In this guide, we’re going to look at the Top 15 Best Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners Of 2022. We made this list based on our own opinion, research, and customer reviews. We’ve considered their quality, features, and values when narrowing down the best choices possible.
The best mirrorless cameras can do everything that DSLRs did and more besides. They are especially well suited to travel, thanks to their more compact design, and video, because of their constant live view image capture. But which one should you get and how much should you spend?
Best Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners in 2022
So, here are the Top 15 Best Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners Of 2022. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.
1. Nikon Z 50
Pros
- Compact size and handling
- 4K video
- 11fps continuous shooting
- Super-slim ‘pancake’ kit lens
Cons
- Single UHS I SD card slot
- 300-shot battery life
- Awkward flip-under selfie screen
You may also like: Best Cameras
The quality mirrorless digital digicam for novices that we’ve examined is the Nikon Z 50. It’s a nicely-constructed APS-C digital digicam, and even as it’s now no longer the smallest mirrorless digital digicam out there, it’s light-weight and feels very cushty to use.
Its menu device could be very nicely laid out and consists of a manual mode to stroll amateur customers thru middle settings. It doesn’t have a completely articulated display screen, however its display screen can tilt and turn up one hundred eighty tiers to stand you for vlogs or selfies.
It supplies remarkable average picture first-class, with exact dynamic variety and noise managing capability, and photographs that appearance very sharp at better ISO levels. Its video first-class is right average in 4k, despite the fact that it’s fantastically worse in FHD and appears disappointing while recording in low light.
The digital digicam’s autofocus device is first rate at monitoring transferring topics for photography, however it excels while recording video, doing a first rate task of monitoring gadgets and faces in 4k and FHD. It additionally shoots at as much as one hundred twenty fps in FHD, that is first rate for producing slow-movement footage.
2. Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm X-S10 Review
The Fujifilm X-S10 is one of the best small, mid-range mirrorless cameras you can buy. It packs much of the Fujifilm X-T4’s shooting power into a smaller body with IBIS and great handling. It’s a shame there’s no official weather-proofing and the tracking autofocus is edged out by its Sony rivals, but those are the only weaknesses of an otherwise near-faultless performer.
Pros
- Proven APS-C sensor
- IBIS in a small body
- Large grip and great handling
- Strong video specs
Cons
- No weather-proofing
- Minor control annoyances
- Limited touchscreen menu system
The retro look of the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless digital camera offers a unique “classic camera” aesthetic, while the specifications and features inside the camera are cutting-edge.
This Fuji is the perfect mirrorless camera for beginners who can afford it because it’s the only APSC camera under $1000 that offers sensor-based stabilization.
The camera alone is priced at $999. and a kit with the camera and lens will cost $1,399. Fuji’s X-mount is the largest native/name-brand lens lineup of APSC mirrorless cameras on the market, with additional lenses to fit any budget and every type of photography!
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Review
With a new 20MP sensor, incrementally improved in-body image stabilization and a new flip-down and tiltable monitor, the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has plenty to shout about. Retaining the 4K video and attractive styling that made the Mark III so attractive to consumers, the Mark IV is set to be a new favorite for anyone looking for an entry-level camera that can do pretty much everything.
[adinserter block=”1″]Pros
- New 20MP sensor
- Improved C-AF precision
- Flip down monitor
Cons
- No mic port
- Plastic build
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the pleasant entry-degree mirrorless cameras we’ve tested. This Micro Four Thirds choice could be very transportable and lightweight, and Four-Thirds lenses additionally have a tendency to be smaller and inexpensive than different systems, making it a incredible preference for journey and avenue photography.
Unlike many cameras on this charge range, it functions in-frame photograph stabilization to assist lessen hand-held digital digicam shake. It offers brilliant photograph fine proper out of the box, and pix have pretty minimum noise as you boost the ISO, so it’s pretty true in low light, notwithstanding its smaller sensor. It’s well-perfect to shooting rapid movement or flora and fauna way to its brief 10 fps burst rate, which is going up to fifteen fps in its silent taking pictures mode.
