The Best Mirrorless Cameras in 2024
Given all the choices when it comes to a new camera, it can be quite an ordeal to research and decide on just one. While it mostly depends on what you need as a photographer. If you’ve been leaning more towards picking up a mirrorless camera, then you’re in the right place and we’re here to help.
Mirrorless cameras have been popular in recent years for their compact size, superb performance, and growing lens selection. The style is quickly replacing DSLRs as the technology in mirrorless is rapidly outpacing that of DSLRs, which have all but stagnated. They’re often the best choice for most people, so we generally recommend looking at mirrorless cameras when you’re deciding on your next camera.
When it comes to any digital camera, mirrorless included, there are entry-level and pro options, and you can go for a crop sensor (often called by its more official name of APS-C), Full-Frame (more akin to classic 35mm film size), or even medium format (much larger sensor). All these sensor types have pros and cons, so weigh your options carefully. Whether you’re opting for a mirrorless camera for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing one, below are our suggestions for the best ones you can get your hands on this year.
What We’re Looking For
The main draw of mirrorless cameras lies in having the latest technology and high-resolution sensors in a more compact and lightweight package compared to most DSLRs. Fast burst mode capabilities, reliable connectivity, excellent video recording, image stabilization, and decent low-light shooting capabilities are some of the most in-demand features for photographers of all levels. Of course, being interchangeable lens cameras, they should also have a good selection of native lenses available in popular focal lengths.
While smaller and more lightweight, the latest mirrorless cameras don’t always come cheap, so below are our picks you can reference to help you make the right decision the first time.
At a Glance
The Best Overall Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 1
With specs that make it really impressive on paper, it’s not surprising to find a lot of hype focused on the $6,500 full-frame Sony Alpha 1. In our recent review of the Sony Alpha 1, however, we’ve found that it does live to Sony’s promise of being a camera that can do whatever you want out of it.
With features like a new 50.1-megapixel sensor resolution, 15-plus stops dynamic range, ISO sensitivity of up to 32,000, incredibly fast autofocus, 30 fps continuous shooting mode, and weather sealing, you have a capable mirrorless camera for all your photography needs.
Likewise, video capabilities are superb, with 8K video and a host of high framerate options in both 4K and Full HD. Tie these features up with better battery life and improved body and you have a great choice for an all-around mirrorless camera.
The only major thing that may hold you back is the $6,500 price, especially if you don’t really need this high-end, professional model yet. The Alpha 1 earns that price, however, as it is the only camera on the market that offers these high-end, pro-focused features. If you want the best that money can buy, this is it.
Read more: Sony Alpha 1 Review: Yeah, It Really Is That Good
The Best Mirrorless Camera For Wildlife and Action: Nikon Z8
The Sony Alpha 1 is a good option for every type of photography, including wildlife and action, thanks to its 50.1-megapixel sensor, exceptional dynamic range, outstanding autofocus, and 30 fps continuous shooting, and the Canon EOS R3 is a great choice for RF-mount users looking to photograph wildlife and action.
While the a1 and R3 are great, the Nikon Z9 was PetaPixel’s most recent selection for this category because of its excellent 45.7-megapixel sensor, fast image processing engine, great autofocus, and incredible all-around performance. However, thanks to the new Nikon Z8, which packs almost everything that makes the Z9 so good, including its image processing pipeline and autofocus, the Z9 has been usurped.
Nikon has long been a popular choice for wildlife, nature, and sports photographers, way back to Nikon’s film days and, more recently, its flagship DSLR cameras. As Nikon moved into the mirrorless age, its first full-frame mirrorless Z cameras, the Z6 and Z7, delivered excellent image quality and overall performance, but hardened wildlife photographers were left wanting when it came to speed and autofocus. The Z9 changed that, and the Z8 offers the Z9’s same excellent photographic capabilities in a smaller, lighter, and more affordable package.
The Nikon Z8 is a baby Z9 in form factor and price only. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, and the Z8 is every bit as good as the Z9 regarding photographic performance, making the Z8 an outstanding mirrorless camera for wildlife and action photography.
Read more: Nikon Z8 Hands-On: This Apple Didn’t Fall Far From the Z9 Tree
The Best Mirrorless Camera For Professionals: Sony a7R V
The Sony a7R V is the “Best Mirrorless Camera for Professionals” because it marries performance and power incredibly compellingly. The camera uses the same great 61-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor found in its predecessor, 2019’s a7R IV, but combines it with increased processing power, new artificial intelligence, and many fantastic refinements across the board.
Two key features come in the form of better video and more sophisticated autofocus. The a7R V’s upgraded Bionz XR processor allows for 8K24p and 4K60p video, two video recording modes not offered by the a7R IV. Concerning autofocus, the camera uses AI to detect more subjects, including specific modes for birds, insects, cars and trains, and aircraft. The AF system also has more points (693 versus 567) and significantly more reliable eye-detect and face-detect AF.
