1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best Sony
4. Best value
5. Best hybrid
6. Best pro camera
7. Best all-rounder
8. Best for detail
9. Best for intermediates
10. Great generalist
11. Best APS-C
12. Best for beginners
13. Best Micro Four Thirds
14. Best value for astro
15. Best mirrorless cameras FAQs
16. How we test
The best mirrorless cameras are powerful tools that can keep up with you in whatever shooting scenario you're in. Mirrorless cameras are nothing new, but they continue to be the weapon of choice among amateurs and professionals. They have been successful in superseding the trusty DSLR camera, with many manufacturers now discontinuing their DSLR lines. We're also now seeing early Black Friday camera deals ahead of the annual sales event which officially starts Friday 24 November 2023.
Mirrorless cameras, unlike DSLRs, don't have a mirror or prism. Instead, they use an electronic screen as the viewfinder. This makes them lighter and more compact, making them a more portable and travel-friendly option than traditional DSLRs.
There are three main image sensor sizes in mirrorless cameras: Micro Four Thirds (MFT), APS-C (also referred to as crop sensor), and full-frame sensors. MFT are generally the smallest, then APS-C crop sensors, with full-frame sensor camera bodies being the largest, but also the most capable. Most users start out with smaller bodies and work their way up to full-frame as their skills progress.
For astrophotography, the best mirrorless cameras aren't your only, or necessarily the best option. For astrophotographers who want camera equipment that will maximize detail in the stars and beyond, check out the best cameras for astrophotography and consider the best lenses for astrophotography. For our top picks of the best cameras overall, including DSLRs, take a look at our guide to the best camera for photos and videos.
Don't forget Black Friday/Cyber Monday is just around the corner, so if you've made it this far through the year without purchasing a new mirrorless camera, you could save a chunk of cash by holding on just a bit longer.
The quick list
Below we've summarized our top picks of the best mirrorless cameras, including their main specs, features and who they might be best suited for. If you need more in-depth information, click on the 'read more below' buttons to read full reviews.
Best overall
Nikon blends its best DSLR and mirrorless heritage to make a monster mirrorless that outcompetes every other camera out there right now.
Best Sony
The successor to the popular A7R IV, this camera does everything the previous model did and more, with class-leading AI-based autofocus and hugely detailed images.
Best hybrid
This camera is a great choice for professionals and is one of Canon's best-ever technical achievements.
Best value
This camera is ideal for professional photography, from landscapes, portraits or wedding photography — and now that there's a newer model, the price has dropped.
Best for pros
The Nikon Z9 is a brilliant camera for stills and videos of astro, landscapes, weddings and more.
Best all-rounder
The Nikon Z7 II combines power, speed and precision with a simple interface to master all trades.
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Best for detail
The Sony A1 is a powerhouse for video and photography, shooting 50.1MP stills and 8K 30P video.
Best for intermediates
The Canon EOS R6 boasts great high ISO image noise handling to produce great stills and videos.
Great generalist
The X-T5 is a stylish, compact camera with a 40-megapixel sensor and high-speed processor.
Best APS-C model
The Canon EOS R7 is a powerful crop sensor camera that can handle almost anything you throw at it.
Best for beginners
For taking everyday snaps, travel photography or even landscape photos, the X-T30 II will see you right for years to come.
Best Micro Four Thirds
This is a small, lightweight camera that offers a great balance between usability, quality and a simple interface.
Best value for astro
The Nikon Z6 II is a good all-rounder, with small but welcome improvements on the Nikon Z6.
The best mirrorless cameras we recommend in 2023
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Best overall
✅ You can afford it: This is a big investment but it's worth it if you'll be in the industry for years to come.
✅ You shoot stills and video: This camera is just as impressive at both of these tasks
❌ You don't see yourself in the photography game long term: This is a very expensive camera and overkill for most casual shooters.
❌ You're looking or something lightweight and portable: This model is significantly heavier and bigger than its predecessor. It looks and feels like a professional camera.
🔎 Nikon Z8: Professionals need to look no further — if you combined all the best parts of the flagship Nikon Z9 and the best DSLR in the world, the Nikon D850, you'd be left with this heavy-hitter; the Nikon Z8. ★★★★★
Wow, what can we say — this is the go-to camera for professionals who earn a living from their photography and shoot a range of styles or enthusiastic casual shooters with a sizeable budget (around $4000) to play with. It is the perfect blend of 'all the good bits' of the incredible Nikon D850 DSLR and Nikon's flagship Nikon Z9.
