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10 Great Mirrorless Cameras That We Still Love This Year

Discover our top 10 mirrorless cameras of the year, featuring the best in image quality, autofocus, and features for every level of photographer.

Camera Gear Guides | Camera Guides | By Usnea Lebendig and Mark Condon | Last Updated: January 10, 2025

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We tested the latest mirrorless cameras to bring you this definitive guide.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’re about to learn how to choose the perfect camera for your needs.

As professional photographers and filmmakers, we know that investing in the best gear is critical.

Each camera we included below offers excellent image quality, features, build and value for money.

sonya7iv-camera-body
Sony Alpha a7 IV

An all-round powerhouse mirrorless camera with best-in-class autofocus, image quality, ergonomics and features.

Mirrorless cameras offer the latest technology to make photography easier than DSLR cameras.

They offer useful features like electronic viewfinders, high frame rates, complete AF area coverage and in-body image stabilization.

Let’s take a closer look at the top mirrorless options you need to consider this year.

What is the Best Mirrorless Camera?

Image Product Features
shk2-table__imageSony a7IVOUR #1 CHOICE
  • Amazing Autofocus
  • Advanced Processor
  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Beautiful Color Expression
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shk2-table__imageCanon EOS R50BEST FOR BEGINNERS
  • Compact & Lightweight
  • Highly Versatile
  • Fantastic Autofocus
  • User-friendly Interface
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shk2-table__imageOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IVBEST BUDGET MIRRORLESS CAMERA
  • Touch-screen Interface
  • Stylish, Retro Body
  • Great Handling
  • Light & Compact
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shk2-table__imageSony a6700BEST ALL-AROUND APS-C MIRRORLESS CAMERA
  • Exceptional Image Quality
  • Fantastic Battery Life
  • Weather Proof
  • New AI Processing Engine
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shk2-table__imageFujifilm X-T5BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS
  • Three-way Tilting LCD
  • Subject-detection Autofocus
  • Lightweight
  • AWB Driven By AI Technology
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shk2-table__imageNikon Z8GREAT VALUE
  • Lightening Fast Autofocus
  • Sensor Shield
  • Great Ergonomics
  • Superb Video Capabilities
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shk2-table__imageSony a7C IIBEST TRAVEL CAMERA
  • Best-in-class Autofocus
  • Robust Build
  • Full-Frame Sensor
  • Excellent Image Quality
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shk2-table__imagePanasonic Lumix GH7NEWEST MIRRORLESS HYBRID POWERHOUSE
  • Unrivaled Video Toolkit
  • Phase Detection Autofocus
  • Subject Recognition
  • Weather-sealed
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shk2-table__imageSony a7R VBEST FOR LANDSCAPES AND PORTRAITS
  • Focus Bracketing
  • AI Processing Unit
  • Outstanding 4k Movie Recording
  • Optical 5-Axis Image Stabilisation
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shk2-table__imageCanon EOS R6 Mark IIGREAT FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Excellent Autofocus
  • 8-stop IBIS
  • Solid Build Quality
  • Improved Battery Life
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Sony a7 IV – Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera for Professionals

Sony-A7IV on rock with 28mm lens

Images: Marc Bergreen for Shotkit

Sensor: Full-frame | Resolution: 33 megapixels | Viewfinder: 3.69M dots | Monitor: 3-inch fully-articulated touchscreen, 1.04M dots | Autofocus: 425 points | Max frame rate: 10fps | Video: 4K at 60p | Weight: 659g (1.45 lb)

Pros
  • Superb image quality
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Updated AI-powered autofocus
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Huge selection of lenses to choose from
  • Fully articulating rear screen
  • AF tracks subjects at up to 10fps
  • New breathing compensation mode
  • Eye AF available in video mode
  • 4K video at 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth
  • Smart subject recognition
  • Live stream, network streaming, and direct cloud upload available
  • Full-size HDMI port
  • Excellent battery life
  • Extremely customizable
  • Much improved menu system
  • Durable, weather-sealed body
Cons
  • Only 6 fps at highest quality settings
  • Rolling shutter
  • Heavier than the a7 III
  • No Pixel Shift multi-shot mode
  • LCD resolution screen not as strong as competitors

Released in late 2021, the Sony a7 IV is still the best full-frame digital camera for professionals who work with a wide range of subjects and genres.

The successor to the  Sony a7 III – which was top of its class in just about every department – the Sony a7 IV can do just about anything, and anything it does, it tends to do really, really well.

The 33MP full-frame sensor is a huge jump up from the 24MP sensor in the a7 III. Images come out superbly rich in detail, with true colors and plenty of room for highlight and shadow recovery. (Sony finally removed that annoying green cast that plagued the a7 III.)

