Back in the day, getting serious about photography typically meant buying a DSLR. A big, heavy camera that looks all professional, features a larger image sensor, and offers the flexibility to change out lenses to best match what you’re doing.
But in the past few years, mirrorless cameras have started to rival DLSRs, and a lot of photographers are making the switch.
Whether you’re an amateur ready to buy your first camera or a professional wanting to upgrade your setup, this guide is for you. Let’s break down the key differences between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR so you can make an informed decision.
The Mirror
The main difference between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR lies in the presence or absence of a mirror mechanism.
In a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR), there is a physical mirror inside the camera body. The mirror reflects the optical image up to the optical viewfinder. As the photographer, you see exactly what the lens sees. When you press the shutter button, light strikes the camera sensor directly. The mirror flips, and an image is captured.
As the name indicates, a mirrorless camera doesn’t use a mirror or an optical viewfinder at all. Instead, the light passes straight through the lens and to the sensor. As a result, an electronic image is produced which can be displayed on the rear screen or in an electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Size and Weight
Since a mirrorless camera doesn’t have the entire physical mirror mechanism, it is smaller and lighter than a DSLR. You get the same sensor size and image quality as a DSLR but without the bulk.
This is one of the reasons why photographers are choosing mirrorless cameras over DSLRs. When you’re covering an 8-hour wedding day, having a smaller and lighter camera can make a world of difference.
Autofocus
Both mirrorless cameras and DSLRs have great autofocus, but the mechanism varies. A mirrorless camera uses a single autofocus system for both rear screen (live view) and viewfinder shooting. In comparison, a DSLR requires two autofocus systems.
This wasn’t an issue until a few years ago. But now that demand for live-view shooting has increased, mirrorless cameras are standing out. When the mirror flips, a DSLR loses autofocus. Mirrorless cameras maintain continuous autofocus, so you never lose track of what the lens sees.
Speed
Shooting speed is another critical difference between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. The entire mechanical flipping up and down mechanism of a DSLR reduces speed.
On the other hand, a mirrorless camera can shoot faster with a higher continuous shooting frame rate. You can explore mirrorless camera options at https://www.georges.com.au/collections/canon-mirrorless-cameras.
Battery Life
This is where a lot of photographers side with DSLRs. The very basic DSLR will give you 600 shots per battery charge. Some models can go up to 1,070 images on a single charge.
Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, are not so impressive when it comes to battery life. The average is 350-400 frames per charge. The newer models have exceeded these levels, going up to 650 shots per charge.
