10 Best Mirrorless Cameras

The best mirrorless cameras are just as good as DSLRs and still offer more than the DSLRs. They feature fast continuous shooting speeds, have electronic viewfinders, and are more compact and lighter. In this guide, we provide the information you need to choose the best mirrorless cameras for your needs.

 

 

 

 

1. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Camera

The Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B is a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a 24.2 MPS Exmor R CMOS sensor. It has a back-illuminated structure and features the latest BIONZ X image processing engine and front-end LSI. This mirrorless camera performs continuous shooting as it captures 10fps with AF/AE tracking.

The Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B also features 1.8X readout speed and delivers stunning wide coverage with 693 phase-detection and 4D focus. You can view 610 shots with a viewfinder or 710 shots using an LCD monitor.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Continuous Shooting
• Exmor R CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• 1.8X Readout Speed

 

 

 

      What We Don’t Like:

• It is Pricey
• Only 24.2 MP Resolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Panasonic LUMIX G85 Digital Camera

The Panasonic LUMIX G85 is a 16-megapixel mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Its 16-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor with no low pass filter delivers sharper and very detailed images. With its 12 60-millimeter lenses, this camera is compact, lighter, and gives you the ability to shoot faster. You get image stabilization in photo and motion modes with 2 axis lens and a new 5-axis in-body image stabilization.

You can view the images with a viewfinder or the LCD display. The viewfinder features 2360K dots while the LCD display has 1040K dots for optimal viewing. Additionally, this mirrorless camera features 4K video recording and can record photos with 30fps.

This camera also features a new electromagnetic drive that reduces the shock and minimizes the shutter sound. You benefit from stable shooting with one hand due to its thick and ergonomically designed grip. It is splash and dustproof that gives you the ability to continuously explore.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Compact & Light
• Dual Image Stabilization
• Splash & Dustproof
• 4K Video Recording
• Shutter Shock Reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Panasonic LUMIX G7KS Mirrorless Camera

The Panasonic LUMIX G7KS is a 16-megapixel 4K mirrorless camera. With this mirrorless camera, you benefit from high-quality videos and photos with a next-generation intelligent image processor. The LUMIX G7KS features 4K photo modes – 4K Burst, 4K Burst S/S, and 4K Pre-Burst.

With the LUMIX G7KS, you won’t have blurry images and videos with its fast and precise AF tracking of the color, size, and motion vector of the target. You benefit from silent shooting with its quiet and fast AF system. Additionally, the Panasonic LUMIX G7KS also features a high-visibility viewfinder with 2,360k-dot.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• High Image Quality
• 4K Video & Photo
• Silent Shooting
• AF Tracking
• Focus Peaking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is compact and lightweight with a high-quality RF lens. This Canon mirrorless camera delivers high-quality stills and 4K and full HD video with its 26.2 megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor and fast DIGIC 8 image processor.

Its RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM lens provides a flexible zoom range, excellent close-up focusing with 0.5x maximum magnification, and smooth autofocusing. Additionally, this camera has a touch and drag AF that makes it easy to select and move focus points on the LCD touchscreen.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• High-Quality 4K Images & Videos
• Compact & Lightweight
• Touch & Drag AF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS R6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers high-quality images with its 20-megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor. It also features a DIGIC X Image processor that produces 4K images with high speed and efficiency.

This camera has the ability to capture high-speed action with a continuous shooting that is available up to 12 fps (mechanical shutter) and 20 fps (silent shutter). You benefit from fast and precise autofocus with its dual pixel CMOS AF II that delivers about 100% coverage with 1,053 AF areas.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• High-Quality Images
• Continuous Shooting
• Fast & Precise Autofocus

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless Camera

The Z 50 camera features a 20.9-megapixel DX CMOS sensor, a robust EXPEED 6 engine, and a wider Z mount. With its autofocus system, this camera delivers outstanding images as it locks onto the target and keeps the focus there.

Additionally, its Z mount features a 55-millimeter lens that produces high-quality images and outstanding images even in low-lighted areas. This mirrorless camera is compact and lightweight. The Nikon Z 50 also delivers 120 fps slow-motion 1080p full HD video.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• High-Quality Images
• Compact & Lightweight
• 4K Ultra HD Time Lapse

 

 

 

 

 

7. Fujifilm X-E3 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-E3 features APS-C 24.3 megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor and the X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine. This camera shoots high-quality 4K videos at 29.97 fps at 100 Mbps. It features continuous shooting up to 8.0 fps that allows for continuous capture of fast-moving objects.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Smooth Continuous Shooting
• 4k High-Quality Recording

 

 

 

 

 

8. Nikon Z6 Camera

The Nikon Z6 delivers high-quality videos and photos thanks to its 24.5-megapixel full-frame BSI image sensor and its advanced EXPEED 6 image processor. It also allows you to capture videos and photos at high ISO settings up to ISO 51,200 because of its maximum low-light capability.

