FULL FRAME VS MIRRORLESS PROFESSIONAL

Rigorous testing shows DSLRs offer better battery life, sometimes allowing up to double the number of shots in one charge. If you want to use your camera in conjunction with one of the best telescopes, then you're in luck, as either kind can be attached with the help of adapters. You can also often use DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras by investing in an adaptor. The mirrorless market is growing constantly, so if there is a lens missing for your chosen brand, it likely won’t be long until the gap is filled. Popular mirrorless lens needs are covered well too – with only the rarer lens requests being harder to source. (Image credit: Panasonic) Lens options and availabilityĭSLR brands such as Canon, Nikon and Pentax offer everything from telephoto 800mm and 600mm to wide-angle 12mm to 24mm lenses, with third-party manufacturers – such as Sigma, Tokina and Tamron – making lens options more affordable. The mirrorless Panasonic Lumix S1 is just as large and heavy as a DSLR. That doesn't mean you have to go bigger and bulkier with mirrorless though, if size, weight and portability are a priority then some brands such as Olympus and Fujifilm excel in making smaller, lighter models. A reason for this is that larger sensor sizes are growing in popularity and now you'll see full-frame units (those with a sensor the same size as a 35mm film frame) leading the market. Some high-end options are even as large as their DSLR counterparts (like the Panasonic Lumix S1 (opens in new tab)). However, this is changing as mirrorless cameras are being made to appeal to all levels of photographers from amateur to professional. Mirrorless cameras appeal to beginners and intermediate users, who don’t care for the hassle that comes with heavy equipment. Put them side by side and this certainly can be the case – digital SLRs are larger than film cameras used to be, and suited to professionals who lug around heavy gear as standard.

On a DSLR camera, the light enters through the lens to hit an angled mirror, before being reflected up into an optical viewfinder (Image credit: Getty Images) The size and weight difference between DSLR and mirrorlessĭSLRs are often branded as the heavier option – while mirrorless cameras have a reputation for being a smaller, lightweight alternative. However, if it's the DSLR vs mirrorless debate you want to know more about, read on below. They contain useful insight and will help you get a clearer picture of what's out there in terms of camera choice for astrophotography. Be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to astrophotography and our best cameras for astrophotography. While this guide will help you understand the benefits of each design, we do have some other handy guides that are related. On the other hand, DSLR cameras don't get as much attention in terms of updates but are just as trustworthy as they always were. Mirrorless models are becoming more widespread and have become the target of the most up-to-date technology.

FULL FRAME VS MIRRORLESS PROFESSIONAL

Big-name companies such as Canon, Nikon and Sony have produced professional standard mirrorless cameras and exceptional lenses to attach too. It's not just novice photographers opting for the smaller models but professionals too. Technology has evolved over the years and with it, there's been an increase in investment in mirrorless cameras too.

Both are great choices for astrophotography, but there are differences that this guide will navigate you through.

Full frame vs mirrorless