Mirrorless cameras are all the rage nowadays. Every photographer, novice or professional, seems to be love in with these cameras. You need to consider a mirrorless camera if you want to pursue photography as a profession. Mirrorless cameras offer a number of benefits, making them a perfect choice for people upgrading from a smartphone to a proper camera. Therefore, we are going to unveil the best mirrorless camera for beginner in this article.
The article will also contain the following sections for you to have a better idea of what a mirrorless camera is and why do you need one.
- What is a mirrorless camera?
- 10 best mirrorless cameras for beginners
- How to choose a mirrorless camera?
The mirrorless camera market has exploded with new models and innovations in recent years. No matter you are a beginner or a professional, you will find a model that suits your particular requirements. Every major camera manufacturer including Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, and Nikon is trying to dominate the market. As a result, mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more diverse as well. Similarly, you have unlimited choices when it comes to picking up a mirrorless camera.
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
Mirrorless cameras are the latest innovation in the world of photography. These cameras, as the name suggests, do not require a mirror to reflect the light to the optical viewfinder as is the case with traditional DSLRs. In fact, there is no optical viewfinder in the mirrorless cameras. They have electronic viewfinders that display the image when the lens projects the image directly on the sensor.
Mirrorless cameras are also comparatively lighter and smaller than DSLRs due to the absence of a mirror. Low image quality used to be an issue with smaller mirrorless cameras but it is not the case anymore with modern mirrorless cameras.
10 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners
A large number of choices and diversity can also muddle your mind. You may find it difficult to choose a camera from a myriad of models. However, you need not worry. Experts at our panel have come up with the 10 best mirrorless cameras for beginners, making it easier for you to buy one. They have chosen these cameras after comparing the pros and cons of hundreds of cameras. Therefore, these are the absolute best models for a beginner.
So, let us start our list without any further ado.
| Image | Product Name | Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sony a9 Full Frame Camera |
| Check Price |
 | Sony Alpha a6000 |
| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS M50 |
| Check Price |
 | Fujifilm X-T4 |
| Check Price |
 | Panasonic Lumix Gh5 |
| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS M100 |
| Check Price |
 | Nikon Z6 Full Frame |
| Check Price |
 | Fujifilm X-T3 |
| Check Price |
 | Sony a7 Full Frame |
| Check Price |
 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II |
| Check Price |
- Sony a9 Full Frame Camera: Our number one pick
- Sony Alpha a6000: Best mirrorless camera under 1000
- Canon EOS M50: Best budget mirrorless camera
- Fujifilm X-T4: Best mirrorless camera for video
- Panasonic Lumix GH5: Best Mirrorless Camera for Professionals
- Canon EOS M100: Best mirrorless camera under 500
- Nikon Z6 Full Frame: Best beginner mirrorless camera
- Fujifilm X-T3: A great camera with beautiful looks
- Sony a7 Full Frame: Cheaper replacement of Sony a9
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II: Best multipurpose mirrorless camera
1. Sony a9 Full Frame Camera: Our Number One Pick
If you are looking for a camera with cutting edge technology and highly advanced features, you must go for Sony a9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. It is rather an expensive camera but it is worth the money just for its amazing specifications.
Features
It is a completely silent camera even if you shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 20 frames per second. It is an ideal camera for action, wildlife, or sports photography. The camera allows you to take intimate photos of wildlife which you would normally miss with a DSLR just because of its noise. It has a sensor size of 35mm full-frame in addition to the resolution of up to 24MP.
Other features that make Sony a9 a very popular camera among professionals are a tilting, touch-sensitive screen, and a 5-axis in-body stabilization. Perhaps, the greatest feature of the camera is blackout free viewfinder even if you shoot at super high speed.
The major drawback of Sony a9 is its ridiculously high price but you cannot expect to have all these features for pennies.
It is pertinent to mention Sony has replaced a9 with a9 11. However, the differences between the two is negligible. Therefore, we recommend going for a9 as it will help you save a lot of money.
