The mirror in a camera was a simple implementation of Live View mode. It allowed photographers to see the scene from the lens’s perspective—what appeared in the viewfinder was what would be exposed on the film. This provided significant control over composition and focus.
Over time, DSLRs gained additional features, such as light metering and autofocus. The viewfinder began displaying various shooting parameters, increasing the chances of capturing a successful shot. The mirror itself was positioned at an angle to redirect the image from the lens to the user’s eye. When taking a picture, the mechanism lifted the mirror, allowing light to reach the film directly. Thus, the mirror did not play a direct role in the exposure process—it simply made operating the camera easier.
Since the mirror did not affect image quality, it’s worth considering what made DSLRs a symbol of professional photography. The key factors were their modularity and interchangeable lenses. Different lenses allowed the camera to be adapted for various purposes, while the camera body was mainly responsible for the exposure process. It was the lens that determined how the image was shaped.
Advances in semiconductors and digital technology eventually led to the development of the modern Live View mode, eliminating the need for a mirror.
In a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, there is a sensor instead of film, which takes on its role. It captures light from the lens and converts it into digital information, which, after appropriate processing, generates an image file (in simple terms). The information from the sensor can also be transmitted to the camera's display screen and shown in real time.
When you activate the Live View mode on a DSLR, the camera switches to live preview mode – the mirror is raised, exposing the sensor, which now continuously captures the image from the lens and transmits it to the screen. The image displayed on the screen is exactly what will be captured in the photograph – the camera's display works like a large digital viewfinder.
In simple terms, a mirrorless camera is a DSLR without the mirror – a mechanical component that has become unnecessary. If you switch your DSLR to Live View mode, you’ll get a camera that functions like a mirrorless one.
I would argue that mirrorless cameras are the evolutionary successors to DSLRs. Since the mirror’s only purpose was to redirect the image from the lens to the viewfinder – and this can be replaced by a digital preview directly from the sensor – this is a significant advantage. It eliminates the need for complex mechanisms and reduces the camera’s weight.
Add to this one of the biggest advantages of DSLRs – interchangeable lenses – and you get an optimized camera that retains all the benefits of DSLRs while being lighter and simpler in design.
The wide range of models and offers on the market makes answering this question quite complicated. Although I write favorably about mirrorless cameras, I do not own one myself and do not plan to. I can appreciate the advantages of their design, as well as recognize their flaws. In most cases, I would encourage choosing a mirrorless camera, especially if you are just starting out and have not yet developed your own workflow.
So, what keeps me loyal to DSLRs?
If you agree with most of these points, it may be worth considering a good old DSLR. However, if you are just beginning your photography journey and are completely new to the field, you will most likely follow the trend that is still rapidly developing and may dominate the digital photography market in the near future.
All signs point to mirrorless cameras being the future, so choosing one from the start will help you develop proper habits and gain valuable experience. If you are wondering about a good model, I've heard many positive things about a company whose name starts with "S" and ends with "ony."
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When it comes to image quality, there is no clear winner—top-tier DSLRs and mirrorless cameras produce equally outstanding images. Don't be fooled by megapixels and other marketing gimmicks. Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras operate on a very similar electronic level. However, mirrorless cameras borrow some innovations from smartphones and often offer a richer array of software-based enhancements and features. In contrast, DSLRs tend to be more basic, providing only essential functions.