Mirrorless cameras have many of the benefits of larger DSLRs (such as great image quality) but are far more compact, making them easier for amateurs and professionals alike to carry. And, you'll find a wide selection in the models now in the market, with prices starting incredibly low. So, there's a mirrorless camera to suit almost every photographer.
The best mirrorless camera for beginners is the Sony a6000. It shoots at a fast 11 fps and takes great pictures in all conditions. More advanced photographers might prefer its successor, the Sony a6300, which takes even better photos in low light and can record video in 4K. If you want to splurge a bit more, Sony's a6500 also has 5-axis image stabilization.
Having trouble deciding which Sony mirrorless camera is right for you? Check out our handy guide that compares the Sony a6000 vs the a6100, a6200, a6300, a6400, a6500, and a6600.
If you prefer something not made by Sony—and something that can withstand the elements—check out Olympus' OM-D E-M5 Mark II, which has 5-axis image stabilization, a sturdy weather-resistant body, and a super high-resolution 40-MP mode. We also like that you can customize nearly all of the E-M5's buttons, making it a truly personal camera. Note that Olympus just announced its successor, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III, which has a high-resolution sensor and better image stabilization.
The Sony a6000 is the best mirrorless camera for beginners, in that it's an ideal compromise between power and portability. Its autofocus is as good as a DSLRs, and it shoots at a blistering 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and metering. Electronic viewfinders are a weak point on many mirrorless models, but the a6000's OLED eyepiece is bright and crystal-clear, and doesn't suffer from the stuttering you'll sometimes find on EVFs with lower refresh rates. A DSLR shooter would be comfortable moving over to this eyepiece.
The a6000 shines in low light, and features the ability to capture clean images up to ISO 1600 sensitivity and usable shots in very dim conditions way up to ISO 12,800. On top of that, the a6000 shoots gorgeous full-HD video at up to 60 fps, as well as 24 fps for a cinema look. Clips show fine detail, rich color and buttery-smooth motion rendering, even in low light.
While it has the same resolution (24MP) as the a6000, the Sony a6300 has a much improved sensor that improves image quality (especially in low light), but makes focusing much faster, too. It can also shoot video in 4K, and a mic jack lets budding videographers record better audio.
The a6300 also has a sturdier metal body and a sharper OLED electronic viewfinder that, in addition to the articulating LCD panel, will help you compose the best shot, whatever the angle. It's the best mirrorless camera for those who are looking for something a little more advanced than an entry-level model.
With 4K video and 5-axis image stabilization, the Sony a6500 is the best mirrorless camera for those looking to capture stable video. Detail and color are excellent in video, but you may want to use the camera's Center Lock-on AF feature to make sure focus stays on a moving subject.
Image quality is equally fine in detail and color, with excellent dynamic range (combined shadow and highlight detail). And images stay fairly clean of pixel noise up to ISO 6400. Autofocus is superb, with the camera able to shoot 11fps, adjusting focus as needed for each shot. Combined with a memory buffer holding over 300 images, you're nearly guaranteed to get a shot that captures the action perfectly.
With even cellphones shooting 1080p video up to 60 fps, Olympus had to up its game for video. It certainly did, with an amazing five-axis image-stabilization system in the Olympus OM-D E-M5 MII that allows you to capture steady video even while walking around — something unthinkable until now. That video also boasts fine detail and attractive color, with one of the best auto white balance capabilities we've seen for avoiding the typical orangey look during indoor shooting.
All these virtues serve the M5 MII equally well for still-photo shooting, too. Its resistance to water means you can shoot under nearly any condition. In addition, the M5 MII's truly tiny dimensions and weight, coupled with a nice selection of compact lenses, make it the most portable high-performance mirrorless camera out there. It's a joy to carry anywhere, and for an entire day.
It's the world's first full-frame mirrorless camera to carry in-body 5-axis image stabilization, but there's more to the Sony A7 II than just steady shooting. This petite, sexy camera fits in most bags, and packs a bunch of customizable buttons and knobs for quick access to your favorite controls. We also loved the bright, clear pictures and relatively low amount of noise (graininess) even at high ISO light sensitivity levels. Thanks to effective wireless capability, you'll be able to beam your shots to your smartphone or computer within seconds.
Until recently, most full-frame mirrorless cameras cost big sums just for the camera body. The Canon EOS RP is part of a trend of less-expensive models, bringing higher image quality at a lower price. The EOS RP has a 26-megapixel sensor, user-friendly controls, and a compact bod. However, there are some compromises: The EOS RP lacks in-body image stabilization, it has a comparatively short battery life and a slower shooting speed than other mirrorless cameras. Still, these tradeoffs are worth it for the price.
While it doesn't have a full-frame sensor like the Z6 and Z7, the Nikon Z 50 offers a solid feature set, great image quality, and good performance — but in a smaller form factor at a more consumer-friendly price. We liked its build and deep, comfortable grip, as well as the sharp electronic viewfinder.
The 3.2-inch touchscreen flips down for selfies but is obscured if you have the camera on a tripod. The Z 50 has intuitive controls, in-camera retouching, and good performance in low light. However, there's no in-body image stabilization, and the single card slot only supports lower-end SD cards.