Our Verdict
Sony a9 is the best mirrorless camera for professionals and beginners if they can splash around $4000 on a camera. It has all the features and specifications that would help you become a great photographer one day.
2. Sony Alpha a6000: Best Mirrorless Camera under 1000
Sony Alpha a6000 is the best budget mirrorless camera for beginners. Available for around $800, it provides an ideal balance between portability and power. The camera offers several benefits which you only expect from more expensive cameras.
Features
The best features of Sony Alpha a6000 are the brilliant autofocus and fast continuous shooting. The camera is capable of shooting at lightening 11 frames per second with continuous metering and autofocus. The autofocus is also exceptional, equivalent to what you find in DSLRs.
The most amazing thing about a6000 is its world-class electronic viewfinder. The camera has a crystal clear and bright OLED viewfinder. Above all, it does not stutter as in the case of some EVFs because OLED viewfinder has a much higher refresh rate as compared to EVF. Therefore, you will easily move over to this type of eyepiece if you have been using a DSLR.
The Sony Alpha a6000 provides exceptional results in dimly lit conditions. It can take superb images up to ISO 1600 sensitivity. However, it can capture pretty good images in extremely low light even up to ISO 12,800 as well.
When it comes to video, the Sony a6000 records dazzling full HD videos at up to 60 frames per second. Similarly, you will get a cinematic look at 24 frames per second. The videos it shoots have rich colors, fine details, and silky smooth motion rendering to name a few.
Our Verdict
All in all, Sony Alpha a6000 is the mirrorless camera for you if you are just stepping up from a smartphone. It is the best mirrorless camera for beginner who wants to learn the trade of the trick without emptying his pockets.
3. Canon EOS M50: Best Budget Mirrorless Camera
It is a cumbersome task to find an affordable mirrorless EOM camera with a viewfinder. However, this is not the case with Canon EOS M50. It comes with a great viewfinder resulting in the absolute joy for beginners who cannot afford expensive mirrorless cameras. Canon View also provides vast list of best mirrorless cameras.
Features
Canon EOS M50 is a small, lightweight, and very compact camera. It is also the only camera in the EOS M series with a built-in viewfinder. The EOS M series by canon is known for offering topnotch features for a great price.
The camera takes awe-inspiring shots during the bright light thanks to its amazing viewfinder. It also records videos at 4K which is also a very tempting feature of Canon EOS M50. Besides, the autofocusing is out of this world considering how cheap this camera is.
Canon EOS M50 also has an easy to use interface, much to the relief of beginners who are often overwhelmed by a vast array of settings on other cameras.
The only downside of the camera is the flimsy body. It gives a plastic feel which is acceptable as it is not a very expensive camera. It also has an APS-C sensor which has become a norm these days.
Our Verdict
Canon EOS M50 is the best 4k mirrorless camera you would find at this price. It is quite a reasonable camera with excellent autofocus and a great viewfinder.
4. Fujifilm X-T4: Best Mirrorless Camera for Video
No matter you are a beginner or a pro, you would love this camera for its great design, excellent performance, and amazing features, all packed in a compact design. It is a one-size-fits-all camera that will meet requirements of enthusiastic as well as occasional photographers.
Features
What separates Fujifilm X-T4 from the rest is the analog inspired controls and classic design coupled with modern features such as a fully articulating motor and 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization. On top of that, it offers a sensational photography experience even though it does not have as many megapixels or biggest of sensors as some of the other cameras.
The camera gives a good account of itself irrespective of you are shooting in the streets or using it for video production.
Perhaps, the best thing about Fujifilm X-T4 is the highest degree of image stabilization which was lacking in the previous X-series models. The autofocus performance is comparable to that of Sony’s cameras that is to say it is excellent. The camera is also a great choice for videos thanks to the fully articulating screen.
