Mirrorless cameras are well on their way to replacing DSLR options in the world of photography. Depending on which reports you read, they are now also the top-selling camera type among professional photographers. They are lighter, smaller, quieter, and have superior video quality, making them the best choice for traveling shutterbugs and vloggers.

DSLRs still offer superior battery life, better low-light performance, and a wider selection of interchangeable lenses. However, with mirrorless technology rapidly evolving, these advantages will soon become a thing of the past, too.

Here are the best mirrorless cameras available today.

Our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Every Budget in 2023

A Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Best Overall

Awesome Canon Autofocusing

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a top-tier mirrorless camera that takes your photography to new heights. With its advanced autofocus system, you can expect unparalleled precision and subject detection, ensuring your shots are consistently sharp and impressive.

Pros
  • Sturdy, lightweight, and weather-sealed
  • Battery life of up to 760 shots
  • ISO range of up to 102,400 (extendable to 204,800)
  • 3.69m-dot EVF
  • Fully-articulating touchscreen
Cons
  • AF is less reliable when shooting video

With the Canon EOS R6 already an outstanding mirrorless camera, the Mark II had a sizable job on its hands to try and better it. The result is a premium camera with a faster, more accurate autofocus system with excellent subject detection. In addition, the camera boasts burst shooting speeds of up to 12FPS using the mechanical shutter and an impressive 40FPS using the electronic. And when it comes to RAW continuous shooting, you get a rate of 30FPS with buffered frames—ideal for seizing those fleeting moments.

In challenging low-light conditions, the AF system of the EOS R6 Mark II continues to ensure sharp details. The in-body image stabilization also contributes to image clarity in dim light with an impressive 8-stops of shake correction, while ISO handling is also excellent.

The EOS R6 Mark II also delivers stunning 4K video footage at 60FPS with 6K oversampling for enhanced detail. It also supports 6K at 60FPS ProRes RAW output via HDMI. And, if you want to add a touch of cinematic flair, you can take advantage of the Full HD slow-motion recording at an impressive 180FPS.

A Fujifilm X-T5 camera body
​​​​​​​Fujifilm X-T5
Best Midrange

A Fantastic Midrange Fujifilm

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a top-tier mirrorless camera that boasts exceptional image quality, reliable autofocus, and an ergonomic, intuitive design that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience. This camera is ideal for both enthusiasts and professionals alike, as it excels in producing impressive results across various shooting scenarios.

Pros
  • Up to 680 frames battery life
  • Dust and splash protection
  • 125-12,800 ISO range (expandable to 64-51,200)
  • 1/180,000/s electronic and 1/8000/s mechanical shutters
  • Excellent IBIS and low-light performance
Cons
  • E-shutter can introduce rolling shutter artifacts

Sporting a more compact and lightweight build than its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-T5 is not only more portable but also more powerful. The camera features user-friendly dials that allow for easy adjustments to key settings, making it accessible for beginners.

It has had a significant sensor upgrade to a 40MP BSI CMOS. It manages incredibly detailed images with natural and vibrant colors across its ISO range. You can also freeze rapid motion with its fast electronic and mechanical shutter speeds and 35ms lag time. Furthermore, It offers burst shooting at up to 15FPS with the mechanical shutter and up to 20FPS with the electronic. However, in certain situations, the e-shutter can introduce rolling shutter artifacts, which may cause slight distortions in the image.

The camera’s 5-axis IBIS provides up to seven stops of compensation, while the AF provides 425 points with phase detection pixels across the entire frame. It locks on very quickly and tracks all subjects, from birds to trains. The detailed EVF makes tracking all the easier, too. It provides bright, easy-to-see images, while the three-way tilting LCD offers more shooting versatility. The camera is also a decent choice for taking videos; it can record at up to 6.2K at 30FPS in 4:2:2 10-bit color, while you also get 4K at 60FPS and 1080p at 240FPS.

A Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 with 14-42mm lens
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
Best Budget

Entry-Level Excellence on a Budget

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is ideal for entry-level vloggers and photographers who want a capable mirrorless camera without breaking the bank. It offers impressive 4K video, a user-friendly design, and an affordable price. Whether you're shooting stills or videos, the G7 is a great way to upgrade from your smartphone or compact camera.

