450: DSLR vs. Mirrorless - Which One Makes You a Legit Photographer??

Summary

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

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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?

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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• You’re Not Behind: They encourage photographers using DSLRs not to feel outdated.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)
• 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.”

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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)

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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

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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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Join the Discussion

• Heart & Hustle Podcast Facebook group
• Group DM on Instagram for episode follow-ups and gear talk

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Episode summary by Heart & Hustle Podcast Summaries

Transcript

[A]

You're listening to the Heart and Hustle podcast. We are your hosts, Evie McLeod and Lindsay Roman. Welcome back to the show, friend. Today is going to be a fun, informative, good, solid breakdown of DSLR versus mirrorless.

[B]

I feel like in the industry over the last Year or so, 2 to 3. Year 2, 3.

[A]

Time flies when you're having fun.

[B]

Time flies when you're having fun. The introduction of mirrorless cameras has created what we would consider a buzz in the industry, specifically the photography industry. Well, obviously we're talking about the photography industry, but we've just heard a lot of chatter that encouraged us to make this episode where people have been like, oh, I absolutely, you have to switch. You are behind on the times if you don't switch. I've heard people that haven't switched yet that have been like, oh, no, like, is my. Is my, you know, DSLR like, reliable on a wedding day? Like, there's just so many conversation pie on, you know, DSLR versus mirrorless. And so we're here to talk about it, we're here to break it down. We're going to discuss the differences, our personal experiences, what we're currently using, why we're currently using it, and then we also have some audience input as well from you girls and boys, but actually.

[A]

I was going to say very exclusive there, but that's fine.

[B]

It's actually boys are welcome, but they are just girls input. This is irrelevant. Let's get to the episode. Thank you so much.

[A]

Let me guess, you're sitting on your couch, feeling lonely as heck and desperately looking for a business BFF who actually knows what you're going through as an entrepreneur. Once upon a time, we were in your shoes and feeling that exact same loneliness.

[B]

Yup, we were. Can confirm. Before Evie and I met each other and grew our friendship to what it is today, we felt like we were just exhausting every option to find fellow creative entrepreneurs. And it can just be discouraging, spinning your wheels with little to no progress. But I just want to encourage you today, there is hope and your desire for community is normal because you were designed for community.

[A]

Which is why we've created a freebie for you, how to Build Community. As an entrepreneur, we give you all of our tips and tricks to finding your people. All you have to do is go to theheartuniversity.com community to download that free guide today. Hey. Hey.

[B]

I'm Lindsay Roman.

[A]

And I'm Evie McLeod. And we are family and legacy focused serial entrepreneurs and the founders of the Heart University, a business education company with a mission to help you thrive in your business and life.

[B]

Welcome to our Entrepreneur Cocktail hour where business and marketing strategies meet faith real talk and raw and life changing conversations.

[A]

At the end of the day we are all in this together figuring out how to navigate the ups and downs, the messy and the beautiful and everything in between. This is a community where you can come as you are, get inspired and walk away equipped to build a legacy filled life.

[B]

You're listening to the Heart and Hustle podcast. Evelyn, why are we here?

[A]

We are here to talk about cameras. We are here to get into the nitty gritty of DSLR versus mirrorless in the photography industry. It's going to be a fun conversation.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

We're going to kind of go over some just statistics and facts about like the differences and then we're gonna go into some of your input and experiences with both and or you know, switching different things and we're also gonna spill a tea on what we use.

[B]

Yes. Well okay, I said this a little bit in the intro but I think over the last two to three years as mirrorless has become more prevalent, prominent whatever the P word would be in the industry, there's just been like talk on which you should have. Should you have a dslr, should you have a mirrorless which is the more professional or reliable one? And many people have many opinions on all of it. And so we're here to discuss. Before we get into it though, we shall say well let's give the spoilers away. Evelyn, what do we use?

[A]

We both still shoot on mark fours so we are both still on DSLR Canons.

[B]

Yes. So that's the T. We have not switched. We currently at this current point in time which we are recording this. What even day is it?

[A]

June 20th something 25th.

[B]

June 25th as of this moment in time and probably frankly when this airs because I don't have opinions to choose or to change. We have no like plans to change to mirrorless. Yeah, mostly for reasons that we will get into expensive. We're no longer full time and so we don't feel the need personally to. We're going to get into a lot of this but you have to pretty much change bodies, lenses, SD cards. Is it batteries too? Is that different?

[A]

I think it might be but I'm not sure actually I forget let us.

[B]

Know if the batteries are the same all you mirrorless shooters regardless memory cards.

[A]

Are different lenses or adapters.

[B]

It's an expensive switch and obviously there are adapters that you can use for EF lenses and Things like that. But right now where we're at, we haven't felt the need to.

[A]

We just love. I think the biggest thing is we love the gear that we're currently shooting on. And yes, we see some of the perks of upgrading to mirrorless, but at the current time, well, that's the debate. We're gonna get into that. We're gonna get into it upgrading in the sense especially that like Canon's no longer making Mark Fours.

[B]

Yeah. Okay.

[A]

So, so we, that is the newest.

[B]

The newest and latest upgrade would probably be the correct technology.

[A]

But yeah, we're gonna, we. I just, there's things, we're gonna dive into it. There's things that I'm not a huge fan of with Mirrorless as I've shot with it and I just love my like Mark Fours and the all the time effort, money, whatever. For me shooting a maximum of 10 weddings per year, it's just not there right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So we just kind of wanted to put that caveat of like as we're starting this episode, hey, here's what we're currently on. We're still in the stone ages of DSLRs. I'm just kidding. But we really are still shooting on DSLRs. And for anyone who's listening to this, whatever gear you're on, I guarantee is perfectly fine and is a great place for where you are right now. We just kind of wanted to break down. If you are in the position of being ready to change your gear, buy new gear and you're like, should I buy more DSLRs? Should I lean into mirrorless? Should I start going, you know, replacing my gear as it goes out with Mirrorless, all of that. We're going to kind of just break down the differences, the facts, the comparisons and then we're going to get into some of your input and opinions as DSLR and mirrorless users.

[B]

Yeah, let's do it. I guess I would first off say both. I can't talk. Both systems are professional.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I, in my personal opinion, I don't believe you are behind if you are using a dslr. No, I think there is, there's almost a stigma there. Well, there's a stigma. I've heard so many people in so many groups be like, I don't even trust my like Canon Mark four to take to a wedding day because it's going to crap out. And I'm like, what? What? Literally what?

[A]

Also can I just say, I know incredible. Some of the top photographers in the industry are still solidly shooting on DSLRs. But on top of that, I know photographers, some of the top in the industry who charge ten plus thousand for a wedding minimum, who have been shooting on like Mark Twos and Mark Threes for years and years and years.

[B]

So.

[A]

And they literally will replace their Mark 2 with a used, refurbished Mark II.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So.

[B]

Because they like it, because they love it.

