Best mirrorless cameras in 2024: Canon, Nikon, Sony and more

A photographer uses one of the best mirrorless cameras at the coast
The best mirrorless cameras offer all the latest photography technology. (Image credit: Kimberley Lane)

Most photographers will want to invest in one of the best mirrorless cameras to help them hone their craft. Since mirrorless cameras burst onto the market, they have fast overtaken the older DSLR format and offer several advantages for amateur and professional photographers alike. As the name suggests, mirrorless cameras do not use a mirror to capture images, enabling them to be smaller, more lightweight and faster than their DSLR counterparts. 

There are three main sensor types available on mirrorless cameras. Professional photographers are likely to favor full-frame sensors as they provide the highest image quality, but they can be very expensive. Whereas hobbyists may get on just fine with a crop-sensor APS-C or Micro Four Thirds camera, and they tend to be considerably cheaper. 

With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for your needs? Luckily, our expert reviewers have scoured the market and tested out a large range of mirrorless cameras, bringing you our thoughts on all the best options for different purposes and price points below. 

If you're not necessarily set on a mirrorless camera, we have a guide to all the best cameras for photos and videos, as well as a list of all the best beginner cameras for those just starting out on their photography journey. Anyone who's mainly interested in shooting the night sky should also check out our guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography

Here at Space.com, we're gearing up for Amazon's annual Prime Day event, which runs from July 16-17. We're hoping to see some fantastic deals on cameras and other skywatching equipment and will be bringing them all to you live on the website as soon as we spot them, so keep checking back to grab yourself a bargain. Last year, Amazon offered $200 off the Sony A7R IV and a whopping $500 off the excellent Canon R5, so we're expecting similar offers to be found this year.  

The quick list

Below we've summarized our top picks of the best mirrorless cameras, including their main specs, features and whom they might be best suited for. If you need more in-depth information, click on the 'read more below' buttons to read full reviews.

Kimberley Lane author image
Kimberley Lane

Kimberley Lane is a landscape & seascape photographer living in South Wales. Originally using photography as a way to cope with health issues, she aims to portray a feeling of calm and peace through her images. Her work has been featured in a number of national photography magazines.

The best mirrorless cameras we recommend in 2024

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Best overall

The best camera overall: Our top pick on the market

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame
Lens mount: Nikon Z
ISO Range: 64-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
Viewfinder size/resolution: 3.2-inches, 3.69m-dot
Video capability: 8K 60p 12-bit
Weight: 2.01 lb (910g) inc. battery
Size: 5.6 x 4.7 x 3.3-inches (144 x 118.5 x 83 mm)
Memory card type: Single SD UHS-II and single CFexpress/XQD card

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent low light performance
+
Incredible FPS burst speed
+
Extremely detailed images

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Overkill for many casual shooters
-
Much bigger than its predecessor
Buy it if:

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 

Don't buy it if:

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.

The bottom line:

🔎 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. ★★★★★

If you're an amateur on a budget, look away now: the Nikon Z8 isn't for you. Sorry. But if you're a professional who earns their living from photography, or have plenty of money to spend on your hobbies, mirrorless cameras don't really come better than this. If we had to sum up the Nikon Z8, we'd say it takes all the best bits of the fantastic Nikon D850 DSLR and Nikon's flagship Nikon Z9 and mixes them all together.

Design: This is a seriously great looking and feeling camera that manages to be sturdy and strong at the same time. It feels great in your hands with enough grip to suit even the largest palms. We love the controls and found their placement to feel natural and well thought out. It's on the large side for a mirrorless camera, but the Nikon Z8 still manages to be smaller than some, meaning it's light enough to hold for long periods of time.

Performance: Even after extensive testing, we weren't able to find anything that the Nikon Z8 couldn't handle. We found it delivered excellent results, both for stills and video. This beast of a camera is an excellent companion for anything from wedding shoots to landscape, portraits and sporting events. 

Astrophotographers in particular may be impressed with the night vision mode this camera boasts. This feature displays red pixels to assist in maintaining your night vision. This camera's ability to handle noise is also a great advantage when shooting in low light conditions. 

Videographers will greatly appreciate the N-Log, ProRes and Raw HQ formats they can to shoot in with this camera.

Functionality: There isn't much we can criticize with the Nikon Z8: This is a fantastic camera that most professional and accomplished photographers would be happy to have in their photography kit. But if we had to pick a fault, it would be that its screen doesn't fully articulate.

It's not the biggest problem, and most photographers will be able to work just as well without it. But it does make it slightly more awkward when you're trying to shoot at certain angles. It's a very small complaint though. Our Nikon Z8 review goes into much more detail about why this is one of the best mirrorless camera bodies on the market. It really is in a league of its own. 

