Step into the world of 35mm photography with the Photography Discussion Roundtable, heard every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31266 — the MichiganOne Nets channel. This engaging net is your chance to explore the art and science of photography, ask questions, and sharpen your skills in a welcoming, knowledge-rich environment.
Hosted by James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, and Rick AD8KN, each brings a wealth of experience to the mic. Bob and James are seasoned wedding photographers, while Rick adds deep technical insight and practical know-how. Together, they guide discussions on camera features, techniques, terminology, and everything from aperture to artistic vision.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, tune in and join the conversation. Your next great shot starts here.
In the evolving world of photography, choosing between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is a pivotal decision for both beginners and seasoned photographers.
What Are DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras?
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex)
- Uses a mirror mechanism to reflect light from the lens into an optical viewfinder.
- When the shutter is pressed, the mirror flips up, allowing light to hit the image sensor.
- Known for robust build, long battery life, and extensive lens compatibility.
Mirrorless Cameras
- Eliminates the mirror mechanism, allowing light to pass directly to the image sensor.
- Uses electronic viewfinders or LCD screens for composition.
- Typically more compact and lighter than DSLRs.
Comparing DSLR and mirrorless cameras:
- Size and Weight: Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and lighter than DSLRs due to the absence of a mirror mechanism.
- Viewfinder: DSLRs use optical viewfinders (OVF), while mirrorless cameras use electronic viewfinders (EVF) or the LCD screen for composing shots.
- Battery Life: DSLRs typically have longer battery life compared to mirrorless cameras, which consume more power due to their electronic components.
- Video Capabilities: Mirrorless cameras often excel in video recording features and performance, making them a popular choice for videographers.
- Lens Availability: While DSLRs have a more extensive range of lenses available due to their longer presence in the market, mirrorless systems are rapidly expanding their lens options.
These differences can help you decide which camera type suits your needs better.
Key Differences
| Feature | DSLR Cameras | Mirrorless Cameras |
| Viewfinder | Optical (OVF) | Electronic (EVF) or LCD |
| Size & Weight | Bulkier, heavier | Compact, lightweight |
| Autofocus | Phase detection (fast for stills) | Hybrid (fast for stills and video) |
| Lens Compatibility | Extensive legacy lens support | Growing selection, some adapters needed |
| Battery Life | Longer (no EVF drain) | Shorter (EVF and LCD drain) |
| Mechanical Complexity | Mirror and prism system | Fewer moving parts |
| Video Capabilities | Good, but less optimized | Superior autofocus and features |
| Price Range | Wide range, more budget options | Slightly higher for entry-level |
DSLR Usage Tips
- Use the optical viewfinder for real-time framing.
- Take advantage of manual controls for exposure and focus.
- Ideal for outdoor photography due to battery endurance.
Mirrorless Usage Tips
- Use the LCD or EVF for live exposure preview.
- Leverage touchscreens and advanced autofocus for dynamic shooting.
- Great for travel and street photography due to portability.
DSLR Advantages
- Best for long shoots without access to charging.
- Preferred for wildlife and sports due to fast phase-detection autofocus.
- Ideal for photographers with existing DSLR lens collections.
Mirrorless Advantages
- Excellent for video creators and vloggers.
- Perfect for travel, events, and casual photography.
- Offers cutting-edge features like eye-tracking autofocus and silent shooting.
Disadvantages of DSLR Cameras
- Bulkier and heavier, making them less portable for travel or long shoots.
- More mechanical complexity due to mirror and prism system, which can lead to higher maintenance.
- Optical viewfinder limits real-time exposure preview and video shooting capabilities.
- Generally shorter burst shooting speeds compared to some mirrorless models.
- Can be noisier due to mirror flipping mechanism.
- Battery life is good but the camera body tends to be larger and heavier.
- May be more intimidating or complex for beginners due to extensive manual controls and settings.
Disadvantages of Mirrorless Cameras
- Shorter battery life because of reliance on electronic viewfinders and LCD screens.
- Electronic viewfinder (EVF) can cause lag or lower resolution compared to optical viewfinders.
- Smaller bodies may lead to less comfortable ergonomics for some users.
- Lens selection is still growing; some lenses require adapters which can add bulk or reduce performance.
- Potential for electronic component failure over time, possibly leading to shorter lifespan.
- Can be more expensive, especially for entry-level models with advanced features.
- Autofocus performance, while advanced, may struggle in certain low-light or fast-action scenarios compared to DSLRs.
Conclusion
Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer powerful tools for photographers. DSLRs provide reliability and endurance, while mirrorless systems deliver innovation and portability. Your choice should reflect your shooting style, environment, and future goals.
Next week we’ll discuss:
The Exposure Triangle
Previous and upcoming Photography Discussion Roundtable topics:
| Date | Topic |
| 8/4/2025 | Welcome to the world of 35mm photography |
| 8/11/2025 | What is Aperture in photography |
| 8/18/2025 | What is the Golden Triangle? |
| 8/25/2025 | Top photo editing software available in 2025 |
| 9/1/2025 | What is Depth of Field? |
| 9/8/2025 | What is Bokeh in photography? |
| 9/15/2025 | Understanding Lens Focal Length |
| 9/22/2025 | What are leading lines? |
| 9/29/2025 | What is Back-Button Focus? |
| 10/6/2025 | 5 important photography facts that I didn’t know when I started |
| 10/13/2025 | How to shoot in manual mode |
| 10/20/2025 | The different types of lenses |
| 10/27/2025 | All about camera filters |
| 11/3/2025 | On-camera flash vs off-camera flash |
| 11/10/2025 | How to use tripods and stabilizers |
| 11/17/2025 | What is ISO? |
| 11/24/2025 | Film vs digital? |
| 12/1/2025 | How to find and organize your photos in a logical manner |
| 12/8/2025 | Understanding long-exposure photography |
| 12/15/2025 | Enhancing the sky in your photos |
| 12/22/2025 | Where and how to learn more about photography techniques |
| 12/29/2025 | DSLR vs mirrorless cameras |
| 1/5/2026 | The exposure triangle |
| 1/12/2026 | How to develop your own personal photography style |
| 1/19/2026 | Color theory (histograms) in photography |
| 1/26/2026 | Photography ethics in the digital age |
| 2/2/2026 | The future of film and where the analog industry is going |
| 2/9/2026 | How to build a portfolio |
| 2/16/2026 | Photography hints and tips |
| 2/23/2026 | How to take action/motion photos |
| 3/2/2026 | Explaining photography terms |
| 3/9/2026 | Macro photography hints and tips |
| 3/16/2026 | Landscape photography hints and tips |
| 3/23/2026 | Portrait photography hints and tips |
| 3/30/2026 | Night photography hints and tips |
| 4/6/2026 | F-stops and how to use them |
| 4/13/2026 | What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons? What do they do? |
| 4/20/2026 | White balance explained |
| 4/27/2026 |
https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/
