What is the main difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras?

The primary distinction lies in the presence of a mirror. DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect light into an optical viewfinder, whereas mirrorless cameras lack this mirror and instead use an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen for composing shots. This difference leads to variations in size, weight, and shooting experience.

Which type of camera is better for video recording?

Mirrorless cameras often excel in video recording due to their advanced autofocus systems, silent operation, and real-time exposure adjustments. They are particularly favored for vlogging and dynamic shooting scenarios. However, some DSLR models still offer robust video capabilities.

Are mirrorless cameras more compact than DSLRs?

Yes, mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lightweight because they lack the mirror and optical viewfinder system found in DSLRs. This makes them more portable and easier to handle, especially for travel and street photography

Do mirrorless cameras have shorter battery life than DSLRs?

Typically, mirrorless cameras have shorter battery life compared to DSLRs. This is due to the constant use of electronic displays and viewfinders, which consume more power. However, advancements in battery technology are gradually improving the endurance of mirrorless models.

Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

Choosing between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR in 2025 feels like picking a favorite child, impossible, confusing, and slightly dramatic. We break down the real differences, the pros and cons, and help to figure out the best camera actually deliver results without empty hype, so you can stop staring at specs and start taking photos.

By : Aman Tiwari
Last Updated on Oct 23, 2025 15:28 IST
Published on Oct 23, 2025 15:28 IST

What To Opt Between Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras?

Choosing between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR in 2025 can feel like a small horror show of specs and numbers. Mirrorless bodies do not have a mirror so they are lighter often faster and better for video and tracking moving subjects. DSLRs still use a mirror and an optical viewfinder they tend to have longer battery life and a bigger lens pool. Think about 3 main things sensor size autofocus system and lens options. Frame rate and low light performance also matter especialy if you shoot events or sports. For many people mirrorless will be the better fit but DSLRs can still be a smart affordable choice if you need battery life or certain lenses. Do not buy on hype, try to match the camera to what you shoot. As simple as that!

Explore more options of some of the best cameras for photography in our Gadget Zone category.

Key Technical Differences Between Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras

Feature	Mirrorless	DSLR
Design and Size	Compact and light weight because there is no mirror inside. They are easyer to carry and often feel smaller in hands	A bit more bulky with a mirror and optical viewfinder. Feels solid but heavier to hold
Autofocus	Uses on sensor phase detect or contrast detect autofocus. Fast and good for tracking moving things	Uses a special phase detection sensor. Works well especialy for still photos
Viewfinder	Has an electronic viewfinder or you can use the back LCD screen to frame shots	Has an optical viewfinder giving a real direct view through the lens without delay
Battery Life	Shorter battery life because the sensor and EVF take power all the time	Longer battery life since optical viewfinder does not need power or screens
Lens Selection	Lens choices growing fast but still not as many for some mounts	Huge range of lenses after many years of use and support
Video Capabilities	Often better video stuff like 4K or 6K and faster autofocus in video	Can record video too but may miss some new fancy video tools
Durability and Build	Build quality changes by model some are weather sealed and strong others not	Many are tough and weather sealed good for dusty or wet places

