DSLRs vs Mirrorless

People fight over cameras that which one is good and which one isn't. Some say there's no camera that can compete DSLRs while some say Mirrorless is in some ways better than DSLRs. To put an end to the dispute, let us understand the basics about both.

(For examples, I'll use Nikon D5200 for DSLR and Sony A6000 for Mirrorless)

Digital Single-Lens Reflex or DSLR:

DSLR or Digital single lens reflector cameras have been around for hundreds of years and there's no doubt any one can beat them. At least not until recently.

A DSLR has comparatively large body. At the heart of the Camera there's a sensor (either APS-C or full-frame). The distance between the flange where you mount the lens and the image sensor is called Flange Focal Distance (FFD).

The main thing that differentiates DSLR and Mirrorless is the FFD. Most DSLRs have Flange Focal Distance of 46.50mm which significantly increases its size. In between the FFD, there's a mirror at an angle which reflects the light upwards. The light then reaches a something called pentaprism which reflects it towards the Eye-Piece or View Finder.
The picture shown in the VF is exactly how the sensor will capture the image coz you are actually seeing through the lens.
When the shutter is pressed, the mirror reflexes up and the light reaches the sensor. This is why for as long as the light reaches the sensor, the View Finder goes black. You can try that in BULB mode or other long exposure modes.

So the bottom line is; the mirror, the pentamirror (or pentaprism) and LONGER Flange Focal Distance is only to show you the picture through View Finder. This has ABSOLUTELY NO IMPACT on the result picture. Infact, costs of mirrors and the coating and the mechanism to flip the mirror adds extra bucks to the price.

Imagine a camera that doesn't include all this useless (to some people) stuff and the image is directly presented to the sensor. This camera would have significantly smaller body, will cost less and will give you EXACTLY the same results as of DSLR. Sounds pretty cool right? These are commonly known as MIRRORLESS Cameras.

Mirrorless Cameras:

Mirrorless generally fall under Compact System Cameras or CSC. People who have a little or no knowledge about these consider them as Point&Shoot WHICH THEY ARE NOT.
Mirrorless cameras use APS-C sensor of 23.5x15.6mm dimensions which is exactly the same size most DSLRs use (eg. Canon 700D, Nikon D5200, D3200, D5100, etc.). 

Mirrorless Cameras have THE MOST simple design. Just like Pin-hole cameras.

They sport a sensor at the heart of the body, and a flange where you attach the lens. Light passing through lens; falls directly on the sensor instead of a mirror like DSLRs. And the digital 3" screen is connected to the sensor which tells you how your shot looks.

Some mirrorless also sport Electronic View Finder (EVF) which; just like the 3" screen shows you the same info but is mostly used in broad daylight when Sun shines on your screen and you can't see the screen clearly.

Flange Focal Distance in mirrorless Cameras is as little as 18mm (which is less than half of DSLRs).

To most people, your gear needs to LOOK professional in order to give professional results. That is not true. You gear should be as light as possible so you could carry it around all day with no effort.
Its no mirror mechanism is the reason behind less noise, and fast frames per second. It's because in DSLRs, in every shot the mirror reflexes up and the sensor captures the image and mirror immediately reflexes down and for the next shot the same process occurs again. And due to this rapid movement inside camera, there are more chances of dust particles occurring on sensor and there's a FPS limit (Frames per second). However mirrorless camera has no movement of mirrors and stuff going on inside. Therefore; It has high FPS value. Sony Alpha A6000 has 11 fps while Nikon D5200 has only 5 fps :o

And for those who complain that Sony E-Mount has a very small collection of lenses (21 lenses), you can get an adapter for less than $200 and then you can use your Nikon F-mount, Sony A-Mount, and various other lenses.

One more plus point for Mirrorless Cameras is that most of them sport Wi-Fi and NFC as well. You could send pictures to your smartphones easily but there is one more AWESOME use of this. You could connect your camera to your smartphone and use it as a remote trigger. That's right. You don't need to pay extra bucks for a remote trigger. Just use your smartphone for that. PLUS it also shows a preview.

"The mirrorless camera genre is the future. Large, bulky DSLRs are a dying breed. Will it happen overnight? I'm sure it won't. But I know that I will be showcasing my DSLRs next to my other antique cameras sooner than later!" – Trey Ratcliff

“‘To take an interesting photo, some may choose to carry around a lot of metal and glass and mirrors and silicon. I choose to carry around less metal and glass and silicon. Oh, and no mirrors.’ – Me, quoting myself.” – Trey Ratcliff

Here's a comparison b/w Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 on snapsort.com

Both the DSLR and Mirrorless are awesome and you won't regret buying either but which one is good for you depends on what you want with your camera.

 

Notice the HUGE difference in size? Which one would you buy if both of them produce same results?

Personally, I'd definitely pick the smaller one as they are the future.

DSLR; You had your time :p but now the next generation is gonna takeover in a couple of years.

Don't know about your opinion but in mine, the A6000 kinda stands out. Everyone has a DSLR even those with NO knowledge about photography and dont know how to operate one but have got em because 'DSLRs are famous'. However Mirrorless owners did their homework and research well enough to know at first sight they look low-level but trust me; they're BEASTS!

Having 3 DIALS is something a photographer dreams about at some point. One dial to chose Modes, and other two for Aperture F-Stops, Shutter speed, ISO, Exposure and various others depending on your mode. There are 7 'customizable' buttons and once you set them as per your need, you are gonna love this!