Mirrorless technology is based on an electronic viewfinder. Its use allows to reduce the dimensions of the camera compared to SLR cameras, while maintaining advanced functionality and interchangeable optics.

The first mirrorless cameras that appeared in the early 2000s were not in demand due to the high cost and truncated capabilities. But in recent years, the situation has changed. The technical parameters of modern models are comparable to DSLRs and are second only to professional equipment. But the mass distribution of mirrorless cameras is constrained by the high cost and undeveloped optics park. The use of adapters and non-native lenses often leads to a decrease in quality.

Mirrorless technologies are actively mastered by all manufacturers of photographic equipment, including the leaders of the “mirror” market Canon and Nikon, but so far their success in the new field cannot be called outstanding. The palm here belongs to Olympus and Panasonic, but in recent years, Sony has become the recognized leader.

Mirrorless cameras confidently conquer the market and over time can displace SLR cameras. However, novelty is a limiting factor in increasing sales. Even sellers of specialized stores are not always ready to conduct a competent consultation. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to focus on the reviews, reviews and ratings of the best mirrorless cameras.

For more our buying guides, take a look at the popular links: Cameras For Beginners, Compact Digital Cameras, Video Cameras.

Mirrorless Camera Reviews

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Fans

#1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Mirrorless Camera

Sony-Alpha-ILCE-6000

Highlights of Sony Alpha ILCE-6000:

BIONZ X Image Processor

3.0″ 921k-Dot Xtra Fine Tilting LCD

Tru-Finder 0.39″ 1,440k-Dot OLED EVF

Despite its compact size, this mirrorless camera will give odds to most amateur DSLRs. The main competitive advantage is the best autofocus speed. Record 179 points provide full frame coverage, sony can easily cope with any dynamic scenes. The impressive filming speed of 11 frames per second will not let down the reports.

A tenacious tracking autofocus could make the model a leader in video quality. Full HD resolution and recording speed meet modern requirements, but the manufacturer decided not to focus on video. There is no microphone jack on the case, and users complain about the camera overheating during prolonged continuous use.

The undisputed advantage of the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 is also its low noise level. ISO up to 3200 is rated as working, and 6400 with a guarantee will do for a home album. Other useful things include Wi-Fi, NFC and a rotary screen.

The only drawback of a mirrorless camera is the cost, which for beginning photographers will seem unreasonably high.

#2 Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera

Canon-EOS-M50

Highlights of Canon EOS M50:

24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor

2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen

Mirrorless with the best characteristics, if you take into account the loyal price of the gadget. Here, interchangeable optics, a three-inch rotary display, Wi-Fi and bluetooth, a matrix resolution of 25.8 megapixels and support for 4K. In the reviews, the owners of this mirrorless camera swear that 4K is dishonest, but even in Full HD, the M50 shoots delightfully.

Users after experience using this model for more than six months share their feedback in reviews. Autofocus is gorgeous: there is tracking focus, focus on the eyes, and the ability to select the focus point by tap on the screen when using the electronic viewfinder.

Thanks to the cheap Chinese adapter, you will connect a 50 mm STM lens. The camera also accepts cheap batteries without any problems. The menu flexibility and many settings are also pleasing. All buttons can be reassigned. This is the best mirrorless for fans and not only.

#3 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

Olympus-OM-D-E-M1-Mark-II

Highlights of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II:

Micro Four Thirds System

TruePic VII Image Processor

2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

Behind the retrostyle hides an advanced electronic filling. The advantages of the camera include a large electronic viewfinder, high sensitivity, good color reproduction and fast autofocus. In the new version, a useful option appeared on the rotary touch screen: selecting the focus area with the finger on the screen.

But the best among competitors OM-D E-M10 Mark II makes the built-in 5-axis optical stabilizer, which is not found in all older models. With it, you can confidently shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds in low light and record videos.

There are no complaints about the resolution of the picture in the video mode, the maximum video frequency is 120 frames. Rate of fire is also on top. 8.5 frames per second is enough for professional reporting photography. The buffer is not rubber, but roomy: the maximum series of shots is 22 in RAW format. Of the minuses, users note an illogical menu, but you can get used to it.

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Advanced Users

#4 Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic-Lumix-G7-4K

Highlights of Panasonic Lumix G7:

Micro Four Thirds System

2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder

Venus Engine 9 Image Processor

A mirrorless camera that mediocrely takes photos and smartly shoots videos. It has a 16-megapixel matrix, the ability to record video for up to 30 minutes in 4K resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a rotatable touch screen and time-consuming tracking autofocus.

In reviews, this model is called the best inexpensive solution for videographers. A variety of video helpers are wired into the software. There are many settings. The built-in microphone does its job perfectly.

Light weight and elegant size make this model the best for advanced users who are looking for a camera for video shooting in 4K and not only. Bonuses: powerful battery, good sound recording, gorgeous detail on the video. The main disadvantage is not the highest quality materials of the case. Plastic looks flimsy.

#5 Sony a6500 4K Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony-a6500-4K

Highlights of Sony a6500:

24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor

XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF

3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD

A neat mirrorless camera with great features and compact dimensions. This “Alpha” is shooting in 4K resolution, has a 25-megapixel camera, a folding touch screen and supports interchangeable lenses. 5-axis stabilization works well.

Autofocus pleases not only with clarity, but also with the speed of reaction – the manufacturer calls autofocus in his creation the fastest in the world. There are a lot of phase focusing points – 425 pieces.

In the reviews they write a lot of pleasant things about this mirrorless. There are complaints: a weak battery, not always correct focus on “non-native” lenses, low recording speed via USB.

