Once upon a time, mirrorless cameras were relegated to a narrow niche market of artsy photographers who liked the retro feel of the resulting images. Quality and build durability weren’t comparable to DSLRs, which meant serious photogs weren’t interested in these bodies. Those days are long behind us now, and it’s time for us to consider the best mirrorless cameras available in this ever-growing market.
Today, there isn’t anything a DSLR can do that can’t also be accomplished with a mirrorless. In fact, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) are perhaps one of the fastest growing segments of gear with an array of lenses to match. Popularity is rising because of the lighter weight, smaller size, and lack of intrusive noise.
But that’s probably not why you want a mirrorless camera. You want it for the excellent images and videos you can shoot with it. Here’s our list of the best mirrorless cameras in various formats meeting just about any need you can think of.
8 Best Mirrorless Cameras
Best Overall: Fujifilm GFX 50S
- Sensor Size: Medium format
- Sensor Resolution: 51.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Fujifilm G
- Battery Life: 400 shots
- Image Stabilization: No
- Weight: 1.63 lbs.
This pro-level Fujifilm scores the current win as best overall on our list because of its versatility and abundant features. The weather-sealed body makes the most of its medium format for landscape work, and the highest available sensor resolution and 177 focus point autofocusing system bring out the small details in close-up shots too. Every setting in between captures images equally well with few true complaints from users.
Of course, everything isn’t perfect, including the limited lens selection on the proprietary mount. The nine native lenses represent a good selection of primary focal lengths and zoom ranges when adjusted for equivalency, though there is a hole in offerings at the super tele end. Video resolution is 1920 x 1080, which is fine for social media and small screen use but not what you’d like if you’re shooting documentaries.
Other features to be aware of are the heavier body weight and the short battery life. Anything else you need is here, though, including an extensive ISO range of 100-12800 which can be boosted to 102800. The high res built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) covers 100% of the scene, and the touchscreen LCD on the back is larger than the norm.
While the weight and lack of image stabilization may thwart you in handheld shooting situations, consider instead how you can overcome that possible issue with a travel tripod. You’ll want the extra carrying power when you add a flash to the shoe in extreme low light situations or a microphone for videos, both circumstances where this camera can shine. Frame your shot using the articulating screen, tap the button on your smartphone wireless remote app, and you’ll be capturing great images in no time.
Best Pro Canon: Canon R
- Sensor Size: Full frame
- Sensor Resolution: 30.3 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon RF
- Battery Life: 370 shots
- Image Stabilization: No
- Weight: 1.46 lbs.
Canon went back to the drawing board on the R series mirrorless models, redesigning the body from the innards out and the proprietary R series lenses to match. The 10 native lenses represent a great focal range and choice of primes versus zooms. You can also use EF and EF-S lenses on this body with a special adapter if those are already in your photog gear bag.
The weather-sealed body makes this a good pro choice for field work outdoors, while the fast video speed and built-in microphone allow you to capture movies for action and sports options. The three detection mode autofocusing system (Contrast, Phase, Face) has almost too many points to choose from – 5655. An app in your smartphone allows almost complete control of the camera from remote settings.
Users have been known to complain about the shorter battery life, made even shorter when shooting a lot of video. This Canon is not exactly light in weight and the size of the grip on the right may make some photogs with smaller hands struggle to find their comfort level. Hand shake can be an issue with its lack of image stabilization.
However, the ISO range of 100-40000 makes low light situations easy to manage. The shutter speed is fast at 1/8000th of a second, and you can shoot up to 8 frames per second in continuous mode. EVP at 100% coverage is built in, so other than adding a flash, there is little else for you to carry as you record the professional quality images this camera is capable of.
Best Pro Nikon: Nikon Z7
- Sensor Size: Full frame
- Sensor Resolution: 45.7 MP
- Lens Mount: NIKKOR Z
- Battery Life: 330 shots
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Weight: 1.49 lbs.
Assigning a “best” to the Nikon mirrorless Z line can be a challenge, since some reviewers favor the Z 6 over the features and upgrades in the Z 7. This latest model offers a slightly slower continuous shooting mode (9.0 frames per second) and a narrower ISO range (100-25600). On the other hand, it has a much higher sensor resolution with which to capture the fine details in both RAW and regular images.
