A few years ago, if one decides to become serious about taking videos or photos either professionally or as a hobby, buying a DSLR is the immediate action. Today it seems like using mirrorless cameras is the new thing right now for both photo and video hobbyists or professionals. However, it is still noticeable that both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are still being used almost equally by people in the photography and videography industry.

You might question, “Is there a competition between these two kinds of cameras?” Indeed, there is a battle. Some say that the battle is still ongoing. Mirrorless cameras were first dubbed as a “vlogger’s companion,” however, right now it seems like professionals have switched to mirrorless cameras already.

Did you know that 2018 was the year for mirrorless full-frame cameras? Almost all the new cameras that came into the market were mirrorless cameras and only a few from the DSLR market. However, despite this known battle in the camera industry, there need not be a competition because the DSLR and the mirrorless camera each have their own pros and cons. It completely depends upon the user and what their priorities are in using the camera.

In this article, we will be providing a comprehensive comparison between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera to help you make the perfect choice of camera depending on what you are looking for and what you need.

Before discussing each essential camera aspect or factor, let’s first talk about the two kinds of cameras.

What Is A DSLR?

A Comparison Between DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras
First of all, DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex. As opposed to the analog single reflex lens of the past, the DSLR uses a digital single-lens reflex mechanism, hence the name DSLR. In this mechanism, the mirror inside the camera’s body reflects the light which comes in through the lens up to a prism, and into the viewfinder in order for you to preview the shot.

In case you still don’t know, the viewfinder is where you put your eye in to see a preview of what you are taking a photo of.

What Is A Mirrorless Camera?

Meanwhile, in a mirrorless camera, light passes through the lens and right onto the image sensor, which captures a preview of the image so that it displays on your camera’s rear screen.
Size and Weight

DSLR cameras are larger than mirrorless cameras, which means that they weigh heavier as well. A mirrorless camera is lighter compared to a DSLR because of its composition is smaller. Therefore, a mirrorless camera allows you to carry it easier and you could fit more into your camera bag.

Battery Life

The battery life of a camera is definitely something that you need to consider, especially since purchasing extra battery packs can be expensive. People who look for long battery lives are those who love using their cameras outdoors, such as when they hike or go to the beach, because they know they will be using it all throughout the day, or night. Therefore, they look for a camera that can give them that sustaining battery life.

In general, DSLRs provide a longer battery life than mirrorless cameras because you have the option not to use the LCD screen. Instead, you can choose to use the viewfinder. So, using a DSLR provides longer battery life, that is, if you will be mostly using it for photo purposes. Since mirrorless cameras use screens, this will decrease its battery faster than that of a DSLR.

Video Quality

Video Quality
This portion is a must-read if you are planning to use your camera for videography. Mirrorless cameras are better suited for videography especially the higher-end mirrorless cameras. It’s because compared to the DSLR, mirrorless cameras have faster and more accurate contrast-detection focus method.
Shooting Speed

Both cameras can actually shoot at fast shutter speeds. Thus, both kinds of cameras can really capture a lot of images very quickly. Exempting high-end DSLRs, if we are just comparing general DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the latter has an edge because the absence of the mirror makes it easier to take photos image after image.

Camera Accessories

Camera Accessories
DSLRs offer more camera accessories and lenses. Meanwhile, choosing lenses and other camera accessories for a mirrorless camera is restricted and/or limited because you can only buy accessories from the maker of the camera as well. Meanwhile, there are a lot of third-party sellers of camera accessories for DSLRs.

In Conclusion

The bottom line here is that mirrorless cameras usually have the advantage when it comes to being lighter and better for video shooting; however, it doesn’t provide a lot of options for accessories. Meanwhile, the DSLRs have the advantage when it comes to accessories and using the camera in low light.

However, whatever you end up choosing, you can find these two cameras here at EnhancedViewHD.com! If you are still unsure about what camera you want to use for a long time (since buying a camera is an investment), the best option is to buy a cheaper camera by using a secondhand camera.

We offer them here as well. If ever you want to sell the camera you bought and buy another one that you think will suit your preferences, you can also sell them here. Give us a call at 305-971-2916 or fill out our website form, and we’ll help you out. Whatever you need, we got it here. We’ll enhance your view for you.