Best Mirrorless Cameras

If you’re looking for the Best Mirrorless Cameras you can buy in (Summer) 2022, which is affordable, high quality and better performance, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, I have listed down the Best Mirrorless Cameras in 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 16 best mirrorless cameras you can buy today.

So, here are the Best Mirrorless Cameras 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. Sony A7 IV

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Bottom Line

The Sony A7 IV is the best hybrid mirrorless camera you can buy right now. A truly modern all-rounder that largely justifies its price tag, it packs class-leading autofocus, impressive image quality and powerful video features into one versatile body. Dedicated street or sports photographers should look elsewhere, and it isn’t the fastest shooter in its class. But for everyone else, the A7 IV is a rock-solid all-rounder with few glaring weaknesses. It might be the only camera you ever need.

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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Bottom Line

A small, lightweight camera that offers a great balance between usability, quality and an easy-to-understand, beginner-friendly interface. New updates to the system, including a revised autofocus system and an uprated sensor mean that the Mark IV is future-proofed and offers excellent quality for people who need a simple setup for everyday use. Highly recommended.

3. Sony Alpha 1

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Bottom Line

The Sony A1 is a truly remarkable camera that covers almost every photographic niche thanks to its high-resolution sensor, super-fast burst shooting, lightening quick AF, professional connectivity and 8K raw video. It’s a stunning camera to use and the image quality is second-to-none, but the price tag puts it out of the reach of the most photographers. The Sony a1 is a true do-it-all camera, one that is equally adept at high-speed sports imaging, slow-working landscape photography, and professional video. It’s priced to match, but it delivers.

4. Sony a7III

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Bottom Line

The Sony A7 III is far from new, being launched back in February 2018, and it’s since been superseded – technically – by the new A7 IV. Even so, it’s still a leading contender amongst affordable full frame cameras. Its specifications make it a terrific all-rounder, both for stills photography and video. Its handling and control layout aren’t perfect, and other cameras might grab the headlines in one area or another, but few are so consistently capable across such a wide range of disciplines.

5. Fujifilm X-T4

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Bottom Line

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the best APS-C mirrorless camera you can buy right now. There’s enough here to persuade both photographers and filmmakers over the X-T3, including the significantly improved battery life, in-body image stabilization, quieter shutter, and design tweaks that make a big difference to the handling. The X-T4’s design is both charming and intuitive, while its class-leading photo and video specs are backed up by powerful performance. This is truly two cameras in one, and very fine hybrid all-rounder.

6. Nikon Z7 II

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Bottom Line

The Nikon Z7 II is a subtle evolution of the original Z7, thanks to its two card slots and dual processors that boost its all-round performance. Elsewhere, it’s wonderfully familiar territory, and the Nikon Z system is steadily growing. We’d like to have seen a more significant upgrade, but that switch to Nikon mirrorless looks safe now – if you have the money.

7. Sony a7R IV

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Bottom Line

The Sony A7R IV’s design tweaks make it handle better than the A7R III before it (though it can still be tiresome), and the resolution puts it well ahead of all its full frame mirrorless rivals for megapixels. And yet… while Sony’s hybrid AF system just keeps on getting better and better, the 4K video stays capped at 30fps, and real-world sharpness gains are subtle.

8. Nikon Z9

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Bottom Line

The Nikon Z9 sees Nikon’s mirrorless cameras take an impressive jump forward to match flagship rivals from Canon and Sony. The Z9 feels like an indestructible DSLR, but inside are innovative features like advanced AF tracking, 20fps raw burst shooting, 8K video and an electronic-only shutter. We also like its new two-way tilting screen. It’s a shame some video features won’t be available until a firmware update in 2022, but the Z9’s video prowess impresses already and we’re looking at a modern-day Nikon classic.

9. Canon EOS R6

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Bottom Line

The Canon EOS R6 might be the mirrorless alternative to the very popular EOS 6D Mark II DSLR, but it’s way more than just an upgrade. Its autofocus performance and image stabilization are best-in-class, while a blitzing burst speed makes it perfect for any sports or wildlife scenario. Long story short, it’s one of the best all-rounders you can get, although its 20MP sensor resolution might not suit everyone.

