The best mirrorless camera for 2024: top picks for every budget
The best mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon and more
- Quick list
- Best overall
- Best crop-sensor
- Best for beginners
- Best in the hand
- Best for video creatives
- Best for Nikon
- Best retro modern fusion
- Best low cost starter
- Best smartphone upgrade
- Best for pros
- Best for action
- Best high-res full-frame
- Best pro video
- Best pro hybrid
- Best medium format
- How to choose
- How we test
1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best crop-sensor
4. Best for beginners
5. Best in the hand
6. Best for video creatives
7. Best for Nikon
8. Best retro modern fusion
9. Best low-cost starter
10. Best smartphone upgrade
11. Best for pros
12. Best for action
13. Best high-res full-frame
14. Best for pro video
15. Best pro hybrid
16. Best medium format
17. How to choose
18. How we test
Whether you’re new to photography or a long-term enthusiast, the best mirrorless cameras have the features and performance to take your shooting to the next level. Technically more advanced than DSLRs, mirrorless cameras are well suited to both photo and video and enjoy the best camera innovation today, including the latest AI-powered features.
We think the best mirrorless camera for most people right now is the full-frame Sony A7 IV, which we also consider to be the best camera overall. With a sharp full-frame sensor and fantastic autofocus capabilities, it’s a hybrid that handled almost every shooting scenario during our review. But there are options below for all levels of experience and budget.
Our ranked selection draws on the results of our in-depth reviews. We comprehensively test every mirrorless camera to see how well it handles, and how its features and performance stack up in the real world. We assess each model on its individual merits, then compare it to the closest competition in its category.
This guide is organized to help you quickly find the top options for your needs. We keep it regularly updated with the latest releases, and we’ve also outlined some expert buying tips at the bottom of the page.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo and video industry, and most of those in the world of tech journalism. Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related, including mirrorless cameras from the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and Panasonic.
The quick list
Want to get straight to the best mirrorless camera for your needs? Use our quick round-up below to immediately find a mirrorless camera that suits you – and you can read more about it by jumping to our full write-ups and explanations using the links.
Best overall
The best overall for enthusiasts
With class-leading autofocus, superb stills and serious video abilities, the Sony A7 IV does everything - and does it all brilliantly.
Best crop sensor
The best crop-sensor camera overall
The EOS R7 is like one of Canon's full-frame EOS R cameras, but with a smaller APS-C sensor. Impressively powerful for the price.
Best for beginners
The best for most beginners
The E-M10 Mark IV lacks advanced features such as phase-detection autofocus and a mic input, but it's a great choice for stills-focused beginners.
Best in the hand
The best in the hand
Taking all that made the X-S10 one of our favorite mirrorless hybrids, the Fujifilm X-S20 adds beginner-friendly features while still satisfying advanced users.
Best for video creatives
The best for video creatives
It's billed as a hybrid, but with its rich and detailed 6K/30p footage, the S5 II excels at video. Creatives will struggle to get better bang for buck.
Best for Nikon
The best for Nikon enthusiasts
The successor to the excellent Nikon Z6 remains an excellent performer, particularly for those looking to upgrade from a DSLR.
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Best retro modern fusion
The best retro modern fusion
A gloriously retro take on the Nikon FM2 from the early 1980s, the Nikon Z fc is a great choice for casual shooters who want a fun camera for travel and everyday shooting.
Best low-cost starter
The best low cost starter
If you're looking for a low-cost entry-level camera, you can't do better than the A6100. With excellent stills and incredible autofocus, it's far better than its price would suggest.
Best smartphone upgrade
The best for stepping up from a smartphone
A fine choice for anyone moving up from smartphone shooting, the X-T200 combines a large, sharp 3.5in touchscreen with a lovely design and handling.
Best for pros
The best for photography pros
Canon really pulled out all the stops with the EOS R5. Lightweight yet substantial, it’s the company’s best high-res mirrorless camera so far.
Best for action
The best for action photographers
With a rapid stacked sensor, the X-H2S delivers burst speeds of up to 40fps and is one of the best mirrorless cameras for both action and pro-quality video.