Other important features of the camera include a quiet shutter with a speed of 15 frames per second, the highest any Fujifilm camera has to offer. The Fujifilm T-X4 borrows most of the other features from T-X3 such as a wonderful viewfinder, 4 image processor, and a 26 megapixel sensor. The camera also offers 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. However, you can record full-HD video at up to 240 frames per second.
Our Verdict
Fujifilm T-X4 should be your choice if you are looking for high image stabilization, extreme slow-motion video, superfast continuous shooting, and high megapixel sensor. It could easily become the best mirrorless camera for beginner if not for the high price.
5. Panasonic Lumix GH5: Best Mirrorless Camera for Professionals
Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the best mirrorless camera for video as well as stills. It suits photographers who put equal emphasis on photos and videos. The camera takes photos and shoots videos without cutting the edges, making it a top choice for professional photographers as well.
Features
Panasonic Lumix shoots videos at 4K which every other camera on our list does. However, photos do not take precedence over videos in this camera. You can keep on shooting videos until the battery dies or your card fills up. Similarly, it was also the first camera that allowed silky smooth 4K videos at 60 frames per second.
The camera has many other features that target professional photographers rather than beginners. These features include a clean HDMI output, 5-axis image stabilization, and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.
Although Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the best 4K mirrorless camera yet it can perform exceptionally well when it comes to taking still photos. The autofocus is brilliant that can shoot at 12 fps when fixed on the first frame and 9 fps when shooting continuously.
Another amazing feature is the ability to adjust the focus after you have taken the photo. Similarly, it also has different 4K and 6K modes which are exclusive to Panasonic. You can also reduce the shoot resolution at 60 fps and merge different images to get a deeper depth of field at 30 fps.
Finally, the body of Lumix GH5 resembles that of a typical mirrorless/DSLR hybrid. It has a lot of physical controls even though it is smaller than most DSLRs. The camera also features dual SD card slots and a brilliant viewfinder as well.
Our Verdict
Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the best hybrid mirrorless camera offering the best mix of video and photo options you can currently find. Its video features can outshine many more expensive cameras by a fair distance as well.
6. Canon EOS M100: Best Mirrorless Camera under 500
Canon was quite late to join the mirrorless camera race. They are now manufacturing some of the best beginner mirrorless cameras and the Canon EOS M100 is no different. Available for around $350, it is also one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras you can currently buy. However, don’t be fooled by its price as it can leave you stunned by its amazing features and excellent specifications.
Features
Canon EOS M100 has the 24 megapixel camera which is truly outstanding considering its price. Even some of the pricier mirrorless cameras only has around 25 megapixels of APS-C sensors. The camera aims at beginner photographers who would find 26mp of sensor without compromising the image quality.
The image quality is brilliant but at the expense of an electronic viewfinder. You can thus, only use the LCD screen on the back as there is no electronic viewfinder. Similarly, the lens is quite small compared to other cameras in the same price range. There is also no 4K video capability but the camera has a great layout and build quality.
Our Verdict
Canon EOS M100 cannot compete with other budget cameras such as Sony Alpha a600. However, it is a great choice if you are looking for brilliant image quality for a fraction of a price. It is also one of the best entry level cameras to use before moving over to more expensive ones.
7. Nikon Z6 Full Frame: Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera
Nikon Z6 is the camera for you if you prefer a full-frame mirrorless camera that also offers stunning all-round performance. It is a great choice for professional and beginner photographers who like to use their camera both for taking spectacular photos and videos.
Features
To begin with, the camera has a 24.5 megapixel full-frame sensor. It can shoot at 4K which is a standard these days. The autofocus is simply brilliant with a continuous shooting speed of 12fps. The camera allows you to take outstanding images thanks to 5-axis in-body image stabilizer.
The Canon Z6 is no match with Canon Z7 in terms of features and specification but it is a better model, especially if you are looking for an all-rounder at a considerably lower price. For example, it has a faster frame rate of 12 frames per second. Similarly, it delivers better results in low light conditions because of its lower resolution sensor compared to Z7.