Pros
  • Fast autofocus
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Affordable 4K choice
  • Good choice for vlogging beginners
  • Lightweight and compact
Cons
  • Not weather sealed

For those not quite ready to splash out thousands on a premium mirrorless camera, you can't go wrong with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7. It’s an older camera that is still popular, mainly because it offers 4K at a highly-affordable price.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on other features. Despite the Micro Four Thirds CMOS image sensor being a modest 16MP, the DMC-G7 is very capable. It has surprisingly-fast autofocus and excellent dynamic range delivering high-quality images.

With 4K at 30FPS and 1080p at 60FPS, it’s also a good choice for shooting videos. For entry-level vloggers stepping into the world of 4K, it’s an excellent affordable option with useful filmmaking functions and a fully-articulating screen.

Traveling vloggers and photographers will be particularly impressed with its slight weight and modest build. It’s easily transportable and almost feels like a compact point-and-shoot piece. The controls are also laid out logically and are easy to use, making it an ideal choice for novices stepping up from smartphone photography. This one comes with a versatile 14-42mm kit lens, but other options are available if you need something different.

A Sony Alpha 1 mirrorless camera
Sony Alpha 1
Best Premium

An All-Around Premium Paradise

The Sony Alpha 1 is a top-tier mirrorless camera renowned for its exceptional image quality and speed. Its 50.1MP full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, advanced autofocus system, real-time Eye AF, and impressive video capabilities empower photographers to capture stunning shots, push creative boundaries, and achieve professional-grade results.
 

Pros
  • Weather sealed
  • Highly versatile
  • Innovative features
  • Robust construction
  • 8K RAW captures
Cons
  • Extremely expensive

Also widely known as the Sony A1, the Sony Alpha 1 is, quite simply, a world-class, full-frame mirrorless camera and a photographer’s fantasy of premium features. Listing all of them is a monumental task due to the sheer number. However, these endless features and impressive specs have led to an eye-watering premium price, a stumbling block for most.

Although you would be buying one of the most innovative cameras ever made, if you are a beginner to the world of photography, think carefully about what you really need at this point. Unless that is, you have deep pockets, a lot of passion, and a drive to learn. In that case, get ready for some serious fun creating images and videos you never knew you had in you.

It has a 50.1MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and outstanding 30FPS continuous shooting. On top of this, and very much the cherry for some, is the 8K at 30FPS video recording. It also sports a speedy autofocus system, all of which is driven by a powerful BIONZ XR processor for flagship detail and speed.

It's undoubtedly one of the most all-around and advanced mirrorless cameras you can buy today. Its versatility stretches from street photography to safari adventures and everything in between. Action photography is also a dream with a camera this fast and with such a high resolution.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV 01
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Best Value

Excellent Value for Travelers

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk IV is a reasonably-priced mirrorless camera ideal for travelers. Its lightweight design and excellent portability make it an ideal companion for capturing stunning travel moments, while features like in-body image stabilization and a tilting screen add to its appeal for nomadic vloggers.

Pros
  • Impressive 20MP images and 4K videos
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • In-body 5-Axis image stabilization
  • ISO range of 200 to 25,600, expandable to 100 to 51,200
  • Up to 15FPS continuous shooting
Cons
  • Plastic build

Another reasonably-priced yet well-performing mirrorless camera is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. For the price, it’s an excellent pick for all types of still photography. At the same time, vloggers will find the 5-axis in-body image stabilizer and tilting screen real pluses.

Its slight weight and portability make it a good travel choice, and nighttime photographers will be happy with its dim-light performance. And, with the efficient in-body stabilizer, there’s little need for lugging around tripods after the sun goes down.

Landscapes and architecture come out in excellent detail and contrast thanks to the above-par performance of the 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor. However, the autofocus doesn’t track fast-moving subjects particularly well when shooting videos, so sports games or stampeding zebras may be a little tricky to record. It’s also not weather-sealed, which could be a deciding factor for some, although it is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sony a7R V
Sony Alpha 7R V
Best Image Quality

Unparalleled Image Quality at a Price

The Sony Alpha 7R V sets new performance standards with its 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR image processor. With its expanded burst depth and increased buffer capacity, it delivers exceptional RAW file captures, and it also showcases remarkable capabilities in 8K video recording.

