Explore the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each, and expert tips to help you choose the right camera for you.
Whether you’re a professional photographer, an aspiring content creator, or simply someone wanting to capture life’s everyday moments, you’ll need a camera to share your stories. You’ve likely narrowed your choices down to a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera. Each offers its own advantages, and what you choose will come down to personal preference. This guide will help you understand what works best for you.
DSLRs overtook film cameras in the early 2000s. Mirrorless cameras began hitting the market later in the decade, but truly took off in the 2010s. Both types of cameras deliver high-quality images. Both use interchangeable lenses, allowing photographers to use one camera body for multiple photography styles. Both include features that encourage creative experimentation. The key difference is that DSLR cameras use a mirror system to capture images. Beyond that, each offers its own advantages that may influence your buying decision.
A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) is an interchangeable lens camera that uses a complex mirror system to capture an image. The mirror directs light from the lens to the optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror swings out of the way, light directly hits the digital imaging sensor, and a photo is taken. The Canon EOS System includes cameras for all skill levels and interests: beginner, photography enthusiast, advanced amateur, content creator, and professional.
DSLRs use an optical viewfinder – meaning you can see what’s coming through the lens in real time. Keep in mind, though, that depending on the settings, things like exposure or colours could look completely different once you put the camera in playback mode or download your images. Since DSLRs have optical viewfinders and don’t require a screen (electronic viewfinder or LCD) to be on all the time, they generally have a longer battery life, which means more shots per charge. DSLRs do have heftier bodies, but that may make it easier to balance larger lenses. Video capture is a standard feature. Some advanced and professional models offer 4K capture, and professional videographers and filmmakers trust Canon’s EOS System for their work.
If you’re just stepping up to an interchangeable lens camera, a DSLR is a good starting point from a budget point of view. Their long battery life makes them ideal for day trips, nature walks, and other excursions where you won’t have the ability to recharge. The cameras also offer outstanding autofocus on moving subjects – think wildlife, sports, and events.
Thanks to their long battery life, mirrorless cameras are ideal for day trips, nature walks, and other excursions where you won’t have the ability to recharge the battery.
A mirrorless camera is an interchangeable lens camera that does not use a mirror to reflect the image onto the viewfinder. Instead, the image passes straight to the sensor, which displays what it then sees on the electronic viewfinder (EVF). Canon first entered the mirrorless market in 2012, and it introduced the EOS R System in 2018.
The lack of a complex mirror system makes it lighter and more compact than a DSLR camera. No mirror also means fewer moving parts and, therefore, faster frame rates. While there may be a slight lag with the EVF (as it creates the digital preview), you see exactly what your camera sees, allowing you to make adjustments – for example, to ISO or aperture – before clicking the shutter. Autofocus (AF) capabilities on mirrorless cameras are outstanding – up to 100 percent horizontally and vertically, depending on the lens you’re using. Even if your subject is positioned toward the edge of the frame, you’ll get reliable focus. For video, you can expect at least 4K capture, even 8K with some higher-end models.
Mirrorless cameras are great when you want to travel light. With no mirror flipping up when you press down the shutter, they offer a quieter shooting experience when you want to be inconspicuous. Some Canon mirrorless cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a system that counteracts camera shake. Both IBIS and the advanced AF system help ensure exceptional low-light performance. For video, some newer, hybrid models can record longer than 30 minutes.
Autofocus (AF) capabilities on mirrorless cameras are outstanding. Even if your subject is positioned toward the edge of the frame, you’ll get reliable focus.
The first thing you’ll discover when looking to choose a camera is the overwhelming number of options from which to choose. There is no such thing as the “best DSLR camera” or “best mirrorless camera”; there’s just the best camera for you. Here’s some things to think about when making your final decision.
Every camera has its own list of specifications and features. In making your buying decision, you may want to consider these factors: cost, size and weight, build, battery life, viewfinders, memory slots, video quality, connectivity, continuous shooting speed (frames per second, or fps), and type of autofocus system (for example, dual pixel).
You’ve bought your camera, and now you’re ready to use it. First thing, brush up on your basic photography terms and settings. Next, take advantage of the free resources available. Check out our various how-to guides – including primers on action photography and landscape photography – in our Photography Tips section.
Canon Canada also has its Creator Lab program, which provides enthusiasts and professionals with access to special events, gear, education, support, and a community to expand their skills and knowledge. And you can learn fundamentals and advanced techniques by taking Canon Online Classes.
Take lots of photos! That’s how you’ll get better and how you’ll become more comfortable with everything your camera can do.
To get the most out of your camera, familiarize yourself with its capabilities. Start by exploring the manual. No need to memorize every page, but the manual will outline all the features of your camera and how to use them. And take lots of photos! That’s how you’ll get better and how you’ll become more comfortable with everything your camera can do.
Whether you’ve chosen a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera, try these introductory tips to help capture high-quality images:
Once you’ve chosen a camera body, you are not limited to the lenses you can use on it. With a lens mount adapter, for example, you can connect your Canon EF lenses (for DSLR cameras) to any EOS R Series mirrorless camera. You can further enhance the quality and versatility of your photos by using a lens filter. Try an ND filter to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor, or a polarizer filter to help reduce glare.
Experiment with different types of photography. You’ve invested in an interchangeable lens camera, so change up your lenses! Whether you want to try portrait, landscape, sports, or macro photography, you can rent equipment by joining Canon’s Creator Essential Services.
Lastly, make sure you share your photos. Utilize the built-in Wi-Fi® to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet to post on social media. Use the HDMI output to view images on your TV screen. Even print and hang your photos on the walls.