Mirrorless or DSLR? Why so Furious?

Mirrorless or DSLR? Why so Furious?

It seems as if the world of photography is currently turning all around this topic: Is the time of DSLR over? On the web, people get into heated discussions about this issue. Should you join in?

A Hot Topic

A few weeks ago, I published an article about different stages of growing photographers. It might not have been my best one, but the reason why it has been criticized really struck me. I wrote a little innocent sentence in the description of (stereo)typical photography beginners:

You bought an entry-level DSLR, because you don’t know what mirrorless is, yet.

Instead of comments about the content of the article, this almost meaningless sentence was the most discussed issue. It might be dependent on culture, but in the two countries in which I stayed the most during the last years (India and Germany), the term “mirrorless” is yet known by a small group of experts. DSLR is what laymen tend to call any camera which is not a smartphone or action cam.

Articles which discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems are everywhere on the world wide web. In Facebook groups of photographers, you will usually find a meme of a popcorn-eating people in the comments, whenever someone posted something in favor or against any system. You can be sure that you’ll soon witness a dirty battle, insults, and furious dialogues. Some people just lean back and enjoy the show, while others join the battle. It may happen in the form of positive criticism, but too often it will end in destructive online behavior, which would make the authors' moms very sad and disappointed.

In this situation, the sensor stabilization of my mirrorless camera allowed me to shoot a 1/4 sec. exposure without a tripod. My DSLR would not forgive me those little shakes that happen when you stand on slippery stones.

Where’s the Threat?

I shoot with both systems on different occasions. At the last wedding I shot, I thought: “Well, sometimes I wish the shutter of my DSLR was more silent.” On a recent road-trip with friends, I was surprised how quickly the battery of my mirrorless died, compared to my DSLR. That’s it. I would not consider either of them better or worse. There are just few occasions where I feel the difference. Mostly, it’s just the sensor and body size.

You might think differently. Maybe you’ve got really good reasons to choose one over the other. That’s fine and I guess one of the most money-saving skills of a photographer is to know exactly which gear you need. Why fight over it with others? Is there a real threat? Of course, you won’t get new lenses, if the end of DSLR was near, whoever does believe that. But aren’t there enough already? If you love your system and people invest into new ones, you might be lucky getting a bargain on their second-hand gear.

Switching Will Always Be Possible

There is no problem in switching from one system to the other, yet. It’s literally just a mirror. Use your DSLR in live-view and you almost got a mirrorless (don’t get angry, it’s just a joke). Real differences in cameras are their designs, features, and performance. It’s not about mirrorless versus DSLR in general. Every model has its specific advantages and disadvantages. If you gifted a Nikon D850 to an Olympus OM-D E-M1 user, I guess the reply wouldn’t be: “No, sorry. Mirrorless is better.” Maybe it would rather be: “Sorry, I travel a lot, so this camera is too heavy for me. I’ll sell it and buy a plane ticket.”, or "Hell, that's an amazing camera."

Adjustment is another factor, why some people prefer one system over the other. That’s an old debate, too. Give born Nikon-users a Canon DSLR and they will need some time to adjust. It’s not impossible, though. If you switch from a Nikon DSLR to a Nikon mirrorless, there will be no big issue. There might be a surprised yell when the digital viewfinder turns on (“heck, what’s that?”). At least that's what happened to me, when I encountered a mirrorless for the first time. Some might like the new experience, others won’t.

Of course, it’s nice to share your experience and opinion, but is it worth getting angry? Remember your first lesson in photography? The photographer makes the image.

If I planned to shoot at night, I'd never even think about my Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless camera.

Photograph and Let Photograph

I don’t want to call people out and of course, it’s an interesting debate which system suits to whom and if there is a future for DSLR users. Yet, I wonder if it is worth all the fight? Shouldn’t we all respect each other and simply choose the gear which we prefer? After all, photography is more than just pressing the buttons of a specific body with a specific lens adapted to it.

As everywhere on the web, we tend to forget that we deal with human beings on the other side of the wire. Even if we have a debate about the issue and make a considerable point, do we need to become arrogant? Why do so many of us see those discussions as a platform to make one’s mark? Listening could help us learn something from others. We could see that mirrorless fulfills our desires. Or maybe the experience of others could also prevent us from making investments we don’t need to make. We can’t know if our situation and our taste fits to others. That’s why we can make suggestions but shouldn’t devaluate other photographer’s opinions.

We all know the saying "The best camera is the one that's with you." In this case, I wish it was my full frame DSLR, because of its wider dynamic range. Yet, it was to heavy to carry it all day and this shot wasn't planned but just happened.