[A]

And I just genuinely want to throw that out there of like an encouragement, like, literally. I know a friend who has shot Mark twos for like 15 plus years and he is incredible at what he does and he replaces his old Mark 2 with a new, refurbished, used old Mark 2. Like you, you do not have to have the latest technology in order to think that your gear is reliable.

[B]

Right. So let's just start off with that. If you. We just wanted to say that to ease if, if you are currently using a DSLR and you felt almost behind because you haven't SW to mirrorless yet or, or you don't want to, or you're just like, I don't know, you are not behind. Yeah, you're not behind. You're doing just fine. She already said that. But just, you know, to say that.

[A]

I think we're just, we're just wanting to talk about, like, hey, let's, let's talk about facts today and not just trends.

[B]

Oh, Evelyn. Okay.

[A]

But that's, this also isn't hating on mirrorless. I just.

[B]

Well, we're going to get into it because there's a lot of good about mirrorless for sure. Let's get into it first. We're going to define our terms because sometimes I think things can come into the industry and we hear things and we're like, well, what does that actually mean? Or if you're here and you're like, I genuinely don't know the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless. Well, we're going to break it down for you today. So let's define DSLR first. Although I'm going to say this and then I'm not really going to understand. Well, no, we're going to define it because I feel like we always say dslr. But what does DSLR mean? It means digital single lens reflex. Now, what does that mean? Single lens is that you're looking through the same lens that's capturing the photo. Is there an easier way to break that down? No, keep going. Okay. It'll help.

[A]

Don't go off script. We wrote these notes ahead to make sure we covered the clear stuff.

[B]

And then literally, Lindsay's the first.

[A]

She writes, reads the first sentence and is ready to go off script trying to explain it. Keep going.

[B]

Okay, so digital single lens reflex. I just said what single lens means reflex. There is a mirror inside the camera that reflects light up to an optical viewfinder. So when you look through it, you are literally seeing what your lens sees through a mirror. Now can you like.

[A]

I'm just gonna keep going. I'm gonna keep going for just one second. Okay, so when you press the shutter, this is what happens like in the internal workings of your dslr. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, the shutter opens and the light hits the sensor to create your image.

[B]

So essentially that snap that you hear.

[A]

Yeah, that's like the flip, flip, like you kind of hear inside your camera. So what you are actually seeing is basically a reflection of like if you were to take your lens off of your camera and to put your eyeball through it, obviously. I hope, I hope we've all done this and I'm not the only person who has ever like tried to look through my lens. Am I the only person?

[B]

I mean, we don't know because this is only a party of two. I have.

[A]

You do not know. Okay, I'm not saying it's like a regular thing. I'm just saying like you never tried to. Yeah. It looks so weird.

[B]

Well, that's what I'm saying. So it isn't exactly what you're seeing through your viewfinder.

[A]

Okay, you're confusing people. Don't go off.

[B]

Okay, okay.

[A]

My point is there. It looks different. Different obviously than how it would look attached, whatever. But there is an element like your eyeball looking through the lens that is essentially you just add in a mirrored reflection up to your optical viewfinder on your camera you are essentially seeing the way you would, as if you put your eyeball straight to the lens.

[B]

So example, if you actually do that, it's warped, but okay.

[A]

The point is not a digital viewfinder.

[B]

Right. When you're looking through the viewfinder on a dslr, no matter what your settings are, it always will be the same.

[A]

That's through specifically through the eye viewfinder.

[B]

Obviously if you change your settings, the photo will look different. Yes.

[A]

But what you're seeing is basically like almost what your naked eye sees, if that makes sense.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So there's no digitized like process in that internal workings of your camera. So your viewfinder.

[B]

Yes, well, it can't be on. Well, on our notes we have pro. This gives you a true to life view through the window as your eye would see it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The Con is that the mirror mechanism adds bulk, weight, and moving parts which can wear out over time. We'll get into more of this, but mirrorless. Yeah. Well, yeah. So that's. Does everyone have a good in the classroom, Everyone have a good understanding of dslr? Beautiful. Moving on.

[A]

Awesome. Mirrorless is no mirror. So it's all digital. So mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror or an optical viewfinder. So basically like actually like naked eye looking through kind of vibe light passes directly through the lens and onto the sensor, which then creates a live digital preview. So what you see on the back screen or the evf, which is the electric viewfinder, not the optical viewfinder, which.

[B]

Is still to us, it's the thing you put your eyeball up to.

[A]

Exactly. But the EVF is a digital representation of the image with exposure, white balance, and effects applied in real time.

[B]

So let's just give an example here. I'm shooting on a DSLR and my settings are like 1 over 250 and I have. Or no, let's say it's really sunny and I'm like one over 4,000. Okay, great. If I'm on a DSLR and I move my shutter speed so that it's now like 1/1 1000, but it's a super sunny day, it's still gonna look.

[A]

Like the naked eye. Right.

[B]

But the photo will be blown out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

However, if I'm on a mirrorless camera and I did that exact same thing, I would see the blown outness of changing those settings through the either like the back screen or the evf. So you basically can see through the viewfinder in real time. Your settings as you adjust them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is that a good.

[A]

Yeah. The pro that we put on this one is that you can see your exposure before you shoot. So in real time, it's easier, a little bit easier to make sure you get it right in camera.

[B]

Cause you're seeing versus just like what.

[A]

You'Re shoot shooting from the hip. And then the con is because it's all electric, it uses way more battery, and it may feel a lot less natural to those of us who are used to using DSLRs, because it can feel very much like, hey, I'm looking at a computer screen. I'm not actually like seeing like naked eye. What's going on? Does that make sense?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Cool.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, so the too long didn't read Cliff Notes that we put on here in case we rambled and made it confusing. Dslr, you're looking through like a periscope.

[B]

Like you are basically that word has now confused me.

[A]

The periscope.

[B]

Yeah. What's a periscope?

[A]

Like the thing that can like look around like corners or like up over.

[B]

Like ledges, like on a, like on a dock.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[B]

No mess. That might just be a.

[A]

That's called a binocular. But sure, like you're looking.

[B]

But like a spy, like Inspector Gadget.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I've now been first in the or.

[A]

Like on a submarine when like a periscope comes up.

[B]

Oh, oh no. Submarine was all I needed. Okay, okay.

[A]

You're welcome. So you're looking through a periscope. Uh, there's no screen in between. It's just real world light on mirrorless. You are looking through a high definition screen. It is very accurate, but it is still a digital preview. That's the like digital preview is a.

[B]

Good term for that as well. I feel like that's helpful to.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Grasp.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. So I feel like we covered the key differences. We gave ourselves more notes than we needed.

[B]

We definitely. Yeah, we definitely did because we're wordy and we're good. Okay, so here, hold on. One thing that we kind of slightly mentioned, but not because I feel like we, we discussed the key differences mostly in like the viewfinder and how, you know, the mirror or lack thereof is, you know, reflecting what you see. But I would also say the size and the weight because there's no mirror in mirrorless. It is a lot lighter.

[A]

The body is lighter.

