Mirrorless cameras have now been on the market for a few years, and though initially, they weren't for some, have they now reached a level where you should ditch your DSLR to go mirrorless?
Whether you're looking to upgrade your camera or buy one for the first time, there's never been so much choice when it comes to camera types on the market. Point and shoots have largely been replaced by smartphones (except in the vlogging sphere), and bridge cameras still have their value among specific demographics, but the newest conundrum is whether you should buy a DSLR or go mirrorless?
The Canon 5D Mark IV is one of the most popular full frame DSLRs in Canon's lineup and indeed out of any DSLR on the market today. It shoots 30.4MP stills photographs and captures 4K, similar to many of the newer mirrorless cameras launched by Canon and other manufacturers.
DSLRs have been around since the advent of digital photography and took over from their analog SLR counterparts in almost every area. Initially, things were slow, with low-resolution stills and poor dynamic range, but since then, the DSLR has become the powerhouse of most camera manufacturers and the line of cameras they tip as their flagships.
But what about mirrorless cameras? Initially, the cameras took time for photographers to adapt to, with electronic viewfinders, issues with certain features, and incompatibility with their own brand or third-party accessories. But increasingly so, mirrorless cameras are seeming like the better option.
Advantages of Buying a DSLR
- There are so many more brands and models of DSLR that you can pick one up at any price point. This means you can swap and change systems inexpensively.
- They've been around much longer, so consistent feedback from professionals and amateurs have helped camera manufacturers evolve the pedigrees of the cameras.
- Optical viewfinders give a more realistic view of the scene.
- Second-hand cameras can be very inexpensive.
- Many more third-party accessories compatible with DSLRs.
To keep in line with the lightweight mirrorless design, some lenses have also dropped the weight and come in smaller packages. Surprisingly, they retain incredible sharpness despite this shedding of size and actually look to be improving on the original DSLR counterparts in terms of optical clarity.
Advantages of Buying a Mirrorless
- Often smaller and lighter than a DSLR of equivalent specification.
- In-body image stabilization in some mirrorless cameras means sharper shooting in low light and smoother video footage when shooting handheld.
- Larger mount size means camera manufacturers can be more precise with optics and decrease lens size and weight.
- Electronic viewfinder, if of sufficient quality, can make it easier for photographers to compose in low light or at night.
In-body image stabilization helps massively when it comes to shooting handheld video footage to trying to capture subjects in low light while avoiding camera shake blur. The Fujifilm X-T4 has 5-axis IBIS to keep things smooth and steady.
And the Downside of Choosing Sides?
The main disadvantage of picking a DSLR over mirrorless is that it's bigger, bulkier, and heavier, and that means taking things on long journeys or traveling with DSLRs, especially if you have a high-end model, which will break your back much faster. Fatigue plays a huge role in the kind of images you can create, because if you're not physically on location, then you've missed the shot.
DSLRs are also harder to use at night, when composing through the optical viewfinder is almost completely impossible because you can't see anything. Instead, you can use the rear LCD screen to compose, but this is a major drain on the battery. Of course, extra batteries can be brought along, but you're adding extra weight again.
The new Sony a7S III is a lightweight mirrorless camera that shoots 12 MP stills and 4K 120p video footage. It weighs just over 600 g and is only five inches wide, smaller enough to slip into even the tiniest of camera bags.
For all their benefits, mirrorless cameras also have some drawbacks. There are fewer lenses specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, than there are for DSLRs. With mount adapters that allow users to pair the new mirrorless bodies with older lenses originally designed for DSLRs, the devices become bulky and a little ungainly, which defeats the purpose of getting a slim, sleek camera designed to weigh less and take up less room in the camera bag. Also, customers have to factor in the extra cost for the adapter.
Now, my approach to categorizing the two types of camera is by no means scientific or exhaustive. I'm aware of resolution, bit depth, flange distances, and all the other technical specifications there are with comparing two different camera types. And yes, I'm fully aware that the models you choose within each system are as diverse to choose between as switching from DSLR to mirrorless. But I think my approach to choosing between the two systems will be like many other customer's views, based on the main advantages and disadvantages of the two camera types and which best suit their needs on a day-to-day basis.
Which Type Will I Go For?
I've shot DSLRs since the Nikon D90 (the world's first video-shooting DSLR) came out, but have dabbled with all kinds of cameras over the years. I must say, I'm impressed with the latest mirrorless cameras and much prefer the smaller form factor and ease of use in low-light situations thanks to the EVF. Then again, I do miss my traditional optical viewfinder.
On the whole, though, in my opinion, it's mirrorless all the way. The advantages that come with the mirrorless systems far outweigh the disadvantages that I would prefer weren't there, and I've climbed enough snowy mountains and trekked across enough hot plains to know that I want my kit as light as possible. If I can skim just a few hundred grams off the total weight for my camera bag, then I can fit another lens in, pocket a flashgun, or just make it easier on my shoulders when carrying it through the airport and onto the plane when traveling.
