How mirrorless camera is different from DSLR and which one is better? Find out

Mirrorless camera Vs DSLR: Since time immemorial, cameras have been regarded as a popular tool to capture beautiful moments in our life. As the name implies, mirrorless cameras are the kind of digital cameras that do not hold a reflex mirror for the purpose of capturing images. The camera features a single, removable lens and digital display. This peculiar feature makes the camera stand out and unique from other types of technologies available in the market. 

Mirrorless cameras come in-built with an advanced electronic viewfinder and an imaging sensor. The Image sensor captures the light and sends it to the electronic viewfinder (EVF) which further helps in seeing the image that needs to be clicked.  

According to Arun Babu, Head of Optical Imaging, FUJIFILM India, due to the exclusion of both – the reflex mirror and pentaprism, the flange distance i.e., the distance between the lens mount and the image sensor on mirrorless cameras is shortened, resulting in a compact body in comparison to its predecessors. This compact design of mirrorless cameras helps you to carry them everywhere you go. 

Evolution of mirrorless cameras 

"This technology has been around in the market for a fairly long time and has steadily evolved into a big contender for other camera formats in the industry. Technically, vintage compact cameras would qualify under the range of mirrorless cameras, which were then predominantly known as compact rangefinder cameras. While these vintage cameras resemble mirrorless cameras in form factor, they are analog, unlike the present-day digital mirrorless cameras. However, in the modern age, this highly evolved tech tool is referred to as a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. This allows outstanding image quality and image-resolving power in an extremely broad range of photographic situations. Additionally, it empowers consumers to obtain versatility in the art of photography," Arun Babu added.

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While early mirrorless cameras were high-end niche products, new-age mirrorless cameras are designed for everyone. From beginners to professionals and amateurs, the modern age mirrorless cameras are today being used by many.  Equipped with an autofocus (AF) system device and APC sensors, these cameras are built to shoot continuously at high frames rates coupled with newly developed subject-recognition AF technology so that the photographer doesn’t miss a shot. 

It is unlike the conventional products where the intensity of the cameras to shoot up to the highest frames would result in a blackout after achieving the maximum number. An added advantage is offered to consumers who wish to shoot fast-moving subjects with a rich tonality without the fundamentals being missed out while capturing these subjects.

"FUJIFILM’s extensive range of mirrorless cameras- X T5, X-H2, X-H2S, GFX 100S along with others are truly based on cutting-edge modern technologies. With this, our aim is to remain ahead of the curve by providing consumers with the latest and best-in-class technologies such as the X-Trans CMOS sensor. The technology can augment the production of high-quality images with rich colour, tonality, and dimensionality in the outcome. Today’s mirrorless cameras are transitioned in a way that they cater to a versatile target audience," he said.

How is a mirrorless camera different from DSLR?

In terms of pricing, there is a difference between both DSLR and mirrorless, but the price gap is not very huge and both products are available at competitive prices in the market. However, the reason why mirrorless cameras remain at the forefront is because of their appealing features to both photography and vlogging enthusiasts.

In continuous shooting mode, mirrorless cameras outperform other devices by offering considerably faster frame rates. This allows all content creators, professional photographers as well as beginners with a fantastic opportunity to capture moving subjects in their frame in the sharpest possible quality. Thus, ensuring a perfect shot in no time. So, be it a food vlogger, professional filmmaker, or sports photographer, a mirrorless camera is the perfect equipment for all photography and videography needs.

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Another feature that distinguishes mirrorless cameras from DSLRs is its in-Built IMAGE Stabilization technology which is a blessing for all photography and videography enthusiasts. With this, the camera is less prone to shaking, so image quality is finer and more professional. Therefore, it is fair to state that mirrorless cameras offer a better output and cater to varied consumer needs compared to a DSLR. 

Which is considered to be better - a mirrorless camera or DSLR? 

Despite the fact that brands are discontinuing producing D-SLRs, the debate over DSLR vs mirrorless cameras continues, with both formats coexisting in the market. The compact size and weight of mirrorless cameras set them apart from other technologies in the market. This remarkable feature includes additional features such as IBS technology, which accounts for stable, shake-free images and videos, resulting in improved auto-focus and significant others.

"For the cases in which you are looking for the most compact system possible, mirrorless should be the preferred choice over other camera technologies in the market. Additionally, mirrorless cameras come with live exposure simulation, silent shooting, and a top-clarity electronic viewfinder. This makes the technology a one-in-all solution for all photography needs and rather makes the user experience better,"  said Arun Babu. 

What is the difference in the output while using a mirrorless camera vs a DSLR?

It may not be possible to determine with the naked eye if the image was clicked on D-SLR or Mirrorless 

"However with technological advancements today have given the cameras capability to make great quality images in any kind of light condition as a result, the camera delivers exceptional results even at higher ISO settings without sacrificing image quality. Aside from that, the lack of a mirror mechanism gives mirrorless cameras an advantage in terms of image quality. Because the mechanism responsible for popping down the mirror causes vibrations, DSLRs lose image sharpness when capturing intricately detailed subjects. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, do not require the mirror to be retracted after each shot," the Head of Optical Imaging, FUJIFILM India.

Mirrorless cameras produce excellent still and video images. They deliver maximum shutter speed with the electronic mechanism, which allows the camera to freeze fast-moving objects down to a millisecond. As a result, mirrorless cameras can take photos faster than DSLRs while maintaining high image quality.