THE TRUTH about MIRRORLESS: Are DSLRs DEAD?

Thinking about making the switch to a MIRRORLESS CAMERA? Learn EVERYTHING you need to know in this clear, detailed, and concise tutorial!
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** TRANSCRIPT **
Thinking about making the switch to a mirrorless camera? Learn EVERYTHING you need to know in this clear, detailed, and concise tutorial!
Thinking about making the switch to a mirrorless camera? The decision between DSLR and mirrorless can be daunting, especially with questions about lens selection, battery life, and suitability for hybrid creators. While mirrorless cameras offer newer technologies and advantages like higher frame rates and resolutions, DSLRs have their own strengths. As a seasoned videographer who's used both, I understand the importance of this choice for delivering quality work, so let's dive into the specifics.
Firstly, let's address how DSLRs and mirrorless cameras work. DSLRs utilize a mirror mechanism to reflect light onto a pentaprism, providing an optical viewfinder experience. In contrast, mirrorless cameras pass light directly to the sensor, offering electronic viewfinders or LCD screens for previews. This leads us to the first key difference: form factor. DSLRs tend to be bulkier due to their internal mirrors, while mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter, offering portability without sacrificing performance.
Moving on to features like in-body image stabilization (IBIS), mirrorless cameras have a clear advantage. IBIS stabilizes the sensor, enhancing image sharpness and quality, particularly beneficial for handheld photography and video. Additionally, mirrorless cameras often boast electronic viewfinders, providing real-time previews with exposure and white balance information, unlike the optical viewfinders of DSLRs.
Silent shooting functionality is another area where mirrorless cameras shine. The absence of a mirror mechanism eliminates noise, offering silent shooting modes for discreet capturing. Moreover, mirrorless cameras typically excel in burst and shutter speed capabilities, thanks to electronic shutters that enable faster shooting rates and higher shutter speeds.
Battery life is a common concern with mirrorless cameras, as electronic viewfinders consume power. However, advancements in power management have narrowed the gap, offering respectable battery life, especially with larger capacities or battery grip accessories. And let's not forget about auto-focus performance, where mirrorless cameras have made significant strides, rivaling DSLRs with advanced autofocus systems and AI-driven features.
Finally, when it comes to video performance, mirrorless cameras often lead the pack with advanced features like in-body stabilization and higher resolutions. However, DSLRs still hold their ground, especially for photographers accustomed to optical viewfinders and the real-time feedback they provide.
In the end, the choice between DSLR and mirrorless cameras boils down to personal preferences and shooting styles. Whether you prioritize portability, advanced features, or familiarity, there's a camera out there to suit your needs. So, weigh the pros and cons carefully, experiment with different models, and choose the tool that empowers you to tell your story through captivating images and videos.
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** TAGS **
kevin raposo, speedy photographer, online photography school, photography tips, Mirrorless camera, DSLR, Photography, Videography, Camera comparison, In-body image stabilization, Electronic viewfinder, Silent shooting, Burst speed, Shutter speed, Sensor cleaning, Auto-focus performance, Video production, Hybrid creator, Photography tutorial, Camera technology, Battery life, Portability, Photography school, Speedy Photographer, Online tutorials, Creative photography, Camera features, Shooting style, Photography tips, Mirrorless vs DSLR

[@kevinraposo]

Do you think DSLRs are DEAD? Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/kevinraposo instagram.com/speedyphotographer To join Speedy Photographer or watch my FREE training: www.speedyphotographer.com

[@tonykeltsflorida]

My Canon SL2 isn't dead. It can shoot with or without the mirror. I also have a Canon M6 II, with an EVF. I have a couple manual focus lenses that the EVF helps get focus peaking right. It is not easy to use a Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 but it is fun. Anyways, the SL2, I take normal pictures with the viewfinder and live view for anything from a tripod.

[@Hexlord]

I am still using both for different reasons. Cheers mate~

[@kevinraposo]

Fair enough!

[@mikedovsky]

IMHO, I think that just as digital made film disappear, mirrorless with make DSLRs be a thing of the past. It’s just a matter of time. This was a clear, unbiased comparison. Thanks for posting!

