What's the difference between a mirrorless camera and a dslr

Mirrorless cameras and DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras are two different types of digital cameras, each with their own features and advantages. Here are the main differences between them:

Mirror Mechanism:

• DSLR cameras use a mirror mechanism to reflect light from the lens into the optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the mirror flips, allowing light to fall on the camera's image sensor.
• Mirrorless cameras, as the name suggests, do not have a mirror mechanism. Instead, light passes directly through the lens to the image sensor, which then displays a digital preview of the image in the camera's electronic viewfinder (EVF) or on the rear LCD screen.

Size and Weight:

• Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lighter than DSLRs because they do not have a bulky mirror and optical viewfinder system.
• DSLRs are bulkier and bulkier due to the mirror mechanism and pentaprism/pentamirror housing.

Autofocus System:

• Mirrorless cameras typically use contrast-detection or phase-detection autofocus systems that work directly on the image sensor. Many modern mirrorless cameras also use hybrid autofocus systems that combine both contrast and phase detection for better speed and accuracy.
• DSLRs traditionally use a phase-detection autofocus system via a dedicated autofocus sensor, separate from the image sensor. However, some DSLRs also include contrast-detection autofocus for live view and video shooting.

Battery life:

• Mirrorless cameras tend to have shorter battery life than DSLRs due to the constant use of electronic displays such as the EVF or rear LCD screen.
• DSLRs generally have long battery lives because their optical viewfinders do not require power to operate.

Lens Selection:

• Both mirrorless and DSLR systems offer a wide range of interchangeable lenses to suit different shooting needs. However, DSLR systems have been around longer, so they often have a more extensive selection of lenses and accessories available.
• Mirrorless camera systems are rapidly expanding their lens offerings, and many manufacturers have developed high-quality lenses designed specifically for mirrorless cameras.

Video display:

• Mirrorless cameras often excel in video performance, offering features like 4K video recording, high frame rates, and advanced autofocus tracking during video capture.
• While DSLRs can also capture high-quality video, they may lack some of the advanced video features found in mirrorless cameras.

In short, the main differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras lie in their design, autofocus systems, size and weight, as well as their respective advantages in certain areas such as battery life and video performance. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences, shooting style, and specific needs for photography or videography.