Best high-res full-frame
The best high-resolution full-frame
At 61MP, the Sony A7R V has the same class-leading resolution as the A7R IV. But a new sensor and processing engine make it a better camera overall.
Best for pro video
The best for serious video power
The robustly built and relatively compact GH6 is first and foremost a video tool – and it proves Micro Four Thirds still has plenty to offer filmmakers.
Best pro hybrid
The best hybrid for pros
The Z8 doesn’t do much that we haven’t already seen in the Z9. But as a smaller, cheaper version of our 2022 camera of the year, it’s one of the most capable models you can buy.
Best medium format
The best medium format mirrorless
Very much a camera for photography purists, the Hasselblad X2D 100C is also the most versatile and accessible medium format Hasselblad to date.
The best mirrorless cameras for 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best mirrorless cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need a true all-rounder: If you mix it up between photo and video regularly, the A7 IV is a top mirrorless camera choice.
✅ You're switching from a DSLR: With superb autofocus for photo and video, the A7 IV represents a big upgrade from most full-frame DSLRs.
❌ You shoot a lot of sports and wildlife: The Sony A7 IV can't do it all and there are faster specialist cameras out there for pro action performance.
❌ You need a discreet travel or street photography camera: At 1.5lb / 658g and with a sizeable grip, the A7 IV is somewhat hefty compared to other mirrorless cameras.
The Sony A7 IV is a truly modern hybrid camera. It’s overkill for beginners and more expensive than its stills-focused competition, but it’s also a versatile workhorse for anyone who want to shoot a mixture of photos and video. A price bump means it no longer occupies the same entry-level price bracket as its popular predecessor, but upgrades like 10-bit video and a Bionz XR processor make it a much more powerful option.
In our tests, we found the A7 IV to have class-leading autofocus skills – although Sony has since launched the pricier A7R V with its new AI autofocus chip and improved subject detection – plus a seemingly endless buffer depth, which means the camera can almost indefinitely maintain its maximum burst speeds without any slowdown. When using a CFexpress card, it swallowed 9fps for over a minute (or 6-7fps when continuously shooting raw).
The A7 IV's new 33MP full-frame sensor doesn't dramatically improve image quality over the A7 III (the higher resolution also means fairly prevalent noise above ISO 6400), and there's a heavy crop on 4K footage. But as a complete package, the Sony A7 IV is a solid all-rounder which could be the only mirrorless camera you'll ever need.
- Read our in-depth Sony A7 IV review
The best crop-sensor
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're a wildlife or sports photographer on a budget: Canon's subject-tracking and eye-recognition autofocus is game-changing for enthusiast action photographers.
✅ You also want a compact-sized all-rounder: The EOS R7 with 18-150mm kit lens is a compact package ideal for travelling.
❌ You’re want decent lens choice: Rival Sony and Fujifilm APS-C mirrorless systems have a superior selection of lenses.
❌ You need full-frame: There are lots of advantages to APS-C sensors especially for wildlife, but many people will simply desire a full-frame camera.
The Canon EOS R7 is like one of the camera giant's full-frame EOS R cameras, only with a smaller APS-C sensor. For the price, it's impressively powerful, particularly if you're fan of shooting wildlife or sports scenes. That's because it boasts 15fps burst speeds (or 30fps if you switch to the electronic shutter). Our tests found that the EOS R7 can indeed hit these speeds, though you don't get the deep buffers found on full-frame siblings like the EOS R6, so it can't sustain those speeds for quite as long.
Beyond rattling off frames of speeding animals, the EOS R7 offers comfortable handling, Canon's latest subject-tracking autofocus system and and dual UHS-II card slots, making it a camera that will also tempt pro EOS R series fans as a second body. The only downside? Canon has so far only made two native lenses for the EOS R7's APS-C sensor. More should be en route, though, and you can always mount existing RF lenses or adapt older EF lenses from Canon's DSLRs while you wait.
- Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review
The best for beginners
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You'll invest in a range of lenses: Micro Four Thirds has been around for ages and there's a huge selection of excellent and affordable lenses.
✅ You like to shoot handheld: The E-M10 IV's boasts class-leading in-body image stabilization, which can keep your handheld shots sharp at slow shutter speeds. Bye bye tripod.
❌ You also shoot video: The E-M10 Mark IV lacks phase-detection autofocus, a mic input and USB-C port, while its video quality is capped at 4K/30p, meaning no slow motion recording.
❌ You're looking for the best autofocus: The E-M10 Mark IV's specs are surpassed by some rivals, especially its autofocus chops.
On paper, the E-M10 Mark IV is an easy camera to overlook. But in reality, it’s one of the best cameras for beginners who are mainly focused on stills rather than video. It might lack advanced features such as phase-detection autofocus or a microphone input, but it ticks all of the key boxes for beginners. A compact body and approachable button layout make it an accessible upgrade for smartphone photographers, as do Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
In our tests, we found that the 20.3MP sensor to be plenty capable enough to capture consistently attractive images, while in-body image stabilization works a treat for shooting snaps at slower shutter speeds. The 121-point contrast detection autofocus won’t make headlines, but it does a decent job of consistently tracking faces and eyes. Add classic styling to the mix, plus a handy flip-down touchscreen and an Advanced Photo mode that makes it easy to experiment with complex techniques and the Mark IV proves itself a well-rounded beginner mirrorless option.
- Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
The best in the hand
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a camera to last all day: FWith a physically larger battery than the X-S10, the X-S20 has double the battery life and beats rivals.
✅ You want a hybrid mirrorless: Thanks to excellent 26MP stills and 6K open gate video, plus dedicated modes for both disciplines, the X-S20 is a true all rounder.
❌ You're mainly a photographer: The pricier X-S20 massively improves over the X-S10 for video, but for photography there's little in it.
❌ You love the retro look: The X-S20 is a Fujifilm so of course it looks good, but other models like the X-T30 II pack the retro charm.
Taking all that made the X-S10 one of our favorite mirrorless hybrids, the Fujifilm X-S20 adds beginner-friendly features while still satisfying advanced users. Adopting the balanced body of the X-S10, it handles comfortably. Our first impressions found that simplified dials make it easier for learners to operate. A new Vlog mode, plus automatic scene detection and better subject tracking, also eases the way for beginners.
By inheriting the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor from the X-S10 and X-T4, the X-S20 benefits from a proven imaging system, while Fuji’s latest X-Processor 5 works efficiently with the bigger battery to extend longevity. The X-S20 enhances things further by offering 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording, which is more than most casual content creators will need.
We think many beginners will be wary of its increased price tag, with the X-S10 still available for less. We also wish that Fuji had weather-sealed the X-S20. All the same, with a generous feature set – including in-body image stabilization that worked well for handheld shooting in our review - the result is a very capable all-rounder for both stills and video.
- Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review
The best for video creatives
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to accelerate your video prowess: The S5 II is feature-packed for video, with open gate 6K 30p recording, a range of codecs, and superb image stabilization.
✅ You make video for social, too: The S5 II's uncropped video is perfect for multi-aspect videos for social.
❌ You love slow-motion video: The S5 II's 4k / 60p video incurs a 1.5x crop, which is a little restricting for wide angle slow motion video.
❌ You love a good-looking camera: Design aesthetics are subjective, but we think the S5 II’s DSLR style is dated.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is a worthy successor to one of our favorite video cameras, the S5. Wieldy like its predecessor, we found it sturdy yet comfortable to handle during testing. Happily, its compact design doesn’t compromise the physical controls.
Like the S5, the S5 II is ticketed as a hybrid, but video is where it excels. In our tests, we found its 6K/30p footage rich and detailed, with wide dynamic range. Its video chops are bolstered by 10-bit recording across almost all resolutions, plus the ability to record uncropped footage using the sensor’s full 3:2 aspect ratio – useful for cropping content.
