So you want to get into photography and are looking at Beachcamera.com for a camera to get you started. Do you buy a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera? You can get great photos with either, but each has its pros and cons. We’ve compiled a list of those to help you make the decision that’s best for your photography needs.
What is a DSLR Camera?
DSLRs use the same design as the 35mm film cameras from the past. A mirror inside the camera body reflects the light coming in through the lens up to a prism, and into the viewfinder for you to preview your shot. When you press the shutter button, the mirror flips up, a shutter opens and the light falls onto the image sensor, which captures the final image. One example of a DSLR camera is the Nikon D3400 DSLR from Beachcamera.com.
Nikon D3400
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
In a mirrorless camera, light passes through the lens and right onto the image sensor, which captures a preview of the image to display on the rear screen. Some models also offer a second screen inside an electronic viewfinder that you can put your eye up to. The Sony Alpha a6300 from Beachcamera.com is a top mirrorless camera pick.
Sony Alpha a6300
Size and Weight
DSLR cameras are somewhat larger, as they need to fit in a mirror and a prism. A mirrorless camera body is smaller than a DSLR, with simpler construction. This allows you to carry a mirrorless camera more easily and fit more gear into your camera bag.
Autofocus Speed
As for autofocus and low-light shooting, DSLRs have generally reigned supreme, but this has begun to change with some mirrorless low-light cameras like the Sony a7R III. Mirrorless autofocus systems have improved greatly also, with cameras like the Canon M6 now with unparalleled autofocus speeds. However, DSLRs still remain superior for autofocusing on fast-moving objects, such as photographing sports or wildlife.
Sony a7R III
Previewing Images
With a DSLR, the optical viewfinder shows you exactly what the camera will capture. With a mirrorless camera, you get a preview of the image on-screen. Some mirrorless cameras offer an electronic viewfinder that simulates the optical viewfinder. When you’re shooting outside in good light, the preview on the screen of a mirrorless camera will look close to the final image. But in situations, such as in low light or with fast-moving subjects, the preview will suffer, becoming dull or grainy. A DSLR, by contrast, is better in low light. So, if you are shooting mostly in good light, both types will perform well. If you are often shooting in low light or other challenging conditions, a DSLR will be easier to shoot with.
Video Quality
Higher-end mirrorless cameras are generally better suited for video shooting. DSLRs can’t use phase detection with the mirror up while recording video, so they have to use the slower, less accurate, contrast-detection focus method. This leads to the familiar blurry look in the middle of a video when the camera starts hunting for the right focus. However, some newer SLRs are adding phase detection on the sensor, such as the Nikon D850. Increasingly, mirrorless cameras, such as the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S , can capture 4K, or Ultra HD, video with four times the resolution of HD footage. With superior autofocus in most models, mirrorless cameras provide the best results for most filmmakers.
Shooting Speed
Both camera types can shoot at very fast shutter speeds and capture a lot of images quickly. With the exception of high-end DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have an edge. The lack of a mirror makes it easier to take image after image. The simpler mechanics of mirrorless cameras allow them to shoot more photos per second, at higher shutter speeds.
Battery Life
Generally, DSLRs offer longer battery life because they have the ability to shoot without using the LCD screen or EVF, which use a lot of power. However, both types will have similar battery lives if you use the LCD screens to preview and view captured images a lot. All DSLRs and mirrorless cameras come with removable batteries, so you can carry a spare.
Lenses & Accessories
Choosing a DSLR gives you access to a number of lenses from many manufacturers. Mirrorless models are more restricted, offering access to a small number of lenses from the camera maker, though the selection is growing. This gap between the two types is narrowing as more mirrorless lenses become available.
Bottom Line
Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video; but that comes at the cost of access to fewer lenses and accessories. DSLRs have the advantage in lens selection and an optical viewfinder that works better in low light, but they are more complex and bulkier. Today’s mirrorless and DSLR cameras both display just how far digital camera technology has come, as both carry the ability to produce outstanding image quality with stunning performance and convenience.
Dan Sifuentes says
February 10, 2017 at 10:43 PMI was looking for a simple breakdown of the differences between the type camera types and this helped a lot. Thank you for writing this article.
Sai Kiran says
February 12, 2018 at 1:29 PMI am kind of an Fishing Enthusiast. I am trying to figure out what type of Camera I should buy when travelling places to fish and parallelly start a new hobby of Photography. This really helped a lot. Thanks!!!
