by Kenton
With technology constantly advancing at a rapid pace, it can be difficult to determine which new product to buy and just how helpful or valuable they may be in the long run to someone of your specific skill level. All of the newly added features being implemented in modern technology can be beneficial but not always the most intuitive or easy to figure out, especially when it comes to buying a new camera.
Since 2004, manufacturers have discovered a way to do less with more in the form of a video camera that does not require a reflex mirror (or a mirrorless camera). With cameras such as these, the mirror that reflects the light up to the optical viewfinder is taken out; which allows for smaller camera models to be made that contain all of the same features that one would find on a regular DSLR camera, only without the gluttonous mirror taking up space. Other advantages to this include a more vast variety of lenses to be mounted on due to the distance between the lens mount and sensor being much smaller, as well as the ability to capture in 4K or Ultra HD.
Of course, mirrorless cameras come with their fair share of disadvantages as well. When it comes to battery life, mirrored cameras still reign supreme in this department due to the perpetual use of the censor on mirrorless cameras as well as the live view LCD or EVF. Depending on which model camera you buy, mirrored cameras also tend to have more of an advantage when it comes to previewing images. As DSLR cameras offer better image quality in low-light situations.
So when you are left to decide whether to invest in a Mirrored DSLR camera or a Mirrorless camera; many advantages and disadvantages can be had for both, but it mainly boils down to personal preference from the photographer. In many respects they are similar, but one may prefer the size and portability of the mirrorless camera or maybe even the longer battery life of a DSLR. Whatever the case, each camera type has much to offer for both professionals and novices alike.
Sources
Burgett, Gannon. “What is a mirrorless camera, and what makes it different from a DSLR?” Digital Trends. 21 May 2019. https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-is-a-mirrorless-camera/. Accessed 7 Nov 2019.
Alvarez, Edgar. “A brief history of mirrorless cameras”. Engadget. 15 April 2019. https://www.engadget.com/2019/04/15/mirrorless-cameras-retrospective/. Accessed 7 Nov 2019.
BeachTeam. “DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras: How to Choose What’s Best for You”. Beach Camera Blog. 29 Jan 2018. https://www.beachcamera.com/blog/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras-choose-whats-best/. Accessed 7 Nov 2019