[B]

The body is lighter. Although there is arguments that the lenses.

[A]

That's my biggest argument for everyone who's like, oh my gosh, mirrorless is so much lighter. I'm like, sister, it's just front heavy. Have you seen your freaking lenses? Those things are literally double the weight of mine. Which just equals out to the same amount of weight on your entire setup.

[B]

I know some people have, but yes. Okay. Basically mirrorless bodies are seen and shot.

[A]

Enough mirrorless to be like. There is no weight difference.

[B]

Depends on what lens you're using.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

The battery life. We already talked about that. DSLR wins. No contest. Mirrorless battery goes faster because it's digital.

[A]

I mean you were cruising through the differences. These are the differences.

[B]

Well, I thought we. You were about to cruise cuz you.

[A]

Like skipping the, the viewfinder because we covered that one.

[B]

Oh, I thought you were skipping all of it. So then I was like, hold up, let's not skip some of it. Let's go back and like review. That's why I was going fast.

[A]

I was like, wow, she's really Going through this.

[B]

Well, so battery life, like I said.

[A]

Yeah, we did, we did kind of COVID some of this so you can, you can cruise.

[B]

DSLR has a longer battery shelf life, so. And mirrorless goes faster because it's digital. I just said that. I don't know. Have to go.

[A]

The newer models on the Mirrorless are improving the battery life from what I hear.

[B]

Well, as technology, the next key difference.

[A]

Is the autofocus and the eye tracking. So mirrorless, this is one of the big ones that I hear a lot and that I have also experienced them in. Like, that's pretty nice. The mirrorless has next level autofocus, especially for moving subjects and kids. DSLR's autofocus is great, but definitely not as advanced or advanced.

[B]

It doesn't like, track it in the same way.

[A]

Yeah, it's still good for sure. Mirrorless is definitely an upgrade in that department.

[B]

If you are a videographer or you shoot video more than photo, the video capabilities, the differences are that mirrorless dominates in this category. There is 4K, there's better focus, there's cleaner files. And if video is a big part of your business, Mirrorless genuinely is worth considering. Yeah, for sure. I feel like that. In that regard, I think mirrorless wins hands down. No contest. I mean, yes, it's still heavier. I mean, lighter. Well, we've covered that.

[A]

Yeah. Okay, next we're going to talk just a little bit about the shutter mechanism. So I know we touched on this, but with dslr, there is actually like a mirror that flips up and down. There's like an actual, like mechanical shutter. This can create a little bit more noise.

[B]

Although I will say on a DSLR you have the option, I feel like on almost all DSLRs to choose, like silent shutter. However, the silent shutter, it still makes that sound. It's just slightly quieter.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So like, I'm thinking of like a Catholic ceremony in a church, very quiet.

[A]

In the middle of a prayer. Yeah, there's definitely like still a little bit of a sound. With Mirrorless, not only do they not have like the mechanical shutter in the same way, but they often include like silent shutter or electric shutter options that are genuinely like basically silent.

[B]

I have questions though, because the world is so accustomed to when you are getting your photo taken, you hear the sound. I'm. I'm curious and I don't know if, if you could answer this or if a listener could answer this or has experienced this. Say you're on in like in Gate, an engagement shoot. And. Well, first of all, you should be Playing music. In my opinion, you should be encouraging them. And, like, so there should be sounds happening. But imagine you're not saying a word. And imagine there's no music. And, like, is it more awkward to just hear the. Of like a dslr, or is it even more awkward to hear nothing, hear silence?

[A]

Here's my thing. You're saying we're so used to shutters, and I'm like, yes, but most phones are silenced and most people are taking photos with phones, and there's not a shutter sound on a phone.

[B]

That's probably just me being in the industry and, like, so used.

[A]

Yeah, that's why I'm like, I don't think most people would probably feel like, most clients would probably feel a difference with that.

[B]

I'm just imagining myself, like, on an engagement session or, you know, whatever. A session.

[A]

But if you're still, like, hyping them up and playing music, I don't think they're gonna notice.

[B]

Imagine somebody's not doing that and, like, they're just taking photos and it's dead.

[A]

I think the problem is then that they're not setting a mood.

[B]

Yeah, no, I understand. But, like, I'm wondering, not the shutter sound, but does the shutter sound add to the mood? Is kind of the hypothesis I'm trying to draw there. Who knows? Who's to say?

[A]

Who knows?

[B]

Unless you've had that experience. But that experience would indicate you not setting a mood. So don't do that. Set moods, guys. Play music and encourage your people. Okay, we can move on.

[A]

Okay. The next thing we're going to talk about is lens compatibility, which we kind of touched on. DSLR has a ton of lenses because this technology has been around for quite a bit longer than mirrorless, or at least as a primary function. I mean, it has been around longer, but it's also like, that's. DSLRs is what the industry used to as their standard for so many years. So there are a lot more lenses developed around it, which, if you have been in the game for a while and you have a lot of lenses.

[B]

Probably have a whole lineup of EF.

[A]

Lenses or whatever DSLR brand you're using. So that's. It's awesome. You have a lot to choose from, a lot of incredible lenses, a lot of, you know, flexibility there. With mirrorless, there are, like, I feel like less mirrorless lenses already on the market. Like, they're still coming out with them.

[B]

And probably will change, obviously, as time goes on.

[A]

Totally. Cause we're. It's. This is like the new technology that Everything is going into there is like the newer mirrorless lenses are often sharper and faster is what a lot of people feel. If you are trying to use your DSLR lenses on a mirrorless, there are adapters like we mentioned. But with the adapters not only does that add more bulk to your setup.

[B]

But yeah, talk about, talk about front heavy.

[A]

Well actually because you're not using, yeah, you're not using the mirrorless massive lenses.

[B]

Well, so is that actually the lightest option possible to use a mirrorless body and then a like a EF lens with an adapter?

[A]

Maybe. But a lot of people say that it's it.

[B]

How thick is the adapter?

[A]

You know, I think it's like that thick, like like half an inch to an inch.

[B]

I don't love that it would add on more length.

[A]

Yeah, well it's also technically the thing that a lot of people say is the autofocus is slower and clunkier with adapters which kind of is not ideal, especially if you're going to mirrorless trying to get like the fast, the faster, more improved auto.

[B]

Which is why we haven't personally switched. It's like you have to switch over not only if. And this is only for like professionals that have an entire gear lineup with dslr. Yeah, you have to switch the bodies and the lenses and then we'll, we'll get to more stuff. But.

[A]

The learning curve.

[B]

Sorry, I was looking at our notes. We wrote a lot of notes that were a little bit redundant.

[A]

We wanted to make sure we really covered the like factual differences and really researched and confirmed obviously like we've done a lot of research over the years and like.

[B]

But making sure we were giving you like actual facts.

[A]

So we have a lot of notes.

