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DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras

November 01, 2021

Are you planning to upgrade your camera or start a career in photography? With a plethora of options available in the market, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras based on their memory technology to help you make an informed decision.

DSLR Cameras

DSLR cameras have been around for decades and have an optical viewfinder that uses a mirror to reflect the image coming through the lens to your eye. The image captured by the camera is then stored in a memory card that you can easily replace.

A typical DSLR camera has a burst mode that allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession. The buffer in a DSLR camera stores these shots temporarily before writing them to the memory card. The buffer size varies, ranging from 5-7 shots in entry-level models to 100+ shots in professional models.

Most DSLR cameras use SD or SDHC memory cards, which are affordable and widely available. These memory cards come in different storage capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB.

Mirrorless Cameras

A mirrorless camera, on the other hand, does not have an optical viewfinder; instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder or a rear LCD screen to show you the image. The absence of the mirror makes the camera body smaller and lighter than a DSLR.

Mirrorless cameras have a similar burst mode as DSLR cameras, but the buffer size is often smaller. However, with high-speed memory cards, it is possible to take continuous shots for several seconds or until the memory card fills up.

Mirrorless cameras often use SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards, with storage capacities ranging from 32GB to 1TB. Some high-end mirrorless cameras also support CFexpress cards, which have faster read and write speeds than SD cards.

Comparison

  • DSLR cameras have a larger buffer size, allowing you to take more shots in quick succession.
  • Mirrorless cameras, with their smaller and lighter bodies, are more portable and easier to carry around.
  • Both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras use similar memory cards, but high-end mirrorless cameras support faster memory cards like the CFexpress.

When it comes down to it, choosing between a DSLR and Mirrorless camera ultimately boils down to personal preferences and intended use. Photographers who shoot fast-action sports, wildlife, or events may prefer the larger buffer size in a DSLR camera. However, travel photographers, vloggers, and those looking for a more compact camera may prefer the mirrorless camera.

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