10. Nikon Z6

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Bottom Line

The Nikon Z6 is always going to be somewhat overshadowed by the more powerful and higher-resolution Z7, but actually it’s a much more versatile camera, as well as being much more affordable. On paper it could easily come across as being a little bit dull but worthy; in practice its finesse, performance and image quality are just awesome. Every camera has flaws and weaknesses, but the Z6 almost squeezes them out of existence.

11. Canon EOS R7

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Bottom Line

There’s an awful lot to like about the Canon EOS R7 and it feels like the mid-range camera that a lot of Canon lovers have been waiting for. It’s fast, has powerful autofocus that keeps up with a range of subjects, produces excellent images, handles well and is priced competitively. The only thing to dislike about it is the fact that the system is still new, which means that the number of native lenses is still rather limited. If Canon can be quick off the draw to provide some more, we can see this being very popular indeed.

12. Sony A1

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Bottom Line

The Sony a1 is a true do-it-all camera, one that is equally adept at high-speed sports imaging, slow-working landscape photography, and professional video. It’s priced to match, but it delivers.

13. Nikon Z fc

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Bottom Line

The Nikon Z fc is a triumph of design that offers a different shooting experience to the Nikon Z50 at a great price. The vari-angle screen is also an inspired choice that embodies Nikon’s old-meets-new ‘fusion’ concept. More advanced photographers might miss the lack of weather-proofing and a larger full-frame sensor, especially considering current native lens availability. But for everyone else, the Z fc is a great mix of retro design and mirrorless shooting power.

14. Fujifilm X-S10

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Bottom Line

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. If you’re looking for your first mirrorless camera or are considering switching from a DSLR, the X-S10 should be at the top of your shortlist.

15. Panasonic Lumix G100

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Bottom Line

For vloggers and YouTubers, the G100 is an excellent choice. With a good range of video options, including a world-first when it comes to audio, it’s one of the most versatile and well-specced cameras in its price and weight category. Its small size, shape and weight also makes it a good option for travel photographers looking for something small and discreet. With an excellent array of Micro Four Thirds lenses available, particularly small and travel-friendly optics, this is a fun option to suit a wide audience.

16. Panasonic Lumix S5

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Bottom Line

Despite its compact size, the Lumix S5 shares the impressive 24MP CMOS sensor housed in the Lumix S1, but with improved AF. It also has a tough weather-resistant body and delivers up to 6.5-stops of image stabilisation with compatible lenses. Its standout features include class-leading dynamic range and 4K video recording, as well as 96MP high resolution RAW+JPEG capture. It’s tough to beat in this category.

Best Mirrorless Cameras Buying Guide 2022

What are the best mirrorless cameras?

After testing dozens of models, we think the best mirrorless camera for most consumers is the Sony Alpha a6100. This camera costs around $850 with a lens, takes great photos in low light, has a fast autofocus system, and can record video in 4K. The a6100 has a similar design to other cameras in Sony’s mirrorless camera lineup, which means a compact design that’s easy to hold, a nice large touchscreen, and an electronic viewfinder. 

If you’re just breaking into photography, the best mirrorless camera for beginners is the Sony a6000. The original camera in the lineup, the a6000 costs less than $600 with a lens, yet shoots at a fast 11 fps, and takes great pictures in all conditions. This camera lacks a touchscreen, and it can only shoot video up to 1080p, but these are fine compromises at this price. 

Having trouble deciding which Sony mirrorless camera is right for you? Check out our best Sony mirrorless cameras page. 

Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony have all released software that allows you to use certain of their cameras as webcams. For more information, including compatible cameras, check out our guide on how to use your camera as a webcam. 

Mirrorless or DSLR: what’s the difference?

Mirrorless cameras allow you to swap and change lenses like on a DSLR. But because the mirror that you normally find inside a DSLR has been removed, the camera can (theoretically) be made much more compact. 

No mirror means that instead of optical viewfinders to frame your subject, mirrorless cameras rely on electronic viewfinders. Be aware, though, that most cheaper mirrorless cameras don’t come with viewfinders at all – instead, you compose the photo on the rear screen, just as you do with most compact cameras or smartphones.

This is a boon in terms of keeping size and cost down, but if you’re looking to start taking your photography seriously then a viewfinder is nigh-on essential. This is because it lets you compose photos in all conditions, even sunny ones that can render a rear screen useless.

