If you're looking to pick up a new camera with not just more resolution, but better optics, a more capable image sensor and lots of versatile features, then you really want to consider a mirrorless camera. You'll find a wide selection in the models now in the market, with prices ranging from around $500-600 up to $4,500. So, there's a mirrorless camera to suit almost every photographer. They're great if you're looking to step up from a smartphone or point-and-shoot, as well as those looking for something that's smaller than a DSLR, but still produces quality images.
The mirrorless camera we'd recommend for beginners is the Sony a6000, which costs just under $650 with a lens, yet shoots at a blazing-fast 11 fps, takes great pictures in all conditions, and has a compact body. More advanced photographers might prefer its successor, the Sony a6300 ($900), which takes even better photos in low light, and can record video in 4K. If you want to wait—and splurge a bit more—Sony has also unveiled the a6500 ($1,400), which also has 5-axis image stabilization. Regardless of which one you choose, you should check out our guide for taking great pictures with Sony's line of A6000 cameras.
If you prefer mirrorless cameras not made by Sony, check out Olympus' OM-D E-M5 Mark II, which at $899, is a great camera for both stills and video. (Or consider its successor, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III.) Some of the OM-D E-M5 Mark II's most noteworthy features include 5-axis image stabilization, a sturdy weather-resistant body, and a super high-resolution 40-MP mode.
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Blackmagic, a manufacturer of professional-grade, full-size camcorders, is introducing the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K ($1,295). This “mirrorless” digital camera, with a large 4/3rds image sensor, may meet the needs of those looking for a step up in video quality. It shoots in 4K at 60 fps, in 10-bit (ProRes) or 12-bit RAW, and it can record large RAW files over USB-C to an external storage device. Other specs includes a top ISO of 25,600 ISO and 13 stops of dynamic range, for great low-light performance; slots for SD, UHS-II, and CFast memory cards, and a large 5-inch LCD touchscreen. It does have a button to shoot still photos, but the focus here is on video. While classified as mirrorless (compatible with Micro 4/3rds lenses), it comes with an MFT mount, which, according to the company, is “extremely flexible and allows for different lens adapters so customers can also use PL, C, EF and other types of lenses from manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Leica and even Panavision.” However, such adapters generally come with compromises, such as fewer autofocus options. Blackmagic's camera will be available in September.
Olympus has introduced a new mirrorless camera, the PEN E-PL9 ($599.99 for body-only and $699.99 with kit lens), targeted at entry-level photographers and those wanting to step-up from a point-and-shoot or smartphone camera. It features a 16-MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, a 3-inch swiveling touchscreen LCD, body-based 3-axis image stabilization, 4K HD-resolution video, and built-in Wi-Fi, and can shoot burst of photos up to 8.6 frames per second. The more expensive camera kit will include with a 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens, which is also an electric-powered zoom lens.
- The Canon EOS M50 is a step up from the lower-priced EOS M100, but includes a number of important features not available on the M100, including a high-quality electronic viewfinder, a fully articulating touchscreen, a hot shoe for an external flash, and 4K-resolution video capture (although at just 24 frames per second). It comes with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor and features Canon’s latest processor, the Digic 8, which allows it to fire off 10 frames per second (or 7.4 in servo AF mode) in burst mode and HD-video capture at 120 fps (at 1280 x 720) for slow-motion video.
The M50 also includes Wi-Fi (which adds a nifty auto-transfer feature), dual-sensing image stabilization (which integrates mechanical body-based IS with optical, lens-based IS for its M-series lenses), and a new CR3 RAW file format. The EOS M50 will be available this April and sold in three configurations: Body only for $779.99; with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for $899.99; and with two lenses (in black only)—EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM—for $1,249.00.
The a6000 is an ideal compromise between power and portability. Its autofocus is as good as a DSLR's, and it shoots as fast as DSLRs that cost several times more: 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.
Editor's choice
Sony Alpha a6000
Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera
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.
MORE: DSLRs vs Mirrorless Cameras
While it has the same resolution (24MP) as the a6000, the 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 new mic jack will let budding videographers record better audio.
Editor's choice
Sony Alpha a6300
Best Intermediate Mirrorless Camera
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.
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 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.
Editor's choice
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (M5 MII)
Best Mirrorless Camera for Video
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.
Sony Alpha a7 II
Best Pro Mirrorless Camera
Four Tips For Choosing a Mirrorless Camera
In today's diverse marketplace, choosing a mirrorless model is too expensive to be an impulse purchase. To make sure you end up with the right camera, here are four tips to help you decide which is best for you. |
Try out your mirrorless model before your buy. |
Decide what features are important to you. |
Be skeptical of sales staff. |
Skip extended warranties. |
How to Choose a Lens for your Mirrorless Camera
One of the most important qualities that mirrorless and DSLRs share is that they accept interchangeable lenses, which can dramatically improve image quality and bring your photography to a new level. But there are scores of lenses to choose from, which can be confusing. To help you get better acquainted with this important camera accessory, here's a quick rundown of types of interchangeable lenses that are available for your mirrorless camera:
Standard zoom lenses: It's the lens that most people who buy an entry-level SLR or mirrorless model as a kit know first. Mirrorless kits generally come with a 14-42mm lens. They typically include a small amount of zoom (3x), and are often inexpensive, but not the highest quality. However, in the past several years, the quality of these kit lenses has improved.
Prime lenses: You can save money by choosing a prime or non-zoom lens. They offer excellent quality, and are often much more affordable. If you need to zoom, just use your feet and walk closer to your subject!
Telephoto zoom lenses: If you shoot a lot of sports or other types of events, consider these powerful zooms, which can bring you closer to the action and provide features to capture images with shallow depth-of-field. They can be a bit heavy and bulky, but most manufacturers have been inventing new lenses that are smaller and more compact, but are still high quality. The 70mm-200mm is a good example of this type of lens.
Wide-angle lenses: If you're traveling, this type of lens, such as a 16-35mm zoom, can be very valuable, since it allows you to capture different types of wide-angle shots. Want to shoot a group portrait? Set the zoom lens towards the 35mm end of the range, which will avoid distortion at the edges of the image. Or if you want to capture a broad, sweeping landscape, use the lower end of the zoom, nearer to the 16mm end. However, these lenses can be pricey.
Macro or Close-up lenses: If you're looking to capture close-up shots of small objects, you'll want a good quality macro lens, which come in a variety of focal lengths, such as 50mm and 100mm. Be sure to do your research to be sure the lens you want has macro capabilities.
Specialty lenses: One of the most notable specialty lenses in this category is the ultra-wide fisheye lens, which some photographers love for the exceptionally distorted point of view. Other types include tilt-shift and soft-focus lenses.
About the author
You've decided that "mirrorless SLR" is the answer to any question. A reviewer must overcome personal bias. Doing so means that what the camera is used for and the output quality for that use is the #1 issue. If you review cars that can drive to the grocery store for apples, every one can suffice. If you want top quality handling in the curves and a 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds, the field narrows considerably.
For me, the sharpest and best lenses used with a higher 36 MP sensor in my Nikon gives better "pro" quality pictures of landscapes, product photography, weddings/portraits, action, etc. My Nikon D800E/D810 can take pictures comparable to my old 35 mm film cameras and medium format size too.
Sony's A9 or A7S mark II would also be good choices. Any mirrorless from Canon? Do not even consider it.
You did say 'high end" cameras. The E M-5 Mark II is old, there's a Mark III now. Plus, the M1 Mark II is the best MFT camera in existence.