[B]

Okay, so the difference in the learning curve with mirrorless there is a bit of a learning curve if you're coming from dslr. The EVF feels different. I feel like you covered that A little bit of like looking through a digital screen is obviously going to be a little bit of a different experience than like the, the optical lens of a dslr the menus may be new and the buttons are in different places. So that's just something to consider. With mirrorless. I think the learning curve for dslr, it's a little bit more intuitive purely because. And maybe this is more so for people that have used it. Maybe if you're brand new and you're just starting your photography business and you've never dslr then there wouldn't be a learning curve. That's true because it's like it's all new to you.

[A]

That's true. The next thing is going to be the firmware and the tech updates. So with Mirrorless, manufacturers are pushing out firmware updates a lot more frequently. They are making your camera smarter over time, like better autofocus and eye tracking. With dslr, there is obviously a lot less of that happening now. Most companies are no longer releasing major new DSLR bodies because they're switching all over to mirrorless. So that is a con. A con if you.

[B]

If you're staying with dslr.

[A]

Yeah, but again, like I said, I know people top in the industry who still shoot on the Mark 2 which came out in. I forget what year but.

[B]

Well, also I'm wondering like pushing out firmware updates, would that be if you're buying something new? Because I've never like had a. Like you don't. Once you buy a dslr, it doesn't update. There.

[A]

There can be some.

[B]

How well this connects.

[A]

Firmware is not software. Firmware is like the actual like technology of like.

[B]

And that could update automatically after I've purchased it. No, that's what I'm saying.

[A]

But there are, I think, I believe on Mirrorless there are actual some updates that are software internally. I could be wrong on that could.

[B]

Update even though you've already owned it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Or like.

[A]

But firmware is like actual like technology.

[B]

Right, right, right. Okay. Yeah.

[A]

Anyways, memory cards. That's also.

[B]

This is the big one.

[A]

This is the big one. It's. I just. Seriously, it's like Apple changing their freaking chargers for their.

[B]

Do we actually have an entire caught. No, I'm so sorry. We have an entire podcast episode ranting about Apple changing the dang frickin charger.

[A]

On their computers and their phones. Everything is different.

[B]

It's personally. I'm personally victimized because Evie hasn't updated her charger or maybe her phone because it's older.

[A]

Yeah, I have a.

[B]

So every time. Not that we travel a lot, but like, like the workshop and I forget my charger and she doesn't have it. I'm in a pickle, guy.

[A]

And the problem is your computer charger, which is a USB C charger.

[B]

Is that the same?

[A]

I don't have that computer anymore either. So it's literally like I.

[B]

Why, why do they love to personally victimize.

[A]

I don't, I don't know. But that's kind of how I feel about the whole memory card thing. Like, I'm sorry DSLRs, like our, like our Mark Fours, those use SD cards and compact flash cards. So CF cards, which are like the bigger, the big, chunky, like, squares, we.

[B]

Should have honestly brought out a visual because we have them. But it's fine.

[A]

That's okay. Most new mirrorless cameras, not all, but many, especially in, like, the higher, you know, like, the more professional grades, like the Canon R5 or the Sony A1, require CF Express cards, which are neither.

[B]

Of what she said. It's not the SD card and it's not the cf.

[A]

What's CF Express is like a third option. It's like the thick. It's like a CF card in thickness, but in, like, the actual thickness of the card, but a little bit bigger than an SD card. Does that make sense on, like, size?

[B]

Why? Why?

[A]

I. I literally went in, I think this was like a year and a half ago to a camera store.

[B]

They probably did that for their wedding. Forced to.

[A]

I. I don't know. Before a wedding, I went into a camera store and was like, hey, I need actually, like, a couple more CF cards. Like, this was, I think, I think the night before the wedding, like, and it was fine. I had, like, all. I had memory cards. I was fine. But I went in being like, oh, I want to update some of my CF cards and have some fresh ones for this wedding. They were like, oh, yeah, totally over here. And they bring me to the CF Express cards. And I was like, you're like, sir? Oh, yeah. No, I mean, like a compact flash, like the big ones. And they're like, we don't sell those anymore.

[B]

What do you mean anymore? As if they're old.

[A]

I was like, oh, I feel so out of touch right now. You don't even sell these in a, like, a specialized camera store in Southern California.

[B]

Like, okay, but. Okay, is that part of the conversation? We're going to get into it because this is kind of nearing the end of, like, the differences. But is that part of the conversation of, like, as we're recording this in June of 2025 right now, it's not that big of a deal to switch. Will it just progressively get worse?

[A]

I think over years? Yes, absolutely. But I think it's going to be enough time because you can still buy CF car on, like, B and H photo Amazon. Like, yeah, you from probably, like SanDisk or whoever. Like, you can. You can still get them for sure. There's plenty of DSLRs still fully in use in the market. So, like, I'm not too worried about, like, oh, by this time next year.

[B]

It'Ll probably have to be like, a good Significant chunk of time.

[A]

I think it'll be a good chunk of time before we like totally lose access to stuff.

[B]

But I. Yeah, well, I guess the, the. The pros of the CF Express cards are that they are lightning fast.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

They are needed for 4K video or high burst photo rates, so that's a pro. But they are way more expensive. I don't actually know the price. Do you know the price?

[A]

I forget. I'm. We're. I love that we're like really like hating on them. Is it like, how dare you change our cards? Realistically, it's actually technically an upgrade. But I just. As somebody who's has like years of. I mean, to be fair, I switch my cards, but I'm like, it's just. I compiled all of this gear and now you're changing all of it on.

[B]

Me to switch and have to like upgrade and change every single aspect of. Yeah, yeah. They are also not. I mean this is obvious, but they're not compatible with standard SD card readers. So you can't use a CF Express card in a dslr. Right.

[A]

Or like, if you have like a card reader that works with SDN cf and that's how you import your photos to your hard drive. Like, you'd have to have a new.

[B]

Oh, a new car reader too. So that's another purchase that you have to make.

[A]

You're basically changing out your entire system.

[B]

Huh.

[A]

And there's pros to it, but.

[B]

Oh, this is all we. Okay, great. Okay, so now that was the difference. We've. You've clearly gleaned our opinions. Well.

[A]

Okay, let's also, let's also clarify really quick before we get into.

[B]

We're not hating on Mirrorless.

[A]

We are not at all hating on Mirrorless. To be honest, when all of my gear was stolen in Italy last year and I accept, I did.

[B]

Here's the ever gonna upgrade that would be.

[A]

That was the time. But the problem was I had so much gear stolen. Yes. But I still had a whole camera body like a Mark 4 here at home. And I still had my 50 millimeter 1.2, my 70 to 200. I think there was at least my 80.

[B]

You could use adapters.

[A]

I could. But then an incredible sweet follower of mine named Elizabeth was the kindest human in the world and like, was like, hey, I have a Mark IV if you want to purchase it. And I was like, that's so sweet. Let me talk to my husband. And she DM'd me back and was like, you know what my husband and I prayed about it. We want to give you this camera.

[B]

That's so sweet.

[A]

The absolute kindest thing I have ever experienced. I literally like cried. It was such a God gift and sweetest thing in the world. So I was gifted another Mark 4 and a Canon 35 1.4.

