The best mirrorless cameras have many of the advantages of large DSLRs (such as high image quality) but are generally much more compact, making them easier to carry for both amateurs and professionals. Mirrorless cameras work a little differently than DSLRs. The latter has a mirror that flips over to expose the sensor to the light from the camera lens. As the name implies, mirrorless cameras lack this feature, making them more compact. However, this also means that they do not have a traditional optical viewfinder like DSLRs, so any image you see has been produced digitally. For most people, this shouldn’t be too big a problem.
Best Mirrorless Cameras
It’s fair to say that the two major traditional players in the market – Canon, and Nikon – took a little time to fully grasp all the advantages of mirrorless. But today, they both have well-established, high-performance ranges. Nikon has been particularly impressive with its Z system, which started with two full-frame models, but now also includes a smaller and cheaper APS-C model.
1. Fujifilm X-T30
One of the best sensors around wrapped up in a classy, classic body
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The X-T30 has the second-highest resolution APS-C sensor on the market today (beaten only by the 32.5MP Canon EOS M6 Mark II) and one of the most sophisticated autofocus systems available. The X-T30 combines a compact body, affordable price, and powerful photographic tools. It’s small, portable, and easy to use, but with 4K video and its external shutter speed and aperture controls, it’s a great buy for video enthusiasts and ordinary photo photographers. The video features of the X-T4 (below) are a little better, and some may find the X-T30’s body a little too small, but we think its mix of size, value, and performance makes the X-T30 one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market for any purpose.
2. Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z 50 has really impressed us with its performance and value
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This is a closer match between this model and the Fujifilm X-T30, above, but we believe the X-T30’s wider lens range is the deciding factor. The Nikon Z 50 was launched in late 2019, joining Nikon’s more advanced Z 6 and Z full-frame models. But the Z50 soon proved to be much more than just a stripped-down version of these large cameras. Many specs make it one of the best mirrorless cameras that you can buy.
Nikon succeeded in making the small frame a satisfying grip for better handling while including 11-frame/second burst shooting for action photography and high-quality 4K video. Best of all is the superb 16-50mm crepe kit lens available in the kit, and the price, which has clearly been specifically designed to be lower than similar offerings from Fujifilm and Olympus. The Z 50 is a superb yet affordable camera for a wide range of photographers at all levels.
3. Sony Alpha a6600
An excellent mirrorless camera for video
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Sony’s Alpha a6600 is the successor to the old, but still brilliant, a6500, and brings features such as 5-axis image stabilization inside the body, 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, and a compact but rugged magnesium alloy body that is protected against dust and mist. The a6600 has the same 24.2MP sensor as its predecessor, but now features a faster processor, a wider ISO range (100-32,000), and AI-compatible eye autofocus for both still and movie shooting. In addition, the a6600’s battery life of 720 shots is double that of the a6500. While we recommend that you carry a spare battery, it’s good to know that the a6600 will last much longer. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
4. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
It uses a smaller MFT sensor but makes up for it in LOTS of other ways
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The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is an exceptional camera and a worthy successor to the highly acclaimed Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. This new camera uses the latest 20.4 megapixels Micro Four Thirds sensor from Olympus, and although this may put off some people – these sensors are smaller than the APS-C – the image quality is very close to the APS-C standards, and this makes Olympus cameras and lenses particularly small and portable.
