With a plethora of the best mirrorless cameras available today, it’s challenging to pick one that fits just right. This is especially true when you’re trying to balance features with budget constraints. Which camera truly fits your budget?
Every photographer will have a different answer. We’ve been fortunate to experience many of the best mirrorless cameras over the years, including ones I haven’t mentioned. Here is a list of the best mirrorless cameras on the market.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that this article is based on personal opinions. What works great for us may not be the best fit for you. We’ve tried to prioritize cameras that excel for most people, such as those with high-speed, high-resolution, advanced autofocus systems, large buffers, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Best mirrorless camera: Nikon Z9
The Nikon Z9 is an excellent camera, no matter what you use it for. It stands as Nikon’s finest for wildlife photography and landscapes. It features a 45-megapixel sensor, captures images at 20 frames per second with a virtually unlimited buffer (>1000 images). Priced at $5500, it stands out as one of the most valuable mirrorless cameras on the market.
Compared to DSLR counterparts like the Nikon D6, the Z9 excels in most aspects and comes at a more affordable price. The Z9 sets a new standard in the world of mirrorless cameras, which is why I’ve placed it at the top in this list. The only limitation is its large size and weight, posing challenges for extended walks or day-long travel. And of course, there’s the $5500 price tag. If that’s beyond your budget, you might consider purchasing a more affordable camera and investing in quality lenses.
| Brand | Nikon |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/32000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 900 seconds |
| Form Factor | Mirrorless |
2. Best mirrorless camera: Sony Alpha 1
Sony A1 has extremely special technical specifications; essentially, it’s on par with the Nikon Z9. It captures 50-megapixel images at 30 fps. It features an excellent autofocus system, suitable for sports and action photography, in addition to its application in capturing landscapes.
It’s really challenging to determine whether the Sony A1 or Nikon Z9 is rated higher. I think it depends on whether you prefer the larger size with an integrated grip like the Z9 or the portability of the Sony A1.
Priced at $6500, it’s quite an expensive camera. When compared to the Z9, both have their strengths and weaknesses. However, I rank the Z9 higher because it’s $1000 cheaper. If price and size differences are not significant concerns for you, then the decision depends on your preferences. Sony released the A1 a year before the Z9, contributing to the trend we see today.
| Brand | Sony |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 50 MP |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/32000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/32000 seconds |
3. Best mirrorless camera: Sony Alpha 7R V
For those contemplating between Nikon Z9 and Sony A1, the A7R IV is certainly worth considering as well. It’s an excellent camera for landscape photography with its high-resolution sensor 10 FPS. Simultaneously, it’s well-suited for wildlife photography, even though it may not reach the maximum specifications of the Z9 or A1. Nevertheless, the camera will still perform admirably, just as well as the other two
| Brand | Sony |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 61 MP |
| Special Feature | Live View |
| Connectivity Technology | X |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
4. Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5
It’s truly an oversight not to include the Canon EOS R5 in the top 3. It serves as evidence of the rapid advancements in Canon cameras. The camera boasts high resolution, fast speed, and is equally capable of capturing landscapes or sports. It’s quite comparable to the three cameras mentioned earlier.
The Canon EOS R5 features a 45-megapixel sensor and can shoot at a remarkable 20 FPS. With an excellent autofocus system and the capability to shoot 8K video, it makes this camera excellent for both action and landscape photography.
| Brand | Canon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 45 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
5. Best mirrorless camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV
The Sony Alpha 7 IV is suitable for both landscape and wildlife photography. The camera features a 33-megapixel sensor. Achieving a maximum of 10 FPS, the Alpha 7 IV has an unlimited buffer and borrows the autofocus system from the Sony A1. The Sony A7 IV has a redesigned menu system found in the latest models. This new menu makes the camera more user-friendly.
| Brand | Sony |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 33 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
6. Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Compared to the R6 with a 20-megapixel sensor, the R6 II features a 24-megapixel sensor. While it may be slightly lower by today’s standards, it compensates with many other features. The camera captures still images at an impressive 40 FPS and includes dual memory card slots, utilizing a new dual-pixel mirrorless autofocus system.
The R6 II exceeds expectations in autofocus capabilities. It performs exceptionally well, comparable to Nikon’s Z9, Sony’s A1 series, and many other top-tier cameras. Canon has done well in integrating an advanced autofocus system into a mid-range camera.
| Brand | Canon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
| Color | Black |
7. Best mirrorless camera: Panasonic LUMIX S5II
The Panasonic S5 II features a 24-megapixel sensor, and for landscape photographers, it offers a high-resolution pixel-shift mode that quadruples the image resolution to up to 96 megapixels. However, this mode is most effective when the subject is stationary.
The Panasonic S5 II also excels in video recording with impressive 6K quality. It even includes a dedicated cooling fan to allow the camera to continue filming for extended periods without overheating. With a buffer of 200 raw images and the ability to shoot at 30 FPS, this can be considered a versatile camera.