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Nikon Z8
AttributesNotes
DesignOutstanding build quality, but it's big and heavy.
PerformanceStarlight mode enables autofocus detection down to an unheard of -9EV.
FunctionalityNight vision mode for astrophotographers.

Best Sony

Best for full-frame resolution: This powerhouse features groundbreaking AI-based autofocus to never miss a shot and incredible full-frame resolution

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: 61MP, Full frame
Lens mount: E mount
ISO Range: 100 - 3200 (expanded 50 - 102,400)
Viewfinder size/resolution: 3.2-inch / 9.44M dot
Video capability: 8K/25p video recording
Weight: 1.59 lbs / 723 g including battery
Size: 5.16 x 3.82 x 3.23-inch / 131 x 97 x 82 mm
Memory card type: Dual UHS-II SD/CFexpress Type A slots

Reasons to buy

+
AI-based autofocus system is on a new level
+
One of the best LCD screens we've seen
+
Stunning high-resolution images

Reasons to avoid

-
Files are huge — your computer will need to be able to process them
-
High ISO images are noisy
Buy it if:

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.

Don't buy it if:

 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.

The bottom line:

🔎 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: Before the A7R V came along, its predecessor, the Sony A7R IV, was one of the best mirrorless cameras you could buy. In fact, it's still good enough to have a place in this list, but the A7R V improves in plenty of meaningful ways that it's very much a worthy upgrade.

In fact, we'd call this camera nothing short of fantastic. Its improvements are numerous, but most notable is its 4-axis multi-angle LCD screen. It makes shooting from any angle a cinch, and thanks to its 2,095M dot screen it's capable of displaying incredible, colorful detail. We think the articulated screen will be a boon for astrophotographers in particular, as it makes shooting up at the sky much easier.

Performance: In our review of the Sony A7R V, we noted how impressed we were with the autofocus. It's a huge improvement over the A7R IV — which already had very good autofocus. This time around, though, it's incredible. Thanks to the use of an AI system, it can recognize human movements, poses and body parts and uses its internal technology to predict how the subject might move. It's also excellent at tracking subjects like animals, insects and vehicles. 

Functionality: There are eight stops of image stabilization built into the Sony A7R V, which is seriously impressive. In our Sony A7R V review, we could shoot handheld at ISO 100 at 1/3 seconds, with our image coming out nice and sharp. That's seriously impressive.

The Sony A7R V is 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.

However, we've had mixed results when it comes to astrophotography. We had to bump the ISO up in order to shoot at the stars, which resulted in a fair bit of noise — not altogether unexpected with a 61MP sensor. It's not unusable as an astro camera, and if you've got some image editing software, you can clean images up nicely. But it's something to bear in mind as post-processing could take you a lot longer than you're used to.

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Sony A7R V
AttributesNotes
DesignMost versatile LCD screen yet.
PerformanceSony's autofocus just keeps getting better thanks to the new AI system.
FunctionalityEight stops image stabilization proves great for low light.

Best hybrid

The EOS R5 is a mirrorless powerhouse with huge stills specs and uncropped 8K RAW video

Specifications

Sensor: 45MP, Full-frame
Lens mount: RF (EF/EF-s with adapter)
ISO range: 100-51,200 (expanded 50-102,400)
Video: 8K DCI RAW 30p
Weight without lens: 1.43 lb (650g)
Memory card slots: CFexpress / SD UHS-II

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent low-light autofocusing 
+
Eight stops of image stabilization 

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite expensive
-
Reported overheating problems shooting 8K 
Buy it if

✅ 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. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 The Canon EOS R5 is a great choice for semi-pro photographers looking to upgrade to a camera for life. ★★★★½

Design: The Canon EOS R5 is a modern mirrorless camera that takes some of its design inspiration from Canon's earlier DSLR models. It's heavier and sturdier than your typical mirrorless camera and includes a right thumbstick and rotating dial on the back for adjusting the autofocus — something that will please longstanding Canon enthusiasts.  

Although it feels pleasingly weighty and secure in the hand, you'll still notice a significant weight reduction if you're used to DSLR cameras. It has an ergonomic shape and offers a screen on the top alongside a fully-tilting touchscreen display at the back.  

Performance: You get some seriously impressive image quality with this camera thanks to its 45MP full-frame sensor. You can shoot uncropped video of up to 8K in RAW image format and it also comes with an incredibly fast processor and 5-axis inbuilt body stabilization.  

In our Canon EOS R5 review we thought this was one of the best autofocus systems we've ever tested. This camera would make a good choice for astrophotographers since it offers great performance in low-light conditions and is able to autofocus down to –6EV with very little visible noise.  

The autofocus is also extremely fast and accurate during the day, tracking faces, eyes and heads with ease and offering a continuous focus mode that is excellent for capturing sport or action shots.  

