Let’s find out the best mirrorless cameras to buy. Divided by brand and sensor size, we will provide you with a complete overview of the current market: Sony, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Fujifilm are the main competitors
The mirrorless cameras they are compact cameras but extremely advanced both in terms of image quality and the availability of optics. A photographic system that combines the versatility of a compact and lightweight camera with the quality of a professional DSLR (reflex) camera. Let’s find out which are the best mirrorless cameras to buy right now.
The formats of the best mirrorless cameras
Modern mirrorless cameras are available in 4 sensor formats:
- Micro 4/3 (m4/3): format born in 2002 and presented as the format created and designed for digital. The sensor has a size of 17.3 × 13 mmq in a base / height ratio of 4/3. It has the advantage of being able to use very light lenses. The multiplication factor to have the equivalent focal length on Full Frame is 2x.
- APS-C: format born already in the film era, but only gone out of fashion in the digital age. The sensor has a size of 25.1 × 16.7 sq mm base / height ratio equal to 3/2. It is currently the most popular format due to the lower production cost of this sensor. The multiplication factor to have the equivalent focal length on Full Frame is 1.5x (1.6x for Canon).
- Full Frame: reference format in the digital market, it was the “small format” at the time of film. The sensor has a size of 24 × 36 mmq. Its base / height ratio is 3/2.
- Medium Format: to date available in several variants on mirrorless, we find only the 44 × 33 mmq format. In the future it is hoped to be able to see even larger sensors, that is to say equal to those of the old Medium Format film 6 × 6 and beyond.
Having finished this premise, let’s move on to the facts. In this guide we will divide the various categories of mirroless by sensor brand and format. Each system has strengths and weaknesses, there is no absolute best system, but only many possible choices. Let’s find out the best mirrorless cameras to buy.
Best mirrorless cameras: this month’s list
Nikon presents its line of Full Frame mirrorless cameras: Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 with attached Z-mount lenses. Now available together with the APS-C Z50 and Nikn Z 5 on the way. The new Nikon Z 6 II and Nikon Z 7II are added.
Canon makes chat with the new Canon R with Canon RF mount! In addition, the economic model EOS RP also arrives. Canon EOS R5 is also coming, the mirrorless dedicated to videos that reaches 8K resolution in RAW! Also present is the younger sister Canon EOS R6.
Panasonic brings the new Panasonic S1 and Panasonic S1R to market in attack L. LUMIX S5 also arrives on the market.
Sony announces a6100 and a6600 to update its line of cameras with AF and sensor enhancements. Available on Amazon. Also announced the A9 Mark II (not yet available) and A7r IV (not yet available on amazon). Sony A5 to A7s III is also coming.
Fuji makes itself felt with X-Pro 3, X-T30 and the new X-T200 and also X-T4. Soon also the X-S10 which covers the medium-low range. The GFX 100S version is added to the top of the GFX-100 range.
Best Olympus mirrorless cameras (m4 / 3)
This is the entry level of the Olympus. Very good and with remarkable performance, it offers an excellent sensor and a good AF module. Video in 4K @ 30 fps.
This is the new “entry level” model which is an economic alternative to the Pen-F. It replaces the glorious Pen E-PL8. 4K video (3840x2160p) @ 30 FPS
More suitable for those who want a very compact and light camera. Excellent performance, especially in the burst and very responsive AF. They make it a small and efficient solution. Video in 4K @ 30 fps.
Semi-professional range camera, it offers many creative functions even on the video side. The burst combined with the ergonomics of the body also make it suitable for sports photos and birdlife. All in minimal dimensions. It is also tropicalized. Video in 1080p @ 60 fps.
The top range from Olympus. It is a professional range body suitable for 360 degree use. Excellent AF and 18fps burst make it one of the best solutions for dynamic photography. It costs a lot but offers a lot, especially thanks to the creative functions of the same. It is also tropicalized. Video in 4k @ 24 fps.
Improved version of the top of the range, especially in speed and stability. Usual tank body and 20 MP sensor, but improve autofocus and video footage that goes up to C4K at 30p.
Best Panasonic mirrorless cameras (m4 / 3)
An entry level that is dedicated to those who do not want too many frills, but get straight to the point. Particularly suitable for novice Youtubers or VLOGGERS due to the ability to shoot videos in 4K 30p and FHD slow motion with built-in OZO audio. Basically with Panasonic G100 the only thing to do is turn on the camera and start recording.
Semi-professional now with an “reachable” price, it offers an excellent sensor and a very good performance on the AF / burst side. GX8 also has very effective stabilization. It offers videos in 4k @ 30 fps, and is very video oriented. Recently updated with GX9
Semi-professional or replacing GX8, the GX9 offers an excellent sensor and very good AF / burst performance. GX9 also has very effective stabilization. It offers videos in 4k @ 30 fps, and is very video oriented.
Panasonic professional range body. Tropicalized body, burst and AF at the top. Very advanced features on the photo / video side. Video in 4k @ 60fps. The stabilization system is more efficient than the younger sisters. The viewfinder is better. It costs a lot but offers a lot. The top of the Panasonic house.