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
8. Best mirrorless camera: Sony A9 II
The Sony A9 II has a maximum image resolution of 24 megapixels, targeting sports and wildlife photography. It impresses with its autofocus capabilities, rapid continuous shooting at 20 FPS, and a large buffer.
Priced at $4500, it’s relatively high compared to the market. However, in terms of pure performance, it remains an excellent mirrorless camera. It’s challenging to find any faults with the A9 II.
| Brand | Sony |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
9. Best mirrorless camera: Fujifilm GFX 100S
This is a monster with a maximum image resolution of 100-megapixel. The Fujifilm GFX 100S is also the best camera on the list for landscape, architecture, product photography, or any high-resolution demands. For stationary subjects, it even has a sensor-shift mode that increases the resolution fourfold to 400 megapixels.
Once you’ve used Fujifilm GFX 100S, there’s no turning back; the image quality, lenses, and incredible dynamic range. However, due to the specialized nature of this camera, we rank the GFX-100S below more practical cameras on this list.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S is priced at $6000, putting it on par with the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1. Although the GFX-100S is much slower, it has the best sensor among the three.
| Brand | Fujifilm |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 102 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Medium Format (>35mm) |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
10. Best mirrorless camera: Fujifilm GFX50S II
The Fujifilm GFX-50S II closely resembles the Fujifilm GFX-100S as both share the same design, IBIS, and nearly identical technical specifications.
However, it’s mostly rather than entirely similar. The Fujifilm GFX-50S II has a 50-megapixel sensor and a contrast-detection autofocus system, slower object detection. The camera also has limitations in terms of video recording, capped at 1080p.
| Brand | Fujifilm |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 51.4 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Medium Format (>35mm) |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
11. Best mirrorless camera: Nikon Z 7II
While the Nikon Z7 II may not be as fast as other mirrorless cameras, it remains one of the top choices in the landscape photography market. A feature of this camera is its base ISO of 64, providing a competitive dynamic range similar to medium format cameras. The previous generation Nikon Z7 was exceptionally well-suited for wildlife photography.
| Brand | Nikon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
12. Best mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T5
With a maximum image resolution of 40 megapixels, the Fujifilm X-T5 produces excellent image quality. It features in-body image stabilization, a fast X-Processor 4 with Quad CPU capable of pushing video up to 6K, F-Log gamma for expanded dynamic range in video recording, a large battery capacity, fast and accurate autofocus system, and a bright 3.69 million-dot EVF. The Fuji X-T3 is an impressive still and video camera, capable of shooting at 15 FPS – a great choice for sports and wildlife photography.
| Brand | Fujifilm |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 40.2 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/180,000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/32000 seconds |
13. Best mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-H2S
If you’re looking for a fast crop sensor camera, this is the one for you. The Fujifilm X-H2S features a stacked 26MP sensor, providing resolution for a variety of situations and is incredibly fast. Thanks to its stacked BSI sensor, it can capture raw images at 40 FPS with a buffer of 1000 images. It’s no exaggeration to say this is an excellent camera for capturing fast-moving subjects. The X-H2S also boasts impressive video capabilities with excellent quality footage, not just at 4K120 but also at 6K 30p.
| Brand | Fujifilm |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 26.16 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/32000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 900 seconds |
14. Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R7
The Canon EOS R7 has a maximum image resolution of 32.5 megapixels, a 30 FPS burst rate, 4K 60p video recording, in-body image stabilization, and a reliable autofocus system. The pre-release burst mode allows you to capture images 1-2 seconds before fully pressing the shutter button, which is beneficial for unpredictable situations in wildlife photography.
However, with a limited buffer, the Canon EOS R7 provides only 93 images at 30 FPS and 187 images at 15 FPS. While these numbers are respectable, they may not be the best in class. Nevertheless, the EOS R7 remains a top choice for sports and wildlife photography.
| Brand | Canon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 32.5 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/16,000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/250 seconds |
15. Best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R8
The Canon EOS R8 is a full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at budget-conscious users with a price tag of $1500. The Canon EOS R8 captures images at 40 FPS and features Canon’s pre-release shutter mode. The camera’s limitation includes the absence of in-body image stabilization and only one SD card slot. This compromise allows Canon to keep the price of the EOS R8 relatively low. It remains one of the excellent cameras with impressive performance for the money invested.
| Brand | Canon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
16. Best mirrorless camera: Nikon Z 6II
The Nikon Z 6II stands out with excellent value for the $2000 price tag, featuring a 24-megapixel sensor. It offers high ISO performance, 12 FPS continuous shooting (14 FPS with electronic shutter), dual card slots, and in-body image stabilization. Certainly, there’s always room for improvement, but this camera is ideal for travel photography and portraiture. It’s undoubtedly capable of capturing wildlife without any issues.
| Brand | Nikon |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.5 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 second |
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
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