The S5 II is Panasonic’s first mirrorless camera with phase detection AF for video. Combined with highly effective image stabilization, we found it produces sharp, stable video even when shooting handheld, although the 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video is a shame. It’s no slouch for stills, either: contrast detection AF proved rapid and reliable, and the S5 II demonstrated excellent noise control. Serious videographers will be drawn by the Lumix S5 IIX, while the Canon EOS R6 II offers more advanced subject detection. Nevertheless, the S5 II is a fantastic hybrid for high-quality video.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S5 II review
The best for Nikon
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You’re upgrading from a DSLR: If you’ve outgrown your current Nikon DSLR, the Z6 II offers a jump in features and performance, plus you can adapt your old lenses.
✅ You’re looking for a versatile camera for travelling: With a compact and rugged body packed with advanced features, plus a sensor that performs well whatever the lighting conditions, the Z6 II is a great option for the road.
❌ You own the Z6 already: The Z6 II is an incremental update on the Z6 – unless you need a second card slot or faster processor and performance, it’s not worth upgrading.
❌ You’re maxing out your budget: Nikon has plenty of S-line mirrorless lenses now but very few are affordable especially compared to DSLR – even the 50mm f/1.8 costs $500 / £500.
For a long time, the full-frame Nikon Z6 reigned as our number one camera. This successor remains an excellent performer, particularly for those looking to upgrade from Nikon DSLRs, but the Z6 II's modest updates mean it's fallen slightly behind the very best mirrorless cameras. It still comes highly recommended, though, thanks to its consistency in most areas, with the addition of a second Expeed 6 processor bringing a range of performance improvements that include a new 14fps burst shooting speed.
In our tests, we found the autofocus to be a significant improvement on the Nikon Z6, particularly with animal eye/face detection, and the Z6 II adds a much-needed UHS-II SD card slot alongside the existing XQD/CFexpress slot. Video does now lag slightly behind hybrid rivals like the Sony A7 IV. But with a tried-and-tested 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers very good high ISO performance, and the best handling around, it fully deserves its place at the top table for photographers.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 II review
The best retro modern fusion
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You love old school cameras: Nikon fan or not, we can agree the Nikon Zfc is a retro-chic beauty.
✅ You want retro style with modern smarts: If you tuck the modern vari-angle touch screen away altogether you can pretend the Z fc is from a bygone era.
❌ You want a bullet-proof body: Inspired by the super-tough Nikon FM2 analog camera design, the Z fc is a casual camera with entry-level build quality.
❌ You need a decent choice of native APS-C mirrorless lenses: Nikon is yet to fill out the lens range for it's APS-C mirrorless cameras, although there is at least the 24mm f/1.7 prime lens now.
The Nikon Z fc is a gloriously retro take on the Nikon Z50, the camera giant's other crop-sensor mirrorless camera. It packs the same specs as the Z50 into a body that's inspired by the Nikon FM2 from the early 1980s – and the combination is a triumph for casual shooters who want a fun camera for travel and everyday shooting.
It might lack a weather-proof build and the large grip seen on the Nikon Z50, but we found the Z fc to be a delight to shoot with. Its competitive specs, which include a 20.9MP sensor, the ability to shoot 4K/30p video, and continuous AF tracking for people and animals, are also borne out in reality. The only downside? A lack of native lenses. If a wide range of APS-C lenses is important to you, then Fujifilm's X-series is a good alternative – but otherwise, the Nikon Z fc is a glorious mix of old and new.
If you have a little extra cash and are looking for a more rugged, full-frame retro camera, then the pricier Nikon Zf is the one for you.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review
The best low cost starter
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to shoot all day: Sony's excellent battery gives class-leading, long-lasting performance.
✅ You want a decent lens choice: Sony has a much wider range of high-quality APS-C mirrorless lenses than rivals Canon and Nikon.
❌ You shoot action: The A6100's processing power limits is ability to keep going for continuous high-speed photos.
❌ You default to the touchscreen: The functions of the A6100 touch screen are extremely limited compared to rivals and recent Sony models.
