what is the different between dslr and mirrorless?

jackandthebeancurd

Active member
Messages
54
Reaction score
3
I've been wondering about the difference between the dslr and mirrorless. Sure I can just google it but it would be a good idea to get opinions from some of the experienced DPreview community.

I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Thank you in advance :)
 
I've been wondering about the difference between the dslr and mirrorless. Sure I can just google it but it would be a good idea to get opinions from some of the experienced DPreview community.

I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Thank you in advance :)
The difference lies in the type of viewfinder, and its effects on the body size & weight, and hence the lens size & weight.

The dSLR has a single lens reflex SLR mechanism for an optical viewfinder OVF.
The OVF leads to another number of differences eg less information display, less drain on battery life, different autofocus AF mechanisms, etc etc.

Meanwhile, the SLR mirror mechanism increases the flange distance between the lens & the sensor such that mathematically, th dSLR's lens becomes both longer & wider in diameter, hence heavier, for the same focal length & aperture.
As a result of the bigger & heavier body & lens, the dSLR's grip is normally larger.

The mirrorless has no mirror single lens reflex SLR mechanism.
Instead, it either relies solely on an external display eg 3" LCD etc, or has an external display and an electronic viewfinder EVF.
The EVF has a number of differences over the OVF...
Meanwhile, because the flange distance between the lens & sensor is shorter, mathematically the lens' length & diameter is smaller & lighter for the same focal length & aperture.
As a result of the smaller & lighter body & lens, the grip is usually smaller.

Unlike "compact" cameras which have non-removable lenses (and therefore tend to enjoy the shortest flange distances), both the mirrorless & dSLR have removable "interchangeable lens" for lens swapping.

NB. Haven't gone into much detail about OVF vs EVF, because other threads dealing with this topic.
 
Last edited:
I've been wondering about the difference between the dslr and mirrorless. Sure I can just google it but it would be a good idea to get opinions from some of the experienced DPreview community.

I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Thank you in advance :)
DSLRs have a mirror that deflects light coming through the lens to an optical viewfinder (OVF). The mirror flips up out of the way to expose the sensor when you press the shutter release button.

Just about all other digital cameras (apart from a few Leicas) and DSLRs in Liveview display an image taken directly from the sensor on the rear LCD screen and/or via an electronic viewfinder (EVF). They don't have a mirror.

Sony has a hybrid system called an SLT (Single Lens Translucent) which has a mirror that doesn't flip up. These have the autofocus advantage of a DSLR (see below) but use an EVF.

Some people prefer an OVF to an EVF but, apart from this, the main advantage of a DSLR is faster focusing and better continuous focusing, but the best non-DSLRs now have as fast single shot focusing as DSLRs and are getting close on continuous focusing.

The main advantage of a mirrorless camera is a smaller body because it doesn't have to accommodate a mirror.

DSLRs are still just about the best choice for fast action photography because of their better continuous focusing. Mirrorless have the advantage that you can use just about any old "legacy" lens on them with a suitable adapter. Otherwise the capabilities of the two types of camera are pretty similar at the same price range.

There are many other more minor pros and cons and many threads on this site that the discuss them, especially threads on OVFs v EVFs.

--
Chris R
 
Last edited:
DSLRs use a complex and delicate Rube Goldberg mirror/pentaprism arrangement for the viewfinder. It provides instant lag-free visual results. With some exceptions, DSLR cameras are used by almost all pros.

Mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder that sometimes has a bit of lag time while draining the battery. These cameras have improved in recent years and the bodies are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs.

Some folks seem to get remarkably emotional when discussing the benefits/drawbacks of the different designs. Personally, when I see equal numbers of mirrorless alongside DSLR cameras a the Olympics, Superbowl and being carried by pros, I will consider switching. Until then, you will pry my DSLRs out of my cold, dead hands.

--
photojournalist
 
Last edited:
I've been wondering about the difference between the dslr and mirrorless. Sure I can just google it but it would be a good idea to get opinions from some of the experienced DPreview community.

I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Thank you in advance :)
DSRL, stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. When viewing the image for focus and framing the light enters the single lens is reflected off a mirror into the viewfinder. On typical modern DSRL the light is reflected onto both a ground glass screen that is viewed through a pentaprizm or pentamirror viewfinder as well as focus modules and light meters. The Sony SLT system is very similar in that it uses a mirror to reflect light into the focus module, but it takes the image from the camera main image sensor to use for light metering and viewing the framing. This image is displayed using an electronic viewfinder.

