Tech & WebPhotographyDSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras – The Key Differences

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras – The Key Differences

I often get asked how the Mirrorless Cameras, which are growing in popularity, are different from the classic DSLR. In this article, we will dive deeper into the mirrorless vs. DSLR camera debate, and assess the key differences that sets them apart. Whether you’re a photography buff or an avid amateur photographer, you face a choice: do you stick by the DSLR that still dominate the pro-end of the market, or do you eagerly embrace the mirrorless cameras that are rising in popularity?

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
1

Mechanisms

The digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) combines the optics of an SLR camera with a digital sensor. The DSLR is defined by its mirror. If you take a peek through its optical viewfinder (OVF), you are actually looking through a series of built-in mirrors. With a DSLR, the light travels through the lens, and once reaching the mirror, it bounces through a prism is reflected onto the viewfinder, showing you what the camera’s lens is pointing at. When the shutter release button is pressed, the camera’s shutter curtains open and the exposure begins. With the shutter curtains opened, the light is allowed to travel through the lens, and as the system of mirrors flips upwards, they reflect the light onto the image sensor, which utilizes this light to produce the photograph.

The mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) differs from the DSLR in the sense that it does not sport a mirror that projects the image onto the sensor. Instead, light travels through the lens straight onto the camera’s image sensor, which produces the photograph.

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
2

Viewfinder

A viewfinder, the small eyepiece on the top of the camera, allows us to see exactly what the lens sees, thereby enabling us to frame and compose a scene. There are two types of eye-level viewfinders: optical (OVF) and electronic (EVF). The optical viewfinders utilize the mirrors and prisms to show us what will be projected onto the sensor, much like a periscope. This is called through the lens technology (TTL).

The EVF also utilizes through the lens technology, where the viewfinder electronically projects an offset image of the scene. As opposed to using the mirrors and prisms, the sensor records the view through the lens, after which the view is processed and subsequently projected through the viewfinder.

System cameras can be outfitted with an OVF, an EVF, a rear LCD screen with Live View (displaying the same output as the viewfinder) – or a combination of these. Back in the days, DSLR usually came with an OVF only. These days, many DSLRs include a rear LCD screen with Live View. MILCs come with either a LCD screen only or an LCD screen in addition to an EVF.

There are pros and cons to both types. The advantages of a optical viewfinder is that it doesn’t suffer from time lag or resolution limits; which is why the optical is favoured amongst sport photographers. Furthermore, it performs well in bright light as it’s not affected by reflections, and does not drain a camera’s battery. It displays a preview of the scene with better clarity and dynamic range than the EVF. These are some of the reasons as to why the OPV continues to be preferred among many seasoned photographers.

The electronic viewfinder tend to suffer from time lag, it does drain the battery, however, it has the capability of projecting a view of a scene exactly as it will appear once photographed (with current exposure settings) – a helpful feature that the OVF lacks. In addition, during manual focus, some EVF have the ability to magnify a portion of the scene, so the photographer can easily see when the subject matter snaps into sharp focus. Furthermore, the EVF can display more information than the optical; exosure numbers, live histogram, camera settings and battery charge. Some EVF have a feature called focus peaking; where the viewfinder highlights areas of the scene that are in focus.

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
3

Image Quality & Sensor Size

If you’ve read our previous article, Camera Sensor Formats – Why Size Matters, you already know that image quality isn’t dependent on the type of camera (mirrorless vs DSLR), but rather on factors such as the image sensor format, the camera’s processor, and the lens. Since this article is focusing on camera bodies of MILC vs DSLR, we will not discuss the lens, but instead focus on the sensor. The sensor format, along with the megapixel count, determines the general photo quality. The sensor format also determines the how well the camera performs in low light conditions.

There are primarily three different image sensor formats that are used in DSLRs and MILCs, the biggest being a full-frame sensor (36 x 24 mm), followed by the smaller APS-C sensor (24 x16 mm), and lastly the smallest Micro 4/3 sensor (17 x 13 mm). DSLRs use either a full-frame or an APS-C sensor, whilst MILCs uses any of the three sensor formats. The medium-format, the largest of them all, is another type of sensor format, found in the most expensive cameras. Due to its extreme rarity among traveling photographers, we will not discuss the medium format in this article.

The size of the image sensor has a direct impact on the image quality. As explained in Camera Sensor Formats – Why Size Matters, a larger digital image sensor will be able to acquire more light (data) – resulting in a more detailed photograph. If you have two cameras with the same amount of megapixels, but different sensor sizes, the one with the larger sensor size will produce better photographs. In other words, a camera that is outfitted with a larger sensor will produce photos that have more depth of field, better bokeh, more width, more dynamic range and less noise than a camera that is outfitted with a smaller sensor.