[B]

Right. I would literally, just, literally was like.

[A]

That essentially is all I really need. Like between the lenses I had at home, the camera I had at home, gifted. That and my 35.

[B]

You did lose your 24 to 70.

[A]

The 24 to 70 still hurts. I haven't replaced it yet.

[B]

Hold on, this is part of this conversation. Why, for the love, is the DSLR EF lens 24 to 70 but the mirrorless is like 28 to 77. I don't even know what, why, what's why.

[A]

I forget. I knew it at one point and I forget.

[B]

Is there a, is there a factual.

[A]

Reason that that's some reason that it's different? I forget.

[B]

Okay, well if you know listener, let me know.

[A]

Anyways, all that to say, I really, really considered upgrading to mirrorless, like genuinely. But here was the thing I had heard, which is kind of what we're going to get into. I had heard enough kind of chatter in the industry of people and friends who had switched to mirrorless and ended up being like, I really thought this was going to be the next best thing in my life. And low key. I kind of miss my DSLRs.

[B]

Well, because in theory, every time you upgrade to new technology that should in life be better.

[A]

Yeah, right.

[B]

Like it usually is. And it's like, well, the new iPhone is always fancier.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like the new car is flashier.

[A]

And I've heard a lot of people who really do feel that way about their upgrading to mirrorless and they're like, it's such a game changer. I can never go back. I love it. I've also heard, heard enough people who said, basically I hated it. I actually sold it and went back to dslr. Like dramatic things that I was not just going to jump on the mirrorless train. So in my process of figuring out and researching, I was then gifted a dslr. I was like, you know what?

[B]

You're like, I'm good.

[A]

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 of my gear. I'm very content.

[B]

So like I've already been robbed.

[A]

Literally. I don't need Canon to rob me anymore. I'm just kidding. Canon. I love you sponsor us actually.

[B]

Wait, low key though.

[A]

Like low key. Okay, so we're not hating on it.

[B]

We're not hating on it.

[A]

We've just chosen to stick with DSLR.

[B]

Because we've both shot like minimal amounts on mirrorless. But, but that said, we don't like own. We've never switched formally over. So we wanted to get some, some input from people who had like officially done the switch.

[A]

Yeah. And done shot both.

[B]

Shot both. Like really like a lot.

[A]

Y. I've not heard any of this. By the way. If you are loving what you're hearing on today's episode, then we wanted to share something else you might love the Heart Shop. It's our digital resource online shop for creative entrepreneurs. The Heart Shop is your one stop shop for all of our online courses, luxury website templates, PDF guides, social media graphic templates and illustrations.

[B]

If you've been at your wit's end with your website design and you don't know where the heck to create a high quality pricing or welcome guide to give your clients an incredible branded first impression. Ooh, we got you. We created the Heart Shop to serve you with the best tools and resources you need to successfully run your business. Just head to theheartuniversity.comshop and start browsing the goods. That's theheartuniversity.comshop, and we'll see you there. Want to know what both Evie and I use for our skincare? Our absolute favorite non toxic skincare products are without a doubt prime leaf here.

[A]

Yes, if you've been searching for a natural non toxic skin care company, you can actually feel solid about using, knowing that the ingredients won't harm you and are derived from nature, then I'm not joking when I say that you need to try Primally Pure.

[B]

Evie and I have been using Primally Pure for our skincare for a couple of years now and we are legit in love. Like we love that every product has minimal, safe, all natural ingredients that I'm not joking, smell divine and make our skin look and feel healthy and beautiful.

[A]

Yes, some of our favorite products that we've used from primarily pure are their charcoal deodorant, the cleansing oil, their lavender complexion mist and their clarity serum. Like every freaking product of theirs, we're not kidding. Knocks it out of the park as far as quality and making our skin feel incredible.

[B]

For 10% off your order, you can use code Heart and Hustle. That's all caps, no spaces at checkout. Using the link in our show notes, we know that you're going to Love primarily pure as much as we do. Again, that's code Heart and hustle for 10 off your order today. Okay, so I pulled my insiders and I'm going to read their opinions. And these are coming from people who have shot both. Yeah, fully. Okay, so this first one is from ENNYB Photog. She says I shoot mirrorless for my main body and love it. I feel like my images are super crisp. However, I still always use my DSLR for all my dance floor photos lol. I don't know what it is, but I just don't love using my mirrorless for those as much and can never seem to get the fun light motion blur effect like I do with my dslr. So that was fascinating to me because.

[A]

Like mirrorless is supposed to be better in low light and have better like.

[B]

Well, I'm wondering. But that's not low light. That's like flash dance photography. So I'm wondering if she's like doing a shutter drag.

[A]

But she doesn't. She doesn't say flash. She says like the shutter drag.

[B]

Right, but that is flash. Like on a dance floor when you're using flash to shutter drag.

[A]

You don't always have to use flash though to shutter drag.

[B]

That's breaking my brain. I've only ever used flash like if there are.

[A]

If there are like external.

[B]

No, yeah. Of what she's probably talking about is like those epic dance where it's like the. The subject is on flash but then like the colored lights are like yeah, maybe.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Anyways, I followed up with her because my response to Jenny was like, oh, wow, so you have double of everything. Because of what we just said, you have to have double. So you're walking into a wedding day with a dslr, EF lenses, EF lenses, and now a mirrorless so that you can shoot both. So that was my question. I followed up with her and I was like, wait, I love that we're.

[A]

Fully using Canon like verbiage. We're like EF lenses. Apologies, friend.

[B]

Apologies. You understand what we're saying? So. So this is what she said in my follow up. She said. Wait, what did she say? She said there is one slot. So she uses Nikon mirrorless, which I think is a little bit different. I don't actually think she has to use CF Express. Okay. I think so. I think that might just be a situation. Maybe that's only Canon. I'm not sure. But I'm sorry I wrote this chicken scratch scritch. I can't talk chicken scratchedly.

[A]

I'm I'm lost.

[B]

I'm trying to decipher.

[A]

What is happening.

[B]

I'm trying to decipher what I'm. This is the first episode we're recording of the day, and my language isn't coming out. She said yes. Slot one in my Nikon Mirrorless is a regular SD card.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And slot two is a CF card. So I can still use all my regular SD cards for both cameras. So apparently the Nikon Mirrorless isn't that. It's like a Z. Something a Z. I don't. Whatever. It's. It's the. It's the Nikon Mirrorless camera.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It uses. It has two slots and it uses a SD and a cf.

[A]

That's nice. You don't have to switch all your memory cards.

[B]

I know she didn't really unpack the. Oh. Oh. And then I got a lens adapter for my mirrorless body, so I can still use all my regular, regular lenses.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So that's how she's able to do both. But that is interesting that she chooses specifically to go back to DSLR for the dance. That is interesting reception shots. All right, this next one comes from Abby Graves. And I got permission to play this voice message for you because she has really good insights. I love it.