4. Sony a6400
Sony A6400 Review
For bloggers, vloggers and independent content creators, the Sony A6400 is a dream. Its still image quality is very good, its 4K video is even better, and its 180-degree screen and eye-detect AF are perfect for single-handed video capture. But this is a specific market, and for regular stills photographers its high-tech image capture is poor consolation for its five-year-old design and limited external controls.
Pros
- 180-degree screen for vlogging
- Terrific if complex AF
- Very good image quality
Cons
- Limited external controls
- Interminable menu system
- Dated rear screen and EVF
The best entry-level mirrorless camera we’ve tested for video is the Sony α6400. It’s a relatively portable APS-C camera from Sony’s popular Alpha 6000 series. While it’s a capable stills camera, it’s also a good choice for amateur videographers thanks to Sony’s incredibly effective autofocus system.
Although this model doesn’t support eye detection, it does a remarkable job of keeping moving subjects in focus, whether you’re shooting in 4k or 1080p.
[adinserter block=”3″]Its overall video quality is impressive; it looks great in more controlled lighting situations and low light. The camera also offers several frame rate options, including 1080p at up to 120 fps and 4k at up to 30 fps, meaning you can capture everything from high-resolution cinematic video to fast action and slow-motion footage. It also has several inputs and outputs, including a micro HDMI port and a microphone port, though it lacks a headphone jack.
5. Panasonic LUMIX G100
Panasonic Lumix G100 Review
Vloggers and creatives more broadly will enjoy the simplicity of the Lumix G100. It makes it easy to capture high-quality video and stills with its approachable button layout. Even people uninterested in the technicalities of capturing great-looking videos will be able to get results with this camera. There’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much when creating a camera for social media creatives, but Panasonic has avoided that pitfall with the Lumix G100.
Pros
- Quality video and stills
- Intelligent audio-recording capabilities
- Bright EVF and articulated LCD
Cons
- No in-body stabilization
- No headphone jack or USB-C port
- No 4K/60p
The Panasonic LUMIX G100 is one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners interested in vlogging. This Micro Four Thirds camera is designed with vloggers in mind. It has a bright, fully articulated touchscreen that you can flip around to face you, a dedicated video recording button, and a very portable design that makes it easy to take on the go.
[adinserter block=”2″]It’s a great choice for beginner vloggers who might not have a dedicated microphone just yet, thanks to its directional audio tracking feature, which works with face-tracking to pick up audio from different directions depending on where you are in relation to the camera.
When you flip the screen around, the camera automatically goes into ‘Self Shot’ mode, enabling the audio tracking feature and face tracking and giving you access to relevant settings directly on the touchscreen.
6. Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Review
While we would in no way recommend upgrading to the Canon EOS M50 Mark II if you own the original camera, if you’re coming to the system afresh there are a lot of things to like about it. It’s incredibly compact and capable, taking great stills and 1080p video, which makes it ideal for travel, everyday imaging and vlogging and content creation – especially for streaming and vertical shooting
Pros
- Great stills and 1080p
- Clean HDMI out
- Vertical video
- YouTube live streaming
Cons
- 4K is very compromised
- Eye Detect AF not 100%
- Only one control dial
- Rolling shutter
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the best mirrorless camera for beginners on a budget. This lightweight APS-C camera is portable, comfortable to shoot with, and has a highly intuitive menu system with a guide mode to explain features to novice users. It also has a fully articulated touchscreen to help you shoot from different angles or take selfies.
[adinserter block=”4″]It uses a 24-megapixel sensor and delivers great overall image quality out of the box, and photos look okay even in more dim conditions thanks to its decent noise handling capability. Its autofocus system is quite good overall.
It tracks subjects very well when recording video in 1080p and does a decent job tracking and keeping moving subjects in focus when taking photos. It can also take fairly quick bursts of photos at 9 fps, although it has a small photo buffer, which may slow you down when shooting extended bursts of fast-moving subjects.
7. Canon EOS M200
Canon EOS M200 Review
The Canon EOS M200 launches into a tough market and, while it’s a decent camera with some great easy-to-use features for beginners, it doesn’t really excite or produce compelling images.
