THE TRUTH ABOUT SWITCHING TO MIRRORLESS CAMERAS: DSLR vs mirrorless cameras explored

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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. Are you considering the move to mirrorless and wondering how the change from a DSLR will affect you? This is the video for you! Correction: Pentax has IBIS in some DSLR models!

I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:

Music in intro: "Nicer", by Houses on the Hill. Find that, and other sound effects at Epidemic Sounds

My equipment:

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[simon_dentremont]

Did you go mirrorless recently? What did you get and why? Or maybe why you haven’t switched? I'm always looking for insight into my viewers to make better videos! Also, Pentax has IBIS in DSLRs!

[codyc]

Everything we DSLR users needed to know about mirrorless. All in less than 15 minutes. Straight to point and no bias, as usual. Thanks Simon!

[ibcrootb]

The duck photo is absolutely breathtaking

[jamesschulte]

As someone who has transitioned from using a 5d Mk4 to an R6 in the last year I heartily agree with the statement:”It won’t make you a better photographer but you will get more keepers, have better exposures, won’t disturb people in a silent theatre and deliver sharper pictures at lower shutter speeds with IBIS”

All very true, honestly I think these advantages might be getting undersold here but overall once again Simon presents a nuanced and thorough perspective.

[garythebadger]

Your content is great, BUT I really came here to say your delivery style is superb! Very clear, well-paced, just the right amount of energy, inclusive of all the little necessary details...very professional!

[stumpbumpers]

I cannot imagine the time you put into these videos. Even with a production crew I could not imagine these videos being any better. Inserting example videos and photos from previous shoots and/or staging an example shoot to fill in, is just seamless. Your tone, clarity, cadence and depth of instruction is great. You videos are a go to for myself and my son as we enjoy shooting for fun. Thanks

[RogerZoul]

“The odds of seeing a bald eagle cruising through your living room is very, very low.” :). Too true!

[dsevans]

Simon - your videos are consistently excellent. You are so knwoledgable and present on the subject with incredible clarity. Thank you! One bit of feedback....you don't need to offer the "stay to the end..." during your introduction becuase anyone with any sense will almost certainly want to watch the whole video!

[nopes]

I love the DSLR kachunk shutter, satisfying!!

[footsy]

One of the biggest advantages for mirrorless for me is not having to use the light meter and instead just having zebbra stripes for everexposed pixels. I shoot skiers and snowboaders. As the subject fills more of the frame the light meter will show things getting darker but the light is the same. I simply dial down until the zebras disappear and I have optimum exposure until the light changes.

[jerry]

I moved to micro four thirds in 2020.

Getting older, I was getting tired carrying a full frame DSLR around all day. When I went on holiday, I tended to take a high-end compact rather than my DSLR because of this. And I was getting equally good results with my compact in camera club competitions, partly because of the e.v.f. showing the exposure before I took the photos.

So I switched to Olympus, and I have not regretted the decision. There is a very good range of lenses available.

[johncairns]

The main benefit of mirrorless cameras to me is, there are a lot of DSLR's on the second hand markets for those of us who don't have deep pockets. I just got back into photography and picked up a 1D X with 13k actuation's for less than $1200. And to me this is a belter of a camera. I'm sure I will have a mirrorless in the future, but I'm firmly in the DSLR camp. Great video by the way. 👍

[Troll_troll_troll]

This is the cleanest highest quality smoothest video I have ever watched on YouTube ❤

[philo]

Your style is the best, never boring. Thanx.

[danielmcgowan]

The best camera is the one in your hand that you use. Excellent point.

[christopherleecowan]

Mirrorless all the way now, I can do so many different things or styles of photography now. Yes there is always tradeoffs but going mirrorless has opened up a ton of options for me personally. Don't get me wrong I used a crop sensor dslr for 12 years with a lot of success. Now I using a lot of vintage lenses on my mirrorless camera and I have found my love affair that first had with film.

[Strodav]

Well balanced and accurate video. Have both a D850 (D800, D500, D7200) and Z9. The Z9 has some very impressive features not in the D850. I use the Z9 for things in motion, like BIF or sports. For things not in motion, I prefer the D850, even the D7200. There is just something comforting about hearing the slap of the mirror. I will never part with my D850 or my D7200.

[guyjackson]

While I am still using dslr and no plans to switch anytime in the near future I really enjoyed the comparison of the two styles of cameras. One thing I believe is noteworthy is that on a couple of brands of mirrorless cameras third party dslr lenses with a adapter will not function as you may be accustomed to.

[rogerking]

As a pro photographer who uses both types, it is a refreshing change to see a clear presentation that isn't pushing a particular biased viewpoint.

[zachrichardson]

Literally the feeling and sound of a shutter is the reason why I prefer slr over mirrorless. I'm pretty simple lol.

Other benefits are absolutely real but since the job can be done properly either way it comes down to stuff like personal preferences