A thorough explanation of the differences between SLR and mirrorless cameras, and how to choose the best one

Taking photos with smartphones has become commonplace these days, but many people are starting to become interested in single-lens cameras in order to take more serious photographic expressions. However, many people may be wondering, "I don't know the difference between a single-lens reflex camera and a mirrorless camera," or "Which camera is right for me?" In this article, we will explain in detail the types of cameras and their features, as well as what to consider when choosing one.

Camera types and features

Digital cameras can be broadly divided into two types: "interchangeable lens" cameras with interchangeable lenses, and "fixed lens" cameras with fixed lenses. Interchangeable lens cameras include SLR cameras and mirrorless cameras, while fixed lens cameras include compact digital cameras. Each camera has its own characteristics, and the way you choose one will depend on your purpose and preferences.

SLR (Single-lens reflex) camera

The biggest feature of SLR cameras is that they have a mirror inside that reflects the light that passes through the lens and directs it to the optical viewfinder. This structure allows the photographer to shoot while checking the subject as if they were looking directly at it. When you look through the optical viewfinder, you can

see in real time an image that is almost identical to the image that reaches the sensor, which is particularly useful in situations where you need to capture split-second movement, such as sports photography or wildlife photography.

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera

As the name suggests, mirrorless cameras are SLR cameras without the mirror box. This simple structure allows the body to be more compact and lighter than SLR cameras.

The use of an electronic viewfinder allows you to check the final result in real time after shooting, reflecting settings such as exposure compensation and white balance. Recent models have high-speed autofocus and excellent subject tracking capabilities, allowing them to reliably capture sports and moving subjects.

Compact digital camera

Compact digital cameras are attractive because they do not require lens replacement and are easily portable. They are often chosen as an excellent entry-level camera for people who are just starting out in photography. Many models are waterproof, shockproof, and other environmentally resistant, making them suitable for outdoor and leisure photography.

However, compared to single-lens cameras, they are inferior in terms of image quality and shooting performance in dark places. SLR cameras often produce better images, especially when shooting in dark places or when enlarging and printing.

What camera do you recommend for beginners?

Many people may be unsure of which model to choose when starting out with photography. For your first SLR camera, we recommend an entry-level mirrorless SLR camera. The latest mirrorless SLR cameras offer an excellent balance of functionality, operability, and portability, allowing you to enjoy photography with intuitive operation. Small and lightweight models in particular are an ideal choice for women and those who often carry a camera bag.


There are several important points to consider when choosing an interchangeable-lens camera. Below, we will explain in detail the elements you should pay particular attention to when choosing a camera.

Ease of use and operability

A camera's ease of use is an element that directly relates to how much fun it is to take pictures. If you choose a model with an intuitive button and dial layout that allows you to quickly access the settings you need, you'll be able to concentrate on taking pictures. Also, as sharing photos on social media has become common in recent years, choosing a model with a full range of functions for connecting to a smartphone will make the process from taking pictures to posting smoother.

Compactness and weight

When choosing a camera, you should also pay attention to the weight of the camera body and lens combined. If it is light enough to hold with one hand, you will be able to shoot for long periods of time with less fatigue and more stable shooting. Also, choosing a model with a grip size and shape that fits your hand will help prevent camera shake. If you are thinking about carrying it around on a daily basis, another point to consider is whether the size will fit in your bag or pouch.

Sensor size

One of the factors that determine the image quality of a digital camera is the sensor size. Typical examples are full size, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds. Generally, the larger the size, the higher the image quality, but the price also tends to increase proportionally.

For beginners, we recommend the APS-C size, which offers an excellent balance between price and image quality. The APS-C size also provides a telephoto effect, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy telephoto photography. On the other hand, cameras equipped with full-size sensors are characterized by large background blur, rich gradation expression, and excellent high sensitivity performance. If you are aiming for more serious photography, you may want to consider it.

Number of pixels

The number of pixels is related to the ability to depict details. The higher the number of pixels, the more beautiful the details can be, even when printed at A4 size or larger.

However, it is important to note that image quality depends not only on the number of pixels, but also on the sensor size mentioned above. Even with the same number of pixels, a larger sensor size can achieve richer gradation expression and better image quality.

However, if the main purpose is to share photos on social media, the resolution of the device on which they are viewed is often not high, so a high pixel count is not necessarily necessary. By choosing the appropriate number of pixels for your purpose, you can make a cost-effective choice.

Image quality when shooting at high sensitivity

The higher the upper limit of the ISO sensitivity, the greater the scope of shooting in dark places. However, at the same time, you should be aware of noise (graininess in the image) when shooting at high sensitivity. With the evolution of image processing engines in the latest cameras, many models are able to effectively suppress noise even when shooting at high sensitivity, and take very clear photos. Full-frame cameras, in particular, have a large sensor size, so there is less noise when shooting at high sensitivity, and you can capture beautiful images even when shooting night scenes or indoors.

