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Mirrorless bodies lack the mirror box, so they can be smaller and use electronic viewfinders.

Last updated: October 31, 2026.

Size and weight

Mirrorless bodies are usually smaller; lenses can still be large.

Viewfinder

DSLRs use optical viewfinders; mirrorless use electronic ones.

Which to buy

New models are mostly mirrorless. See best mirrorless cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DSLR dead?

New development focuses on mirrorless.

Battery?

DSLRs often last longer.

Video?

Mirrorless is usually better.

Bottom Line

For a new camera, mirrorless is the sensible default.

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