Introduction
Choosing the right camera may seem overwhelming, but understanding the difference between DSLR and Mirrorless cameras makes the decision much easier. Each type has unique advantages, and knowing how they work will help you determine which best suits your photography needs.
Objectives:
- How does a DSLR camera work?
- How does a Mirrorless camera work?
- Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: Which is right for you?
How does a DSLR camera work?
DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. Let’s break that down:
- Digital – The camera captures images using a digital sensor instead of film.
- Single-Lens – Unlike older cameras that used a separate lens for the viewfinder, DSLRs rely on one lens for both viewing and capturing the image.
- Reflex – Inside the camera, a mirror mechanism reflects light into the optical viewfinder, allowing you to see the scene before taking a photo. When you press the shutter button, the mirror flips up, and light reaches the sensor.
Step-by-Step Process of Capturing an Image with a DSLR
- Light enters through the lens – The camera’s lens gathers light from the scene.
- Mirror reflects the light – Inside the camera body, a mirror sits at a 45-degree angle, bouncing the light upward into a pentaprism.
- Pentaprism redirects the light – A pentaprism is a five-sided optical prism that corrects the image orientation, ensuring it's displayed correctly in the optical viewfinder.
- Viewfinder displays the scene – The corrected image is projected into the optical viewfinder for precise composition.
- Shutter button is pressed – When taking the photo, the mirror flips up, temporarily blocking the viewfinder.
- Light reaches the sensor – Without the mirror in the way, light hits the digital image sensor, capturing the scene electronically.
- Image is processed and saved – The sensor converts the light into a digital image, which the camera’s processor refines and stores on a memory card.
How does a Mirrorless camera work?
As the name suggests, Mirrorless cameras don’t have a mirror mechanism. Instead, light passes directly through the lens to the digital image sensor, which then displays the image on an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen.
Step-by-Step Process of Capturing an Image with a Mirrorless Camera
- Light enters through the lens - Just like a DSLR, the camera’s lens gathers light from the scene.
- Light reaches the image sensor immediately - Since there’s no mirror, light passes straight through the lens and hits the digital image sensor.
- Electronic viewfinder or LCD screen displays the image - The sensor transmits this data to an EVF and LCD, showing a real-time digital preview of the scene.
- Shutter button is pressed - When you take the photo, the camera records the image straight from the sensor.
- Image is processed and saved - The sensor converts the light into a digital image, which is processed by the camera’s processor and stored on a memory card.
Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras: Which is right for you?
Now that we understand how Mirrorless and DSLR cameras work, let's compare them to help you choose the best fit:
| Feature |
DSLR Camera |
Mirrorless Camera |
| Viewfinder |
Optical viewfinder (clear and natural but doesn’t show exposure adjustments) |
Electronic viewfinder or LCD (displays real-time exposure changes) |
| Size & Weight |
Bulkier due to mirror and pentaprism |
Compact and lightweight |
| Autofocus |
Phase detection (excellent for tracking fast-moving subjects) |
Faster and more advanced autofocus, especially for video |
| Battery Life |
Longer-lasting due to optical viewfinder use |
Shorter battery life because of continuous screen usage |
| Frame Rate |
Slightly slower due to mirror movement |
Faster burst shooting (no mirror to slow it down) |
| Lens Options |
Large selection, including professional-grade lenses |
Growing selection, but fewer legacy options |
| Durability |
Rugged builds with weather-sealed models available |
Some weather-sealed model, but build varies by brand |
| Video Performance |
Good quality but slower autofocus |
Better autofocus and higher video resolutions (often 4K or more) |
| Best used for… |
Portrait, wildlife, sports, studio photography |
Travel, street photography, vlogging, casual shooting |
Conclusion
If you're choosing between a DSLR and a Mirrorless camera, consider your needs:
A DSLR will give you a longer battery life, a traditional optical viewfinder, and a wider selection of lenses. It’s ideal for professional photography and sports shooting.
A Mirrorless camera will be lighter, faster, and better for video. So choose this if you are looking to shoot for travel, vlogs, and everyday photographs.
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by Josie Daniel