[A]

I haven't heard any of this.

[B]

I'm listening. This is from Abby. This is her experience.

[C]

Just recently converted ish to mirrorless. I've been shooting on 5d mark 4 for a couple years, since I started in weddings, really. And I made the jump to Mirrorless, like literally right before the workshop. So that's kind of context on my switch. So far it's been great, but to be honest, it's not as great as I expected it to be. I really like the autofocus. I feel like that's great. I am definitely making focus much more than with my Mark 4. But to be honest, I don't really notice like the biggest difference. You know, like, it's helpful, but it's.

[A]

Not.

[C]

Like, as life changing as I expected it to be. Maybe I was just good at making sure I caught focus. Hot take. Anyways, so that is kind of. I don't know that I feel like was the main reason that I've heard good things about it. I have noticed that the colors are definitely different for editing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Just like the RAW files are different in coloring. I'm not sure I don't love it. I'm working on adjusting my editing to keep it consistent, but it is definitely been a transition of like adjusting my presets and what has worked for me in the past is not necessarily continuing to work now. So, yeah, just kind of like noticing a transition in that capacity. Again, it's not been, like, hard, but it's just been a little bit of investment.

[A]

But yeah, other than that, I feel.

[C]

Like this switch has been pretty easy. I mean, keeping within the Canon family has been really helpful. I feel like that's been really good. But yeah, definitely the editing side, which is what I've heard from other people. The colors are different.

[A]

And.

[C]

Yeah, aside from that, though, having a great, A great experience so far. Do I think it was worth the switch? Not necessarily, but I didn't want to buy another DSLR when the future is not DSLR any longer.

[B]

You know, she has another one. Here, let me.

[C]

Okay. This is not necessarily an opinion on my mirrorless. Well, no, I guess it kind of is an opinion on my mirror list. I have been seeing so many photographers recently. Instead of specifying when they're looking for second shooters that they want, like Canon or Nikon or Sony, which I understand because the color profiles are different, the raws are different. I have seen so many people, though, just say blanket mirrorless. And I'm so confused by that because I personally do not think mirrorless cameras are that great. Like, why is there a stigma among photographers now that, like, the only way to be an actual photographer is by using mirrorless cameras? There's people I wanted to second shoot for that have posted and I'm like.

[A]

Oh, yeah, let's do that.

[C]

But, like, in the past, I've not been completely mirrorless.

[A]

Yeah, like what? It's so weird.

[C]

Anyway, so that's just like a weird side tangent. Like, I don't understand why. Why that's a thing. Because, yeah, there are definitely multiple photographers that I know of who will not shoot with someone unless they shoot mirrorless. Which again, I'm like, I get it if you're, like, wanting to keep it Canon mirrorless, if that really is that important to you. But like, just blanket mirrorless. What? Are you kidding me?

[A]

Do you.

[C]

Do you not understand cameras? Like DSLRs are fine. They're not. They're just different, but they're not, like, inferior. Anyways, that's just a weird, like, thing I've noticed that drives me crazy.

[A]

I've actually, I've noticed that too.

[B]

Where. What she was talking about. There is like. Like second shooting requests.

[A]

Yeah. Like, people will post on their stories and be like, second shooter needed, blah, blah, mirrorless required.

[B]

But if they don't specify her point is, like, they're just saying blanket mirrorless so you could get somebody that has.

[A]

Like, Canon mirrorless, which I would understand because, like she said, there is a slight color. Like, there is a color difference between even a Canon DSLR and a Canon mirrorless. So I understand. Like, I. When I look for second shooters, I am very much Canon preferred.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, but you can shoot whatever Canon, you know, depending on, like, whatever. Like, maybe don't shoot like a. I don't know.

[B]

I've had that have shot on Nikon. Maybe this is a hot take. This isn't even a mirrorless situation. Like, I just. It did not impact my workflow at all. Yeah, but that's just me. That's a me thing.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. The. The. The point is.

[B]

Well, it's interesting. Her overall sentiment in her first voice message was basically like, I switched. Yeah, it's great. But like, also, like, maybe not worth the transition and the learning curve. And. But at the end of that, she was like, I didn't want to buy another DSLR because the future is mirrorless, which I think is true. Like, we are moving in that direction.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's kind of like what, like, the conversation piece is like, when is it time to switch if that's like a looming thing that has to happen. Yeah, I was expecting you to answer that. Okay.

[A]

No, I mean, I just don't. I think it depends for every person.

[B]

Like I said, that was a joke.

[A]

Okay. I was like, there's people who's literally still shooting on mark twos at this point, and they're doing fine and they're buying refurbished ones and they're thriving.

[B]

All right, I'm going to pop through a bunch more opinions. I chose to stick with my DSLR because I shot a few times with an R5 and hated the color. 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. One of my best friends shoots on an R5 and has found nailing her edits excruciating. And she has said many of her photographer friends report the same. That's from @SunnyPophoto.

[A]

I have heard that so many times.

[B]

Agreed. Okay. This is from Rebecca Joy Photography. I shoot with both still and I don't find too much of a difference except in low light. But my DSLR still gives like. My DSLR will never fail. I do find my mirrorless to be.

[A]

More crisp, though, which I've heard some people don't like. I'VE heard, like, I've heard some people say that, and I wonder if anyone is going to say it in here. I've heard a lot of people say the colors, they absolutely hate it. Like, they can't get their edits anymore. Like, they just don't like the color, you know, whatever the, the tones. I've heard a lot of other people say that mirrorless feels very flat to them. Like there's. It's not like there's no depth.

[B]

Like dimension.

[A]

Yeah, there's no, like, depth and dimension.

[B]

I love a good dimension.

[A]

I have also heard a lot of people say mirrorless is a lot more sharp and crisp, which is true based on technology.

[B]

It's just preference on if you like that or not.

[A]

But a lot of people are like, I feel like it's like stabbing my eyeballs type of sharp versus, like, feeling soft and romantic, depending on, like, the. The style and everything that shoot. So I've heard a lot of things of people being like, it's too sharp, it's too flat. I hate the colors.

[B]

Well, this next one is actually very interesting.

[A]

Tell me.

[B]

This is from Paula Molina Photography. Best decision ever to switch. The coloring was different, but it was super easy to adjust. And now I love my colors even more. They are so rich. Which is almost the opposite of what. Yeah, well, I guess she's talking about the richness of the colors. Not necessarily of like, the, the depth.

[A]

Yeah, of like the, the lack of.

[B]

Sharpness, however you define that.

[A]

Well, I will also say, I wonder sometimes with. With some of this feedback. Like, with Paula, it's like, did she shoot for eight years on a DSLR and then try to switch? Or did she shoot for unknown?

[B]

Paula, weigh in, please. We don't know.

[A]

I could see the transition being easier if you're still in the, like, first year or two of business and you're like, we know, we know Paula.

[B]

She was a teacher and like, and, and transition.

[A]

I'm pretty sure she's in her first, like, second two years of business.

