5 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners in 2022 (Concert & Travel Photographer-Reviewed)
If you’re buying any camera, it is because you want to take high-quality photos and videos. You're looking for more options than what your mobile phone already provides. Even if you don't plan on becoming a professional photographer, owning the right camera can make any shoot an enjoyable experience.
Mirrorless cameras support great video quality, are easy to use, and are great for beginners. However, they come with higher price tags than mirrored DSLR cameras. We’ve done our research and compiled a list of the top five best mirrorless cameras to buy online so you can make sure you're investing your money wisely. The Canon EOS R6 is one of our favorites, as it takes great photos regardless of lighting conditions. There's also a buying guide at the end to help you pick the right mirrorless camera that meets your needs.
Quick List - Top Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners
Melissa is a concert photographer who enjoys traveling for the music, and taking photographs of the sights along the way. There are so many places to see, and she's trying to share a little of what she sees with the world.
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Table of Contents
How to Choose Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners
Here are some factors to think about before buying your mirrorless camera. Remember that the type of lens you decide to use, the sensor within the camera, the weight of the camera, and its battery life all play a significant role in how it will perform, so check the product specs carefully!
Pick a Camera Under 2 Pounds for Easy Portability
We recommend using a lightweight, compact mirrorless camera that weighs as close to a smartphone as possible when starting out (around a pound, or less than two pounds). This will make it comfortable to use for long periods and give you a more enjoyable experience overall.
The lightweight aspect is one of the best features of a mirrorless camera. DSLRs can be bulky and heavy, especially with lenses, but mirrorless cameras weigh just a fraction of that, making them the perfect companion for traveling or everyday use.
They're smaller and fit easily into any bag. Remember to keep in mind the weight of your camera body and lens combined, though!
Take Into Consideration the Battery Life
Certain settings specifically included in mirrorless cameras drain your battery without you even taking photos! Automatic EVF eye activation is one example. When it's activated, battery life can deplete simply by being jostled around. Using WiFi, recording a video, or using continuous shooting mode can reduce your battery life, too.
Those battery-draining functions can be turned off easily. Moreover, some cameras have a power-save mode to help you expand the battery life. You can also carry extra batteries to prolong the usage time!
There's nothing worse than being out for the day and seeing the low battery warning on your camera when your day isn't even halfway over!
Always carry an extra, fully charged battery with you if you'll be shooting for a full day. It's a small, lightweight accessory that will let you enjoy your time carefree. There are settings you can change to help keep your battery alive longer, but the safest bet is to always carry an extra.
Find a Sensor That Suits What You Want to Shoot
A camera sensor’s main function is to capture light. In general, bigger sensors result in better quality images. There are several types of sensors in mirrorless cameras, so keep reading to know the strengths and weaknesses of each type of sensor.
Micro Four Thirds Sensors Are Great for Travel Photography
Micro four-thirds sensors are great for lens customization and are a good compromise between DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. They have a small size, making the camera bodies compact. So for travel photography, go for a camera with a micro four-thirds sensor!
APS-C Sensors Offer Great Depth of Field
APS-C sensors provide better control for depth of field, offering more focus for objects in the background and foreground as well as the main subject. If you tend to do street photography, a camera with an APS-C sensor might be the right choice for you.
Although it isn’t really a disadvantage, APS-C sensors do magnify the lens you are using. So if you attach a 50mm lens, the sensor will magnify it to seem as if you’ve attached an 80mm lens.
Full-Frame Sensors Capture Great Photos in Low Light
The size of a full-frame sensor is about 36 millimeters by 24 millimeters. Due to the sensor's big size, full-frame cameras are usually quite bulky. However, they capture the most light. This is useful for people who shoot landscapes and want to capture detailed shots of their surroundings.
Full-frame sensors also provide a higher brightness in your mirrorless camera’s viewfinder, which lets you get an even more accurate depiction of what you are shooting. So if you usually shoot in low light conditions, pick a full-frame camera!
The sensor in a mirrorless basically falls in the middle between a DSLR and a point and shoot. Consider the main reason you'll be using your camera. Will you be traveling with it? Shooting landscapes? Then a smaller sensor should be ok.
Or will you be shooting indoors in low-light situations? Then you'll want to consider a camera with a larger sensor to compensate for the low light. The larger the sensor, the higher the quality of the image; but the camera might be heavier as well.
Medium Format Sensors for the Highest Quality at the Highest Price
Medium format sensors are the largest, measuring approximately 43.8 by 32.9 millimeters to 53.7 by 40.2 millimeters. Thanks to the larger sensor size, the images produced are of better resolution.