The Z lens mount system has only five native lenses currently, with a real gap in telephoto choices. That makes the FTZ adapter a veritable necessity so you can access the 90+ NIKKOR F mount lenses to fill your long distance needs. Check your framing through the built-in EVF or on the rear facing touchscreen, also perfect for making setting adjustments.
Users note the heavier weight and larger size of this body as negatives. The battery life is even shorter than other pro-level offerings on our list. If you’re shooting 4K videos, that life is even shorter.
Overall, this Nikon is a good selection for most shooting situations, with emphasis on subjects with fine detailing you don’t want to lose. The 493 focusing points give you plenty of choices, and remote control via a smartphone app ensures you don’t move your camera in process. Working outside is no problem due to environmental sealing, so take this camera with you to all sorts of live events and experiment with its many features.
Best for Portraits: Olympus OM-D E-M10 III
- Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds
- Sensor Resolution: 16.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Battery Life: 330 shots
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Weight: .90 lbs.
Users like this Olympus for many different shooting styles, from entry level work to handheld studio settings. There is a newer model in the line, the M1X, at a much higher weight and price point, with a couple of additional features and settings, but for reliability and durability, this M10 Mark III (third generation) has proven its dependability.
Perhaps best of all is the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount which opens up a whole world of possibilities for glass, including Olympus’s own 98 native lenses. Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma all have a range of focal lengths and apertures in both prime and zoom that work with the MFT mount. The focal length equivalency adjustment for Micro Four Thirds sensors is 2.0x, so a 50 mm lens will shoot with the focal range of 100 mm.
This camera is small and light and great for daily work, photojournalism and anything handheld. The only exception is outdoors in rain or dust since the body does not have weather sealing. Reviewers note the need for extra batteries to compensate for the shorter battery life, particularly when shooting 4K video.
A big advantage noted by users is how easy it is to become comfortable with what mirrorless shooting offers with this camera. They love the image stabilization and low light capabilities. Best of all, it has a built-in flash, which is not the norm in this grouping of cameras.
Best for Travel: Sony Alpha a7R III
- Sensor Size: Full frame
- Sensor Resolution: 42.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Battery Life: 650 shots
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Weight: 1.45 lbs.
For a long time, this Sony was the king of the comparisons, but like all great things, it attracted challengers. This is still a workhorse when it comes to shooting where you’re searching for durability, like travel and action. Handheld work becomes easier with image stabilization (IS) and environmental sealing on your side.
You have many, many lenses to choose from, with over a hundred Sony E mounts plus Sony FE and A lines with adapters plus Canon EF with adapter plus third-party options. There isn’t a focal range or aperture that is not covered. The native ISO range of 100-32000 can be boosted to 50-102800, giving you all sorts of low light and high light options in your subjects.
The chief complaint about this camera is that it is heavy, which seems an oxymoron since it’s recommended for handheld work. Fast autofocusing offers Contrast, Phase and Face Detection modes, and with 425 autofocusing points and IS on your side, you can clearly make up for that. Adding a flash is about all you need to conquer the super low light side too.
Another feature that sets this camera apart is the lack of an anti-aliasing (low pass) filter. That produces even sharper images and you’ll be happy with the results, as long as you avoid situations that can produce moiré (wavy finish to tight patterns). Best of all, for close-ups of the family while you travel, it adjusts and avoids red eye and glassy finishes to make your portraits accurate and clear.
Best for Videos: Fujifilm X-T30
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 26.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
- Battery Life: 380 shots
- Image Stabilization: No
- Weight: .84 lbs.
If shooting moving objects is your daily bread, this Fujifilm will make videography a whole lot easier. It is fast, light in your hand, and captures even sharper images with its lack of an anti-aliasing filter. At 30 frames per second in continuous shooting, an action shot series will take on a whole new meaning.
In this Fujifilm offering, you get a lens mount that’s more versatile. You have a choice among 439 native Fuji lenses at this point (with more added regularly) plus with the use of an adapter, you can add the Nikon F mounts from their DSLRs to the list. As an APS-C sensor camera, your focal range equivalency will be (#mm x 1.6).
This is a very new camera body, and as such, there isn’t a lot of buzz yet about its performance. Perhaps that’s a good indicator, since sales have been brisk. While this is known as an entry level camera, it has features and abilities that extend far beyond that label.
This is a great camera for everyday use as well as photojournalism. The breadth of 425 focusing points and Contrast, Phase and Face Detection in autofocusing couples well with the electronic 1/32000 max shutter speed. Even without weather sealing, this will be a solid addition to the Fujifilm line for a general go-to camera that might someday beat out our best overall at the top of the list.