[@kevinraposo]

appreciate it, glad you enjoyed!

[@stevenbamford5245]

Film hasn't disappeared, there is a resurgence in case you haven't noticed. I've taught students that are all rocking a film camera. In the respect of manufacturers then yes they stop producing older tech and move on to new innovations.

[@kevinraposo]

I assume he meant it had disappeared in a professional context, which it mostly has

[@stevenbamford5245]

@@kevinraposo Of course in that context, camera companies are all about chasing the money, but little outliers such as Pentax are keeping it real, just like bands and companies still producing vinyl

[@mikedovsky]

@@stevenbamford5245 As Kevin replied, yes I did mean in a professional context.

[@ricknicholson5894]

Good assessment. I have both systems. I'm not a video guy so the most important factor is size and weight. For example, my son and partner were married weeks ago and I flew across Canada to attend the wedding. I wanted to go with my Canon L lenses and my 5D mk4 but the package would have been big and bulky. Instead I brought my Fuji camera and 5 lenses (shooting as a tourist as well as the wedding). This package was amazingly small. I have different tasks for my cameras. My Canon 5K mk4 is used primarily in landscape work, always on a tripod so weight isn't an issue. My 7D mk2 lives on my Sigma 150 - 600 Sport lens and is married to my gimballed head. My Fuji X100f is my street and travel camera (except for the wedding) and my X T1 was bought for a rural project mostly in farming areas. I also use it as my muck about camera due to its size. If I grab a camera to have in my car when I travel around carrying out non-photography tasks, I will take it and one lens. I did use this camera at the wedding. High burst speeds aren't my thing, it's the editing out the vast number of photos when I use the burst speed of my 7D mk2 which is a laughable 10 fps. The idea of 150 shots/second using a global shutter or even 40 fps has zero appeal to me. I keep thinking of the thousands and thousands of images that would have to be edited.

[@davidsewilliams]

"my son and wife" may be a typo. You should edit lol Nice gear though

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

As a working pro I prefer using both DSLR and also mirrorless. (while other pros have totally switched to mirrorless) For studio work, I prefer DSLRs as the controls are all on the outside with buttons and battery life is long and I like the the OVF and form factor. For travel and outdoor use mirrorless are more convenient. For video, mirrorless offer better IBIS, and are lighter to record video. For people who are hobbyists, or advanced amateurs, mirrorless might make more sense these days.

[@josephchan4198]

I am not upgrading to mirrorless since DSLR meets my need.

[@kevinraposo]

glad it works for you!

[@joekelly9369]

Its not an upgrade , when 80 year old bronica 6x45 have better resolution , camera companies are giving very little real tech , for lots of money

[@Herkulez1981]

New dslr market is dead, used dslr market is still alive. You get awesome professionell cameras with lenses very cheap today. A Canon 5d3 is as good today as when they came out . Will ev switch to mirrorless but im more then happy with my 5d3s and rather spend money on studio equipent. When i have all i need i Will start swittching cameras

[@julianmcwey866]

Dslrs still work for my photography!!! Also you forgot to mention the banding problem!!

[@quazisanjeed6395]

Thank you for the video. Already decided. I stick to DSLRs forever. Full stop.

[@FinnishSuperSomebody]

I prefer both. I have two mirrorless cameras and just bought less than week ago DSLR after many years. Dang it just feels amazing to have that huge battery life and optical viewfinder. I have liked mirrorless cameras because they are so tiny (those what I have owned), but now when I take Canon 70D and big lens to my hands it somehow feels more comfortable to hold and gives me feeling of "doing real photography". Surely my mirrorless cameras are great for my usage, but I have just found out that well it is all the same to own DSLR and Mirrorless cameras and use all of them when needed. All video shoots I will do with my mirrorless, this DSLR only for photos for me. One big advantage of DSLR for me is that there are lots of lenses on reasonable price since many have moved to mirrorless. I have a plan also to buy some cheap Nikon DSLR what will cost around 100 euros or so, that way I can buy whatever lens comes on reasonably price on second hand market. Also it is just fun to own old cameras and challenge myself to take photos with different camera bodies since this is a hobby for me.