Pros
  • Superb image quality
  • AI autofocus is incredible
  • Outstanding subject detection
  • Native 100-32000 ISO, extendable to 50-102400
  • 4-axis multi-angle LCD
Cons
  • Confusing menu system
  • 4K video could be better detailed

The Sony Alpha 7R V has an astonishing 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. It also features a sophisticated AI-enhanced BIONZ XR processor. And while it’s not the cheapest mirrorless camera out there, it is absolutely one of the best. The image quality generated is second to none, and together with its outstanding AF and advanced features, you get exactly what you shell out for.

The rapid autofocus identifies just about any moving object, from insects to the largest vehicle. Using the mechanical or electronic shutter, you can capture up to 583 compressed RAW images at 10FPS with full AF/AE tracking. Furthermore, thanks to its 5-axis IBIS with up to eight stops and Active Mode, which further enhances stabilization, this camera enables you to capture clear and crisp pictures even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

It’s also a top choice for video. You can shoot beautiful movies in resolutions of up to 8K. However, shooting at this resolution will drain the battery. It'll also give a 1.2x crop, but the videos produced have unrivaled detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy.

A Fujifilm X-S20 camera body
Fujifilm X-S20
Best Entry-Level for Stills

Ideal Features for Newbies to Still Photography

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a worthy successor to the X-S10, offering improved battery life and processing speed while retaining a compact and intuitive design. Its user-friendly interface, automatic shooting modes, and various easy-to-use creative options make it an excellent choice for entry-level photographers.

Pros
  • 750-shot battery life
  • 5-axis IBIS with up to seven stops
  • Vlog Mode for novice vloggers
  • 6.2K at 30FPS 4:2:2 10-bit video
  • Articulating Screen
Cons
  • Small EVF
  • Not weather sealed

Fans of the X-S20’s predecessor, the X-S10, will be pleased that Fujifilm has kept the intuitive and ergonomic design while upgrading in other departments. The most significant improvement is the battery life, although this upgrade has made the camera gain a little weight. However, it remains relatively compact and is still an excellent option for travelers.

The 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor remains in place while the processor has been upgraded. The X-Processor 5 ensures the X-S20 is a better-performing machine than its older sibling, offering twice the processing speed and contributing to improved battery performance. Image quality remains detailed and color-accurate with a wide dynamic range.

The Fujifilm X-S20 also features some excellent color profiles and filters that are simple to apply. You can create unique looks for your images with the 18 Film Simulation modes that recreate classic movies, too. Together with an intuitive user interface, a built-in Guide Mode, and a variety of automatic shooting modes, including automatic scene setting and subject tracking, it's another excellent entry-level choice.

However, experienced shutterbugs will also love the camera. It has a powerful autofocus system with the same subject detection functionality that features on the premium-priced X-H2S. It’s quick and accurate, even in low light, and can capture smaller subjects better than its predecessor.

A Nikon Z9 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera body
Nikon Z9
Best for Action

Capture Dynamic Moments with an Action-Ready Nikon

The Nikon Z9 is an innovative mirrorless camera for professionals. It offers a powerful autofocus system with 493 AF points and a silent electronic shutter. Its high-resolution sensor, advanced processor, and impressive video capabilities also deliver exceptional image quality and versatility.
 

Pros
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • 64-25,600 ISO range (expandable to 32-102,400)
  • Excellent battery life
  • Great EVF
  • 30FPS continuous JPEG and 20FPS continuous RAW shooting
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Bulky and heavy

While not as costly as the Sony A1, the Nikon Z9 is another full-frame mirrorless camera pushed more toward the upper-premium price range. It’s definitely one for hobbyists or professionals with deep pockets, but you certainly get what you pay for. It’s designed specifically for sports and event photography, but it also performs incredibly well in other fields.

The sensor is a 45.7MP Stacked CMOS, and burst shooting is 20FPS in RAW format and 30FPS in JPEG with an autofocus performance unprecedented in a Nikon mirrorless camera. However, the frosting on the cake is the 8K at 30FPS video captures, but these are all jaw-dropping features for anyone prepared to pay the price.

You can also add an almost endless list of packed-in features never seen in a Nikon mirrorless camera. This list includes an Expeed 7 processor, a 120Hz refresh rate on the viewfinder, and a 1/32,000 top shutter speed. Once you also factor in a digital zoom that maintains a 4K resolution and an AF that recognizes up to nine different subjects, you start to better understand why it has such a premium price.

