overview 9 comments
Mirrorless cameras are a great option for beginner photographers thanks to their electronic viewfinders, which let you see changes to your image in real-time through the viewfinder. With plenty of options atdifferent price brackets and for users of different experience levels, making the jump to a dedicated camerahas never been easier. Though it might be tempting to dive right into a more advanced model, the good news for those just starting is that any modern mirrorless camera will be more than capable of doing what you need. Ouradvice is to get whichever camera is within your budget or is easilyavailable, whether new or used, so you can start practicing and get a handle on the fundamentals of what makes a good photo. If you don't mind getting a camera secondhand, there are plenty of reputable retailers on eBay and at stores like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH, and MPB.
We've bought and testedover 100cameras, and below, you'll find our best entry-level mirrorless cameras. Most of our picksare APS-C models, but if you need full-frame image quality and low-light capability, we also have recommendations for thebest full-frame mirrorless cameras. If you're curious about DSLR alternatives, check out our list of thebest DSLR cameras for beginnersinstead. Finally, if you're on a tight budget, check outthe best budget mirrorless camerasor thebest cheap and budget camerasmore broadly.
-
Best Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS R10 9
Travel Photography
7.8
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
7.6
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras we've tested. Though it isn't exactly cheap, it's an excellent choice for beginners who can afford it,with excellent ergonomics and a highly intuitive user interface. Image quality is great thanks to its high-res APS-C sensor, and the camera is versatile enoughfor video workand vlogs. With 4k recording at up to 60 fps, you can record video in a wide range of styles.The R10 also hasa great battery life andone of the most reliable autofocus systems on the market.
That said, lens selection is still somewhat limited for Canon's RF-mount, but you can also adapt older EF and EF-S lenses if you buy an EF-EOS R adapter. If you'd prefer a more established mirrorless system, the Fujifilm X-S10 is another great choice at a similar price point, and it features in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to help you get smoother handheld shots. However, if you want to upgrade to a full-frame one day, Canon'sRF system features both APS-C and full-frame models, so you can more easily switchto a full-frame bodyif you need to.
See our review
-
Best Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Sony α6400 7
Travel Photography
8.2
Landscape Photography
8.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.5
Raw Photo Performance
7.9
Vlogging
7.3
Studio Video
7.3
Action Video
5.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If the Canon EOS R10 is out of your price range, a Sony APS-C Alpha camera like the Sony α6400 represents a good middle ground for price and performance. It's begun toshowits age a little, with an outdated user interface and ergonomics that leave something to be desired. However, its sensor can capture excellent-quality images, and the camera's autofocus system remains one of the best in its class, even today.
For those who want to save even more money, theSony α6100uses the same sensor but has a lower-resolution EVF and a slightly cheaper build. On the flip side, the pricierSony α6600takes that same sensor and puts it in a sturdier body with a bigger battery and IBIS. Overall, the choice between these three cameras comes down to what you need out of a camera body, but they all capture beautifulimages and high-quality 4k video, so each one can be a good choice, depending on your budget.
See our review
-
Best Budget Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS R50 10
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.4
Studio Video
8.1
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
Those on a tighter budget will love the Canon EOS R50, which is one of the best-value mirrorless starter cameras. It's portable enough to take on the go and features a high-resolution APS-C sensor that performs well for its class. It's also incredibly intuitive to use for those who've only ever used a smartphone camera, thanks to a robust auto mode that takes most of the guesswork out of photography. Plus, it's a solid vlogging camera, with 4k video recording at up to 30 fps and a fully articulated screen to help you monitor yourself while recording.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget camera, especially if you need something even more portable. It'spart of the Micro Four Thirds system, so compatible lenses are more compact, and there are more lenses to choose from. Plus, it's one of the very few cameras at this price point to feature IBIS. That said,its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable as the AF on the R50, and its ergonomics can feel more cramped.
See our review
-
Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera For Video
Sony ZV-E10 9
Travel Photography
8.2
Landscape Photography
8.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.0
Vlogging
8.6
Studio Video
7.9
Action Video
4.8
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you want to get started in video, look no further than the Sony ZV-E10. This budget vlogging camera is the perfect video camera to get you started. It's similar to Sony Alpha cameras like theSony α6100mentioned above but is geared more toward vloggers and video shooters. To that end, it has an updated internal microphone, a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise, and a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording.
Unfortunately, you don't get a viewfinder here, but the camera is super portable and feels relatively well-built. Its battery life is also impressive for a mirrorless model. Plus, its autofocus system is reliable and accurate, and it even has specialized focus modes for vloggers, like 'Product Showcase,' which automatically switches focus to any object held up in the frame for, say, product reviews or makeup tutorials. Overall, if you're looking for a beginner video camera that won't break the bank, this one's hard to beat.
See our review
-
Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS R100 7
Travel Photography
7.7
Landscape Photography
7.6
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.3
Vlogging
4.8
Studio Video
7.0
Action Video
3.5
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
"Cheap" isn't really a word that comes to mind when we think of cameras, but there are options out there that won't cost you a fortune. Your best bet is to look for a camera on the used market, butif you don't want to risk it or if that isn't an option for you, the Canon EOS R100 is a good choice for beginners who want to keep costs down as much as possible.
It's as basic as they come, with no tilt screen, minimal controls, and limited video features. What it does have, though, is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great images. It's also chock-full of useful auto modes to help beginners get started. More importantly, if you've never used a camera before and this is the only one within your budget, it'll getyou out there shooting, which ultimately transcends having the latest and greatest camera tech.
See our review
Recent Updates
-
May 10, 2024: We added the Nikon Z 50 to the Notable Mentions because of its excellent build quality and ergonomics.
-
Mar 12, 2024: We've added a note detailing some secondhand camera retailers in the introduction and brushed up the rest of the article for clarity.
-
Feb 09, 2024: Checked article for accuracy, with no change to recommendations.
-
Dec 11, 2023: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 as the top pick because of its more beginner-friendly user interface.
-
Nov 14, 2023: Reviewed article for accuracy with minor touch-ups to text.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best mirrorless cameras for beginners to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you'd like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all ourtested mirrorless cameras that retail forunder $1,000, arranged in descending order of price. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
