Page 6 - Learning How to Photograph with your DSLR Camera 2nd Edition Jan 2021

Mirrorless Cameras: A New Entry in Camera Bodies

Mirrorless cameras are now starting to become more popular and have some of the
same key features as DSLR’s like shooting RAW, settings for Manual, Aperture and
Shutter Speed Modes, as well as recording HD videos. In a DSLR body, a mirror must flip
up when the shutter is pressed to record the image on the sensor. This mirror allows
you to look in through the viewfinder and compose your photograph. In a mirrorless
system, this is absent. Below are some differences between a DSLR and mirrorless
camera.
Pros of a Mirrorless Camera

▪ The size and weight are the most obvious. The mirrorless systems are compact and
lightweight and can fit in a pocket or purse.
▪ Because mirrorless cameras have no mirror they tend to shoot faster in frames per
second (fps) than a DSLR. Some shoot at a whopping 12-18 fps!
▪ While the DSLR camera is dominated by Nikon and Canon, mirrorless cameras from
Sony are the most popular as of this writing.
▪ Video tends to be a bit better with mirrorless cameras and can shoot in 4K, but many
DSLR’s can shoot in HD or 4K
▪ Mirrorless cameras are available as a full frame or APS-C as well as a Micro four-
thirds (* a micro four-thirds system uses smaller lenses with fantastic optical quality)
▪ Image composition is done in live mode on an LCD screen. Many LCD screens flip up to
see the screen better.

Cons of a Mirrorless Camera
▪ DSLR’s have a much wider variety of lenses, especially from Nikon and Canon. This may
be changing as some manufacturers of mirrorless systems are starting to offer more
lenses.
▪ There is an electronic viewfinder in mirrorless cameras, and this may turn some
photographers off that like looking through a pentaprism viewfinder to compose their
shot. This is not necessarily a negative but many traditional photographers may not like
this.
▪ The battery life tends to be better in the DSLR. The small form factor of the mirrorless
camera and a screen that is activated while shooting can drain the battery, while a DSLR
you can look through the viewfinder without using the LCD screen.

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