{"id":68446,"date":"2021-03-12T17:15:34","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T22:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=68446"},"modified":"2023-04-24T09:22:25","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T13:22:25","slug":"mirrorless-cameras-vs-dslr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/mirrorless-cameras-vs-dslr\/","title":{"rendered":"Mirrorless vs DSLRs: How Do They Compare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

When mirrorless cameras first came on the market in 2009, they became a potential opponent for the mighty DSLR\u2014the current king of the photography world by popular opinion. A fierce debate then arose within the photography world comparing mirrorless vs DSLRs. Which is superior? The debate warrants continuous updating.\u00a0Mirrorless cameras<\/a> continue to get better at starting speeds. Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras continue to evolve and improve with the latest innovations in camera technology. In this guide we will discuss the ins and outs of mirrorless cameras vs DSLRs. By the end you should have a good idea whether a mirrorless vs DSLR camera<\/strong> is better for you.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is a DSLR Camera?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex<\/a>. It\u2019s the digital version of a film SLR camera, meaning it uses a digital imaging sensor instead of photographic film to capture images. Light enters through the lens, which is reflected off a mirror in the camera body that bounces light into the viewfinder. When you click the shutter, the mirror flips down and exposes the digital sensor, which absorbs the light and captures the image.<\/p>\r\n

What is a Mirrorless Camera?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With a mirrorless camera<\/a>, the lack of a mirror means there isn\u2019t a natural way to preview the image through the viewfinder (more on that later). But the more simple, streamlined design also allows for a considerably smaller and more portable device.<\/p>\r\n

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Photo from AdoramaTV video with David Bergman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Mirrorless vs DSLR Camera Comparison<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To fully compare mirrorless vs DSLR cameras, let\u2019s take a look at how they differ when it comes to the most important camera specs and features:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Size & Weight<\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Size and weight are always important when it comes to cameras. In most cases, you\u2019re going to be using them in situations that will likely require you to move around, so the more portable the camera, the better.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the main selling points of a mirrorless camera over a DSLR is its portability and significantly lighter body weight. But that\u2019s not always a good thing, because most mirrorless lenses weigh about the same as DSLR lenses, so if you tend to use a lot of bulky lenses, the bigger and heavier of the two cameras would probably be the better option due to the fact that it would be much harder to balance the combination of a lightweight camera and a heavy lens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

DSLR cameras are typically bigger and heavier than their mirrorless counterparts as they need fit a mirror and its housing, a pentaprism, and a secondary autofocus mirror as well as other parts of the autofocus system. Still, some APS-C DSLR cameras can also be lightweight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Price<\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cameras are a big investment. When it comes to value for money, the DSLR wins the game. You can purchase an entry-level to mid-level DSLR camera<\/a> at an affordable price and still get good specs and an array of features. With mirrorless cameras, anything on the cheaper end of the spectrum will be lacking in resolution, battery life, and will not have a viewfinder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the more professional, higher end of the spectrum, however, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are evenly matched. You get the same amount of features and roughly the same power and performance with either a mirrorless or DSLR, and the price range will largely be the same.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lenses<\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Since DSLRs have been veterans on the market for the longest time, it\u2019s a given that they have a wider selection of lenses that you can choose from. For now, a DSLR is the better option if having a larger selection of lenses is important to you. But as mirrorless cameras continue to grow in popularity, their lens offerings are now slowly catching up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Micro Four Thirds format cameras already have a growing number of lenses that can be purchased from Olympus and Panasonic. If mirrorless camera users need to use DSLR-sized lenses, adapters can be bought in manufacturer\u2019s stores.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, doing so can affect some features of your mirrorless camera, such as:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n