The Z6 is not much different from Z7 as far as build quality and handling are concerned. The single XQD card slot is the only downside of Z6 we can think of. However, its overall features and low price outshine all of its shortcomings.
Our Verdict
You should go for Canon Z6 if you want to avail of all the features of Z7 but without spending a fortune.
8. Fujifilm X-T3: A Great Camera with Beautiful Looks
Fujifilm X-T3 is the best mirrorless camera for beginner for a great combination of low price and incredible features. The camera allows you to take great images at superfast speed for a fraction of a price you would spend on more expensive models.
Features
Fujifilm decided to introduce yet another mirrorless model in the form of X-T3 which came out earlier this year. It has an APS-C sensor offering the best balance between image quality and size. A smaller sensor means you don’t have to carry heavy accessories and lenses around. On top of that, a slightly larger lens than even the smaller Four Thirds results in fabulous image quality
However, wonderful images are not the only selling point of Fujifilm X-T3. For example, its brilliant autofocus leaves some of the higher-end models in shame. Similarly, it has tremendously fast frame rates in addition to a wide range of impressive 4K video features. Not to mention, the camera can mesmerize you just by its beautiful retro looks.
Some of the downsides including three-way tilting instead of fully articulating screen, comparatively low battery life and no in-body image stabilization.
Our Verdict
Fujifilm X-T3 is a lightweight yet extremely competent camera that can give heavier full frames a run for their money. Although it lacks some important features yet it ensures brilliant image quality which should be your main goal.
9. Sony a7 Full Frame: Cheaper Replacement of Sony a9
Sony has taken the world of mirrorless cameras by storm. Tech giants like Canon and Nikon are just following suit. The Sony a9 is the best mirrorless camera in the world right now and thus, it is very difficult to beat. However, it is a very expensive model which is out of range of even some pro photographers. The Sony a7 is a worthy alternative to a9, available for around $2000 which is more affordable for the most.
Features
You get plenty of features with Sony a7 III including superfast shooting at 10fps. Similarly, the camera allows fantastic 4K videos in addition to providing a 24.2 megapixel back-illuminated sensor. The autofocus systems are simply outstanding as well.
Sony a7 has a small, compact, and lightweight body and thus, it is fairly easy to carry around.
Some people argue that the lens is too small to be considered as a full-frame lens. However, this is the camera’s only downside if you consider it one.
Our Verdict
Sony a7 Full Frame is a near-perfect mirrorless camera which most of you can afford.
10. Olympus OM-DE-M1 Mark II: Best Multipurpose Mirrorless Camera
Finally, we have the Olympus OM-DE-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera on our list. The Mark series of cameras from Olympus include some of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners and M1 Mark II is no exception.
Features
It is a compact and lightweight camera that both professionals and beginners love to use. The camera offers an incredible combination of portability and power. It is a remarkably durable, lightweight, and compact camera which you can use in all kinds of conditions.
The camera comes with a brilliant silent mode as well as a 20.4 megapixel Live MOS sensor. The shooting speed is also terrific at 18fps in the silent mode and 60fps in normal mode. Similarly, the camera has a 5.5 EV 5 axis in-body image stabilization. It also has 4K video capability, also making it the best 4K mirrorless camera for the beginners.
Our Verdict
Olympus OM-DE-M1 Mark II is a great multipurpose camera both for novice and professional photographers. It has all the essential features and specifications you need to take fabulous images as well as videos.
Conclusion
Well, this is our list of the best beginner mirrorless cameras. Most mirrorless cameras have similar specifications where some have more advanced features than others. Similarly, camera manufacturers add different features to different cameras to make them meet the requirements of different groups of people.
We would love to hear what the best mirrorless camera for beginner is in your opinion. You can use our comments section to give your suggestions.
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Thank you and good luck.