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera
If you are still thinking about mirrorless versus DSLR like we talked about before the Canon EOS R50 is a really good example of why mirrorless cameras can be easier and lighter to use. It does not have a mirror inside so it feels smaller and easier to carry around which is nice if you are walking around shooting all day. It comes with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS AF II sensor and the DIGIC X processor so your photos and videos look sharp and clean. You can shoot upto 15 frames per second which is helpful if things are moving fast or if you are trying to catch that perfect moment. For video it can record 4K at 30p or Full HD at 120p which makes it great for vlogging, TikTok, YouTube or just fun short form content. The ISO range goes from 100 to 32,000 so low light is less of a worry. The 3 inch LCD screen with around 1620K dots makes it simple to see your shots and frame things right. The RF-S18-45mm IS STM lens has 3x optical zoom and image stabilization so it works well for everyday shooting. Overall this camera is perfect for content creators who want something lightweight fast and easy to handle without overcomplicating things.
Who Is It For?
- Vloggers and content creators who want 4K video and easy handling.
- Beginners upgrading from smartphone photography.
- Travelers who want a lightweight camera for everyday shooting.
User Reviews & Star Rating
- Amazon: 4.5 / 5 stars (121 ratings)
- 50+ bought in the past month
Bank Offers & Deals
- HDFC Bank: Up to ₹3,000 discount on select credit cards
- ICICI Bank: No-cost EMI and up to ₹1,720.57 EMI interest savings
- Amazon Pay: Up to ₹1,979 cashback when paying with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Cards
Specifications:
- Processor:DIGIC X
- Sensor:24.2 Megapixel CMOS AF II
- Autofocus:Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- Continuous Shooting:Up to 15 frames per second
- Video:4K 30p / Full HD 120p
Reasons to buy:
✓Compact and lightweight, easy to carry around.
✓User-friendly and fast, good for beginners and content creators.
Reason to avoid:
✗RF-S lens options are still limited compared to DSLR lenses.
01
Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens
The Nikon D7500 is a solid DSLR that feels really good in the hands. It has a 20.9 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor that takes clear, detailed photos. You can record 4K video at 30 frames per second so the footage looks smooth and sharp. The included AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens goes from wide to telephoto and is very handy for travel. The 51 point autofocus system helps to track moving subjects and is good for action shots. High ISO performance is strong with native ISO up to 51200 and can be expanded for low light. Built in Wi Fi and Bluetooth with SnapBridge makes sharing photos to your phone really quick. The body feels solid, made in Japan. For beginners and hobbyists this camera gives plenty room to grow. Some menus are a bit deep and take time to get used too, but overall it is great value. You will really enjoy using it.
Who Is This For?
- Enthusiast photographers who prefer an optical viewfinder.
- People who want a single, versatile kit for travel, events, and everyday shooting.
- Users who value battery life and a mature lens ecosystem.
User Feedback & Rating
- Star rating: 4.4 / 5 (about 620 ratings)
- Common praise: handling, AF performance, value.
- Common notes: size and weight for long carry.
Bank Offers & Deals
- Price shown: ₹77,999 (about 18% off M.R.P. ₹94,950)
- EMI: Starts around ₹3,782 per month (No Cost EMI options often available)
- Bank offers: Up to ₹3,000 discount on select credit cards
- Cashback: Up to ₹2,339 as Amazon Pay balance with select cards
- Additional: 10 days replacement, 2 year warranty (seller dependent)
Specifications:
- Sensor:20.9 Megapixel DX-format CMOS
- Processor:EXPEED 5
- Autofocus:Multi-CAM 3500FX II, 51 points
- Continuous Shooting:Up to 8 frames per second
Reasons to buy:
✓Strong autofocus and tracking. The 51-point AF system performs well for action and moving subjects.
✓Versatile kit and good low-light range. The 18-140mm zoom plus wide ISO range make it a flexible all-rounder.
Reason to avoid:
✗Size and weight. It is bulkier than most mirrorless options, which may be less convenient for travel packing.
02
Fujifilm X-M5 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a 26.1 megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera and it is really small and light, only about 355 grams, so it can fit in a jacket pocket easily. This makes it perfect for travelling, street photography, or just carrying around for quick shots when you see something interesting. It comes with the 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and it can shoot 6.2K video and high speed Full HD at 240 frames per second, which is really good for vlogging or catching fast action. The X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 5 make your photos and videos look sharp and with nice colours and lots of detail, way better than a smartphone. It also has advanced autofocus with AI driven subject detection which works even in low light or with moving subjects like pets or sports. The Film Simulation mode gives you up to 20 creative looks. Overall it is a small camera for creatives and travelers.
Who is it for?
- Travellers and street photographers who want a compact, retro-style camera.
- Vloggers or content creators who need high-quality video in a small body.
- Hobbyists who want true-to-life colors and creative film simulation options.
User Reviews & Star Rating
- Rating: 4.4 / 5 stars
- Number of Ratings: 88
- Amazon Tag: Amazon's Choice
- Users love the light weight, design, and video quality; some note the lens is limited for zooming.
Price, Offers & Bank Deals
- Price: ₹87,997 (7% off from M.R.P. ₹94,999)
- EMI: starts at ₹4,266 per month (No Cost EMI available)
- Bank Offer: Up to ₹3,000 discount on select credit cards
- Cashback: Up to ₹2,639 via Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Cards
- Other Offers: Free delivery, 10 days replacement, warranty included
Specifications:
- Weight:355 grams
- Processor:X-Processor 5
- Sensor:26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4
- Video:6.2K video
Reasons to buy:
✓Extremely lightweight and pocketable, perfect for travel and street photography.
✓Advanced AI autofocus works well even with moving subjects or low light.
Reason to avoid:
✗Lens kit has limited zoom (15-45mm), may need extra lenses for versatility.
03
Sony Alpha ZV-E10L 24.2 Mega Pixel Interchangeable-Lens Mirrorless
.The Sony Alpha ZV-E10L is a 24.2-megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera designed primarily for vlogging and other content creation. The 16-50mm lens is included, useful for creating video content, as well as taking selfies, and for general photos on YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms. The larger APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor takes sharp, detailed images that look good compared to your phone camera. It is 4K video is recorded with oversampling to give a clearer, more detailed recording. The vari-angle LCD flips out to the side, so you can see yourself while vlogging or taking a selfie. The buttons are easy to reach and the autofocus works fast even if your subject is moving, running, or otherwise changing locations. The camera is lightweight so you will not feel this in your bag if you are carrying the camera all day or walking around. Overall, the Alpha ZV-E10L is a simple, versatile camera for creators who want video and photos without carrying a heavy and complicated camera.
Who is it for?
Perfect for vloggers, content creators, TikTokers, YouTubers, or anyone who wants a flexible mirrorless camera for both videos and photos without carrying something too big.
User Reviews & Star Rating
- 4.4 out of 5 stars
- 792 ratings
- People love the ease of use, lightweight body, and sharp video quality
Deals & Bank Offers
- Price: ₹58,490 with 16% savings (M.R.P ₹69,990)
- No Cost EMI starts at ₹2,836
- Bank Offer: Up to ₹3,000 off on select credit cards
- Cashback: Up to ₹1,754 Amazon Pay balance
Specifications:
- Sensor:24.2 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS
- Lens:16-50mm kit lens
- Video:4K recording with oversampling
- Display:Vari-angle LCD flips to the side
- ISO range::100–32,000
Reasons to buy:
✓Lightweight and small, easy to carry all day
✓Great for selfies, vlogging, TikTok, YouTube
Reason to avoid:
✗Battery life can run out quickly if recording long videos
04
Sony New Alpha ILCE-6100X (Previously ILCE-6100Y)
The Sony Alpha ILCE-6100X is a 24.2 megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera and it comes with the upgraded SELP1650 power zoom lens and also the SEL55210 lens. It is really good for people who want a flexible camera for photos and videos without carrying something too big. The big APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor makes pictures sharp and detailed with nice colours, way better than a phone camera. It can also shoot 4K video in high bit rate XAVC S format so your videos look really clear and professional. The autofocus is super fast and has real-time eye AF which helps a lot for portrait shots. The LCD screen tilts 180 degrees so you can easily take selfies or vlog. It is light and easy to carry around for long shoots. Overall it is simple, fast, and really good for creators, travellers, or anyone who wants a reliable mirrorless camera.
Who Is It For?
- Vloggers, YouTubers, and content creators who want a flexible mirrorless camera for photos and video
- Travel photographers or casual shooters who need something lightweight and fast
User Reviews & Star Rating
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Reviews: Users love the autofocus speed, sharp photos, and the tiltable screen for vlogging. Some mention it is a bit pricey but worth it for the features.
Bank Offers & Deals
- Price: ₹70,990 (21% savings from ₹89,990)
- EMI: Starts at ₹3,442 per month, no-cost EMI available
- Bank Discount: Up to ₹3,000 off on select credit cards
- Cashback: Up to ₹2,129 via Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Cards
- Extra: 2+1 year extended warranty on Alpha Community registration
Specifications:
- Sensor:24.2 Megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS
- Lens:Upgraded SELP1650 Power Zoom + SEL55210 lens
- Video:4K movie recording
- LCD Screen:180° tiltable for selfies and vlogging
Reasons to buy:
✓Lightweight and easy to carry for long shoots or travel
✓Excellent autofocus with real-time eye tracking, perfect for portraits
Reason to avoid:
✗Digital image stabilization only, no in-body stabilization
05