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Shoots 4K video
Cons
- 4K video is cropped
- 4K limited to contrast AF
- No microphone input
If you’d prefer something even more portable, consider the Canon EOS M200. It differs from the Canon EOS M50 Mark II mainly in form factor, with a highly compact body that makes it easy to travel with or carry around wherever you go. Unfortunately, that comes at the cost of not having a handgrip or EVF, so it isn’t the best option if you prefer to shoot through a viewfinder.
[adinserter block=”1″]On the upside, it’s even cheaper than the M50 Mark II, and it uses the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, so image and video quality are roughly the same. While it doesn’t have a fully articulated screen, its screen can tilt out or flip up to face you for vlogs and selfies. It’s also a bit less suited to video work than its sibling, with an even bigger crop on 4k footage and no 24 fps frame rate option in 1080p.
Get the M50 II if you want a more ergonomic design and a viewfinder, but if portability is your top priority, the M200 is a solid alternative.
8. Sony ZV-E10
Sony ZV-E10 Review
The ZV-E10 is a very likeable little camera that doesn’t really break any new ground technically, and even ditches a few features that stills photographers would like to have, but for novice vloggers it’s a pretty good camera. It has 4K video, Sony’s excellent autofocus system, a vari-angle screen and a clip on muffler to cut wind noise.
Pros
- Autofocus features and performance
- Vari-angle screen
- Clip on wind muffler
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No in-body stabilization
- Rolling shutter/’jello’ effect
The last option on our list is for those who aren’t just photographers, but who want to create video content! Specifically, if you are interested in vlogging, then absolutely do consider the Sony ZV-E10.
A 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor delivers great quality still photos, but the claim to fame for this camera is how perfect it is set up for “selfie” video capture. This camera includes a large microphone and a windscreen, giving it some of the best quality audio without any additional accessories.
Plus, the fully articulated LCD display has the benefit of a red box around the frame when recording, as well as a bright red “REC” light.
9. Nikon 1 J5
Nikon 1 J5 Review
If you’re not a serious shutterbug, you’ll appreciate the ease of using the fast-shooting Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera.
Pros
- Incredibly fast focus and 60fps burst shooting.
- Tilting touch-screen LCD.
- Built-in flash.
- Quite compact.
- 1/16,000-second electronic shutter.
Cons
- Some autofocus inconsistency.
- Small sensor limits depth of field control.
- No EVF option.
- 4K video limited to 15fps.
- No mic input.
- Slow 1/60-second flash sync.
The Nikon 1 J5 has a big CMOS sensor and is compatible with the 1 NIKKOR lens. This is a perfect camera to bring your most challenging and creative ideas to life. The CX matrix equals 4 of the average-sized conventional matrices that you’ll find in the compact cameras.
This Nikon mirrorless camera supports the Wireless Mobile Utility app that makes it possible to transfer photos to a smartphone or share them with friends, as well as adjusting the camera settings.
The zoom range is very versatile so that you feel like owning the all-in-one lens. It works for every purpose, be it picturesque landscapes, group photos, dramatic portraits or intimate close-ups. The Vibration Reduction is a wonderful add-on that allows you to get the sharp and accurate photos.
10. Sony A7
Sony A7 Review
Our original review of the Sony A7 was enthusiastic but cautious. There weren’t many lenses and there were some handling quibbles, but it was an exciting new camera. Five years on, there are lots of new lenses and the handling has evolved but only a little, so – paradoxically – the A7 looks even better now than it did back then, and for one big reason.
Pros
- Extraordinary value
- Very good image quality
- Compact body
Cons
- No 4K video
- No in-body stabilisation
- Relatively low-spec screen and EVF
This is one of the best full frame mirrorless cameras produced by Sony. The Exmor CMOS full-frame sensor provides the extremely high resolution of 24.3 MP while BIONZ X graphics processor is responsible for delivering great photos and videos.
All you need to do is to point and shoot, keeping the viewfinder at the level of your eyes, even if the sun is shining. The viewfinder gives you a clear picture with HD resolution to enjoy the filming process. It is an ideal choice for a beginner who wants to prefer full-frame cameras.
This is a good choice if you want to use the lens for the standard portraits as well as for macro shooting. The aperture is circular, which results in a beautifully customized defocusing look and bokeh effect.
11. Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-T3 Review
The X-T3 is so good, in so many areas, that you really have to scrape the barrel to find anything negative to say about it at all. Yes, a bigger buffer depth would have been good in continuous shooting mode and it’s a shame there’s no in-body stabilisation, but if you look at the price and what this camera can do, it outweighs all these tiny niggles.
Pros
- Excellent 26.1 megapixel sensor
- High-speed burst modes
- 4K video at 60fps
- AF coverage over full image area
Cons
- Very sensitive to touch input
- No in-body stabilisation
- Tilting screen, not vari-angle
The most important update of Fujifilm mirrorless X-T3 is a sensor with the so-called backlight photodiodes, with a resolution of 26 million pixels. The camera may not have an automatic mode, but it is ideal for amateurs since all of the settings are visible.
There is an excellent video recording feature – the ability to record 4K 60 frames per second, although with a small crop and Full HD without a crop. If you are a beginning vlogger, you should think about this Fujifilm camera body.
Its main characteristics are swift AF performance and optical design which provides the highest aperture. It is often praised for the linear motor and image stabilization feature enables the shutter speeds to be used 4.5 stops slower.
12. Sony A5000
Sony Alpha A5000 Review
An excellent buy for those looking for their first compact system camera. Image quality is good, handling is great and there’s a good solid system for E Mount cameras.
Pros
- Small size
- Creative options
- Tilting screen
Cons
- No touchscreen
- Limited raw functionality
- Screen not fully articulated
This is a budget small camera that is very user-friendly for beginning photographers. The Exmor APS HD CMOS matrix creates bright shots with a rich range of colors and adds light to the detailed pictures.
The super-fast BIONZ X processor improves the image quality and reduces noise for a more natural look (when you take night images). According to almost any Sony A5000 review, a built-in flash ensures optimal lighting for people and subjects and helps you create an ideal shot for printing.
The lens is lightweight, with a secure case made of aluminum alloy and convenient manual focus ring. It shows high sharpness across the entire field even at maximum disclosure. The highly performing Carl Zeiss optics provide excellent resolution, and the dust- and water- proof body allows you to confidently shoot in the rain or snow.
13. Samsung NX3000
Samsung NX3000 Review
Samsung’s NX3000 entry-level mirrorless camera boasts strong image quality and well-implemented Wi-Fi features, but it’s a little slow to lock focus.
Pros
- Compact.
- Sharp kit lens.
- Raw shooting support.
- APS-C image sensor.
- Tilting rear display.
Cons
- A little slow to focus.
- No built-in flash.
- No EVF support.
- Dedicated battery charger not included.
This model can’t be named the best mirrorless camera for beginners. It’s slightly better than compact cameras. This is a user-friendly model for those who don’t want to go deep into the complicated settings or compromise on quality.
Now you are free to send photo albums to any device thanks to the MobileLink feature. What is more, its selfie function is good, so you can take pictures with +/- side buttons or use the “Wink” mode which reacts to winking and makes your skin smooth.
It is a good lens to record qualitative videos thanks to automatic and fast controls. With the Optical Image Stabilization, you’ll forget about get blurred shots.
14. Panasonic GX850
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 Review
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 is one of the smallest mirrorless cameras you can buy today, and while its 16MP sensor isn’t cutting edge, it’s a solid entry-level model.
Pros
- Very small.
- Tilting touch LCD.
- Fast focus.
- 5.7fps continuous shooting.
- 30fps capture in 4K Photo mode.
Cons
- 16MP sensor is a bit dated.
- MicroSD memory easily lost.
- No EVF, hot shoe, or mic input.
It is a very small and compact camera which is easy to operate for beginners, especially because of the simple touch control. The integrated flash and the rotatable selfie screen are great if you are a portrait photographer.
With Panasonic Lumix GX850, you can transfer images from a camera to a smartphone in a matter of minutes via built-in Wi-Fi. The lens has the Micro Four Third’s 2x crop multiplier, thus will satisfy portrait photographers.
Quick f/1.7 aperture speed and powerful 85mm field of view (in the 35mm film format) are also significant advantages. Moreover, in 2015, it was claimed to be the Lens of Distinction among notable mirrorless camera lenses of the year.
15. Olympus PEN E-PL8
Olympus PEN E-PL8 Review
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a repackaged version of the E-PL7. It’s a solid camera, but beginning to show its age.