Mirrorless is pretty much everything else except twin lens reflex cameras, none of which are digital as far as I know. So mirrorless ranges from old film box cameras with fold up squares to frame the scene to very expensive and sophisticated view cameras. The key in all of these is the light goes from the lens to the sensor or film with no intervening mirrors. TLR also has no mirror between the shooting lens and the film but does have one between the viewing lens and the viewfinder. DSLRs of course move the mirror out of the way while taking the image.
 
One of the disadvantages of SLR is that you have to have room for the mirror between the sensor and the rear element of the lens. Mirror-less cameras don't have this issue, and the rear element can be much closer to the sensor.

It turns out that it is easier to design a high quality wide angle lens if you can position the rear element close to the sensor.

Canon cheats a little bit with the EF-S wide angle lenses. The EF-S lenses only work on crop factor SLR bodies. These bodies have smaller sensors and smaller mirrors. You don't need as much space in front of the sensor. On some EF-S wide angle lenses, the rear element actually extends into the camera body, placing it closer to the sensor. This is one of the reasons why you can't use an EF-S lens on a full frame body.
 
I've been wondering about the difference between the dslr and mirrorless. Sure I can just google it but it would be a good idea to get opinions from some of the experienced DPreview community.

I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Thank you in advance :)
mirrorless does not have a mirror.

The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is that you get a true WYSIWYG view of the photograph before you take it including all your adjustments to exposure compensation, white balance, etc. before you take the photo. With a DSLR, you only see the results after you take the photo and then you have to make your adjustments.

THe main advantage of DSLRs is better tracking auto focus. Period.

Tedolph
 
Mirrorless is a puny toy for the ignorant not worthy of being a paperweight.

DSLR is a pinnacle of photographic technology, aimed at a skilled, knowledgeable user.

Or something like that. :-P ;-) :-D
 
Last edited:
Mirrorless is a puny toy for the ignorant not worthy of being a paperweight.

DSLR is a pinnacle of photographic technology, aimed at a skilled, knowledgeable user.

Or something like that. :-P ;-) :-D
Tedolph.
 
mirrorless does not have a mirror.

The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is that you get a true WYSIWYG view of the photograph before you take it including all your adjustments to exposure compensation, white balance, etc. before you take the photo. With a DSLR, you only see the results after you take the photo and then you have to make your adjustments.

THe main advantage of DSLRs is better tracking auto focus. Period.

Tedolph
This is perhaps a bit simplistic.

Modern DSLR cameras can operate as traditional SLR cameras (mirror down) or in mirrorless mode (mirror up).

When the mirror is down, the SLR can use dedicated "phase detect" auto focus sensors. As mentioned previously, these sensors do a pretty good job.

Mirrorless cameras (or a DSLR in mirror-up) mode have to use the main sensor to focus. Generally, this means they use a contrast-detect algorithm. The camera futzes with the focus until it sees maximum contrast. Some sensors (such as the one in Canon's 70D and in the iPhone 6 plus) have contrast detect sensors built into the sensor.

DSLR's tend to have larger sensors than mirrorless cameras. Given any particular technology generation, a larger sensor generally has lower noise and better low light sensitivity. DSLR's are available with sensors as large as a traditional 35mm negative.

DSLR's tend be part of a system that includes a long line of lenses and accessories. Buy a Canon or Nikon DSLR, and you can choose from a wide range of lenses. If you have a full frame DSLR, those lens will behave just like they did on your 35mm SLR. Frequently, you can mount these lenses on a mirrorless, but the smaller sensor, means you need higher magnification. A lens that produces sharp images on a full frame, may not be quite as sharp on a mirrorless.

DSLR's tend to be bigger and heavier. Some photographers like the feel of a heavier camera. Some clients are impressed by size, and willing to pay more for a photographer with a larger camera.

I have a friend who enjoys the process of taking photos. He loves the sound of the mirror slapping when he presses the shutter button. He is not happy with mirrorless cameras.

Many DSLR cameras allow you to see through the viewfinder when the camera is powered down. If you spend a lot of time looking through the viewfinder, waiting for the exact shot, you may get much better battery life out of a DSLR. If you are in Africa and have limited access to battery rechargers, this might be helpful.

There are many other differences as well. Many of them are not important, and some are only important to a few people. For some, mirrorless is a good choice, and for others a DSLR is the way to go. It all depends on your particular needs and circumstances.
 
mirrorless does not have a mirror.

The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is that you get a true WYSIWYG view of the photograph before you take it including all your adjustments to exposure compensation, white balance, etc. before you take the photo. With a DSLR, you only see the results after you take the photo and then you have to make your adjustments.

THe main advantage of DSLRs is better tracking auto focus. Period.

