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There has been a growing move towards better mirrorless cameras over the past few years, among the photography community.Mirrorless cameras display an image very differently from
DSLR cameras
, and in many ways their technology is more modern and meaningful. The difference is that mirrorless displays are a "live view" of what the camera sees, while DLSRs show a reflected image of what is on the camera sensor. This means that mirrorless cameras often have lighter and thinner bodies, can shoot silently, and have more sophisticated digital features.
Our list of the best mirrorless cameras includes a number of models released since 2018, companies like Nikon and Fujifilm have doubled down on their technology in recent years. While Sony and Canon have more limited ranges, they also play in mirrorless space.
The good thing about mirrorless cameras, in general, is that manufacturers see them as the future of photography, especially since their video capture capabilities are so powerful. So if you're looking to be at the test of time, that's the way to go. The downside is that mirrorless housings and lenses are - on the whole - more expensive, as there isn't the same market size new and new yet. 'opportunity for them. Also, if you want to use a DSLR lens on a mirrorless camera, you need a specific adapter, which is an additional expense.
Overall we would recommend mirrorless though - once you've used one it's harder to go back to DSLRs as they make photography so easy. If you're looking for the
best camera for beginners
, it's probably a DSLR, but for enthusiasts and more, the mirrorless is a great option.
Once you've finished filming, we also have a guide to the
best photo editing software
, to make your photos look as sharp and colorful as possible.
1. Nikon Z6: Best Mirrorless Camera
(Image credit: Nikon)
Nikon Z6
The best mirrorless camera around
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
Full frame |
Megapixels:
24.5MP |
Lens frame:
Nikon Z |
Filter:
3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.1 million dots |
Continuous shooting speed:
12fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, 3.69 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Passionate/professional
$1,334.95
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Wonderful handling
As strong with video as with images
Many would have preferred an SD card slot
AF can be unreliable in some conditions
Among a series of new full-frame mirrorless cameras, Nikon's Z6 stands out as a particularly strong introduction. Considering it's a first-generation model, it's impressive that Nikon has managed to get so much precision. From wonderful image quality and crisp 4K video to excellent handling, a clear and bright electronic viewfinder and compatibility with existing Nikon lenses and accessories.
The FTZ adapter, which is available as a bundle or separately with the camera, means you can choose from hundreds of F-mount lens options with autofocus and autoexposure that both work.
While some issues persisted with the original version of the Z6, these have since been largely eliminated through regular firmware updates. Our only real caveat is the camera's reliance on a single QXD memory card slot or CFexpress - pros love a second slot, to avoid breaks with shots, and CFexpress cards are still extremely expensive AND they also require a separate card reader.
2. Sony A7 III: The best all-rounder at a decent price
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony Alpha A7 III
Best all-rounder at a decent price
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
Full frame |
Megapixels:
24.2 megapixels |
Lens frame:
Sony E |
Filter:
3-inch tilting touchscreen, 921,000 dots |
Continuous shooting speed:
10fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, approx. 2.3 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Passionate/professional
$1,694.95
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Excellent value
Strong battery life
Viewfinder slightly below current standard
Unable to process raw files in camera
Building on the huge popularity of the previous A7 II, it's safe to say that the A7 III is Sony's best all-around mirrorless camera to date. controlled across the entire sensitivity range, and with sensor-based image stabilization on board, you don't have to worry about it getting in your lenses.
The sensor and stabilization also work together to capture detailed 4K quality video, while other highlights include a powerful hybrid AF system, plenty of lens options and better battery life than most. mirrorless models can muster.
This 693-point AF system makes it superb in almost any situation, even for less experienced camera users. And if you're looking for fast shots, the 10fps burst shooting mode should suit your needs well. It's not the newest camera on the list, but with those specs backed by a recent firmware upgrade, it really is one of the best options available at a price point. which continues to decline.
3. Fujifilm X-T30: Best mirrorless camera under $1000
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Fujifilm X-T30
Best mirrorless camera under $1000
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
APS-C |
Megapixels:
26.1 megapixels |
Lens frame:
Fujifilm X |
Filter:
3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04 million dots |
Continuous shooting speed:
8fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, approx. 2.36 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Keen
$799
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Nice sturdy body
Excellent image quality and stunning 4K footage
So small it can be tedious at times
Only one card slot
With good looks, plenty of features, excellent image and video quality, and a small, mostly metal body, the X-T30 is a terrific mid-range mirrorless option. It inherits many features from the X- T3 more advanced and is ideal for those who want more control of their camera via physical controls rather than the touchscreen, with dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation at your fingertips.