Both DSLRs and MILCs offer cameras outfitted with full-frame sensors or APS-C sensors, so both are essentially perfectly capable of producing quality photos. Ergo, in terms of photo quality, there is no relevancy whether or not there is a mirror inside your system camera.

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
4

Size, Weight & Bulk

With all the advantages of a larger sensor, you might think that a camera with the largest sensor possible is the easy choice. It’s not quite that simple. The size of a camera body (and the size of its interchangeable lenses) are dictated by primarily two factors, namely; the size of the sensor, and whether the camera has a mirror or not. Since the DSLR needs to be able to fit a mirror box and a pentaprism in its chassis, it is significantly larger and heavier than its mirrorless counterpart.

As for the sensor size,  a bigger sensor will not only take up more space in your camera body, but it will also require a bigger lens to cast an image over it. This is the reason as to why smartphone manufacturers generally use extremely tiny sensors – keeping the mobile phones pocketable is more important than image quality. Another factor to weigh in is that a larger sensor requires larger lenses. Larger lenses add bulk and weight. As a travel photographer, this is the last thing we want.

To illustrate, the MILC Panasonic GM1 (M4/3 sensor) is 98 x 55 x 30 mm in size and weighs 274 grams, while the DSLR Nikon D5300 (APS-C sensor) is 125x 98x 76mm in size and weighs 480 grams (pictured above). An extra 200 grams might not sound like a lot, but we also need to mount lenses on our camera bodies. The Panasonic Lumix GX Vario 35-100/2.8 weighs in at 360 grams, in contrast to the Nikon AF-S 70-200/2.8 G which is 1540 grams. E.i. the mirrorless camera set with the Micro 4/3 sensor weighs 634 grams, while its DSLR counterpart with its mirror and cropped sensor weights over 2 kg! With this said, when choosing your camera, you need to weigh up what’s most important to you – size or image quality. Yes, the micro 4/3 sensor has less capability than larger sensors, but it can still produce great image quality.

DSLRs, at their smallest, weigh around a pound and a half and can fit in a small bag. Mirrorless cameras can weigh as little as half a pound and can be pocket-sized with a small lens.

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
5

Auto Focus Speed

The first mirrorless camera was released in 2008, and since then they have been gaining traction on the market. Initially, one of the weaknesses of the MILC used to be its slow autofocus (AF) speed. The phase detection AF utilized in DSLR cameras is not only faster, but also more accurate than the contrast detection AF utilized by mirrorless cameras. However, the newer MILCs on the market now utilize a hybrid AF – a blend of contrast and phase detection AF, that surpasses the DSLR autofocus speeds. However, DSLRs tend to perform better in continuous autofocus mode, due to the accuracy of their AF. This is largely the reason why many sports photographers prefer DSLRs over MILCs.

 

DSLR VS. Mirrorless Cameras: How Are They Different
6

Lens Range

Mirrorless cameras have only been on the market for a decade, so understandably, there is a much narrower selection of compatible lenses to choose from. The DLSRs not only have a wider lens selection, but the lenses are also more affordable. Both Canon and Nikon’s lens offerings is huge, and in addition, third-party options from independent lens makers like Sigma, Tamron and Tokina further add to the selection. However, as the MILCs continue to make waves, so will their lens offerings. Currently, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic all offer native lenses that are compatible with the M4/3 system.

 


 

These are the key differences between the MILCs and the DSLRs. The veteran DSLR boasts longer battery life, a wider selection of lenses, a faster auto-focus system and longer battery life. The mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, and boast numerous of innovative features that the DSLR lacks.

In essence, both types utilize different techniques to achieve the same result. Neither is overwhelmingly better than the other, both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and you can get amazing photos with either. With continued advancements to improve the downsides on MILCs, the advantages are starting to outweight the cons.

Feel free to chime in and let us know what type prefer! What camera model are you shooting with? Are you considering swapping your beloved DSLR for a MILC? Or perhaps you already have? Share your experiences!

 

31 Comments

  • lacey

    Thank you for writing this. It’s something I’ll think about when I decide to get my camera.

    • Nordh

      I hope this guide will prove itself useful for when you purchase your camera!

  • Shell

    This was a very thorough and excellent explanation for those of us who do not have much camera knowledge… I just shoot with my iPhone ….

  • Eileen

    Such a great post! I’ve been wondering about the difference between them for awhile. I have a DSLR but have been wanting to get a mirrorless for awhile just for convenience.

