A “best mirrorless camera” comes with incredible variety of features and latest shooting technology to offer you a modern photography experience.
Ever since mirrorless camera came on the market, it has evolved in countless ways. Top-of-the-line mirrorless camera models offer the highest level of image quality, full connectivity, burst speeds, cutting-edge video skills and fast autofocus – all you will get in a small portable package.
No mirror means mirrorless cameras totally rely on electronic viewfinders to frame your subject instead of optical viewfinders. Mirrorless cameras don’t have mirror or shutter mechanism. This feature makes it more compact, portable and lighter. It has image sensor and you can change or swap lenses like DSLR or SLR camera. And when taking a photo, mirrorless camera is exposed openly to the light.
If you are looking to buy one of the best mirrorless camera to upgrade from your older model or just want to switch from a DSLR, this buying guide will help you to do so. We have reviewed top 15 best mirrorless cameras for 2025, so that you will get more option to select the one that will best suit your style, taste, need and budget.
Comparison Table of Best Mirrorless Cameras
| Picture | Product | Optical Sensor Resolution | Weight | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sony a9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera | 24MP full-frame Stacked CMOS Sensor | 1.3 pounds | |
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Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera | 45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor | 1.29 pounds | |
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Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | 24MP full frame BSI CMOS sensor | 1.44 pounds | |
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PANASONIC LUMIX G9 Mirrorless Camera | 20.3MP Live MOS sensor | 1.45 pounds | |
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Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera | 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor | 0.67 pounds |
Top 15 Best Mirrorless Cameras Reviews (2025)
1. Sony a9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera – Top Pick
The Sony a9 is our top pick as the best mirrorless camera due to its exceptional autofocus (AF) performance, comparable to high-end DSLRs. Its full-frame mirrorless design not only matches but surpasses the AF capabilities of traditional DSLRs. The live view system of the a9 outperforms optical viewfinders, providing a superior shooting experience. This camera excels in tracking fast-moving subjects, such as birds in flight.
The a9 boasts an impressive 20 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting with auto-exposure (AE) and autofocus (AF) tracking, and it eliminates blackout issues. Its extended battery life, customizable options, weather sealing, and dual SD card slots enhance its overall versatility. The complex stacked sensor, featuring integral memory, enables the simultaneous processing of vast amounts of data, elevating electronic shutter performance to new heights.
For those prioritizing sensor quality and AF performance, the Sony a9 stands out as the top choice among mirrorless cameras. Its autofocus system is unparalleled in our experience, making it a leading option for photographers seeking the best in both image quality and focusing capabilities.
2. Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z7 is a remarkable camera for those seeking sharper and larger images, primarily owing to its impressive 45.7-megapixel illuminated image sensor. This high-resolution sensor contributes to excellent image quality, outstanding video capabilities, and a delightful electronic viewfinder (EVF) experience.
One of the key features of the Nikon Z7 is its adoption of a new, larger Z mount, promising revolutionary optical performance and 4K video recording capabilities. The camera also boasts a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, built-in image stabilization, and a top-notch electronic viewfinder. With a 493-point on-sensor phase detect autofocus (AF) system, the Z7 can achieve fast and precise focusing, delivering up to 9 frames per second (fps).
The Nikon Z7’s autofocus system operates within an impressive detection range of -1 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF), enhancing its performance in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, the camera facilitates faster data transfer between the camera and lens, optimizing overall responsiveness.
In summary, the Nikon Z7 offers an ideal balance between a large image sensor, the diameter of the mount, and the flange focal distance. It stands out as a megapixel marvel, delivering exceptional image quality, impressive video capabilities, and a highly satisfying electronic viewfinder experience.
3. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha A7 III mirrorless camera is a highly versatile and feature-rich travel camera, offering the capabilities one would expect from a full-frame body at a competitive price point. Its 24-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers clear and satisfying images, while the camera excels in 4K video capture in both full-frame and cropped APS-C modes.
With a robust 10 frames per second (fps) burst mode and automatic phase detection covering nearly the entire sensor, the A7 III effectively manages fast-paced action. It proves ideal for events, thanks to excellent eye and face detection capabilities, along with the ability to shoot silently.
The camera’s dual SD card slots, high-speed tethering, and USB power add to its practicality and convenience. Social travelers and photographers will appreciate the Wi-Fi and continuous location coding through Bluetooth. Noteworthy is the fact that, as a 3rd-generation Sony A7 model, the A7 III addresses previous concerns with improved controls and a larger battery inherited from the A7R III.
