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DSLR vs Mirrorless: Which is Better for Real Estate Photography?

DSLR vs Mirrorless: Which is Better for Real Estate Photography?

If you take a look at our article, The Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography, you’ll notice that both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras are listed. Each can be great for real estate photography.

The question of which is better comes down to personal preference and needs. I’ll discuss those preferences and needs throughout this article.

Table of Contents

Whats a DSLR Camera?

A DSLR camera, which stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, is a type of digital camera that uses a mirror mechanism and an optical viewfinder to capture and frame images.

They use a removable lens system, allowing photographers to change lenses in order to achieve different focal lengths and visual effects.

The mirror inside the camera reflects the light coming through the lens onto a pentaprism or pentamirror, which redirects the light to the optical viewfinder, giving the photographer a real-time preview of the scene.

When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror flips up, allowing the light to reach the camera’s image sensor and capture the image digitally. DSLR cameras are known for their versatility, image quality, and extensive lens options.

What is a Mirrorless Camera?

A mirrorless camera, as the name suggests, is a type of digital camera that does not have a mirror like DSLR cameras. Instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder or the camera’s LCD screen to display a real-time preview of the scene.

In a mirrorless camera, light passes through the lens directly onto the image sensor, which captures the image. Mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and lighter than DSLRs due to the absence of the mirror mechanism.

With electronic viewfinders, mirrorless cameras provide a live preview of the image, including exposure and white balance, making them well-suited for various genres of photography, including real estate photography.

DSLR vs Mirrorless

Here are the most important factors to consider when weighing the options of DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras:

Image Quality

Both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras can deliver exceptional image quality. The difference in image quality will come down to the individual cameras.

There will be both high and low quality DSLR cameras as well as high and low quality mirrorless cameras. It’s tough to say that one system produces better images than the other.

Lens Selection

One advantage DSLRs have over Mirrorless cameras is the extensive range of compatible lenses. DSLRs have been on the market for a much longer time, and as a result, they offer a huge selection of lenses from various manufacturers.

This lens versatility allows real estate photographers to choose the exact focal length and lens that they want. Check out all the lenses on our list of the best lenses for real estate photography. You’ll see mostly lenses for DSLRs.

However, Mirrorless camera systems are catching up quickly since many lens makers are focusing on Mirrorless technology. I fully expect there to by loads of great mirrorless options within the next few years.

Video Quality

Some of the current best cameras for real estate video are Mirrorless cameras. They’re lighter, excel at continuous autofocus, and are commonly designed with video specific features in mind.

There are several DSLRs that produce great video like the Nikon D850 or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. But again, with camera manufactures focusing on Mirrorless technology, Mirrorless cameras tend to be better for video.

Recommendations

If I were to buy a new camera today and was given the choice between the top DSLR and the top Mirrorless camera on the market, I would definitely go with the Mirrorless option.

In fact, I choose to upgrade to the Nikon Z7 II because I strongly believe that Mirrorless cameras are the future.

Most camera manufactures are focusing mainly on Mirrorless technology and some have even gone on record saying that.

If you want to buy a new camera that is going to be future proof, or at least as far into the future as we can currently see, Mirrorless is the way to go.

Although there are far less lens options for Mirrorless cameras, it’s clear that eventually there will be just as many lens options as there are for DSLR cameras. Plus, there is at least one lens from each manufacturer that will be great for real estate photography.

Additional Resources

If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.

You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.

If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.

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About author
Matthew Digati is a professional Real Estate and Architectural Photographer. Matthew has worked as a Real Estate and Architectural Photographer since 2015 and has photographed properties and projects all over the United States.
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