Pinpointing just one absolute best mirrorless camera is not an easy feast since there are many potential candidates, and each has its own perks. Therefore, it depends much on your personal shooting or filming needs. How experienced you are with cameras is also an important determinant.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to finding the right combination between quality, functionality, and price. And in an attempt to facilitate your hobbies or jobs, we have compiled this comprehensive list reviewing the 10 best mirrorless cameras in detail.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2021 Review
1. Sony A7 III – Editor’s Choice
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.88 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
- Sensor size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate/ Expert
The Sony A7 III comes very close to being the best full frame mirrorless camera. Despite not having the fastest bursts of shots or the greatest megapixels, its perfect combination of features, resolution, speed, and cost turns it into an easy fit for all kinds of photographers with different skill levels, styles, and needs.
Capturing the peaks of more decisive moments is easy when using this camera. Advanced imaging innovations like the new back-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensors help the camera respond at high speed, making it easier to use even for novice photographers or hobbyists.
The A7 III, when compared to other similarly priced options and many of its predecessors, is a big step-up in many ways, namely its compatibility. This camera is highly compatible with its AF supporting A-mount lenses.
Pros
- Great over-all value
- Stunning design
- Uncropped 4K video
- Double the battery life of the last model
Cons
- Limited touchscreen control
- Not as weather-resistant
2. Fujifilm X-T3 – Best For Motion Capturing
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 6.4 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Sensor size: APS-C
- Resolution: 26.1 MP
- Viewfinder: 3,690K dots
- User level: Intermediate/ Expert
The Fujifilm X-T3 comes with an enhanced AF processing mechanism for capturing moving subjects. The newly integrated X-Processor 4 increases processing, significantly improving the quality of your photos, even when the subjects of such photos are moving at high speeds.
The updated phase detection algorithm helps the camera refocuses and meters about 1.5 times more frequently. This way, it fulfills your needs for shooting or filming sports events involving erratic and fast movement across the frame. You can now beautifully catch every movement into your photos, making it arguably the best autofocus camera.
Its low-light AF sensitivity is also another noteworthy feature. Extended from -1EV to -3EV, the camera can still perform high-speed AF in dimmer conditions. Even with just the flickering light from a candle, it is able to produce quality images encapsulating any motion in the process.
Pros
- Film Simulation modes for a variety of color tones and gradations
- High-speed burst modes
- Significantly improved autofocus
Cons
- Very sensitive to touch input
- No in-body image stabilization
3. Sony 𝛂7R IV – Best For Advanced Functionalities
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.13 x 3.88 x 3.13 inches
- Weight: 14.9 ounces
- Sensor size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 61 MP
- Viewfinder: 5,760K dots
- User level: Expert
This model from Sony is the most suitable for photographers with more experience. It is quite an investment, financially, because it comes with many advanced features that casual hobbyists might not need or know how to optimally operate.
Shooting in absolute silence is one such feature. This camera offers quiet shooting sessions with no vibration that could cause camera-shake blur. You can take crisp and clear images with the help of a vibration-free shutter that maximizes resolution.
A good stabilizing system is also key for capturing photos. With the in-body 5-axis image stabilizer algorithm, taking high-resolution images of up to 61.0 megapixels is rather easy.
Pros
- Newly improved ergonomics
- Upgraded weather sealing
- Accurate and fast autofocus
- Great eye-tracking AF
Cons
- Finicky autofocus in low-light
- Weight imbalance with lens
- Poor menu system
4. Nikon Z6 – Best For Travel Snapping
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.7 x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.29 pounds
- Sensor size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 24.5 MP
- Viewfinder: 3,600K dots
- User level: Intermediate/ Expert
This waterproof and durable Nikon camera can accommodate your requirements for taking pictures regardless of the weather condition. Its design incorporated with advanced elements makes the model lightweight and compact, perfect for carrying around on your trip. It sports a pocket size of 5.3 x 2.7 x 4 inches and weighs only 1.29 pounds.
You can capture photos or cinematic 4K UHD/30p videos in full-frame using the total width of the Z6’s sensor. This means creating high resolution, and wide-viewed time-lapses of your travels is easy. Advanced slow-motion features also enable trip-goers to perfectly capture their every moment.
Good battery performance is also what you can expect from this kit. The camera runs on 1 lithium-ion battery, which is known for its high efficiency. So you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about recharging.
Pros
- Great low-light performance
- Easy and fun user interface
- Outstanding image quality
Cons
- Focusing take more time than average
- Weight imbalance when equipped lenses
5. Canon EOS RP – Best For JPEG Imaging
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 5.2 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Sensor size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 26.2 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate/ Expert
The Canon EOS RP is relatively affordable but very capable nonetheless. Stepping up to full-frame photography is straightforward with the compact EOS RP camera.
In addition, this device can take tack-sharp images since it can highlight the edges of items that are in focus. The low light performance is worth noting, and you can get respectable JPEG images even beyond 12800 ISO with a little work.
Though still pale in comparison to more premium cameras on the list, it still packs incredible features like a 26.2 MP CMOS sensor. This figure indicates that it won’t please you when it comes to capturing moving subjects. But there should be no worry for the JPEG images as you will receive vibrant pictures with such resolution.
