Mirrorless cameras have always been up to snuff with DSLRs when it comes to versatility ever since it was launched. The interchangeable lens in the body of a point and shoot is one of the value propositions that launched that whole new category in the first place.
Recently, however, mirrorless cameras have started to become equal to or even superior in some respects compared to the DSLRs as well. From autofocus speed and image stabilization, the mirrorless shooters have become just as adept as DSLRs. In some respect such as video quality, weight, and shooting speeds, mirrorless cameras had already overtaken their chunkier counterparts.
But not all mirrorless cameras are made equal. And since some of them cost a huge chunk of change, it may be wise to do some research before pulling the trigger on one of these little cameras. Whether you're a professional looking to bump up your operation with a mirrorless or a casual photographer searching for the perfect travel camera, it's important to know what features to look out for. To help you through this gargantuan task of looking for a mirrorless to invest in, we have compiled this list of the 5 best mirrorless cameras for every type of photographer.
For the Beginner and Casual Photographer ($580 USD)
These photographers don't need much in terms of raw processing power but do need a lot in terms of versatility and ease of use. For this type of photographer, a Lumix GX800 might be the best bet. It’s capable, lightweight, and inexpensive; exactly the mix of characteristics that anyone would want in an entry-level model.
It’s a proficient shooter in all situations and can definitely hold its own on a head to head with other more expensive cameras when it comes to pure photography. It has the same 16MP Live MOS sensor that is also found in the more expensive Lumix GX80. Image quality, therefore, should be more or less the same. It’s also capable of the 4K video capture at 30FPS. To make things more interesting, Panasonic also put in a 4K photo mode that lets you grab still 8MP images from your 4K video footages.
The continuous shooting speed, however, tops out at a measly 5FPS. So, for action shots, you may still be left wanting.
Its low price point for a mirrorless camera shows most perhaps when shooting in low-light. Ramping up the sensitivity to ISO 3,200 already shows some smudginess; anything above that and you’re going to have to deal with a lot of noise. But that’s par for the course when it comes to entry-level machines.
Its versatility in both photo and video capture is what makes this an excellent camera for beginners. No matter what type of shooting condition that users find themselves in, this shooter can definitely hold its own.
For the Enthusiast ($900 USD)
Sure, beginner cameras like the Panasonic GX800 have a lot to offer. But when you’ve been bitten by the shutterbug, there’s no escaping that need and yearning for something better. For these people, we have the Fujifilm X-T20.
This camera can easily achieve 8FPS continuous shooting with autofocus on its manual shutter. It's more than just a one trick pony. What makes it truly outstanding is how all of its components come together as a whole. The 24MP sensor combined with an OLED EVF is especially wonderful to work with. All of this is wrapped in a beautifully crafted body with an almost perfectly symmetrical weight distribution which makes for an excellent handling experience.
For the Prosumers ($1,500 USD)
Vlogger
The advent of YouTube and other massive video sharing platforms gave rise to vloggers who make money off sharing their videos to the masses. In this category, while they’re technically professionals earning money from their footage, they’re still the average camera consumers. For these people, the Olympus O-MD E-M1 MkII would already do an excellent job.
The camera highly capable at 4K with 30FPS on regular shooting modes and 24FPS in Cinema 4K. The flip-capable LCD screen for perfect selfie framing and the weatherproofing will also get vloggers to love this excellent shooter.
Stills
The advent of the DSLR created a ripple for digital photography even for the non-professional market. Today, there’s a tidal wave of camera aficionados who are willing to spend top dollars just to be able to shoot like the pros. For this crowd, the Panasonic Lumix G9 offers plenty of professional-grade features to keep them happy.
It offers modes with effective resolutions from 40MP to 80MP. It also has excellent 4K and 6K photo shooting modes. It can capture up to 12FPS in continuous shooting mode. These features make this an excellent stills-focused shooter that can definitely hold its own when compared to professional-grade DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
It also offers 6.5 stops of compensation to counteract camera shake when shooting stills or movies with its 5-axis Dual I.S II image stabilizer. This essentially eliminates camera shake for both modes which can make a regular camera consumer definitely stand out from the crowd.
For the Consummate Professional ($4,500 USD)
There can only be one king of the mirrorless camera hill and that honor goes solely to the Sony Alpha 9. It’s the best full-frame mirrorless camera out there that’s complete with all the bells and whistles.
Its main feature is that it uses a stacked-sensor which helps in achieving the class-leading 20 FPS continuous shooting speed all with full autofocus with its electronic shutter. The quality of the stills it produces out of a fast-moving subject is incredible and it does so without any of the rolling shutter effects. This kind of speed can truly keep even professional sports photographers happy.
Its only downside is that it doesn’t have the largest resolution out there. The 24-megapixels isn’t going to cut it for some professionals. But for most professionals working in wedding, sport, or various other action-oriented industries, then this one definitely gives you a lot to think about.
