If you are looking to purchase a new camera, you are going to see the terms “DLSR” and “mirrorless” a whole lot. However, what are the key differences? This guide will help you understand some of the key differences between these two types of cameras.

The Basics

On the most basic level, a DSLR camera uses a mirror system that reflects light into the viewfinder, which allows you to see exactly what you are capturing and allows you to compose your image better.

As the name implies, mirrorless cameras don’t have this mirror, and the light goes directly from the lens to the image sensor, which then gives you a digital preview. This also tends to make mirrorless cameras more compact, and better at shooting images faster.

Lenses

From the moment you start using your camera, you are going to want to invest in some lenses. For DSLR cameras, you tend to have a wide variety of choices, especially when buying lenses from established DSLR brands like Canon, Nikon, etc.

On the other hand, mirrorless cameras don’t tend to have as many lenses as DSLRs, but the systems are expanding all the time. Therefore, it will typically depend on the model you choose, not necessarily because you chose a mirrorless camera.

Viewfinders

When it comes to viewfinders, it will almost always come down to personal choice. Many people prefer the clarity of a DSLR viewfinder, and it also makes it easier to compose images properly.

On the other hand, mirrorless cameras, especially the cheaper ones, don’t have a viewfinder at all, and you have to rely on the LCD screen to compose images. While this is great for portability, you can sometimes feel like you don’t have enough control over what you are shooting.

Autofocus

When it comes to autofocus, it will depend on how high-end the model of the camera is. Most modern mirrorless cameras are simply better at autofocussing, while even some of the most DSLRs still struggle with with autofocus speed.

Mirrorless technology, in conjunction with AI, is becoming substantially better at autofocusing, even when you include the mid-range models. However, more expensive DSLRs can keep up, but you will have to spend quite a lot for a model like that.

Continuous Shooting

When it comes to burst and continuous shooting, even the best DSLRs can’t keep up with the speed of the mirrorless models. This is simply down to the mirrorless system, which makes the camera far quicker at capturing a lot of photos.

When you compare some of the most expensive and high-end DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the mirrorless entries can shoot at almost double the speed.

Low-Light Performance

Most DSLRs are better in low light thanks to their larger senses that bring in more light. While mirrorless cameras are getting better at this, you will need to splurge on a more expensive model.

However, some mirrorless cameras now have image body stabilization, which helps capture images in low light. Both have their strengths when it comes to shooting in low light, but you need to look at specific models to determine which one will suit your needs.

Video

If you are also wanting to shoot video, then there is only one option. Back in the day, DSLRs were superior at shooting video, but mirrorless cameras and technology are now streaks ahead, and are substantially better at shooting in 4K.

Mirrorless cameras offer better quality, higher shooting quality, and more video features when compared to DSLRs, as many are designed with video capture in mind.

Battery Life

DSLRs are almost always better when it comes to battery life, with the average DSLR battery lasting upwards of 800 photos, while mirrorless camera can only last for about 400 images.

This is down to the fact that mirrorless cameras typically have a lot more happening and need to power a lot more, and because they are compact, they have smaller batteries. DSLRs have much bigger batteries, and the comparatively simpler way they take photos means each shot needs less battery.

Portability

When it comes to the question of which type of camera is more portable, the answer is two-fold. Firstly, due to the cameras being mirrorless and having a smaller battery, mirrorless cameras are typically more compact.

However, DSLRs become less compact and portable once you start adding lenses, flashes, etc. But, if you keep the body standard and don’t attach a large lens, DSLRs can be compact, even though they won’t be as small as mirrorless options.

Price

When it comes to price, you will have to think more about what you are missing out compared to what you are getting. This is because cheaper DSLRs tend to not have a lot of features, while entry-level mirrorless cameras are typically quite expensive.

Therefore, it is best to have a more flexible budget if you want a model that has all the features you want, or look into the secondhand market. You will also need to factor in the cost of lenses, as mirrorless lenses are typically more expensive, too.