Best mirrorless cameras of 2023

If you have been paying attention to the camera market over the last decade, you’ve noticed Mirrorless cameras overtaking DSLRs as the most dominant category in interchangeable-lens cameras. While Canon, Nikon, and Pentax still sell plenty of DSLRs, more than a half-dozen companies—including Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and Sony—are fully committed to their mirrorless systems.

Sensor size plays a key role when selecting a mirrorless camera. Like DSLR cameras, mirrorless models are available with full-frame (in which the sensor is the size of a picture taken on 35mm film) and APS-C sensors, which are roughly a third smaller. But there’s a third option as well: Micro Four Third sensors, which are half the size of full-frame and show up in Olympus and some Panasonic cameras. Whether or how this affects your choice is up to you, of course. Sensor size may be outweighed by other parameters such as low light performance, in-body image stabilization, or whether a particular mirrorless camera is a good choice for vlogging.

You might be wondering why some of the high-end cameras like the Sony A1, Canon EOS R3, and the Nikon Z9 are missing from this list when they obviously belong here. It’s mostly because you can’t currently buy them with any reliability thanks to product shortages. Rest assured, those cameras will be here down the road because they’re all wonderful, but they don’t do you much good on a list like this if you can’t actually get one. We’re also in the midst of working on our Sony A7 IV review, which will also very likely land on this list very soon.

• Best with in-body image stabilization (IBIS): Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6
• Best for low light photography: Nikon Z6 II
• Best for vlogging: Sony A7C
• Runner-up for vlogging: Olympus O-MD E-M5 III
• Best mid-level APS-C: Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Best budget: Canon EOS M50 II

How we picked the best mirrorless cameras

We have been writing about and reviewing cameras for decades and have personally used most of the major cameras released in recent years. This list is a result of extensive hands-on testing, market research, user feedback, editorial reviews, and spec comparisons. While the mirrorless market has grown substantially in recent years, there are still only a handful of companies making the cameras that you really want to buy. We looked at the entire mirrorless camera landscape and chose the models that best fit the needs of different kinds of shooters. While we left off some of the truly high-end stuff that’s out of stock everywhere, we focused on models that are available on the market and offer a solid mix of performance and price.

Features to consider when shopping for the best mirrorless camera

Choosing the best mirrorless camera for you depends on your needs. Are you looking for a mirrorless camera for beginners or something more specialized? Buying something below your level may hinder your growth as a photographer when you outgrow its features. However, buying a pricy pro body may clutter up your shooting experience with features you’ll never even use. We’ll take a look at some of the parameters that will help you make the best choice.

In-body image stabilization

Image stabilization, which is available in some cameras and lenses, goes by different acronyms and names—VR (vibration reduction), OIS (optical image stabilization), and SteadyShot, to name a few. Image stabilization senses the movement of the camera while you’re taking the picture and makes adjustments—either in the camera or in the lens—in order to counteract that shake and prevent blurry photos.

Many mirrorless cameras offer IBIS (in-body image stabilization), a popular feature among photographers. One of the great things about IBIS is that, by default, every lens you use is image stabilized, which is like an instant upgrade to your current non-IS lenses. As a bonus, IBIS and IS lenses can often work together to deliver even greater levels of stabilization.

Image stabilization is measured in steps or exposure stops. Put simply, each step/stop of IS decreases the shutter speed needed to maintain a blur-free image. Obviously, the more steps/stops the better when you’re shopping for a mirrorless camera with IBIS. It’s important to realize, however, that some of those numbers reflect a combination of in-body stabilization and lens stabilization to get the maximum effect.

Low-light performance

Photographers often encounter low light situations where the choices are either boost the ISO and risk image noise, miss the shot or use a flash. The latter isn’t always the best option especially if you want to capture the ambience of the scene and/or flash is prohibited. Keep in mind that most mirrorless cameras do not have built-in flash anyhow; rather, they have a hotshoe to attach an external flash.

Flash aside, there are three basic elements of low-light photography to consider. First, full-frame cameras are typically better at low light photography since their larger sensor size gathers more light. You also need to consider how well the camera keeps image noise at bay while maintaining good detail and sharpness and whether the camera’s autofocus can function well in low light. The latter is measured as minus “x” EV.

If you frequently shoot indoors—whether at parties or indoor sporting events—low light performance will be key to getting the shots you want. And even if you shoot outdoors, higher ISO settings can come in handy for capturing fast action like sports, which requires extremely short shutter speeds to freeze motion.

Video

While you can vlog with pretty much any mirrorless camera, there are features that not only make vlogging easier but combine to deliver the best footage possible. Two key features in a mirrorless camera for video are an articulated LCD and a microphone jack. The former lets you flip the LCD out and away from the camera to view yourself as you’re filming. At the same time, an external microphone can be mounted on the camera’s hotshoe without blocking the LCD. In-body image stabilization is ideal since it steadies the shot regardless of what lens you use and can help steady video when handholding the camera.

In the end, vlogging doesn’t always require 4K resolution but it’s always better to have the option if and when you need it.

Best mirrorless cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

Best with in-body image stabilization (IBIS): Canon EOS R 5

Why it made the cut: The in-body stabilization can work in concert with the a system inside the lens to keep things super-stable.

Specs:

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 45-megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Dimensions: 5.43 x 3.84 x 3.46″
• Weight: 1.62 pounds

Pros: 

• Advanced, high-resolution sensor
• Articulated screen
• Up to 8 stops of stabilization with some lenses
• Advanced video features

Cons:

• Expensive

Although it’s a little pricey, the full-frame Canon EOS R5 delivers excellent stabilization—up to 8 stops in combination with some Canon IS lenses. Other impressive parameters include speedy (and accurate) autofocus and tracking thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. It’s dust and water-resistant to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography and comes equipped with dual memory card slots, including a CFexpress. This is essentially the digital version of Canon’s stalwart 5D DSLR line and it can handle just about anything a pro photographer could need it to do in a relatively compact body.