A face shot of a Panasonic LUMIX G100
Panasonic LUMIX G100
Best for Entry-Level Vlogging

Versatility for New Vloggers

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera explicitly designed for vloggers and content creators. Its compact size, versatile lens, and intelligent audio recording system offer vloggers an ideal tool for easily capturing high-quality videos.

Pros
  • Fully articulating LCD
  • 5-axis hybrid image stabilizer
  • 10FPS electronic burst shooting
  • 4K at 30FPS video
  • 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
Cons
  • Not great in low light for videos or stills

For the TikTok and YouTube generation, the Panasonic Lumix G100 is a highly-affordable mirrorless camera for vloggers. This model comes with a 12-32mm kit lens, perfect for showing ample background while recording in restricted space. It also features a fully-articulating LCD that automatically increases the depth of field when flipped toward you. This feature means you won't need to worry about your background and face not being in perfect focus.

It also features intelligent audio recording that uses a triple-mic and face-tracking system to optimize the direction of the audio recording signal to the person speaking. This feature is ideal for conducting interviews. However, it doesn't do as well when the speaker turns away from the camera while still talking.

Producing excellent landscape stills is also something where this camera excels. Image quality is excellent and offers sharp detail with a high dynamic range, especially in bright conditions. It's also light and portable enough not to bog you down while trekking to remote locations, which is good news for travelers.

However, despite the excellent autofocus, it does struggle when tracking faces. Coupled with the lack of an IBIS and average battery performance, it may not be for everyone. However, you can't expect too much more at this end of the price scale.

A shot of a Sony Alpha A6600 with front-facing viewfinder
Sony Alpha A6600
Best Autofocus

Outstanding Alpha Autofocus

The Sony Alpha a6600 stands out with its remarkable autofocus system, achieving focus lock in an astonishingly fast time and offering advanced eye autofocusing for both people and animals. Combined with excellent image stabilization and a versatile design, this camera is a top choice for capturing sports, wildlife, and a wide range of photography and videography scenarios.

Pros
  • AI-powered eye tracking
  • Weather-sealed and durable
  • Excellent battery life
  • 5-axis image stabilization
Cons
  • No pop-up flash

The standout characteristic of the Sony Alpha a6600 is its autofocus system. It is equipped with both 425-point phase and contrast detection and achieves focus lock in an astonishing 0.02 seconds. Furthermore, it offers advanced AI-powered eye autofocusing in people and animals when taking stills and even focuses on people-peepers when shooting videos. As a result, the a6600 proves to be an excellent choice for many types of sports and wildlife photography.

In addition to its top-notch autofocus, this camera also sports excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization. Together with its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, it reduces camera shake by up to five stops producing sharp hand-held images and videos even in low light. It delivers well-balanced exposures and captures a wide range of details and natural colors.

The Sony Alpha a6600 also offers a variety of other features, such as a tilting touchscreen, a weather-sealed body, and a long battery life. These features make it a versatile camera that is well-suited for a variety of photography and videography situations.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Mirrorless Camera in 2023

Mirrorless cameras are slowly pushing DSLRs to the back of the purchasing queue. Advancements in image stabilization and autofocusing mean that even professional photographers are making the switch despite DSLRs still having the edge in image quality.

However, premium choices like the Nikon Z9 may be beyond what most are prepared to pay. Luckily, there are some excellent budget options, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 standing out as one of the best. Quality midrange options are also abundant, with the Fujifilm X-T5 offering excellent value for what you get.

However, some high-end options like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II still don’t cost anywhere near as much as flagship premium cameras, such as the Sony Alpha 1. With outstanding image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, image stabilization, and video captures, you can save yourself several thousand dollars while still nabbing yourself a professional-grade camera that allows you to take similar-grade images.

A Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Best Autofocus

Awesome Canon Autofocusing

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a top-tier mirrorless camera that takes your photography to new heights. With its advanced autofocus system, you can expect unparalleled precision and subject detection, ensuring your shots are consistently sharp and impressive.

Pros
  • Sturdy, lightweight, and weather-sealed
  • Battery life of up to 760 shots
  • ISO range of up to 102,400 (extendable to 204,800)
  • 3.69m-dot EVF
  • Fully-articulating touchscreen
Cons
  • AF is less reliable when shooting video