Autofocus functionality

Autofocus (AF) functions have evolved significantly in recent digital cameras. Models that support face recognition and eye AF make it much easier to focus on portraits and capture facial expressions clearly. Cameras with a large number of AF points also make it easier to accurately focus on compositions with subjects at the edge of the screen, broadening the scope of expression.

In particular, models with high AF motion tracking performance are good at dealing with subjects whose movements are difficult to predict. If you often take photos of children or pets, be sure to check them out.

Image stabilization performance

Image stabilization plays an important role in handheld photography. If the camera body is equipped with image stabilization (in-body image stabilization), it can reduce camera shake even when using a lens that does not have in-lens image stabilization.

The effectiveness of the stabilization effect is expressed in units of "stops," and the higher this number, the easier it is to reduce camera shake even when shooting in dark places or with a telephoto lens. Models that can use in-body image stabilization and in-lens image stabilization in combination provide more effective image stabilization, allowing for stable shooting in a variety of shooting scenes.

How to choose the right camera for the scene you want to shoot

Everyone has different goals when it comes to taking photographs. The functions and performance you need will vary depending on the scene you want to shoot, so choose a camera while imagining the scenes you want to shoot. Here, we will explain the key points to consider when choosing a camera for each typical shooting scene.

When you want to preserve memories of your family and children

When taking family photos or photographing children, it is important to capture fleeting expressions and natural gestures. By choosing a model with excellent eye AF and face recognition functions, you can reliably capture the expressions of children as they move around. The camera's motion tracking performance is particularly important when photographing young children, whose movements can be unpredictable.

Also, considering that you will be carrying the camera to various locations such as parks and playgrounds, a compact and lightweight model will be easier to use. Since you will be shooting in small indoor spaces, choosing a model that is easy to maneuver will make it easier to capture the expressions of your family members at unexpected moments.

When you want to capture the scenery beautifully and neatly

Landscape photography requires rich colors and delicate details. By choosing a full-frame camera with a wide dynamic range, you can capture beautiful details even in scenes with large contrasts between light and dark, such as sunrises and sunsets. In addition, since most of the photography will be done outdoors, we recommend a model with weather-resistant capabilities. You can enjoy shooting with peace of mind even in scenes that are easily affected by the weather, such as spectacular views after the rain or misty mountains.

When you want to take pictures of the vehicle

When photographing trains, cars, and other vehicles, it is important that the camera can respond quickly to the movement of the subject. If you choose a model with high-speed continuous shooting capabilities and excellent AF tracking capabilities, you will be able to obtain clear images with little blur, even when photographing moving vehicles.

Also, when creating professional photographs, check the number of shots that can be taken during continuous shooting so that you don't miss that crucial moment. Models with large buffer memory allow for long periods of continuous shooting, making it easy to take pictures with plenty of time even in scenes where timing is important, such as panning shots of trains.

When you want to take pictures of the starry sky and night scenery

When photographing starry skies or night scenes, be sure to check the camera's shooting performance in dark environments. By choosing a camera with less noise when shooting at high sensitivity, you can clearly depict the stars in the night sky or city night scenes. Also, since night photography may involve long exposures or interval shooting, it's a good idea to check the battery life as well. The interval shooting function allows for more creative expression, such as photos that depict star trails and time-lapse videos.

When you want to shoot vlogs and videos

Some people considering buying a single-lens camera may want to try their hand at more serious video shooting, such as Vlogs or landscape videos. When shooting video, we recommend a model with high AF motion tracking performance. If you are particularly considering Vlog shooting, it is convenient to choose a camera with a rotating LCD screen on the back so you can check your facial expressions while shooting. Also, models with an external microphone terminal will allow you to record high-quality audio, making it possible to create more professional video content.

Lens types and how to choose them

One of the great things about SLR cameras is the range of expression that can be expanded by changing lenses.

Lenses can be broadly divided into prime lenses that shoot with a fixed angle of view and zoom lenses that allow you to change the angle of view. Prime lenses are brighter and easier to take high-quality photos, making them suitable for portraits. On the other hand, zoom lenses are convenient because they can be used to shoot at a variety of angles of view.

In addition, each lens has its own unique shooting scene: wide-angle lenses are good for landscapes and architecture, standard lenses for snapshots and portraits, and

telephoto lenses for distant subjects and wild birds. In this way, you can fully bring out the charm of your subject by taking advantage of the lens' characteristics according to the subject and the image you want to capture. For more information on how to choose a lens, please check out this article.

Enjoy high-quality photography with a single-lens camera

When choosing a camera, it is important to consider your own shooting style and the images you want to capture. Take a look at various SLR cameras in stores, using the points explained in this article as a reference. Once you experience the rich expressive power that only a SLR camera can provide, you're sure to have more fun taking photos.