Best for Vloggers: Sony Alpha a6500
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 24.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Battery Life: 350 shots
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Weight: 1.00 lbs.
Vloggers come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their shooting needs. That’s why this Sony meets the standard for flexibility and range necessary in this category. While a semi-professional camera might be overkill for some, it has so much to offer that it’s hard to find negatives.
A6500 lenses aren’t an issue no matter what kinds of scenes you’re setting. There are over a hundred Sony E mounts plus Sony FE and A lines with adapters plus Canon EF with adapter plus third-party options. In-body image stabilization allows you to do your best handheld work without concerns about shake and blurring.
Yes, the battery life is short, but adding extra batteries is all you need to conquer that. The 4K video resolution has a neat other side, the ability to shoot at 120 for ultra-slow motion movies. That makes this camera the best for a variety of motion or action situations, typically spontaneous in nature.
Environmental sealing covers the basic wet and dusty outdoor settings. A built-in flash takes care of low light shots, and a mic jack supplements the internal mic’s ability. All in all, this is a great choice for the YouTube camera vlogger who isn’t always in control of the setting but wants great movie results nonetheless.
Best for Budget: Canon EOS M50
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Resolution: 24.0 MP
- Lens Mount: Canon EF-M
- Battery Life: 235 shots
- Image Stabilization: No
- Weight: .86 lbs.
Budget buyers have unique needs, like portability, compatibility and easy use, and often big expectations, like high-quality images. Add in a lower price point, and you have defined this Canon camera to grow your mirrorless shooting skills. You have most if not all of the settings and features without the more extreme edges that can raise the price point, and best of all, the body comes in cost-effective kits with everything you need in the box.
This Canon comes from a long line of APS-C mirrorless bodies, and over time, Canon has fixed the criticisms of the line. An adapter allows you to add any EF or EF-S lens to the 20 native EF-M lenses. Fast continuous shooting of 10 frames per second doesn’t always keep up with the narrower autofocusing capability, but for most users, this has not proven to be a drawback.
On the plus side, add in the light weight and slim profile of this camera. Video at 4K can help you get the most in terms of detail and quality out of your framing. Considering the built-in flash, you could say this camera can double as a good option for photojournalism work too.
The fully articulating touchscreen on the back and the ability to connect remotely with a smartphone app expand uses even further. This camera meets your needs for the unexpected and gives you enough flexibility to tackle it with creativity on your side. Buy yourself a couple of back-up batteries and you should be set to shoot whatever events the world throws your way.
For more budget options, check out our in-depth rankings of the best mirrorless cameras under $1000, and the best for less than $500.
The Complete Mirrorless Cameras Buyer’s Guide
What Makes Mirrorless Cameras Special
For a long time, mirrorless cameras were thought of as niche equipment, best reserved for the artsy types who had a hint of rebel in their work. Finding a professional level mirrorless was considered an impossibility, and if you could find one you liked, the selection of lenses and features left you wondering why no one (manufacturers) realized the potential of this type of gear.
Thankfully, those days are now behind us. If you want an entry level mirrorless camera, there are many to choose from. If you’re a serious enthusiast or pro, that end of the spectrum is covered as well, and no one complains about the lens options anymore.
Like Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) bodies, the array of choices can be confusing with so many designated best models that many buyers would be likely to grab the first one they see and hope for the best. Don’t, at least not until you understand the features and why, in a comparison of a list of mirrorless cameras, one might be the best for how and what you shoot over other models. We’ll mention some of the big differences that make mirrorless better than DSLRs for you to consider before hitting that mirrorless buy button.
Mirrorless Camera | Best For | Lens Mount | Battery Life | Weight |
Fujifilm GFX 50S | Best Overall | Fujifilm G | 400 shots | 1.63 lbs. |
Canon R | Best Pro Canon | Canon RF | 370 shots | 1.46 lbs. |
Nikon Z7 | Best Pro Nikon | NIKKOR Z | 330 shots | 1.49 lbs. |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III | Best for Portraits | Micro Four Thirds | 330 shots | .90 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a7R III | Best for Travel | Sony E | 650 shots | 1.45 lbs. |
Fujifilm X-T30 | Best for Videos | Fujifilm X | 380 shots | .84 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a6500 | Best for Vloggers | Sony E | 350 shots | 1.00 lbs. |
Canon EOS M50 | Best for Budget | Canon EF-M | 235 shots | .86 lbs. |
Silence of Shutter Release
A common complaint about DSLR cameras is that it’s hard to go unnoticed when you’re shooting. The mechanical thunk of the shutter release is unavoidable. Not only do you have the noise, but you also have the bulk and weight of those mechanics plus opportunities for vibrations blurring your images.