The Nikon Z6 is part of the Z series cameras that are noted for the widest lens mount of the full-frame cameras. This results into sharper images with lens designs up to f/0.95 max apertures. You can shoot up to 12 fps at full resolution in Hi+ mode because of its continuous shooting ability. One big advantage of the mirrorless camera design is its silent mode which allows you to shoot in almost perfect silence.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 12 FPS Continuous Shooting
• Silent Mode
• High-Quality Videos & Images
• Maximum Low-Light Capability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony Alpha a6000 captures high-quality videos and images with its 24-megapixel APS-C image sensor. It is compact and features interchangeable lenses and its E mount system makes it very versatile. It captures 11 fps in continuous shooting mode with AF tracking.

The Sony Alpha a6000 produces high-quality videos and images even in low light conditions thanks to its BIONZ processor and Exmor CMOS sensor.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• High-Quality Videos & Images
• 11 FPS Continuous Shooting
• Maximum Low-Light Capability

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Nikon Z50 Camera

The Nikon Z50 produces high-quality images with a 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, a fast EXPEED 6 image processor, and a wide Z mount. You get sharper images and videos due to its hybrid autofocus system and its 209 on-sensor AF points that cover approximately 90% of the frame.

The Nikon Z50 delivers continuous shooting at 11 fps with autofocus and auto-exposure. It features silent shooting and records videos in 4K at 30P.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• High-Quality Videos & Images
• 11 FPS Continuous Shooting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Mirrorless Camera?

1. Lenses

When choosing an interchangeable-lens camera, the lens is one of the important things to take into consideration. There is a direct relationship between the quality of the lens and the quality of the image the camera produces. The size of the lens is also important and is usually determined by the sensor. Many cameras come with a lens which makes it easier for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Sensor Size

Another important factor to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera is the size of the sensor. The quality of the image depends largely on the sensor’s size. Additionally, the camera’s performance in low light, the size of the camera, its compatible lenses and focal length are all determined by the sensor size.

Mirrorless cameras have four sensor sizes – full-frame (35mm), APS-C (23.6 x 15.6mm for Nikon, 22.2 x 14.8mm for Canon), micro four-thirds, and the medium format which ranges between 36 x 24mm and 127 x 101.6mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Resolution

Resolution is another factor to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera. You can find many mirrorless cameras with resolutions from 24MP and upwards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Portability

How you will work will determine how much portability will be a factor when choosing a mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras are designed and built to be compact and lightweight. This makes them portable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Durability

Most cameras are durable and built to withstand the harsh elements of the weather. You should pay attention to the durability of a camera when choosing one to make sure it is durable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Autofocus

Autofocus is another important factor to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera. You want a camera that can quickly focus on your target and capture a clear and sharp image. The importance of a good autofocus system can not be overstated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. AF Points

The AF points help detect and determine if the target object is in focus or not. You benefit from more accurate AF performance from more AF points. When you are choosing a mirrorless camera, pay attention the number of AF points. The more, the better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. AF Method & Point Type

The AF method and points help determine the autofocus speed and accuracy of a camera. Phase-detection is a fast focusing method that splits the incoming light, compares the light beams, and readjusts the focus if the beams don’t match. In mirrorless cameras, this happens on the sensor through special pixels for measuring focus.

Another focusing method is called contrast-detection, It analyses the amount of contrast between the pixels on the sensor and adjusts the focus until it is achieved. Although it is very accurate, contrast detection is slow when compared to Phase-detection. It is becoming more common to find mirrorless cameras adopting a combination of both the phase and contrast-detection focusing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Viewfinder

One of the main differences that distinguish mirrorless cameras from DSLRs is the viewfinder. DSLRs use a set of mirrors and prisms to reflect the object into an optical viewfinder. The end-user benefits from an instantaneous and exact view of what the camera captures.

Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that transmits picture information via the sensor to present a virtual preview of what is captured by the camera. Electronic viewfinders use battery power which could be a negative when compared to optical viewfinders.

Moreover, the possibility of a time delay between when changes occur in real-time and when they are displayed in the EVF is high. This lag could affect your chances of capturing a moment.

However, EVFs give a closer representation of how the image will be captured and some also feature display focus speaking. Some EVFs also provide more information like histogram, exposure settings, and battery status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Display Monitor

Mirrorless cameras have rear LCD monitors that allow you to shoot in live view, review images, and view settings. How bright and sharp the display is will depend on the monitor’s resolution.

You can find monitors that are fixed while others tilt at different angles. This makes it easier to view the screen in bright conditions and shoot at varying angles. Touchscreen control is a new feature for monitors and it is gaining popularity. It is faster and more intuitive for adjusting some settings and functions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Video

Most mirrorless cameras are designed with 4K HD features. This gives you high-quality videos and images. This is another factor to consider when choosing a camera, but most mirrorless built today are 4K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is another important factor to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera. While image stabilization is effective, sensor-based stabilization is preferable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Two Memory Card Slots

Two card slots are better than one. If you are a full-time photographer or do a lot of photography work, you will want to consider getting a mirrorless camera with two memory card slots rather than one. Two card slots allow you to continue shooting when one card fills up. Additionally, with two card slots, you can leave the filled-up card where it is and continue shooting rather than remove and store it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Top Plate Display

The top plate display is not one of the most important features to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera. However, it gives you a quick view of the camera and shooting settings without the need to look at the LCD or the viewfinder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Eye Detection

Eye detection is a relatively new feature in mirrorless cameras and it allows you to track the subject as it moves. It detects the eyes and tracks the target’s movements. Some also work on animals as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Silent Shutter

A silent shutter allows you to continue shooting images and videos quietly. They work well for formal or business events as well as occasions like shooting in a place of worship, weddings, funerals, museums, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is A Mirrorless Camera?