This camera is a hybrid powerhouse, shooting both video and stills with equal aplomb. It captures high-quality video formats like N-Log, ProRes, and Raw HQ data. It also excels at handling noise and can shoot photos at a ridiculous 120FPS, making it ideal for indoor sports, concerts, weddings, and similar events. However, 120FPS shots are limited to 11MP, which may not be enough for professionals. It can also shoot 60FPS with a blackout between exposures or 30FPS without (although these files are limited to JPEG). For RAW images, it can shoot 20FPS, which is still impressive. Remember, though, that this camera is quite large and heavy.
For astrophotographers, Nikon has even incorporated a night vision mode that dims the rear screen and electronic viewfinder and displays red pixels to help maintain your night vision. We'd have liked it if the screen was fully articulating instead of just tilting, as this would make astro shooting a little easier, but we still gave it full marks in our review.
This is an incredible camera, and you can read more of our thoughts in our gushing Nikon Z8 review. It's simply the best camera body on the market right now — it performs so well across the board we can't think of another camera that matches its versatile prowess — it's in a league of its own.
- Read our full Nikon Z8 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Outstanding build quality, but it's big and heavy. |
| Performance | Starlight mode enables autofocus detection down to an unheard of -9EV. |
| Functionality | Night vision mode for astrophotographers. |
Best Sony
✅ You shoot portraits or weddings: The new AI-based autofocus system is on another level and makes shooting people easier than ever.
✅ You shoot multiple styles: This camera excels at most photographic styles and video, so if you like to shoot many different subjects then this could be the camera for you.
❌ You mainly shoot astro: We noted that due to so many megapixels, the images were very noisy. Fine for occasional astro with AI denoise in post-processing, but there are better options for astro.
🔎 Sony A7R V: The Sony A7R V builds on the power of its predecessor with its higher resolution EVF and LCD screen, more stops of image stabilization and a new AI autofocus unit, but the massive 61MP sensor provides too much noise for astrophotography. ★★★★½
Design: The new Sony A7R V is a breath of fresh air in the photography world. We weren't sure how Sony could improve on the A7R IV, which was at the top of our list, but we think this upgraded model has blown it out of the water.
One design element that stood out to us was the 4-axis, multi-angle LCD screen. Not only is it incredibly detailed with 2.095M dots, but it also combines tilt screens with fully articulating screens — you can achieve any angle you want to while still keeping the screen away from the ports on the side of the camera. Finally!
Performance: This camera introduces an incredibly clever AI-based autofocus system. It's designed to recognize human movements, various poses and even different body parts, allowing it to predict how the subject might move. Additionally, it can track subjects such as cars, trains, planes, animals and insects. We were incredibly impressed when we reviewed it and saw a notable improvement over the already very good autofocus in the previous model.
Functionality: The Sony A7R V has eight stops of image stabilization, which we found completely came into its own when shooting in low light. When testing the Sony A7R V review, we could shoot handheld at ISO 100 at 1/3 second and our image was clean and sharp — seriously impressive.
However, low light and astrophotography don't necessarily go hand in hand here. When shooting astrophotography, we noticed that when we had to bump the ISO up, the images had quite a bit of noticeable noise (which was somewhat expected with a 61MP sensor). We could reduce a lot of it using image editing software, but this will likely become quite tiresome, not to mention time-consuming if astrophotography is your main focus, as you'll have to do that for every photo.
It's certainly an investment, but for the amount of tech you get, we think it's worth every cent and will last for years. If you shoot multiple disciplines, we think you'll love this camera.
- Read our full Sony A7R V review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Most versatile LCD screen yet. |
| Performance | Sony's autofocus just keeps getting better thanks to the new AI system. |
| Functionality | Eight stops image stabilization proves great for low light. |
Best hybrid
✅ You want good autofocus: this camera has excellent AF even in low light.
✅ You want great image stabilization: the R5 has eight stops of it.
❌ You're on a budget: this camera is on the expensive side and is mostly a camera reserved for pros, so if you're on a budget you might want to consider other options.
❌ You shoot video a lot: there are reported overheating problems when shooting 8K video.
🔎 The Canon EOS R5 is a great choice for semi-pro photographers looking to upgrade to a camera for life. ★★★★½
Design: When we reviewed the Canon EOS R5, we thought that even though it had a fairly weighty, bulky appearance, it was pleasingly lightweight compared to Canon's older DSLRs.The EOS R5's RF mount also benefits from improved optical designs that result in better results and smaller form factor lenses, making it more portable, thanks to its wider diameter and closer flange range.
