The Heart & Hustle Podcast - Episode 450
Title: DSLR vs. Mirrorless – Which One Makes You a Legit Photographer??
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Date: September 16, 2025
Overview
This episode tackles a hot-button topic in the photography industry: DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras. Evie and Lindsey break down the differences, debunk some stigmas, share their personal experiences (hint: they haven’t switched yet), and include candid, diverse feedback from listeners who’ve shot with both setups. Their goal is to empower photographers—beginners and veterans alike—to make informed, pressure-free decisions about their gear, answering the recurring question: Do you need a mirrorless camera to be a “legit” pro?
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Current Context: Why This Conversation?
- Industry Buzz: Mirrorless tech has created industry-wide FOMO (fear of missing out), with some claiming “you have to switch or you’re behind.”
- “People have been like, oh, you’re behind on the times if you don’t switch.” – Lindsey (00:27)
- Hosts’ Situation:
- Both still shoot on Canon 5D Mark IV DSLRs; no plans to switch soon.
- “We both still shoot on Mark Fours so we are both still on DSLR Canons.” – Evie (04:07)
- They address the common anxieties—cost, learning curve, gear compatibility, and industry pressure.
2. Stigma & Encouragement
- You’re Not Behind: They encourage photographers using DSLRs not to feel outdated.
- “If you are currently using a DSLR and you felt almost behind because you haven’t switched to mirrorless yet… you are not behind. You’re doing just fine.” – Lindsey (08:11)
- Pro-Level Results Exist With Both:
- “I know photographers, some of the top in the industry, who charge ten plus thousand for a wedding minimum, who have been shooting on Mark IIs and Mark IIIs for years and years.” – Evie (07:16)
3. DSLR vs. Mirrorless – The Technical Breakdown
DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
- Uses a mirror to reflect the image up into an optical viewfinder—what you see is what your eye sees, not a digital preview.
- Pro: “True-to-life view through the window as your eye would see it.” – Lindsey (11:06)
- Con: Heavier and bulkier due to the mirror; more moving parts.
Mirrorless
- No mirror; light goes straight onto the sensor and is displayed digitally.
- Pro: See exposure, white balance, and effects in real time on the EVF or rear screen.
- “You can see your exposure before you shoot… easier to make sure you get it right in camera.” – Evie (13:31)
- Con: More battery usage; viewfinder can feel less natural if used to DSLRs.
Key Side-by-Sides
- Size/Weight: Mirrorless bodies are lighter; mirrorless lenses can be heavier, making total weight similar.
- “It’s just front heavy. Have you seen your freaking lenses? Those things are literally double the weight of mine!” – Evie (15:36)
- Battery Life: DSLRs last longer; mirrorless improves but still drains faster. (16:04)
- Autofocus: Mirrorless typically wins—especially for moving subjects and video. (17:08)
- Quiet Shooting: Mirrorless can be nearly silent, while DSLRs always emit some sound.
- Lens Compatibility:
- DSLRs have a vast lens ecosystem.
- Mirrorless often requires new, sometimes pricier lenses, or adapters (which can affect autofocus and handling).
- “If you are trying to use your DSLR lenses on a mirrorless, there are adapters... but autofocus is slower and clunkier.” – Evie (21:54)
- Memory Cards:
- DSLRs: SD and Compact Flash (CF)
- Mirrorless: Frequently require CFexpress—faster, pricier, not backwards compatible; requires new card readers, additional investment.
- “It’s like Apple changing their freaking chargers…” – Lindsey (24:52)
Learning Curve and Firmware
- New menu layouts/buttons on mirrorless
- Some users notice a steeper learning curve if switching after years of DSLR use.
- Mirrorless continues to receive firmware upgrades; most new bodies are mirrorless only.
4. Community Input: Real World Experiences
Evie and Lindsey crowdsource feedback from photographers who’ve shot with both systems:
Common Threads
- Color Profiles:
- Many report that Canon (and other brands’) mirrorless systems render color differently (often “flatter,” “sharper,” or tricky to edit for those who love their DSLR looks).
- “One of my favorite things about my DSLR is how rich and gorgeous my colors are in camera. Turns out that's a problem many photographers have had...” – @SunnyPophoto (43:12)
- “R6 is so fast. Focus is incredible... but I had to adjust my presets.” – Mary Elias (55:03)
- Focus & Usability:
- Mirrorless focus is “stupid fast” (Grace Trex at 55:44); but some dislike the resulting “stabbingly sharp” feel.
