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 2023, so that you will get more option to select the one that will best suit your style, taste, need and budget.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Picture | Product | Optical Sensor Resolution | Weight | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sony a9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera | 24MP full-frame Stacked CMOS Sensor | 1.3 pounds | |
 |
Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera | 45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor | 1.29 pounds | |
 |
Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | 24MP full frame BSI CMOS sensor | 1.44 pounds | |
 |
PANASONIC LUMIX G9 Mirrorless Camera | 20.3MP Live MOS sensor | 1.45 pounds | |
 |
Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera | 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor | 0.67 pounds |
Top 15 Best Mirrorless Cameras Reviews 2023
1. Sony a9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
“Sony a9 is our top pick as the best mirrorless camera as it is the only full frame mirrorless camera that truly match the AF performance of a high end DSLR. It is also the only camera that surpasses the performance of an optical viewfinder with a live view system. This camera is good at tracking birds in flight.”
Sony a9 offers up to 20fps with AE/AF tracking and no blackouts, great battery life, great customization option, weather sealing, dual SD card slot. Thanks to its complex stacked sensor that includes an integral memory, the camera can process a huge amount of data simultaneously, bringing the electronic shutter performance to a whole new level. If you are looking for a best sensor quality and AF performance, then the Sony A9 should be your first choice. This sony mirrorless camera has the best autofocus system of any mirrorless camera we’ve tried.
2. Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera
If you want your camera to take sharper and bigger images, you will need larger camera sensor. This Nikon Z7 is a megapixel marvel in this regard. Thanks to its 45.7 MP Illuminated image sensor. You will get excellent image quality, great videos, and a wonderful EVF.
This Nikon Z7 features new larger Z mount for revolutionary optical performance and 4K video capability. You will get a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, built-in image stabilization, and an excellent electronic viewfinder. This awesome mirrorless camera comes with 493-Point on-sensor phase detect AF system and up to 9 fps. The detection range of this no mirror camera is -1 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF). Again, Nikon Z7 FX-Format mirrorless camera provides faster data transfer between camera and lens. You will get the ideal balance between large image sensor, mount diameter, and flange focal distance.
3. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Sony Alpha A7 III mirrorless camera is a highly versatile and feature-rich travel camera that we can expect from a full frame body at this price. It offers clear and satisfying images of its 24-megapixel full-frame sensor. You will get attractive 4k video capture in full-frame or cropped APSC mode. This top full frame camera safely manages the action with 10 fps bursts and automatic detection of the focusing phase in almost the entire sensor. This camera is also ideal for events with excellent eye and face detection, as well as the ability to shoot in real silence.
You will appreciate the safety of dual SD card slots, high-speed tethering and USB power of this Sony mirrorless camera. The social travelers and photographers will love Wi-Fi and uninterrupted location coding Bluetooth. Another important thing is like a 3rd-generation Sony A7 model, the Sony Alpha A7 III also has the best controls and a larger A7r III battery, which basically eliminates previous concerns about the mirrorless. For those who want the best full frame mirrorless camera, the A7 III could be all the camera you need and even the model to tempt many DSLR owners into switching. Recommended.
4. PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera Mirrorless
Lumix G9 is a pleasure to use. This high-performance mirrorless camera has rugged weatherproof body. It will give you good feel in your hands with excellent controls and large viewfinder image. PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Camera offers a fully articulated touch screen with an excellent user interface, and burst shots that can monitor the action, fast autofocus, very effective integrated stabilization.
This best mirrorless camera will give you excellent image and video quality of the 20-megapixel Four Thirds sensor that competes with the 24-megapixel APSC sensors but with maximum sensitivity. The high resolution composite mode really offers more details with the right subjects. This mirrorless camera also includes USB charging and power, powerful wireless functions connected by Bluetooth and the Panasonic 6K and 4K smart photography modes. These awesome functions of PANASONIC LUMIX G9 4K Digital Mirrorless Camera makes it easy to capture a moment before pressing the shutter or adjust the focus after the event.
5. Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera
Canon’s EOS M100 closely compares with Panasonic’s Lumix GX800 / GX850 and the Sony’s A6000. It is recommended for novice photographers. This mirrorless camera offers a decent range of effects with time-lapse movies and confident focusing for stills and video. But, it offers the same APSC 24 Megapixel image quality as the more sophisticated EOS M6, the same fast and precise Dual-pixel AF, 1080p video, and reasonable continuous shooting at 6fps (4fps with Continuous AF). It is also aimed at those who update themselves from phone photography and as such needs to be easy and familiar while delivering better results and providing enough room to grow.
This highly appreciated mirrorless camera is compact enough to slip into your pocket. You will find that this camera is very simple to control, which means that anyone can take it and start shooting immediately. There’s no built-in viewfinder, but the flip-up screen and excellent wireless connectivity make it almost as easy to take and share photos and videos as if you had taken them on your phone.
6. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is an advanced APS-C camera that provides superb images and 4K HDR video. It comes with 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor. You will get the World’s fastest autofocus (AF) speed1 at 0.02 sec. For easy file transfer and remote control, this best mirrorless camera under $1000 has Wi-Fi system.
This Sony mirrorless camera is designed with advanced Real-time Eye-AF and Real-time object Tracking AF. To see the image and video you have taken, it has 180-degree tiltable LCD touchscreen. With continuous auto-exposure and autofocus, this camera allows up to 11fps continuous shooting. This Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera is an excellent choice among mirrorless cameras for less than $ 1,000. At about $900, this awesome Sony mirrorless camera isn’t exactly cheap, but this camera is many hundreds of dollars less than other top-of-the-line camera.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIOLYMPUS
The Olympus E-M10 mark III has been specially designed for people who love photography and need the perfect system to get started. It is entertaining and simple to use. This Olympus E-M10 mark III is a convenient mirrorless camera to take with you everywhere as it is small and lightweight.
The camera settings are also very easy as it has new intuitive touch screen interface and shortcut button. This mirrorless camera with a price of less than $500, is also a good bargain. Touch AF feature lets you focus right away and trip the shutter with one touch. It allows you to burst shoot blur-free stills and smooth 4K easily. This 20 MP camera has the ability to quickly pick a new focus point. You can take a good shot of an ephemeral moment easily. It also offers foolproof in-body image stabilization, no tripod or other stabilizing gear needed. Three things that will make you buy this camera are the image stabilization, the menu/auto selection feature and price which is under $500. I think this is a nice camera, if you want to takes great pictures with good speed.
8. Fujifilm X-T30 FUKIFILM Mirrorless Camera
The FUJIFILM X-T30 is an excellent mirrorless camera. It is a sleek mirrorless camera with next-generation image-making technology. If you’re someone who wants to take all types of photos in the widest variety of settings, then this FUJIFILM X-T30 is truly the perfect camera for releasing your creativity.
This best Fujifilm camera features 3-inch tilting touchscreen, APS-C sensor with 26.1 MP resolution, 4K video capability, auto focus detection, 425 point auto focus, and face tracking. This mirrorless camera will make you happy with the strong face detection, fast auto-focus, and power to create high-resolution image and video with outstanding sharpness and clarity. FUJIFILM X-T30 is also nicely priced, you can get it under $1000. You will also love the elegant design and compact size.
9. Panasonic Lumix S1
Here’s another best full-frame mirrorless camera of 2022 that is better for a professional clientele. Panasonic LUMIX S1 is a expensive camera and its price is around $3000. It has tons of processing power and provides high resolution unique image quality, rich gradation and superior color reproduction
Let’s check out what this expensive mirrorless camera offers:
This Panasonic LUMIX S1 digital single lens mirrorless (DSLM) camera offers big, bold, and supremely detailed photos. It comes with 4K video, tremendous 47.3 MP resolutions, 35mm full-frame MOS sensor and the capability for massive 187 MP image captures. This digital camera system is also strong, in case your wildlife photo adventures take you off the beaten path. You will love the lightweight construction, camera performance, and dust/splash/freeze-resistant design. You will definitely enjoy shooting with the Panasonic LUMIX S1 mirrorless camera.
10. Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Fujifilm’s X-T3 is my favorite mirrorless camera model in the X-series. It offers the best APSC camera for video. It may look a lot like the earlier Fujifilm X-T2, but it has the latest 26 Megapixel X-Trans IV sensor that brings big improvements to autofocus and to video. You will get 4k up to 60p with 10-bit internal recording.
Indeed the X-T3 becomes the best APSC camera for video and will confidently take on the Sony A6300 / A6500 for action shooting too. This Fujifilm X-T3 has the perfect balance of style, size, and usability. You will get crop mode up to 20fps, or 30fps, with live view and no blackouts This best mirrorless camera offers tactile controls, attractively-styled, small enough, and delivers satisfying images with high ISO performance. The Fujifilm’s X-T3 mirrorless camera has robust build quality, dual SD card slot and full weather-sealing features. It becomes one of my favorite all-round cameras. Highly Recommended.
11. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera
The Canon EOS M50 is designed with a 24-megapixel APSC sensor and is a superior level mirrorless camera. It offers secure autofocus (for still images and 1080p video), a small but sharp OLED viewfinder, and excellent wireless facility.
This mirrorless camera becomes the first Canon mirrorless camera with 4K video, eye detection, articulated touchscreen, and silent shooting options.
Unfortunately, the 4k has limited use, employs a harsh crop and only works with a less secure autofocus based on contrast. I am also frustrated that there is no USB charging, especially since the battery is fairly low. EOS M50 remains a very attractive model with a compact but comfortable body, industry-leading wireless, secure focus for 1080p video, effective touchscreen, and excellent off-camera colors.
12. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 4K Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a worthy flagship, which greatly expands the quality and capabilities of the previous GH4. A more detailed viewfinder, two SD slots that support UHS-II maximum speed, effective continuous autofocus at 9 fps and integrated stabilization make it a powerful trigger and an improved offer of sensor and image processing.
Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photography modes now work at double speed or 6K to extract still images at higher resolution from video clips. Not surprisingly, they are the movie modes that really impress with unlimited 4K video internally at 60p or 10 bits at 30. It comes with a wide range of features including vectors, acquisition anamorphic, waveform displays, optional XLR inputs, programmable focus transitions, and very flat output. These features make it one of the most convenient and professional movie solutions for money.
13. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II takes the popular weatherproof Mark I, deepens the grip, adds two memory card slots and uses the most generous battery of any mirrorless camera. It improves the already surprising stabilization, adds a slight increase in resolution and offers a clever compound mode that, under the right conditions, can increase the resolution power up to 50 megapixels. However, the main updates refer to video and autofocus. EM1 Mark II records high quality 4k and Cinema4k videos that work great with stabilization.
A new integrated AF system can really follow the moving action up to 18 fps; switch to single AF and shoot up to 48 RAW at 60 fps. All this adds up to an extremely secure and capable mirrorless camera that can capture images where others can’t. But it’s really necessary to have 4K or burst functionality to justify the professional price. There are many very convincing rivals for the same or less money. But if the feature set explodes, the EM1 Mark II becomes one of the most powerful and attractive cameras in its class and justifies its initial price regardless of format.
14. Olympus OM-D E-M1X Mirrorless Camera
The E-M1X is designed for wildlife photographers more than any other. Olympus has showed a lot of commitment to this genre. This Olympus mirrorless camera has a built-in vertical grip and its construction is unlike any other mirrorless product. It is very comfortable to use and has been designed to stand up to the most challenging weather conditions. Just holding it in your hand immediately gives you a very positive impression about its build quality and strength.