The capabilities of this new camera are astonishing, including excellent 5.5 EV body stabilization, an amazing 30fps Pro Capture mode with 14 pre-buffered shots, C4K and 4K UHD video, Live Composite and Live Bulb modes, and much more. The smaller sensor may discourage some users, but no other mirrorless camera has this blend of features, performance, and compactness. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
5. Fujifilm X-T4
The new flagship of the Fujifilm range now has in-body stabilization
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The Fujifilm X-T3 has been hard to keep up with, with high-speed continuous shooting, advanced autofocus, and class-leading 4K video capabilities, but the Fujifilm X-T4 takes it to the next level. Almost everything we wanted in the X-T3 is there, including body stabilization, a variable-angle touch screen, and increased battery life. We still want more (of course), including better buffer depth in continuous shooting mode, but that would be just the icing on the cake. The X-T4 isn’t just a great camera, of course. It also has state-of-the-art 4K video performance, with 60p 10-bit internal recording. It’s a shame that Fujifilm dropped the headphone plug (you’ll need an adapter now). Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
6. Nikon Z5
A gateway into full-frame, with nice styling and 4K video
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While Nikon did a solid job of filling the top end of its Z-series of mirrorless full-frame cameras with the Z7, its flagship, and even found room for a cheeky APS-C offering with the Z50, it probably lacked an entry-level gateway to full-frame. This is what happened with the Nikon Z5, a small and elegant camera that offers full-frame functions at an attractive price. With two card slots and 4K UHD video, it takes a few clicks from the pros, but you won’t be able to burst at more than 4.5 frames per second. However, thanks to its fully waterproof, five-step image stabilization, and spectacular electronic viewfinder, anyone taking their first step towards full screen will be absolutely spoiled for choice. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
7. Canon EOS RP
Canon’s smallest full-frame camera is an incredible value
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Only a few months after announcing the EOS R, Canon developed the smaller and less expensive EOS RP model. If the EOS R has a lot in common with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR, then the EOS RP is like a mirrorless version of the entry-level Canon EOS 6D Mark II model. With the EOS RP, you get a 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, a 4,779-dot dual-pixel CMOS autofocus, 4K video (cropped, it’s true), and a useful fully articulated rear monitor. The best news is the extremely aggressive price, which makes the EOS RP the cheapest full-frame camera on the market that is still a current model – and it is also very affordable even with its versatile 24-105 mm STM kit lens. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
8. Sony Alpha a7 II
Best Pro Mirrorless Camera
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It’s the world’s first full-frame, mirrorless camera in the world to offer 5-axis image stabilization inside the body, but the Sony a7 II doesn’t just shoot continuously. This sexy little camera fits in most bags and has a bunch of customizable buttons and knobs for quick access to your favorite controls. We also liked the clear, bright images and the relatively low amount of noise (grain), even at high ISO light sensitivity levels. Thanks to an efficient wireless function, you’ll be able to transmit your photos to your smartphone or computer in seconds. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
9. Panasonic Lumix G100
Panasonic’s new vlogging camera is pretty good at stills too
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Bloggers and creative people, in general, will appreciate the simplicity of the Lumix G100, which makes it easy to capture high-quality videos and photos thanks to the accessible button layout. Even people who are not interested in the technical aspects of capturing high-quality videos will be able to achieve results with this device. There is an inherent risk of oversimplifying things when creating a camera for social media creators, but Panasonic has avoided this pitfall with the Lumix G100.
By giving it a decent viewfinder and “good camera” ergonomics, Panasonic has given the G100 an edge in a very competitive market. It’s a great camera to start with if you’re more interested in vlogging than conventional photography and useful improvement over the GX80/85, both in resolution and video features. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
10. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The E-M10 Mark IV looks cute, but it’s a pocket-sized powerhouse
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With a new 20MP sensor, progressively improved body image stabilization, and a new tilt-and-turn monitor, the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV looks good. Retaining the 4K video and eye-catching styling that made the Mark III so attractive to consumers, the Mark IV is set to become the new favorite for anyone looking for an entry-level camera that can do almost anything. It’s one of our all-time favorite cameras, so we’re very happy that it has AT LEAST the latest 20MP sensor from Olympus. It’s still a bit expensive for beginners, but it’s a great little camera that’s much more powerful than it looks and could go with you for a long time to come. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
11. Sony Alpha a6100
The best mirrorless camera for most people
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We believe that most consumers will find the Sony a6100 to be the best mirrorless camera for their needs. Sold for around $850 with a kit lens, it’s not too expensive, but has many modern features you’ll want, including an excellent auto-focus system, a fast shooting speed of 11 frames/second, a bright electronic viewfinder, and crisp 4K video. (The camera even has a microphone jack for better audio quality).