Functionality: Whilst the specs are eye-watering, they're probably overkill for the average enthusiast and sometimes proved to be overkill for the battery life, too. But professionals (or those with an ample budget) will enjoy some of the additional features like the built-in technology that enhances dynamic range in all of your shots and the Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone Priority that ensure you get bright and well-contrasted images straight out of the camera. 

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Canon EOS R5
AttributesNotes
DesignA heavy, sturdier design than some other mirrorless cameras.
PerformanceExceptional low light performance.
FunctionalityBattery life is slightly compromised.

Best value

The A7R gives incredible detail and features a fantastic autofocusing system

Specifications

Sensor: 60MP, full frame
Lens mount: E-mount
ISO range: 100-32,000 (expanded 50-102,400)
Video: 4K UHD 30p
Weight without lens: 1.47 lb (665g)
Memory card slots: SD UHS-II x 2

Reasons to buy

+
 Incredible stills resolution 
+
 Brilliant autofocusing system 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Limited ISO range considering price 
-
 No 8K video recording
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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: It may be a full-frame camera but the Sony A7R IV is more compact and lightweight than most. It's still substantial enough that it's comfortable to hold, though, and its well-designed grip fits ergonomically in the hands. More importantly, it's a pleasure to use thanks to its well-placed, large buttons: It's easy to know when one of them has been pressed, and we particularly like the AF joystick, which is pleasantly large and tactile.

All those carefully considered design choices mean the Sony A7R IV is a great camera to shoot with, and it's easy to quickly become familiar with. It also means we've found it easy to control while wearing gloves — which is ideal if you're shooting astrophotography on a chilly night.

Performance: This camera's monster 61MP sensor is still one of the highest resolutions available on the general market, and it produces staggering image quality, alongside 4K video. In theory it can shoot up to 10 continuous frames per second, but you can run into buffer problems when using burst shooting with such large image files, so it might not be the best choice for sports photographers. However, you do have the option of transforming the A7R IV into a 26MP APS-C camera with a 1.5x crop factor, which allows you to shoot bursts for much longer and makes it compatible with APS-C lenses.

Functionality: Perhaps the standout feature of the Sony A7R IV is its world-class autofocus system, which has been trained to recognize eyes and faces. During our review of the Sony A7R IV review, we were impressed by the fact it was able to tell when someone was wearing sunglasses and switched from eye to face tracking to get the best shot. This great functionality extends even to animals, so it's a great choice for pet and wildlife photographers. 

Astrophotographers will also be pleased to know the camera performs brillliantly in low light too, reaching speeds of up to ISO 6400. 

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Sony A7R IV
AttributesNotes
DesignSuperb build quality.
PerformanceBright, sharp and colorful images.
FunctionalityHigh megapixel sensor means more image noise.

Best pro camera

Best pro camera: This is likely one of the best-performing cameras ever made

Specifications

Sensor: 45.7MP, Stacked full-frame
Lens mount: Z mount
ISO range: 64-256,000 (expanded 32-102,400)
Video: 8K UHD 60p, 4K UHD 120p
Weight without lens: 2.95 lb (1340g)
Memory card slots: CFexpress type B or XQD card

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive battery life
+
Excellent build quality
+
Incredible burst shooting speed

Reasons to avoid

-
On the heavy side
-
We'd have liked an articulating screen
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 The Nikon Z9 is a brilliant astro camera and a monster for stills and video, but it has a high price. ★★★★½

Design: The Nikon Z9 is Nikon's flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, and it's an absolute powerhouse that is best suited to professionals who can make full use of its vast array of features. It has a heavy and chunky build that features full weather sealing and can be used in temperatures as low as –10 degrees Celsius — perfect for aurora chasers or wildlife photographers who will be out in the elements. 

It's worth being aware of the weight of this camera. It easily weighs 3 lbs even without a lens attached, and in our Nikon Z9 review we tried it with a range of different lenses which took the weight up to at least 5.5 lbs. This is an important consideration for anyone who will be mounting the Nikon Z9 on a tripod or star tracker as you'll need to check that they can handle the payload.  

A comfortable extra grip is provided by the substantial battery pack, and the back of the camera provides a huge number of function buttons. The touchscreen display is detailed and bright, but it's not as mobile for low-angle shooting as some of its rivals. 

Performance: In terms of astrophotography, the Nikon Z9 is extremely capable thanks to its large ISO range and 45.7MP sensor. The chunky battery also provides an exceptionally good battery life, which is ideal for lots of long-exposure shots. Over 3-4 hours of astrophotography we found it lost less than 20% of its full battery. However, at this price point, we wouldn't recommend the Nikon Z9 over and above the Nikon Z7 II for pure astrophotography. The Nikon Z7 II is equally capable in this area and it comes in at around $2000 cheaper. 

