Which Camera Should You Choose? A Mirrorless or DSLR?

 
 

The Mirrorless versus DSLR debate continues to sizzle hotter than a summer barbecue with every new camera launch. While the market is leaning heavily towards mirrorless, the death of the DSLR is greatly exaggerated. In fact, many photographers still swear by their trusty DSLRs for various reasons.

Both Mirrorless and DSLR camera systems have their own set of pros and cons. The main differences are in body design and processing power. Despite these differences, one thing is clear – both types can capture stunning images.

However, the key factor in choosing between them is personal preference. This decision will hinge on affordability, functions, and accessibility. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of each system and see which might be right for you.

AUTOFOCUS

Both technologies can shoot at fast shutter speeds and capture a burst of images quickly. Mirrorless cameras have an edge here because the lack of a mirror makes it easier to take rapid shots. They use a mechanical shutter for better results but also offer an electronic shutter option for quicker, silent shooting.

Focus peaking, a feature in all consumer and pro-level mirrorless cameras, helps with manual focusing by highlighting sharp areas in real-time. This feature, once reserved for videographers, is now common in most new cameras and can be enabled in older models too (check your manual).

Mirrorless cameras' EVF technology also offers face and eye-tracking. This means your camera can automatically focus on the nearest eye of your subject, whether it's a person or an animal. Nikon recently even introduced focus tracking for vehicles, making sports photography a breeze.

Advantage: Mirrorless

SPEED OF PHOTO CAPTURE RATE

Mirrorless cameras, with their simpler internal mechanics, generally shoot faster than most DSLRs, especially in burst mode. My Nikon Z9, for example, shoots full-size RAW files at up to 20 frames per second with a buffer of over 1,000 images. It can also shoot JPEGs at an astonishing 120 fps.

Advantage: Mirrorless

SIZE AND WEIGHT

The initial allure of mirrorless cameras was their smaller size and lighter weight. However, this argument is becoming less valid. While consumer mirrorless bodies are still generally smaller and lighter, newer pro-level mirrorless bodies and lenses are quite hefty.

For instance, the Nikon D850, a bulky DSLR, weighs about 3.4 pounds with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Compare that to the mirrorless Nikon Z9 with the same lens, which tips the scales at a hefty 4 pounds.

Advantage: Mirrorless (for entry-level and casual users)

BATTERY LIFE

Mirrorless cameras, with their LCD screens and EVFs, consume more battery power than DSLRs. Recent Fuji models struggle with battery life, offering only 3-400 shots per charge compared to DSLRs, which offer double that. However, Sony’s newer batteries now offer over 800 shots per charge, and Nikon’s Z9 battery can last for 2,000 to 3,000 shots per charge.

While mirrorless battery life is improving, DSLR batteries still generally last longer for the average shooter. I shoot with Nikon. I use the Z9. Those batteries far surpass all other batteries I have ever used. I can get 3,000 to 5,000 images out of my Nikon EN-EL18D battery.

Advantage: Slight Advantages to DSLRs. But that advantage is shrinking fast, and I could argue that Mirrorless has already surpassed the DSLR.

IMAGE QUALITY

Both types can take high-quality pictures with similar resolutions and noise levels. Mirrorless cameras, once hampered by smaller sensors, now often use larger sensors found in full-frame DSLRs. Sony's A7 line pioneered this, and now Canon and Nikon also offer full-frame mirrorless models.

Advantage: Draw

LENSES AND ACCESSORIES

DSLRs have a wider range of lenses and accessories due to their longer presence in the market. However, this is changing rapidly. Mirrorless systems are seeing a surge in new lenses and accessories, with third-party companies also joining the fray. Manufacturers are offering adaptors to use DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras without losing image quality.

Advantage: Mirrorless

LIVE VIEW CAPABILITIES

Mirrorless cameras' EVFs show what you get in real-time, unlike DSLRs' optical viewfinders. This is a significant advantage for beginners, as it allows them to see exposure and depth of field changes as they compose their shot. Some models even offer a live histogram for proper exposure.

Advantage: Mirrorless

Shooting Video

When it comes to shooting video, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras deliver excellent quality, but there are some notable differences to consider.

DSLRs can produce high-quality video, but they often lack the versatility of mirrorless cameras. The mirror mechanism in a DSLR can constrain live view autofocus when recording video, resulting in slower and less reliable autofocus performance.

Mirrorless cameras excel in video recording due to their lack of a mirror mechanism. They offer continuous autofocus in live view and video modes, enabling seamless focus transitions and tracking of moving subjects. Additionally, mirrorless cameras typically come with more advanced video features, such as:

  • Higher Resolutions: Options for 4K or 8K video recording.

  • Higher Frame Rates: For smooth slow-motion footage.

  • Log Profiles: For advanced colour grading and greater dynamic range.

Another significant advantage of mirrorless cameras is the real-time exposure preview in the electronic viewfinder, which accurately depicts how the video will look before you start recording.

In summary, while both DSLR and mirrorless cameras can shoot excellent video, mirrorless systems offer greater versatility and advanced features, making them a more appealing choice for many videographers.

Advantage: Mirrorless

CONCLUSION

As of 2024, mirrorless cameras are offering more bang for your buck. When choosing a camera, consider the brand – Fuji and Sony are heavily invested in mirrorless, while Nikon, Sony and Canon, with their extensive DSLR experience, are now producing excellent full-frame and APS-C mirrorless bodies, lenses, and batteries.

Ultimately, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras can produce excellent images. Many amateurs and professionals still prefer DSLRs, while others have switched to mirrorless without looking back (count me in the second category). The choice is yours, but rest assured, you can't go wrong with either.

REAL-WORLD Results

Reading a post like this is one thing, but what you probably really want to know is how the cameras and lenses hold up in real-world situations. Here is what comprises my cameras and lenses:
Cameras: Nikon z7ii, Nikon Z9
Nikkor Lenses: Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8, Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, and the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x

Reading about the features and benefits of different cameras and lenses is helpful, but what matters is how they perform in real-world situations. Here’s a look at my gear and how it holds up:

Cameras and Lenses

Cameras:

  • Nikon Z7ii

  • Nikon Z9

Nikkor Lenses:

  • Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S

  • Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S

  • Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8

  • Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

  • AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

  • Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x

While my go-to gear is primarily mirrorless, I still keep a mix of DSLR and mirrorless cameras in my cabinet, along with both mirrorless and non-mirrorless lenses. Notably, my Nikkor 500mm PF lens works flawlessly on both my DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Performance in Action

I've extensively used a mirrorless Nikon Z7ii, Z8, and Z9 to photograph a variety of subjects, including people, landscapes, and wildlife. Here are some key observations:

  • Image Quality: Consistently excellent across all scenarios.

  • Frames Per Second: More than satisfactory for capturing fast action.

  • Features: Focus peaking, focus stacking, and live view are invaluable, performing well in both good and low light conditions.

  • Night Photography: My mirrorless cameras handle night skies and auroras as well, if not better, than my D850 DSLR.

  • Eye Detection: When photographing wildlife, the eye detection autofocus blew me away with its quick response and accuracy. My keeper ratio has never been as high as it is using the eye-detect feature on large and small fast-moving wildlife.

In conclusion, my mirrorless setup delivers outstanding performance and versatility, proving itself to be a reliable choice for a wide range of photographic needs.

The best photography gear decision I have ever made was to go mirrorless.

I have also posted my thoughts on my workhorse, the Nikon Z9. That is now my go-to mirrorless camera. You can read that here.