Choosing your first camera setup can feel overwhelming. Mirrorless or DSLR? Crop sensor or full-frame? Nikon or Canon? And what about lenses—50mm or 85mm? If these questions have you feeling lost, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I made my decision and what gear I started with.
Set a Budget
Before diving into camera shopping, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget. If you have $10,000 to spend—amazing! But if you’re like me, I started with just $1,000, and that had to cover everything—camera body, lens, batteries, memory cards, and accessories.
If your budget is small, accept that you won’t be buying professional gear right away. And that’s okay! I also don’t recommend jumping straight into a $3,000 camera. First, you need to figure out if photography is something you truly enjoy.
Most beginner-friendly cameras come with a basic kit lens, so you can start shooting right away. From there, you can gradually upgrade your setup.
Mirrorless vs. DSLR: What’s the Difference?
How They Work
-
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex): Works similarly to old-school film cameras. Light passes through the lens, reflects off a mirror, and is sent into the optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the mirror flips up, exposing the sensor to light.
-
Mirrorless: As the name suggests, there’s no mirror. Light goes directly to the sensor, and you see a digital preview of your image on the rear screen or electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Size & Weight
DSLRs are bulkier and heavier due to the mirror system inside, while mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact—ideal for travel or carrying around all day.
Battery Life
DSLRs typically have longer battery life since the sensor isn’t constantly powered. Mirrorless cameras rely on electronic screens for previews, which drains the battery faster.
Viewfinder & Image Preview
-
DSLR: You see exactly what your eyes see through the optical viewfinder.
-
Mirrorless: The rear screen or EVF shows a digital preview, which can be helpful for seeing exposure and white balance before taking a shot.
I personally prefer using my DSLR’s optical viewfinder because it helps stabilize the camera when pressed against my face, and it saves battery life.
Video Capabilities
If you’re planning to shoot video, mirrorless cameras generally have better continuous autofocus and more advanced focusing technology. DSLRs rely on slower contrast-based autofocus when recording video, making mirrorless the better option for filmmakers and vloggers.
Lenses & Accessories
Choosing a DSLR means access to a vast selection of lenses, both new and used, from brands like Sigma and Tamron alongside Canon and Nikon. Mirrorless cameras have fewer third-party options, but the market is growing. Since DSLRs have been around longer, finding affordable used gear on platforms like Kijiji or eBay is much easier.
Which Camera Should You Choose?
DSLRs have a proven track record, long battery life, and a huge selection of affordable lenses. Mirrorless cameras are compact, have superior autofocus for video, and are the future of camera technology.
I personally shoot with a DSLR because I like the weight balance with heavy lenses, the extended battery life, and the vast second-hand market. But if you travel often, need lightweight gear, or shoot a lot of video, a mirrorless camera might be the better fit.
At the end of the day, both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are capable of capturing stunning photos. The key is learning your camera inside and out—because great photography isn’t about the gear, it’s about the person behind the lens.