What the Nikon Z9 really excels at is capturing moving subjects at speed. It has a specialist 'Animal AF' focusing mode and excellent burst shooting capabilities, making it great for capturing fast-moving wildlife. It also has a 'People AF' mode that is uncannily good at picking out people's eyes and faces and is able to track multiple subjects even through busy scenes. These features make it a fantastic choice for wildlife, wedding or sports photography. 

Functionality:  The Nikon Z9 is as impressive for videos as it is for still photos. You can shoot up to 8K video at 60FPS with this camera and the battery easily holds out for hours of video shooting, making it ideal for vlogging or wedding videos.  

It offers high levels of customization, with the ability to remap buttons and create your own shooting modes from scratch, and it has a range of connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, ethernet and USB-C. In the hands of a professional, there's very little this camera can't do. 

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Nikon Z9
AttributesNotes
DesignHeavy, solidly built body.
PerformanceExcellent astro performance, but overkill if that's all you shoot.
FunctionalityAs capable at video as it is at stills.

Best all-rounder

Great for astro, the reasonably priced Z7 II competes with the most expensive models

Specifications

Sensor: Full frame, 45.7MP
Lens mount: Z-mount (F-mount with adapter)
ISO range: 64-25,600 (expanded 64-102,400)
Video: 4K UHD 60p
Weight without lens: 1.35 lb (615g)
Memory card slots: Multi slot SD UHS-II, CFexpress, XQD x 2

Reasons to buy

+
 Great all-round performance 
+
 Sturdy construction and weather sealed 
+
 Multi-slot memory card port 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best at anything 
-
LCD screen is tilt-only
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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 is a full-frame camera with a huge 45.7MP sensor and 4K60p video that performs impressively across a range of different photography genres, making it the perfect all-rounder. Astrophotographers will love the tilting rear touchscreen, which keeps your hands within easy reach of all the buttons, making it easy to navigate your way around the controls in the dark. 

In our Nikon Z7 II review, we also enjoyed the clutter-free layout of the controls and found the two Fn buttons on the front handy for assigning customizable shortcuts. It's also fully weather-sealed, so you won't have to worry about rain seeping in when shooting outside.

Performance: This camera is a real powerhouse when it comes to shooting in low light. It handles high ISO image noise incredibly well, and the exposure preview is a fantastic feature for helping you set up your shots in the dark. The Automatic White Balance also produces natural-looking colors and, as an added bonus, manages to limit the orange glow from light pollution. All kinds of photographers will benefit from the 5-axis in-body image stabilization that effectively minimizes shakes and blur.

Functionality: You'll find two memory card slots in the Nikon Z7 II, which is a great function that can be used for a couple of purposes. One slot uses SD cards while the other takes XQD or CFexpress cards. It means you can create an image overflow across both cards, or you can use one as a backup, meaning if one card gets corrupted you have the other to fall back on. An absolute must for professional photographers, we'd say.

There are lots of features on the Nikon Z7 II that we like, although one in particular that stood out to us was how it handles manual focusing. Any turn of the focusing ring means the camera displays a gauge on the rear screen, which shows the focusing distance you've selected. It's a neat additional feature that we haven't seen on many cameras, and your focal distance is always very helpful to know at a glance.

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Nikon Z7 II
AttributesNotes
DesignWeather sealing protects it from the elements
PerformanceExcels at longer shooting sessions
FunctionalityExcellent low light abilities

Best for detail

A world-leading mirrorless camera full of insane specs but with a world-leading price to match

Specifications

Sensor: Full frame, 50MP
Lens mount: Sony E-mount
ISO range: 100-32,000 (expanded 50-102,400)
Video: 8K 30p
Weight without lens: 1.62 lb (737g)
Memory card slots: SD UHS-II and CFexpress x 2

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly detailed EVF 
+
Jaw-droppingly detailed stills and video 
+
Incredibly accurate eye af and tracking

Reasons to avoid

-
Astronomical price 
-
One for advanced/professional users 
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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: This is a seriously robust camera, but it's also very stylish. As you'd expect from a professional camera, the Sony A1 is large and well-built, so much so that you don't have to worry about the odd knock or bump. It's not too big that it isn't comfortable to hold, however. Ergonomics have been considered deeply here, and it's a joy to hold in the hand thanks to its well placed and well-shaped grips.

However, like many of Sony's cameras (aside from their newest), the A1 doesn't have a fully-articulating screen. Once again, it's not a major issue but it's something to bear in mind if you want to be able to shoot from unusual angles as easy as possible. If it's something that's important to you, we'd recommend the newer Sony A7R V, which does sport a fully-articulating screen.

Performance: As we noted in our Sony A1 review, this is one of Sony's best cameras in terms of color reproduction. It has a better dynamic range than tha A9 and A2, too. We're also seriously impressed by its buffer-clearing speed (but that, of course, depends on what type of memory card you're using — the default 51MP files aren't exactly small). It's also handy that the buffer clears as you shoot, meaning the camera can generally keep up with you.

