The Best Mirrorless Cameras To Capture Images And Videos Forever

Sensor size: Full-frame | Image resolution: 61 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 120 fps | Display: 3-inch free-angle tilting touchscreen | Max autofocus points: 759 | Memory card slots:  CFexpress Type A/SD; SDXC UHS-II | Built-in flash: No | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10 fps for 828 frames RAW/unlimited JPEGs

Pros:

• High-resolution video capabilities
• Long sustained burst mode
• Strong on-board connectivity

Cons:

• Fewer frames per second than competitors
• Lower resolution rear display for the price

Best for: Excellent still and video performance.

The Sony a7 IV is a well-designed mirrorless camera with tremendous still and video shooting abilities. It offers fast, advanced autofocus performance with eye-tracking, even when capturing video at 4K 60 fps. Whether you’re shooting outside on a bright and sunny day or in low-light conditions, this camera delivers impressive results. The a7 IV relies on its Sony Bionz XR engine to handle high-speed image processing. The camera’s internal electronics shine in its continuous shooting modes. It captures at up to 10 frames per second, which is less than competitors, but offers a larger sustained capture rate for 828 frames in RAW and unlimited JPEGs. It also has advanced autofocus tracking—including eye-tracking—performance, with a maximum of 759 autofocus points.

The a7 IV can easily be used for vlogging, since the display flips out and rotates, so it can be pointed forwards; however, when paired with a lens this camera body would be heavy to handhold. It’s best used with a tripod. The camera has an HDMI-A and USB Type-C port, a headphone jack and external microphone port. You also get wired, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to your computer or mobile device. Buy the a7 IV with a 28-70mm lens for $200 more. It’s worth noting that the a7 IV remains a compelling choice, even though Sony has released a newer model. The Sony Alpha a7R V has an all-new autofocus system with AI subject recognition, 8K video recording and 8 stops of image stabilization, but it also costs significantly more, at $3,498 (body only).

What the reviews say: One Amazon reviewer noted the big upgrade from a previous-generation model. “After a decade or more with my gen 1 A7 I decided to upgrade to the A7 IV. If you’re coming from a A7II or A7 the upgrade is quite large. The autofocus speed is the biggest thing I noticed immediately. Even older lenses like my 55mm Zeiss is very fast on this camera.”

Sensor size: Full-frame | Image resolution: 24.3 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps | Display: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen  | Autofocus: 273 | Memory card slots: 2× SDXC UHS-II | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 4.5 fps 

Pros:

• Weather-sealed body
• Great selection of optional lenses

Cons:

• Display only tilts
• Slow continuous shooting rate

Best for: Entering full-frame photography without denting your wallet.

The Nikon Z5 is a great choice for those with a tighter budget who want to graduate to a full-frame mirrorless camera. This model is ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike, between its price and strong feature set. The camera also shoots video at 4K video at 30 fps, as opposed to 60 fps like some more pricey competitors. The camera body is durable and weather-sealed—an unusual find at this price—so it can be used in a variety of shooting situations.

The overall performance is good for an entry-level camera. The biggest drawback is its slow continuous shooting speed—just 4.5 fps—making it a poor choice for capturing sports, for example. And its rear display merely tilts, limiting the creative angles you can achieve.

What the reviews say: One reviewer on Amazon highlighted the fact that this camera isn’t just great for beginners—it’s an excellent enthusiast camera, too. “The Nikon Z5 is a fantastic mirrorless camera that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and high-end features. Whether you’re a beginner looking to step up your photography game or a seasoned enthusiast, this camera won’t disappoint.”

Sensor size: Full frame | Image resolution: 45.7 megapixels | Video resolution: 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps | Display: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen | Max autofocus points: 493 | Memory card slots: 2x CFexpress Type B | Built-in flash: No | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 20FPS for RAW/120 fps JPEG

Pros:

• 8K video
• Strong build quality
• Cheaper than some other flagship models

Cons:

• Can only shoot 120fps with 11MP JPEGs
• Bulky

Best for: Professional shooters who can justify spending cash on a camera that will make them money back.

Professional photographers who want a high-end camera and don’t mind paying a lot for one should buy the Nikon Z9. This camera isn’t cheap, but it’s a great option for professionals, especially those who are familiar with, or prefer, shooting Nikon. It has advanced features, like eye-tracking, and is notable for its excellent low-light performance, which can be helpful for things like weddings and other low-light settings. Additionally, the camera supports shooting video at 8K, which immediately puts it above Nikon’s other cameras, which don’t reach that higher resolution.

While very expensive, the Nikon Z9 actually costs less than Sony and Canon’s so-called “flagship” models, while retaining many of the same features. It’s also important to note that the Z9 does offer many of the same features as the cheaper Z8—but the Z8 doesn’t have 8K video recording. If high-resolution video isn’t important to you, saving some cash for the Z8 may be the way to go. That said, if you think you will need 8K video in the future, or simply want to make sure your purchase is future-proof, the Nikon Z9 is the way to go.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon were quick to point out how fast the camera is. “The pure speed of the autofocus and how well the focus sticks to the subject is too hard to describe in words. The build quality is top-notch, and the sensor shield is a much-needed touch that all mirrorless cameras should have.”