The Sony A6000 from 2014 remains a popular mirrorless camera for beginners, but five years later the A6100 brought its skills up to date in a familiar but more capable package. Borrowing an APS-C sensor from Sony’s premium mirrorless cameras, the A6100 also deploys the flagship A6600’s autofocus system to deliver outstanding continuous tracking capability that’s rapid and reliable for both stills and video.
Image quality is as expected, with good detail and decent colors (though a neutral profile would be welcome), while battery life is solid and the tilting screen is now touch-sensitive – albeit with limited functionality. Not everything has changed, mind: the LCD and EVF both remain relatively low-res and maximum burst is still 11fps, while buffering performance can sometimes stumble. So it’s not perfect and unlocking its full potential can take time, but the A6100 is certainly a top mirrorless all-rounder for a decent price.
- Read our in-depth Sony A6100 review
The best smartphone upgrade
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You love a touchscreen: The X-T200 has a larger-than-most touchscreen that handles like a dream for those more familiar with a phone.
✅ You like the retro look: With it's metal-effect silver top plate, leather finish, the X-T200 is a lovely blend of old and new.
❌ You want a camera that grows with you: For a similar outlay, the Fujifilm X-T30 gives a little more for camera enthusiasts.
❌ You want the best autofocus: The X-T200's autofocus is much improved over the X-T100 but some way behind class-leading models from Sony.
A fine choice for anyone moving up from smartphone shooting, the Fujifilm X-T200 combines a large, sharp 3.5in touchscreen with a lovely design that feels much nicer in the hands than its predecessor. It's a big step up from its X-T100 predecessor in most ways, including autofocus performance. And unlike the Fujifilm X-A7, the X-T200 also crucially has a built-in viewfinder for framing your shots.
The only real downside compared to pricier models in this list is that the X-T200's subject-tracking can be a little hit-and-miss during burst shooting and isn't available in video mode. But it otherwise offers excellent value and is a great alternative to rivals like the Sony A6100 (see above) and Canon EOS M50 Mark II.
- Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T200 review
The best for pros
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You simply want the best Canon stills camera available: Despite being launched in 2020, the EOS R5 remains the most powerful and versatile stills camera Canon has ever made.
✅ You're thinking about switching from a Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 5D-series owners in particular have the excuse they've been waiting for to upgrade – the EOS R5 is the real deal.
❌ You don't want to blow your savings: It's price has come down, but the EOS R5's price remains prohibitive, especially if you need RF-mount lenses too.
❌ You need compromise-free 8K video: Even after firmware updates, the Canon EOS R5 has known overheating limitations when shooting high-resolution video for long periods.
Canon really pulled out all the stops with the EOS R5. Lightweight yet substantial in the hand, it’s the company’s best mirrorless camera so far. High-resolution, full-frame and driven by the powerful Digic X processor, it’s an exceptional tool for stills photographers. Our tests found its next-gen Dual Pixel autofocus to be outstanding, offering impressively accurate tracking and mind-blowing animal detection. Image quality is similarly superlative, producing remarkable results even in low light, with minimal noise even as high as ISO 4000. Add 20fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter and you’ve got a pro-level mirrorless camera that’s as comfortable in the studio as it is on the street.
The EOS R5's battery life can’t rival a DSLR, but a good four hours of intensive shooting is possible on a single charge. Its video specs are also staggering for a camera of this size, capturing 8K at up to 30fps or 4K at up to 120fps, and recent firmware upgrades have only boosted its appeal for videographers. However, it's worth bearing in mind that heat restrictions do limit recording times, while ‘cool down’ periods can be lengthy. Making the most of that performance will also require investment in costly CFexpress cards – though if you can afford the R5’s top-end price tag, perhaps that won’t be an issue.
- Read our in-depth Canon EOS R5 review
The best for action
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the speed but can't afford full-frame alternatives: We still rate the full-frame Nikon Z9 as the king of hybrid cameras, but the X-H2S has some of the all-round power at a lower price point.
✅ You need the most powerful APS-C all-rounder: The X-H2's stacked sensor and all round speed is unrivalled in the APS-C sensor format.
