If you’re not happy with the performance of your current point-and-shoot camera or smartphone camera, then perhaps, it’s time to purchase a mirrorless camera. The best mirrorless cameras on the market are compact, lightweight, and have features that justify their prices. With many big brands like Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon, it surely is hard to pick just one, right?
Let us help you choose the best mirrorless camera for your photography needs with our top 10 list, and buying guide reviewed by freelance photographer and graphic artist Kenneth Aballa. We also have some tips on how you can take better pictures. What are you waiting for? Scroll down below to know more!
Quick List - Top Mirrorless Cameras
An art director and a freelance photographer who shoots portraits, food, events, and products. Loves taking photos be it digital or film.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Mirrorless cameras tend to be smaller and lighter compared to their SLR counterparts. As a result, they're an ideal choice for everyday use. Moreover, mirrorless cameras tend to have more stylish designs than their DSLR counterparts. Users can also add accessories, change lenses, and enjoy different shooting scenarios with these cameras.
In this buying guide, we will introduce some points of consideration when choosing a mirrorless camera. You might come across some technical jargon, but it’s better to come across them now, so you can firmly understand what you want in a mirrorless camera.
Keep a close eye on the sensor size of the mirrorless camera because it’s a very important element. The sensor of the camera will turn light from the lens into electronic signals. Here are some information you need to know when checking out the sensor sizes of mirrorless cameras.
Mirrorless cameras with a full frame sensor are preferred by many professionals because they can take sharp photos and do extra-large prints. Also, a full frame sensor allows cropping without much loss of image quality. Some brands offer mirrorless cameras with full frame sensors that are ideal for professional photographers.
A full frame sensor lets more light in without producing much noise compared to crop sensors, making it perfect for those with subjects operating in a low light environment such as concerts and astrophotography. It is also recommended for those who need high-quality and detailed images, especially in the field of print and photojournalism.
A full frame camera produces exceptional images but is more costly than cameras with crop sensors. It is worth the investment if you don't see yourself upgrading in the next few years.
APS-C sensors are the most common sensors used in mirrorless cameras. They are about three-quarters of the size of a full frame sensor. An APS-C sensor has a smaller area to capture a scene, so it has a "cropped" effect. The angle view is narrower, so it creates an impression of being zoomed in.
A mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor can capture sharp images for high-quality prints. It is also lighter and more compact, so you can bring it anywhere. However, this kind of sensor cannot capture photos with great details in low light, and the bokeh effect gives underwhelming results.
The APS-C sensor or 'crop sensor' is perfect for hobbyists and those who are shooting for the first time. It is cheaper and smaller than a full frame camera, and it's easier to use with less complicated settings.
While it's somehow true that it's inferior under low light scenarios and produces a weaker bokeh compared to a full frame, it will still depend on the lens you are using. A good and high-quality lens can compensate for the image quality. If you have a camera with an APS-C sensor, invest in a good lens!
Also, it is great for web photography and produces high-quality prints. By using Micro Four Thirds, you get a tighter shot compared to the APS-C sensor. It also gives more depth of field compared to a full frame camera even if the same focal length is used. You can find an extensive selection of accessories and lenses for this type.
The main pro of Micro Four Thirds is its weight. It is lighter than cameras with APS-C sensors, so if you're after portability, this may be a good choice.
Low ISOs like 100 or 200 are often used in bright settings or environments or when the camera is mounted on a tripod. The standard ISO range is between 200 and 1600 but it can go as low as 50 or as high as 3 million depending on the camera model. Also, keep a close eye on the quality of the images because they can degrade as ISO sensitivity increases.
ISO is one of the elements in the exposure triangle of photography. You would want a camera that can shoot at a high ISO, especially if you'll need to shoot in a dark environment, you need to shoot at a high shutter speed, and/or if you're shooting with a large aperture lens.
Take into account that a higher ISO produces more noise and grain. A full frame camera is a lot less noisy at a higher ISO compared to crop sensors.
However, it’s necessary to balance the ISO sensitivity, sensor size, and the number of pixels. For example, if the camera can capture 12 million pixels (MP), the size of each pixel can change because of the size of the built-in sensor. A camera with 10-20 megapixels is already capable of taking high-quality images with good details.
The higher the pixels, the more details a camera can capture. However, you must also consider where you'll be placing the images. For print, whether in magazines or billboards, you'll benefit from high-quality images taken from a camera with high megapixels since the details will be preserved.