Performance: The Canon EOS R5 is a fantastic choice for experienced and professional users who want exceptional picture and video image quality — it captures 45MP stills and 8K DCI RAW 30p video footage, although there have been a lot of reported overheating issues when shooting 8K video, so that's something to keep in mind.
The -6EV autofocusing detection range gives it exceptional low-light performance; this camera can practically see in the dark. Thanks to the custom-designed DIGIC X image processor, there is very little image noise throughout the ISO sensitivity range, making this camera a great option for astrophotography.
Functionality: The R5 offers an improved dynamic range, thanks to enhancements in the Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) and Highlight Tone Priority + technology. These improvements benefit photographers who may not have much experience with image processing by making it easier to capture well-contrasted images of darker subjects. This, in turn, reduces the need for extensive post-shoot editing and contrast adjustments.
The R5 has in-body image stabilization (IBIS) technology, providing 5-axis stabilization that can steady images by an impressive eight stops, even when using lenses without built-in stabilization. While this IBIS technology works effectively for video recording, we thought it fell short when it came to recording 8K RAW footage.
During our Canon EOS R5 review, we found the tracking spot on and found the R5 had one of the fastest autofocus systems we've used. However, we did find that over the course of a day, the battery life struggled to keep up with the camera's specs.
- Read our full Canon EOS R5 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | A heavy, sturdier design than some other mirrorless cameras. |
| Performance | Exceptional low light performance. |
| Functionality | Battery life is slightly compromised. |
Best value
✅ You want to shoot the sharpest images: the stills resolution is incredible.
✅ You want great features: It has incredible functionality and is very much typical of what you'd expect from Sony.
✅ You're a pro: As this camera is so expensive, it's really only reserved for pros who make money from photography.
❌ You want to shoot video: there is no 8K video recording, which is disappointing for a camera this expensive.
❌ You want the biggest ISO range: for the price, 100-32,000 is limited.
❌ You want the best autofocus: While we thought the autofocus was good, those who want the most intelligent autofocus should opt for the newer model — the Sony A7R V.
🔎 The Sony A7R IV is one of the highest resolution full-frame cameras on the market, and has an incredibly impressive autofocus system. ★★★★½
Design: The Sony A7R IV stands out for its blend of portability and ergonomics, and it actually used to sit right at the top of this list until the newer model was released. The grip has been improved compared to the A7R III, which many users had complained that it didn't have much space between the lens and grip. Additionally, Sony has improved button design, making it more user-friendly than the previous model.
Performance: If you want to capture unmatched detail, take a closer look at this record-breaking Sony A7R IV camera. The image sensor in the Sony A7R IV is capable of capturing huge 61MP stills images, which, at the time of its release was the highest resolution stills in a full-frame camera (the A7R V has matched it). Strangely, this doesn't apply to video because it can only record 4K UHD footage at a maximum resolution of 30 frames per second, although the majority of shooters still find that to be good enough.
Functionality: We tested the capabilities of this camera in our hands-on Sony A7R IV review, and we were very impressed with the autofocus which performed faultlessly, including eye detection — even when we did the 'black cat test'. Where many cameras wouldn't even detect that there was a face in the image — it tracked the cat's eyes flawlessly — that is really impressive.
The A7R IV also performs very well in low light, and it's also a decent option for astro, but be mindful that the images are quite noisy and the ISO range tops out at about 32,000. That said, the A7R IV will provide a larger and more detailed view of the galaxies than anything else.
- Read our full Sony A7R IV review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Superb build quality. |
| Performance | Bright, sharp and colorful images. |
| Functionality | High megapixel sensor means more image noise. |
Best pro camera
✅ You're on the go a lot: this camera has impressive battery life, even in temperatures down to -10-degrees celsius / 14-degrees Fahrenheit.
✅ You want a sturdy camera: the build quality on the Z9 is excellent and can withstand years of use.
✅ You shoot sports photography: this camera has very impressive burst speed — it can do 30, 60 and 120FPS in JPEG, and 20FPS in RAW.
❌ You need a lightweight camera: this one is on the heavy side compared to some of its competitors.
❌ You want an articulated screen: the screen on this camera is tilt-only.
🔎 The Nikon Z9 is a brilliant astro camera and a monster for stills and video, but it has a high price. ★★★★½
Design: If you're lucky enough to afford the premium $5500 price tag, it's easily one of the best Nikon cameras full stop. It's fully weather-sealed and incredibly rugged, and Nikon claims it will continue to operate at -10 degrees Celsius — although we didn't test this during our review.