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: We've loved using the A1 for astrophotography. Its ISO range up to 102,400 allows for incredible astro shots, and because of its powerful CMOS sensor, noise is handled very well. The 15 stops of dynamic range means that even the tiniest celestial bodies barely visible in the night sky can be captured. 

The menu system on the Sony A1 is one of the best we've seen from Sony. It's easy to navigate and a joy to use. Considering the company's menus are notorious for being convoluted and messy, the improvements here are hugely appreciated. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. With a huge 50.1MP sensor and the ability to shoot 8K video, the A1 is a serious powerhouse. Its in-body image stabilization of 5.5 stops goes a long way too, making handheld shots every bit as sharp as they should be.

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Sony A1
AttributesNotes
DesignTilt only screen is disappointing for the price.
PerformanceFantastic colors, good noise handling
FunctionalityCan handle anything you throw at it.

Best for intermediates

Great low-light autofocus and an impressive ISO range make this ideal for astro

Specifications

Sensor: 20MP, Full-frame
Lens mount: RF (EF/EF-s with adapter)
ISO range: 100-51,200 (expanded 50- 204,800)
Video: 4K UHD 60p
Weight without lens: 1.31 lb (598g)
Memory card slots: SD UHS-II x 2

Reasons to buy

+
 Better low light AF than R5
+
 Generous ISO range

Reasons to avoid

-
A little more costly than competitor models
-
 Limited to 20MP stills  
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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: At a glance, the Canon EOS R6's reverse seems rather on the minimalist side. There's not much there, but once you start using it, you'll realize that it's rather deceptive and in fact, everything is very well organized. There's no overcrowding, meaning your fingers can find the settings they need with ease. It looks elegant as a result, too.

We're also pleased with how compact and lightweight the R6 is. It weighs just 1.5lbs and on its longest edge is just 5.45 inches, so shoving it in just about any camera bag won't be a problem. Our favorite part of its design, though, has to be its vari-angle touchscreen which is pleasurable to use no matter what angle you're shooting from.

Performance: In a way, the Canon EOS R6 can be considered the little sibling to the R5. It has a lower price tag and, on paper, its specifications are a little lower. But that doesn't mean you're necessarily getting worse performance: As we've found in our Canon EOS R6 review, it performs exceptionally well.

It has a notably lower resolution to the R5 — 20.1MP as opposed to 45MP — but it's still capable of creating beautiful, vivid images filled with crisp, sharp detail. In fact, in some areas — in particular, astrophotography — that lower resolution can actually be a benefit. It typically means your images will have less visible noise, which is very important when shooting the night sky.

Functionality: The R6 has great autofocus capabilities, autofocusing all the way down to -6.5EV — that's 0.5EV lower than the R5! Its maximum ISO sensitivity is twice the R5, too, and that's perhaps why this camera is so much better suited to shooting night sky objects. The lower pixel count helps in that area, too: With fewer pixels per image, it's less likely to produce unwanted noise. 

Outside of astrophotography, too, the R6 produces beautiful images. Viewing on the LCD screen is great, with bright and vibrant colors shining through. It makes composing scenes a joy, and the rear screen's exposure preview helps in that regard, too. 

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Canon EOS R6
AttributesNotes
DesignMinimalist, elegant design.
Performance20MP sensor performs well for astro.
FunctionalityOutstanding autofocus down to -6.5EV.

Great generalist

A great all-rounder with a 40.2MP sensor, this stylish camera packs a lot into such a small package

Specifications

Sensor: 40.2MP, APS-C
Lens mount: X-mount
ISO range: 125-12,800 (expanded 64-51,200)
Video: 6.2K 30p, 4K 60p webcam mode
Weight without lens: 1.23 lb (557g)
Memory card slots: 2 x SD/SDHX/SDHC slots

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of compatible lenses
+
High resolution sensor

Reasons to avoid

-
Tilt screen only
-
Not the best at night sky photography
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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: Probably best used as a generalist camera, the Fujifilm X-T5 boasts an impressive 40MP sensor and up to 6.2K video, with 4K shooting at 60fps. It has a compact and retro design, available in silver or black, with traditional dials on the top plate for manually adjusting the ISO, shutter speed and exposure. 

The ISO and shutter dials can be locked to prevent them from being accidentally rotated during shoots or when you're transporting it in your bag. We think traditionalist photographers will really enjoy the tactile feel of this camera.

Performance: The Fufjifilm X-T5 achieves the feat of being adept at shooting handheld, even in low-light conditions. This is in part thanks to the seven stops of built-in image stabilization, but also its powerful autofocus. However, you do get a high level of noise when shooting at higher ISOs, so it's not our top choice for photographers who specialize in astro.

