Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR: Which One Feels Right?

Are you also Farhan Quareshi from 3 Idiots who loves photography and your “abba toh maan gaye" but you are confused between a Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR?  

If you’d ask a number of people about their opinion, some will say DSLRs are best.

While many believe mirrorless is the future, the simple question of whether to buy a camera has suddenly gotten complicated without even realising it.

It all depends on which suits your lifestyle, your plans, and your aesthetic, because that’s where the real answer to the question of whether to buy a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera lies. 

First Things First: What’s the Real Difference?

DSLR cameras have a mirror system. The DSLR camera has been around for decades, and when you look through a DSLR's viewfinder, you are essentially looking through the lens (at the way it looks). 

The other end of the spectrum is a mirrorless camera; as the name implies, it does NOT have a mirror, instead, there is a sensor. In addition, you can view the photo being taken on the camera's back screen. While the mirrorless camera is new, it has rapidly gained in popularity as well.

Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR- Major Difference

1. Size and Weight

Another major difference between Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR is the size, as a DSLR camera is bulkier in size due to the presence of a mirror. In case you want a traditional camera shooting experience with a long battery life, you can opt for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera. The mirrorless camera is also lightweight and compact, such as the Sony Alpha series camera.

2. Image Quality

In comparison of a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, both types are able to produce images that are considered high-quality. Image quality from Canon cameras includes full-frame and APS-C models, is typically good, and has an acceptable level of colour accuracy & dynamic range.

But Mirrorless cameras have a slight edge over DSLR cameras. This is because Mirrorless cameras provide a preview of what the image will look like on the screen/electronic viewfinder. This will give a user an idea of what they want to capture before clicking a photograph. DSLR cameras use an optical viewfinder. This is also a good feature of DSLR cameras. Many photographers prefer this. It is natural and comfortable to look into.

3. Autofocus and Speed

Ever tried focusing on a moving object, and you fail to get the perfect shot? That's where the autofocus comes in. 

• Mirrorless cameras offer faster autofocus with eye tracking and face detection
• DSLRs are reliable but slightly slower in live view

If you are a fashion photographer or a reels creator, and are confused about Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR, you might be thinking, "Are mirrorless cameras better than DSLRs”? Well, for a faster camera, they are.

4. Battery Life

In the Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR Camera comparison, DSLRs are definitely the winners.

The average life of a DSLR camera is 600-800 shots per battery. The maximum life of a DSLR camera is 2,000 shots per battery. This is just fantastic. The average life of a mirrorless camera is 300-400 shots per battery. It can go up to 700 shots per battery.

When you use a mirrorless camera, you are using all of your digital parts, the viewfinder, and your shutter. This constantly drains your batteries.

5. Video Capabilities 

Another important factor to consider when deciding Mirrorless camera vs DSLR is the video recording feature, especially for those involved in content creation. 

The mirrorless camera is best used for video recording. The camera can record video at 4K or even at 8K. This is much clearer compared to the usual recording quality. The autofocus feature of mirrorless cameras is also much better when it comes to video recording. The camera is also lightweight, making it best suited for vlogging. Although DSLRs can record video, their contrast-detection autofocus of DSLRs is much slower.

6. Viewfinder Experience

When discussing Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR, there are many differences, such as a mirrorless camera uses an electronic viewfinder, while a DSLR uses an optical viewfinder. Electronic viewfinders offer much clearer, smoother images and allow you to see everything you want to see. 

However, there is still some lag time (delayed image) between what you see happening and what's displayed on the screen. That said, the lag time has improved drastically. An optical viewfinder provides you with immediate access to what is happening right in front of you, allowing you to see when you're taking pictures, thus providing immediate access to action shots, especially useful while taking pictures of fast-moving subjects such as athletes.

Price: DSLRs Are Lower Cost Than Mirrorless Cameras

Price is the biggest factor in the Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR debate. DSLR cameras are also more affordable because they use older and more established technology. Since there are many DSLRs in the market, you can easily purchase a good camera at a lower cost. DSLRs are, therefore, ideal for new users or those on a budget. Another factor is the cost of the lenses. The cost of mirrorless lenses is higher than that of DSLRs. 

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Should You Buy a Mirrorless or DSLR Camera?

Mirrorless Camera vs DSLR does not have to be confusing anymore. When you know how you intend to use your camera, whether it is for travelling, content creation, or even professional use, it is a much simpler question to answer. When it comes to mirrorless versus DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras have the advantage in portability, speed, and new features, while DSLR cameras have the advantage in reliability and battery life. DSLR or Mirrorless? If you are still wondering whether mirrorless is better than a DSLR, it comes down to what you need.