❌ Sports and wildlife photography isn't your thing: The X-H2S is overkill for most people, while the X-T5 could be a sensible alternative.
❌ You’re a fan of the Fujifilm retro look: Fujifilm cameras are known for their retro looks, but the X-H2S doesn't have the dials-based design like in the X-T and X-Pro series.
With a stacked sensor that’s seriously rapid, the Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best mirrorless cameras for action photographers who also want to shoot pro-quality video. Its electronic shutter delivers burst speeds of up to 40fps, while its subject-tracking autofocus makes it easily the best Fuji X-series camera for shooting fast-moving scenes.
Videographers are also rewarded with a superlative skill set. The X-H2S can record detailed 6.2K/30p footage internally, with countless color profiles for editing flexibility. In-body image stabilization and a sharp articulating touchscreen complement the package.
We think it’s overkill for photographers who won’t utilise its blistering pace, and there’s no escaping its serious price tag. That said, it’s a more realistic alternative to the Nikon Z9. And while it costs the same as full-frame rivals such as the Sony A7 IV, not other APS-C camera can compete with its feature set or the performance of its stacked sensor.
- Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-H2S review
The best high-res full-frame
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're a landscape, portraits or studio photographer: With class-leading full-frame sensor resolution, image quality is excellent.
✅ You need Sony's best autofocus: AI subject detection AF provides more reliable autofocus for more subjects in more scenarios.
❌ You don’t own the best lenses: A 61MP sensor is unforgiving of any lens deficiencies, so you'll also need expensive high-end pro lenses.
❌ You don’t need 61MP: Do you need 61MP? If not, you'll save a packet by opting for the A7 IV instead.
At 61MP, the Sony A7R V has the same class-leading resolution as the A7R IV before it. But thanks to a new sensor and powerful Bionz XR processing engine, our review found that the A7R V is a better camera overall. Paired with high-quality optics and up to eight stops of image stabilization, we found it capable of capturing outstanding detail.
In our tests, its AI-powered Real-time Recognition AF wasn’t foolproof, but it could reliably lock onto a range of subjects, working particularly well with people – even in wider scenes. We found image quality to be excellent when shooting detailed subjects, making the A7R V a fantastic choice for landscape or studio pros.
Its articulating touchscreen provides useful flexibility when it comes to framing, while the EVF is as sharp here as on the A7S III. If you want a high-spec full-frame powerhouse and don’t mind paying for it, the A7R V is a serious step up from its predecessor. But if you can’t afford the best glass, want to shoot slow-mo 4K video or simply don’t need such high resolution, you might find better value in the A7 IV.
- Read our in-depth Sony A7R V review
The best for pro video
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the best video features: The GH6 has a ludicrous range of video options, color profiles, and 7.5-stops of image stabilization.
✅ You want a properly designed camera: The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is tough, reliable and easy to control.
❌ You want full-frame image quality: Full-frame cameras fare better in low-light situations and make it easier to achieve a signature shallow depth of field.
❌ You need decent autofocus performance for video: The GH6 uses contrast-detection AF which is bettered for video by phase-detection AF used in rival cameras, including Panasonic's own G9 II.
Like its GH5 Mark II stablemate, the Panasonic GH6 is first and foremost a video tool – and it’s one that proves the Micro Four Thirds format still has plenty to offer filmmakers. Robustly built and relatively compact, the new Lumix flagship is also blessed with a remarkable array of video modes, offering outstanding creative flexibility for videographers.
We found its handling to be excellent, with lots of useful interface features: the rear touchscreen can flip, twist and tilt for easy framing, while a second record button on the front benefits self-shooters. Add virtually unlimited recording times and improved image stabilization algorithms into the mix and the GH6 shapes up as a compelling package for videographers.