For those seeking the best full-frame camera, the Sony Alpha A7 III offers a compelling package that could meet all your needs. It’s even positioned as a tempting option for DSLR owners looking to make the switch. In conclusion, the A7 III comes highly recommended for its combination of performance, features, and competitive pricing.
4. PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera Mirrorless
The Lumix G9 by Panasonic is a joy to use, providing a high-performance mirrorless camera experience with a rugged, weatherproof body. The camera boasts a comfortable feel in the hands, excellent controls, and a large viewfinder image for enhanced usability. The PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera comes equipped with a fully articulated touchscreen featuring an excellent user interface. Its burst shot capability allows for monitoring fast-paced action, complemented by fast autofocus and highly effective integrated stabilization.
This top-tier mirrorless camera delivers outstanding image and video quality, thanks to its 20-megapixel Four Thirds sensor. This sensor competes favorably with 24-megapixel APS-C sensors, especially when it comes to maximum sensitivity. The high-resolution composite mode further enhances details, particularly with the right subjects. Notable features of the Lumix G9 include USB charging and power, robust wireless connectivity facilitated by Bluetooth, and Panasonic’s 6K and 4K smart photography modes. These functions make it easy to capture moments before pressing the shutter or adjust focus after an event has occurred.
In summary, the PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Mirrorless Camera stands out for its ease of use, robust features, and impressive image and video quality. Its blend of advanced technology, smart photography modes, and user-friendly design make it a reliable choice for photographers looking to capture moments with precision and flexibility.
5. Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera
The Canon EOS M100 draws close comparisons with Panasonic’s Lumix GX800/GX850 and Sony’s A6000, making it a solid choice for novice photographers. Designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind, this camera is particularly recommended for those transitioning from phone photography, offering a familiar experience with improved results and room for growth.
Equipped with an APS-C 24-megapixel image sensor, the EOS M100 delivers image quality comparable to the more advanced EOS M6. It features the same Dual-pixel AF system, ensuring fast and precise autofocus for both stills and 1080p video recording. The camera supports continuous shooting at 6 frames per second (4fps with Continuous AF), providing versatility for capturing various moments.
The compact design of the EOS M100 allows it to easily fit into a pocket, making it highly portable. The camera’s user-friendly controls make it accessible to anyone, enabling immediate shooting without a steep learning curve. While lacking a built-in viewfinder, its flip-up screen and excellent wireless connectivity make it convenient for capturing and sharing photos and videos, offering a seamless experience akin to mobile photography.
In summary, the Canon EOS M100 is a well-regarded mirrorless camera, offering simplicity, good image quality, and ease of use. It caters to individuals upgrading from phone photography, providing a compact and intuitive solution for immediate shooting and sharing.
6. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera stands out as an advanced APS-C camera that excels in delivering superb images and 4K HDR video. Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, this camera offers high-quality imaging capabilities. Notably, it boasts the world’s fastest autofocus (AF) speed at an impressive 0.02 seconds.
Featuring a Wi-Fi system, the a6400 ensures easy file transfer and remote control for added convenience. The camera’s advanced Real-time Eye-AF and Real-time Object Tracking AF contribute to precise and responsive autofocus capabilities. The 180-degree tiltable LCD touchscreen allows for flexible framing and easy review of both images and videos.
With continuous auto-exposure and autofocus, the a6400 supports up to 11 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced moments. Priced at around $900, this Sony mirrorless camera falls under the $1,000 mark, offering excellent value for its advanced features. While not the most affordable option, it presents a compelling alternative to other top-of-the-line cameras that often cost several hundred dollars more.
In summary, the Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is a top choice among mirrorless cameras under $1,000, offering exceptional autofocus speed, high-quality imaging, and advanced features at a relatively competitive price point.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera
The Olympus E-M10 Mark III is tailor-made for photography enthusiasts looking for a user-friendly system to kickstart their photography journey. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a convenient choice for photographers on the go, ensuring it can be taken everywhere with ease.
The camera’s settings are straightforward, featuring a new intuitive touchscreen interface and shortcut buttons for easy navigation. Priced at under $500, the E-M10 Mark III provides excellent value for money. The Touch AF feature allows for quick focusing and shutter triggering with a single touch, enabling burst shooting for sharp stills and smooth 4K video capture.