Comparison Of The Best Cameras For Photography

Camera	Sensor & MP	Lens	Video	Who Is It For
Canon EOS R50	24.2 MP CMOS AF II	RF-S 18-45mm IS STM	4K 30p, FHD 120p	Vloggers, beginners, travelers
Nikon D7500	20.9 MP DX CMOS	AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR	4K 30p	Enthusiasts, hobbyists, travelers
Fujifilm X-M5	26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4	15-45mm f/3.5-5.6	6.2K, FHD 240fps	Travelers, street photographers, vloggers
Sony ZV-E10L	24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS	16-50mm	4K	Vloggers, content creators, social media users
Sony ILCE-6100X	24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS	SELP1650 + SEL55210	4K XAVC S	Vloggers, travelers, casual/pro creators

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Faq's

What is the main difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras?
+
The primary distinction lies in the presence of a mirror. DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect light into an optical viewfinder, whereas mirrorless cameras lack this mirror and instead use an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD screen for composing shots. This difference leads to variations in size, weight, and shooting experience.
Which type of camera is better for video recording?
+
Mirrorless cameras often excel in video recording due to their advanced autofocus systems, silent operation, and real-time exposure adjustments. They are particularly favored for vlogging and dynamic shooting scenarios. However, some DSLR models still offer robust video capabilities.
Are mirrorless cameras more compact than DSLRs?
+
Yes, mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lightweight because they lack the mirror and optical viewfinder system found in DSLRs. This makes them more portable and easier to handle, especially for travel and street photography
Do mirrorless cameras have shorter battery life than DSLRs?
+
Typically, mirrorless cameras have shorter battery life compared to DSLRs. This is due to the constant use of electronic displays and viewfinders, which consume more power. However, advancements in battery technology are gradually improving the endurance of mirrorless models.

More For You

Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

Key Technical Differences Between Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera

Specifications:

Reasons to buy:

Reason to avoid:

Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

Specifications:

Reasons to buy:

Reason to avoid:

Fujifilm X-M5 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4

Specifications:

Reasons to buy:

Reason to avoid:

Sony Alpha ZV-E10L 24.2 Mega Pixel Interchangeable-Lens Mirrorless

Specifications:

Reasons to buy:

Reason to avoid:

Sony New Alpha ILCE-6100X (Previously ILCE-6100Y)

Specifications:

Reasons to buy:

Reason to avoid:

Comparison Of The Best Cameras For Photography

Faq's