10 best mirrorless cameras

At the heart of mirrorless technology is an electronic viewfinder. Its application allows to reduce the size of the camera in comparison with SLR cameras, while retaining advanced functionality and interchangeable optics.

The first mirrorless cameras, which appeared in the early 2000s, were not in demand due to their high cost and limited features. But the situation has changed in recent years. The technical parameters of modern models are comparable to DSLRs and are second only to professional technology. But the mass distribution of mirrorless cameras is held back by the high cost and undeveloped fleet of optics. The use of adapters and non-native lenses often leads to a decrease in quality.

Mirrorless technologies are actively mastered by all manufacturers of photographic equipment, including the leaders of the "mirror" market Canon and Nikon, but so far their success in the new field cannot be called outstanding. Olympus and Panasonic are the leaders here, but in recent years Sony has become the recognized leader.

Mirrorless cameras are confidently conquering the market and, over time, may supplant DSLRs. However, novelty is a deterrent to increasing sales. Even specialized store sellers are not always ready to provide competent advice. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to focus on reviews, reviews and ratings of the best mirrorless cameras.

Best mirrorless cameras for hobbyists

3 Canon EOS M50 Kit

A mirrorless camera with the best performance if you take into account the loyal price of the gadget. Here interchangeable optics, a three-inch rotary display, Wi-Fi and bluetooth, a matrix with a resolution of 25.8 megapixels and support for 4K. In reviews, the owners of this mirrorless camera swear that 4K is dishonest, but even in Full HD, the M50 shoots amazingly.

Users, after more than six months of experience using this model, share their observations in reviews. Autofocus is gorgeous: there is tracking focus, focus on the eyes, and the ability to select the focus point with a tap on the screen when using an electronic viewfinder. With a cheap Chinese adapter, you can connect a 50 mm STM lens. The camera also accepts cheap batteries without any problems. The flexibility of the menu and many settings are also pleasing. All buttons can be reassigned. This is the best mirrorless camera for hobbyists and more.

2 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit

The advanced electronic filling is hidden behind the retro style. The advantages of the camera include a large electronic viewfinder, high sensitivity, good color rendering and fast autofocus. In the new version, a useful option appeared on the rotary touchscreen: the choice of the focus area with your finger across the screen.

But the best among competitors OM-D E-M10 Mark II makes the built-in 5-axis optical stabilizer, which is not found in all older models. With it, you can confidently shoot handheld at long exposures in low light and record video.

There are no complaints about the image resolution in the video mode, the maximum video frequency is 120 frames. The rate of fire is also great. 8.5 frames per second is enough for professional reportage photography. The buffer is not rubbery, but capacious: the maximum series of 22 shots in RAW format. Of the minuses, users note an illogical menu, but you can get used to it.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit

Despite its compact size, this mirrorless camera will outperform most amateur DSLRs. The main competitive advantage is the best autofocus speed. A record 179 pixels provide full frame coverage, Sony can easily handle any action scene. The reporters will not be let down by the impressive shooting speed - 11 frames per second.

Tenacious tracking autofocus could make the model a leader in video quality.Full HD resolution and recording speed meet modern requirements, but the manufacturer decided not to focus on video. There is no microphone jack on the body, and users complain that the camera overheats with prolonged continuous use.

The indisputable advantage of the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 is also its low noise level. ISO up to 3200 is rated as working, and 6400 is guaranteed to work well for a home album. Other useful features include Wi-Fi, NFC and a rotating screen.

The only drawback of a mirrorless camera is the cost, which will seem unreasonably high to novice photographers.

Best mirrorless cameras for advanced users

3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Kit

A mirrorless camera that takes mediocre photos and shoots videos gorgeous. At its disposal is a 16-megapixel matrix, the ability to record videos up to 30 minutes in 4K resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a rotary touch screen and successful tracking autofocus. In reviews, this model is called the best low-cost solution for videographers.

The software contains a variety of video helpers. There are many settings. The built-in microphone does its job perfectly well. Light weight and slim dimensions make this model the best for advanced users looking for a camera for 4K video and more. Bonuses: powerful battery, good sound recording, gorgeous video detail. The main drawback is not the highest quality materials for the case. The plastic looks flimsy.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-7S Body

The launch of the full-frame Sony Alpha A7s marks a technological breakthrough in digital photography. By increasing the pixel size, the manufacturer has achieved previously unthinkable sensitivity. During daylight hours, this solution does not offer advantages, but in the dark, Sony shows incredible results. Experts agree that when setting ISO up to 6400, the use of noise reduction devices is not required. The wide dynamic range allows you to capture details even in total darkness. Other advantages include a metal body, flip-up display and Wi-Fi.

