DSLR vs Mirrorless
When comparing DSLR vs Mirrorless, the Slant community recommends Mirrorless for most people. In the question“What is the best enthusiast camera type for photography?” Mirrorless is ranked 1st while DSLR is ranked 3rd.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Wide variety of lenses
DSLR cameras have been the leading type of enthusiast camera for long enough that the lenses available for them cover virtually every possible usecase.
Pro Greater on-body customization/control
Array of buttons, dials, joysticks allows for quick access to settings, often without moving eye away from viewfinder.
Pro Wide variety of accessories
Everything from flashes to remote releases. Reputable third-party brands create accessories at competitive prices.
Pro Batteries last longer
A bigger body allows housing a bigger battery.
Pro OVF allows composing a shot without turning on the camera
Pro Latest generation mirrorless cameras are leading the way in AF accuracy and consistency
Pro EVF allows seeing an approximation of the end-result before you take the picture
Unlike an optical viewfinder that displays the same thing your eye sees, an electronic viewfinder shows what the camera sees.
Pro Compact bodies
Cons
Con Shutter noise
In order to take images, DSLRs have to move the mirror out of the way of the sensor. That movement creates a distinct sound that is not present in other types of cameras and the sound may draw unwanted attention.
Con Bigger bodies
Because DSLRs have to house a mirror, they are bulkier.
Con Less consistency across brands
As mirrorless cameras are relatively new, differences in capabilities and how they handle between various brands are much larger than those of DSLRs.