There are some minor usability quirks with the camera’s menus. In typical Sony fashion, there are many options, which is equal parts practical and frustrating. However, the overall user experience is improved thanks to the a7R V’s high-res 9.44M dot electronic viewfinder, which is best in class, and a much-requested new articulating touchscreen.
Read more: Sony a7R V Review: A Marriage of Performance and Power
The Best Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV
Sony was quiet in the mid-range category for a while but came out swinging with the launch of the Sony Alpha 7 IV. Packed with the company’s latest technology, it is ideal for anyone looking for top-tier full-frame resolution with industry-leading speed and accuracy in eye-detection autofocus for people as well as animals and birds. While the price is slightly higher than the Alpha 7 III that it replaces at $2,500, the features and improvements make every penny worth it.
Read more: Sony Alpha 7 IV Review: The Best Camera Sony Has Ever Made… Almost
With a 33-megapixel (34.1 actual, and a 9-megapixel upgrade over the Alpha 7 III) Exmor R sensor with BIONZ XR image processor (the same processor as the flagship Alpha 1), a wide ISO range of 50 to 204,800, a 0.5 step IBIS improvement, 15 stops of dynamic range, with a 94% AF coverage and 759 phase-detection points, a dust shield for the sensor when powered down, there are a ton of improvements in the Alpha 7 IV over its predecessor and we haven’t even started on the video features yet. Sony claims this camera has the most accurate color reproductions of any Alpha system and a 30% faster and more accurate eye-detection autofocus system (for humans) that carries over a noticeable improvement in both pet eye AF as well as birds.
Sony put considerable effort into making the Alpha 7 IV a better video camera, too. It features a fully articulating touchscreen LCD that makes it easy to line up a shot regardless of the camera position and the viewfinder has been improved from 2.36 million dots to 3.69 million, which is good but comes up short of the best it puts in its high-end cameras like the Alpha 1, which is to be expected of a full-frame camera in the mid-range space.
Noticeably improved from the Alpha 7 III is the addition of a full-sized HDMI port and USB-C that is capable of live streaming in 4k (15fps) and FullHD at 60fps tethered to a PC or Mac computer for the purposes of live streaming. The camera is also capable of capturing 4k at 60p with an APS-C Crop, or 4K at 30p in full-frame, which is a significant improvement from the Alpha 7 III that would get 4K at 30p with a 1.2x crop.
The Alpha 7 IV is an amazing hybrid camera that can excel in nearly any shooting situation and honestly gives most high-end mirrorless a run for their money. Performance to value, the Alpha 7 IV is tough to beat.
The Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera: Canon EOS R10
At just under $1,000 (body only), the Canon EOS R10 is an excellent mirrorless camera for beginners. While it makes a few compromises compared to its pricier sibling, the R7, the R10 delivers a lot of value to photographers looking to begin investing in a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera system.
The R10 delivers plenty of power for many beginners, and its 24.2-megapixel image sensor captures high-quality images. The camera sports an advanced autofocus system that rivals significantly more expensive competitors and features a compact, lightweight design that’s easy to slip into a small bag.
Users must live without a few bells and whistles when using the R10, but where it matters most — imaging performance — the R10 delivers in spades. The lack of in-body image stabilization is slightly disappointing, and the camera’s electronic shutter is mediocre. However, using its mechanical shutter, the R10 still shoots at a swift 15 fps.
The Canon EOS R10 isn’t perfect, but it punches far above its weight and is the best camera on the market today for beginners and other photographers on a budget. The camera accomplishes much more than most cameras in its price range can, and the R10 is the new standard-bearer in its category.
Read more: Canon EOS R10 Review: Powerful Performance at an Affordable Price
The Best Hybrid Mirrorless Camera: Canon EOS R5
The $3,900 Canon EOS R5, the company’s 2020 flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, remains a top choice for pros or anyone in need of excellent gear for a wide range of photography projects. With key specs that include a 45-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, 8K video capture and other filming modes, up to 12 fps (mechanical shutter) – 20 fps (electronic shutter) continuous shooting mode, weather sealing comparable to EOS 5D Mark IV, high-resolution viewfinder, fully articulating rear screen, and up to 8 stops of image stabilization (with the right lenses), it’s definitely one of the most capable options out there.
The highlight of this model is the 100% coverage Dual Pixel II AF system. While some photographers would argue Sony’s autofocus is superior, Canon is no slouch either. With a highly-rated autofocus system that covers the entire frame and implements reliable eye detection and subject tracking, it’s easy to capture perfectly focused shots of both human and animal subjects. However, there is one major caveat — if you’re planning to shoot a lot of videos, best beware of overheating issues.
