Mirrorless cameras have taken the photography world by storm, and for good reason. Gone are the days of lugging around a bulky DSLR camera – mirrorless cameras offer a powerful and portable alternative that lets you capture stunning photos and videos without sacrificing quality. They generally shoot faster, sharper, and silently, compared to their DSLR equivalents, all while being smaller and lighter too. But what is the best mirrorless camera?
It's difficult to say a single camera is 'the' best seeing as everyone has different needs, styles, budgets, and experience levels. What's best for one person, may not be for another. Some models excel in photography, while others excel in videography. So, we've gone ahead and picked the top mirrorless cameras across a range of categories and budgets, and use cases - so that everyone can find the right one for their needs!
But first, be sure to swing by our Digital Camera Buying Guide - it covers all the terminology you need to know to make an informed decision. Now, let's dive into our top picks!
Our picks:
Best from Sony
Sony Alpha A7R V
If you're a professional photographer or videographer who demands class-leading resolution and performance, check out the Sony A7R V. This easily takes the cake as the best overall camera from Sony if we're looking at raw specs. This powerhouse boasts a staggering 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, capturing every detail with incredible sharpness and clarity. Paired with the powerful BIONZ XR processor and a dedicated AI processing unit, the A7R V delivers exceptional image quality, low noise levels, and a wide dynamic range for photographers who demand the absolute best.
Additionally, the A7R V sports a lightning-fast autofocus system with advanced subject recognition that tracks even the most erratic movements with precision, making it ideal for professional sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture fleeting moments in perfect focus. The 8K video recording capabilities along with 8-stop 5-axis image stabilisation further solidify the A7R V as a top contender for professional content creators. If you're a photographer who needs the ultimate in resolution, detail, and performance, the Sony Alpha A7R V is an undisputed champion.
Sensor: Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 61MP | Lens Mount: E-mount | Max Video Resolution: 8K24p, 4K60p, FHD120p | Autofocus: 693 Phase-Detection AF + 425 Contrast-Detection AF | Image Stabilisation: 8-Stop 5-Axis | ISO Range: 100-32000 (expandable)
Best from Canon
Canon EOS R5
If you’re looking for the best from Canon, then the Canon EOS R5 is the one for you. It boasts a leading 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor, offering stunning resolution for large prints and the flexibility to crop your images. The DIGIC X processor unlocks incredible speed and precision. You’ll enjoy 20fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter and full AF/AE tracking, along with 12fps with the mechanical shutter and full AF/AE tracking.
The video capabilities on this camera are next-level, boasting a staggering 8K video recording capability (at 30fps), 4K Ultra HD at 120p, Full HD at 120p, timelapse mode, and much more! 100% coverage of Dual Pixel CMOS AutoFocus II is available in all modes and will ensure your images and video are nice and sharp. Subject tracking for both humans and animals, as well as 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, will also go a long way in capturing smooth and steady footage.
The camera has dual card slots, a vari-angle LCD screen, and an electronic viewfinder amongst plenty of other features. Canon has pretty much thrown every conceivable feature into this camera and it’s reflected in the price point. As far as image and video quality goes, the Canon EOS R5 will not disappoint!
Sensor: Full-Frame CMOS | Megapixels: 45MP | Lens Mount: RF-mount | Max Video Resolution: 8K30p, 4K120p | Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 1053 Phase-Detection | Image Stabilisation: 5-Axis | ISO Range: 100-51200
Best for Most People
Sony A7 IV
The highly-regarded Sony A7 MK IV is a feature-packed camera that’s perfect for professionals and serious content creators. This advanced mirrorless camera is one of the best you can get, producing strong stills and video performance! It packs a 33MP full-frame Exmore R CMOS sensor, lightning-fast autofocus, and 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilisation with 5.0-stop shutter speed advantage. With 10fps burst shooting, it’s superb for capturing action shots! Additionally, the A7 IV has broad sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200 and a wide 15+ stop dynamic range.
To add to the incredible image quality, the sensor and BIONZ XR processor in this camera contribute to an advanced AI-based AF system that supports Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking for intuitive AF control and subject tracking. Three AF drive speed settings give you the freedom to use slow focus effects when shooting video too. The A7 IV can record high-resolution full-frame 4K video at up to 60fps and FHD up to 120fps.
If you’re shooting professionally, you’ll appreciate the twin SD card slots, high-speed tethering, and USB power. It also provides great controls with up to 81 functions that you can assign to 11 custom keys, decent battery life, a tilting touch screen, excellent face and eye detection, and WiFi and seamless location tagging over Bluetooth. The Sony Alpha A7 IV delivers outstanding quality and performance - a great choice for those who want one of the best!
Sensor: Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 33MP | Lens Mount: E-mount | Max Video Resolution: 4K60p, FHD120p | Image Stabilisation: 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image | Autofocus: Fast Hybrid AF with 759 phase-detection point | ISO Range: 100-51200
Best for Beginners
Canon EOS R50
The Canon EOS R50 is a fantastic entry-level mirrorless camera for photographers of all levels, especially beginners and camera enthusiasts. Despite its small, compact size, and reasonable price point, this camera packs some impressive specs, along with shooting speeds that rival even some higher-end cameras. The R50 is equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC X image processor that supports up to 15 fps continuous shooting. It also features the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II found in higher-end R-series models, including 651 high precision AF zones and subject tracking for people, animals and vehicles.
The EOS R50 also does a great job of capturing high-quality video footage. It can capture video at up to 4K 30p with 6K oversampling, though keep in mind, it does crop the footage at that resolution. You won't experience any cropping when shooting in Full HD 1080p however, and at this resolution, it can even record cinematic slow-motion at 120p.