Tedolph
This is perhaps a bit simplistic.
That was the purpose.

To boil it down to the absolute core.
Modern DSLR cameras can operate as traditional SLR cameras (mirror down) or in mirrorless mode (mirror up).
Well, not really. Live view on a DLSR is a pretty miserable experience.
When the mirror is down, the SLR can use dedicated "phase detect" auto focus sensors. As mentioned previously, these sensors do a pretty good job.
How about continuous focus/tracking auto focus in DSLR live view mode with a PDAF lens v. e.g. a Panny G6 and a u4/3 lens?

Also DSLR focusing in video mode v. a Panny G6?

Please tell the OP about that.
Mirrorless cameras (or a DSLR in mirror-up) mode
Not really the same are they?
have to use the main sensor to focus. Generally, this means they use a contrast-detect algorithm. The camera futzes with the focus until it sees maximum contrast. Some sensors (such as the one in Canon's 70D and in the iPhone 6 plus) have contrast detect sensors built into the sensor.

DSLR's tend to have larger sensors than mirrorless cameras.
Really, you didn't say that did you?

APS-c, by far the largest selling class of DSLR's have exactly the same sensor size as Sony Nex, Fuji X, Samsung NX, etc.

and of course Sony a7 has exactly the same size sensor as Ninkon FX , Sony FF, Canon FF, etc.

Then there is Oly micro four thirds. Oh, yes same size sensor as Oly DSLRs.
Given any particular technology generation, a larger sensor generally has lower noise and better low light sensitivity. DSLR's are available with sensors as large as a traditional 35mm negative.
But then this is basically misleading isn't it since you can get any size sensor you want in a mirrorless camera?
DSLR's tend be part of a system that includes a long line of lenses and accessories. Buy a Canon or Nikon DSLR, and you can choose from a wide range of lenses. If you have a full frame DSLR, those lens will behave just like they did on your 35mm SLR.
Except for some FF DSLRs, you can't mount lenses designed for their crop sensor DSLR's right?

Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
Frequently, you can mount these lenses on a mirrorless, but the smaller sensor, means you need higher magnification.
well it depends on the lens right? Olyumpus half frame DSLR lenses? C-mount lenses?

A lens that produces sharp images on a full frame, may not be quite as sharp on a mirrorless.
Actually it will be sharper because you are only using the central part of the lens. Isn't that true?

Also, it depends on what you mount on a crop sensor mirroless camera doesn't it?
DSLR's tend to be bigger and heavier. Some photographers like the feel of a heavier camera.
Pretty much everyone likes a lighter camera. Ask any one carrying around a D4 and a bag of lenses. Ask them if they wished that the system weighed less.
Some clients are impressed by size, and willing to pay more for a photographer with a larger camera.
Is that why you use a Hasselblad? Or is it a Linhoff ?
I have a friend who enjoys the process of taking photos. He loves the sound of the mirror slapping when he presses the shutter button. He is not happy with mirrorless cameras.
Yep, the sound of that mirror flapping back and forth at 5fps is really impressive during the wedding ceremony. The minister really appreciates that!
Many DSLR cameras allow you to see through the viewfinder when the camera is powered down. If you spend a lot of time looking through the viewfinder, waiting for the exact shot, you may get much better battery life out of a DSLR. If you are in Africa and have limited access to battery rechargers, this might be helpful.

There are many other differences as well. Many of them are not important, and some are only important to a few people. For some, mirrorless is a good choice, and for others a DSLR is the way to go. It all depends on your particular needs and circumstances.
Interesting that you didn't list any advantages of mirrorless cameras.

Really, this is a beginner's forum.

It's OK to be wrong, but you have a responsibility to not be dissembling.

TEdolph
 
Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
As both a DSLR and an M4/3 owner I am going to reply to this.

Although there area lot of lenses available for M4/3 the range is quite small, e.g. only 1 macro lens and (currently) no prime lenses over 75mm.

I think that you would be surprised at the number of lenses available for Sony A mount FF. Remember that most Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses are available for A mount and most of them are FF. I suspect that the total is well over 60 with a much better range than M4/3 currently has.

Canon and Nikon FF probably have in excess of 150 lenses each available from all manufacturers with extremely comprehensive ranges. M4/3 has a lot of years of lens development ahead of them before they can match Nikon and Canon ranges.

--
Chris R
 
Last edited:
Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
As both a DSLR and an M4/3 owner I am going to reply to this.

Although there area lot of lenses available for M4/3 the range is quite small, e.g. only 1 macro lens and (currently) no prime lenses over 75mm.