It’s also a dependable stills camera, with a range of options for specialist shooting, including a 100MP image-stacking High Resolution mode and extremely fast burst shooting (up to 75fps with the electronic shutter). We still found that full-frame rivals offer better low-light performance, while others offer faster, more accurate autofocus systems for video, including the more recent Lumix G9 II. But if you want a lightweight video monster that can also turn out solid still images, the GH6 should be near the top of your shopping list.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH6 review
The best pro hybrid
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're ready to switch from your Nikon D850
The Z8 is a natural mirrorless successor to the D850 DSLR with plenty of new tech to make the upgrade worthwhile.
✅ You want on camera that does it all: The Nikon Z8 is highly efficient in any scenario; landscape photography, wildlife videos, whatever you can think of.
❌ You shoot long video clips: The Z8's video record times are shorter than the Z9 in hot conditions.
❌ You want class-leading detail in your photos: 45MP is plenty enough for most people and most situations, but the rival Sony A7R V's 61MP resolution is better.
The Nikon Z8 doesn’t do much that we haven’t already seen in the Z9. But as a smaller, cheaper version of our camera of the year 2022, it’s one of the most capable mirrorless models you can buy right now. In testing, we found it every bit the capable hybrid camera, producing pin-sharp stills courtesy of its 45.7MP full-frame sensor, with fantastic 8K video to match. It doesn’t rival the 61MP resolution of the Sony A7R V, but the pixel difference makes the Nikon Z8 twice as fast.
The Nikon Z8 follows the Z9 in excluding a mechanical sensor entirely, and reaps the performance rewards. During our review, we found 20fps burst shooting more than enough to capture action-packed moments, but the Z8 can go all the way to 120fps if you’re happy with 11MP output.
We did find battery life a little limited in testing, and in-body image stabilization was simply fine. But by squeezing almost all of those flagship features into a significantly smaller body, at a lower price, we think the Nikon Z8 offers a recipe that will make more sense for most people than the Z9.
- Read our in-depth Nikon Z8 review
The best medium format
15. Hasselblad X2D 100C
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You love simple Scandi design: Hasselblad X System cameras are refreshingly simple and slick.
✅ Color quality is important to you: In addition to its mega 100MP resolution, the X2D's color rendition and dynamic range is outstanding.
❌ You shoot action: Hasselblad's best autofocus yet and 3.3fps burst shooting is still bettered by 10-year-old DSLRs.
❌ You want a feature-packed camera: The X2D's strength is single-shot photography quality. It doesn't even record video.
While it’s very much a camera for photography purists, the Hasselblad X2D 100C is also the most versatile and accessible Hasselblad to date. It squeezes a medium format sensor into a stunning body that we found surprisingly compact and comfortable to handle. We also appreciated the convenience of its built-in 1TB of SSD storage. That’s not to say it doesn’t occupy a narrow niche: there’s no video, burst shooting tops out at 3.3fps, and even with speed enhancements, its autofocus still lags far behind the latest mirrorless models. Its native lens range is also lacking a proper telephoto option.
Yet despite these drawbacks, we found its manageable form factor and tilt-angle touchscreen made it usable in the real world, while its in-body image stabilization – a first for Hasselblad – eliminated the need for a tripod. Its 100MP sensor can capture pin-sharp stills, while its leaf shutter setup permits greater use of wide apertures with flash portraits. Color rendition and dynamic range are outstanding, too. The X2D is right up there with our favorite medium format cameras.
- Read our in-depth Hasselblad X2D 100C review
How to choose the best mirrorless camera for you
It's a great time to buy a mirrorless camera, but also a slightly overwhelming one. An explosion in the number of options available at all price points from the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and a reborn Olympus means that photographers and videographers have never had more choice.
So where to start? Sensor size is often a good barometer of a camera's character and shooting style. Models that are built for professionals and keen amateurs will have either a full-frame sensor or a slightly smaller APS-C chip. The latter tend to be smaller and more affordable than full-frame cameras, if not quite as portable as those with Four Thirds sensors (from Panasonic and Olympus).
Other important features to look out for are electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which bump up the price but are nigh-on essential for most photographers. It's also worth considering what kind of lenses you'll need.
