Is a mirrorless camera a good alternative to a DSLR for casual home photography?

Question

I’m an amateur photographer moving up from phones and older compact cameras, and I can clearly see that larger-sensor cameras produce much better image quality than typical point-and-shoots. I was considering an entry-level DSLR like the Canon Rebel T3, but my wife found the size and number of buttons intimidating, even though it has automatic modes.

That led me to mirrorless cameras, which seem to offer DSLR-like image quality in a smaller body. I’ve read that some early mirrorless models may lack features or feel less mature than DSLRs.

For family and home use, are mirrorless cameras good enough to choose instead of a DSLR? Are they fundamentally limited compared with DSLRs, or is the main difference just size, handling, and current feature sets?

user1620 · Accepted Answer

Those cameras are only limited by the fact that they lack a reflex mirror to form an image through an optical viewfinder. By the same token, DSLRs are limited by the fact they need a reflex mirror in the optical path.

What does that mean?

In terms of image quality, nothing. There are currently mirrorless cameras using the same sensors as DSLR. Even those with slightly smaller sensors (all except the Pentax Q) are not far behind.
In terms of speed, not much. Current DSLRs are faster than mirrorless cameras at autofocus because they use Phase-Detection rather than Contrast-Detection. This is not an an intrinsic characteristic, as phase-detect can be implemented on the sensor (as in the Fuji F300 EXR) or in the optical path using a semi-transparent mirror (as in the Sony Alpha SLT-A55). Other aspects of speed such as shutter-lag, continuous drive are very similar.
In terms of versatility, mirrorless cameras have more potential. The shorter flange-distance lets mirrorless cameras use more types of lenses via adapters than any other type of camera. One neat trick is that you can buy a tilt-shift adapter that adds that capability to a DSLR lens when mounted on a mirrorless camera.
Mirrorless cameras are presently limited. They key is presently. They are limited in number of native lenses which are relatively new compared to DSLR lenses. They are also limited in functionality because there are not that many models. For example, there are no weather-sealed mirror-less cameras and there are none with a built-in GPS.
In terms of size, mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter. This is an intrinsic advantage of the form-factor. Even those with a built-in EVF can be made very compact.

Mirrorless cameras also have advantages for video as they can be used at eye-level with a built-in or optional EVF. You are right that a few models do not have a built-in flash but some DSLRs don't either. Those particular models are trying to show how small a mirrorless camera can be, but that does not mean you have to buy the smallest. A Panasonic GH2 for example is reasonably ergonomic and quite full-featured.

Is a mirrorless camera a good alternative to a DSLR for casual home photography?

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