Panasonic professional range body. Tropicalized body, burst and AF at the top. Very video oriented functionality. Video in 4k @ 60fps. It does not have the stabilizer, but it integrates a sensor larger than a normal 4/3. In fact it allows to record 4k videos without crop in different ratios between the sides. The top of the Panasonic home video footage.
Best Panasonic mirrorless cameras (Full Frame)
Entry level of Panasonic in the full frame world, it represents the result of the collaboration with Leica and Sigma! In this version we have a splendid 24mpx sensor capable of offering excellent images and good performance on the ISO side. 4K video (3840x2160p) @ 60 FPS.
Panasonic’s top level in the full frame world, it represents the fruit of collaboration with Leica and Sigma! Incarnation dedicated to resolution, it is a great model for many types of photography. 4K video (3840x2160p) @ 60 FPS.
These mirrorless take the idea of the S1, but readjust it to a more compact camera body. In fact, we find a 24 MP sensor with 5-axis stabilization. The video part is certainly preponderant with the possibility of recording in 4K 60p 4: 2: 0 10 bit, 4K 30p 4: 2: 2 10 bit in addition to 4K 8bit without limitations of duration.
Best Canon mirrorless cameras (APS-C)
Small entry level from Canon. Discrete performance, next generation sensor. Good burst, great AF. 4K 24p or 1080p 60 fps video. It has no viewfinder.
Small entry level from Canon. Discrete performance, next generation sensor. Good burst, great AF. 1080p @ 60 fps video. Offers the viewfinder.
This is one of the latest releases from Canon. Very good burst, excellent AF and new generation sensor. 4K 30P or 1080p @ 60fps video. It has no viewfinder.
Theoretically the top of the Canon range, but not at the top of every feature. It has a great sensor and dual pixel technology, but the burst is limited compared to the M6. Video in 1080p @ 60 fps.
Best Canon mirrorless cameras (Full Frame)
It is finally a model that we can define as successful. Excellent specifications, price perhaps still a little high, but after all we are talking about a mirrorless capable of guaranteeing 12 fps with mechanical shutter and active AF, video in 4K 60p and excellent sensitivity.
Entry level of the Canon Eos R line, it offers an economical alternative to the EOS R, posing as a 6D II Mirrorless!
This is the most advanced mirrorless on the market from a video point of view. Thanks to the ability to shoot up to 8K 30p resolution in RAW format, but even 4K 120p are still rare to find. And then we have HDR, 10 bit, everything you could want. The photography part is also well developed with a speed of 12 fps and a good ISO sensitivity.
Best Nikon mirrorless cameras (Aps-C)
Nikon’s first true Mirrorless aps-C. It is a very good body suitable for sport. Perhaps it is wrong in a totally dedicated kit, but it is immediately a valid option!
Best Nikon mirrorless cameras (Full Frame)
This is the evolution of the previous model. In reality, the innovations introduced are few, in fact it is a minor update. The sensor is the same for example, but doubles the processor to give the car more responsiveness and also greater grip at high ISO. 4K 60p movies are introduced as well as dual memory card slots. In short, Nikon Z 6II goes to fill all the small defects of the previous model.
This is Nikon’s high-end alternative to the mirrorless world. 45mpx sensor and 9fps burst in practice a d850 without a mirror. The only drawback? The optics available are still few.
Nikon Z 5 is a low-mid-range Full Frame camera that picks up many of the Z 6 specs, with a few more limitations. This is a model suitable for amateurs who do not want to spend too much, but still want a good product in their hands.
Best Fujifilm mirrorless cameras (APS-C)
This is what we can consider the entry level of the Fuji house. It offers a good burst and a decent X-trans sensor. The movies go up to 4K DCI 30p codec H.264 8bit, while through HDMI you get 4: 2: 2 10bit. The screen rotates 180 degrees.
Fujifilm X-S10 was a pleasant surprise. The “s” stands for stabilization as it is the only stabilized mid-range mirrorless camera for now. Basically we have a small X-T4 in our hands. The sensor is the same and the performance is similar even if you have to give up something in terms of build quality. Videos go up to 4K 30p, but in FHD it goes up to 240 fps.
It stands as a semi-pro solution suitable for everyone. X-T30 offers a 26mpx sensor, latest generation of x-trans, many rings, good AF in terms of responsiveness and precision. Record videos in 4k @ 30fps.
24mpx sensor, penultimate generation of x-trans, with good burst and very performing AF. The main feature of this camera is the hybrid (optical-electronic) viewfinder that combines the best of both worlds. Tropicalized, it offers video in 1080p @ 60 fps.
Consumer top range from Fuji. 26 MP sensor, latest generation of x-trans stacked, many rings, tropicalized body and AF excellent in terms of reactivity and precision. Record video up to 4k dci 60p codec hevc / h.265 10bit and HDMI out 4: 2: 2 and high speed full HD 240p movie.
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