There are some cons, however. Medium-format cameras tend to be heavier and bulkier than other types. They are also the most expensive type of sensors available right now.
Yet, if you like outdoor portraiture, a medium-format camera might come in handy. This is because a medium-format camera can help you capture photos with a shallower depth of field.
Decide on a Resolution for Photos and Videos
Image resolution is an important factor when looking for a camera, as it affects the print size, cropping options, and image quality. As a rule of thumb, the higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed your photos turn out. It's easier to crop a photo with high resolution, too!
Image resolution is measured by the number of megapixels (MP). If you want to print an image in a large size, you'll want it to have high resolution.
Currently, most mirrorless cameras have a resolution of 20 megapixels, which allows you to make 16- by 20-inch prints. To produce 20- by 25-inch prints, you might need more than 25 megapixels. So think about what print size you want, and choose a resolution that can help you achieve that!
Resolution also affects the quality of your videos. The units of video resolution are pixels. Nowadays, many cameras offer 4K recording.
However, shooting a video at 4K resolution might drain the battery quickly. A 4K video requires a lot of memory as well. So if you don't need the highest quality possible, then 1080 pixels or 720 pixels should be enough.
Look for Features That Will Make Shooting Easier
Even if you're new to mirrorless cameras, there are many functions and accessories that will make using a camera enjoyable. A lot of mirrorless cameras are designed with a flip screen to help you take selfies or film vlogs. Some products have a touch screen for easy operation.
Also, you can purchase a kit lens since the pricing is typically cheaper than when you buy them separately. However, the lens selection may be quite limited. We also suggest getting a camera strap as it can support your camera while you're walking around to take photos.
5 Best Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Canon Canon EOS M50 With EF-M 15-45mm Lens | | Best for the Impressive Burst Mode and Autofocus System | |
2 | Sony Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera｜ILCE7RM4A/B | | Best for the High Resolution and Autofocus | |
3 | Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Camera | | Best Compact and Lightweight Camera for Recording Videos | |
4 | Panasonic PANASONIC Lumix GX9｜DC-S5KK | | Best for Shooting Still Images With 6K Photo Mode | |
5 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV｜V207090BU000 | | Best for Taking Photos in Low Light Situations |
CanonCanon EOS M50 With EF-M 15-45mm Lens
Best for the Impressive Burst Mode and Autofocus System
Pros:
- Has an excellent autofocus system that can quickly and accurately identify and track moving subjects
- Designed with in-body image stabilization and 20fps burst mode for continuous shooting
- The touch screen can rotate in different directions, allowing you to take pictures from multiple angles and review your photos easily
Cons:
- Not recommended for recording much 4K video as the camera might get hot
Canon EOS R6 features a Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus II technology that provides a quick and reliable focus on moving subjects like animals. It also has image stabilization to help you capture sharper images. Another great feature is that it can shoot continuously without any shutter noise at up to 20 frames per second.
One drawback of this mirrorless camera for some buyers is that it overheats while shooting 4K video. But most buyers praise the clear image quality, excellent autofocus, and in-body stabilization. They further note that the flip-out LCD screen is bright and allows them to easily adjust the settings. Many find it easy to work with, too.
SonySony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera ｜ ILCE7RM4A/B
Best for the High Resolution and Autofocus
Pros:
- Features a superior 61MP resolution, in-body stabilization, a face- and eye-detect autofocus, and a 10 fps burst mode to produce crisp and detailed images
- Allows you to shoot 4K videos
- The LCD touchscreen is tiltable, allowing you to easily capture self-portraits or shoot at awkward angles with ease
Cons:
- Large file sizes
One of the impressive features of this mirrorless camera is the 567 autofocus points used to capture images with 99.7 percent image coverage. It also has a top-notch resolution of 61 megapixels. The Sony α7R IVA supports continuous shooting mode, 4K video, and has a full-frame sensor.
The file sizes are quite large; nonetheless, buyers love the high resolution, as it allows them to easily crop images or print them at a large size. Many buyers compliment this camera's great autofocus. They also praise how it's compact and lightweight, and are impressed with its performance under low light conditions.
Best Compact and Lightweight Camera for Recording Videos
Pros:
- Has many useful features for making videos, including 4K/30p video recording, in-body stabilization, a vari-angle LCD touch screen that can be tilted 180 degrees
- Works with all Fuji X-mount APS-C lenses
- Offers shake reduction for every lens you mount on it
- Compact and comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Poor battery life
- Has only one SD card slot, which supports UHS-I speeds, so you can't use a UHS-II memory card on this device
This mirrorless camera is the ideal choice for filmmakers or vloggers. The Fujifilm X-S10 has a unique 26.1-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor that helps you shoot 4K videos at frame rates of up to 30 frames per second. It also boasts in-body stabilization for crisp still images, and even offers filters for your photos!