If you don’t need the 45-megapixel resolution and super-high-res video chops found in the R5, the Canon EOS R6 offers many of the same in terms of focusing and stabilization with a more reasonable 20-megapixel resolution and matching SD card memory slots.

Best for low light photography: Nikon Z6 II

Why it made the cut: Nikon’s mid-level full-frame mirrorless camera doesn’t pack the sensor with pixels, which translates into less noise in low-light.

Specs:

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 24.5-megapixels
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.7 x 4 inches
• Weight: 1.29 pounds

Pros: 

• Superb image quality overall, but especially in low-light
• Intuitive controls and menu systems
• Compact
• Exemplary metering system

Cons:

• 24-megapixels may feel a little low for some shooters

The well-rounded, full-frame Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera is equipped with great still and video features. Its low light capabilities range from minimal image noise at high ISOs and, critically, excellent low light AF—down to -4.5EV, one-stop lower than its Z6 predecessor. That means it can focus in the moonlight—even when it’s less than a full moon. As a bonus, the Nikon Z6 II is equipped with a special low light autofocus mode that takes its capabilities an additional two stops, providing a good balance between minimal levels of image noise and effective autofocus in very low light.

The Sony A7S is another solid option, especially if you shoot a lot of video or you don’t need a ton of megapixels. The 12-megapixel resolution seems paltry to many still photographers, but that low resolution comes with extremely clean high-ISO images.

Best for vlogging: Sony A7C

Why it made the cut: Despite its compact size, this camera has everything an aspiring video shooter would want.

Specs:

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 24.2-megapixels
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Dimensions: 5 x 2 7/8 x 2 3/8″ 
• Weight: 1.12 pounds

Pros: 

• Compact form-factor fits in camera rigs
• Flip-around screen makes for easy vlogging
• Advanced autofocus tracking with nearly 700 AF points
• 4K and 1080p footage at high bitrates

Cons:

• No viewfinder might be a downside for hybrid shooters
• No 4K at 60 fps

Size and weight matter when you’re holding a camera pointed at yourself all day long, and Sony’s A7C is one of the most compact full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. It has everything a vlogger needs, including 4K capture, a screen that flips forward so you can monitor your shot in real-time, and a microphone jack for accessories. The small, rectangular form factor makes it easy to attach gimbals and other filmmaking equipment that comes in handy when you’re trying to maximize your production value and have viewers slamming those like and subscribe buttons on Youtube.

Runner-up camera for vlogging: Olympus O-MD E-M5 III

Why it made the cut: It’s even smaller than the Sony and offers great opportunities for adapting old lenses.

Specs:

• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 20-megapixels
• Lens mount: Olympus
• Dimensions: M43
• Weight: 14.6 ounces

Pros: 

• Absurd image stabilization with some lenses
• Very compact
• Rugged built quality
• Easy to adapt vintage lenses
• 4K capture

Cons:

• Small sensor adds crop factor to lenses

If you’re looking for something better suited to a hybrid photography and blogging roll, the Olympus O-MD E-M5 III makes it easy to produce great blogs thanks to its fully-articulated LCD and external microphone jack. Shoot in 4K or UHD video with a steady hand thanks to its excellent built-in image stabilization. Unfortunately, there’s no headphone jack but that’s about the only compromise vloggers will have to make with this Four Thirds mirrorless camera.

Best all-around APS-C: Fujifilm X-T30 II

Why it made the cut: It borrows features from higher-end models and offers them at a lower price.

Specs:

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 26.1-megapixels
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Dimensions: 1.8 x 13.5 x 3.3 inches
• Weight: 13.5 ounces

Pros: 

• Rugged, DSLR-style body
• Advanced image processor for quick operation and better image quality
• Excellent film simulation modes for those who don’t want to edit
• Solid overall featureset
• Great layout for controls

Cons:

• Not as good in low-light as full-frame competition

With enough features and speed to capture most types of situations, the Fuji X-T30 II is a good option for most photographers who want a compact and speedy mirrorless camera. Fast and accurate autofocus is complemented by excellent face detection to ensure your human subjects are always sharply focused. Add up to 8 frames per second continuous shooting (30fps in sports mode), 4K video and a series of unique film simulation to this compact, portable camera, and the Fuji X-T30 II is a camera you’ll carry with you when you’re out and about. The X-T30 I lacks image stabilization but if you have the extra dough, check out the higher-end X-T3 or X-T4 models.

Best budget: Canon EOS M50 II

Why it made the cut: Simplified controls and a small form-factor make this a great option for beginners.

Specs:

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.1-megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon M
• Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.46 x 2.32″
• Weight: 1 pound

Pros: 

• Very compact
• Affordable
• M lenses are also affordable
• Easily adapts to use other Canon lenses

Cons:

• Limited built-in controls

When spending your hard-earned dollars, you’re looking for good value and the Canon EOS M50 II delivers. Content creators will appreciate the Instagram-friendly vertical video and the free software that turns the Canon EOS M50 II into a webcam. A touchscreen vari-angle will appeal to vloggers and you’ll find a good mix of still and video features, too, including 4K video capture.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for a mirrorless camera

Shopping for the best mirrorless camera is really a personal issue. It’s important to think about what kind of images you want to capture and then find the features that make it possible—whether it’s low light, video for vlogging, or action shots. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need the latest and greatest to make the best decision. There are plenty of solid options in various price points, including budget models.