In addition, the a6100 has a great design with a good grip, as well as a 3-inch articulated touch screen, which allows you to hold the camera above or below eye level while getting the shot you want. What you don’t get at this price are features such as intra-body image stabilization, and the A6100’s viewfinder is lower in resolution than high-end models. But these compromises are more than acceptable. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
12. Sony A7R Mark IV
The 61MP alone sensor sets new standards
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The “R” models of the Sony A7 series cameras are designed primarily for resolution – and the Sony A7R Mark IV camera certainly meets this requirement. The previous A7R Mark III set the standard for some time, but it has recently been surpassed (by a small margin) by the Nikon Z 7 and the Panasonic Lumix S1R. The A7R addresses this – and how – with a record-breaking 61-megapixel sensor that offers the highest resolution of any full-format camera.
The rendering of detail is spectacular, although it may not be as obvious as the numbers might suggest, and the layout of Sony’s controls is starting to look outdated and complicated compared to what Nikon and Panasonic have done with their new models. Nevertheless, thanks to its superb Eye AF system, its 10 frames per second continuous shooting (yes, with 61 Mpx!) and its 4K movies, the Sony A7R Mark IV is now the high-resolution professional camera to beat, and some might say the best mirrorless camera so far.
13. Sony A7S III
The latest generation of Sony’s low-light video monster
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It may have been a long wait, but it seems to have been worth it. The Sony A7S III is the mirrorless camera that does what only professional movie cameras can do, i.e. filming in 4K at 60p without cropping, recording it internally, in 10-bit 4:2:2, and with no recording time limit. It may not have the 6K or 8K resolutions of other manufacturers’ cameras, but what it does, it does it exceptionally well. The other half of the A7S’s image is its legendary low-light performance, and the A7S III is a camera that can more or less see in the dark with its maximum ISO ceiling of 409,600. Pure photo enthusiasts will probably be put off by the low resolution, but if you’re interested in video, this is one of the best cameras you can buy. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
14. Nikon Z7
Nikon’s top-of-the-range full-frame mirrorless camera is superb
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The Nikon Z7 is an instant classic. It’s a superb (and beautifully designed) camera with a huge 45.7 MP full-frame CMOS, 493-point hybrid phase/contrast autofocus, 4K UHD at 30p, and Integrated Image Stabilization System (IBIS). Nikon has made great strides in developing its range of native Z-mount lenses, but the Z 7 comes with an FTZ adapter that allows unrestricted use of any current Nikon DSLR lens. Migrating from a Nikon DSLR to a Nikon Z couldn’t be easier.
The new Sony A7R Mark IV offers more megapixels, but it’s not a big difference, and we had put the Z7 in the lead for handling and value, and Nikon has expanded its range of Nikon Z lenses to the point that it is now a true “system” camera. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
15. Sony A9 Mark II
This high-speed sports specialist meets pro-DSLRs head-on
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The Sony A9 II is the fastest and fiercest full-frame sports camera we’ve ever used. Its blazing speed and autofocus performance are matched only by its phenomenal connectivity, which promises to be a game-changer for professional shooters. We would have liked to see Sony implement something similar to Olympus’ Pro Capture feature so that we never miss the critical moment. However, if our most damning criticism is that the A9 II is too fast for us to keep up, then surely this is just a mission accomplished for Sony.
Mirrorless cameras still have a lot to prove in the professional sports photography market, where DSLR titans like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and the new Nikon D6 seem to be on the way to dominating for some time to come, but the Sony A9 and A9 II have convinced more than one professional that mirrorless cameras can (and will!) compete here as well. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
16. Fujifilm GFX 50R
It’s the most affordable medium format camera yet
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The GFX 50R is like a “telemetric” version of the Fujifilm GFX 50S medium-format camera. With a sensor 67% larger than the full image, the 51.4 million pixels of the GFX 50R have room to breathe and produce not only very high resolution but also superb dynamic range and noise control. Compared to a full-format camera or a smaller camera without a mirror, the GFX 50R is a bit cumbersome to use, but many will appreciate the way it slows down your photography and will certainly love the depth and quality of the images from this camera.
The GFX 50R is the cheapest medium format digital camera to date, and not much more expensive than a full-frame camera without a mirror. The extraordinary GFX 100 may have stolen all the titles, but the GFX 50R is still the camera that makes medium format affordable, and current prices put it more or less on par with high-end full-frame cameras – amazing. Overall, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras right now.
