Mirrorless vs DSLR in 2025

Back in 2019 I wrote an article on here about the differences between mirrorless and DSLR - at a time when DSLRs were still considered to be 'mainstream', and mirrorless technology was very much seen as the new kid on the block.

A lot has changed of course since then, with even the industry stalwarts of Canon and Nikon shifting their focus to mirrorless (something which certainly took a good while to happen!), and I think it's safe to say that this is now the way the industry is going. Yet, I still see many beginners opting for an entry-level DSLR as their first camera. Partly because they don't understand the differences, and partly because DSLRs are still the cheapest option, if you're buying new at least.

This being the case, I wanted to write a new piece about the differences between mirrorless and DSLR, and why mirrorless technology is ideal for beginners in 2025 and beyond.

A short history lesson

Just in case you still hear people talking negatively about mirrorless! Initially these cameras were marketed as a 'Compact System Camera' (CSC) due to being smaller and lighter than DSLRs. Unfortunately this created the impression that they were in the same bracket as compact 'point and shoot' cameras, and hence they were not taken seriously - but this is most definitely not the case now.

Physical differences

The key difference between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs is actually just as the name implies. DSLRs have a mirror system which transmits the image from the lens up into the optical viewfinder, whereas mirrorless cameras have replaced the optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). This is, in effect, just a smaller version of the screen - so what you see is identical, whether you choose to compose your shot in the viewfinder or on the screen. Something which is not the case with a DSLR!

More about electronic viewfinders

In the early days, the quality of the EVF, when compared with an optical viewfinder in a DSLR, was a key credibility issue. However, in the last ten years or so, the EVF technology has dramatically improved, to the extent that this concern is rarely even mentioned any longer. Though of course there are still some longstanding DSLR users who just prefer the look of an optical viewfinder, as that's what they are used to, and this is quite understandable.

Electronic viewfinders provide a huge range of benefits over optical viewfinders – one key advantage being the ability to see exactly how the changes you make to your settings will affect the finished image, even before you press the shutter - so if you intentionally under or over expose for example, you'll see that in the EVF straight away, rather than having to take the shot and then review it, make adjustments if it’s not right, and then re-shoot.

This ability makes mirrorless cameras especially useful for people who are just learning photography for the first time, which is why I always recommend them to my tuition clients.

And because you can review your images in the EVF as well, you can easily see if the shot has come out how you expected - whereas with a DSLR you're relying on the screen on the back, which can be very hard to see clearly in bright light. This means it's much easier to miss any issues with your settings, and not realise until it's too late and you're back home.

Easier and more precise focusing

Another key benefit of a mirrorless camera is the ability to position your focal point anywhere within the viewfinder, even right at the edge of the frame - vs a DSLR which has a diamond shape of focal points in the central area of the viewfinder, and can only use one of these to focus. It's much easier with a mirrorless to simply position the focal square exactly where you want it - either using the touch screen, the 4-way controller, or even a handy joystick if your camera has one.

Ease of use for beginners

Most entry-level DSLRs have just one control dial on the top - which enables you to adjust aperture or shutter speed, depending on the mode you're using. Then to adjust the other of these two options, or the ISO, or the exposure compensation, you have to press a button first - and sometimes even hold that button down while turning the dial. This is surprisingly tricky, especially if you're new to using a camera, and even finding the shutter button without looking is still a bit of a challenge!

But with a mirrorless, almost all of them have at least two control dials, and many even have three - meaning it's incredibly easy to adjust your aperture, shutter speed and ISO, without even having to take the camera away from your face. Which in turn enables you to change settings on the fly much more quickly, and so to capture shots that you might otherwise miss.

Advantages of an electronic shutter

One other advantage to note is that mirrorless cameras have an electronic shutter as well as a mechanical one, which is completely silent. This is ideal not only for event photography, but also for things like street photography - or when travelling and visiting religious sites where shutter noise would be inappropriate. Electronic shutters also enable you to choose a much higher shutter speed - up to 1/32,000 in some cases - vs most DSLRs which don't go above 1/4,000.

Why you should want a live histogram

If you're used to reviewing the histogram on an image you've taken, to make sure the highlights and shadows are not 'clipped', then an EVF takes it one step further - giving you the option to have a live histogram actually visible in the viewfinder while taking the shot, so you can check it before you press the shutter. And if you've never used a histogram in your life before, or don't even know what one is, then this ability to see one in your viewfinder helps to make their benefits much easier to grasp.

In summary

Hopefully the above explains a little about the differences between mirrorless and DSLR, and why mirrorless cameras offer so many advantages for beginners. If you're looking for your first camera, then please do consider mirrorless options alongside entry-level DSLRs - and don't be afraid to buy secondhand either. Just remember to choose a reputable dealer that offers a warranty, such as MPB!

And of course, if you're interested in learning photography and would like to book a session with me - either online via Zoom or in person, in and around Milton Keynes - please get in touch. It would be great to chat to you.