That said, even after three or four hours of shooting in the cold, which involved numerous long exposures and frequent setting adjustments, we only used up 20% of the fully charged battery, which is quite impressive.
Performance: To say we were impressed with this camera during our hands-on Nikon Z9 review is a vast understatement. The only reason it didn't quite earn five stars is that astrophotographers may find it overkill and that there is no need to spend this much money if astrophotography is your main discipline.
Functionality: The autofocus is rapid, even in low light, giving you the best opportunity to capture fleeting moments at special occasions such as weddings or sporting events. Not to mention, it's just as capable of shooting video as it is at stills. It also has an incredibly impressive burst speed, capable of shooting up to 120FPS! Although, the trade-off here is that 30, 60 and 120FPS are JPEG only, with RAW images topping out at 20FPS (which is still really good!).
This camera is head and shoulders above the competition if you want to take images of landscapes, people, animals and occasionally some astro. Why isn't it at the top of our list? Well, it's a professional-use camera so while it's certainly built to last, the price will be prohibitive to many.
- Read our full Nikon Z9 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Heavy, solidly built body. |
| Performance | Excellent astro performance, but overkill if that's all you shoot. |
| Functionality | As capable at video as it is at stills. |
Best all-rounder
✅ You want a sturdy camera: this one is well-built and fully weather-sealed to protect it against adverse weather.
✅ You want a lot of memory: the Z7 II has a multi-slot D UHS-II, CFexpress, XQD memory card port.
✅ You shoot different styles: this camera performs well all-round, although it's not a master of any specific style.
❌ You only shoot one type of photography: this camera isn't the best at anything, so if you have one specific niche, there are likely other cameras that excel in that particular field.
❌ You want an articulating screen: the LCD screen is tilt-only.
🔎 The Nikon Z7 II is a master of all trades that combines power, speed and precision with a simple interface. ★★★★½
Design: The Nikon Z7 II turned things up a notch from the Z7 with more advanced compatibility and better image processing. It was introduced in 2020 and produces incredibly sharp 45MP still images and smooth 4K UHD 60p video recording.
In our Nikon Z7 II review, we noted that it looks and handles like a mini Nikon DSLR, with similar button placement, controls and command dials. If you're switching from one to the other, you'll like the familiarity of it.
Performance: Due to enhanced energy efficiency, this camera can tolerate longer shooting sessions, which is especially advantageous for long nights of astrophotography. Its sturdy magnesium alloy body, combined with full weather sealing, ensures it can endure various weather conditions. However, for astrophotography, bad weather is rarely much of a concern since you typically avoid shooting in the rain!
Combined with the exceptionally sharp Z series lenses, this camera is tailored for serious and professional photographers — the price reflects this.
Functionality: In our review, we were particularly impressed with its low light capabilities and how good it was when shooting astro. Although the screen is tilt-only, we didn't mind, as all of the buttons are still at a fingertip's reach in the dark, eliminating the need for headlamps or flashlights. We found that it handled image noise exceptionally well, and until we raised the ISO to 2500 and above, noise was hardly detectable.
- Read our full Nikon Z7 II review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Weather sealing protects it from the elements |
| Performance | Excels at longer shooting sessions |
| Functionality | Excellent low light abilities |
Best for detail
✅ You want detailed shots: whether it's stills or video, the optics on this camera are brilliant thanks to its stacked CMOS sensor and huge 51MP resolution.
✅ You want great features: the autofocus and tracking are incredibly accurate and make this camera reliable and user-friendly.
✅ You shoot astro: the specs are ideal for astro work and it handles noise really well.
❌ You're on a budget: this camera is eye-wateringly expensive, and it's rarely on offer.
❌ You're a beginner: this camera is geared towards advanced and professional users who make money from photography.
🔎 The Sony A1 is an absolute powerhouse for video and photography, but it comes with a very high price tag. It's reserved for pros and anyone who makes money from photography and would likely be overkill for beginners. ★★★★½
Design: The Sony A1 is one of the best cameras on the market, but as we mentioned in our hands-on Sony A1 review, it has a hefty price tag, to say the least, and is most likely only accessible to professional photographers or those with a very big budget.
One design drawback we found was the lack of a fully articulating screen (especially for the price), but that said, some users might not mind a tilt-only screen, so it's not necessarily a deal-breaker depending on what kind of photography you do. Though, if that is important to you, the newer Sony A7R V has an incredibly functional fully articulating screen, and it's half the price of the A1.
