Assessing the Factors Influencing Your Purchase Decision Between a DSLR or CSC Camera

Both DSLR and CSC (mirrorless) cameras work based on the principle of light going through the lens into the camera body. It creates a picture on the sensor. With CSC there is no mirror system to reflect light into the optical viewfinder.

A CSC, also called a compact system camera, uses a system defined as a full time live view on its LCD, unlike DLSRs. The differences in DSLR and CSC technology, along with their features, should frame a purchase decision. 

Choosing a DSLR or CSC Camera for Time Lapse

If you are just starting out with photography and time lapse, the number of DSLR cameras and CSC cameras can be overwhelming when trying to mark which is best for you. Price, lenses, sensor type, kits, body, accessories, and memory cards are just the beginning.

Choosing between brands such Nikon, Canon, Rebel and Sony along with looking at a review of kits, APS, MFR and FPS is only a bit of what needs to be researched.

The decision of how to approach picture taking is more complex than simply whether you buy the Nikon or Canon based on a review, or deciding if you want a black or light colored body. If you like a particular camera, read a review, mark what you prefer and then compare your reviews of different products.

Here are some of the differences you should consider

CSC cameras tend to be lighter and smaller than DSLRs. This is not always the case, but this kind of info can make a difference when shooting on the move. A bit of reduced weight in a photography kit can make a shoot a lot easier. 

DSLRs tend to have more options when it comes to lens choice. While the mirrorless are catching up, they still don’t have the magnitude of options as the older style kits do for both black and white along with color photography. 

Mirrorless uses an LCD rather than an optical view. While the optical is lag-free, the LCD shows the digital scene that you are shooting, along with important shot information. 

EOS is an option if you are looking at a canon. The sensor offers some great speed and agility, but needs to be balanced with other photography requirements to make sure the user has all the features required as well. A review will rarely complain about the EOS and its abilities. 

Autofocus has become a breeze with either cameras, but the CSC often have a hybrid contrast and phase detect AF system. They are as reliable as the DSLR if not more with technological advancements.

Capturing video has become stellar with mirrorless. While the older SLR cameras offer a wide range of lenses, video accessories and the ability to shoot from a full-size sensor for a good price, the 4k on even the most basic of CSC is stellar and reviews will tell you that you can find 6k and 8k for a price that is reasonable too.

When it comes to control, both types of cameras are good. Having full manual control with exposure, resolution and video is important.

However, CSCs also now add IBIS, excellent autofocus, excellent touchscreen ability and more into the mix. They can use a comprehensive spread of points across their sensor, and frame rates are incredibly fast. Review of their sensor and other controls is a must.

Battery life may need to be assessed as DLSRs have the best when compared to the mirrorless. A stock battery means a few hundred shots difference according to reviews.

You can add a non-stock battery or carry backups if this is a deal-breaker, but battery life mark should be noted before making your choice.

The type of camera you choose will define the quality of your photography content. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some good options with both DSLRs and CSCs.

However, there are some clear things to look for, as listed above and in reviews. You don’t want APS, but you do want high FPS. Lenses, resolution and shooting speed need to meet work requirements, as does the touchscreen being used.

You have to decide whether you want to use the Canon EOS system which will give fast focus speed, continuous shots with good images and excellent communication between the camera and lens or other models from Nikon, Rebel and Sony that have a good review about their features as well.

There is no photography kit from Nikon, Rebel, Canon or Sony that can meet absolutely all needs, but there are some great ones that can come close.