DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras: A Head-to-Head Breakdown

Professional photographers and hobbyists alike share a common dilemma in terms of camera choice these days. Most of them struggle with an internal debate on whether to go for the classic DLSR or follow the path to mirrorless cameras. In this article, we talk about DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras.

This topic wasn’t even a discussion a more than a decade ago, because serious photographers at the time would automatically go the DSLR route. It wasn’t until the late 2000s when Panasonic introduced the Lumix G1[1] , which forever changed the landscape of photography as we know it.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of those at a tug-o-war with their inner selves, unable to come up with a decision just yet regarding DSLR vs Mirrorless. So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you an assessment of the two, but instead of a simple compare-and-contrast article, we’ll be rating this with a 10-point scoring system, similar to judging prized fights.

The Tale of the Tape

Before we delve into the meat of the matter, let us first take a look at the basics and tackle the question ‘What sets DSLRs and mirrorless cameras apart?’ The answer is pretty straightforward: the latter (also known as compact system cameras or ‘CSC’) do not make use of an internal mirror system.

With mirrorless cameras, the optical viewfinder and the streamlined control system found in a DSLR are non-existent. Point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones fall under this category.

Sure, most CSCs today bear almost the same features and sophistication as its DSLR counterparts. But there remains an argument as to which one of the two is the viable choice to make, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details.

For this breakdown, we will assess each one based on convenience, image quality, battery life, features, and price.

Convenience

This particular aspect is crucial, especially for travel photographers. You would want a camera that provides the quality you’re looking for, while not adding too much extra weight for you to lug around.

DSLRs are generally larger and bulkier in size and frame, allowing better handling and the use of bigger lenses. Mirror less cameras are the exact opposite, but some models can accommodate the same lens sizes as most DSLRs.

Since you can get the best of both worlds with less of the bulk, mirrorless cameras take round one with a score of 10-9.

Image Quality

There was a time when DSLRs held the advantage in this particular aspect, given that it uses both full-frame and APS-C sensors. Eventually, mirrorless cameras caught up with this technology and equipped its recent models with both sensors, as well.

In this particular case, both camera options lead to desirable photo quality results. With that said, we’re scoring this a draw, with both garnering a 10-10 score.

Battery Life

Mirrorless cameras may be more convenient to bring around compared to DSLRs, given its more compact structure. But what it gives up in size and weight, it also sacrifices with battery life.

A DLSR can give you around 800 to up to 1,000 shots in one charging, depending on the model you are using. Mirrorless cameras, meanwhile, only allow you up to 400 shots, and would require you to stock up on extra batteries.

While mirrorless cameras do have a decent enough battery life, this round goes to DSLRs, with a score of 10-8.

Features

DSLR cameras provide way more standard features, which is a treat for seasoned photographers. It allows them to explore through way more options, giving them more room to operate.

Similarly, mirrorless cameras offer the same manual controls for focus and exposure, giving the same ability to control the final layout.

DLSRs do hold a slight advantage because of its viewfinder, but if we look at it a general photographer’s standpoint, it is a stalemate between the two. However, the round goes to mirrorless cameras with a 10-9 score, since some models do surpass its DSLR counterparts in terms of overall features.

Price

DSLR market prices have remained constant over the years, but mirrorless cameras that compete at the same level have spiked up in rates. A CSC device with a viewfinder, for one, definitely costs more than average.

But as the demand for mirrorless cameras increases, it is expected for its price to level off, as well. But until then, DSLRs are a slightly cheaper option, as it takes round five with a 10-9 tally.

The official decision

Both cameras take two rounds apiece, with round two being even. As a result, there is a deadlock in the overall verdict.

Ultimately, it will still come down to needs and preferences. A mirrorless camera provides parallel results as a DSLR, albeit the absence of some of the more intricate features.

It may be a slight disadvantage for long-time, seasoned photographers, but if you are looking to fulfill your passion of taking still images, either one of the two may work as well.

As for the major players in the camera game today, It is going to be interesting to see how technology catches up and what the major brands come up with next. As of late, we are already hearing rumors of a  Nikon Fullframe Mirrorless camera and  I’m sure other companies to follow.

Hopefully, after reading this comparison, you can make a more informed decision as to which of the two choices would better suit your needs.

If you have any thought of which is better with regarding DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras, share them down below.