Do you have plans on getting into photography? Despite popular belief, picking up a camera and shooting isn't the first step to stepping into the artistic field. Deciding what kind of camera to use is most important and in most instances, can come down between DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or mirrorless cameras for the highest quality photos. While both can deliver flawless, detailed images, each has its advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the selection for your next shoot session. If you are a beginner, take a look at this guide to help you decide which camera suits your photography needs.
Design
DSLR cameras have an interior design containing a mirror that blocks the light from passing through the lens and hitting the image sensor. By pressing the shutter button, the mirror lifts out, and the light reaches the image sensor to capture the final image.
Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, don’t have this mirror mechanism as light steadily passes through the lens and hits the image sensor.
Size and Weight
When it comes to size and weight, DSLRs are obviously larger and heavier as compared to mirrorless cameras because of their prism and mirror requirements. A mirrorless camera has a smaller body which makes its easier to carry wherever you may go.
Shooting Speed
A mirrorless camera carries an advantage when it comes to shooting speed in comparison to a DSLR camera. Even at higher shutter speeds, mirrorless cameras are able to shoot more photos per second as they don’t have the mirror mechanism provided by the DLSR.
Autofocus and Low-Light Shooting
DSLR products have been in the limelight for their autofocus and low-light shooting capabilities until mirrorless low-light cameras came onto the scene. Mirrorless cameras’ autofocus systems have upgraded immensely, with some brands featuring exceptional autofocus speeds. Nevertheless, nothing can beat the autofocus attribute of DSLR cameras that are useful for fast-moving shots in circumstances such as sports and wildlife photography.
Viewfinder
The DSLR camera's optical viewfinder system is loved by most photographers because of its ability to show exactly what the camera captures. However, mirrorless cameras offer a preview of the image on-screen. You can find mirrorless cameras featuring an electronic viewfinder or LCD screen which replicates the optical viewfinder of a DSLR.
Using mirrorless cameras outdoors in a good light gives you an image preview that looks as close as the final image. But when used in low-light photography or fast-moving subjects, mirrorless cameras usually have dull or coarse image previews. Both types of cameras perform well in light but if you are more into low-light, sports, or wildlife photography, DSLR would be the best choice.
Lenses
From specialized optics to all-in-one zooms, DSLR cameras have the widest selections of lenses as well as accessories from a number of manufacturers worldwide. Although mirrorless models lenses are restricted, they are now starting to fill in the gap as more of their lenses are now becoming available on the market.
Hopefully this guide has helped you in choosing the right camera for you to begin your photography venture. The most important thing here is to go for a camera that your are comfortable with and can provide the features you need for your photography work.