The mirror in a DSLR bounces it up to the optical viewfinder. In a mirrorless camera, there is no optical viewfinder. Instead, the imaging sensor is exposed to light at all times. This gives you a digital preview of your image either on the rear LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

DSLRs and mirrorless cameras often have the same, or very similar specifications, and can be capable of roughly the same kind of final image quality. Without the mirror, however, images are captured in a different way – for example, mirrorless cameras can typically shoot at faster frame rates as there is no mirror to move out of the way.

Two of the most popular choices for photographers are DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras. I wrote this guide to help you guys navigate the key differences between these camera types and make an informed decision based on your needs.

Mirrorless cameras are like DSLRs, but with one fundamental difference: They don’t include a mirror. Light enters the lens and never bounces off a mirror to beam through a viewfinder; instead, the light goes straight to the sensor. The sensor is then digitally projected onto the camera’s rear LCD, and (sometimes) through an electronic viewfinder.