DSLR Cameras

The DSLR camera uses a digital version of the single-lens reflex idea, where light passes through the lens and "reflects" (thus, reflex) onto a mirror to a pentaprism (or pentamirror) so that the photographer can see the image they will capture through a viewfinder. When we press the shutter button to capture an image, this mirror flips up to impress the image upon the camera's sensor, thus capturing the photo.

DSLRs Advantages 

• Higher Image Quality with more clarity
• Larger Selection of Lenses
• Better auto-focus for fast-action photography
• Longer Battery Life
• Connects easily to smartphones for quick sharing
• The optical viewfinder allows you to see exactly what your lens sees
  which gives you a sharper look at the scene.

Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras are different from traditional DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras in that they don't have the mirror to reflect light up onto a pentaprism or pentamirror to aid in the photographer being able to see the image through a viewfinder. Instead, mirrorless cameras use the image sensor itself to focus and quickly display the image on the rear digital screen (or, in some mirrorless cameras, through an electronic viewfinder).

Mirrorless Advantages

• Smaller in size and weight
• On average, better video capabilities
• Quiet shutter 
• Faster continuous speed shooting
• Connects easily to smartphones for quick sharing
• The electronic viewfinder allows you to see exactly what the sensor sees,
  such as a live view of your exposure settings.

Digital Compacts - a.k.a. Point and Shoot Cameras

Point and shoot cameras are a great option for photographers who want a pocket-sized camera that is a bit more rugged, with more zoom power than a typical smartphone. Depending on your needs, some point and shoot cameras offer a variety of advantages such as waterproof features, long zoom lenses, and larger sensor sizes to capture fine details a smartphone may miss.

Sensors and Why Size Does Matter

A camera’s sensor plays a major roll in the quality of the image an individual camera can make. Each sensor has light-sensitive photosites that capture the image. The larger the sensor, the more information it can record which creates more detailed and dynamic photographs.

Micro - Four-Thirds System ( Mirrorless )

This sensor is developed for both Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless cameras and has a 4:3 image ratio, but it can also record 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9 formats. 

APS - C Sensor Otherwise Known as Crop Sensor ( Mirrorless + DSLR )

This sensor is the most commonly found in both DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras due to its versatility. The sensor has a 3:2 image ratio and offers great image quality and is compatible with a large range of lenses. The size of the actual sensor does vary depending on the manufacturer.

Full - Frame ( Mirrorless + DSLR)

Otherwise known as the 35mm Full-Frame Sensor, it has a 3:2 image ratio like the APS-C sensor but is 2.5 times larger than it’s counterpart. The pixels tend to be larger in full-frame sensors which allow for better images in low light situations.