Mirrorless vs DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography: Which is Better and Why I Made the Switch (2024)

Deciding between a mirrorless vs DSLR camera can feel like a daunting task. 

I remember when I first got into landscape photography, I was overwhelmed by the options. At the time, the image quality produced by mirrorless cameras was just starting to catch up with that of professional DSLRs, but I went with a DSLR just to be on the "safe" side.

I ended up with a Nikon D850, which is one of the top professional-grade digital cameras for landscape photography. This camera served me well for many years, but I recently made the switch to a Nikon Z7II - a mirrorless camera that produces the same image quality as the D850, with a few more advantages. 

If you are on the market for a new landscape photography camera or perhaps interested in trading in your DSLR for a mirrorless like I did, this article is for you.

First, I will break down the differences between a mirrorless and DSLR camera, and compare the pros and cons of each.

Then, I will explain why I made the switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, and some advice if you are unsure of which option is best for you.

Choosing the right camera for landscape photography doesn't have to be complicated, and this guide will help make your decision easier.

Mirrorless vs DSLR: Which is Better for Landscape Photography?

In this article you will learn which type of camera is best for landscape photography, including:

Mirrorless vs DSLR: What's the Difference?

First, let's cover some camera basics.

If you are unfamiliar with general camera anatomy and the fundamental differences between how DSLR and mirrorless cameras work, this section will get you up to speed.

DSLR Camera Basics

DSLR cameras have been around for decades and have long been used by both amateurs and professionals. 

DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex. These cameras use a mirror to reflect light from the lens up to an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up so light can hit the image sensor.

DSLRs are the traditional workhorses of the photography world. They offer excellent ergonomics, long battery life, and a massive selection of lenses. 

Many pros still swear by their DSLR cameras, myself included, and these cameras continue to be a staple of the photography industry.

In fact, I was reluctant to trade mine in for a mirrorless, but I will explain why I did so later in the article.

Mirrorless Camera Basics

Mirrorless cameras use a relatively newer technology that has steadily improved over the last decade.

Unlike traditional DSLRs, they don't have a reflex mirror or optical viewfinder. Instead, light passes straight through the lens onto the image sensor.

You compose using either the rear LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder.

The lack of a mirror and other components makes for a smaller, lighter camera body that is perfect for hiking, backpacking, and traveling.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Mirrorless vs DSLR Camera

The great mirrorless versus DSLR debate has been raging for years now. So which one is better for landscape photography? 

As the answer usually is in the world of photography: it depends. 

This comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each camera will help you determine which type is best for your unique needs.

DSLR Cameras: Advantages and Disadvantages

DSLRs have been the go-to choice for photographers for many years. While these cameras are still great options for landscape photographers today, they do have some downsides.

Let's look at the pros and cons of choosing a mirrorless vs DLSR for landscape photography.

Advantages of DSLR Cameras

Here are some of the top DSLR camera advantages:

• Huge range of lenses available for every focal length, budget, and brand
• Extremely high image quality
• Typically more ergonomic and easier to hold
• More robust and durable (often come weather sealed which is ideal for outdoor shooting)
• Have an optical viewfinder, which some photographers prefer this over an EVF
• Long battery life so you don't need to carry as many spare batteries (ideal for backpacking and long trips)
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Most DLSRs have Live View, which lets you preview what the final image will look like once you press the shutter

Disadvantages of DSLR Cameras

The main drawbacks to consider include:

• They are larger, bulkier, and heavier (this is the main downside for landscape photography in my opinion)
• Lenses are larger, bulkier and heavier, too
• Wide angle lenses typically require large, bulky filter holders that add extra weight and complexity
• No in-body image stabilization
• Mirror movement can cause camera shake (unless in Live View)
• Camera manufacturers are not investing in new DSLR technology - they will likely become outdated eventually

Mirrorless Cameras: Advantages and Disadvantages

Ever since I made the switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera, I haven't looked back.

For me, the size and weight savings are huge, especially since I do most of my photography on hiking and backpacking trips.