With its 20-megapixel sensor, this camera offers the flexibility to swiftly choose a new focus point, capturing fleeting moments effortlessly. The in-body image stabilization eliminates the need for a tripod or additional stabilizing equipment, ensuring blur-free shots. Three standout features that make the E-M10 Mark III a compelling choice are its reliable image stabilization, user-friendly menu and auto-selection features, and the attractive sub-$500 price point.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a camera that delivers excellent picture quality with speed and comes with desirable features like image stabilization, intuitive menus, and an affordable price, the Olympus E-M10 Mark III is a solid choice for capturing great moments effortlessly.
8. Fujifilm X-T30 FUKIFILM Mirrorless Camera
The FUJIFILM X-T30 is an outstanding mirrorless camera, combining sleek design with next-generation image-making technology. It caters to individuals who want to capture a wide range of photos in diverse settings, making it an ideal choice for unleashing creativity.
This Fujifilm camera boasts a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, an APS-C sensor with 26.1 megapixels resolution, and 4K video capability. Its auto focus features include detection, 425-point auto focus, and effective face tracking. The camera excels in delivering strong face detection, fast auto-focus, and the capability to create high-resolution images and videos with remarkable sharpness and clarity.
Priced under $1000, the FUJIFILM X-T30 offers excellent value for its features. The camera’s elegant design and compact size contribute to its overall appeal, making it a favorite among photographers seeking both style and functionality.
In summary, the FUJIFILM X-T30 is a highly capable and reasonably priced mirrorless camera, suitable for those who appreciate a sleek design, advanced features, and the flexibility to capture high-quality images and videos in various shooting scenarios.
9. Panasonic Lumix S1
The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is a premium full-frame mirrorless camera designed for a professional clientele, offering advanced features and high-quality imaging at an approximate price of $3000. This camera is equipped with substantial processing power, delivering unique image quality characterized by high resolution, rich gradation, and superior color reproduction.
The LUMIX S1 stands out with its ability to capture big, bold, and supremely detailed photos. It boasts 4K video capabilities, an impressive 47.3-megapixel resolution, and a 35mm full-frame MOS sensor. Notably, the camera can achieve massive 187-megapixel image captures, catering to photographers who demand the utmost in detail and clarity.
The digital camera system is designed to withstand challenging conditions, making it suitable for wildlife photography adventures off the beaten path. Its lightweight construction, combined with impressive camera performance, adds to its appeal. The dust, splash, and freeze-resistant design further enhance the camera’s durability, ensuring it remains reliable in various environmental conditions.
In conclusion, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 is a top-tier mirrorless camera offering professional-grade features and exceptional image quality. Its robust design, high resolution, and advanced capabilities make it a preferred choice for photographers who demand the best in their gear. While the price may be on the higher side, the LUMIX S1 caters to professionals seeking uncompromising performance and reliability in a full-frame mirrorless camera.
10. Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Fujifilm X-T3 is my preferred mirrorless camera in the X-series, particularly excelling as the best APS-C camera for video. While its appearance bears resemblance to the earlier Fujifilm X-T2, the X-T3 introduces the latest 26-megapixel X-Trans IV sensor, bringing significant improvements to autofocus and video capabilities. It supports 4K video up to 60p with 10-bit internal recording, making it a standout choice for video enthusiasts.
The X-T3 confidently competes with the Sony A6300/A6500 in action shooting, solidifying its position as the best APS-C camera for video in its class. With features like crop mode offering up to 20fps or 30fps, live view, and no blackouts, the X-T3 provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. The camera’s tactile controls, attractive design, compact size, and impressive high ISO performance contribute to its appeal.
Notably, the X-T3 delivers satisfying images, and its robust build quality, dual SD card slots, and full weather-sealing features enhance its overall durability and usability. This mirrorless camera strikes a perfect balance between style, size, and functionality, earning its place as one of the favorite all-round cameras. Highly recommended for its versatility and top-notch performance.
11. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera
The Canon EOS M50, equipped with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, stands out as a superior-level mirrorless camera. It offers reliable autofocus for both still images and 1080p video, along with a small yet sharp OLED viewfinder and excellent wireless capabilities.
Distinguishing itself as the first Canon mirrorless camera with 4K video, eye detection, an articulated touchscreen, and silent shooting options, the EOS M50 brings several advanced features to the table. However, it’s important to note that the 4K functionality has limitations, including a harsh crop and less secure autofocus based on contrast.
