The 10 Best Starter Mirrorless Camera For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Starter Mirrorless Camera
Best Starter Mirrorless Camera

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera

The Sony Alpha 7 III Mirrorless Camera is a high-end camera with a wide variety of innovative features designed to meet the requirements of photography professionals. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera is a high-quality camera that produces stunning still images and incredible 4K and Full HD video. With a full-frame CMOS sensor of 26.2 MP, this camera is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful camera. Read Review

3. Best Battery: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera is a high-performance camera perfect for serious image makers. Its five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization and four-axis Digital Image Stabilizer deliver steady and sharp images amid all the excitement. Read Review

4. Best Lightweight: Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera is a compelling camera perfect for professional photographers and videographers alike. It boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 30.3 MP image processor, ensuring crisp photos and high-resolution videos. Read Review

5. Best Performance: Nikon Z 6II FX-Format Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z 6II FX-Format Mirrorless Camera offers versatile mirrorless performance with an impressive 24.5MP BSI resolution that excels in low light conditions. It has a fast 14 FPS shooting rate suitable for capturing fast-action moments. Read Review

Are you ready to upgrade your photography game to a mirrorless camera? With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect one for you can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a list of the best starter mirrorless cameras to help take your photography skills to the next level. These cameras are perfect for beginners who want a high-quality camera without breaking the bank.

We've covered you, from compact and lightweight options to cameras with advanced features. These cameras are sure to impress with their exceptional image quality, easy-to-use controls, and versatile lenses. So whether you're a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, read on to discover the best starter mirrorless camera.

Our team spent about 18 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. As an outcome, we think the best starter mirrorless camera is Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera. This camera can deliver stunning images with its 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, and ISO range of 50 to 204,800. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which equally deserve your consideration, we have compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.9
Sony

The Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera is a top-of-the-line camera with an advanced 24.2MP BSI full-frame image sensor with a 1.8X readout speed. This camera can deliver stunning images with its 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, and ISO range of 50 to 204,800. It is compatible with Sony E mount lenses and can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring Android (Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later) and iOS (Bluetooth 4.0 or later).

This product can shoot up to 10fps silently or mechanically with AE/AF tracking. The camera's battery life is impressive, with approximately 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor) for still images and about 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor) for movie recording. It boasts 693 phase detection / 425 contrast AF points with 93 percent image coverage, making it easy to get the perfect focus on your subject.

In addition to its advanced features, the camera has several accessories, including a rechargeable battery (NP FZ100), AC adapter (AC UUD12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, and micro USB cable. The metering type of the camera is 1200 zone evaluative metering. The only downside is that the autofocus system may be a bit slow in low-light conditions.

TOP Choice #2 Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.7
Canon

The Canon EOS RP is a fantastic entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera with many features for the price. The 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor produces stunning images with rich colors and impressive detail, while the fast DIGIC 8 image processor ensures quick performance and precise autofocus. The Camera's 4K and Full HD video capabilities are one-of-a-kind, allowing you to capture memories in stunning clarity.

Touch and Drag AF makes selecting and moving focus points on the LCD screen simple, while Creative Assist lets you experiment with different camera settings in real time. Furthermore, Canon's Digital Photo Professional Express software and Camera Connect app simplify editing and sharing photos and videos on your smartphone or tablet.

The included RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM lens is a versatile zoom lens that can capture everything from macro-like close-ups to wide-angle landscapes and telephoto portraits. The lens features a leadscrew-type STM motor for smooth and quiet autofocus, making it an excellent choice for photography and videography. However, the "MENU" button and the on/off switch on the left may be a little inconvenient for some, but you can be familiar with them after some use.

TOP Choice #3 Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.5
Fujifilm

The Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera is a game-changer for anyone needing a reliable, high-performance camera. Its five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization provides up to 6.5 stops, ensuring your images remain steady and sharp even in the most challenging conditions. The four-axis Digital Image Stabilizer adds even more stability, giving you lots of room to maneuver and capture the perfect shot. Nevertheless, it would be best if the AF could be better.