Photographers who work in low-light conditions will love the dynamic range: standard ISO runs from 100-51200 with an extended range of ISO 50-204800. In practice, there’s virtually no noise up to 8000 ISO.

Similar to the Sony a7 III, the autofocus system on the Sony a7 IV is both accurate and reliable.

A key difference, though, is that the a7 IV can detect and track animals even in video mode, making it a great mirrorless camera for wildlife photography.

It can even follow subjects it’s unfamiliar with, using a combination of pattern detection, subject brightness, and color to help it stay locked onto the selected subject.

Advanced users will love how truly customizable the Sony a7 IV’s autofocus system is – you can set it up to do just about anything. That being said, just keeping it on simple settings is more than enough for most applications.

For those who shoot video, the Sony a7 IV comes with 10-bit capture, 4K video up to 60p, an XAVC HS compression option, and a new S-Cinetone color profile. There’s also the ability to live stream video over USB.

Other pluses include phenomenal battery life, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, an improved menu system, and a huge lens assortment. It’s also the most durable mirrorless camera we’ve ever tested.

As with any camera, there are a few drawbacks to the a7 IV. The first is that its burst shooting is fairly slow (6fps) when image quality is set to its highest. This comes from the huge file sizes that shooting in 33 megapixels yields.

Beyond this, the rear screen isn’t as crisp as its competitors. Also, the rolling shutter in 4k is a bit more than one would like.

Otherwise, this is a fantastic hybrid full-frame camera for pros that shoots a wide variety of subjects and genres. It’s our choice of the best mirrorless full frame camera, despite fierce competition.

The excellent image quality, exceptional low-light performance, powerful autofocus system and strong video capabilities, combined with its overall dependability, make this one of the top mid-range mirrorless cameras on the market today.

Canon EOS R50 – Fantastic All-Around Choice for Beginners

A Canon EOS camera body without a lens, shown on a plain green background.

Sensor: APS-C | Resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Viewfinder: 2.36M dots | Monitor: 3-inch articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 4,503 AF points | Max frame rate: 15 fps for up to 28 Frames (JPEG) / 7 Frames (Raw) | Video: 4K up to 30p (uncropped), 1080 up to 120p | Weight: 328g (0.72 lb)

Pros
  • Excellent still image quality
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fantastic autofocus
  • Eye and face detection
  • Vertical video recording
  • New “Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode”
  • Subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles
  • Fully articulated LCD
  • Multi-functional hot shoe
  • Live streaming in full HD
  • Mic jack, micro-HDMI port, and USB-C port
  • High-resolution EVF
  • Compact and lightweight
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • Short battery life
  • Small buttons and other physical controls
  • No mechanical shutter
  • No headphone jack
  • Limited native lenses

Suppose this is your first foray into the world of mirrorless cameras and/or you have never used a camera with interchangeable lenses. In that case, the Canon R50 is one of the best mirrorless cameras to get started with.

Geared towards beginners, content creators, and vloggers, the Canon R50 is both easy to learn and a breeze to use.

Stills images come out nicely sharp, with pleasing colors and plenty of contrast. Video footage also comes out sharp, with nice color.

Beginners can leave the settings on auto and still get fantastic images. When you’re ready to begin diving into the settings, though, you’ll find the standard Canon menu system both intuitive and easy to navigate.

If you’re brand new to photography, you can turn on the camera’s GUIDE mode, which simplifies things even further – most of the top mirrorless cameras for beginners should have some kind of basic mode like this.

The autofocus on the Canon EOS R50 is particularly powerful, especially considering that this is the most affordable mirrorless camera on our list.

Trained to recognize people, animals, and vehicles, it’ll tenaciously lock onto your subject without much fiddling. You can either let the camera pick the subject or choose the AF point yourself.

Either way, it’s easy.

First-time mirrorless shooters can spend more time focusing on their composition, not their “focus.”

Another feature beginners will love is the Canon R50’s A+ auto mode. This mode includes Creative Assist, which lets you adjust most image settings simply by moving sliders on the touchscreen. You can see the adjustments in real-time, making it easier than ever to dial in the perfect exposure.

Another part of the A+ Auto Mode is the fully automated Scene Intelligent Auto, which will analyze the scene and automatically select the optimal settings for you.

In the Advanced A+ mode, the camera can automatically determine whether a scene is too dark, too high in contrast, or needs greater depth of field. It will then shoot four shots and combine them into a single, perfectly-captured JPEG.

 

The body of the Canon R50 is quite small and compact – even more so than its predecessor, the Canon M50 Mark II. This makes it an easier step up from a smartphone than clunkier cameras (especially comparable DSLRs). It definitely beats lugging around a DSLR camera like the Rebel T8i!