A drawback is the absence of USB charging, which could be inconvenient given the relatively low battery capacity. Despite these limitations, the EOS M50 remains an attractive model with its compact and comfortable body, leading wireless capabilities, secure focus for 1080p video, effective touchscreen, and excellent off-camera color reproduction.
12. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 proves to be a worthy flagship, offering significant improvements over its predecessor, the GH4. Notable enhancements include a more detailed viewfinder, dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II maximum speed, effective continuous autofocus at 9 frames per second, and integrated stabilization, making it a powerful and versatile camera.
The GH5 introduces Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photography modes, which now operate at double speed or 6K to extract still images at higher resolution from video clips. However, the standout feature lies in its movie modes, supporting unlimited 4K video internally at 60p or 10 bits at 30p. The camera comes equipped with a wide range of professional-grade features, such as vectorscopes, anamorphic acquisition, waveform displays, optional XLR inputs, programmable focus transitions, and a very flat output. These features collectively position the Lumix GH5 as one of the most convenient and professional video solutions for its price.
In summary, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a versatile and powerful camera that excels in both still photography and videography. Its robust feature set and professional-grade capabilities make it an excellent choice for content creators seeking high-quality imaging and advanced video functionalities.
13. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II builds upon the success of the weatherproof Mark I model by enhancing its features. It introduces a deeper grip, two memory card slots, and utilizes one of the most generous batteries among mirrorless cameras. The camera improves its impressive stabilization capabilities, slightly increases resolution, and introduces a unique composite mode that, in specific conditions, can boost the resolution to 50 megapixels.
The primary updates are seen in the areas of video and autofocus. The EM1 Mark II supports high-quality 4K and Cinema4K videos with effective stabilization. The new integrated autofocus system can track moving action at a remarkable 18 frames per second (fps), and when switched to single AF, it can shoot up to 48 RAW images at an impressive 60 fps. These enhancements result in an extremely reliable and capable mirrorless camera that excels in capturing images where others may struggle.
The professional price of the EM1 Mark II may be justified for those who require 4K or burst functionality, as it offers unique features in its class. While there are compelling rivals available at a similar or lower price, the extensive feature set of the EM1 Mark II positions it as one of the most powerful and attractive cameras in its category, justifying its initial cost regardless of format.
14. Olympus OM-D E-M1X Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus E-M1X has been purposefully designed with wildlife photographers in mind, reflecting Olympus’s strong commitment to this genre. Featuring a built-in vertical grip and a construction that sets it apart from other mirrorless cameras, the E-M1X is particularly comfortable to use and built to withstand challenging weather conditions. The camera’s build quality and strength make a positive impression just by holding it in your hand.
While the E-M1X is heavier than the E-M1 II, the size and weight of the lenses used for wildlife photography remain the same. The camera offers superb build quality and handling, with continuous shooting speeds reaching up to 60fps and 18fps. The excellent autofocus performance and the Pro Capture mode, which allows you to save images before fully depressing the shutter release button, are notable features.
The E-M1X also boasts state-of-the-art image stabilization for both stills and video, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with large magnification, handheld High Res Shot capability, 120fps progressive scan, weather sealing, excellent battery life, and dual SD card slots. All these features make it highly recommended for wildlife photography, providing the tools necessary to capture fast-paced and dynamic scenes in challenging environments.
15. Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6, one of Nikon’s offerings in the full-frame mirrorless camera market, provides a solid and more affordable alternative to its higher-end counterpart, the Nikon Z7. Especially appealing to long-time Nikon users, the Z6 offers a familiar interface and compatibility with existing F-mount Nikon lenses when using the Nikon adapter.
Key features of the Nikon Z6 include body image stabilization, 4K video capability, comprehensive weather sealing, a 24.5-megapixel sensor, a tilt touchscreen, a 12 frames per second burst capacity, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This camera strikes a balance between resolution, speed, and low-light performance, making it a versatile option for various photographic needs.
The Z6 stands out as one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras, boasting adaptability, a lightweight and mirrorless design, a revolutionary full-frame lens mount, and seamless integration with Nikon’s DSLR system, including the F-Mount NIKKOR lenses. It occupies a sweet spot in terms of performance, making it an appealing choice for photographers seeking a well-rounded and adaptable camera.