[B]

Well, so maybe she started with. Well, no, because she said best decision ever to switch.

[A]

Yeah, but still. Oh, she's. She's saying, like, it wasn't hard to switch her edits, but I'm like, but were you still finding the perfect edit? And so it almost was just part of your process. Whereas somebody who's nailed their edit for years and is trying to switch finds it harder. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah, maybe.

[A]

I don't know. Not to discredit your opinion, Paula, whatsoever.

[B]

Right. Okay.

[A]

So I'M just like curious because that's different than a lot of the opinions so far.

[B]

This is from at Lindsay Wilson Photos. She says switched from Canon 60 to Canon R6 and it was such a smooth transition for me. The body is slightly lighter, the shutter is quieter, the images are sharper. I like that. That just like confirms everything that we said earlier. Like we love, we love real life opinions on that. I use my 6D as a backup slash second camera during weddings and I wish it were also mirrorless just because my R6 is so much more satisfying.

[A]

Cool.

[B]

That's awesome.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

That's great. This one is from. Who is this from at Casey Kathleen. She says I love my mirrorless, but legit. Feel like they take away from the artistry that a DSLR brought. I also think they kind of cheapen what we do because it makes education to entry that much less. Not saying new photographers don't do beautiful work and get educated. I just feel like they are not required to really learn focus and composition because the cameras do the heavy lifting. That's a hot take. Oh, that's a hot take.

[A]

Like, she's.

[B]

She's saying that maybe because I'm wondering if she's meaning like the exposure because you can see it and you can just kind of adjust your exposures. Well, what she's saying, composition, that's the.

[A]

Thing that confused me. I was like, focus, sure.

[B]

But composition, you still have to do that yourself. Like a mirrorless camera is not going to compose better for you. I wonder if that's what she meant. She probably just.

[A]

It could also just be that like, truly you are seeing like a live view, so you're almost seeing like the.

[B]

Final result kind of.

[A]

Yeah. I don't know.

[B]

Well, so a part of this conversation I feel like is if you're the kind of person that into like in order to expose correctly on a dslr, you just like shoot and then look at the photo and look at the exposure and then adjust accordingly. Then. Yeah, like a mirrorless would be easier because it's just gonna. You're gonna be able to do that before you waste a shutter. Yeah, but do people not look at the, the. What's that called? The light meter.

[A]

Exposure meter.

[B]

Like when you look through a DSLR lens.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or not. What's that called? The viewfinder? Like the. At the bottom you can see the meter and so you can adjust your exposure and you know where it's gonna be before it.

[A]

I literally, like, that's one thing that I've heard a Lot of people say is like exposure on. It's so nice to see the live exposure on like mirrorless. And I'm not doubting that. I really am not. However, from my experience, I literally do not even think about my exposure settings on a, like a wedding day or a shoot. Like, it is so freaking right. Maybe. But I also think it's so many years of shooting that like, I literally just know, oh, the lighting is like this harsh. My shutter speed needs to be like, I don't even think about it. I'm not even, it's not even a conscious effort that's going into my brain whatsoever to expose my images, but maybe to hurt.

[B]

To Casey's point, like you, you've learned because you had to learn.

[A]

Yes. The one thing I will say is I have a mirrorless Fujifilm, which is much more like, hey, a personal camera, whatever, but it does, it's mirrorless. So I'm seeing the digital like live, like electronic viewfinder and I'm not doing, you know, client work, full shoots on it. However, the problem that I have with this, and I experienced it like twice shooting on an actual, like R6, whatever for an actual session was that depending on, at least I found depending on the lighting, like if it was a really bright day, I actually struggled to see properly my electronic viewfinder with the exposure, like, even, even putting it up to my eye. There was just like an element that I was just like, I don't know, I just feel like I, I, maybe.

[B]

It'S harsh light with digital.

[A]

Yeah, I felt like it, like I thought it was like a really bright image. Like go into like edit and I'm like, that's a lot darker than I thought because the interesting outside. And maybe I felt that a little bit more with like, like, like my Fuji when I'm just shooting personal stuff.

[B]

Uhhuh.

[A]

But it's been enough that I'm like, I'm. I'm not in love with the electronic viewfinder.

[B]

That's fascinating. But, but I wonder also to her point, if you start and kind of like get your start on a mirrorless and you never have to learn what like 1/400 does in all sorts of light, or like 1/2,000, like, if you think you can just like look at it and move a little wheel and.

[A]

You'Re not thinking about where, what that.

[B]

Setting is, you don't actually know what shutter speed you're at because you're just looking visually at it.

[A]

I think so. I think majority of photographers I would hope would still kind of have to learn their exposure settings.

[B]

Yeah, we would. One would think.

[A]

I would hope.

[B]

All right, we have more here. This is from Olivia Sanchez Photo. She says my personal experience and what I've heard from a handful of other photographers is that the color profile for the Canon Mirrorless is not as good as their DSLR are. Like, if you shoot on the Mark 4 and make the switch, a lot of photogs don't like the colors. I feel like that's similar to what we've already said. This is from A.T. shelby Wright Photography. Regret it. Going back to DSLR stat. Maybe I chose the wrong mirrorless, I don't know. And I followed up with her because.

[A]

I was like, well, what mirror?

[B]

Yes. She said she was using a Nikon D70 and D750 and now she has a Z6 to Nikon mirrorless. That's the one I knew it was started with a Z. The Nikon Mirrorless is A.

[A]

The Z6.

[B]

2 or maybe that's one of them at least. And she said, I prefer my colors and overall work quality. Premierless. That was, that. That was like more. One of the more aggressive statements though. She's like, I was going back and I'm going back.

[A]

That's tea.

[B]

That's just a waste of money though, if you have to.

[A]

I mean, to be fair though, the thing is, you like Mirrorless, you could resell pretty well. The problem that I had when I was really considering switching is I was like, you can't really sell your DSLR stuff.

[B]

You can't.

[A]

I mean, well, you can, but like me, what everyone wants. So, like your resale value, is it what everyone wants your resale value on, like your EF lenses or like, you know, your, your DSLR lenses and your DSLR body?

[B]

It's like, it's literally like starting from.

[A]

Scratch because you couldn't even get money, couldn't resell it. It's just you are not gonna get the value that you could have gotten like four years ago, three years ago, before mirrorless became.

[B]

I don't want to hear that.

[A]

The big thing.

[B]

Heavy. I don't wan.

[A]

That's. I mean, that's just a fact.

[B]

I know, but that makes me not want to even switch even more, which is only going to make the value worse when I eventually do and want.

[A]

To sell it here. But here's the thing. I feel like you and I are probably both going to ride out our mirror or DSLRs until we get to the point where it's like, like physically we kind of have to upgrade. I have a feeling we. That could change. But I have a feeling both of us, we're very happy. We are, like, very content with the quality of our work, with our focus, with, you know, all of this stuff. And so I'm like, low key. We're probably not gonna. We're probably just gonna be like, this camera is dead. I will now buy a mirrorless. You know, like, we're not gonna resell.