Anything mechanical adds one more thing that can fail in a body. While advances in technology and manufacturing quality mean that few cameras fail out of the box, over time, parts wear out. The shutter release and sensor megapixels are often the first things to go.
A mirrorless camera has fewer moving parts, so there is less wear and tear. There is no mirror, so when the shutter is lifted, the sensor is exposed, and the image is collected. This simple system means no sound – though some people who are used to DSLRs find this annoying, so mirrorless makers have installed a sound you can activate if you need the confirmation that you took a shot.
Viewfinder Trade-Off
Professional & budget DSLRs are equipped with an optical viewfinder (OVF), which means you’re looking through a reflection of a reflection of what’s coming in the lens when you squint through the viewfinder (or live view the scene on the LCD screen). Mirrorless cameras don’t have that ability, so anything you’re viewing is electronically created.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has a few advantages over the OVF, the first being that the scene you see through the viewfinder is what you’ll get. Press the mirrorless shutter release and you’ll still see the framing of your scene in the EVF viewfinder as the image will be captured with all settings taken into consideration. If the scene is over-bright or isn’t bright enough, you can adjust immediately.
Viewfinder Location
Designers place this EVF in three different places. Entry level mirrorless cameras (low price point) only have the viewing of your EVF on the LCD screen on the back of the camera. In more advanced models, the EVF is built into the camera body as it is on a DSLR, or it is made available in an accessory that slides into the hot shoe (flash shoe).
Mirrorless Camera | Image Stabilization | Sensor Size | Sensor Resolution |
Fujifilm GFX 50S | No | Medium format | 51.0 MP |
Canon R | No | Full frame | 30.3 MP |
Nikon Z7 | Yes | Full frame | 45.7 MP |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III | Yes | Micro Four Thirds | 16.0 MP |
Sony Alpha a7R III | Yes | Full frame | 42.0 MP |
Fujifilm X-T30 | No | APS-C | 26.0 MP |
Sony Alpha a6500 | Yes | APS-C | 24.0 MP |
Canon EOS M50 | No | APS-C | 24.0 MP |
Image Stabilization
Some photographers argue that it’s best to rely on your lenses for image stabilization, and others swear it needs to be in the camera. It depends on how and what you shoot. If you’re taking portraits in a studio and your camera is on a tripod with a remote shutter release, your chances of blurring the subject because of camera shake are low.
On the other hand, if you’re shooting fast and furious street scenes where movement is your subject, you want the camera to compensate for the times when your excitement keeps you from holding perfectly still. Part of this can be made up in your lens, but not all lenses have this feature. The ability to electronically control the blur through image stabilization in the body assists in taking sharper, clearer images.
Weight Reduction
Luckily for those of us who like mirrorless cameras, all of these electronics weigh far less and have a smaller build than a mechanical equivalent. That makes it easier to tuck a mirrorless camera in your pocket for those spur-of-the-moment imaging opportunities. Your picture quality will be far better than what you get with a point and shoot or smartphone, your only logical alternatives for ease of toting around.
Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still be adding a lens to the body. All of the cameras on our list are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs), and some of those lenses can weigh as much or more than the body itself. As a fun aside, these cameras are also sometimes known as electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens cameras, with the questionable acronym of EVIL.
Lenses
Lenses on mirrorless cameras work a bit differently than they do on DSLR bodies. The distance between the imaging sensor and the lens glass is shorter, which means if you use a lens originally designed for the SLR world, it needs a special mount (adapter) for your mirrorless camera. This is why some manufacturers are making a whole new breed of lenses for their mirrorless lines.
Those lenses are designed to make the best use of the features and capabilities of a redesigned mirrorless body rather than please the crowd. There is a large exception to the rule if you have a micro four-thirds (MFT) sensor. In this case, you can use any MFT lens manufactured by Panasonic, Olympus or Sigma.