Accessories You will need for mirrorless cameras
There are some accessories that you should consider when you purchase a mirrorless camera to improve your photo game.
Additional batteries.
Mirrorless cameras are battery hungry and we recommend that you purchase at least one spare battery, whatever the model you choose. There is nothing worse than being without battery in the middle of a day of shooting! Keep in mind that in cold climates, the batteries will run out faster.
A mirrorless camera bag
To protect and store your mirrorless camera when you are not using it, a camera bag is a must. If you are taking your mirrorless camera for traveling or wildlife photography, then these case or bags is very important accessory to have. We suggest you to buy a protective bag that fits easily where you need it and can store your most used items like cable, spare batteries, phone and memory cards along with your camera.
Camera strap
We always suggest people to have a comfortable and decent quality camera strap for your best mirrorless camera. A strap comes with most mirrorless cameras, but if you don’t like the strap, there are lots of options out there.
Lenses.
The beauty of mirrorless cameras is that they have interchangeable lenses so you can always get new lenses or upgrade your goals as you go along with your photography. So for extra clear image, you can also buy lenses to upgrade your mirrorless camera.
Tripod for Mirrorless camera
You might want to consider a good and lightweight camera tripod, if you want to improve your photography. A mirrorless camera tripod can help you take photos and videos in low light conditions. You can also capture better photos of yourself. You can also apply more advanced techniques, and take better photos when traveling or in wildlife. A bulky tripod for mirrorless camera is not ideal for traveling or even wildlife photography. We suggest you to choose a foldable mini-tripod that can fit into a backpack.
Brush and Microfiber clothes
The camera and lenses can become dirty, especially when changing lenses, which can affect image quality. We always have a pair of and a blower / brush and microfiber clothes hidden in our camera bag to remove those stains or remove lint. Just pay close attention to what you use to clean the camera and optics, especially if you need to use a liquid cleaner, as the use of certain liquids can damage the glass coating.
Memory cards for Mirrorless camera
We recommend a high capacity memory card or some spare memory cards. So that you can store a lot of image and videos in your memory card and you will not have to worry about storage issues.
Waterproof or Plastic Ziploc Case
If you go for shooting in bad weather, you should protect you gear first when you are out in rain, snow, sand, dust, freezing temps, etc. If your mirrorless camera does not have weatherproof sealing, it becomes more important to protect it. Even if your under water camera has weatherproof sealing, it can still get damaged. So you have to protect your camera in both cases, if you want them to serve you for long time. Depending on the situation, this may be done by putting a plastic Ziploc bag over your mirrorless camera or you can also buy a waterproof case.
The Best Mirrorless Camera Buyers Guide
It’s easy to get lost in a world of technical jargon and features, when you are looking to buy a mirrorless camera and you will always wonder which feature is actually important.
We’ve shown some of the key factors that you should be looking for when buying the best mirrorless camera models.
Sensor Size of Mirrorless camera
The sensor size of a mirrorless camera is a key factor. Sensor is a part of the digital camera which the light hits, and helps to save that light information as a digital image file.
The sensor of mirrorless camera replaces the piece of film used to sit on the cameras, and chemically react to the light by hitting it to create the exposure. The sensors are available in various sizes, from small image sensors inside a smartphone, to larger sensors within DSLR and inside professional-level mirrorless cameras.
In general, the larger the sensor, the better the camera’s performance in low light conditions, as it can capture more of the available light. A larger sensor also allows greater depth of field effects. However, a larger sensor also requires a larger camera.
In mirrorless cameras, there are three main dimensions of the sensor. These are, from the largest to the smallest: Full frame, APA-C and Micro Four Thirds.
Full Frame Sensors
The Full frame sensors are the largest sensors available except much more expensive and more bulky mirrorless medium format cameras.
These full frame sensors have the same dimensions as a piece of complete film, 36mm x 24mm. This results in a surface 2.5x as large as an APS-C sized sensor, which explains why these sensors can capture much more light – and even cost a lot more!
APS-C Sensors of Mirrorless camera
APS-C sensors are the next dimension of MFT sensors and most manufacturers, including Sony, Canon and Fuji, use them in entry-level and mid-range mirrorless cameras. The size of the sensor is not absolute, but is generally within a few mm of 24 mm × 16 mm, which means that it is about a third larger than the MFT sensors.