That said, in our review of the Fujifilm X-T5, we were very impressed by its accurate white balance and built-in interval timer, which does away with the need for a separate intervalometer. As such, it can be used to photograph star trails and celestial events, as well as other types of photography.

Functionality: Because of the Fujifilm X-T5's excellent processor, it has seriously efficient power management, meaning the battery lasts for a long time. We've been able to get around 700 shots out of it, which is an impressively high number. For the most part, then, you won't have to worry about running out of battery part way through a shoot.

There are two SD card slots in the X-T5, too, allowing for you to create back-ups, or to shoot in Raw and JPEG images simultaneously. The three-way tilting touchscreen is useful, too, and we've been impressed with the four-way joystick that is used to navigate through the camera's menu. 

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FujiFilm X-T5
AttributesNotes
DesignStylish design with 40.2MP sensor.
PerformanceDecent low light performance.
FunctionalitySome great features for astro work.

Best APS-C

A lightweight model ideal for travel snaps and vlogs

Specifications

Sensor: 34.4MP, APS-C
Lens mount: RF (or EF/EF-S with adapter)
ISO range: 100-32,000 (expanded 100-51,200
Video: 4K 60p
Weight without lens: 1.17 lbs (531g)
Memory card slots: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-II

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and portable
+
Autofocus and tracking are excellent
+
Great in low-light scenes

Reasons to avoid

-
Buffer speed could be better
-
Not full-frame
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 The Canon EOS R7 is the most advanced crop-sensor camera from Canon that is inexpensive and has pro-grade autofocus. ★★★★½

Design: Travel photographers will delight in how lightweight the Canon EOS R7 is. At just 1.17 lb (531g), it's one of the lightest cameras included in this roundup, and can easily fit into any cabin bag. 

But it's not only its compact design that makes it an appealing choice: vloggers will particularly appreciate the fully-articulating screen, perfect for recording on-camera segments. And despite its relatively small size, it has dual card slots, which comes in handy to back up shots and footage. 

The R7 has a d-pad instead of a dial wheel, meaning there are more programmable buttons to easily adjust the settings without having to go into the different menus. We also love that Canon had added a AF-MF switch to the front of the camera.

Performance: We've been blown away with how well the R7 performs considering it's an APS-C camera. In our Canon EOS R7 review, we expressed how impressed we were, saying that this camera is capable of handling just about anything you can throw at it — and with ease. It creates beautiful and sharp images, and we've found it an absolute pleasure to shoot with.

Since it is a crop sensor camera, however, it may not offer quite enough for a professional. But if you're an enthusiast photographer, it's hard to be disappointed with anything the R7 can do. It's great in any kind of situation: Whether you're shooting wildlife or portraits, you'll get excellent results. We've been particularly impressed with how well it handles astrophotography, however — its low-light performance is great, and even with the ISO pushed all the way to 6000, we couldn't detect too much noise.

Functionality: This isn't a camera for super high-speed shooting — if that's what you need, we'd recommend taking a look at the Canon EOS R3 instead. That's because of the R7's buffer-clearing speeds and the fact it's incompatible with the fastest cards. But outside of photographing high-octane sports, the R7 will provide you with just about every feature you'd expect in a full frame camera, but at a much more palatable price.

If you're into videography or vlogging, you'll appreciate this camera's fantastic autofocus and eye tracking capabilities. We also love that there's no video record limit. It's worth noting, however, that since Canon is relatively new to the APS-C mirrorless camera game, there are few lens options available, particularly those that are small and lightweight enough for vlogging. We'd expect more to arrive in the next couple of years, though.

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Canon EOS R7
AttributesNotes
DesignDual card slots is great for an APS-C camera.
PerformanceVery versatile and great in low light.
FunctionalityExcellent tracking and no record limit.

Best for beginners

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a great generalist camera at an affordable price

Specifications

Sensor: 26MP, APS-C
Lens mount: Fujifilm X-mount
ISO range: 160-12,800 (expanded 80-51,200)
Video: 4K DCI 30p
Weight without lens: 0.84 lb (383g)
Memory card slots: 1 x SD / SDHC / SDXC

Reasons to buy

+
Very light and compact
+
Excellent connectivity
+
Fast auto-focus

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life isn't great
-
Tilt rather than articulated screen
-
Menu takes a bit of getting used to
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 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: The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a great buy for beginners looking for an affordable option with lots of additional features for the price. It has a pleasing retro look and feel, with tactile aluminum alloy dials that allow you to control the exposure compensation, shutter speed and ISO without having to navigate through the menu options. 

It comes with a tilt-only rear touchscreen where you can access the camera's full functionality. Its small and compact size would make it a great choice for travel or street photography as it's easy to shoot handheld with this camera, although those with bigger hands may want to invest in an external grip for added comfort. 

