with their larger sensors and processors, are going to take the best shots.
You might not be able to tell the difference initially, but careful inspection of every bit of an image will reveal a DSLRs superiority. Does this mean that mirrorless cameras are completely inadequate? No.
Maybe image quality isn’t the most important thing in the world as long as the prints come out good. Both mirrorless and DSLRs try to mimic the image you see in the backscreen or viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras will give you the next best image after DSLRs and for a majority of the time at a lower price.
For even further broken down discussion of Mirrorless vs. DSLR cameras, check out the video below.
Social Menu