Pros
- Compact.
- Speedy focus and 7.3fps burst rate.
- In-body stabilization.
- Tilting touch LCD.
- Add-on EVF available.
- Wi-Fi.
Cons
- Video tops out at 1080p.
- No mic input.
- Lacks built-in flash.
- Only one control dial.
- Slow shooting rate when tracking action.
You may rotate the monitor 180 degrees down which is great for “Selfie” fans. When this mode is switched on, the display turns into a mirror image and you could see a number of self-regulating features on the right side of the touch screen.
This is one of the best mirrorless camera under 500 that has a rotatable touch monitor and the resolution of 1.04 Mtoch with a 3” diagonal. The device can boast of a TruePic VII processor, a 16MP Live MOS matrix and three-axis image stabilization on a matrix shift.
This fast lens has 100% metal body. The wide-angle model gives you a chance to take qualitative landscape and street shots even in poor lighting. A snap ring provides you with an opportunity to pan focus with the help of a distance indicator.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
DSLRs were considered the peak of digital camera technology. But now the tide is turning, and mirrorless cameras are starting to steal the headlines.
Their mirrorless design means they don’t have the mirror and shutter mechanism that is a signature feature of SLR cameras. With fewer moving components, it means they can be more compact and quieter when shooting.
They are also pulling away from DSLRs in terms of quality and specs. Mirrorless machines are now breaking records for image resolution and autofocus systems.
Many of the major camera brands are putting a lot of focus on the mirrorless camera market. There are some great options out there. But which camera is the best?
How to Choose a Mirrorless System
When you buy an interchangeable lens camera, you’re not just buying the camera. The system you choose dictates what lenses you’ll be able to use.
That’s not a big deal if you’re just starting out—you’ll buy a camera with a bundled zoom, and if you want to add a telephoto, wide aperture prime, or macro lens, you’ll have no problem finding one that works with your camera.
[adinserter block=”2″]We typically recommend the Sony a6100 as an entry point into the E-mount system, but the camera is out of stock at many retailers and Sony isn’t making new ones right now due to supply chain constraints (Photo: Jim Fisher)
If you think you’re going to move to higher-end equipment down the road, you’ll want to take a little more into consideration. The Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, and Sony E offer the widest range of lenses, and Canon’s EOS M has the basics covered.
Why are mirrorless cameras desirable?
Without the mirror inside the body, mirrorless cameras can keep the lens much closer to the sensor, which typically reduces the overall size of the camera itself.
Because mirrorless cameras rely on their main imaging sensor for focusing, they’re also less likely to need adjustments than DSLRs. That sensor-based focusing also allows the camera to perform more advanced focusing features like precise image tracking and facial recognition.
Some beginners also prefer mirrorless cameras because the image they see in the viewfinder looks very close to what the final result will be. With a DSLR, you see a simple reflection, but the camera settings may leave you with a shot that’s blown out or too dark. Mirrorless cameras reduce that chance. In fact, they will allow you to see, in real-time, how changing your settings will affect your overall picture. That’s great for learning purposes.
What’s not so good about mirrorless cameras?
DSLR’s advantages over mirrorless cameras have waned over the years. Some shooters still prefer the zero-lag experience of looking through an optical viewfinder.
DSLRs also typically natively accept older lenses. So, if you’re upgrading from a Canon EF or Nikon N system, your lenses will probably still work with a new DSLR. You’ll have to use an adapter if you want to put them onto a mirrorless camera
Frequently Asked Questions About Mirrorless Camera
Is a mirrorless camera better for beginners?
What camera should I buy if I’m a beginner?
Should I switch from DSLR to mirrorless?
What should I look for when buying a mirrorless camera?
– High-resolution viewfinder.
– Sensor-based image stabilization.
– Two memory card slots.
– Hybrid autofocus.
– Top-plate display.
– Vari-angle and tri-axis tilting screens.
– Eye detection.
– Silent shutter.
How long do mirrorless cameras last?
What are the disadvantages of a mirrorless camera?
Ergonomics (small, maybe too small for anyone with big hands)
Limited lens selection (again, getting better! But a fair point)
Electronic viewfinder – limited in low light environments.