Recently, however, mirrorless cameras have started to become equal to or even superior in some respects compared to the DSLRs as well. From autofocus speed and image stabilization, the mirrorless shooters have become just as adept as DSLRs. In some respect such as video quality, weight, and shooting speeds, mirrorless cameras had already overtaken their chunkier counterparts.
But not all mirrorless cameras are made equal. And since some of them cost a huge chunk of change, it may be wise to do some research before pulling the trigger on one of these little cameras. Whether you're a professional looking to bump up your operation with a mirrorless or a casual photographer searching for the perfect travel camera, it's important to know what features to look out for. To help you through this gargantuan task of looking for a mirrorless to invest in, we have compiled this list of the 5 best mirrorless cameras for every type of photographer.
For the Beginner and Casual Photographer ($580 USD)
These photographers don't need much in terms of raw processing power but do need a lot in terms of versatility and ease of use. For this type of photographer, a Lumix GX800 might be the best bet. It’s capable, lightweight, and inexpensive; exactly the mix of characteristics that anyone would want in an entry-level model.
It’s a proficient shooter in all situations and can definitely hold its own on a head to head with other more expensive cameras when it comes to pure photography. It has the same 16MP Live MOS sensor that is also found in the more expensive Lumix GX80. Image quality, therefore, should be more or less the same. It’s also capable of the 4K video capture at 30FPS. To make things more interesting, Panasonic also put in a 4K photo mode that lets you grab still 8MP images from your 4K video footages.
The continuous shooting speed, however, tops out at a measly 5FPS. So, for action shots, you may still be left wanting.
Its low price point for a mirrorless camera shows most perhaps when shooting in low-light. Ramping up the sensitivity to ISO 3,200 already shows some smudginess; anything above that and you’re going to have to deal with a lot of noise. But that’s par for the course when it comes to entry-level machines.
Its versatility in both photo and video capture is what makes this an excellent camera for beginners. No matter what type of shooting condition that users find themselves in, this shooter can definitely hold its own.
For the Enthusiast ($900 USD)
Sure, beginner cameras like the Panasonic GX800 have a lot to offer. But when you’ve been bitten by the shutterbug, there’s no escaping that need and yearning for something better. For these people, we have the Fujifilm X-T20.
This camera can easily achieve 8FPS continuous shooting with autofocus on its manual shutter. It's more than just a one trick pony. What makes it truly outstanding is how all of its components come together as a whole. The 24MP sensor combined with an OLED EVF is especially wonderful to work with. All of this is wrapped in a beautifully crafted body with an almost perfectly symmetrical weight distribution which makes for an excellent handling experience.
For the Prosumers ($1,500 USD)
Vlogger
The advent of YouTube and other massive video sharing platforms gave rise to vloggers who make money off sharing their videos to the masses. In this category, while they’re technically professionals earning money from their footage, they’re still the average camera consumers. For these people, the Olympus O-MD E-M1 MkII would already do an excellent job.
The camera highly capable at 4K with 30FPS on regular shooting modes and 24FPS in Cinema 4K. The flip-capable LCD screen for perfect selfie framing and the weatherproofing will also get vloggers to love this excellent shooter.
Stills
The advent of the DSLR created a ripple for digital photography even for the non-professional market. Today, there’s a tidal wave of camera aficionados who are willing to spend top dollars just to be able to shoot like the pros. For this crowd, the Panasonic Lumix G9 offers plenty of professional-grade features to keep them happy.
It offers modes with effective resolutions from 40MP to 80MP. It also has excellent 4K and 6K photo shooting modes. It can capture up to 12FPS in continuous shooting mode. These features make this an excellent stills-focused shooter that can definitely hold its own when compared to professional-grade DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
It also offers 6.5 stops of compensation to counteract camera shake when shooting stills or movies with its 5-axis Dual I.S II image stabilizer. This essentially eliminates camera shake for both modes which can make a regular camera consumer definitely stand out from the crowd.
For the Consummate Professional ($4,500 USD)
There can only be one king of the mirrorless camera hill and that honor goes solely to the Sony Alpha 9. It’s the best full-frame mirrorless camera out there that’s complete with all the bells and whistles.
Its main feature is that it uses a stacked-sensor which helps in achieving the class-leading 20 FPS continuous shooting speed all with full autofocus with its electronic shutter. The quality of the stills it produces out of a fast-moving subject is incredible and it does so without any of the rolling shutter effects. This kind of speed can truly keep even professional sports photographers happy.
Its only downside is that it doesn’t have the largest resolution out there. The 24-megapixels isn’t going to cut it for some professionals. But for most professionals working in wedding, sport, or various other action-oriented industries, then this one definitely gives you a lot to think about.