The mirrorless camera has impressive potential for video shooting. Contrast focusing does not lose autofocus even if the subject is constantly moving. All settings are adjusted during shooting. The frame rate of the movie reaches 120 frames per second, and when connected to an external recorder, recording in 4K format is possible.

The main complaint with Sony is the weak battery. When traveling and long-term shooting, you will need a few spare blocks. In addition, the mirrorless camera has low rates of fire: 5 frames per second is not enough for reporters, but the manufacturer set itself other tasks.

A mirrorless camera is best for shooting in low light conditions. Of course, there are some shortcomings in it, which are eliminated by the released second version, but the cost of the new model is disproportionately higher.

1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Kit

A neat mirrorless camera with great features and compact dimensions. This Alpha shoots in 4K resolution, has a 25-megapixel camera, flip-down touchscreen and supports interchangeable lenses. 5-axis stabilization works well. Autofocus pleases not only with clarity, but also with quick response - the manufacturer calls autofocus in its creation the fastest in the world. There are a lot of phase focusing points - 425 pieces.

In the reviews, they write a lot of pleasant things about this mirrorless camera. There are also complaints: a weak battery, not always correct operation of the focus on "non-native" lenses, and a low write speed via USB. Users note that the gadget almost does not heat up, pleases with ergonomics and low weight, it is distinguished by high-quality stabilization. The kit includes a whale lens, so you don't need any additional investment to start photographing.

The best mirrorless cameras for professionals

4 Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body

Full-frame 24 megapixel sensor, which produces photos at a resolution of 6000x4000.Autofocus hybrid and pleases with the speed of work, a large number of points, tracking function and "smart" work when shooting portraits. There are headphone, microphone and USB type-C jacks, as well as support for two flash cards at once. The screen rotates only in the up and down position, which is convenient when shooting from the belly, for example, but vertical photos from above will have to be taken blindly. But the focus points can be indicated directly on the screen: the system will understand you.

Electronic viewfinder with 100% field of view. The battery is quite capacious - it is enough for 510 photos, although in burst mode the Alpha ILCE-7M3 is capable of producing several thousand frames on a single charge. Users in the reviews note that the camera can withstand more than a 5-hour interval in active mode without recharging.

3 Fujifilm X-T20 Body

Compact, versatile Japanese quality option. The device is perfect for both video and professional quality photos. Here is a 24-megapixel sensor that creates 4K video content without cropping. The screen is touch-sensitive and rotatable, the diagonal size is three inches. I am glad that the camera does not overheat even when recording video in ultra format.

Despite the touching dimensions, the camera is capable of delivering excellent images with excellent quality. It is a pity that there is no function to change ISO when recording video. Otherwise, this is a professional mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, encrypted for a budget compact camera. The camera hit the top of the best cameras not only because of its attractive price, but also because of the surprisingly high quality of the footage.

2 Sony Alpha ILCE-A7R III Body

A compact professional version with a 44 megapixel matrix and support for 4K video is also included in the top. Autofocus performs its function regularly even at dusk. When shooting portraits, autofocus is eye-guided - convenient. Matrix stabilization and helps out great when shooting. The viewfinder is electronic and of high quality. The processor is powerful and even during the saving of a captured frame, it leaves the user the opportunity to change settings and move around the menu.

The menu, unfortunately, is very overloaded - in the maze of settings it is difficult to quickly navigate and get to the desired characteristics. But even in low light, the photos do not wash and are characterized by high quality. Another nice bonus for wedding and reportage photographers is the high shooting speed. Up to 10 frames are created per second. Every megapixel of the sensor is felt and expressed in the quality of the images. The body is nice, the wheels are metal, the travel of the buttons is tight, so that every press is felt. The shutter button is smooth.

1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Kit

A compact mirrorless option for professional photographers. Here is a 20-megapixel camera that shoots at 5184 x 3888 resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a touch-sensitive rotating LCD display. The autofocus is hybrid and works quickly, correctly and accurately. The number of focusing points is striking - 121. There is manual focusing and even an electronic rangefinder.

The body is made of metal and is protected from dust and water. The gadget sits perfectly in the hand, providing a comfortable grip with a well-thought-out body shape. Auto ISO is programmable, which allows you to get a high-quality image without noise. The detail is amazing, especially in RAW format. The white balance in the automatic mode works decently - the color reproduction is natural. For portraits and reportage photos, this is the optimal model considering the price and quality. In addition, there is excellent stabilization, fast operation (from power-on to frame processing) and tenacious focus with the tracking function.