The DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras is a never-ending debate that started in 2009 when mirrorless cameras were first launched in the market. For some, mirrorless cameras are the future of photography, but the people who design cameras haven’t stopped praising DSLRs.
Here in this article, we will throw some light on how DSLR cameras surpassed mirrorless cameras in the year 2022.
If you carry cameras for style, you can opt for mirrorless cameras, but if you are genuinely interested in photography, you have to go with DSLR cameras. And, here is Why?
Before we get into the critical features of DSLR and how it is different from mirrorless, let us first brief you a little bit on what do we mean by a DSLR. The complete form of DSLR is “Digital Single Lens Reflex” It has been so named because it is the digital version of SLR.
Most SLR cameras use photographic film technology; therefore, they are filmed SLR cameras. But, DSLR uses digital imaging sensors instead of films. These sensors are used to absorb the light and capture the image.
The most significant advantage of a DSLR is that because cameras are used to reflect the picture, you can preview the image in the viewfinder and see how it looks like before you take the shot, which cannot be done in case of mirrorless cameras because as the name suggests the mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror.
Now that we have a brief overview of DSLR cameras and how they work, let’s walk you through the essential pointers that will prove that DSLR cameras are still the best.
DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras – Why DSLR still tops the list of cameras?
Size and Weight
Size and weight were among the most significant selling points of mirrorless cameras. It’s evident that when people look for cameras, they prefer buying a more miniature camera and lighter in weight to carry them anywhere easily.
And this is precisely why mirrorless cameras were gaining popularity over DSLR cameras till the time APS-C-DSLR- Canon EOS Rebel SL1 hit the market and stunned photographers. This excellent DSLR model weighs only 14.36 ounces and has all the plus points of a heavy-weight DSLR camera. DSLR proved mirrorless cameras that no one could beat in size and weight with its launch.
Price
If you are willing to invest and looking for a high-end camera, then you’d be glad to know that both DSLR and mirrorless cameras cost the same. But if you are searching for a high-end camera in the low range, there is no match for a DSLR. If you purchase a low-range mirrorless camera, you will have to compromise on the battery life resolution and not get a viewfinder with the camera that can help you preview your images. Photography is not something you can do blindly, and there is undoubtedly no compromise in picture quality when you are investing in a camera. With DSLR cameras, you don’t need to compromise on anything and save the extra bucks you would spend on mirrorless cameras. Therefore, if we compare the features with price, DSLR conveniently overtakes mirrorless cameras.
Lens Quality
If you are looking for a more comprehensive section of the lens, mirrorless cameras are slowly catching up with DSLRs, but DSLRs are way ahead of mirrorless cameras when it comes to lens quality. Research proves wider lenses in mirrorless cameras will grossly affect the focal point, zooming quality, and decelerate autofocus which does not happen in the case of DSLR cameras.
Battery Life
When comparing DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras, battery backup is where DSLR cameras earn ginny points over mirrorless cameras. Photography is not an indoor hobby, and it involves a lot of traveling. And, you don’t find charging points everywhere you go.
Therefore, whenever you are buying cameras, you need to check your camera’s battery life. Mirrorless cameras haven’t competed with DSLR cameras where battery backup is concerned. DSLR cameras have long battery life, and you can easily carry them for hours without putting them on charge.
Viewfinder
Since mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror inside the camera, the image reflected on the viewfinder is artificially created. Whereas, in the case of DSLR, the image you see on the viewfinder is what comes through the lens. Therefore, the image quality differs. The image quality of the DSLR viewfinder is superior to the electronically generated images in mirrorless cameras.
Compact
When shooting outside in an open area, you need a compact camera. Entry-level DSLR cameras have started winning the race with mirrorless cameras here. But if your focus is to buy a very compact and sleek camera, you can still opt for a mirrorless camera.
Other than these features, if you ask us about image and video quality, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are more or less the same, and their camera sensors are of the same standard. But time and again, DSLR cameras have proved to the world that they are sturdy and reliable and have a longer shelf life compared to mirrorless cameras.
What are the disadvantages of a mirrorless camera?
Even though mirrorless cameras look classy and elegant and are easy to carry, these portable cameras have their limitations and are constantly struggling to overcome them.
Firstly, they don’t have a mirror; therefore, the image created in the viewfinder is artificially created.
Secondly, they are not as sturdy as DSLR cameras.
Thirdly, they are expensive. And, if you go for cheap mirrorless cameras, you will get poor resolution and poor battery backup.
Finally, the lens quality is also not as good as DSLR. Therefore, they are high-maintenance cameras. Moreover, they do not last long, and the shelf life is not as much as DSLR.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mirrorless camera better than DSLR?
Even though mirrorless cameras are improving with time, we cannot say they are better than DSLRs. DSLR cameras are cheaper, more effective, and have a superior power backup than mirrorless cameras.
Most importantly, the lens quality and battery life are way better than mirrorless cameras, and if you are searching for a sturdy camera that will last you long, no one can beat DSLR cameras. They are also surpassing mirrorless cameras in style and overall camera quality. Therefore, if you ask us if a mirrorless camera is better than DSLR, we would say a big NO. DSLR cameras were and will continue to be the best cameras.
Do professionals use DSLR or mirrorless?
Mirrorless cameras are used mainly by people who take photography as a hobby. The sleek design and lightweight make mirrorless cameras a style statement for an individual. But when we are talking about professional photography, the first choice of a professional photographer is a DSLR.
They prefer using cameras with a wide lens. The picture quality of DSLR is by far the best, and the unique features make these cameras perfect for professional use. The primary reason professionals use DSLRs is that they are affordable and have a long shelf life. If you ask any professional, they would recommend DSLR for professional use.
Will mirrorless replace DSLR?
Will DSLR be replaced by mirrorless is a question that individuals often ask. Even though the fight between the two giants has been on a roller coaster ride since 2009, mirrorless cameras are far from reaching the efficiency level of DSLR.
Therefore, we can say that mirrorless cameras are in no way causing a threat to DSLRs. We don’t see mirrorless cameras replacing DSLRs anywhere in the future. Instead, they are getting better with time. They are constantly working on their power, strength, and appearance and continuously compete with mirrorless cameras. And, this competition will possibly last in the time to come.
Conclusion: DSLR vs. Mirrorless
Therefore, we can say that both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are continuously going through changes to meet industry standards. Still, despite censoring the same standard, mirrorless cameras have not to beat DSLRs yet. Mirrorless cameras are way ahead of winning DSLR in size and weight, price, lens quality, battery life, and most importantly, shelf life. However, the completion between the two is still on, and we are still waiting to see who wins.