The X-T4 also features a newly developed mechanical shutter that is the fastest and most robust in the history of the X Series. It can make images at 15 frames per second and is rated for 300,000 actions, so you can be sure it will perform flawlessly whenever needed. Plus, the larger capacity battery can up to 600 frames per charge, giving you the power and durability never to miss the perfect opportunity.

The X-T4's 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen LCD is another standout feature. It can be adjusted to make it visible from a wide range of positions, giving you a high-quality monitor to frame with and quick and straightforward controls when you need them most. And when you need to minimize the light and distractions that a screen can create, the LCD can be easily folded away, so it is completely hidden from view, leaving the updated 3.69 million pixel/100fps electronic viewfinder to help you focus on the moment at hand.

4 Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.3
Canon

This camera's full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 30.3 MP image processor produce crisp, clear photos and high-resolution videos that will impress. This product's dual-pixel pixel CMOS AF system has 5,655 manually selectable AF points and can achieve sharp focus in as little as 0.05 seconds. This makes it simple to capture action shots and keeps the focus on moving subjects.

The camera is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses when using one of three optional mount adapters. Furthermore, the EOS R provides high-speed continuous shooting at up to 12fps, making it ideal for capturing dynamic movements of athletes, animals, and other moving subjects. You can easily take your photography to the next level with its built-in electronic viewfinder, vari-angle touchscreen LCD, and dot-matrix LCD panel.

The EOS R also has a flexible priority mode, which allows you to automatically set the shutter speed and ISO sensitivity while changing the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity without changing modes. And, thanks to its selectable silent mode, you can shoot in situations where silence is required without disturbing your surroundings. Unfortunately, it only has one memory card slot.

The Nikon Z 6II FX-Format Mirrorless Camera with a 24.5MP BSI resolution performs admirably in low light, producing sharp, clear images even under challenging conditions. The camera's 14 FPS continuous shooting mode is ideal for capturing every moment quickly and precisely. The 4K UHD video performance is excellent, with full pixel readout and many advanced features for serious videographers.

When shooting important moments or assignments, such as wedding and event photography, its dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD plus UHS-II SD) provide flexibility and peace of mind. The exterior and interior of the Z 6II have been thoughtfully designed to provide maximum comfort and ease of use. It is also Vertical Grip Ready, which means it is now compatible with the new vertical battery grip for those who need more power and more effortless shutter operation when shooting vertically.

This device is compatible with an expanding line of NIKKOR Z lenses and approximately 360 F-mount NIKKOR lenses with an FTZ mount adapter, providing photographers and videographers with limitless creative options. Its optical zoom of 1.0 multiplier x and video capture resolution of 2160p makes it a solid choice for professionals and enthusiasts. The minor issue is it is a bit expensive. However, for those serious about photography or videography, this camera is a worthwhile investment that will pay off in the long run.

6 Panasonic LUMIX G9 Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.1
Panasonic

The Panasonic LUMIX G9 Mirrorless Camera is a professional-grade camera that boasts impressive hybrid capabilities for both photo and video. The latest firmware update has enhanced the video capabilities of this camera, allowing for 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording with V LogL support. Additionally, the camera has an effective variable frame rate (VFR) for slow-motion shots up to 180 fps. One drawback is that it's a bit heavier than other mirrorless cameras. 

This camera also delivers outstanding photo performance with its 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, which captures sharp images with a high dynamic range and artifact-free performance. Furthermore, it has no low-pass filter, making it ideal for capturing even the finest details. This product has advanced features that help you capture the perfect shot. Its 5-axis Dual IS system ensures clear images even when using a long shutter speed, and its high-speed burst capability lets you capture the perfect moment as a story unfolds.

One of the best things about this camera is its durability. Its magnesium alloy body is built to withstand heavy use in the field and is freeze-proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also splash and dust-proof, with weather sealing on every joint, dial, and button. The camera's lighted top-mounted Status LCD provides at-a-glance feedback on the setup, making it easy to read even in low-light conditions. The LCD monitor is also easy to read, previewing your shots and adjusting as needed.

7 Nikon Z 5 Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
9.0
Nikon

This camera has an ultra-compact NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 standard zoom lens, providing excellent versatility for capturing different shots. It has a 24MP full-frame sensor delivers intensely detailed images and 4K UHD videos. It has VR image stabilization built-in that ensures sharp and stabilized photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. This product offers exceptional image quality with up to five stops of image stabilization in five directions.