[@OccidentalonPurpose]

Professionally I use Canon R6 cameras (mirrorless) for video and photos. Personally, I shoot photos with a Nikon D750 and video with a phone. TBH the Canon is the more advanced piece of gear on a number of levels. But I tend to have more fun with the DSLR. Also to go mirrorless for my personal work would require shelling out my own money and the mirrorless bodies are $$$. Used DSLRs cheaper and I don't have to carry as many batteries. But for work the mirrorless are more practical because they truly can do it all well.

[@JeffBourke]

Definately not dead. For photography, pretty hard to beat a used canon !!!

[@Beaver-be8vk]

The fact that no one’s developing new DSLR’s says differently. It’s no competition, mirrorless are a billion times better. You’ve obviously never used one.

[@shueibdahir]

@@Beaver-be8vkit's mostly about the AF revolution and neweer electronics. Other than that a DSLR is still really good. A used 5D mark III is hard to beat

[@Beaver-be8vk]

@@shueibdahir that’s hilarious. You must be trolling. I looked at the specs and its pathetic. 61 af points 30mp and 7fps. Have ever looked at a R5 spec sheet?

[@shueibdahir]

@@Beaver-be8vk Yes I have, it's computationally impressive but that sensor combined with the image processing produces some of the most dull images I've ever seen. There's a reason why the 5d cameras are still popular

[@Beaver-be8vk]

@@shueibdahir if that was true this wouldn’t be the absolute first time I’ve ever heard anyone say that. Sounds more like something someone says to cope with the fact that they can’t afford to upgrade. No hate. I’ve been there. But that will never make it true.

[@stevenbamford5245]

Not all mirrorless camera's have ibis and is not essential for photography. The auto clean on cameras is next to useless, I haven't used a FF mirrorless yet Sony, Lumix and Nikon that haven't been massive dust magnets, it's a pain and I could go months with my dslr without cleaning but weeks with my mirrorless. The other problem with mirrorless is the electronics, firmware updates in some cases actually end up causing the camera problems, locking etc. And of course the cost, unless you're investing in the high end mirrorless systems that cost thousands, your going to end up with mid budget offerings with average lenses for the price of a full pro system on dslr such as the Nikon D850 or Canon 5DIV. The mirrorless offerings are not all great, and some of the build quality makes them feel like a toy. I shot with a Nikon D810 recently a 10 year old camera, apart from the fact the images that it produces are fantastic, but the build quality made it feel like it was made a couple of years ago. Could you imagine the condition of something like an R10 or R8 in ten years...

[@Cotictimmy]

I've gone the opposite direction. I heard the mirrorless advantages and bought one to try. I've just sold my mirrorless again as I didn't like the mirrorless feel & using EVFs as much as my DSLRs. Too much reliance on technology to do everything for you - they tend to make you helpless when something doesn't work (which is quite often.)

[@nealphore]

I feel the same. Technology is great, but I would rather be a better photographer based on skill versus one based on gear.

[@ramuji6041]

I would rather use a DSLR than mirrorless. I don't trust mirrorless. DLSR for serious still photography. In my view, for still photography go with DSLR and for videography go with mirrorless.

[@reinhard8053]

@@ramuji6041 What is it not to trust ? The difference is, that a DSL needs a complicated mechanic for mirror and prisma. It might get problems with AF and lenses over time as the AF system sees different than the viewfinder. Sensor and shutter are the same. The EVF is added, but I don't think that will be a big reliability problem. And it enhances picture control before and after release. You see what your sensor sees and not something different which results in the need to control every picture afterwards on a LCD screen which is not always what the picture is later on the monitor.

[@jw48335]

​​@@nealphoreAnd in my opinion REAL photographers use only rangefinder cameras with film. All these digital things, that isn't photography. 🤪

[@jw48335]

Translation: I'm old enough I have trouble figuring out cell phones and these new cameras confuse me. 😂

[@Pfagnan]

I switched from Canon DSLR to Sony mirrorless. Once you switch you’ll never go back!! The features and quality of the 4K video are unsurpassed!!! 📸

[@stephanparnow4566]

While this is a good question, the more relevant question is how much longer will Canon or Nikon continue to make DSLR cameras? I am in the DSLR camp, but I am also concerned about investing in something that might well go the way of the dinosaurs sooner rather than later.