[B]

Well, I would still like to get money. Okay, I have three more Here we are to end us out. This is from Issrachel Spencer. She said, I love mirrorless. It was an easy switch because there were so many upgrades in the mirrorless. The biggest change was not using a viewfinder anymore, but the back screen because they show the same thing. I take less photos now because I don't have to do a test shot because the screen shows me what the image will look like. Oh, that's t, though. That' what we're talking about.

[A]

Lindsay's like, if you take a test shot, you're.

[B]

No, I'm not saying you're a bad photographer. I'm saying, like, if you looked through the viewfinder at the light meter, I mean, it's not always perfect.

[A]

Right?

[B]

Like, so there's an element of, like, you could look at where it is and, like, based on if you wanted it fully, like, 100% exposed correctly.

[A]

Under, over.

[B]

Under over.

[A]

Also, I want to clarify. There are a lot of DSLRs that have the electronics preview on the live view mode, which is the back screen. So, like, she's saying she doesn't even use, like, her viewfinder on mirrorless anymore. And I. Because she can see it on the back screen. And I'm like, well, I can see my live, like, digital representation on my back screen. If I do live view. Wait.

[B]

Duh.

[A]

It's just a lot faster on mirrorless, and you can see it through the viewfinder.

[B]

Wait, why have we not even brought that into the conversation until now?

[A]

I forgot.

[B]

As a short court queen over here. Well, both of us. But like, on wedding day, my, like an inch. Okay. On wedding day, definitely more.

[A]

But most.

[B]

Most of my clients, almost every single person I photograph is. Is taller than me. Yeah. So I am like, I use live view mode religiously, and you're right. You can see the difference. Yeah.

[A]

I will say I don't use live view mode religiously because it is a little bit slower.

[B]

I mean, I have to. Otherwise everyone's gonna be.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, not always.

[A]

I do use live view a good bit but that's what I'm saying. There is the electronic preview on the live view back like screen. It's just not as advanced and fast. But I just, I was like, wait, if somebody has never shot on like a Mark 4 or like a DSLR that has that option, they might think that there is no.

[B]

You can definitely do that preview.

[A]

You can definitely do that on the back screen Live view of a lot of DSLRs.

[B]

This one is from Mary Elias. She said, I switched from 5D Mark 4 to the R6. Biggest adjustment was the coloring. I had to adjust. I had to adjust my presets a decent bit, but that was the only hurdle. R6 is so fast. Focus is incredible and quick and I love how silent and smooth it runs. I still have to use my Mark 4 as a backup. I'll always appreciate her, but she feels really slow compared to the R6 now. I love that she calls it a her. I just love that. That's so cute. All right, last one is from Grace Trex. She said, I learned on a DSLR and switched over about three years ago to mirrorless. And I 100 love the functionality and how easy it is to shoot on the mirrorless, but I still think that DSLR honestly has a little bit better quality. I've dealt with weird sun flares and purple spots on my images when it's super bright out and it doesn't feel as crisp or create as much depth in the image. My images in certain settings seem soft, but it is stupid fast and lighter and I don't think my clients notice the difference.

[C]

Difference, interesting.

[A]

So basically it's a very.

[B]

It's a mixed bag, like split personal.

[A]

Opinion type of situation. I think I will say, I think here's my like kind of final blanket opinion statement. If you are beginning your photography career journey and you are going to Mars looking into buying gear right out the gate, I would, would probably recommend just starting with mirrorless because in my opinion that is the future of the technology and the equipment that we have as photographers. However, if you are a experienced photographer or somebody who has already compiled or been gifted or whatever, I mean, that's.

[B]

Not a normal thing.

[A]

Well, I'm saying like, you know, like, oh, my aunt was a photographer and retired.

[B]

Yeah, I'm just like, actually wait. I think my step cousin. Not my step cousin. I don't even know who he is. Stepbrother. Is that what he is to me? Half brother? No, not half brother. Stepbrother. I think he gifted me a 6D.

[A]

Yeah, see, like, like People get gifted things.

[B]

People give. Okay, you're right, you're right.

[A]

Mine was definitely a unique circumstance in the way in season and whatever. But I'm saying like, like if, if somebody was like, hey, I, I don't use this camera right. Use it, whatever. And it's dslr. I, I genuinely would say if you have already a full gear kit, you're super happy with your current equipment and you're just feeling this pressure, like peer pressure almost to switch. I would just say stick with what you have and then as you're needing new gear, do your slowly time do your research. The other thing is I would rent if you're like, okay, I'm at the point I am shooting Evie and Lindsey like 30 weddings a year and there is, you know, a lot of whatever. Like I'm willing to make the investment to switch now. Like just take the full plunge. Use an adapter, get new lenses, whatever. I would encourage before switching. Rent the mirrorless body that you're planning on and the, and or the mirrors, mirrorless lenses that you're looking at for at least like a solid like maybe set up, you know, a free couple session or something. Like really shoot on that thing for like a full session second shoot wedding on a mirrorless whatever. Like really experiment and use it and then see the editing. Because I have heard yeah enough times that people are not happy with their switch that they go back to dslr. So I'm like if you have a full gear setup, I think you're totally fine. I think you're fine to stay for at least a good bit longer if you're fully content. If you are fully thinking about switching. I would test it out first.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And then by all means, switch. I have so much respect for mirrorless. I'm not at all trying to hate on it. But I will say I, I think what we're probably pushing back on a little bit more is what we've seen almost the like intense pressure especially for like intermediate to beginner photographers of like it's mirrorless or you're a crappy photographer.

[B]

I feel like that's coming from like Gen Z young photographers though. Maybe, maybe, maybe not. But it's just like this, this, this like idea that you're not professional if you.

[A]

Or that your gear is reliable if you're on it.

[B]

Literally. Like when I heard like I don't even bring my Mark 4 to a wedding anymore because I'm just so afraid. I'm like, what magically happened in like a year? In a year that now it's unreliable, but it was forever reliable years before.

[A]

I'm just like, I'm sorry, I'm shooting on film cameras that are like 80 plus years old. I think my, my mark four will be fine. Will be fine. To be fair, they don't make things like they used to, but that's a whole other conversation. Like, I can shoot a 100-year-old film camera and it's fine.

[B]

It's fine.

[A]

Anyways.

[B]

Well, we've talked your ear off enough.

[A]

Hopefully.

[B]

Those are our opinions. Those are other people's opinions.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Take that for what you will and make your decision.

[A]

We would love to hear from you too. We have, if you do not know, we have a Facebook group for the Heart and Hustle podcast, but also have now a group DM on Instagram where we chitchat. Lindsay and I will pull. You guys ask for input, feedback. We chat about episodes and like what you're thinking about an episode. If you have follow up questions, all of that, it would be really fun if you're not already in that group dm for you to hop in there and for us to kind of have a, a group chat with all the photographers who listen to this show on DSLR versus Mirrorless. So come join, come join the conversation and, and we'll see you on the next episode.