You’ll find that mirrorless cameras are also known as compact system cameras (or CSCs for short), with models ranging from the simple beginner models to sophisticated full-frame monsters that rival the very best DSLRs out there.

Why are mirrorless cameras better?

Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR? There are still quite a few pros and cons to both designs, so if you want to find out more, read our Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras guide.

Mirrorless cameras certainly offer more choice. If you’re looking to buy a DSLR, there’s only really two main players in the shape of Canon and Nikon. If you opt for a mirrorless camera, the choice is much broader, with the likes of Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus and Leica all offering a wide range of cameras to suit most budgets. 

Right now, every major camera manufacturer has something to shout about, and their latest models are different enough from their rivals to stand out in some way.

While it would be very easy to select 10 high-end models to make up our pick of the best mirrorless camera, we’ve tried to pick out some more affordable options as well. These models might not be dripping with features, but they represent great options for new users and those on a budget. That said, if you’re looking specifically for a budget mirrorless camera, take a look at our best beginner mirrorless camera guide.

So whether you’re after a better camera than the one featured on your smartphone or are looking for an advanced, high-end model to push your creativity even further, read on to find out what are the best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now. 

How to choose the best mirrorless camera for you

It’s a great time to buy a mirrorless camera, but also a slightly overwhelming one. An explosion in the number of options available at all price points from the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and a reborn Olympus means that photographers and videographers have never had more choice. 

So where to start? Sensor size is often a good barometer of a camera’s character and shooting style. Models that are built for professionals and keen amateurs will have either a full-frame sensor or a slightly smaller APS-C chip. The latter tend to be smaller and more affordable than full-frame cameras, if not quite as portable as those with Four Thirds sensors (from Panasonic and Olympus).

Other important features to look out for are electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which bump up the price but are nigh-on essential for most photographers. It’s also worth considering what kind of lenses you’ll need. 

If you like to specialize in a particular area (for example, wide-angle architecture or macro), then check the system you’re looking at to make sure it has the right options for you. In the full-frame mirrorless space, Sony offers the most choice right now, while on crop-sensor APS-C cameras Fujifilm has a wide range of options at most focal lengths.

How to pick the best mirrorless camera for you

The criteria when shopping for a mirrorless camera are pretty much the same as when you’re looking for any sort of camera. 

First, what is your budget? While our picks of the best mirrorless cameras all fall under $1,500, you can find models that are twice as expensive, and their features are very tempting. 

Next, what is your experience level? If you’re new to mirrorless cameras or photography in general, it’s worth getting a lower-priced model with more beginner-friendly features, such as in-camera guides that explain various settings.

Last, consider what you want to do with the camera. If you’re shooting sports or wildlife, you’ll want a camera that can take a lot of pictures quickly, as well as one with in-camera stabilization. And, while mirrorless cameras are known for their smaller size relative to DSLRs, you’ll want one that’s more compact if you’re planning to take it traveling. 

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: This is the lens that most people who buy an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless model as a kit use 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 so you know that 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.

What are the different sensor sizes in mirrorless cameras?

You’ve probably seen references to full-frame, APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors — but how do they differ?

Well, full-frame is the biggest sensor you’ll find on most mirrorless cameras. And we say most, because Medium Format cameras are bigger still — but also way out of most people’s price range, so we’ll skip them here.

Full-frame is actually an old term and refers to a sensor the size of that in a 35mm film camera (roughly 36 x 24mm). The Sony A7 range, Nikon Z5 and Canon RP are all full-frame mirrorless cameras.  

APS-C is the next size down (approx 22 x 15mm) and is found in most mirrorless cams including Sony’s A6000 range, most of Fujifilm’s X series and some Canon and Nikon models. It has around 2.5 times less surface area than full-frame.

Below that is Micro Four Thirds, a sensor size developed by Olympus and Panasonic specifically for mirrorless cameras; you’ll only find it on models by those two manufacturers. This is almost a quarter the size of full-frame.

So, what does it matter? Well, in general, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality. Larger sensors can gather more light and will generally have less noise than smaller formats. But obviously other factors also come into play here; this is a guide rather than a hard rule. Against that, a smaller sensor can allow for smaller cameras and — just as importantly — smaller lenses.