I just hope the camera manufacturers can keep up with the extra demands customers will have for the cameras, including extreme connectivity and the ability to share images through to editing software and social media with the speed and ease of a smartphone.
Your question wasn't clear because you quoted a statement regarding the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) but your question seems to revolve around the LCD screen. So, I'll answer both:
EVF + bright sunlight = no issue
LCD screen + bright sunlight = should be no issue.
Typically, there's a separate brightness adjustment for the EVF and LCD. Goes without saying, each brand/model may differ. My a7III has a specific "Sunny Weather" setting. Or, I can just crank the setting.
I've been a photographer since I was a child in the '50s. I have hauled around view cameras, Hasselblads, 35mm and digital cameras. I have taken them all over from mountains, into helicopters and fighter jets, on horseback and in backpacks. I have never felt that weight was a factor in whether or not I was going to get the shot I was after. I currently shoot a lot of sports and equestrian events (I'm 78 years old) and my typical kit for these events weighs about 65 pounds. It includes a tripod, two monopods, three bodies with battery grips, a 600mm lens, a fast 300mm lens and a couple of wider lenses. I actually like the inertia imparted by a heavier camera lens combination. At times shooting landscapes I will add sandbags to the tripod to dampen vibrations caused by the breeze. I simply don't understand the hype about saving a few ounces in the weight of a camera body. Have photographers become wimps?
If it hadn't been for mirrorless I probably would have left the hobby side of the business - I actually did. Sure I had to use my company DSLR for work, but I was getting paid to do it. I found that I didn't want to haul my DSLR kit around for personal reasons - and left it at home. Eventually, I opted for a highly rated Canon point-in-shoot which I carried around everywhere, but as it rekindled my interest in the hobby side of the business I looked for something small and light but offered comparable performance to the DSLR - I found it in Mirrorless.
We don't all need the latest most expensive new kit on the market. DSLR's have been around since 1988, Mirrorless since 2008. Both types have plenty of affordable good condition secondhand copies about. Good secondhand lenses are also available.
So to get all the advantages of both types of camera, simply shoot with both.
That and the fact that lens to body adaptors allowing almost any brand of DSLR lens to be mounted on any brand of Mirrorless camera body exist. This means you don't even have to stick with your percieved (insert brand name) best DSLR camera maker if their Mirrorless offerings don't seem up to scratch.
Shoot both and get the advantages of both, it helps if you just don't blow all your money on becoming a product tester for the, potentially flawed, latest and greatest, at least according to marketing hype, product.
Mirrorless. DSLR is an obsolete format soon to be no more. Some will invariably stick around, just like film has done. But for all intents and purposes don’t buy into a dead-end system. Mirrorless, whether you like it or not, is the future (for the time being).
You seem to have an aversion to mirrors, mate.
Maybe we should call mirrorless fans "vampires", since they don't like mirrors
Actually old boy, I prefer the OVF.
To me, I MUCH prefer a DSLR not just for the feel of the body and the optical viewfinder, but because of things like better subject tracking, far better battery life, and in my case of the Canon systems, lenses that can be adapted to literally any camera I'd like to use, be it a film SLR, DSLR, or even a mirrorless EOS R, should I decide to go that route. The weight advantage is more or less a wash. Mirrorless bodies are smaller, sometimes to the point of feeling like toys, but many of the best lenses have a tendency to be huge. (RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, I'm looking at you.) But the good things about mirrorless? EVF's have gotten significantly better, despite still not being my preference, and the wider AF area is a good thing, plus so far IBIS has been primarily a mirrorless thing, other than Sony's DSLR's. (To that effect, I remember Canon with their ad campaign loudly proclaiming that IS belongs in the lens. Even though now they make cameras with it in the body.)
There are definitely reasons to use either one, and there's definitely still lots of things that could be developed in DSLR's (better AF area, face/eye detect AF, and IBIS.) to make them better, too. Both have things that are pretty cool and complimentary to each other, so I really want to see them make each other better, rather than the all or nothing type of development we've been seeing.
Well....it's the wrong question. It should be...."Which Do You WANT To Choose, DSLR or Mirrorless"
Why try to start up arguments? Oh wait, what am I thinking? It's exactly what columnists want to do. Ok....let the arguing begin.
I encourage all to go mirrorless. So there will ve more old glass dirt cheap for me. This to go woth my D3,D700 and D750. Like a lharoah they will probably put the lot in my coffin as no I ne will want it. P
A camera and lens is a tool not a fashion statement. Are 30" x 20" posters any better today? I think not.
You seem to be overlooking viewfinder lag as if not a main issue......Canon seem to have had a good technical reason for the recent release of the 1DX3. Canon's best telephotos with the most expensive glass types and most rigorous quality control are still made for EF.