Sensor Size and Resolution
There is nothing new about sensor size or resolution in mirrorless cameras, but this bears repeating since we have a variety in our comparison. A megapixel of resolution is still a megapixel, and above 24 MP, most photogs will not notice an appreciable improvement in image clarity. As a reminder, the higher the MP count, the more points you have on your sensor to capture a byte of image, the larger your file, and the more opportunities you have for pixel failure.
Sensor size requires the same calculations to adjust effective focal length. The smaller the sensor size, the longer the effective focal length of the same lens will be. A full frame is the equivalent of 35mm film, or 1 on the scale, and an APS-C is 1.6, so a 50mm lens on a full frame is 50mm, but that same lens on an APS-C mirrorless body functions has an effective focal length of (50 times 1.6 or) 80mm.
At the other end, medium format sensors are 70% larger than full frame. This means that the focal length needs to be adjusted the other way. A 50mm will become the equivalent of a (50 times .7 or) 35mm range.
Things That Are The Same
What isn’t different between DSLRs and MILCs? Autofocusing systems are generally on par, with the mirrorless offerings often presenting more focusing points. The use of outside accessories like flash guns, microphones, and other add-ons are based on whether or not the body has the right port or shoe in either camera type, and materials and construction quality vary on both types, as do video speed and other factors.
In short, once you understand the differences we’ve noted above, you’re ready to charge into the mighty world of mirrorless.
FAQs about Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are up to any task you could use a DSLR for and much more. Silence is its biggest benefit along with having an easy-to-carry body. If you’re curious about how MILCs stack up against DSLRs in other more advanced shooting situations, read our FAQs below to get your answers.
Mirrorless Camera | Best For | Sensor Size | Sensor Resolution |
Fujifilm GFX 50S | Best overall | Medium format | 51.0 MP |
Canon R | Best Pro Canon | Full frame | 30.3 MP |
Nikon Z7 | Best Pro Nikon | Full frame | 45.7 MP |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III | Best for Portraits | Micro Four Thirds | 16.0 MP |
Sony Alpha a7R III | Best for Travel | Full frame | 42.0 MP |
Fujifilm X-T30 | Best for Videos | APS-C | 26.0 MP |
Sony Alpha a6500 | Best for Vloggers | APS-C | 24.0 MP |
Canon EOS M50 | Best for Budget | APS-C | 24.0 MP |
Do all mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses?
No, not all mirrorless cameras are MILCs. However, the more advanced ones with solid features and the highest quality ratings are. All of the cameras on our list are MILCs based on that quality factor alone.
What types of photography work best with a mirrorless camera?
Think about all of the times you were shooting a scene and really wished your camera was quieter. Wedding photography, street scenes, and private moments are some examples. Mirrorless cameras, being lighter in weight, also work best when you want to control movement and avoid blurring of your image.
The places where mirrorless excel are typically listed as travel (weight and silence), portraits (unobtrusive silence), photojournalism (easy to carry and use), and videography (4K plus spontaneity). However, there is no reason not to use a mirrorless for landscape work or for wildlife and nature. Anything you can do with a DSLR, you can also do with a mirrorless.
Can mirrorless cameras save RAW images?
Yes, most can save images in RAW format. The advantage of RAW is in post-production flexibility, so if your aim is art, you’ll want to make sure you select a RAW-ready model. (NOTE: You can also do post-production with high-quality images that are not in RAW, depending on the software you use.)
Are mirrorless cameras good for videography?
Yes, mirrorless cameras offer low light, bright light, a range of shooting styles, and autofocusing capabilities that match what you need for videos. In this case, consider more autofocusing points and good performance in low light settings (check our comments for each camera). Keep in mind that video files suck up image/video storage space, so if you’re doing a lot of that kind of work, keep that back-up card handy.
Mirrorless Camera | Lens Mount | Battery Life | Image Stabilization | Weight |
Fujifilm GFX 50S | Fujifilm G | 400 shots | No | 1.63 lbs. |
Canon R | Canon RF | 370 shots | No | 1.46 lbs. |
Nikon Z7 | NIKKOR Z | 330 shots | Yes | 1.49 lbs. |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III | Micro Four Thirds | 330 shots | Yes | .90 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a7R III | Sony E | 650 shots | Yes | 1.45 lbs. |
Fujifilm X-T30 | Fujifilm X | 380 shots | No | .84 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a6500 | Sony E | 350 shots | Yes | 1.00 lbs. |
Canon EOS M50 | Canon EF-M | 235 shots | No | .86 lbs. |
Is image stabilization in a lens enough control?
