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DSLR cameras use mirror mechanisms to reflect light into an optical viewfinder or pass it directly to the camera sensor, whereas mirrorless cameras do not (hence the name), which means that light passing through the lens always ends up on the imaging sensor.. Due to the lack of an optical viewfinder’s ability to reflect light, mirrorless cameras must instead rely on EVFs and LCD screens to project what the imaging sensor sees. While DSLRs have mirror mechanisms and optical viewfinders, mirrorless cameras do not. This allows mirrorless cameras to be simpler, lighter, and smaller than DSLRs.
An example of the differences between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera can be seen below:
As you can see, a DLSR’s internals are much more complex than those of a mirrorless camera. Beyond the DSLR’s mirror mechanism, you’ll find other parts such as the secondary mirror and the phase-detection autofocus sensor in addition to the condenser lens and pentaprism.
1. How Mirrorless Cameras Work
In contrast, a mirrorless camera is much simpler mechanically – light passes through the lens (#1) directly onto the image sensor (#4) and the optical viewfinder is replaced with an electronic viewfinder (#9) that replicates the image sensor. In normal operation, the mechanical camera shutter (#3) stays open and is only typically utilized at the end of exposure. Due to lack of both mirror and pentaprism, the flange distance (which is the distance between the lens mount and the image sensor) on mirrorless cameras can be shortened significantly, as the illustration above shows. Because of this, most mirrorless camera bodies are thinner and lighter compared to DSLRs.
2. What Are The Benefits Of Using A Mirrorless Camera?
For photographers, the introduction of high-end mirrorless camera models has altered the rules of the game completely Even if you prefer to use a tripod, the advantages of a mirrorless camera outweigh the disadvantages.
+ More compact and lightweight: Because a smaller sensor means a smaller camera, mirrorless cameras are lighter and easier to transport. Since it’s small and light, it’s an excellent choice for on-the-go shooting like travel or street photography.
+ Electronic viewfinder (EVF): In a mirrorless camera, the light that enters through the lens strikes the image sensor directly, giving the photographer a live view that they can then see on the camera’s rear LCD screen. Prior to taking the actual photo, you can use this image preview to make last-minute adjustments to the exposure, brightness, saturation, and contrast.
+ Image stabilization:Since there’s no internal mirror mechanism, the camera is less likely to shake, resulting in sharper, more professional-looking images.
+ Silent mechanism: Because there are fewer moving parts inside the camera system, the camera is quieter and more discrete.
+ Higher shooting speed: Mirrorless cameras enable photographers to take more photos in less time thanks to their improved focusing and shutter speed capabilities.
3. Mirrorless Cameras Versus DSLRs: What’s The Difference?
Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses are now available from camera manufacturers, but they differ from digital single-lens reflex cameras in several ways.
+ Mirrorless cameras are more lightweight. Because a mirrorless camera is smaller and lighter than a DSLR, it’s more portable. Digital SLR cameras are bulkier and heavier than point-and-and-shoot cameras, making them inconvenient to carry all day. The extra parts and accessories that come with a DSLR can improve your photos, but they can be cumbersome to carry around when you’re on the go.
+ Mirrorless cameras offer real-time previews of exposure and contrast. Exposure and contrast can be previewed on the screen prior to taking photos with mirrorless cameras. Optical viewfinders are standard on DSLRs, allowing photographers to see what’s happening with their camera lens in real time. DSLR camera users, on the other hand, must first take a photo and then check it to ensure the exposure is correct..
+ Mirrorless cameras have a shorter battery life. Unlike the optical viewfinder on a DSLR camera, the electronic viewfinder on a mirrorless digital camera uses battery power, making it less suitable for longer shoot days.
+ Mirrorless cameras tend to be more costly. As a result of the wide range of accessories available for DSLRs, even a budget DSLR will provide better value for the entry-level photographer than a similar budget mirrorless camera.
+ Mirrorless cameras offer fewer accessories. Due to the fact that mirrorless cameras are still relatively new, there aren’t many options for attachments and lens mounts available for them. DSLRs, on the other hand, have been around for much longer and therefore have access to a larger selection of interchangeable lenses.
+ Mirrorless cameras shoot faster. A mirrorless camera can shoot at a faster rate than most DSLRs because of its simpler internal mechanics. This is especially true when shooting continuously or in burst mode, both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can take photos with fast shutter speeds.
+ Mirrorless cameras offer more image stabilization. Because mirrorless cameras don’t have one, they have better image stabilization and take less shaky photos. They’re also quieter and more discrete because there are fewer moving parts inside.
+ Mirrorless cameras have a smaller sensor size than DSLRs. As a result, they’re less useful in dimly lit environments.
+ Mirrorless cameras have a less accurate autofocus system. As opposed to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras’ autofocus systems use contrast-detection rather than phase detection, so they can’t measure the distance between the lens and the subject as precisely. Mirrorless cameras, when faced with low light, move their lenses to areas with higher contrast, similar to what happens when a smartphone struggles to focus and the image becomes increasingly blurry.
4. Is It Better To Use A DSLR Or A Mirrorless Camera?
The choice between a mirrorless or DSLR camera comes down to personal preference and feature selection because their functionality is so similar. Everyone from beginners to professionals can find a mirrorless or DSLR camera that fits their needs within their budget range.
There will be more mirrorless cameras available for photographers who want to take advantage of the videography capabilities in the 4K to 8K range. DSLR cameras are best for photographers who prefer the classic experience of using an optical viewfinder. New DSLR technology may become more difficult to come by in the future as camera manufacturers appear to be going all in on mirrorless cameras.
| DSLR | Mirrorless | |
| Price* | $650-$6,499 | $579-$8,795 |
| Size | Large (1-2.5 lbs for body only) | Compact (<1-2.25 lbs for body only) |
| Image Quality | 20-46 MP | 10-61 MP |
*Prices reflect body only, no kits or lenses included
5. What Is The Price Of A Mirrorless Camera?
Depending on your budget, you can find a mirrorless camera anywhere between $400 and $6,000, depending on the features you want. When it comes to the price of the camera body, sensor size, features, frames per second (fps), the amount of autofocus drive power you have, and whether or not you shoot video all factor in.
You can estimate how much you’ll pay for a mirrorless camera by deciding what features are most important to you. Once you’ve done that, you can narrow down your search results. Consumer models are increasingly featuring professional-level features at lower prices as technology advances and becomes more widely available.
6. Which Mirrorless Camera Brands Are The Best?
Every major DSLR player has switched to mirrorless, and some newcomers have joined the fray as well. While Canon and Nikon have shifted their product development to compete with mirrorless cameras, Sony continues to be the industry leader.
Mirrorless giants Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Olympus have all shown themselves to be rising stars in the industry. After years of making high-quality lenses, Sigma has now entered the camera body market with the world’s smallest and lightest mirrorless camera.