Performance: The A1 is one of Sony's best cameras in terms of color reproduction, and the dynamic range is better than the A9 and the A2. The buffer-clearing speed is impressive, although of course, it depends on what type of memory card you're using, as the 51MP files aren't exactly small. The buffer also clears while you shoot, which makes life a lot easier as you won't have to stop shooting while the camera tries to keep up.
Big, detailed files are great, but they don't come without trade-offs, and it's useful to be able to shoot with lossless compressed files, which reduce the file size to about half of an uncompressed raw file by eliminating unnecessary information. While it may not be the most exciting feature, your storage system and computer processor will thank you for it.
Functionality: With a massive 50.1MP stills resolution, 8K 30p video, a class-leading electronic viewfinder and in-body image stabilization of 5.5 stops, you'll be able to capture every star in the sky. Not to mention, this menu system is one of the best and easiest to navigate that we've seen from Sony, who are notorious for having confusing menus — it seems they've listened to their customers.
The impressive specs are ideal for astro work — the camera's extended ISO range of up to 102,400 can help to produce some amazing astrophotography, and its 15 stops of dynamic range ensure that even the tiniest celestial specks can be captured. It also handles noise very well thanks to its stacked CMOS sensor.
- Read our full Sony A1 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tilt only screen is disappointing for the price. |
| Performance | Fantastic colors, good noise handling |
| Functionality | Can handle anything you throw at it. |
Best for intermediates
✅ You shoot in low light: this has a better low light autofocus than the R5.
✅ You want a large ISO range: this ranges from 100-51,200 (50-204,800 if extended).
✅ You shoot video a lot: Canon-Log creates professional-looking footage.
❌ You're on a budget: there are cheaper competitors out there.
❌ You want to shoot the highest-quality stills: the sensor is limited to 20MP.
🔎 The Canon EOS R6 is a great choice for those who want to shoot professional-looking videos and aren't too concerned about the limited 20.1MP stills. ★★★★½
Design: Initially, the camera's button layout might seem minimalistic, but it's deceptively well-organized. Buttons are thoughtfully spaced, extending from the back to the top, avoiding overcrowding in any particular area. This design maintains an elegant simplicity while retaining all the essential and more commonly used controls.
The EOS R6 is relatively compact, weighing just 1.5 lbs and measuring 5.45 x 3.84 x 3.48 inches, making it easily portable and suitable for most camera bags or carrying pouches.
The vari-angle touchscreen is especially handy for adjusting your composition without needing to twist into uncomfortable positions. It allows photographers to frame shots from high-up or low-down angles with ease while maintaining a clear view of the scene.
Performance: Think of the Canon EOS R6 as the R5's little sibling — naturally, there is going to be a drop in both image quality and price. However, despite a lower image resolution (20.1MP compared to the R5's 45MP) and less detailed electronic viewfinder, during our Canon EOS R6 review, we found it actually performs better when being used for astrophotography.
Functionality: It can autofocus down to an outstanding -6.5EV which is 0.5EV lower than the R5. With a maximum ISO sensitivity that is double that of the R5, it is better suited for recording the aurora and other night sky objects. In addition to being cheaper, lighter and smaller than the R5, it also has fewer photosites (pixels), which makes it less susceptible to producing any unwanted image noise — making it better for astrophotography.
Images look great when viewed on the Canon EOS R6. The colors look bright and vibrant on the LCD screen and it's easy to compose scenes thanks to the exposure preview on the rear screen/EVF.
- Read our full Canon EOS R6 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Minimalist, elegant design. |
| Performance | 20MP sensor performs well for astro. |
| Functionality | Outstanding autofocus down to -6.5EV. |
Great generalist
✅ You want to shoot with a range of lenses: there are plenty of lens options with this camera.
✅ You want a detailed sensor: this one has a high resolution of 40.2MP.
✅ You shoot video: it can record 4K 60p in webcam.
❌ You want an articulating screen: this camera has a tilt-screen only.
❌ You shoot astro: while IS is decent, image noise at highest ISOs isn't the best.
❌ You're on a budget: this camera isn't the cheapest on this list.
🔎 The Fujifilm X-T5 is a great 'traditional' camera, an all-rounder with a retro look - but it's not the best for astro. ★★★★
Design: The most recent model (for now, we're expecting another later in the year) in Fujifilm's X family of APS-C cameras is the highly stylish Fujifilm X-T5. It has a 40.2MP sensor and a new X-Processor 5 that provides twice as fast processing as the Fujifilm X-T4 (which was previously featured in this guide).