However, if you're shooting mostly for web photos, you won't be able to benefit so much since images tend to get compressed on the web. As said, 10-20 megapixels is already enough for the average photographer.
If you want to try different styles of photography, you can look for specialized lenses that suit your subjects, scenes, and personal preferences. However, the lens selection is not as extensive as DSLRs. Also, bear in mind that not all lenses can fit all camera units, so check the compatibility of the lens before buying.
Definitely invest in a good lens! A good camera can underperform with a bad and cheap lens. There are different lenses with different apertures and focal lengths tailored for different purposes. 50mm and 35mm lenses are classic prime lenses, perfect for portraits and everyday use.
The kit lens that usually comes with new cameras is an all-around lens that produces decent photos but gives bad distortion and decent to bad low-light performance. Also, consider the sensor of your camera. Full frame lens will work on crop sensors but not the other way around.
Also, there are mirrorless cameras that come with a built-in electronic viewfinder. The image goes right to the lens to the image sensor. It produces an electronic version of the scene, which can be used to frame the shot. If your camera doesn’t have an EVF, you can add an external attachment.
This depends on the preference of the user. A viewfinder will definitely give you a more precise view and conserve more battery than an LCD. On the other hand, an LCD will give you a bigger viewing area but consumes more battery, and it will be harder to look at under the sun. In addition, shooting through the viewfinder is more stable than holding your camera at arm's length.
The autofocus feature of a camera is important, so you can take sharp photos and avoid blurry images. A mirrorless camera uses contrast detection to focus on the subject. It measures the contrast between pixels until it detects enough contrast to determine the image to focus on.
The downside of this is it is slower to focus on the image and more difficult to use in low light. It is also less effective when focusing on moving objects. To solve this problem, mirrorless cameras now have a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase and contrast-detection methods. You may consider getting a camera with this feature.
You need a good autofocus feature since most of the time, you'll depend on it more than manual focusing, especially during quick shoots. Choose a camera with a fast and sharp autofocus to get high-quality photos. If you have the extra funds for a hybrid autofocus system, invest in it.
When it comes to video recording, mirrorless cameras can take high-quality videos and provide useful features. Since the lens of a mirrorless camera can be changed depending on your needs, it offers more flexibility when taking videos. It also has a more consistent autofocus performance than DSLRs.
Most mirrorless cameras can shoot in full HD, and some can even shoot in 4K. If a mirrorless camera is capable of shooting 4K videos, it means faster processing and better image quality. There are also mirrorless cameras that can take time-lapse and slow-motion videos. These features can be useful for aspiring filmmakers.
Mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more popular with filmmakers and videographers because of their video quality. Cameras that can shoot in 4K and those with other extra features such as slow-motion tend to be more expensive. When deciding, analyze your needs to the get the most out of your camera investmentーwill you just focus on shooting photos or will you be utilizing it for videos as well?
Cameras with Wi-Fi have an app for iOS and Android, so you can control the camera with your phone. You can control the shutter speed, ISO, and other settings without touching your camera. Additionally, some cameras offer other wireless functions like Bluetooth, NFC, and even GPS.
Wi-Fi connection is probably one of the most useful features for cameras nowadays. The ability to instantly transfer photos to your phone is very useful whether you're an occasional traveler wanting to post your pictures immediately or you're a content creator who needs to send photos for checking. As a freelance photographer, this helped me greatly during live events where I needed to send photos for immediate posting.
You can get a mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization, so you can take stable videos and photos. This technology can help you take sharp images when shooting handheld and using longer shutter speeds. The built-in gyroscope and accelerometer calculate the motion and rotation of the camera to keep it stable.