[@Tornado.EOS.Software]

A huge shout out to the video creator for emphasizing that investing in a Canon mirrorless camera means investing in quality, passion and support.

[@Fifthimagez]

Is it weird to say I want a 5Dmk iv I’ve never had one or held one in my hand

[@GerhardBothaWFF]

I did the kind of photography I do today with DSLRs for years. It is doable. But the focusing system on mirrorless is just better. I prefer the EVF to optical. What is the point of seeing on the viewfinder what you see normally? I want to see what the sensor does. And the IBIS is also great. Love my little R7

[@Beaver-be8vk]

Agreed. It’s funny because it seems like everyone on here defending DSLR’s are people who either can’t afford to upgrade or haven’t yet. I’m assuming 95% have never touched a mirrorless. If they had they wouldn’t be defending them. I looked through one a single time and literally bought a R7 the next day.

[@dennisjones5579]

Excellent video. Just found your channel and subscribed. Still love my Nikon D500

[@kevinraposo]

Thanks for the sub!

[@haakon_b]

Buying another Nikon D850 to put in storage for the future. Mirrorless is not for me. Been through MFT (actually liked that the most), Fuji X and Nikon Z.

[@zeissiez]

Same experiences, except I haven’t used MFT. Need a backup for my war torned D800E. My X and Z could not replace a DSLR.

[@killpop8255]

Having IBIS and having working IBIS are two different things I've found. I have a Sony A7 ( I or II ) that has IBIS but it reports it does not work with my lens - the Sony 90mm macro! 😕 This complicate s wanting laowa ultra macro to be used with available light because those lenses don't have IS and you bet ya I need all the stability I can get for this use.

[@mhrasc1585]

Using my Canon 5Dmark4 ,,, love it

[@kevinraposo]

used and loved that camera for a long time!

[@J-Young_photography]

if they don't phrase out DSLR how to sell more new lenses? The key thing is to sell lens, then second thing is mirrorless what you see on EV is what you get on the jpg.

[@dct124]

There's only a few disadvantages to DSLR. Mirror slap that causes micro jitter, but only visible at extreme magnification. Not good for video due to heat. But neither is mirrorless honestly compared to actual video cameras. Reliability. I've never heard of mirrors breaking but not having it means 0 chance. Warranty would be another since manufacturing has stopped, outside of Pentax. New lens accessibility. It's great for the brands who're trying to turn a profit by developing cheaper products and selling them for more. For me, the EVF is the turn off for mirrorless. So I'll probably end up moving over to Fuji or Leica at some point. I'm going to give mirrorless one more chance with the Zf or Zfc. Knowing me, I'll probably end up with either a D6, or D780 and a FM3A

[@skyscraperfan]

I wish I still had a real choice between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera when I replace my DSLR one day. Most manufacturers stopped producing DSLRs though. So if I want the latest sensor like the fabulous one of the R3, I have to switch to mirrorless. That very much annoys me. Why can't they just give us a "Canon 1D X Mark IV" with the sensor of the R3 and maybe a faster processor and two CFexpress slots? That's all I would ever want. My current camera is the very old 1D X. It was the flagship camera from Canon for the 2012 Olympics in London. That's 12 years ago, but apart from the bad noise in dark areas even at low ISO I have nothing to complain. So if the 1D X is still good enough for me twelve years after it came out, I would expect at least the same from a mirrorless camera. Photography is a hobby for me and I could not justify €6,000 for a camera that might stop working after five years. Mirrorless cameras got rid of mechanic stuff like the mirror and the shutter, which is good for durability, but at the same time they introduced IBIS and electronic viewfinders. How long will those two things work before they break? Sadly electronics often are not very durable. I already had to replace the main board of my camera once and that was a bill of more than €600. Modern cameras have much more electronics. How long will they last? Do manufacturers really use components that will last for decades, although their target group of professional photographers replaces their cameras every four years? Just look at modern flat TVs! They contain cheap transistors that sometimes break after three years and then the whole TV is bricked. Repairing a TV is more costly than buying a new one. Do camera manufacturers have higher standards? If I bought an R3 today, how long would it serve me?

