So, you are a budding photographer or you want to get into photography? Or perhaps, you think it is time to upgrade your system to capture the best quality images and videos. If you’re thinking of upgrading to elite professional status, then investing in either one of the two interchangeable-lens camera systems is the way to go.

Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) camera system or a Mirrorless camera system? we’ll see!

To help us with our decision, let us compare the two camera systems in terms of what matters most to a photographer.

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Size and Weight
DSLR camera bodies are relatively larger than their mirrorless counterparts. This is because the body needs to house the mirror and a prism. It is no secret that the size and weight of a mirrorless camera is one its biggest selling points. For most photographers, size and weight are major deal breakers because you are going to be carrying your camera around. And it is better to blend in with a small gear instead of standing out with a larger camera system.

The speed of Autofocus:
DSLRs have a very good autofocus and used to have the advantage here because they use a technology called “phase detection”. While the mirrorless camera has to make do with the contrast detection technology, which is slower. Well, all that’s in the past now. Newer mirrorless systems now employ both technology, phase detection, and contrast detection – giving photographers the best of both worlds.

Continuous Shooting:
Both the DSLR and the mirrorless camera can shoot very fast. There are times when the speed of shooting becomes so crucial, most especially when you need to capture motion shots. The absence of a mirror in its design makes it easier to shoot images after images with a mirrorless system, helped by the mirrorless system design requiring less moving parts for its operation. Perhaps, with the exception of the advance DSLRs, the mirrorless system has got the edge here.

Video Quality:
With DSLRs, you get full HD video quality, a plethora of lenses option and accompanying accessories, and long-term support. Simply because they were the first to offer photographers the chance of producing professional HD videos. For DSLR, First to do it, yes. But still, the best to do it? Not anymore! Mirrorless camera now offers a wealth of features to match what you get with the DSLRs. Even moving a step forward with 4K capture and Ultra HD video – a functionality the DSLR is slow to embrace. DSLR can’t use phase detection with the mirror up while recording videos. Hence, with superior autofocus in all modes and processing power, the mirrorless system is the go-to guy for most filmmakers and the clear winner here.

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The Bottom Line
Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact, faster, lighter and exceptional for shooting videos. It is a great option for beginners and intermediate photographers who are better off with a system not too demanding on the control side of things. As we move up to pro level photography and the respective prices of similar systems, there is not much to separate DSLR from Mirrorless cameras. Although, there are more technical reasons why a mirrorless system should be considered the best option for professional photography.