Advantages of Mirrorless Cameras

Here are some of the top mirrorless camera advantages:

• Mirrorless systems tend to be more compact, thanks to not having a mirror box
• Lenses are smaller and more compact, too
• Options for polarizing filters that screws onto the front of wide angle lenses rather than large, bulky filter holders
• More lenses continue to be added to the market
• Fantastic image quality
• The electronic viewfinder (EVF) shows a preview of your exposure and white balance so you can preview what the final image will look like
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• In-body image stabilization
• Excellent video capabilities, with 4K and even 8K options
• High frame rates for action shooting
• Silent shooting with electronic shutter
• No camera shake from mirror movement (because there is no mirror)
• Camera manufacturers mostly investing mirrorless camera technology now - they are the future

Disadvantages of Mirrorless Cameras

Of course, mirrorless isn't perfect. There are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Shorter battery life compared to DSLRs
• Fewer lens options, especially for some systems
• Less durable for outdoor use
• Can be more expensive than DSLR equivalents
• Some photographers don't like EVFs - the prefer optical viewfinders used in DSLRs
• Potential for electronic component failure

Image Quality: Mirrorless vs DSLR

When it comes to image quality, the debate between mirrorless and DSLR cameras is pretty much a moot point these days.

Sensor Size Comparison

The sensor is the heart of any digital camera, and it is the main piece of hardware inside of a camera that determines image quality. 

Both mirrorless vs DSLRs use the same sensor sizes. You can find cropped (e.g. APS-C) and full-frame sensors in both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. You will also find sensor with the entire spectrum of different resolutions (e.g. megapixels) in both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. 

The image quality between both types of cameras will be nearly identical if they both have the same sensor size, resolution, dynamic range, and other specs. 

For example the sensor in my old Nikon D850 is the same size (full-frame) and has almost the same resolution as the sensor on my Nikon Z7II, so the image quality produced by both cameras is virtually indistinguishable. 

If you're choosing between mirrorless and DSLR based on image quality alone, you can rest assured that both types of cameras are capable of producing stunning images. 

When it comes to image quality, focus on choosing a high quality image sensor. For a professional grade camera, this usually means a high resolution full-frame sensor. 

Low Light Performance

Low light performance is another area where mirrorless and DSLR cameras are pretty evenly matched. Again, this comes down to the sensor size. 

A full-frame sensor, whether it's in a mirrorless or DSLR camera, is going to perform better in low light than an APS-C sensor. 

There are, however, some mirrorless cameras that have a slight edge in low light performance. The Sony A7S III, for example, has a unique 12MP sensor that is specifically designed for low light shooting. 

Also, because mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders, you can actually see how your exposure looks in real-time. This makes it easier to nail the exposure in tricky lighting situations.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is the camera's ability to capture detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image. It is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for the best camera for landscape photography. Larger sensors in full-frame cameras will typically have larger dynamic range than cropped sensors.

The dynamic range of a camera is largely determined by the sensor size of the camera. A larger dynamic range is typically better for landscape photography because it will allow you to capture the entire range of tones in a scene (especially a high contrast scene). 

Mirrorless and DSLR cameras with similar sensor specs will often have similar dynamic ranges, and you can find exceptional dynamic range in both types of cameras. For example, the Nikon D850 DSLR has a very comparable dynamic range to the Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera.

At the end of the day, you won't have to compromise image quality if you choose a full-frame mirrorless camera over a full-frame DSLR with similar resolutions. Image quality really comes down to the sensor inside the camera that you choose, not the camera itself.

Autofocus Performance and Continuous Shooting Speed: Mirrorless vs DSLR

Mirrorless cameras have made major strides in autofocus performance to catch up to DSLRs. Many of the latest mirrorless cameras can match or even exceed the AF speed of comparable DSLRs, even when tracking moving subjects.

In landscape photography, however, autofocus speed, continuous shooting speed, as well as the multitude of other advanced autofocus functions that come on cameras these days are typically not necessary to take great photos. 

Let me explain...

Unlike wildlife or sports photography, our subjects (landscapes) are stationary.