If you’re a social media content creator who primarily works with video, you’ll love the uncropped 4k video on this camera. The 1080p footage is beautiful, too. There’s also Full HD 1080 at 120p for slow-motion playback.

The Canon R50 also comes equipped with a new AF mode for vlogging: “Movie for Close-Up Demos Mode.”

This mode will prioritize focusing on any object placed in front of the lens, and then revert to face recognition when the object is removed from in front of the camera. It’s perfect for vloggers who want to showcase products.

Other features made especially for social media posting include:

  • The Vertical Video feature, which ensures that your clips play properly on smartphones.
  • The movie self-timer. This allows for more setup time when you’re working alone and recording yourself.
  • There’s even the ability to use the Canon R50 as a webcam or live stream to YouTube, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

One drawback is that there aren’t a lot of native lenses for this camera. Luckily, most Canon EF lenses will work fine with the Canon R50 via Canon’s EF-EOS R Mount adapter.

Another thing to take note of is that there’s no image stabilization in the Canon R50. You’ll need to make sure you pair it with a stabilized lens or use a tripod/gimbal for video work.

Overall, the Canon R50 is perfect for those looking for an entry-level mirrorless camera at an excellent price. It hits the sweet spot between easy handling, high performance, and affordability.

In fact, the price is so low – under US$700 for the camera body + EF-M 18-45mm kit lens – that it more than qualifies as a budget mirrorless camera as well as the best beginner mirrorless camera.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV – Best Beginner’s Everyday Carry

Close-up of a hand holding a silver Olympus OM-D camera against a blurred urban background.

Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 20.3MP | Viewfinder: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF | Monitor: 3.0″ touchscreen, 1.04m dots | Autofocus: 121 points | Max frame rate: 15 fps | Video: UHD 4K30p | Weight: 383g (0.84 lb)

Pros
  • Good image quality in both JPEG and RAW
  • Extremely light and compact
  • Stylish, retro body
  • Handles well, with well-positioned controls
  • Fantastic 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Decent 4k video
  • Many beginner-friendly modes
  • Touch-screen interface
  • Large lens catalog
  • In-camera USB charging via micro-USB
  • Updated Olympus Image Share app
Cons
  • Autofocus could be better
  • Not weather sealed
  • Flip-down screen not compatible with selfie sticks or tripods
  • Burst shooting only 5fps with autofocus

Just about small enough to stick in your pocket, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that makes the jump from smartphone to interchangeable lens camera fairly seamless.

It’s the perfect entry-level mirrorless camera for those who want something super small and portable – something you’re more likely to take with you wherever you go.

It doesn’t hurt that the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV sports a stylish, retro design that looks good wherever you go. But more importantly, it feels good in the hand (even larger hands).

The ergonomics on this little camera are just beautiful. The physical controls are well-placed and much more satisfying to use than constantly navigating through menus. It’s truly hard not to love the look and feel of this camera!

 

The image quality of both the stills (JPEG and RAW) and the 4k video are quite pleasing straight out of camera, but if you enjoy presets, there are a number of Art Filters included as well.

Perhaps equally important, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV comes with excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) – a feature the Canon EOS R50 lacks (as well as most cameras at this price point).

This IBIS works for both stills and video and makes it much easier to get great results while shooting handheld – especially in low-light conditions.

The autofocus of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV isn’t as strong as some of the others in its class, but it generally nails the focus, especially in well-lit conditions. Its eye and face detection works equally well in both still photography and videos.

Beginners will love working with the Auto mode, where the camera can select the scene mode for you. Its Live Guide lets you adjust how your image looks in real time, without having to know any photography terminology.

There’s also an updated Olympus Image Share app, which allows you to control settings from your phone, functions as a remote shutter, and comes stocked with many how-to videos for learning how to take better photos.

While it’s true that you can get better autofocus and more dynamic range on some of the APS-C cameras offered at this price point (like the Canon R50), the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV’s extreme portability, image stabilization, and frankly, how it feels in the hand, make it one of the best budget mirrorless cameras you can buy right now.

Sony a6700 – Best All-Around APS-C Mirrorless Camera

A Sony mirrorless camera with an E-mount and no lens attached, showing the sensor. The camera features a grip and several control dials.

Sensor: APS-C | Resolution: 26MP | Viewfinder: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF | Monitor: 3.0″ touchscreen, 1.04m dots | Autofocus: 759 points | Max frame rate: 11 fps | Video: 4K120p | Weight: 493g (1.09 lb)

Pros
  • New AI processing engine
  • Top-of-class autofocus
  • Exceptional image quality
  • Relatively compact and lightweight
  • In-body image stabilization
  • Excellent video capabilities
  • Fantastic battery life
  • Weatherproofing
  • Huge lens library
Cons
  • Some overheating issues with extended video recording
  • Burst speed could be better
  • Ergonomics still not the best

The latest iteration in the beloved Sony a6xxx line, the Sony a6700 has almost everything you’d need in a small APS-C camera, as well as a few bonus features you won’t find anywhere else at this price point.