Though not the cheapest, this mirrorless camera stands out for its long-term value. It's versatile for different photography styles and excels at video recording, offering impressive 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K 30p or 4K 60p in webcam mode.
Performance: In our Fujifilm X-T5 review, we liked that the new processor afforded a longer battery life (around 700 shots) and boosted the resolution of the images. Additionally, we noticed that while the image stabilization performed admirably in low light, the image noise at higher ISOs wasn't the best we've seen.
Functionality: The X-T5 may not be an astrophotography specialist, but we think it does offer some useful tools for nighttime photography. Its interval timer can take several images at intervals of your choice, from one second to a full 24 hours, ideal for time-lapses, star trails and celestial events. Additionally, it features subject detection modes, including tracking for animals, birds, and vehicles.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Stylish design with 40.2MP sensor. |
| Performance | Decent low light performance. |
| Functionality | Some great features for astro work. |
Best APS-C
✅ You want a lightweight camera: at just 1.17 lbs / 531g, this is one of the lighter models on this list.
✅ You want great features: autofocus and tracking are excellent.
✅ You shoot at night: this camera is great in low-light scenes.
❌ You want a full-frame camera: this is an APS-C camera.
❌ You shoot sports photography: we thought the buffer speed could be better, so it wouldn't be the best option for fast-action photography.
🔎 The Canon EOS R7 is the most advanced crop-sensor camera from Canon that is inexpensive and has pro-grade autofocus. ★★★★½
Design: Because it is lightweight and small, the Canon EOS R7 is a great model for travelers and vloggers — not to mention it has a fully articulating screen.
The R7 uses a D-pad instead of a control dial wheel, meaning it has more programmable buttons for easy settings adjustments without having to go into the menus. Additionally, they've introduced an AF/MF switch on the front of the camera. We were also pleasantly surprised by the fact that it has dual card slots, which is unusual for a crop-sensor camera — although they can't accommodate faster cards.
Performance: In a nutshell, the performance of this camera is incredible. It produces razor-sharp images that give beautiful color and we thought it was a dream to shoot with.
Although it's highly valuable for wildlife photography, the EOS R7 offers more versatility than just that. During our hands-on review of the Canon EOS R7, we were pleasantly surprised by its excellent performance in low-light conditions. We couldn't try it out for astro due to cloudy skies, but we did shoot with it in the dawn light, and even at ISO 6000 there was hardly any noticeable noise, and the images were vivid and colorful.
Functionality: It was only the buffer-clearing speed that slightly disappointed us, particularly as it can't accommodate faster cards, but as we noted in our full review, the 30FPS it's capable of is rarely needed. If you do need this kind of speed for photographing action such as motorsports, you'll want to check out the Canon EOS R3. This camera provides you with almost everything you'd expect from a full-frame camera but at a more reasonable price.
Vloggers will also benefit from its exceptional eye tracking and autofocus, as well as the fact that there's no video record limit. Not to mention, the video footage is of excellent quality. Although, there are limited wide-angle APS-C lens options that are small and lightweight enough for vlogging.
- Read our full Canon EOS R7 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Dual card slots is great for an APS-C camera. |
| Performance | Very versatile and great in low light. |
| Functionality | Excellent tracking and no record limit. |
Best for beginners
✅ You want a lightweight camera: at less than 1 lb, this is one of the lighter ones on this list.
✅ You want to share your images: connectivity on this camera makes that simple.
✅ You use autofocus: it's very quick on this camera.
❌ You're on the go a lot: the battery life on this isn't great.
❌ You want an articulated screen: the screen is tilt-only.
❌ You want intuitive controls: the menu can be opaque at times.
🔎 The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a stylish and simple-to-use mirrorless camera that can help to produce stunning, color-rich images. ★★★★½
Design: In our Fujifilm X-T30 II review, we found that this stylish little camera turned out to be a superb option for capturing quick action, taking quick snaps while traveling and shooting photos of landscapes with incredible color richness and dynamic depth, thanks to its 20FPS electronic shutter.
A stand-out part of the design of the X-T30 II is the dial-based operation. The tactile aluminum alloy dials mean you can pick the camera up for the first time and get to work without having to dive into the menu system. Its rear screen tilts, which is still helpful in some situations, but we miss the option to fold the screen inwards and out of the way to protect it from getting scratched.
Performance: By using the AUTO mode, you can get excellent results straight out of the box thanks to its intelligent shooting, and we think that on the whole, it's reasonably priced when compared to other models of comparable quality.