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Hi. I bought an R3 this past summer. It's been outstanding. I swapped from Fuji, after shooting that for 8 years. Selling my entire fuji system afforded the purchase of body only. It's been terrific. With the huge lenses Canon makes, I'd always use a grip anyhow. I've shot n R6, R6 mii, R5, and the lack of external controls is abysmal. Menu reliance isn't great on my R3. I borrow EF and RF glass from my college, adapt vintage glass for the most part. I wish the implementation of focus for adapted lenses was better. It is a sweet unit. I think EF glass is nicer without any processing. I'll probably invest in that when I'm out of college.

[@skyscraperfan]

@JHurrenPhotography The advantage of EF glass is that it allows you to switch to Sony, Lumix or Nikon later. Especially on a Lumix EF glass works great. Why buy RF glass that relies on digital correction and can only be used at Canon cameras?

[@JHurrenPhotography]

@skyscraperfan oh good to know! I prefer the 3D pop, contrasty IQ of the EF glass. RF glass is high resolution but very flat. However, the experience of handheld video work with RF lens stabilization is extraordinary. It nearly looks like a gimbal

[@skyscraperfan]

@JHurrenPhotography I bought the EF 100-400 II years after Canon switched to the RF mount. I did not regret it.

[@hugoportella4486]

Yes, nowadays the mirrorless are better than the DSLR machines, specially for fast moving pictures as sports, birds, etc. But there is plenty of room to the DSLRs when we think to all other possibilities of photography.

[@colinstock325]

Modern digital cameras are specialized computers that allow people to take photos. It really doesn’t matter whether it’s a dslr or a mirrorless. Mirrorless cameras also include a shutter speed. You it forms part of the exposure triangle. However, camera manufacturers and their shills promote mirrorless cameras because most people wouldn’t need to upgrade. The same thing happened with CDs and vinyl. Remember the claim with CDs was that they were more robust. That was found to nonsense wasn’t it?

[@nealphore]

The marketing of mirrorless is a bit much. If people loved them, they would sell themselves. It's like with modern computerized cars of today compared to the old ones.

[@robj9338]

Good video....couple things you missed. Rolling shutter is still a problem. Shot DSLR's for years and completely switched to mirrorless. Second, flash in low light. As a wedding an event photographer, this is a major short coming of mirrorless. If a reception is very dark, mirrorless fails. DSLR's....never had an issue since the flash emits a pre-flash to assist in focus. Mirrorless, no matter what manufacturer, does not. Lastly as mentioned below, banding in certain light conditions. Will I go back to DSLR's, no but mirrorless still has some work to do.

[@reinhard8053]

Rolling shutter is the same on a DSLR as long as both have a mechanical shutter, too.

[@dct124]

Manufacturers prioritized mirrorless for IBIS as a marketing tool to transition there mass market over.

[@elimajewski3384]

Nothing wrong with dslr, they are not less valid today than 10 years ago. The problem is the manufacturers cease to support them. No new lenses, classic lenses out of production, no new models. Kudos to Pentax for staying in the dslr world and opening the new horizons, like k3 monochrome.

[@ramuji6041]

I would rather use a DSLR than mirrorless. I don't trust mirrorless. DLSR for serious still photography. In my view, for still photography go with DSLR and for videography go with mirrorless.

[@stevemiller6167]

DSLR will always take good pictures size doesn't matter to me it's all about the results I want. I have mirrorless cameras too, no huge difference for me.

[@nicktrieu8129]

DSLR are dead unless you're a collector of fine pieces.

[@key2adventure]

Ibis is not a difference between DSLR and mirrorless, its just that not so many DSLRs have it

[@kevinraposo]

There are only a few Pentax DSLRs that were manufactured with IBIS

[@key2adventure]

@@kevinraposo Olympus had it on their DSLRs long before they went to M4/3. But actually, that wasn't my point. You state it as a difference between the DSLR and mirrorless technology, and that is not the case as there is nothing inherent in the DSLR cameras that prevent implementing sensor stabilization. And many brands already had well functioning lens based stabilization, so there was no reason to implement sensor stabilization as it only adds to the complexity and thus price of a product. That's the reason why not so many went down that route. But as everyone is launching mirrorless on a new lens mount, it makes sense to implement it in the camera body now and avoid having it in the lens, or doubling up on stabilization by having it both places.