Micro Four Thirds Sensors
The sensors of the Micro Four Thirds system (also known as MFT or M4 / 3) are a sensor size developed jointly by Panasonic and Olympus. The sensor image area measures approximately 17 mm x 13.5 mm. This makes it 9 times larger than most compact camera image sensors. The images produced by the MFT cameras have a 4: 3 aspect ratio.
Megapixels of Mirrorless camera
Megapixels refer to the number of pixels captured by the camera when taking a photo. This is directly related to the size of the image, for example if an image is 4000 pixels wide and 3000 pixels high, then it will be 12 million pixels (4000 x 3000). The million is known as mega, so this would be a 12 megapixel, or 12 MP image.
The more megapixels an image has, the larger it can print. For example, for an 8-inch x 10-inch print, you generally want at least a 7.2 megapixel image.
For the use of the web and social networks, images will generally never be displayed in a size larger than 2000 pixels (px) on the longest side, so even a 4 megapixel (2000 × 2000) image will do this for you. For most social networks, the image is much smaller than even 2000 px.
For a long time, megapixels were actually the marketing number that camera and smartphone manufacturers used to differentiate their products, with the theory that it was obviously better than most.
Megapixels are important, but unless you are planning to sell your photos to print on the side of buildings or if you plan to crop your images significantly (this often happens in the case of nature and sports photography). You should not worry about the amount of megapixels.
Anything above 12 megapixels will be fine for most uses of the average traveler.
Image Stabilization
Most of the time, during taking photo, we will hold our cameras with our hands. While this is fine most of the time, it poses problems if there is not much light available, because the camera will have to shoot at slower shutter speeds to capture more light and get good exposure.
No matter how quiet we try to keep our cameras, our hands will always move or shake a small amount and that movement of the hand at a slow shutter speed will result in blurred images. Blurry images are almost impossible to correct after the fact.
To compensate for this, most mirrorless camera manufacturers include image stabilization technologies in their camera. This can be in the camera lens, in the camera body or in both. Several camera manufacturers have a wide variety of names for their image stabilization technology, but the overall goal is the same: to let you keep the camera by hand at slower shutter speeds.
Image stabilization is certainly an important feature and ideally you want a camera that supports both body stabilization and lens stabilization for the best results.
Size & Weight of Mirrorless Cameras
If you choose a camera to take on your trips, weight and size can be an important consideration. You also want a camera that you really want to carry with you almost every day.
Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than most DSLR cameras, although they will take up more space and weight than a compact camera or smartphone. Mirrorless cameras with more features generally weigh more, so they tend to gain weight as they increase in price.
In addition to the camera body, you should also pay attention to the lenses, as they will add additional weight and volume. Some lenses weigh more than the camera body and zoom lenses generally weigh more than the main lenses.
Lens Compatibility & Availability
Since you’re buying a camera with interchangeable lenses, it’s also important to consider which lenses will be available for the camera model you want to buy.
The availability of the lenses varies greatly depending on the camera model. This is especially true with mirrorless cameras, since they are still relatively new on the market, so there is not a wide variety of lenses that you could achieve with a DSLR from a longtime manufacturer like Canon or Nikon. However, the number of lenses available for many ranges of mirrorless cameras is increasing.
It is also important to remember that, for the most part, the lenses are camera-specific, so a Sony mirrorless lens will not work on a non-Sony camera or a Sony camera without a mirror. Different sensor sizes from the same manufacturer, like Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras compared to Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera, will also have different lens options.
The specifications of each camera will tell you with which lens mount the camera is compatible, which will also tell you what type of lenses the camera will take.
RAW / Manual Controls
Mirrorless cameras are advanced cameras. You will get full manual controls and you can also shoot in RAW.
However, different mirrorless camera manufacturers offer different control systems, with various buttons, dials, and menu systems. Although not all mirrorless cameras have same functions like back button focus, might be missing from some cameras. So if there are features that are essential to you, make sure the camera has it.
4K video / support functionality
In addition to taking photos, all mirrorless cameras support video recording in one way or another. Different camera models will support different formats and sizes of video, from high definition support “1080” to 4K and more.
If you have more interest in videos, it is always worth making sure that the camera supports the video functions.
In terms of functionality, image stabilization, as described above, is also something to keep in mind when recording videos, as this function can help soften small tremors if you record freehand videos.
Mirrorless camera’s Wi-Fi
Many mirrorless cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi, which allows you to perform a variety of functions, such as remote control of the camera from a smartphone or file transfer. Wi-Fi is an excellent feature if you need to take photos quickly.