Performance: The APS-C 26MP sensor captures images that are bright, detailed and true to color when shooting outside during the day. It has a sharp autofocus system that is generally very effective, although we noticed some noise creeping in when shooting indoors in dull lighting. Another nice feature is the continuous shooting mode, which lets you capture 17 RAW image files at 20FPS — great for sports and other action shots. 

In our Fujifilm X-T30 II review we were pleasantly surprised by the detailed pictures we were able to take of the moon, but this camera doesn't really collect enough light for true astrophotography and struggles to show stars when shooting at night. 

Functionality: Beginners will enjoy having the ability to apply a whole range of different filters to their photos within the camera itself — 18 to be precise. You can also adjust the grain, clarity, color depth, sharpness, white balance and other variables without having to transfer photos to editing software first. We think this would make it ideal for shooting creative films or documentaries, too. 

Another great feature of this camera is the Fujifilm Camera Remote App, which lets you alter camera settings on your phone and makes transferring your photos to a phone or tablet an absolute breeze. Although we were slightly disappointed by the battery life on this camera, which only stretches to around 380 shots, the batteries are so small and light that it's easy enough to carry spares around with you. 

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Fujifilm X-T30 II
AttributesNotes
DesignVery light and compact.
PerformanceSnappy autofocus.
FunctionalityEasy file sharing.

Best Micro Four Thirds

This lightweight and portable model has a speedy autofocusing system

Specifications

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 20MP
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
ISO range: 200-6400 (extended 64-25,600)
Video: 4K UHD 30p
Weight without lens: 0.84 lb (383g)
Memory card slots: 1x SD UHS-II

Reasons to buy

+
 Incredibly lightweight and portable 
+
 AF system is fast and reliable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much room for progression
-
Plastic feel doesn't feel premium
-
Isn't weather sealed 
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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.

The bottom line

🔎 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: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a seriously stylish little camera. Its retro aesthetic is beautiful and timeless, but more than just looking good, it's also a pleasure to use, too. In our Olympus OM-DE E-M10 Mark IV review, we praised the camera's ergonomics in particular. It's comfortable to grip, even despite its size — and that small size means it's easy enough to use with just one hand if needed.

It's worth noting, however, that the E-M10 Mark IV doesn't have weatherproofing, so we wouldn't recommend using it in bad weather conditions unless you have expensive waterproof gear for it. 

Performance: Despite its rather small size, the Micro Four Thirds on this camera is very capable indeed. It rivals some of its full-frame competitors' resolution by shooting at 20MP, and can shoot 4K Ultra HD at 30fps. 

It does, however, have a smaller ISO range compared to other cameras included in this guide. That said, it can still capture stars as long as as the ISO settings are kept as low as possible to minimize noise.

Functionality: The autofocus in this camera has been massively improved over the Mark III version. The autofocusing system is up there with the best, more expensive mirrorless cameras and when we tested it, it never failed to lock on to a target, even as it moved at a distance. We enjoyed its burst mode too: it's able to shoot up to 15FPS, which is a great tool when shooting wildlife.

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Olympus OM-D E-M10
AttributesNotes
DesignDesigned with beginners in mind.
PerformanceDelivers clear and balanced images.
FunctionalityWe'd like a fully articulating screen.

Best value for astro

Improvements over its previous iteration make it an accessible way to get into full-frame

Specifications

Sensor: 24.5MP, Full-frame
Lens mount: Z-mount (F-mount with adapter)
ISO range: 100-51,200 (expanded 50-204,800)
Video: 4K UHD 60p
Weight without lens: 1.5 lbs (675g)
Memory card slots: 1x CFexpress/XQD, 1x UHS-II SD

Reasons to buy

+
A good all-rounder
+
Small but welcome improvements over the Z6
+
Great value astrophotography camera

Reasons to avoid

-
Improvements could have been made even better
-
Plenty of competition
Buy it if

✅ 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.

Don't buy it if:

❌ 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 bottom line

🔎 The Nikon Z6 II is a great all-rounder camera for semi-pros looking to upgrade to mirrorless. ★★★★

Design: The Nikon Z6 II isn't the lightest camera on the market: At 1.5lbs it's a little on the heavy side. Like its predecessor, the Nikon Z6, it sports a robust body with excellent grip and weather sealing, meaning you can use it in almost every condition.

That's not the only thing it has in common with the Nikon Z6. As mentioned in our Nikon Z6 II review, there aren't really enough changes here to warrant an upgrade if you're already using a Z6. But this is still a fantastic camera, and for anyone else, the NIkon Z6 II is the one to go for. 

Performance: We're seriously impressed with the autofocus capabilities of the Z6 II, which are hugely improved over the camera's predecessor. There's a huge range of shutter speeds you can play around with too, which we've found particularly useful when you're shooting astro with the use of a star tracker. The 60FPS for 4K video is a great addition for videographers, although the camera is a bit heavier.