Sensor size: APS-C, 1.5x crop | Image resolution: 26.1 megapixels | Video resolution: Up to 6.2K at 30 fps | Display: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen | Autofocus points: 425 | Memory card slots: 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 15 fps for mechanical shutter, 40 fps electronic shutter

Pros:

• Shoot up to 6.2K video at 30fps
• Has 7-stop in-body image stabilization
• Versatile, AI-enhanced autofocus

Cons:

• Expensive for a crop-sensor camera

Best for:  Shooting fast-moving subjects at a distance, such as wildlife.

The Fujifilm X-H2S is a strong, feature-packed still camera that does an equally impressive job shooting video, in part because of Fujifilm’s new APS-C format, 26.1-megapixel X-Trans 5 stacked sensor. This allows you to experience quick auto focus and subject detection, while maintaining authentic color rendering and clarity. The camera runs using Fujifilm’s new X-Processor 5, which provides 64-bit processing that can perform up to three times faster than earlier generations of the camera. You also get 425-point hybrid autofocus with AI subject detection, and improved 7-stop, in-body image stabilization and the ability to track a wider range of subjects, including people, vehicles, airplanes, trains and various types of animals.

The 3-inch touchscreen offers 1.6-million dots and it can be flipped to the side and tilted up or down while shooting, and then folded into the camera’s body, facing inward, to protect the screen when it’s not in use. On a full charge, the camera’s battery shoots up to 580 images in normal mode. Whether you need a camera for continuous shooting of a speedy subject or need to capture high-resolution video, the Fujifilm X-H2S can handle a wide range of scenarios—even in low light conditions.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon love the camera’s classic design in particular. “As a passionate photographer, I recently upgraded to the Fuji X-H2S, which has elevated my photography experience. This mirrorless camera is a masterpiece, combining cutting-edge technology with the classic design elements that Fujifilm is renowned for.”

Sensor size: Full frame | Image resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Video resolution: 4k 60p | Display: 3-inch touchscreen | Autofocus points: 779 | Memory card slots: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) | Maximum continuous shooting rate: Up to 30 fps

Pros:

• Cinematic-quality video
• Excellent stabilization
• Hybrid phase detection autofocus

Cons:

• APS-C crop when recording video
• No CFexpress slot
• No tally light

Best for: Videographers who want a portable mirrorless camera to create their next masterpiece.

Those predominantly looking for a mirrorless camera for video creation should buy the Panasonic Lumix S5II. This camera has Panasonic’s dual phase detection autofocus, which immediately allows it to create cinematic, professional-looking video. However, keep in mind that it does implement an APS-C crop when recording video, which you’ll have to contend with. That crop does help the camera deliver excellent stabilization—better than the vast majority of the competition out there.

The storage on the camera is a little dated, and there’s no CFexpress slot. Also, it’s important to note that there’s no tally light—so if you’re used to relying on a tally light, it’s probably not the way to go. However, if you can look past these minor downsides and want a top-tier mirrorless camera for video, the Lumix S5II is the camera to get.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon were particularly impressed by the video quality of the Lumix S5II. “Took this camera with me right after buying it for a one week trip to Ireland as my main camera. Incredible auto focus and video capabilities, was shooting 4k 60 handheld and the footage was stunning.”

Sensor size: APS-C, 1.6x crop | Image resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K at 60 fps, 1,080p at 120 fps | Display: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen | Autofocus points: 651 | Memory card slots: SDXC UHS-II | Built-in flash: Yes | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 23 fps for up to 21 frames RAW/70 frames JPEG

Pros:

• Subject-specific recognition
• Impressive burst shooting mode
• Support for a wide range of lenses

 Cons:

• Body is not weather-proof

Best for: Upping your photography game with a wide range of lens support.

The Canon EOS R10 offers a rather compact design and impressive resolution, whether you’re shooting still images or video. While you can buy the body alone, it currently goes in and out of stock; via the same link Amazon also sells this camera bundled with your choice of an 18-150mm RF-S ($1,379) or 18-45mm RF-S ($1,099) Canon lens. The R10 supports a wide range of lens mounts, including Canon’s EF and EF-S mount with a $100 adapter.

This model is surprisingly fast, with good support for shooting fast-moving subjects, but only for short bursts given its internal components and more limited buffer (look to this model’s big sibling, the Canon EOS R7, to see a similar frames per second rating which can last for longer sustained bursts because of the camera’s electronics). This camera offers the versatility and functionality you’d expect from a more expensive mirrorless camera. It can automatically detect people, animals and vehicles across 651 autofocus zones, for example, and it handles 4K video capture at 60 frames per second. In line with its lower-tier pricing, the R10 has a built-in flash but it lacks a weather-sealed body and image stabilization is video-only. It supports microphone input for using an external microphone.

What the reviewers say: One Amazon reviewer noted that the camera was particularly helpful for them getting their start in photography. “The camera has practically paid for itself and has spectacular image quality! Its RF lenses are excellent and its autofocus is very good, its construction materials are excellent.”