Users note that the gadget is almost not heated, pleases with ergonomics and low weight, it is characterized by high-quality stabilization. The kit has a whale lens, so additional investments to start taking pictures will not be needed.

#6 Sony Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony-Alpha-a7S

Highlights of Sony Alpha a7S:

Gapless On-Chip Lens Design

3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor

12.2MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor

The release of the full-frame Sony Alpha A7s is a technological breakthrough in the world of digital photography. Due to the increase in pixel size, the manufacturer has achieved previously unthinkable sensitivity.

In the daytime, this solution does not give advantages, but in the dark Sony shows incredible results. Experts agree that when setting the ISO to 6400, the use of noise reduction is not required. The wide dynamic range allows you to snatch details even in complete darkness. Other benefits include a metal case, flip-up display and Wi-Fi.

The mirrorless camera has impressive video capture potential. Contrast focusing does not lose autofocus, even if the subject is constantly moving. All settings are adjusted during shooting. The video frame rate reaches 120 frames per second, and when you connect an external recorder, you can record in 4K format.

Sony’s main complaint is its weak battery. For travel and long shooting you will need several spare blocks. In addition, the mirrorless camera has a low rate of fire: 5 frames per second is not enough for the reporters, but the manufacturer set itself different tasks.

A mirrorless camera is best for shooting in low light conditions. Of course, there are some shortcomings in it that are eliminated by the released second version, but the cost of the new model is disproportionately higher.

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Professionals

#7 Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera

Sony-a7R-III

Highlights of Sony a7R III:

399-Point AF System & 10 fps Shooting

BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI

UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas

The compact professional version with a 44 megapixel matrix and 4K video support also got into the top. Autofocus regularly performs its function even at dusk. In portrait shooting, autofocus focuses on the eyes – convenient. Matrix stabilization and helps out a lot when shooting. The viewfinder is electronic and high quality. The processor is powerful and even while saving the shot, it leaves the user the ability to change settings and move around the menu.

The menu, unfortunately, is heavily overloaded – in the maze of settings it is difficult to quickly navigate and get to the desired characteristics. But even in poor lighting, the photos do not lather and are characterized by high quality.

Another nice bonus for wedding and “reporting” photographers is the high shooting speed. Up to 10 frames are created per second. Each megapixel matrix is ​​felt and expressed as pictures. The case is nice, the wheels are metallic, the buttons are tight so that each press is felt. The shutter button is smooth.

#8 Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Fujifilm-X-T20

Highlights of Fujifilm X-T20:

2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder

24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor

3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD

Compact universal option of Japanese quality. The device is great for videos and for photos in professional quality. Here is a 24-megapixel matrix that creates video content in 4K without crop. The screen is touch and swivel, the diagonal size is three inches. I am glad that the camera does not overheat even when recording video in ultra-format.

Despite the touching size, the camera is capable of producing excellent images with excellent quality. It is a pity that there is no function to change ISO when recording video. Otherwise, it is a professional mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, encrypted under a budget compact camera. The camera got into the top of the best cameras, not only due to the pleasant price, but also the surprisingly high quality of the footage.

#9 Sony a7 III ILCE-7M3 Mirrorless Camera

Sony-a7-III-ILCE-7M3

Highlights of Sony a7 III ILCE-7M3:

693-Point Hybrid AF System

24MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor

UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas

A 24 megapixel full-frame matrix that produces photos in a resolution of 6000×4000. The autofocus is hybrid and pleases with the speed of work, a large number of points, a tracking function and “smart” work in portrait shooting.

There are connectors for a headphone, microphone and USB type-C, as well as support for two flash cards at once. The screen rotates only in the up and down position, which is convenient when shooting from the abdomen, for example, but you will have to take vertical photos from above blindly. But the focus points can be indicated directly on the screen: the system will understand you.

Electronic viewfinder with 100% field of view. The battery is quite capacious – it lasts for 510 photos, although in the burst mode Alpha ILCE-7M3 is capable of delivering several thousand frames on a single charge. Users in the reviews note that the camera can withstand more than 5-hour interval in active mode without recharging.

#10 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

Olympus-OM-D-E-M1-Mark-II

Highlights of Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

Micro Four Thirds System

2.36m-Dot LCD Electronic Viewfinder

TruePic VIII Dual Quad Core Processor

Mirrorless compact option for those who engage in professional photography. Here is a 20-megapixel camera that shoots in 5184 x 3888 resolution, an electronic viewfinder, and a touch-sensitive rotary LCD. Autofocus is hybrid and works quickly, correctly and accurately. The number of points for focusing is amazing – 121. There is manual focusing and even an electronic range finder.

The case is made of metal and protected from dust and water. The gadget sits perfectly in the hand, providing a comfortable grip with a well-thought-out body shape. Auto ISO is programmed, which allows you to get a high-quality frame without noise.

The detail is awesome, especially in RAW format. The white balance in the automatic mode works with dignity – the color rendition is natural. For portraits and reportage photos – this is the best model taking into account price and quality. In addition, it has excellent stabilization, fast operation (from power on to frame processing) and a tenacious focus with tracking function.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found the best mirrorless camera for yourself after this tutorial. If you would like to comment, notice that the article content has not been updated in time, or suggest a mirrorless camera I did not include, please use our contact form to stay in touch.

Have fun and good luck!

Notice: Trizily.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program to provide a means for us to earn fees sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliate links supports our efforts to bring you the best possible product reviews at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support here at Trizily.com

Similar Posts