I’ve been a proud owner of the same DSLR camera for 10 years. When its shutter showed signs of failure, I had to get a mirrorless camera. I appreciate the features but still enjoy my DSLR.
1
Fancy Features Are Not Always Necessary
Even after all these years, my DSLR takes terrific pictures. The mirrorless camera, with all its bells and whistles, was an expensive buy. Although I do not shoot for clients as much anymore, I still do fine-art wildlife photography, hence the purchase.
The DSLR comes in handy when I don’t need the extra megapixels because the editing process is way too slow with my new camera. The megapixels are almost double that of my DSLR, so the files are enormous. I find this a nuisance when I’m just taking pictures of family and friends, as the huge files are a pain to share online.
Also, the extra features in my mirrorless camera come with a vital cost: battery life. My DSLR can last at least twice as long. Now, I’m making it a point to carry two extra batteries for my shoots. Sure, it’s worth it getting those fantastic shots with my new camera. But sometimes, it’s nice to just enjoy the session without constantly worrying about the dying battery.
Moreover, I like the shutter sound in my DSLR camera. My new camera features only an electronic shutter and is completely silent. It took some getting used to. I prefer the traditional shutter sound of a DSLR, which gives an audible cue that the shot is done. I tried changing the shutter sounds on my new camera, but nothing beats the mechanical shutter sound.
2
I Own Many DSLR Lenses
I’m grateful that the camera manufacturers offer adapters for using DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras. But, I personally am not a fan of adapters. Although mine works seamlessly, I like to use my DSLR lenses with a DSLR, especially third-party brand ones, so there are no surprises with autofocus.
With experience, I know that lenses are more important than the camera body. I plan to retain my good lenses for as long as possible. There is no rush to replace my DSLR lenses with mirrorless lenses anytime soon, so keeping my DSLR as a backup or for casual use makes sense.
3
The Size Difference Is Minimal
The main difference between the DSLR and mirrorless cameras is the size. I had a semi-pro DSLR, so the weight wasn’t that bad to start with. I have a pro mirrorless now, and the weight difference between the two is minimal. My new camera is slightly smaller, but with the lens adapter, it’s almost similar to my DSLR’s size.
I like how my new camera fits in my hand, and it certainly has a nice feel to it. However, I know my trusted DSLR can take some rough handling. I’m not so sure about my sleek and delicate mirrorless camera. So, when I’m on family trips or taking photos for our personal use, DSLR is my pick.
4
For a Quicker Post-Production Process
We all love our phone cameras because they take good pictures and don’t need an elaborate post-production process. But occasionally, I enjoy taking photos and coming home to leisurely edit them on my laptop. My DSLR file size was reasonable, and my computer handled the images without blinking.
Now, with the humongous files from my mirrorless, I can feel that my laptop is a tad slower. Lightroom, Adobe’s famous photo editing software, takes a beat to zoom in and out of the files. At times, it made me wonder about upgrading my laptop.
Instead, I’ve firmly decided to stick to my DSLR for casual work to avoid overworking my laptop. If I’m not working for a client or selling my photos in a gallery, my DSLR is all I need. In fact, a mobile phone is more than enough for casual photography because the image quality of a smartphone camera is comparable to that of a DSLR.
5
I Prefer the Optical Viewfinder Experience
The optical vs. electronic viewfinder debate has been ongoing since the introduction of mirrorless cameras. While EVFs (Electronic ViewFinders) have grown exponentially, I still like the optical viewfinder of my DSLR.
Many people may not even notice the subtle flicker in the EVF when moving the camera, but I find it offputting. It takes away the seamless experience for me. I appreciate that my mirrorless camera can show live histograms and pretty much see in the dark, which is beyond the capabilities of my old camera. But any day, I’ll choose my DSLR for a great viewing experience.
It lets me feel like I’m in the scene and interacting with my subject. In contrast, when using my mirrorless, I feel as if I’m looking at the scene through a screen. I am not as connected to my subject and my surroundings with an EVF.
6
To Enjoy the Process of Photography
Although my new mirrorless camera’s noiseless shutter, magical autofocus, and insane frame rate are godsends, sometimes it is necessary to be in the moment and enjoy the photography process. This is why many photographers still use film cameras. There is something about the process of doing things slowly and meticulously.
I use photography as an excuse to wake up early and go for a walk or hike, chasing that elusive bird, bug, or sunrise. There are times I put my camera in continuous shooting mode and fire away for the bird-in-flight photos. But, the process I enjoy the most is staying in a spot, shutting the world away, and waiting for the shot to happen.
The minimal settings in my DSLR, along with the optical viewfinder, allow me to be in the moment and connect with my craft without distractions. The mirrorless, DSLR, and smartphone cameras all have their place in my photography journey. I’ve learned to pick the one most suitable for the particular situation.
As they say, cameras don’t take pictures—it’s the photographer. And every photographer has their own preference when it comes to their tools. The most important thing is knowing these tools and understanding when to use the right one. At times, it’s also good to go with the motto: the best camera is the one you have with you.