In the past decade, mirrorless cameras have been on the rise in popularity threatening the status of traditional DSLR cameras that have dominated the market since the first creation of imaging technology that worked with a digital sensor by Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith in 1969. DSLRs are not passé in any sense and the newest debate in the photography industry is which type of camera is superior than the other. But like other great debates, it’s hard to decide because there are, as they say, “different strokes for different folks.”
The Differences Between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
For those not camera-savvy, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC) have lenses that use a digital imaging sensor to display a digital preview of whatever the lens is seeing. Cameras without the mirror show a digital preview that can be seen in the viewfinder or LCD screen when light goes straight to the digital image sensor, which is then transmitted as digital information. Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR cameras), on the other hand, use a movable mirror in front of a digital imaging sensor, which reflects the light to the pentaprism, which then presents the data to the optical viewfinder. Without the mirror, cameras are smaller, more compact, and more lightweight than DSLR cameras with a mirror.
Canon’s Newest Mirrorless Camera
Canon is known to release products at a different pace than other companies in order to take the time to perfect their models. The Canon EOS R5 is no different and rumors say that its shipping date will begin prior to the 2020 Olympics that starts on July 24.
The EOS R5 boasts a 45MP full-frame camera, can burst shoot at 12 fps or up to 20 fps using the electric shutter, has an in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, a first for Canon, and 8k video shooting capabilities. The ability for 8k video shooting allows you to crop content to 4k, which Canon says will be, “futureproofing video content” before the high-resolution format becomes the norm.
The Canon EOS R5 is a culmination of Canon’s previous first mirrorless camera, the EOS R. The EOS R was met with criticism, which the company used to improve their newer camera. There are dual card slots rather than just one, which benefits photographers with redundant work such as wedding and professional sports photographers. The scroll wheel replaced the programmable touch bar of the EOS R for more efficient use.
The Pros and Cons of a Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras might not be for everyone. Consider its pros and cons:
Pros of a Mirrorless Camera
- Small and lightweight – easily portable
- Works silently – better for photographers who need to be quiet such as wildlife photographers
- Better video quality and autofocus – high video resolution at 4k and 1080p comes with most mirrorless cameras, unlike DSLR cameras that are at the lower end
Cons of a Mirrorless Camera
- Battery life – a smaller camera means smaller batteries and using the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen will drain the batteries quickly
- Limited lens selection compared to DSLRs
- Price – can be just as expensive as DSLRs