    • Nordh

      I have both; a DSLR and two mirrorless. One of the MILC is bigger, and one is TINY, as in, it fits in my pocket! As you say, mirrorless cameras, especially the lightweight ones, are great for convenience!

  • Marisa

    I’m so glad you made this post because I’m clueless on both!! I’m going to pin this for later when I ‘m camera shopping!

    • Nordh

      And I’m so glad you found this helpful! Feel free to pin away and good luck with your camera shopping!

  • Cecilia

    Thank you! This was a very clear and informative post. I still use my Canon 550D, but I’m considering buying a new camera 🙂

    • Nordh

      Let me know if you have any questions I can answer that can help you decide on which camera to get!

  • David Elliott

    This is a lot of great information here. I am really in the market for a new camera to be able to take better pictures for my blog and for my other social media accounts.

  • Via Bella

    This is super helpful in planning what kind of camera to get for many people. I am learning a lot from this post.

  • Wanderlust Vegans

    I’ve heard so many good things about DSLR, I would like one, but they are too big for my liking. We like compact cameras.

    • Nordh

      What compact camera do you use? If you are concerned about portability but still want the features an interchangeable lens camera offers, you shouldn’t get a DSLR. Instead, consider a small MILCs, such as the Panasonic GM1. It weighs 274 grams and is 9.8 cm long and 5cm wide (in comparison, an iPhone 6 is larger, measuring 13.8 cm in length and 6.7 cm in width!). The Panasonic GM1 fits into my pocket!

  • Tanya

    This is such a comprehensive piece. I’ve wanted to get into photography for many years. Alas, with limited time, it’s a hobby I’ll have to save for the future. My father is getting into photography now, so I bet he’ll find this interesting. Thanks for sharing!

  • emma

    Looking to buy a camera for my dad – this is very helpful. Great tips too. Thanks!

  • Phaytea's Pulse

    I really look forward to the point where I start to get really technical with camera type and lenses….it’s a phase in blogging I hope to get to gradually…This will be helpful

    • Nordh

      Hopefully you will reach that point soon! Nothing beats a blog with beautiful photos!

  • Stacey

    This is really interesting. I had to print it because I am too old to digest it on my MAC. lol I love taking pictures in my travels and everyday life and I am always interested in how I can get the best bang for my buck. I love my Canon but its so big, it keeps me from bringing it on some trips.

    • Nordh

      I too love taking photos whenever I travel, but also in my everyday life. Ever since I got a mirrorless camera I have started to leave my DSLR at home. The mirrorless is so much more lightweight so it’s more convenient to bring on trips, but I still love my DSLR. I have four/five different cameras and I just can’t get enough of them!

  • Susan Minich

    I have a cannon rebel ti6. I upgraded to a micro lenses in February to shoot pictures for my food blog. I need to invest in a light because I take pictures of my morning smoothies and my dinner. Too much light is an issue in the morning and darkness is an issue at night. You’ve got me thinking about switching. I don’t like the heaviness on my neck or shoulders when I travel either… thanks for your informative post!

    • Nordh

      The Canon Rebel T6i is a great camera! I love the flipable viewfinder. If you find that too much light is an issue in the morning, you can easily turn down the ISO and increase the shutter speed. As for the lack of light in the night, there’s not much we can do about it unless we have some additional equipment. I don’t like bumping up the ISO too mugh, as I can’t stand grainy pictures, and I don’t like lowering the shutter speed too much either because then I might end up with blurry shots. I am looking into getting a couple of softboxes to further enhance my flatlayts and food shots! A lot of food photographers use these.

      • Susan Minich

        Thank you! I went to the store to get a softbox, but then I was rushed for time and there was a huge line. I have to go back. I appreciate your suggestions so much!

      • Clas

        Question: for roughly the same price point, is the DSLR better in photo quality,?

    • Clas

      Susan, if you’re looking to capture the best quality photos and video, I can highly recommend investing in a light. I got myself a softbox for my birthday and it’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever gifted myself! My photos turn out so much better. Have you heard of the “Diva Ring Light” (or smth along those lines)? It’s supposedly very popular among bloggers and vloggers.

  • Claire

    What a cool summary/compare/contrast on which camera I should buy! Great guide since I am thinking of buying a camera.

  • Clas

    My sister in law shot with a T4i for many years. She recently upgraded, switched over to to M4/3 o after shooting Canon for years and years. The new M4/3 offered more overall versatility, and other features like a touchscreen. The new M4/3 is a LOT smaller and lighter than the T4i, so she she ends up using her camera a lot more now and gets a lot more joy out of shooting with it. I am also in the process of switching over to the M4/3.

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