In general, it’s good to have features like this, but obviously they don’t affect the quality of the image, so you need to decide if it’s something useful or not.
Battery Life
The fact that mirrorless cameras often have a much worse battery life compared to equivalent DSLR cameras is often omitted. Therefore, when you save weight in most cases with a mirrorless camera (compared to a DSLR), you need to take into account the additional weight and cost of the extra batteries you intend to carry.
However, it is worth remembering that most mirrorless cameras have a shorter battery life, so check the nominal battery life of a mirrorless camera before buying it.
Mirrorless camera’s Image Burst Speed
A regularly informed specification of mirrorless cameras, is the burst speed rate. It refers to the number of images that the camera can shoot in sequence if the shutter button is pressed and is generally reported in number of images per second or frames per second (fps).
For example, a camera could take four frames per second, so it would have a burst of four fps. Another camera can do 8 fps. Usually, there will also be a maximum number of shots that the camera can take at this speed before the memory buffer becomes full and stops or drastically decreases.
Burst speed is an indicator of the overall speed of the camera’s processing capacity, but it is worth worrying only if you take a lot of action or sports photography.
Weather / Dust Sealing
Last on our list of specifications to consider is whether or not the camera offers any kind of weather / dust-sealing.
A mirrorless camera that has weather sealing, will help prevent water getting inside. These don’t mean that the camera is water-proof, but it must withstand some rain before problems begin to develop.
Weather resistance is normally found in many high-end camera models. If waterproofing is important to you, be sure to also buy waterproof lenses, as the entire system must function as a single unit to prevent water or dust from entering.
FAQs About Mirrorless Cameras
1. What is a mirrorless camera, and how does it differ from a DSLR camera?
A mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera that lacks the traditional mirror mechanism found in DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras. This absence of a mirror allows for a more compact design while still offering interchangeable lenses and high-quality image sensors.
2. How do mirrorless cameras work without a mirror?
Mirrorless cameras use a digital display or an electronic viewfinder to provide a real-time preview of the scene. Light passes through the lens directly onto the image sensor, and the electronic viewfinder displays the digital representation of the image. This allows for accurate exposure and focus assessment before capturing the shot.
3. What are the benefits of using a mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras offer benefits such as compact size, lighter weight, and silent operation due to the absence of a mirror mechanism. They often feature advanced autofocus systems, fast burst rates, and excellent video capabilities. Additionally, mirrorless systems allow for smaller and lighter lenses due to their shorter flange distance.
4. How is the image quality of mirrorless cameras compared to DSLRs?
Mirrorless cameras offer image quality on par with or even surpassing that of DSLRs. Many mirrorless cameras feature high-resolution sensors, advanced image processing, and the ability to capture sharp and vibrant images, even in low-light conditions.
5. Are all mirrorless cameras suitable for beginners?
Yes, mirrorless cameras cater to a wide range of users, including beginners. Many models offer user-friendly interfaces, automatic shooting modes, and guide features to assist newcomers in learning the basics of photography while still providing room for growth and creativity.
6. Can I use my existing lenses with a mirrorless camera?
Some mirrorless camera systems offer adapters that allow you to use lenses from other manufacturers or DSLR systems. However, native mirrorless lenses are designed to fully exploit the camera’s capabilities and often provide better performance.
7. Are mirrorless cameras suitable for professional photographers?
Absolutely. Many professional photographers have embraced mirrorless cameras due to their compact size, advanced technology, and outstanding image quality. Mirrorless systems like those offered by Sony, Canon, Nikon, and others provide features tailored for professional use, including high-resolution sensors, fast autofocus, and comprehensive lens selections.
Conclusion
The truth is that DSLR cameras still ruling the camera industry, compared to mirrorless camera. Because DSLR camera offers a wider selection of camera bodies, the best autofocus performance and lenses for every need and budget. However DSLRs isn’t the only camera system that can give you excellent results in this field anymore.
Products like the Sony A9 mirrorless camera have already closed the gap in terms of AF performance and are reaching new heights when it comes to electronic viewfinder, continuous shooting speeds, and the shutter mechanism.
In fact, all the mirrorless camera brands are working hard to push the boundaries further than ever before. Travelling with one of these above mentioned “best mirrorless cameras” will allow you to stay in the moment. So, choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Best of luck!
