Mirrorless cameras, also known as Compact System Cameras, are all the rage right now. The main difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is that, as the name suggests, mirrorless cameras lack the traditional mirror that DSLRs have. This means that mirrorless cameras rely on an electronic viewfinder, rather than the optical viewfinders that DSLR cameras usually come with.
Some cheap compact system cameras make do without a viewfinder altogether and rely entirely on the rear screen to compose pictures. This may get the job done in some optimal scenarios but can be troublesome when you’re outdoors in a sunny area. This is why it is essential to do your research before investing in a good quality camera. The best camera for someone else might not be the best camera for you; It all depends on your preferences and intended use.
However, with the market being full to the brim with some fantastic mirrorless cameras, choosing the right one for yourself may be complicated and confusing. To make a choice easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best mirrorless cameras currently on the market. No matter what your photography style or need, we’ve got something on our list for everyone.
1. Sony a7 III (Overall Winner)
Sony’s a7 III mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is one of the best cameras for its price. Sony took all the best features from some of its most renowned flagship cameras, such as the a9 and the a7R III, and combined them to produce a single brilliant camera, the Alpha a7 III.
This full-frame camera with a 24.2-megapixel back-illuminated image sensor offers a wonderful mix of high-resolution image quality and performance. The camera can be used in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor conditions with different kinds of lightings and still give excellent results.
The camera contains a top-quality hybrid autofocus system with 693 point phase detection. Among one of the product’s best features is a 2.36-million dot high contrast OLED EVF Tru-Finder, which reproduces incredibly subtle details, and lens coatings that reduce any reflections or refractions of light.
Honestly, we could go on all day about the amazing features. Still, for the sake of being brief, we will end this review by telling you to trust us when we say the Sony Alpha a7 III is incredibly hard to beat in terms of technology, build, and performance.
2. Nikon Z6
Nikon may have entered the mirrorless camera market after some of its competitors, but when it did, it entered with a bang. Introducing one of the most excellent compact system cameras on the market, the Nikon Z6 is an ode to masterful engineering.
This small yet powerful camera contains a large, FX-format 24.5 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 6 Image Processor, which combine to give lightning-fast, sharp, high definition images. The camera also boasts an astounding 3.69 million dot EVF display with NIKKOR optics and fluorine coating to ensure excellent image display in various light conditions.
The cherry on top is the brilliant ultra high definition 4K video recording that can go up to 30p and uses an N-Log gamma profile to produce videos that can beat the likes of some professional video recorders.
The camera’s price has reduced in recent times, and it is now one of the best bargains you will find on the market. If you’re looking for an all-around camera that has a ton of great features and can perform well in a number of situations, then Nikon’s Z6 is most definitely the best choice.
3. Fujifilm X-T3
A name to be reckoned with in the photography market, Fujifilm has introduced one of the best all-around cameras up to date. The X-T3 is an excellent mirrorless camera that packs a bunch of fantastic features into a compact, old-school-style camera.
This camera contains one of the fastest, highest resolution image sensors with 26.1 megapixels for better tracking of subjects, along with an improved autofocus system with excellent sensitivity (down to -3EV).
This camera is able to record 10-bit 4K videos at up to 60p with a color sampling ratio. A feature seldom found in a still images/video camera. The X-T3 has all the feels of a traditional DSLR camera but with the latest cutting edge technology. The only drawback is the high price tag.
However, this is because the Fujifilm X-T3 is a high-end camera and produces brilliant results; one can only expect from a high caliber camera. In which case, the camera is worth the price tag.
4. Fujifilm X-T30
Fujifilm cameras are a true showstopper when it comes to performance. Fujifilm’s X-T30 contains one of the best, and highest resolution APS-C image sensors currently available on the market with 26.1 megapixels! It also has an incredibly sophisticated autofocus system with autofocus tracking and face detection.
Don’t be fooled by the low price and simple design of the X-T30. This camera has all the features available in high-end cameras at half the price! The camera is able to record excellent 4K videos at 30 fps or 120 fps at 1080p for slo-mo effects. The color fidelity on this camera is one of the best in the market as well, with a ratio of 4:2:2 its HDMI port.
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is one of the highest-rated cameras across the internet. All the praises, though, are well deserved considering the excellent results this camera can produce. With its high quality and resolution 16-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII image processors, this camera can produce stills of stunning quality.
A 4K video recorder is fitted inside the petite body of the camera that can record clear and well-focused videos thanks to its supreme autofocus system. Overall this camera is an excellent choice for all photographers, whether they are amateur or professional.
6. Panasonic LUMIX S1
Panasonic’s LUMIX S1 mirrorless digital camera does not beat around the bush. It is a no-fuss, excellent quality compact camera aimed at professional photographers. The high price tag of this model is completely justified when you look at some of the incredible features it has to offer.
This full-frame mirrorless camera features a high-resolution mode with 96 megapixels to capture landscapes with stunning detail and image quality! The camera is also able to produce wonderful 4K HDR videos that are of cinema-quality. The LUMIX S1 is designed to be taken on all sorts of adventures and is robust and durable, a quality not present in many compact system cameras.
7. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Last but definitely not least, the Canon EOD M6 Mark II is an excellent yet affordable camera for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on purchasing mirrorless cameras.
The camera features an excellent image sensor with 32.5 MP CMOS (APS-C) technology and a continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second with Autofocus and AE tracking. Like all the cameras on our list, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is also able to produce brilliant Ultra High Definition 4k videos as well with a speed of 30 frames per second in burst mode. All in all an excellent camera that gives you a bang for your buck.
8. Panasonic LUMIX GX85 (Budget Winner)
The Panasonic LUMIX GX85 is one of the most versatile and petite cameras on our list. This camera can cater to all sorts of photographers, ranging from those who prefer having complete control over their camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture diameter, to those who prefer auto shooting mode.
The camera is able to record excellent 4K videos that are crystal clear and well-focused thanks to Panasonic’s Depth From Defocus (DFD) autofocusing system. A built-in electronic viewfinder allows you to view your images perfectly in all sorts of light conditions, from the sunny outdoors to the dark indoors. A tiltable screen enables you to shoot from a multitude of angles.
The camera is an excellent choice for travel photographers who prefer to pack light. Travelers will be delighted to know that Panasonic also has a tiny range of micro-four-thirds lenses, which, when paired with the GX85, give you a powerful yet light and compact combination, perfect for long journeys.
Final Words on Mirrorless Cameras
DSLR cameras have finally met their match in terms of image quality with the new mirrorless cameras. These compact powerhouses are the top choice for photographers everywhere. Confused on which one to buy for yourself? Refer to our list for an extensive review of all the best mirrorless cameras currently on the market to pick the best one for yourself.