Image stabilization is something that we tend to overlook when considering a camera. Aside from getting better photos when capturing moving objects, IS greatly helps in mirrorless cameras since we tend to hold it at arm's length where it is prone to shaking. Yes, there are lenses that have IS, but you won't really need it that much if your camera itself has a great IS system.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lens Size | Sensor Type | No. of Pixels | ISO Sensitivity | Video Resolution | Viewfinder | With Wireless Connectivity | With Autofocus | With In-Body Image Stabilizer | |||||
1 | Canon EOS M50 Mark II | ![]() | The Perfect Camera for Content Creators | 15-45 mm | APS-C CMOS | 24.1 MP | Auto, 100-25600 (Expands to 51200) | UHD 4K and HD 720p120 | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic | ||||
2 | Sony ZV-E10 | ![]() | Unleash Your Creativity on a Budget With 4K Precision | 16-50 mm | APS-C Exmor CMOS | 24.2 MP | Auto, 100-32000 (Expands to 50-51200) | UHD 4K (3840 × 2160) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) | None | ||||
3 | Canon EOS M200 | ![]() | An Affordable and Lightweight Mirrorless Camera That Captures Sharp Images | 15-45 mm | APS-C CMOS | 24.1 MP | Auto, 100-25600 | UHD 4K | None | ||||
4 | Sony Alpha A6400 | ![]() | Equipped With Real-Time Autofocus to Clearly Capture Subjects in Motion | 16-50 mm | APS-C Exmor CMOS | 24.2 MP | Auto, 100-32000 (Expands to 100-102400) | 4k at 24 and 30fps and FULL HD, 1080P at 24, 30, 60, and 120fps | Electronic | ||||
5 | Fujifilm X-S10 | ![]() | Where Portability Meets Precision Photography | 15-45 mm | APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 | 26.1 MP | Auto, 160-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) | DCI/UHD 4K at 30 fps, Full HD at 240 fps | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic | ||||
6 | Fujifilm X-T30 II | ![]() | Combines Aesthetic With Affordability and Top-Notch Performance | Lens Sold Separately | APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 | 26.1 MP | Auto, 160-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) | DCI and UHD 4K30 Video; F-Log Gamma | Electronic | ||||
7 | Fujifilm X-T5 | ![]() | A Sleek Fusion of Timeless Design and Cutting-Edge Technology | 18-55 mm | APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI | 40 MP | Auto, 125-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) | 4K 120p, 6.2K 30p, FHD 240p 10-Bit Video | 3.69m-Dot OLED Electronic | ||||
8 | Canon EOS R10 | ![]() | An All-in-One Companion for Weekend Getaways | 18-45 mm | APS-C CMOS | 24.2 MP | 100-32000 | 4K UHD 6K Oversampling and 4K 60p | OLED Electronic | ||||
9 | Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera | ![]() | High-Performance Mirrorless Camera for On-the-Go Shooting | 16-50 mm | CMOS | 20.9 MP | Auto, 100-51200 (Expands to 204800) | 4k UHD 30p Video | 2360k-Dot (XGA) OLED | ||||
10 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 | ![]() | A Versatile Mirrorless Camera for Stunning Photos and Videos | 14-42 mm | Live MOS | 16 MP | Auto, 200-25600 (Expands to 100-25600) | 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic |
If you are a content creator who constantly needs to update your viewers, having this camera can make things easy for you. It has an in-camera YouTube live-streaming feature for real-time video engagement. You just need to connect it to Wi-Fi, and you're good to go! You can also film vertical videos in 4K that you can post on social media.
Plus, it has Face and Eye Detection Autofocus, so you can never lose focus on your subject. The movie digital image stabilization helps reduce blurring, giving you more stable footage. This camera can take amazing photos in low light, and it also enhances your natural skin tone. Even better, you can change the lens depending on your needs!
Lens Size | 15-45 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 24.1 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-25600 (Expands to 51200) |
Video Resolution | UHD 4K and HD 720p120 |
Viewfinder | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 16-50 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C Exmor CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 24.2 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-32000 (Expands to 50-51200) |
Video Resolution | UHD 4K (3840 × 2160) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
Viewfinder | None |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 15-45 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 24.1 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-25600 |
Video Resolution | UHD 4K |
Viewfinder | None |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 16-50 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C Exmor CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 24.2 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-32000 (Expands to 100-102400) |
Video Resolution | 4k at 24 and 30fps and FULL HD, 1080P at 24, 30, 60, and 120fps |
Viewfinder | Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 15-45 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 |
No. of Pixels | 26.1 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 160-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) |
Video Resolution | DCI/UHD 4K at 30 fps, Full HD at 240 fps |
Viewfinder | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | Lens Sold Separately |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 |
No. of Pixels | 26.1 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 160-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) |
Video Resolution | DCI and UHD 4K30 Video; F-Log Gamma |
Viewfinder | Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 18-55 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI |
No. of Pixels | 40 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 125-12800 (Expands to 80-51200) |
Video Resolution | 4K 120p, 6.2K 30p, FHD 240p 10-Bit Video |
Viewfinder | 3.69m-Dot OLED Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 18-45 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 24.2 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | 100-32000 |
Video Resolution | 4K UHD 6K Oversampling and 4K 60p |
Viewfinder | OLED Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
The Nikon Z50 combines professional-grade features with a lightweight design. You can capture stunning UHD 4K videos at 30 fps or smooth Full HD slow-motion at 120 fps. The flip-down LCD and Self Portrait Mode make selfies and vlogging easy, while 20 Creative Picture Controls and 10 Special Effects add a personal touch to every shot.