For this reason, we can usually take our time when finding the right focus for our scene. That's why it's important to arrive at a scene early, so that you can slowly refine your focus and your settings before the best light hits the landscape.

A stationary subject also means that you will likely not need to shoot photos in extremely fast succession like you would when shooting wildlife. Mirrorless cameras typically have the edge on DSLR when it comes to continuous shooting speed, but if your subject is a landscape, then shooting speed is not important.

Regardless of whether you choose a mirrorless or DSLR camera, I'd recommend using single point autofocus when shooting landscapes and forget about all of the other dizzying options available for autofocus. 

Single point autofocus is a simple setting that lets you focus on a specific point in your scene (use the hyperfocal distance if you are trying to maximize depth of field). Virtually all cameras have this setting so don't spend tons of money on a camera that has lots of advanced autofocus features and focus points. 

Most of the time, once I have focused on my desired point in the scene using back button autofocus, I will dial in the focus manually using the focus ring on my camera lens. I almost always use manual focus and try to never rely entirely on the camera's autofocusing system to nail the focus perfectly. No matter how good a camera's autofocus is, manual focus gives you the most control when focusing on your desired focus point.

As you can see, the process that I use and recommend for focusing on most landscape scenes is slow and methodical. This is why I don't worry too much about autofocus speed or continuous shooting speed on my camera.

When it comes to choosing the best camera for landscape photography, don't get too in the weeds with autofocus specs. If you follow the methods I described above, even the most basic mirrorless or DSLR camera will have adequate autofocus for landscape photography.

Battery Life : Mirrorless vs DSLR

Mirrorless cameras have historically struggled in the battery life department compared to DSLRs. The first time I took my mirrorless camera on a trip, I was a bit surprised how quickly I burned through all of my spare batteries.

The reason batteries in mirrorless cameras don't hold a charge as long as DSLRs is because powering those electronic viewfinders and always-on sensors sucks up a lot of juice. This can make it challenging to have enough spare batteries on hand, especially on a longer trip without a power outlet.

If you are a backpacker, you might not enjoy carrying the extra weight of a few more batteries. It also might tempt you to not take your camera out to shoot as much in an attempt to conserve battery power.

However, I personally think the overall weight savings of a mirrorless compared to a DSLR are so significant (especially for backpacking) that I don't might having to carry several more batteries than I used to. 

Lenses and Accessories: Mirrorless vs DSLR

When it comes to lenses and accessories, both mirrorless and DSLR cameras have a lot to offer. But there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Native Lens Options

DSLRs have been around longer, so they tend to have a larger native lens selection, especially when you factor in all the third-party options available in popular mounts like Canon EF and Nikon F. 

However, mirrorless lens lineups have grown quickly, and most major camera brands now offer a wide range of native mirrorless lenses to suit different needs and budgets. 

You can find nearly all lens focal lengths, including both zoom and prime lenses, for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

While there may still be a few gaps here and there in mirrorless lens lineups, they tend to be niche optics that the average landscape photographer won't miss.

If you need some help choosing the best lenses for landscape photography, check out this guide that I created for you.

Lens Adapters

One big selling point of mirrorless cameras is that they can often use DSLR lenses via adapters, which opens up a huge range of glass. 

Canon, Nikon, and Sony all offer adapters that allow you to use DSLR lenses on their mirrorless bodies, sometimes with full autofocus and image stabilization support. 

I briefly used my Nikon DSLR lenses on my Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera using an adapter, and they worked great. I ended up trading them in for mirrorless lenses because of the size and weight savings of mirrorless lenses compared to the extremely large and heavy DSLR lenses.

If you get a mirrorless camera and aren't ready to invest in a new set of mirrorless glass, I'd definitely recommend using your DSLR lenses via adapter, especially if you don't mind carrying the extra weight. 

Accessory Compatibility

In terms of other accessories like filters, L-brackets, and remote controls, both mirrorless and DSLR cameras are generally well-supported and you will have plenty of options to choose from.

Major brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer a wide range of accessories for their mirrorless and DSLR systems. 

Third-party accessories for mirrorless cameras has grown as they've become more popular, like the Really Right Stuff L-Bracket that I use. 