All in all, the EOS R50 is a very compelling model considering its price point. It’s compact and lightweight, takes great photos and 4K video, and offers some other great perks such as an effective OLED touchscreen, excellent wireless, and an expansive range of creative filters and scenes. This camera is a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts who want a high-performing mirrorless that won't cost an arm and a leg.
Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens Mount: RF Mount | Max Video Resolution: 4K30p, FHD120p | Image Stabilisation: None | Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, 651 AF zones | ISO Range: 100-32000
Best APS-C
Fujifilm X-T5
Taking the spot as the best APS-C camera is the Fujifilm X-T5 - a portable and powerful multimedia camera that delivers stunning results in both photo and video. It boasts a 40MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI sensor, offering incredible image quality. Shutter speeds up to 1/180,000 sec from the electronic shutter, and up to 1/8000 sec in the mechanical shutter, makes it a champion at capturing action; while a seven-stop in-body image stabisation system keeps it steady for images and video.
It also features outstanding autofocus performance, with 425 phase-detection points and sensitivity down to -7 EV for working in truly low-light conditions. Also, backed by deep learning, an AI adaptive algorithm means this focusing system is better suited to automatically detect and track animals, athletes, birds, cars, motorcycles, and moving subjects.
In addition to it's image capabilities, the X-T5 is a highly capable moviemaking machine, recording up to 6k30p in 4:2:2 10-bit color internally or 12-bit ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI. Plus, it records 4K at up to 120fps, and 4K HQ mode which oversamples 6.2k footage for superior 4k output. This higher resolution unlocks 2x digital zoom functionality, providing additional in-camera versatility without a noticeable drop in quality.
The X-T5 offers a blend of power and handling that is ideal for camera enthusiasts and aspiring professionals who are passionate about the craft and want a camera that can grow with their skills. Its compact size, lightweight design, and weather-sealed body also make it a good choice for photographers on the go, such as street photographers.
Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 40MP | Lens Mount: FUJIFILM X | Max Video Resolution: 6k30p, 4K60p, FHD120p | Image Stabilisation: Sensor Shift, 5-Axis | Autofocus: 425 Contrast and Phase Detection | ISO Range: 125-12800 (Expandable)
Best for Travelers
Sony A7C II
For those who need top-tier quality inside of a compact, lightweight body - ideal for travellers or those who like to shoot light - we recommend the Sony A7C II. Like others in Sony's Alpha range, the A7C II features an advanced imaging system powered by a 33MP full-frame Exmore R CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR processor. With an ISO range of 100-51200 (expandable to ISO 50-204800), it offers fantastic low-light performance with minimal noise and wide dynamic range.
The camera's advanced autofocus and 5-axis image stabilisation systems ensure smooth handling and clarity no matter the shooting conditions. The 759 phase-detection points when shooting stills and 495 points when shooting video, covering 94% of the image area, are enhanced with AI-powered subject recognition performance and real-time tracking.
The A7C II features a host of video features that make this camera a hot choice for content creators and videographers. It allows high-quality recording in various formats, including 10-bit 4:2:2 for exceptional detail and up to 4k60p and FHD at 120fps. It even offers creative tools like S-Log3 gamma curves for colour grading flexibility and S-Cinetone for beautiful skin tones.
With its compact size, excellent image and video quality, and user-friendly features, the a7C II is ideal for everyday photographers, content creators and travellers who want a powerful camera that's easy to carry around.
Sensor: Full-Frame Exmor R BSI Sensor | Megapixels: 33MP | Lens Mount: Sony E | Max Video Resolution: 4K60p, FHD120p | Image Stabilisation: Sensor Shift, 5-Axis | Autofocus: Hybrid AF, 759 Phase-Detection | ISO Range: 100-51200 (Expandable)
Best Value Retro Hybrid
Nikon Z FC
The Nikon Z FC is an affordable entry point into Nikon’s popular Z series. The Z FC sports a classic, retro design but is packed full of all the features you’d expect from a modern-day mirrorless camera. Despite having an APS-C size sensor, the Z FC uses the same Z lens mount as Nikon’s range of full-frame sensor cameras. This means that you can utilise the same range of Z branded lenses, but of course, with a 1.5x crop applied due to the smaller sensor.
The Nikon Z FC features a 20.9MP DX CMOS APS-C sensor, paired with an EXPEED 6 image processor making it capable of high sensitivity, great image and video quality, and fast overall performance. The Z FC also offers comprehensive video, vlogging, and streaming capabilities. It records at 4K Ultra HD video at 30p, 25p, or 24p full pixel readout with no cropping. It also has continuous AF tracking for people and animals, ensuring your footage stays nice and sharp. Combined with NIKKOR Z lenses, you can max out the sensor’s resolution and get spectacular depth and clarity in your videos.
The Nikon Z FC Mirrorless Camera is a great choice for the budding photographer. Just keep in mind that there are only a couple of APS-C native lenses available. You can use Nikon Z full-frame lenses but expect the frame to be cropped. Otherwise, it’s a great mirrorless camera for those not ready to go big on the pricier ‘Z’ series models or higher-end retro hybrid cameras on the market.
Sensor: DX CMOS | Megapixels: 20.9MP | Lens Mount: Z mount | Max Video Resolution: 4K30p, FHD120p | Image Stabilisation: None | Autofocus: Hybrid AF, 209 Points | ISO Range: 100-51200
There’s a fantastic selection of mirrorless cameras available and we hope this made your choice easier. Be sure to check over to PB Tech to check out our full range of cameras! Not sure what lenses to purchase? Read our article on the Top Camera Lenses.