If you like to specialize in a particular area (for example, wide-angle architecture or macro), then check the system you're looking at to make sure it has the right options for you. In the full-frame mirrorless space, Sony offers the most choice right now, while on crop-sensor APS-C cameras Fujifilm has a wide range of options at most focal lengths.
Mirrorless or DSLR: what's the difference?
The mirrorless vs DSLR debate has been a hot topic since the arrival of the first mirror-free cameras. Which is best for you will always be a personal choice, although most manufacturers are now focused on pouring their best tech into mirrorless models. Our dedicated mirrorless vs DSLR guide should help you decide which one is right for your needs, but there are a few key ways in which the two formats are different.
Mirrorless cameras allow you to change lenses like a DSLR. But unlike a DSLR, they don’t use a mirror to direct light onto the sensor inside. Instead, light is received and processed by the sensor directly. Because they don’t need a bulky mirror, they can be made more compact than a traditional DSLR. No mirror to move also means faster potential shutter speeds.
The other key difference is the viewfinder. Where DLSR cameras use an optical viewfinder to help you frame scenes, mirrorless cameras rely either on an electronic equivalent, or require you to compose using their rear screen. While the latter can be problematic in bright conditions, the former is no longer the dealbreaker it once was: modern EVFs are bright and sharp, giving you a realistic preview in real-time, with the benefit of data readouts.
Mirrorless cameras initially featured smaller sensors than DSLR cameras, but today you’ll find a catalogue of mirrorless models with full-frame and APS-C sensors. This means there’s no clear difference in image quality between the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Why are mirrorless cameras better?
Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR? There are still quite a few pros and cons to both designs, so if you want to find out more, read our Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras guide.
Mirrorless cameras certainly offer more choice. If you're looking to buy a DSLR, there's only really two main players in the shape of Canon and Nikon. If you opt for a mirrorless camera, the choice of brands is much broader, with the likes of Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus and Leica all offering a wide range of cameras to suit most budgets.
Right now, every major camera manufacturer has something to shout about, and their latest models are different enough from their rivals to stand out in some way.
While it would be very easy to select 10 high-end models to make up our pick of the best mirrorless camera, we've tried to pick out some more affordable options as well. These models might not be dripping with features, but they represent great options for new users and those on a budget. That said, if you're looking specifically for a budget mirrorless camera, take a look at our best beginner mirrorless camera guide.
So whether you're after a better camera than the one featured on your smartphone or are looking for an advanced, high-end model to push your creativity even further, read on to find out what are the best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now.
Are mirrorless cameras good for beginners?
While flagship mirrorless cameras might be designed to fulfil the needs of enthusiasts and professionals, the best entry-level mirrorless cameras offer everything a beginner could ask for at the start of their photography journey.
Many of our favorite beginner mirrorless cameras are lightweight and easy for learners to handle, while still offering the sort of performance that will allow you to grow as a photographer. The exact specs will vary from camera to camera, but the core components usually include a capable sensor and reliable autofocus.
Besides striking a balance between price and performance, most mirrorless cameras are user-friendly for beginners, thanks to their touchscreen interfaces. Even if you’re a complete novice, these should feel familiar if you’re upgrading from a smartphone.
By choosing a beginner mirrorless camera, you won’t generally get all of the more advanced features found on premium models. That sacrifice could be in-body image stabilization, burst shooting speeds, or perhaps the frame rate at which a camera can record 4K video footage. Still, mirrorless cameras remain a versatile choice for new photographers. And because their lenses are interchangeable, you’ll be able to upgrade to different glass as your skills improve.
We’ve picked out a handful of our favorite mirrorless starter cameras in the ‘Novices’ section above, but you can find an in-depth selection by reading our dedicated round-up of the best beginner mirrorless cameras. There you’ll find options for every budget and preference, ranging from the best entry-level all-rounders to video-focused mirrorless hybrids for budding vloggers.
How we test mirrorless cameras
Buying a mirrorless camera these days isn't cheap, so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.
To begin with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who might most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.
To test performance, we use a formatted UHS-1 card (or UHS-II if supported) and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.
In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.
If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.
Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.
We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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