The Nikon Z 5 also boasts a superb 273-point autofocus system that can focus near the edges, detect and follow eyes (people, cats, and dogs), and track subjects. The camera comes with dual SD slots, so you can store more images and videos without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, features like time-lapse, multiple exposures, innovative picture controls, and focus shift photography give you endless possibilities to experiment with your photography.

Another significant advantage of the Nikon Z 5 is its seamless connectivity with compatible smartphones, tablets, or PCs for transferring images or controlling the camera remotely. You can preview photos and videos live while shooting, giving you greater control over your shots. The Nikon Z 5 Mirrorless Camera is powered by the advanced EXPEED 6 image processing system that delivers stunning photo and video quality, autofocus performance, low-light capabilities, image clarity, color reproduction, and more. 

The camera body is not weather-sealed, which may be quite inconvenient for some users who frequently shoot in harsh or wet conditions. Overall, the Nikon Z 5 Mirrorless Camera is an excellent investment for photography enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear. With its advanced features, versatility, and ease of use, this camera is perfect for capturing stunning images and videos.

More To Consider

10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Mirrorless Camera
Our Score:
8.0
Panasonic

What to Look For in a best starter mirrorless camera?

You may know that best starter mirrorless camera is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Sensor Size

Getting a grasp on camera sensor dimension is difficult, however, just think bigger is better. Background blur and low-light performance are two crucial factors that rely on sensor dimensions. Because they are frequently sold as a mirrorless camera, APS-C (better) and Full Frame (best) sensors are the most common. Medium Format cameras, which include both Full Frame and bigger camera sensors, are available today. The benefit to the general consumer is modest, and as a result, size and speed issues may arise.

Burst Rate

A 10fps burst rate isn’t going to matter if you're shooting still subjects. However, if your subject matter contains a lot of moving subjects, your burst rate should be at least 10 fps.

Video Features

When shopping for a new camera, take a look at the variety of video recording options available and make sure they're the choices you wish to employ from now on and in the future. (For example, maybe you haven't shot a lot of slow-motion yet, but maybe you would in the future.) Besides physical features like a full-size HDMI port, this may be an important point to consider.

Resolution

It’s fairly common nowadays to find cameras with a resolution of 24 megapixels, which is more than enough for most purposes. You probably won’t require more if you don’t plan on printing your pictures out. In addition, higher resolutions provide better image quality but also bigger files.

Autofocus

The autofocus on mirrorless cameras has revolutionised the photography game, especially when it comes to capturing moving subjects. Make sure to look for a camera that has face, eye, and subject detection if you intend to do any sort of action or event photography.

Lens Options

The quality of photographs you will get from the camera you purchase is far more important than the lens you use. Even if you intend to utilise a kit lens for quite a while, you may choose to join any ecosystem. If, on the other hand, you are excited about acquiring great glass and/or wish to have flexibility in what you can select, you should purchase a camera with a lens mount that has a good lens library.

FAQs

What is a mirrorless camera?

A mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera that does not use a mirror behind the lens for focusing and capturing an image. Instead, it uses an image sensor and a specialized image processor to achieve the same result. Mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, and more versatile than traditional DSLR cameras, making them an ideal choice for beginner photographers.

What are the advantages of a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than traditional DSLRs and have a shorter lens-to-sensor distance, which allows for a more compact design. They also offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a wide range of lenses to choose from. Additionally, they have advanced features like in-body image stabilization, electronic viewfinders, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Are mirrorless cameras good for beginners?

Yes, mirrorless cameras are excellent for beginners because they offer so much in terms of features and image quality. They are also more affordable than traditional DSLRs, making them a great choice for those on a budget. Additionally, they are easier to use, with intuitive menus and control layouts.

What should I look for in a starter mirrorless camera?

When looking for a starter mirrorless camera, it is important to consider features such as the size, weight, and lens compatibility. You should also consider the type of sensor, the autofocus system, and the video capabilities. Additionally, look for features such as in-body image stabilization, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an electronic viewfinder.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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