Although featuring the dimension 2.8 x 5.2 x 3.3 inches, it still weighs slightly heavier than other counterparts, rendering it difficult to carry for traveling.
Pros:
- Fully articulating screen and Vari-angle LCD
- Quick, accurate autofocus
- Wifi connected
Cons:
- Bad battery life
- No built-in flash
6. Fujifilm X-T30 – Best For Video Recording
Specification
- Dimensions: 7.91 x 6.89 x 4.96 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Sensor size: APS-C
- Resolution: 26.1 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate/ Expert
Equipped with 4K/30P Video Recording, the Fujifilm X-T30 is undoubtedly the best mirrorless camera for video on our list.
Thanks to its advanced sensor and processor combination, the camera has the ability to record incredible 4K video by down-sampling its 6K capture. It also supports 4K DCI – the industry’s standard, which gives your videos an even more cinematic look.
Not to mention, it comes with superior face and eye-detection AF. When recording video, by using the focus lever or touchscreen panel, you can optimally utilize this feature to enhance the quality of your films.
Through the HDMI port, users can capture F-Log recording with 4:2:2 10-bit output. Filmmakers now have a capable tool at their disposal to live out their visionary creativity.
Pros:
- Powerful and effective autofocus
- Traditional exposure controls
- 100% phase detect AF coverage
- Excellent image quality
Cons:
- No in-body stabilization
- No articulating screen
- Grip not ideal for larger lenses
7. Sony Alpha A6600 – Best For Portraiture
Specification
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 1.11 pounds
- Sensor size: APS-C
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate/ Expert
This model has incorporated real-time eye AF technology. Using this AF system, the camera can almost instantly focus on the eyes or faces of people in front of the lens. This will greatly increase the quality and clearance of your portrait photos.
It can also focus on the eyes of other animals using the same detection algorithm. Photographers can now take vivid wildlife shots. In addition, you can manually prioritize the eyes of a subject using the touchscreen monitor.
With 5-axis image stabilization, your shooting sessions will be able to churn out stunning image quality for high-resolution portraits. Photographers will no longer have to worry about camera-shake blurs affecting the quality of their works.
Pros:
- Professional audio monitoring
- Smooth continuous focus tracking
- Excellent battery life
- Great weather sealing
Cons:
- Bad rolling shutter and poor handling
- Mediocre 4K capability
- Single slow memory card slot
8. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III – Best For Stabilization
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 2 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 0.9 pounds
- Sensor size: Micro 4/3
- Resolution: 16 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate
An economical option but brings a lot to the table. And with a foolproof in-body image stabilizer, you can easily shoot blur-free smooth photos and quality 4K videos, all handheld, no tripod or other stabilizing gear needed.
The camera possesses a timeless, easy-to-use body design and is extremely compact and lightweight. Despite its compactness, this gadget still boasts 2 dials, an arrow pad, and a shortcut button, further enhancing its stabilizing capability.
Coming with such advanced functions, Olympus still offers an affordable price tag for this camera. It is undoubtedly the best budget mirrorless camera. Casual users who are on a budget will definitely find this model a great companion.
Pros:
- Raw and JPG capture
- Wifi connection
- Detailed 4K video with excellent stabilization
Cons:
- Minor update to the Mark II
- Dated resolution
9. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III – Best For Beginners
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.4 x 2 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Sensor size: Micro 4/3
- Resolution: 20MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Amateur/ Intermediate
The Olympus E-M5 mark III has been specially designed for people who love photography and need a tool with basic functions to get started. It has easy-to-navigate features that help you to become accustomed to using mirrorless cameras.
Users can really get used to its versatile shooting features, including pro capture, focus stacking, live composite, and anti-flicker shooting. This camera is at the center of an expansive system of accessories and lenses, making it seamless to build a personalized system for newcomers.
For a lot of newer photographers, close-up shooting is an essential skill to acquire. Using this camera’s macro lens, which is the type of lens meant for shooting with close focus, users can consolidate their skill and explore their potential.
Pros:
- Image stabilization
- Robust weather sealing and weatherproofing
- Versatile raw files
Cons:
- Lackluster battery life
- Small hand grip
10. Panasonic LUMIX S5 – Best For Shooting On The Go
Specification
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.1 x 5.59 inches
- Weight: 1.39 pounds (body only)
- Sensor size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 96 MP
- Viewfinder: 2,360K dots
- User level: Intermediate/ Expert
High-resolution mode with JPEG of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 helps produce quality videos and images. You can now save your photos directly in the JPEG format for finely detailed 96-megapixel-equivalent images.
This gadget is suitable for long hours of outdoor shooting. This tough body is dust- and splash-resistant, thanks to the sealing and other protection for seams, buttons, and other functional parts. With this resistance, this body is made for action, perfect for vlogging outside.
Also, its improved autofocus feature includes detection of the head as well as eyes and body to capture subjects with high precision. This earns it a spot on the list of the best mirrorless DSLR cameras.
Pros:
- Incredible video power
- Faster autofocus
- Dual card slots
Cons:
- Bad battery life
- Lackluster face detection
Conclusion
Through this list of reviews, we hope you can find the best mirrorless camera that is most suited for you. If you are still in two minds, then we recommend that you pick up the Sony A7 III as it is suitable for most people. The camera is very versatile and covers most photographers’ needs, regardless of skill levels.
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