Additionally, you can control this mirrorless camera remotely via the SnapBridge app for easy shooting and sharing. It also supports vertical videos, clip trimming, and time-lapse, offering plenty of creative options for content creators. Compact yet feature-rich, reviews highlight it as a top choice for elevating your photography and videos.
Lens Size | 16-50 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | CMOS |
No. of Pixels | 20.9 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-51200 (Expands to 204800) |
Video Resolution | 4k UHD 30p Video |
Viewfinder | 2360k-Dot (XGA) OLED |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
Lens Size | 14-42 mm |
---|---|
Sensor Type | Live MOS |
No. of Pixels | 16 MP |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 200-25600 (Expands to 100-25600) |
Video Resolution | 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps |
Viewfinder | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic |
With Wireless Connectivity | |
With Autofocus | |
With In-Body Image Stabilizer |
No matter how good your camera is, you still need some skills to produce stunning photos, especially when you are a beginner. Here are some simple tips that can help you take good pictures.
This is a very basic thing to learn when using a camera, and this applies to all types of cameras. You need to know how to hold the camera properly when taking photos. This can make your camera more stable and will result in fewer blurry pictures when you take the shot.
Your right hand should grip the right side of the camera with your index finger placed on the shutter button. Then, your left hand should be supporting the camera lens. It should be in a palm-up position even after you are done rotating the lens. This will provide more stability when you take pictures. Also, remember not to shoot with one hand.
A basic tip but very useful. In addition to getting less blurry shots, holding the camera properly will help you avoid wrist pain when using your camera for a long period of time and/or if you are using a heavy lens or an external flash.
Even if mirrorless cameras have improved so much and have automatic modes, it is still important to learn the modes and settings to experiment and take creative shots. The automatic mode is a good feature for taking good shots, but it won't hurt to set the camera manually.
You might get better results if you control the settings on your own. If you depend on the automatic mode of your camera, it might focus on the wrong subject or misjudge the lighting conditions, which can ruin the shot. You can get the most out of your mirrorless camera if you have a full understanding of how to use it.
Automatic settings are very convenient, especially when shooting at the spur of the moment, but you will get the most out of your camera when you know how to adjust it manually. Learn about the exposure triangle, adjusting the white balance for better color, adjusting the focus, metering, and more. This will come in handy, especially when shooting under unique conditions or getting creative at a studio shoot.
Even if you have some knowledge about photography, it is still nice to keep on learning. You can try joining workshops and seminars organized by different organizations. Take advantage of the free workshops offered in your community. Learning from experienced users can be beneficial to you in the long run.
Also, you can only see your improvement if you keep taking pictures. Apply the things that you have learned when you take pictures and see how much you have improved. You can experiment with the settings and modes in your camera, and you can immediately see the results and make adjustments if needed.
Workshops are very helpful whether you are learning the basics or learning advanced techniques. Aside from that, you get to expand your network. There are various workshops to choose from—shooting portraits, sports, food, landscape, using studio lights, and more.
After learning from these workshops, try to do a personal shoot, then apply and adjust what you've learned so you can find your own style.
Have more questions about mirrorless cameras? Check out photographer Kenneth Aballa's answers to some of the most asked questions about this type of camera. We also asked him for more tips on how you can take pictures like a pro!
Anyone! Whether you are an occasional shooter or a professional photographer, a mirrorless camera will definitely give you great photos and videos. You just really need to check if the camera features meet your needs. Also, invest in a good lens that is suitable for your subject (portraits, landscapes, or zoom lenses).
Yes, but you may need to use an adapter since the mounts are different. In addition, you should also consider whether the adapter supports autofocus, if your lens has AF.
If you are starting your journey as a photographer or videographer, there are items that you need to have. You might be also thinking of starting a business using your skills, so you can have extra income. Check these links to our other recommended products.
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Reviewed by: Kenneth Aballa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Canon|EOS M50 Mark II
No. 2: Sony|ZV-E10
No. 3: Canon|EOS M200
No. 4: Sony|Alpha A6400
No. 5: Fujifilm|X-S10
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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