Functionality: There's a dual image processor inside the Nikon Z6 II, which is the brains behind pretty much all improvements in this camera over the Z6. One thing it's allowed for is additional burst rate shooting: it's been improved from 12FPS to 14FPS. It's still not the largest burst rate — the likes of the Canon EOS R6 has it beat —  but it's a step in the right direction and will be more than enough for most people.

That said, the Nikon Z6 II is cheaper than the Canon EOS R6 and, in terms of most other features, is very capable indeed. It would be a good choice for intermediate and professional shooters who are perhaps looking to move over to mirrorless.

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Nikon Z6 II
AttributesNotes
DesignTwo card slots.
PerformanceSpeedy focusing.
FunctionalityIncreased burst rate over the previous model.

Best mirrorless cameras Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mirrorless camera?

We think the best mirrorless camera you can buy is the Nikon Z8, but while it performs leagues above the rest, it's also the most expensive model in this guide by far. We've chosen the Sony A7R V as our second choice thanks to its powerful autofocusing system and the incredibly detailed images it produces. The Canon EOS R5 is a close third, and may be a good option if you want to shoot video as it can capture 8K RAW video too.

What's the best mirrorless camera for beginners?


If you're a beginner, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a great choice of mirrorless camera. It has a detailed 26MP sensor and can capture 4K video, but it's also relatively affordable and compact compared to other models in this guide.

However, if you're considering shooting a range of subject from wildlife, astro, portraits, sports, landscapes and macro, you might want to consider a mirrorless camera that's compatible with a broader selection of lenses.

What's the best mirrorless camera under $1000?

The Fujifilm X-T30 II or the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV come out under $1000 even when purchased new. We think they represent excellent value considering their compact and portable design, but also the reliably high-quality results they deliver.

Mirrorless camera vs DSLR which is better?

There's a clear trend in the industry towards mirrorless cameras. They have plenty of features to make the process of creating detailed shots easier that their DSLR counterparts don't, such as in-body stabilization and electronic viewfinders. They also tend to be lighter, smaller and more portable than DSLRs, which photographers on the go will appreciate. 

That said, the DSLR vs mirrorless cameras for astrophotography has been ongoing for years now, and much of it has to do with subjective opinions on ergonomics and image quality. On the whole, a mirrorless camera is more likely to be future-proof, but your preference might lie with DSLRs. 

What's the best mirrorless camera for video?

Are mirrorless cameras good at both stills photography and video capture?

We think the best mirrorless cameras for video are the Sony A1, Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z9, all of which offer up to 8K RAW video shooting. Their great video capability does make them premium models with a considerable price tag, however, so if you don't need 8K video resolution, the Sony A7R IV is a great model to consider. 

It's worth nothing that all the mirrorless cameras in this guide are capable of shooting at least 4K UHD 30p video. Cameras that are just as capable of creating professional stills and taking 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 lenses (or 'glass' in photographer lingo) you've invested in.

The best lenses for astrophotography are typically wide-angle lenses and have a fast maximum aperture between f/2.8 or f/1.4 to let in as much starlight as possible onto the image sensor.

However, if you're using a star tracker it's possible to use a telephoto zoom lens for deep-field astrophotography, as 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?

For most people, the most decisive factor when choosing one of the best mirrorless cameras is undoubtedly price. 

One way to get around paying through the nose for a mirrorless camera is opting for an older model, but that will mean you might not benefit from newer technology like image stabilization and high-definition viewfinders. 

It's 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.

How we tested the best mirrorless cameras

Here at Space.com, we review and test each product individually to ensure you get an honest, hands-on and up-to-date recommendation in our guides. Naturally we take many factors into account when reviewing cameras and they include performance, design, construction and of course, its functionality.

The best mirrorless cameras are tested by expert staff and freelance contributors who know their subject areas inside and out. That ensures each camera gets a personal, knowledgeable review complete with honesty and impartiality, so each model can be judged on price, class and destined use. We wouldn't compare a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a crop-sensor DSLR as it wouldn't be appropriate. However, different models will excel in different areas and each camera may be the best in its class.

We also like to consider if a camera features the latest technology, how easy it is to use and whether or not it's capable of high-quality still and videos. We also like to suggest any extra kit or accessories that would enhance the user's experience, which of course, could be of benefit to you.

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.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Jase Parnell-Brookes
Managing Editor, e-commerce

Jase Parnell-Brookes is the Managing Editor for e-commerce for Space and Live Science. Previously the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space, Jase has been an editor and contributing expert across a wide range of publications since 2010. Based in the UK, they are also an award-winning photographer and educator winning the Gold Prize award in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. After completing their Masters degree in 2011 and qualifying as a teacher in 2012, Jase has spent the last two decades studying and working in photography and publishing in multiple areas, and specializes in low light optics and camera systems.

With contributions from