Some buyers say the major con of this camera is its battery life. Still, most buyers comment that it's durable yet lightweight. They also like the flip-up touch screen that makes it easy to take selfies. Many say works well even under low-light conditions. The autofocus is fast, accurate, and great for beginners, reviewers mention.
PanasonicPANASONIC Lumix GX9 ｜ DC-S5KK
Best for Shooting Still Images With 6K Photo Mode
Pros:
- Rear and top control dials make operating the camera quick and easy
- Great for shooting still images thanks to the 6K photo mode and in-body stabilization
- This mirrorless camera also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily sync it with your phone
Cons:
- Autofocus system isn't great
The S5 has dual control dials that allow you to quickly adjust the settings and take full control of your shots. What's more, it features in-body stabilization to give you blur-free videos and photos. It also offers a 6K photo mode that enables you to capture 18-megapixel still images at 30 frames per second.
Some reviewers report that the autofocus system isn't good. Nonetheless, most buyers love that this camera is durable, compact, waterproof, and has great battery life. They further mention that it's fantastic at taking still photos and shooting videos. Many also say this camera produces vibrant colors, too!
OlympusOM-D E-M10 Mark IV ｜ V207090BU000
Best for Taking Photos in Low Light Situations
Pros:
- Live Composite and Live Bulb modes are useful for low light conditions and indoor photography
- Supports in-body stabilization to prevent blurry images
- Has 4K video and Wi-Fi connection
Cons:
- Body is made from plastic
- Poor battery life
The OM-D E-M5 Mark III mirrorless camera sports an MOS sensor that captures 20-megapixel images. It's also weatherproof and can be safely used outside. Plus, it comes with Live Composite and Live Bulb modes, which can brighten the screen's brightness to help you better focus and frame your shot in the dark.
A couple of reviewers complain about the battery life. Still, most buyers find this camera easy to use and praise its sturdy yet lightweight design. They also compliment its image stabilization feature. Many say the images turn out sharp and beautiful, too!
Tips to Choose a Lens for Your Mirrorless Camera
The type of subject that you’re shooting will affect the type of lens you need. For example, if you take a lot of action shots, you may consider 35mm and 85mm lenses, while a 24mm lens has too wide of a zoom and can sometimes distort moving subjects. Another example is that certain lenses are more suited to video than photography.
As for where you're shooting, two common issues are shooting in low light conditions and shooting in tight spaces. Low light conditions require lenses with a fast aperture. Tight spaces will require you to have a smaller lens.
After you decide what lenses you want, you still aren't ready to rush out and buy everything! Remember, not all lenses are compatible with all cameras. Most mirrorless cameras have a large selection of interchangeable lenses, but some are limited.
It's better to choose a camera that comes with a wide selection of options if you want to shoot a wide variety of subjects. However, a lens adapter can be used on any mirrorless camera to increase the availability of options to choose from.
Some cameras include a lens if you buy it as a kit, and those lenses are a great place to start. Just because they're included in the kit doesn't make them any less valuable. When choosing a lens, also consider the weight of it; sometimes the lens can weigh more than the body of a camera!
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a mirrorless camera is not an easy task, and you probably still have many questions even after reading our buying guide. In this section, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions online.
Do mirrorless cameras need lens calibration?
Since mirrorless cameras use a sensor to autofocus instead of relying on an autofocus chip, you don't have to calibrate the camera's autofocus system at all.
How is a mirrorless camera different from a DSLR camera?
Still undecided about what type of camera to invest in? Having a good understanding of the differences between DSLR and mirrorless cameras will really help you make your decision! Learn about them through this video by Sony.
Mirrorless cameras are not only lighter weight compared to DSLR cameras, but they're also quieter. Since they don't have the mirror to go up and down, which DSLRs have, they hardly make a sound.
This is an important feature if you're shooting something and want to remain silent, such as a ceremony or an animal that might scare easily. Since they are typically smaller, they also weigh less, making them a great option when traveling.
Here's More Gear You Might Need for Your Photography
Some accessories will make taking photos easier and more enjoyable. Check out these indispensable items for digital photographers.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Concert & Travel Photographer Melissa Castor
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners
No. 1: Canon｜Canon EOS M50 With EF-M 15-45mm Lens
No. 2: Sony｜Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera｜ILCE7RM4A/B
No. 3: Fujifilm｜X-S10 Mirrorless Camera
No. 4: Panasonic｜PANASONIC Lumix GX9｜DC-S5KK
No. 5: Olympus｜OM-D E-M10 Mark IV｜V207090BU000
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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