I think that you would be surprised at the number of lenses available for Sony A mount FF. Remember that most Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses are available for A mount and most of them are FF. I suspect that the total is well over 60 with a much better range than M4/3 currently has.

Canon and Nikon FF probably have in excess of 150 lenses each available from all manufacturers with extremely comprehensive ranges. M4/3 has a lot of years of lens development ahead of them before they can match Nikon and Canon ranges.
 
mirrorless does not have a mirror.

The main advantage of mirrorless cameras is that you get a true WYSIWYG view of the photograph before you take it including all your adjustments to exposure compensation, white balance, etc. before you take the photo. With a DSLR, you only see the results after you take the photo and then you have to make your adjustments.

THe main advantage of DSLRs is better tracking auto focus. Period.

Tedolph
This is perhaps a bit simplistic.
That was the purpose.

To boil it down to the absolute core.
Modern DSLR cameras can operate as traditional SLR cameras (mirror down) or in mirrorless mode (mirror up).
Well, not really. Live view on a DLSR is a pretty miserable experience.
It varies by camera. Some DSLRs have a very reasonable live view.

...
Except for some FF DSLRs, you can't mount lenses designed for their crop sensor DSLR's right?

Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
Frequently, you can mount these lenses on a mirrorless, but the smaller sensor, means you need higher magnification.
I think it's fair to say that Canon and Nikon offer a wider range than almost any other brand.

You are correct in that there are lots of lenses for other brands. All the really matters is that you can get the lens you want. The lack of a wide angle tilt-shift lens is not an issue if you don't need a wide angle tilt-shift.

well it depends on the lens right? Olyumpus half frame DSLR lenses? C-mount lenses?
A lens that produces sharp images on a full frame, may not be quite as sharp on a mirrorless.
Actually it will be sharper because you are only using the central part of the lens. Isn't that true?
Not really. With a smaller sensor, you are only using the center portion of the lens. This is generally where image quality is best. However you need higher magnification is order to make the same size print. Higher magnification means you need higher quality out of the lens in order to get the same image quality in the final print.

Also, it depends on what you mount on a crop sensor mirroless camera doesn't it?
DSLR's tend to be bigger and heavier. Some photographers like the feel of a heavier camera.
Pretty much everyone likes a lighter camera. Ask any one carrying around a D4 and a bag of lenses. Ask them if they wished that the system weighed less.
Yes. if you want a lighter camera, then mirrorless offers more choices. The smallest/lightest DSLR is the Canon SL1. It's quite small by DSLR standards, but big compared to other mirrorless.

I have a friend who enjoys the process of taking photos. He loves the sound of the mirror slapping when he presses the shutter button. He is not happy with mirrorless cameras.
Yep, the sound of that mirror flapping back and forth at 5fps is really impressive during the wedding ceremony. The minister really appreciates that!
Not everyone shoots weddings. It's a common mistake to assume everyone has the same needs.

I am surprised that my friend likes a loud shutter. Surprisingly, it adds to his process. He takes his time and carefully sets up his shot. It's that loud click of finally capturing exactly the right image that does it for him.

I am not suggesting that this is a common thing, nor am I suggesting it's important to anyone else. I mention it as a demonstration that it is a mistake to assume that everyone has the same needs (i.e. they want a quieter shutter)

Many DSLR cameras allow you to see through the viewfinder when the camera is powered down. If you spend a lot of time looking through the viewfinder, waiting for the exact shot, you may get much better battery life out of a DSLR. If you are in Africa and have limited access to battery rechargers, this might be helpful.

There are many other differences as well. Many of them are not important, and some are only important to a few people. For some, mirrorless is a good choice, and for others a DSLR is the way to go. It all depends on your particular needs and circumstances.
Interesting that you didn't list any advantages of mirrorless cameras.
I did not list the advantages as I though they were obvious. DSLR's tend to be bigger, I assumed that most people would be smart enough to realize that this meant mirrorless tend to be smaller. I thought the benefits of a smaller camera were obvious and didn't need enumeration.

Really, this is a beginner's forum.
Yes. it is a beginner's forum. Let's not teach beginners that there is only one correct answer on what camera you should pick. Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the various options so beginners can learn and make the decision that's appropriate for them.

My usual advice to a beginner is to ask if they have friends who are photographers or who have lots of gear. Then I suggest they by the same brand as their friend. This gives them someone familiar with their gear who they can turn to for help. It also gives them someone they can borrow lenses from. I think this is a far more significant advantage to a beginner than the differences between Mirrorless and DSLR, or between Canon, Nikon and Sony.