- Perceived Professionalism:
- Some in the community or second shooter groups demand "mirrorless only," suggesting a new (and, to the hosts, misguided) stigma.
- “Why is there a stigma among photographers now that, like, the only way to be an actual photographer is by using mirrorless cameras?” – Abby Graves (40:05)
- Artistry/Skill vs. Ease of Use:
- Some feel mirrorless removes an “artistic” aspect:
- “I feel like [mirrorless cameras] are not required to really learn focus and composition because the cameras do the heavy lifting.” – Casey Kathleen (46:35)
- Some feel mirrorless removes an “artistic” aspect:
- Mixed Bag:
- While some love the mirrorless upgrade, others have reverted to DSLRs, citing comfort, color, and compatibility issues.
5. Practical Advice for Photographers
- If You Already Own DSLR Gear You Love:
- Don’t rush to upgrade unless you’re ready—the Mark IV (and earlier models) still produce stunning, pro-level work.
- “If you have already a full gear kit, you’re super happy with your current equipment and you’re just feeling this peer pressure… I would just say stick with what you have.” – Evie (56:47)
- If You’re New or Need to Replace Gear:
- Mirrorless is the future; consider starting there if you can.
- Try Before You Buy:
- Rent a mirrorless setup for a full session or event to see if you like the workflow and editing process.
- Editing Adjustment:
- Be prepared to tweak presets/styles if you switch systems.
- “The biggest adjustment was the coloring. I had to adjust my presets a decent bit…” – Mary Elias (55:03)
- Industry Trends:
- Mirrorless is here to stay, but “DSLR is dead” is exaggerated—many are thriving with “old tech.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You do not have to have the latest technology in order to think that your gear is reliable.” – Evie (07:46)
- “Let’s talk about facts today and not just trends.” – Evie (08:30)
- “If you are beginning your photography career journey… probably recommend just starting with mirrorless… However, if you are experienced or you have a full gear kit, stick with what you have till you’re ready or truly need to switch.” – Evie (56:04)
- “I love my setup so much … and I shoot max 10 weddings a year. I have everything I need. I do not need to spend however many thousands of dollars trying to replace all my gear.” – Evie (31:56)
- “I switched … yeah, it’s great. But also, maybe not worth the transition and the learning curve. But … I didn’t want to buy another DSLR when the future is not DSLR any longer.” – Abby Graves (39:49)
- “I love mirrorless, but legit feel like they take away from the artistry that a DSLR brought.” – Casey Kathleen (46:35)
- “If you are currently using a DSLR and you felt almost behind because you haven’t switched… you are not behind.” – Lindsey (08:11)
- “DSLR: you’re looking through a periscope… On mirrorless, you are looking through a high definition screen. It’s very accurate, but it is still a digital preview.” – Evie (14:41)
- “Host tip: If you’re seriously considering switching to mirrorless, rent one and do real sessions first—some people go back to DSLR after hating editing or workflow changes.” – Evie (56:47)
Timestamps by Topic
- 00:00 – 04:12: Episode introduction, overview of “DSLR vs. mirrorless” debate, hosts’ gear disclosure
- 06:48 – 08:30: Addressing perceived stigma/industry pressure
- 09:22 – 14:01: Clear explanation of DSLR and mirrorless, with analogies and simple breakdowns
- 14:01 – 18:32: Key differences: weight, battery, autofocus, video, shutter, lens compatibility, memory cards
- 20:04 – 24:44: Adapters and shifting gear ecosystems; discussion of memory card annoyance
- 25:47 – 28:13: Memory card incompatibility, expense, transition pain
- 29:23 – 32:21: The story of Evie’s gear loss, the decision not to switch
- 33:40 – 42:49: Listener input: Diverse, honest experiences with mirrorless (color, editing, workflow)
- 46:33 – 52:14: Debates on artistry, sharpness, “cheapening the craft,” resale hassles
- 55:03 – 56:48: Final advice for new/seasoned photographers, rental recommendation, avoiding peer pressure
Final Thoughts
Evie and Lindsey create a supportive, fact-driven space with this episode. Their message: You’re not less of a photographer based on your camera type. Stay true to your workflow, upgrade when it truly serves your business and creativity—not because of hype. Whether you’re #TeamDSLR, all-in on mirrorless, or somewhere between, you belong. Experiment, seek community, and ignore the noise—your artistry is what matters.
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Episode summary by Heart & Hustle Podcast Summaries