Mirrorless Versus DSLR Cameras? This is a heated subject for many beginners just getting into photography. With so many options flooding the market these days, it’s a wonder anyone can make a choice. I myself see advantages to both types, and for the most part stay with what I’m most comfortable using.

I’ve done some research here and have broken things down a bit. That said, technology is changing daily, but for the most part what I’ve found here is pretty much true.

I hope this helps you when you make that big jump into photography or you’ve been rooted in one or the other format and have been thinking about moving on.

That said, please keep this in mind. Photography is all about telling a great and compelling story. How you choose to tell your story has little bearing on what you use to record your story with. Whether it’s a smartphone, DSLR, Mirrorless and for that matter film, great visual stories trump all platforms, please excuse the reference.

These are my thoughts on camera platforms and what the may, or may not offer you:

DSLR cameras offer the largest range of lenses to choose from that provide a great reference catalog of good used lenses for any purpose. They offer an amazing quick autofocus for subjects moving towards and away from the lens.

DSLR’s have proven indispensable for wildlife and sports photographers for years with their quick focus. Their bigger bodies also balance well when using the larger focal length lenses. This, in addition to actually seeing what you’re photographing using a mirror through the lens.

Mirrorless cameras offer DSLR image quality in a smaller lighter package. This, in addition to near real-time viewing of the image as they are recorded, they offer the quick recording of static objects and subjects as they move across the lens. They also offer better digital video quality as well, in most cases.

If you’re on the fence and trying to make a decision, I would suggest going to your local camera store and ask someone there who has first-hand knowledge, or perhaps rent one or the other and see which one works better for your lifestyle or type of photography.

I personally find most cameras, lenses, and kits produced in the last few years, whether Mirrorless or DSLR, are of high quality and come packed with many great features, you really can’t go wrong with either.

You will find better values with DSLR kits for beginners rather than mirrorless, as mirrorless offerings are trending high on the must-have scale. If you’ve been pawning for the latest high-end mirrorless systems and you’ve had some solid experience with photography, you won’t be disappointed.

If you decide to get that new camera, whether DSLR or Mirrorless and you’re are lost while browsing through the manual, we have a variety of private workshop options in Southern California that will help you get up to speed quickly with your new camera.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

All the best,

Mark Jansen
Jansen Photo Expeditions