In terms of value for money, the X-T30 outperforms just about every other mid-range model at this level right now. And it does that while looking a whole lot better too. phase-detection autofocus is well above the price with its 425-point configuration. The fact that you can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second is also a real draw at this price. This APS-C sensor from 26.1 MP can produce up to 8 fps burst shots while the 3-inch touchscreen allows for easy controls and clear views with its 1,040,000 dots.
4. Panasonic Lumix S1R: Best for Megapixel Power
(Image credit: Panasonic)
Panasonic Lumix S1R
Best for megapixel power
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
Full frame |
Megapixels:
47.3MP |
Lens frame:
Panasonic S |
Filter:
3-inch, 2,100,000-dot tilting tri-axis |
Continuous shooting speed:
9fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, approx. 5.76 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Intermediate/Professional
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Supervisor
187 MP images and 4K video recording
AF could be better
heavy and expensive
The Lumix S1R is Panasonic's full-frame mirrorless camera that aims to meet the needs of the most skilled photographers who can use that 47.3MP sensor. But it packs some special tricks that set it apart from the rivals on this list. Our favorite is the ability to shoot a 187MP image - perfect for anyone who wants to blast it on paper, or has lots of zoom potential afterwards. This is well supported by the viewfinder which has one of the highest resolutions we've seen at 5.76 million dots.
The build is sturdy enough to go anywhere without you having to worry about being too careful. The same can be said when shooting thanks to sensor-based image stabilization that allows enhance any shot. This means that for good and low light, you can expect a crisp, clear shot from this camera.
Although the contrast-detection autofocus system lags a bit behind its competitors, this camera makes up for it in other areas and ultimately performs extremely well.
5. Canon EOS RP: Best budget full-frame mirrorless camera
(Image credit: Canon)
Canon EOS RP
Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera on a Budget
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
Full frame |
Megapixels:
26.2 megapixels |
Lens frame:
Canon RF |
Filter:
3-inch, 1.04 million dot vari-angle touchscreen |
Continuous shooting speed:
5fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, approx. 2.36 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Keen
$975.97
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618 Amazon customer reviews
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Great price for a full frame body
Very nice images straight out of the camera
Small selection of native lenses
4K images subject to heavy cropping
The EOS RP might not be Canon's most advanced mirrorless camera today, but with an asking price considerably lower than the current EOS R flagship, it's certainly tempting.
It's super small and fairly light considering its full-frame innards, and ideal for those with EF lenses who want to use them via an adapter. It also delivers very nice images without any additional processing, although you can play around with your raw files if you need to.
All in all a great choice if you're a Canon user and want to get into mirrorless without it affecting your bank balance too much. Although it's worth noting that you'll get a large crop on 4K video and your maximum burst shooting speed is only 5 frames per second.
6. Sony A6100: Best mirrorless camera for beginners
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony A6100
Best mirrorless camera for beginners
Type:
Without mirror |
Sensor:
APS-C |
Megapixels:
24.2 megapixels |
Lens frame:
Sony E |
Filter:
2.95-inch, 921,000-dot tilting touchscreen |
Continuous shooting speed:
11fps |
Viewfinder:
Electronics, approx. 1.44 million points |
Maximum video resolution:
4K |
User level:
Beginner
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Super tracking autofocus
Portable yet powerful
Low resolution screens
Might be easier to master for a beginner camera
The Sony A6100 is a fantastic option for any beginner looking to get into photography using a mirrorless camera. It's a very portable sized snapper but crams in a powerful sensor. 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS backed by 425-point hybrid autofocus. With the ability to shoot 4K video at 30fps and capture burst photos at 11fps, it's well beyond its price tag.
That's great for a beginner, but it takes time to grasp all that's on offer via the admittedly limited touchscreen interface. The resolution on this screen and EVF could be higher, but for the prices, cuts have to be made somewhere.
While it's great for a beginner, there's plenty to learn with enough power and features to grow with you as you improve.
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