As a camera that boasts the features to keep up with a true hybrid workflow, however, it’s really hard to beat the EOS R5: it is a complete package that works for a wide range of shooters. Canon has made great strides in improving dynamic range and the image quality of the R5 is top-notch because of that. Against others who offer high resolution, video features, and compete in this price range, the Canon EOS R5 is just a nose ahead.
The Best Video-Focused Mirrorless Camera: Sony a7S III
Many of the cameras on this list have outstanding video capabilities, and so do many models that have been released in the last couple of years. However, if you’re planning to get a mirrorless camera primarily for video use, consider the $3,500 Sony a7S III.
The third version of Sony’s video-focused full-frame series boasts of features that include UHD 4K video at up to 120p, 16-bit Raw video output, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal video, and 5-axis in-body stabilization. It also sports a 12 MP BSI CMOS sensor, a Bionz XR processor, a 9.44M-dot EVF, and a fully articulating rear LCD screen. These features and specs are paired with major enhancements such as a redesigned touchscreen menu system, a sizable high-resolution viewfinder, ergonomic improvements borrowed from the a9 and a7R IV, and two dual-format card slots that take either UHS-II SD cards or CFexpress Type-A cards.
When it comes to a compact video camera that keeps the form factor of a modern mirrorless camera, the Sony a7S III is the one to beat.
Coming close second to this camera is the full-frame Panasonic Lumix S1H, also especially designed for videographers. It also features advanced video capabilities that include 6K resolution, video scopes, 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, anamorphic capture, and full V-Log gamma. On top of all that, the S1H is also an outstanding 24MP camera for stills. Unfortunately, its autofocus capability and internal recording options come up just short of what Sony offers.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the slightly more expensive Sony FX3 is basically the a7S III repackaged into a smaller body but comes with more pro-focused physical features like a camcorder-style detachable handle and mounting points for camera cages designed directly into the body.
The Best Medium Format Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm GFX 100S
Medium format mirrorless cameras have been steadily gaining the preference of professional photographers who require the ultimate image quality with the most accurate color reproduction. While medium format sensors sacrifice autofocus and shooting performance speeds, they are well known for having the best possible image quality in a modern digital camera. If your goal is to make incredible studio portraits or beautiful high-resolution landscape images, medium format might be for you.
Freshly introduced, the $6,000 Fujifilm GFX 100S is already making rounds as the medium format camera to beat.
The GFX 100S boasts impressive features like a 102-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, improved image stabilization at up to 6EV, 4K 30p video capabilities, up to 5.0 fps continuous shooting, and multi-shot 400 MP mode for stationary subjects — all in a relatively small and compact body. If you’re a fan of Fujifilm’s Film Simulation, you might also enjoy the additional “Nostalgic Neg” mode, which is inspired by the look of Stephen Shore’s iconic color photography.
Lately, it feels like Fujifilm’s biggest competition in the medium format space is itself, and that’s certainly the case here with the 50R, 50S, and 100 all coming in as solid options (although the 100S is our pick as the best of the bunch). While there are options from Hasselblad, feature-for-feature the Fujifilm is just superior right now, even if lens options favor Hasselblad. For now, most photographers are going to find the Fujifilm GFX 100S to check the most boxes.
The Best Crop-Sensor Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm X-H2
Crop sensor cameras are powerful tools for many photographers, including professionals. A bigger sensor doesn’t always mean that a camera is better. It’s long been the case that using an APS-C sensor meant giving up a bit of megapixels and resolution, all else equal, but the Fujifilm X-H2 — and X-T5, which uses the same sensor — change that.
The X-H2 uses a 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, the highest-megapixel APS-C sensor on the market, to provide more resolution than many full-frame cameras. The new sensor also enables 8K 30p Apple ProRes internal recording, which no other APS-C camera offers.
The X-H2 doesn’t compromise in terms of speed, either. It can shoot at up to 15 frames per second, which is quite speedy but not as swift as its lower-res sibling, the X-H2S, which has a stacked sensor that can shoot up to 40 fps.
In many ways, Fujifilm’s pair of flagship cameras are very similar. The X-H2 and X-H2S share the same body design, which is robust and SLR-style, and each uses the same 5.76M-dot EVF, multi-angle LCD screen, AI-powered hybrid autofocus system, and newly designed in-body image stabilization system that promises up to seven stops of compensation. Each camera also works with Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C) integration, a groundbreaking workflow improvement that enables photographers and videographers to work more efficiently.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-H2 is the “Best Crop-Sensor Mirrorless Camera” because of its class-leading resolution, robust video features, and professional-quality design and features.