A mirrorless camera is built without a movable mirror and pentaprism to reflect the image. The light does not go through a mirror, but rather directly to the sensor and then the image is displayed on the screen. This gives you the ability to adjust the settings and take a look at the image before it is shot. Mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact because there is no mirror.

 

 

 

 

 

How Does a Mirrorless Camera Work?

A mirrorless camera works by the light not going through a mirror but directly to the sensor thereby displaying the image on the screen. With a mirrorless camera, you get a live preview of the scene instantly on the viewfinder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Mirrorless Camera?

Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity over the last two decades for many reasons. They have taken photography to another level and we state some of the benefits below.

 

1. Compact and lightweight

With no mirror and smaller sensors, mirrorless cameras are more compact and lighter. This also makes them more portable for the professional photographer and the hobbyist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Electronic viewfinder (EVF)

The electronic viewfinder allows you to adjust the settings before you capture the photo. You get a live view directly on the LCD.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Image stabilization

Image stabilization is enhanced with mirrorless cameras as there is less shaking thereby resulting in a more quality image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Silent mechanism

Mirrorless cameras make less noise as there are fewer moving parts. This makes it ideal for more formal and business work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Higher shooting speed

You can capture images and videos at faster rates because of improved focusing and high shutter speeds.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Mirrorless Camera And A DSLR?

For a long time DSLRs were the standard cameras used by professionals and everyone else. However, over the last few decades, mirrorless cameras have come onto the scene and taken over as the preferred camera for almost everyone. There is a reason for that and we explain what is the difference between DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras.

 

1. Lightweight and compact

Mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact than DSLR cameras as they don’t have mirrors. This makes it more portable and helps you move about when shooting for different events. DSLRs are larger and heavier than mirrorless cameras.

 

 

 

 

2. Real-time previews

Mirrorless cameras provide real-time previews of exposure and contrast. You can preview exposure and contrast settings on the screen before you capture a photo. DSLRs, on the other hand, have an optical viewfinder that lets you see the image through the lens. However, with a DSLR, you will have to take the photo before examining it to verify that the exposure is correct.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Short battery life

Mirrorless cameras have a shorter battery life than DSLR cameras. Its electronic viewfinder needs battery power which is not ideal for long shoot days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Expensive

Mirrorless cameras are on average more expensive than DSLRs. You can still find costly DSLRs, but with accessories, mirrorless cameras will cost you more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Fewer Accessories

Mirrorless cameras have been on the market for just a few decades. DSLR cameras have been the mainstay camera for quite a long time. As a result, mirrorless cameras are still evolving and offer fewer accessories than the established DSLR. Notwithstanding, this gap is rapidly shrinking.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Shoots Faster

Mirrorless cameras shoot faster than DSLRs. Although DSLRs and mirrorless cameras take photos at fast shutter speeds. mirrorless cameras shoot faster than DSLRs due to their simpler internal mechanics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Image Stabilization

You get better image stabilization from mirrorless cameras than from DSLR cameras. With fewer moving parts, mirrorless cameras shake less than DSLRs and therefore provide better image stabilization for higher quality images and videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Smaller Sensor Size

Mirrorless cameras have a smaller sensor size than DSLRs. This feature allows mirrorless cameras to produce high-quality images and videos even in low-light conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Autofocus System

Mirrorless cameras have a less accurate autofocus system.

 

 

 

 

 

Mirrorless Camera Accessories

There are a number of accessories that you may want for your mirrorless camera. Most come with a battery, but you might want
additional memory cards, a portable flash, a tripod, shutter remote, battery grip, cleaning items, etc.

 

1. Memory Cards

You will need additional memory cards to store the videos and images if you are a full-time photographer or an avid hobbyist. Some cameras are built with more than one memory card. However, if your has only one memory card, you might need a few more.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Camera Bag

The mirrorless camera bag stores and protects the camera when not in use.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Cleaning Kit

The mirrorless camera cleaning kit has all the items needed to clean the camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Speedlight

The Speedlight provides additional lighting for your shots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Camera Tripod

The camera tripod is used to position the camera on it to take shots at different angles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Shutter Remote

The shutter remote enables the camera operations to be performed wirelessly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Battery Grip

The battery grip carries the battery that supplies power to the camera as you work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Mirrorless cameras have become more popular in the last decade. They have some major benefits over the DSLRs but also a few disadvantages. The one you choose will depend on what you want from a camera. We have shared information in this guide to help you find the right one base on features and price.

Notwithstanding, our verdict is that the Sony a7 III is the best choice if the price is not a major factor over the ability of the camera. However, if price plays a major role in decision-making, then the Panasonic LUMIX G85 is also a very good option.