Don’t Get Sucked Into the Fight

Luckily, on Fstoppers, most comments and members are quite moderate, but watch out for some photography groups on Facebook or other platforms. Cyber bullying can escalate quickly, and people can become quite personal. It’s hard, but simply don’t react to them. Be aware that there are trolls and other frustrated people out there who simply aim at bringing you down. Aggression is a downwards spiral with no winners.

If someone makes a suggestion, keep in mind that their position might be different from yours. Check their portfolio and evaluate if you are on the same level. Do you trust his or her opinion? If so, you can ask for details. If not, you can still say "thank you". You won’t win a price for having the last word about a camera system. It’s not about being right, it’s about learning something. And we should enjoy this together, no matter which system or brand we use.

Nils Heininger's picture

Nils Heininger is a photographer on the road. He loves long rides on motorbikes, camels and old trains. While discovering the world, he uses his camera to share stories from people across the globe. With a Micro-four thirds in his pocket and a full-frame in his bag, he's always ready for new adventures.

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112 Comments
Previous comments

If I still had to cary my big heavy DSLR around, I would not be in the hobby today. For others the benefits of a DSLR outweigh those considerations.

DSLR vs. Mirrorless vs.Smartphone. All have their strengths and weaknesses. Use the one that does the job you want it to do.

Canon and Nikon once did great business selling consumer cameras that looked like big pro cameras but performed nowhere near that. The advent of the smartphone is killing that marketing strategy.

Smartphones killed the compact thats it. Even the Nikon D3000 range will still blow a smartphone out of the water. A tiny pinhead sensor will never compete with a DX sensor behind proper glass.. I once tried to edit a smart phone raw DNG on light room. The results were awful. smartphones have their place for FB and Instagram,

I really wish the title of this article was "DSLR or mirrorless, Why are you so furious" It would've sort of rhymed.

Everything has its place and usage. Make an image on 8x10 film and scan it with a drum scan ... not even PhaseOne's IQ4 can match it ...

Q Why so furious?

A Because FStoppers incites anger by constantly posts one-vs-the-other articles.

... I'd only just popped in to see if whether the site had moved on yet ...

What is the statement in the title?

The writer predicted what 'd be inside the comments.

There is always a best camera for everyone in every situation. In some cases it'll be the mirrorless - in other cases you may long for the older DSLR-technology - and even in other cases you want 8x10 film, or make your own analog plates. It's sometimes a technical issue - but in most cases what you as a photographer want or need. That's subjective not an objective measurable thing. That's what the title states. And right it is.

The example in the article - in my personal case 'd be a nightmare - don't ever give me a Nikon - not because the Nikon is bad - not at all - but because i simply cannot adapt to it being so different (i can use it, but it's always trial and error, we don't like each-other i assume). I'll succeed with the Fuji, Sony, Canon, Pentax... - with the Nikon i'll struggle (and i know it does because at work i have to work with that kind of DSLR).

This fact doesn't make the example in the article bad - that'd be a wrong statement coming from me. I don't like to use a photo-camera for video - just the format of the body doesn't suit that purpose. The same goes for taking pictures with a smartphone/tablet. I don't like the way it feels - i do think it's even difficult due to the changed way of holding that thin thing. That's personal taste. Maybe i could fix this by 3D-printing something that makes the smartphone look like a DSLR/system-camera (well that probably already exists in China).

Yesterday i talked to someone who moved from Minolta 7000 -> canon digital -> Sony FE-mount. He didn't expect he 'd like the Sony. He tried it at the store - and was sold onto the system.

That's personal taste. We should accept that this evolves. There is no need to point to each other - enjoy your choice - and when you know that you made the right choice for you - be happy with it.

Gee -- something rationale and balanced on this issue. How novel! Well done.

I watched the shutterbugs at the end of the World Series last night. To my eye, there was not a single mirrorless out there... FWIW

Sorry to burst your bubble, but I have never heard of Robert Johnson.

Hmmm, I can say with certainty, that (almost) everybody in Germany who is thinking about buying a camera (eg. wants more than compact cameras and smartphones can offer) is familiar with mirrorless technology.

Last December was when I decided I was ready for a new camera since my aging 5D wasn't getting any fewer hot pixels and I headed to the camera store. I looked at the EOS R and RP but I just didn't enjoy the feel of them. Walked out with a 6D Mark II and I've been perfectly content.

I can only speak for me. Just go out, grab a camera, and make some images and enjoy what you do.

Exactly....why be furious? Just shoot whatever the hell you want to. No problems, no worries.