The popularity of mirrorless cameras is rising steadily. In this post, I want to share the features and benefits of mirrorless cameras that I enjoy.

Many seasoned photographers are switching from DSLRs to these models as their technology advances.

You’ll discover why mirrorless cameras are so well-liked these days if you keep reading.

Benefits of Mirrorless Camera

Here are some benefits of mirrorless camera.

Size

When comparing mirrorless cameras to DSLRs, size is almost always the most important factor to take into account.

Mirrorless cameras can be more compact than DSLR cameras because they don’t have a mirror box. Mirrorless cameras are a fantastic choice for travelers with limited space due to their smaller dimensions.

Naturally, the size is entirely dependent on the model you decide to purchase. You can purchase small, portable micro Four Thirds cameras. You can also purchase sizable full-frame mirrorless cameras that aren’t all that dissimilar from a DSLR.

Check our guide on Mirrorless Vs DSLR Cameras for more information.

Weight

Contrary to popular belief, there is typically not much of a weight difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Sure, a Fuji XT2 is significantly smaller than your old Nikon D810, but that’s because the sensor size and, as a result, the lens weight, are different.

The difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera with the same sensor size is typically just a few hundred grams when you look at actual cameras.

Mirrorless Camera is Quieter

When the mirror has swung up to admit light, DSLRs emit that distinctive shutter sound that alerts you to the situation.

Without a mirror, mirrorless cameras can be almost silent, depending on the mode you select. Additionally, they’re much quieter than DSLRs, which is a huge plus when you’re photographing, say, a wedding ceremony or the inside of a cathedral.

Related Reading: How to Use a Mirrorless Camera?

Video Autofocus

A mirrorless camera’s video autofocus is typically much better than a DSLR’s.

The primary autofocus method is obstructed because DSLRs require flipping up the mirror in order to record video.

In video mode, the majority of DSLRs can only perform contrast-detection autofocus, which can be quite subpar.

In addition to the conventional focus techniques, some DSLRs are getting focus pixels, but these have fewer points.

Therefore, although it varies depending on the particular camera, I have to give mirrorless a point for autofocus during video.

Flying under the Radar

Because mirrorless cameras don’t look huge and professional to the untrained eye, I’m able to get shots in some situations where I wouldn’t be able to otherwise. For example:

• At youth sporting events, I don’t get strange looks from other parents who wonder if I’m creepy or if I have a child on the team (yes, I have been questioned on more than one occasion when using a large lens and a DSLR).
• I photograph many locations when traveling where pro cameras are banned or require a special permit and there have been a number of times where I’ve made it through security because of the “Oh, remember that old camera I have? I just wanted a snapshot of my travel experience” excuse.

Once more, if you shoot with a full-frame mirrorless and a long lens, this benefit is largely lost.

Mirrorless Camera is Unassuming and Non-threatening

Mirrorless cameras don’t appear as polished and intimidating as DSLRs do. Portrait subjects often become more at ease and authentic as a result.

They come in handy when you want to stealthily take pictures of people or places where professional cameras are typically prohibited or call for a permit.

Low Light Focusing

People will undoubtedly disagree with me on this point based on a particular camera situation, and I’m sure there are exceptions to this rule.

In contrast, I’ve found that those using mirrorless cameras are frequently able to focus for night photography MUCH easier than the DSLR crowd in my experience of traveling the world repeatedly and shooting night photography with readers of this blog.

Facial Recognition

The new technology of facial recognition excites me.

The majority of professional photographers still choose their focus points by hand, but the potential of facial recognition is really promising.

The ability to use facial recognition for auto white balance is another advantage. Generally, auto white balance is a pretty dumb technology.

Despite not really knowing WHAT the scene is, it can distinguish colors and tries to balance them out.

It’s common to trick the camera if the scene is naturally monochromatic.

However, if the camera can identify a face, it will roughly know what color balance a face should have and will be able to more precisely determine the white balance.

Conclusion: Benefits of Mirrorless Camera

So, what makes the mirrorless camera so popular today?

Mirrorless cameras offer many of the benefits of a DSLR without the bulk thanks to their large sensors, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls.

However, in my opinion, mirrorless is a great option for the majority of shooters if you’re considering a new camera system anyhow.

Read More: Do DSLR Lenses Work on Mirrorless Cameras?

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