The autofocus on the X-T30 II is very snappy, it uses the same enhanced autofocus algorithms as the considerably more expensive (and now discontinued) X-T4. The sensor is faster and more sensitive to light than its predecessor the X-T30, although we did see noise increase quite noticeably when shooting handheld indoors.
Functionality: You can use your phone to adjust the camera's exposure and take photos remotely, which is great for candid wildlife shots or group pictures. Although the battery life is rated for around 380 shots, it's a good idea to have some spare batteries in your kit bag since they're small and lightweight, ensuring you're ready for a full day of shooting.
The file transfer between the XT-30 II and a smartphone or tablet couldn't be more straightforward. It takes two clicks on the Fujifilm Camera Remote App — ideal if you want to share your photos quickly.
- Read our full Fujifilm X-T30 II review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very light and compact. |
| Performance | Snappy autofocus. |
| Functionality | Easy file sharing. |
Best Micro Four Thirds
✅ You want a lightweight camera: this is one of the most portable ones on this list.
✅ You use autofocus a lot: the AF system on this camera is fast and works well.
✅ You want a camera for everyday use: the updated 20MP sensor brings quality to your photography.
❌ You shoot video a lot: this camera has no mic port.
❌ You want a premium-feel camera: while the plastic reduces the weight, it makes it feel cheap.
❌ You're an advanced photographer: the 20MP sensor isn't enough to satisfied experienced photographers.
🔎 If you're new to more complex cameras or need more flexibility than your smartphone, we'd recommend the Olympus OM-D E-M10 MK IV. ★★★★
Design: Olympus has packed a lot into this stylish little pocketable camera. We have replaced the Mark III of this model in this guide with the Mark IV due to several worthwhile enhancements, including a better sensor, quicker focusing and generally a more refined and capable package.
In our Olympus OM-DE E-M10 Mark IV review, we loved the well-designed and ergonomic right-hand grip since it allowed us to use the tactile camera controls with only one hand. The 3-inch, flip-down sensitive touch screen makes it easy to compose images with unique angles — helpful for vlogs and selfies.
One thing we would have liked to have seen is weatherproofing. As it stands, you can't use it in poor weather conditions, which is a shame if you're planning on using it for different styles of photography or want to use it while traveling. That said, if you're using it for astrophotography you'd unlikely be out shooting in poor weather anyway, but you must still be mindful of dust ingress.
Performance: Despite its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, this camera impressively delivers 20MP photos that rival some full-frame mirrorless cameras in resolution. It can also shoot 4K UHD video at 30FPS.
While it has a narrower ISO range (200-6400) compared to other cameras on this list, an ISO of 6400 (or even the extended range up to 25,600) is quite sufficient for astrophotographers aiming to keep their ISO settings as low as possible to minimize unwanted image noise.
Functionality: Olympus made much of its improved autofocus for the MK IV version of the camera, and we can safely say it delivers. The camera's autofocus ability is up there with the best in its class and didn't ever fail to lock on to motion at a reasonable distance. With 15FPS in burst mode, it also delivered when it came to capturing the right moments — particularly with regard to street photography and wildlife.
- Read our full Olympus OM-DE E-M10 Mark IV review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Designed with beginners in mind. |
| Performance | Delivers clear and balanced images. |
| Functionality | We'd like a fully articulating screen. |
Best value for astro
✅ You shoot many different styles: this camera is a good all-rounder.
✅ You want a good ISO range: this one extends from 100-51,200, up to 50-204,800 when extended.
✅ You shoot video: this camera can shoot 60 fps at 4K UHD.
❌ You want a lightweight camera: at 1.5 lbs, you can find lighter than this model.
❌ You want the highest-quality images: the 24.5MP sensor can be a bit limited.
🔎 The Nikon Z6 II is a great all-rounder camera for semi-pros looking to upgrade to mirrorless. ★★★★
Design: Although it's almost aesthetically identical to the Nikon Z6, the Nikon Z6 II is a small but welcome enhancement. As we discussed in our Nikon Z6 II review, we wouldn't advise upgrading if you already own the Z6 because the differences aren't substantial enough to justify the cost of switching to the newer model.
The Z6 II has a second memory card slot that is CF Express compatible, which can increase file writing capacity and speed and also add peace of mind as you can use it as backup storage.
Performance: The autofocus is much quicker than the previous version, and you get a wider range of shutter speeds to experiment with, which benefits astrophotographers and creative shooters when using a star tracker. The 60FPS for 4K video is a great addition for videographers, although the camera is a bit heavier.
