Upgrading from your smartphone camera or a point-and-shoot usually means you are on the hunt for a decent DSLR camera, because that has been the case for many years. While DSLRs always seemed expensive, things have changed, and now you can get a DSLR for as low as $300. If you have been actively involved in photography, you have probably heard about Mirrorless cameras. A newer technology that makes cameras much more portable yet not so different in capture quality.
Mirrorless cameras, also known as Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, use an image sensor to provide an image to the electronic viewfinder. A typical DSLR camera has a mirror in its path, which is how it differs from mirrorless cameras. The absence of an optical viewfinder makes these cameras smaller and lighter.
Advantages of Mirrorless Cameras
The first is their smaller size because there is no optical viewfinder or mirror; the image is sent directly to the Electronic viewfinder or the screen, which removes the need to house a mirror or optical viewfinder.
Better view on EVF – While there is always subjective talk of how naturally your object is seen on the optical viewfinder, it becomes difficult to set the focus and take a picture in dark conditions because the OVF doesn’t get enough light. On the other side, EVF gives you a better idea of what you might be looking at.
Some of them have easier charging options – The Sony A6300 that we use for the videos we capture has a MicroUSB port, and thus, it is easy to charge the camera with even a power bank if there is a need for charging. That is not usually possible with DSLR cameras.
Availability of lenses – While the camera is compact, it doesn’t mean it will work like a compact digital camera. Thanks to this, mirrorless cameras can use many lenses, and several are available. If you have some non-Sony lenses as well, there are adapters that make them compatible to the mirrorless cameras.
Disadvantages of Mirrorless Cameras
Lesser battery life – A smaller camera can house only a smaller battery and comparatively, the mirrorless cameras have a lesser battery life when compared to the DSLR cameras.
Focusing isn’t as quick – Although some of the best mirrorless cameras are competitive in focus speed, several standard ones aren’t close to DSLRs when it comes to autofocus.
Budget – One disadvantage, though not for everyone, is the price. Mirrorless cameras are not as affordable as DSLR and other options. And it isn’t only about the camera but the lenses too are not affordable either, with some of them crossing the price of the camera itself.