[@joekelly9369]

I used the best all my life , editing is a big no ! Just the way our company works , so you need to know how to use your nef raw processing and set your camera up to it , we were given z9s for shoots all over the place , the evfs arent my thing , or most of us at our place , most of us carried on using our d850s , mirrorless are great if youv never used a dslr or film camera , Mirrorless DONT offer advanced images ! An 80 year old bronica 6x45 gives better resolution than most 35mm digital / mirrorless camera , so basically mirrorless is mediocre

[@TheLocalredhead]

Pentax kinda still kicking

[@dreadnoughtphotowerkz]

When it comes to battery life, I'll tell you this much. I use the Canon R3, which does have a larger battery. I shoot sports all the time. And today of course I was shooting baseball today these are travel baseball teams. I shot two games today for a total of 8,625 frames, and I did that all on the same battery 3/4 of the same battery. If you ask why so many frames. Because I'm in Burst Mode the entire game. And for the R3 that's 30 frames per second every time I hit the shutter button. So the battery life on my camera for my use is excellent. And I always have four batteries with me, one in the camera and the other three in my pack

[@reinhard8053]

I use my cameras mostly on vacation. Not that much pictures but the camera is active for some time after each shot. For a whole day with R6II or R7 I need a second battery which will be partly used. My DSLRs needed about the same. Yes, you need more than the original battery, but that has been that way since digital cameras.

[@chadnelsen3679]

Hopefully, as a wildlife photographer I pack my gear for MILES. The lighter the better.

[@kenharnish5778]

If I had the money I would buy the R5.

[@logancostantine7722]

Use me as the "No Shit" button lmao

[@FisherKot]

I will never shoot mirrorless. I don’t go outside to look at a tiny screen, I go outside to look at the world. If you want to stare at a screen all day, stay inside and stare at your phone. Mirrorless sucks

[@kevinraposo]

technically, you’re looking at a mirror 😂

[@reinhard8053]

How can you be sure it sucks, if you never tried it ? With DSLRs you need to look on the LCD screen all the time (to control the result). Not that different. And how long do you really look through the viewfinder on a walk ? And it is also a tiny picture of the reality. Just made through lenses and mirrors.

[@spirg]

People are shooting film cameras again. Just sayin

[@PhotoTrekr]

DSLRs have been dead since Sony introduced the first A7. Some DSLRs just don't know it yet. 😊

[@ロクアンドロールしかないでも好きだ]

Dead would mean they don’t work anymore so that statement isn’t even slightly true, if mirror less kept the same lens mounts it may have more appeal but it’s one thing getting a Sony A7 and then another having to get all new lenses and/or adapters to use the ones you have which then begins to negate any advantages in weight/size decreases, no DSLR’s are not “dead” even SLR’s are having a revival it’s just that manufacturers need to keep innovating to move products and the masses just keep following the trend, updating their phones every time the next model launches, updating their cameras because the latest thing is a must have but still taking the same old pictures, I have a light weight mirror less camera, it’s called an iPhone it also is a portable recording studio, musical instrument, web browser and even makes phone calls, I admit DSLRS are bulky beasts but the anaemic wheeze of a mirror less camera’s shutter, as a musician grates on my nerves funny how the fake sound on a phone is a film driven SLR I would only get a mirror less camera for video but I would get a drone before that because the phone is good enough, it’s not the machine that makes good content it’s the person using it and the vision and the lighting setup.

[@maderbokusnasser6178]

Dslr are gaining popularity among photographers indeed.just wait and see.

[@alanplatt888]

Dead, possibly for the future. Very enjoyable video, covers all the questions. Nice work.

[@kevinraposo]

appreciate it, glad you enjoyed it!

[@zaccamden5016]

dont want to be rude, but are we back in the 2010s?????

[@kevinraposo]

still a lot of people using DSLRs as a daily driver in my experience

[@aristoioannidis7490]

It is only a matter of time when the Canon 1DX3 becomes affordable.