Functionality: The introduction of a dual image processor, which drives most of the improvements to this camera, offers the opportunity to expand the camera's burst rate from 12FPS to 14FPS. This is not as much as the camera's direct competitor, the Canon R6, but is undoubtedly a step in the right direction and certainly still good enough for most photographers.
The Nikon Z6 II is cheaper than the Canon EOS R6 and would be a good choice for intermediate and professional shooters who are perhaps looking to move over to mirrorless.
- Read our full Nikon Z6 II review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Two card slots. |
| Performance | Speedy focusing. |
| Functionality | Increased burst rate over the previous model. |
Best mirrorless cameras Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mirrorless camera?
The best mirrorless camera is the Nikon Z8 which we've ranked as number one in this guide. It stands head and shoulders above the rest, but it is very expensive. Second is the Sony A7R V. It gives incredible detail and features a fantastic autofocusing system but it might not be for everyone. The Canon EOS R5 comes in a close third place and may be preferable if you aim to shoot highly detailed video as it can capture 8K RAW video, too.
What's the best mirrorless camera for beginners?
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is the best beginner mirrorless camera in this guide. A detailed 26MP image sensor also captures 4K video footage and it all comes bundled in an affordable, compact design.
Photographers who like to shoot wildlife, landscapes, astrophotography, sports, portraits, and macro subjects might want to consider a mirrorless camera with a broader selection of lenses available to complement it.
What's the best mirrorless camera under $1000?
The Fujifilm X-T30 II or the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV are the best mirrorless cameras for under $1000 when purchasing new. They're small, portable and reliable but deliver high-quality images for a reasonable price.
Mirrorless camera vs DSLR which is better?
Mirrorless cameras are the way the industry is moving. They have a wealth of features that DSLR cameras don't have, such as in-body image stabilization, electronic viewfinders which make it easier to see and compose in the dark and they're inherently smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts.
The debate around DSLR vs mirrorless cameras for astrophotography has been vehemently argued by passionate photographers for many years now and while there's much subjectivity based on ergonomics and varying image qualities of models, on the whole, the mirrorless camera will be the one to future-proof your purchases.
What's the best mirrorless camera for video?
Are mirrorless cameras good at both stills photography and video capture?
The best mirrorless cameras for video we think are the: Sony A1, Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z9 offering up to 8K RAW video shooting. However, they're premium models and for those that don't need 8K video resolution, then the Sony Sony A7R IV is the best overall.
All mirrorless cameras in this guide are capable of shooting at least 4K UHD 30p video. Cameras that are just as capable of professional stills photography and video footage are sometimes called hybrid cameras.
What lenses will I need for my mirrorless camera?
We'd recommend getting the best lenses for your mirrorless camera that you can afford. For many types of camera systems this means you can upgrade camera bodies over the years as technology improves but you'll be able to keep the excellent 'glass' (read: Lenses) you've invested in.
The best lenses for astrophotography are typically wide-angle and have a fast maximum aperture such as f/2.8 or f/1.4 to let in as much dim starlight as possible to the image sensor.
However, if using a star tracker it's possible to make use of a telephoto zoom lens for deep-field astrophotography, zooming into distant galaxies and star systems because the star tracker will keep the object in view during long exposures, without blurring the image.
What other accessories will I need to go with my mirrorless camera?
A camera backpack will allow you to transport your camera gear safely and comfortably. A good range of wide-angles, zoom lenses, primes, telephotos, macro, and other specialist lenses maximize the potential and keep those who like to experiment in multiple disciplines interested.
We'd also recommend one of the best tripods or travel tripods to keep the camera steady, make composition easier and this is essential for astrophotography.
Which mirrorless camera do I need?
The most decisive factor in buying the best mirrorless cameras for most people is undoubtedly price. Looking at an older model, you will typically get a lower price but miss out on newer technology, like improved image stabilization and more detailed viewfinders. However, newer models aimed at professionals will have features that outshine ones for beginner and intermediate photographers — but will also cost much more. It is important to weigh up your budget and what features you will need for your style of photography and the subjects you will be shooting in the long run. Keep an eye on our camera deals page, especially over sales periods such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
A hugely important consideration when buying a mirrorless system is how many compatible lenses there are so you're not restricted when you further your photography.
How we tested the best mirrorless cameras
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to review every camera thoroughly to test each product fully. Each camera is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each camera is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best product in its class.
We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video, and also suggest if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