Sierra says
February 16, 2018 at 11:52 AMGreat information, thank you!
Shira says
February 21, 2018 at 2:59 PMThank you. This is extremely helpful.
Nowshad Rahman says
February 22, 2018 at 2:20 PMNice article.Very useful info, thanks you!
Nowshad Rahman says
February 22, 2018 at 3:28 PMI was searching for differences between DSLR and Mirrorless camera and this article helped a lot. Much thank BeachTeam for composing this article. Nice article, Very useful information for me.
Ary says
February 26, 2018 at 11:40 PMthis is a lot of information
thanks for that…. a lot
Mike says
March 8, 2018 at 11:00 PMI’m really just wondering and maybe someone will reply is the mirrorless basically a point & shoot that allows the shooter to be able to change lens.
I have 3 DSLR cameras full frame and Cosmo sensors but the video just is a waste of time. My daughter took my Canon D80 because she wanting to create a Blogg or Vogg so I purchased her a high end mirrorless mostly to help with the video part. The camera does offer many extras such as filters and Wi-Fi but somewhat impressed. I would never use it for my primary and due to the cost of full frame lens makes me wish I would Have just purchased another lens.
Beach Camera Team says
March 12, 2018 at 11:22 AMHi Mike,
There are many differences between a morrorless and point and shoot. You are able to change the lens for mirrorless cameras. Point and shoots are very basic, automatic cameras. If you have any specific questions please let us know!
Sarangssang says
March 14, 2018 at 12:07 PMHello Your articlemhas really been an eye opener.
I Have A 15month old baby and you know babies are hyper active moving in a blink of an eye while taking pictures . Which camera dslr or mirrorless would you reccomemend for me beacuse i think i would need a very fast shutter speed to take her picture yet take videos at the same time to capture those unforgettable moments and maybe good.clear pictures during night shoot
Do you have any particular camera brand that you have tried and think is suitablw?
Really need ypur help on this.
Hppe to hear from you soon.
Thank you
laurenorcinolo says
March 14, 2018 at 3:05 PMHi Sarangssang,
Thank you for reaching out! Based on the criteria you mentioned, we would recommend that you take a look at a Sony Mirrorless camera. Below, we have outlined the models which we feel would give you all you are asking for and much more! These models all have fast shutter speed and auto focus to get the shots you are looking for, in addition to great nighttime imaging abilities. All this while still offering you impeccable video quality and ease of use.
If you are looking for an entry level mirrorless camera without a major monetary commitment, you can take a look at the Sony a5100. The camera has ultra-fast auto focus with 179 Auto Focus (AF) points, shoots at a rate of 6 Frames per second (Fps) and takes video in full HD 1080 quality. Despite not coming equipped with features like an electronic viewfinder, weather sealing, or a the fastest burst rate, like some of the next models, we love the image quality and size for the price!
Sony A5100
Next up, the highly rated, lightweight, 24.3-megapixel Sony a6000 is a great value for your money! With super-fast shooting at up to 11 frames per second, 1080p video, and built-in Wi-Fi. The Sony a6000 shoots faster than the Sony a5100 at 11 fps, is better in low light conditions, and perhaps most importantly, has an electronic viewfinder. The Sony a6000 is our choice! The Sony a6000, however, lacks 4K video, in-body image stabilization, and weather resistance like some of the models we will look at next.
Sony a6000
The next step up from that would be between the Sony a6300 and the Sony a6500. Both of these models offer 4K video, and more advanced autofocus. The Sony a6500 adds in-body image stabilization, for even sharper images, and a touchscreen to the rear LCD screen, both of which are useful changes that improve image quality and general user experience. Both of these models are excellent and the choice really comes down to the budget.
Sony a6300
Sony a6500
Lastly, If you are looking for a long term investment into top of the line, pro level photography, look no further than the full frame Sony a7 series. The newest member to the team is the Sony a7III, it is the most exciting, and affordable full frame mirrorless camera. The camera incorporates many of the same features as the more expensive a7R III, including an advanced autofocus system, fast burst rate of 10 frames per second, 4K video functionality, and more than double the battery life of the older a7 II. However, with its price tag, the Sony a7III is an affordable way into Sony’s full-frame camera lineup without compromising that much on performance.
Sony A7 III