It's OK to be wrong, but you have a responsibility to not be dissembling.

TEdolph
 
And the OVF. Some of us are big fans of the real world view of the optical viewfinder. While EVFs are improving steadily, you can still tell they are EVFs, and there are those who don't like the look and feel.

There are several threads around debating this point, and a quick search will find them.
 
Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
As both a DSLR and an M4/3 owner I am going to reply to this.

Although there area lot of lenses available for M4/3 the range is quite small, e.g. only 1 macro lens and (currently) no prime lenses over 75mm.

I think that you would be surprised at the number of lenses available for Sony A mount FF. Remember that most Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses are available for A mount and most of them are FF. I suspect that the total is well over 60 with a much better range than M4/3 currently has.

Canon and Nikon FF probably have in excess of 150 lenses each available from all manufacturers with extremely comprehensive ranges. M4/3 has a lot of years of lens development ahead of them before they can match Nikon and Canon ranges.

--
Chris R
On the B&H site there are as off now the following lenses for sale, note some are just color variations.

Nikon F, 201 FF, 80 APS-C, Total 281

Canon EF, 189 FF, 65 APS-C, Total of 254

Sony A-mount: 64 FF, 43 APS-C, Total of 107

Pentax, 47 FF, 56 APS-C, Total 103

Micro Four Thirds, Total 95

Sony E-mount, 10 FF, 62 APS-C, Total 72

Samsung NX, Total 47

Fuji X-mount, 48 APS-C, Total 48

Sigma SA, 29 FF, 12 APS-C, Total 41

Nikon 1, Normal 20, Waterproof 2, Total 22

Canon EF-M, 15 APS-C, Total 15

Samsung NX-M, Total 3

Leica T, Total 2

m4/3 has a respectable total, especially given the short time it has been out, but still short of Sony A-mount, and Pentax and well behind Nikon and Canon. I think most the lines has a enough choice for most users although sometimes the selection is a bit slim or price restricts choice a little. Sony A-mount also benefits from the Minolta A-mount lenses that fill in some of the current gaps, although they have to be bought used these days.
the Olympus 4/3 lenses which can be used on u4/3 with full AF, etc. Only about 15 are CDAF optimized though and a few are manual focus so maybe add about 20 to the micro four third number like you did for NEX? That puts u4/3 in ahead of Pentax and Sony A mount, third behind Nikon and Canon.

Really, once you are up above 50 or 60 native lenses that is more than enough selection for almost anybody, and that was my point.

Tedolph
 
Last edited:
Really, once you are up above 50 or 60 native lenses that is more than enough selection for almost anybody, and that was my point.

Tedolph
The question is not how many lenses, but whether they are the lenses you need. A selection of 10 lenses would be enough if it included the 5 lens you actually need.

A larger selection means that there is a greater likelihood they will have the specific lens you want.

For instance, Canon offers four version of their 70-200mm zoom lens. You have your choice of f/2.8, or the lighter weight (and lower cost) f/4.0 version. Each is available either with IS or without.

Canon also offers a selection of zooms in the general range of 70-300mm. Including a special lense with Diffractive Optical Elements that reduce size and weight while retaining quality.

Although most people don't need them, if you are one of the few who do, there's an available 800 f/5.6, 600 f/4, 400 f/2.8.

As I mentioned in a previous post, there are four Tilt-Shift lenses to choose from. If you're shooting architecture, products, or landscapes, the Tilt-Shift feature can be a bog help.

To be fair, most people will never need all of these lenses. If you don't need one, then it really doesn't matter to you that they are there.

As a beginner, it's nice to know what the various systems have to offer. If you know you will be heading in a direction where you need one of these lenses, then you might want to make sure you pick a system where they are available.

If you don't think you will ever need one of these lenses, then you might choose a different system. At the very least, knowledge of available options should make you more confident that you made the right decision.
 
Let's see how many native lenses are there for the micro four thirds system, over 60?

How many are there for Sony FF DSLR's ?
As both a DSLR and an M4/3 owner I am going to reply to this.

Although there area lot of lenses available for M4/3 the range is quite small, e.g. only 1 macro lens and (currently) no prime lenses over 75mm.

I think that you would be surprised at the number of lenses available for Sony A mount FF. Remember that most Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses are available for A mount and most of them are FF. I suspect that the total is well over 60 with a much better range than M4/3 currently has.

Canon and Nikon FF probably have in excess of 150 lenses each available from all manufacturers with extremely comprehensive ranges. M4/3 has a lot of years of lens development ahead of them before they can match Nikon and Canon ranges.
 

Keyboard shortcuts

Back
Top