Certainly the camera is heavier than the E-M1 II, but the lenses you use for wildlife remain the same size and weight. It has superb build quality and handling. It is capable of continuous shooting speeds up to 60fps and 18fps. You will love the excellent autofocus performance and the Pro Capture mode lets you save images before fully depressing the shutter release button. It offers state of the art image stabilization for stills and video, EVF with large magnification, high Res shot hand-held and 120fps progressive scan, weather sealing, excellent battery life and dual SD card slot. Recommended for wildlife photography.
15. Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6 is one of the two models presented by Nikon to compete in the market for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera is the cheapest option compared to the most expensive Z7. But still this camera is a solid option, especially for those of you who have been Nikon users for a long time. Since the interface will be easy to use and offers compatibility with the existing F-mount Nikon lenses when using the Nikon adapter.
The Z6 offers body image stabilization, 4K video, complete weather sealing, 24.5 MP sensor, tilt touch screen, 12fps burst capacity, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Nikon Z6 is one of the best full-frame mirrorless camera option. Perhaps, It is the most adaptable camera Nikon has ever produced. It is at the sweet spot of resolution, speed, and low-light performance. All combined with the benefits of a lightweight and mirrorless design, a revolutionary full-frame new lens mount and seamless integration with Nikon’s DSLR system that includes the F-Mount NIKKOR lenses.
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.
Mirrorless Camera vs. DSLR : Key Difference
Mirrorless cameras are starting to quickly replace DSLR cameras as the ideal camera for travel photographers. This is because they generally provide the same set of features and image quality, but in a lighter and smaller package.
The main difference between a mirrorless and a DSLR camera is optical viewfinder. Mirrorless camera don’t have this optical viewfinder instead it has a screen or electronic viewfinder.
The benefit of electronic viewfinder is that it will accurately represent the image you can shoot. The weakness is that powering a screen consumes a lot of power, so you will need more replacement batteries for a mirrorless camera than a DSLR.
Mirrorless cameras are more expensive than DSLR cameras. They also generally have a smaller lens selection than most DSLRs.
Comparison between mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras in details
| Aspect | Mirrorless Cameras | DSLR Cameras |
|---|---|---|
| Size and Weight | Generally smaller and lighter. | Larger and heavier due to the mirror. |
| Viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD. | Optical viewfinder using a mirror. |
| Autofocus Speed | Generally faster due to on-sensor AF. | May be slower, especially in Live View |
| Lens Compatibility | Wide range, often require adapters for certain lenses. | Extensive lens options without adapters. |
| Image Quality | Comparable to DSLRs in similar price range. | Comparable to mirrorless in similar range. |
| Battery Life | Generally shorter due to EVF usage. | Longer battery life due to optical viewfinder. |
| Video Performance | Often excel in video features and 4K recording. | Generally good, but mirror can cause limitations. |
| Adaptability | Well-suited for adapting vintage lenses. | Adapting lenses less common and can be tricky. |
| Low Light Performance | Can have excellent performance at high ISOs. | Good performance, but may have limitations. |
| Native Lens Selection | Rapidly expanding but may not cover all focal lengths. | Wide range of native lenses available. |
| Startup Time | Generally quicker to start up. | Slightly longer startup due to mirror mechanism. |
| Price | Can be more affordable, but high-end models can be expensive. | Wider price range, including budget options. |
| Learning Curve | Intuitive for new users due to electronic interfaces. | May have steeper learning curve for beginners. |
Remember, the choice between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the type of photography you intend to pursue.
Benefits of Mirrorless Cameras
Here are the general advantages of a mirrorless camera:
- Interchangeable lenses
- Great image quality
- Smaller and more lightweight than most DSLR cameras
- Settings changes instantly appear on the screen
- Good cameras to advance one’s photography skills
Disadvantages of Mirrorless Cameras
Here are the main disadvantages of a mirrorless camera:
- Larger and heavier than a compact camera, smartphone, or action camera
- More difficult to learn to use than a compact camera or smartphone
- Mirrorless cameras are expensive and you have to invest in both a body and lenses.
- No mirror means you can get dust on the sensor more easily than a DSLR
- Less selection of lenses and shorter battery life than many DSLRs
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!