The short answer
For most people buying a camera today, mirrorless is generally the better choice. Major manufacturers have focused their new development on mirrorless bodies and lenses, and mirrorless cameras tend to lead on autofocus, video and features. DSLRs are still capable cameras, though, and can make sense on a tight budget, especially second-hand.
“Better” depends on what you shoot, what you already own and what you can afford.
What each design actually is
A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) uses a mirror to reflect light from the lens up into an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips out of the way so light reaches the sensor.
A mirrorless camera has no mirror. Light always reaches the sensor, and you compose on an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or the rear screen. So “mirrorless camera” simply means an interchangeable-lens camera without a reflex mirror. The parts of both designs are covered in our guide to camera components.
Autofocus
DSLRs typically use a dedicated phase-detection autofocus module that sits apart from the sensor. Mirrorless cameras generally focus using the sensor itself, which allows features such as eye detection and subject tracking across much of the frame. Recent mirrorless models are widely regarded as ahead here, particularly for people, animals and moving subjects. Many DSLRs still focus quickly and accurately through the viewfinder, but their subject-recognition features tend to be more limited.
Viewfinder
- DSLR optical viewfinder: a direct view through the lens with no lag and no battery drain for the view itself. Some photographers simply prefer it.
- Mirrorless EVF: can show a preview of exposure, white balance and picture style before you shoot, and can display overlays like histograms. Drawbacks can include some lag or lower clarity on lower-end models, and added power use.
Size and weight
Removing the mirror box and prism allows mirrorless bodies to be smaller, although lenses, especially long telephotos, are often similar in size. A mirrorless kit may not be dramatically lighter once you add big lenses.
Battery life
DSLRs usually have the advantage here, since an optical finder uses no power. Mirrorless cameras generally get fewer shots per battery, and many photographers carry spares. Check each model’s rated figures, as they vary and depend on how you shoot.
Burst shooting and silent shooting
With no mirror to move (and so no mirror slap), mirrorless bodies can often shoot faster bursts and offer a silent electronic shutter. This can matter for wildlife, sports and quiet events. Electronic shutters can sometimes cause distortion with fast subjects or flicker under some artificial lights, so it is worth testing.
Low light
The camera type itself does not decide low-light quality. Image quality in dim conditions depends mostly on sensor size and design, the lens aperture and processing. Two cameras with comparable sensors will give similar results regardless of mirror. Mirrorless can help in other ways, such as autofocus that works well in dim scenes on some models, and an EVF that can brighten the view. On the other hand, some people find an optical finder easier to use in very dark places, since the view is not electronically rendered.
Lenses and the used market
DSLR lenses are plentiful and often inexpensive second-hand, which keeps DSLR systems attractive on a budget. Many brands offer adapters that let DSLR lenses work on their mirrorless bodies, sometimes with full autofocus and sometimes with limits. New lens development is mostly mirrorless, so the long-term range tends to grow there. For help choosing lenses, see camera lens basics.
Video
Mirrorless cameras are usually better suited to video, with continuous autofocus on the sensor and more video-oriented features. Many DSLRs do shoot video (see DSLR video settings), but autofocus during recording is often less capable.
Do professionals use mirrorless?
Yes. Many working photographers and videographers now use mirrorless systems, and a number still use DSLRs they own and trust. Professionals tend to choose by reliability, lens availability and workflow rather than by body type alone.
Which should you choose?
- Choose mirrorless if you want the newest autofocus, plan to shoot video, or want a system that will keep receiving new lenses.
- Consider a DSLR if you find a good deal on a body and lenses, want long battery life, or prefer an optical viewfinder.
- Already own DSLR lenses? Check whether your brand’s adapter works with the body you are considering before switching.
Whichever you pick, learning the controls matters more than the body. If you are considering a Fujifilm, see our Fujifilm settings guide, and for sensor background see CCD vs CMOS sensors.
Frequently asked questions
What does “mirrorless camera” mean? It means an interchangeable-lens camera without the mirror used in DSLRs.
Do mirrorless cameras perform better in low light? Not automatically. Sensor, lens and processing matter more than the mirror, though some mirrorless autofocus systems cope well in dim light.
Why is everyone switching to mirrorless? Better autofocus, video features and silent shooting, plus the fact that new development is mostly focused on mirrorless.
Do professional photographers use mirrorless? Many do, although some still use DSLRs.