If you’re shooting the family on vacation, you might be satisfied with image stabilization (IS) in your lens but not your body. If you’re doing professional sports action videos, though, you want the added protection of body IS. When in doubt, favor having it in the body rather than not, because not all lenses come with IS.
What are the common complaints about mirrorless cameras?
We talked about a couple of these throughout this article. Battery life is shorter, measured in number of images, because of the extensive electronics in a MILC. Adding a battery grip, available for some mirrorless models, or carrying extra charged batteries is a necessity.
Some people want the reassurance of a click noise when they press the shutter release, which mirrorless don’t have. Manufacturers have added a setting to mimic the sound. This lack of extensive moving parts improves durability, lightens the weight, and makes the overall size more compact.
The biggest issue in the past was lens selections and that isn’t a big deal today. Some major manufacturers offer their full range of lenses through the use of adapters, and ultra-wide angle to super-tele across all apertures are available. Not all glass is created equal, so match quality body to quality lenses, and make sure you understand how to use the equipment before spending more than your skill level or desire to learn.
Criteria for Our Mirrorless Comparison
When you’re selecting a mirrorless camera, there is no one better or more important feature than the others. Photojournalists want speed and good autofocusing, while portraits require good response to softer light. It’s best to think about the kinds of photography you like to do and match the features you desire to this.
Mirrorless Camera | Best For | Sensor Size< | Sensor Resolution | Lens Mount | Battery Life | Image Stabilization | Weight |
Fujifilm GFX 50S | Best overall | Medium format | 51.0 MP | Fujifilm G | 400 shots | No | 1.63 lbs. |
Canon R | Best Pro Canon | Full frame | 30.3 MP | Canon RF | 370 shots | No | 1.46 lbs. |
Nikon Z7 | Best Pro Nikon | Full frame | 45.7 MP | NIKKOR Z | 330 shots | Yes | 1.49 lbs. |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III | Best for Portraits | Micro Four Thirds | 16.0 MP | Micro Four Thirds | 330 shots | Yes | .90 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a7R III | Best for Travel | Full frame | 42.0 MP | Sony E | 650 shots | Yes | 1.45 lbs. |
Fujifilm X-T30 | Best for Videos | APS-C | 26.0 MP | Fujifilm X | 380 shots | No | .84 lbs. |
Sony Alpha a6500 | Best for Vloggers | APS-C | 24.0 MP | Sony E | 350 shots | Yes | 1.00 lbs. |
Canon EOS M50 | Best for Budget | APS-C | 24.0 MP | Canon EF-M | 235 shots | No | .86 lbs. |
Sensor Size
Sensor size runs the gamut on our list, from medium format down to crop sensors. Old school thinking was the larger the sensor, the higher quality the shot. However, that was also reflective of a time when larger sensors had more megapixels, which is no longer always the case.
There is no one better sensor size than the other these days, as the quality of all sensors has improved greatly. You will see as many award-winning photos coming from APS-C sensor cameras as you will full frames.
Sensor Resolution
Sensors have improved greatly over the years, and most of us will not see a measurable difference in clarity in our images above 20 MP unless we drill into the shot extensively in post-production. Higher MP images require more storage for the resulting file. If you’re shooting RAW and regular shots together, and/or videos, you can eat through your storage fairly quickly on a busy day.
Lens Mount
Verify the lens mount system you have on your existing lenses, unless you also plan to make investments in glass along with your mirrorless body. We’ve noted if manufacturers offer in-brand and third-party options for their mirrorless cameras. If you’re investing in a pro-level body, make sure you have lenses that are up to the challenge.
Battery Life
Keep in mind that your MILC relies on a lot of electronics to produce those stellar shots. As a result, battery life suffers. You’ll often find these cameras offer nowhere nearly as lengthy battery life as a comparable DSLR, so plan on buying a back-up or two if you’re in the field for long periods.
Image Stabilization
Your mirrorless is already a rock star at controlling mechanically induced vibrations when you’re shooting. Image stabilization (IS) reduces image blur from camera shake, better known as photog twitches. If you’re shooting in low light or slow speed conditions, you’ll want IS on your side to make your images crisp and clear.
Weight
We mentioned before how these mirrorless bodies are lighter in weight than their DSLR counterparts because of fewer, less weighty (in ounces) mechanics. Keep in mind that you’ll be adding your lens weight to this total.
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