Which camera is better - mirror or digital?

Many photo lovers sooner or later think about buying a new, more functional and modern device, and it does not matter whether they are doing it professionally or at an amateur level. If you are affected by a similar problem, then you will inevitably face the question: which camera is better - a mirror or digital? This issue today is quite popular, because every day is released more and more models of cameras. Today we will try to answer this question, and first get acquainted with the features of all the existing types of this technique.

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Criteria for choosing a good camera

To make an unmistakable choice, you must first determine the main purpose of such a purchase, set yourself certain priorities. The main criteria for selection are the following factors.

Image quality

In fact, today you can make a good photo even on the phone. That's why you need to slightly increase the bar when choosing a camera.

High-quality images can be made with a compact digital SLR camera. But provided that the selected models will cost about the same.

The size and weight of the

This is probably the most important point, and the most important difference between compact and mirrored devices. Therefore, you need to decide whether you will carry a special bag with a camera, or you need a model that fits easily in your pocket. For many buyers, this factor is the determining factor.

For a better understanding of which camera is better - mirrored or digital, by this criterion, note that the second model is more compact.

What exactly do you plan to shoot?

Before going to the store determine what you need a device, so that you do not disappoint in your choice. Virtually all cameras are released for specific tasks. For example, a SLR camera is ideal for night shootings, and image quality will be at the highest level.

Image parameters

Here everything is simple:

• if you plan to sell your photos, make calendars, posters and post them on the global network, then you will need a more powerful technique;
• if there is no such need, then you can do with the most ordinary compact device.

Passion for photography

Professionals will be able to fully reveal their strengths and realize all their ideas only with the help of a SLR camera. When using automatic mode, you can receive the same pictures from both devices.

As a rule, these basic criteria are enough to understand which is better to buy - a mirror or a digital camera. What is better in specific situations can be clarified, only if you get to know each representative better.

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What are SLR cameras?

Mirror devices - cameras, viewfinders which are based on a mirror. All of them are divided into two groups - devices with one and two lenses. But considering that in the modern world of digital shooting there were only representatives of the first group, it would be more logical to talk about them.

Important! There was this technique in the distant 1861 in England, which coincided with the abolition of serfdom. That is, these cameras are more than 150 years old. Naturally, the very first models were very different from the current devices, because then they still used the film. Thanks to modern technologies, specialists managed to replace the film with a matrix.

And yet, back to our mirror models. Each of them has a viewfinder, working on the basis of a mirror installed at an angle of 45 degrees. It is through this that it becomes possible to look through the viewfinder not a digitized real picture.

The device works very simply:

1. Light through the lens enters the camera body with the mirror installed in it.
2. The light reflected from the mirror rushes up and enters a special mirror( pentaprism), which turns the picture and gives it a normal orientation.

Important! That is, if pentaprism was not available, we would receive an inverted image in the viewfinder. In other words, the main distinguishing feature of any SLR camera is the optical viewfinder.

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What are mirrorless( digital) cameras?

Like DSLRs, they are equipped with interchangeable optics, but they do not have a mirror viewfinder. And instead of it in inexpensive models a screen is installed, and in the most expensive ones - an electronic viewfinder.

Simply put, unlike the optical viewfinder, this one shows us pictures digitized. In fact, this is a small screen that has a certain resolution specified in the device specification. Of course, here, as in the case of a monitor for a computer, the higher the resolution, the better the picture.

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Why mirror cameras are better than digital models?

To determine which camera is better - mirror or mirrorless, you need to consider in detail the advantages of both options.

So, the SLRs significantly exceed the digital technique in the following parameters.

Optical viewfinder

This is the biggest advantage of mirror devices:

• Firstly - because we get pictures in real time, not digitized and not processed.
• Secondly - because the use of electronic viewfinders slightly delayed.

Phase automatic focus

This element is present exclusively in SLR cameras. Of course, manufacturers of conventional digital cameras have learned to apply phase sensors to the array, but they are still far from the DSLRs.

High level of ergonomics

Mirror equipped with a pentaprism, in the carcass takes up a lot of space, so the devices weigh so much. But this is not a minus, but a plus of DSLRs, because with this element it is very easy to control the camera, switch different functions and options.

Important! The monochrome display with which the largest SLR cameras are equipped has also paid attention. Thanks to him it is very convenient to do professional shooting.

A large set of options for

You do not even need to list them, because everyone will find the necessary function if necessary.

The cost of

In general, SLR cameras are lower, given how good a picture they give out. To achieve a similar result from a digital camera, you will have to spend twice as much money.

Turn on speed

Switches are included much faster than their counterparts without a mirror. They begin to function literally in a second.

Operating time

Battery life significantly exceeds the performance of digital compact models.

Highest level of reliability

Many DSLRs are equipped with additional protection against moisture and dust, so they can be used even in the rain and in extreme heat and wind.

Important! If you decided to do professional shooting, then you should not even think about which camera is better - mirror or mirrorless, because in the second version this option is simply not available. For commercial shootings, it is preferable to use a SLR camera.

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Why is it better to choose a digital camera?

I wonder if there are pluses in digital models without a mirror, which the DSLRs can not boast of? In fact, there are, and they need to talk about them.

So, the main advantages of such devices is as follows:

• Dimensions. This is the most obvious plus of mirrorless models. Even optical devices for them are made more compact. As a result, we get a compact camera, but with a poor quality of shooting.
• Electronic viewfinder. Even they can have positive qualities. First, they allow you to output additional data. Secondly, they are more convenient for people suffering from myopia. When using this viewfinder, you do not need to wear glasses or use the diopter adjustment function.
• A huge range of models.

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What to choose? Digital or SLR camera?

Unequivocally answer the question, which camera is better - mirrored or digital, difficult. Here, every consumer should focus purely on their needs:

• According to experts, today mirror models greatly exceed digital cameras.
• But for users, the most important criteria are the speed of inclusion and focusing, sufficient optics and reasonable prices. Not everyone wants to carry everywhere a huge set of optics for a DSLR, so there should always be a choice.

That is, for the most important and long-term filming, it is better to have a SLR at hand, and for photography, a compact digital camera is suitable for photography. This is what seems to be a difficult choice. And if you are guided by these recommendations, you definitely do not have to regret your decision.