You will also find a huge range of filters available for both DSLR and mirrorless lenses, although wide angle mirrorless lenses have the advantage of accepting screw-in filters that attach directly to the front of the lens.

Which One Should You Choose? Mirrorless or DSLR

So, when it comes down to it, which is better - mirrorless or DSLR? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer.

When deciding between a mirrorless and DSLR camera, there are a few key factors to consider: 

• Your budget
• Any existing lenses you own 
• How much weight you want to carry
• Viewfinder preference (optical or electronic)

Mirrorless Camera Recommendations for Landscape Photographers

If you're leaning towards mirrorless, here are a few of my top recommendations: 

• Full-frame: Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7II, Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R6
• APS-C: Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A6600

These cameras offer fantastic image quality, advanced features, and great performance in a more compact form factor compared to DSLRs.

DSLR Camera Recommendations for Landscape Photographers

If you think a DSLR is a better fit for your photography, you can't go wrong with these options: 

• Full-frame: Nikon D850, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• APS-C: Canon EOS 90D, Nikon D500, Pentax KP

Why I Replaced my DSLR with a Mirrorless Camera

The main reason I made the switch from a full-frame Nikon D850 DSLR to a full-frame Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera was due to the weight savings. 

I spend a significant amount of time on long backpacking trips, and switching to a mirrorless camera and mirrorless lenses has saved me nearly 2 pounds of weight.

The camera body is lighter, the lenses are lighter, and the polarizing filter for my wide angle is much lighter because it doesn’t require a filter holder.

That might not sound like a lot, but for a backpacker that has to carry 30+ pounds of camping gear on top camera gear, this is significant. 

Additionally, the small size of my Nikon Z7II makes it possible for me to carry the camera on the outside of my pack using Hyperlite Mountain Gear camera pod, which is the best option for hiking in my opinion. My giant Nikon DSLR was way to big to carry outside of my pack using any pod or clip-on method.

This is a huge advantage for me because it allows me to take my camera out to shoot more often without having to stop and dig through my backpack to get out all of my camera gear. This means I miss fewer photo opportunities and end up with more images in my portfolio. 

Finally, this mirroless kit takes up much less space inside my pack, leaving more room for other essential hiking gear like extra clothes and water.

For a while, I didn't want to switch to a mirrorless camera because the image quality and dynamic range wasn't up to par with my Nikon D850, and image quality is the most important factor for me when it comes to the camera I choose.

However, newer mirrorless models like the Nikon Z series have really closed the gap when it comes to image quality. 

My images using the Nikon Z7II aren't any "better" than those I shot with my D850, but my back and shoulders seriously thank me at the end of a long day of hiking.

In all honesty, I will say that I did prefer the optical viewfinder of my DSLR to the EVF of the mirrorless camera, but it's really not that big of a deal now that I am used to it.

My Recommendations on Choosing a DSLR vs Mirrorless

I recommend that you invest in the highest quality camera you can afford that suits your specific needs and gets you the most excited to shoot photos.

In my opinion, if you spend significant amounts of time hiking or backpacking and have the budget for a full-frame camera, mirrorless is definitely the way to go. 

High resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras offer exceptionally high image quality (equivalent to the most high-end DSLRs) in a small package, making them perfect for long treks into the wilderness.

If weight and price is not important to you, then DSLR cameras are still a fantastic way to go.

I certainly would still have my Nikon D850 if I didn’t spend so much time carrying my gear on my back.

Final Thoughts

By now, you've seen that both mirrorless and DSLR cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. Mirrorless cameras offer compact designs, lighter lenses, and electronic viewfinders, while DSLRs boast longer battery life, durability, a wider lens selection, and a more traditional shooting experience.

When choosing between a mirrorless vs DSLR, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability, speed, or image quality, there's a camera out there that will help you capture your vision.

If you need any additional help choosing the best camera gear for landscape photography (including what to look for in a landscape photography camera), I have a complete eBook on the topic that you can download for free in the VIP Resources Library.

What type of camera do you use and why? I'd love you to let me know!