First off, it comes with a new 26MP BSI CMOS sensor. This may not seem like a huge difference on paper, but in real life, it’s an incredible improvement.

There are next to no rolling shutter effects, the autofocus is wicked accurate, and the overall image quality is simply fantastic, regardless of the lighting conditions.

Speaking of the autofocus – you’d be hard-pressed to find anything that can outperform this little beast. The way its new AI processing unit follows eyes, faces, and vehicles seems like nothing short of magic. Harsh light? Erratic action? All easy peasy.

In fact, the Sony a6700’s autofocus is so amazing that it makes the comparatively low burst rate of 11fps almost a non-issue for all but the most demanding of action shooters.

This camera’s ability to track subjects even in the most challenging of conditions will yield far more keeper photos than faster burst speeds alone.

The Sony a6700’s autofocus while shooting video is also nothing short of amazing. It can effortlessly recognize and track subjects, and can also apply auto-cropping to keep the subject in a perfect position in the frame.

 

Speaking of video, the Sony a6700 yields beautiful footage at both 4K 60p (when sampled from the full 6K sensor) and 4K 120p video at a 1.58x crop.

There’s also 10-bit video recording with 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 color sampling, full HD at up to 240 fps, S-Log3 and S-Cinetone profiles, and in-camera LUTs.

On the practical, everyday shooting side of things, the Sony a6700 has an absolutely fantastic battery life, USB-PD charging, UVC/UAC live streaming, and a new front command dial that allows you to adjust settings effortlessly.

Its compactness makes the Sony a6700 especially well-loved for hiking, backpacking, travel, and of course, as an everyday carry.

There’s also a slew of excellent lenses to choose from, and if you want to upgrade to another Sony camera at some time in the future, you can start building your lens collection with the a6700.

On the downside, the Sony a6700’s ergonomics still leave a bit to be desired, both in how it feels in the hand and in the smallish, relatively low-resolution viewfinder.

There have also been complaints of the a6700 overheating during extended video recording sessions, especially in high-resolution modes. (If you’re primarily a video shooter, take a look at the Lumix GH7 further down below!)

Still, overall, we believe the Sony a6700 is the perfect APS-C camera for serious photographers who want to be able to do a bit of everything with a small camera that’s, well, good at just about everything.

Fujifilm X-T5 – Best APS-C Mirrorless Camera for Still Photography

Sensor: APS-C | Resolution: 40 megapixels | Viewfinder: 3.69M dots | Monitor: 3-inch fully-articulated touchscreen, 1.84M dots | Autofocus: 425 points | Max frame rate: 30fps in crop mode, 15fps full resolution | Video: 4K at 60p | Weight: 557g (1.34 lb)

Pros
  • Impressive 40MP sensor
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Effective in-body image stabilization
  • New tracking and eye detection modes
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Improved battery life
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 video at 6.2K/30P
  • A fun shooting experience
Cons
  • Autofocus isn’t as good as the competition
  • Buffer fills quickly when shooting in RAW
  • No battery grip

The beautiful retro design of Fujifilm cameras has long made them the top choice for digital photographers who appreciate a vintage aesthetic and a classic shooting experience.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a beautiful, retro-styled mirrorless camera that seamlessly blends classic design with cutting-edge technology.

It features a 40MP sensor, advanced X-Processor 5, and AI-powered autofocus system, all in a beautiful, classic chassis with physical controls.

The 40MP sensor – the highest resolution available on an APS-C sensor camera – provides fantastic image quality, with fine detail and vibrant colors.

While APS-C sensors can’t quite match full-frame sensors in low-light environments, the Fujifilm X-T5 performs amazingly well in low light. The new processor handles noise particularly well and comes with an extended ISO range of 64-51,200.

The X-Processor 5 was designed specifically to handle the large file sizes the Fujifilm X-T5 produces, allowing for 15fps burst shooting, improved noise reduction, much better autofocus, and faster image processing overall.

Unlike its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-T4, the X-T5’s autofocus has the ability to detect a wide variety of moving subjects, from humans and animals to planes, trains, bikes, and cars.

While you have to select which of these subjects you wish to track in the menu system, it’s consistently accurate, and the various settings can be programmed into the camera’s custom modes.

In another change from the X-T4, Fuji has opted to revert from the controversial vari-angle screen found on the X-T4 and X-H2 cameras, believing, arguably rightly, that the current screen style is more appropriate for stills-heavy use.

The Fujifilm X-T5 features a crisp electronic viewfinder along with a sharp, two-way tilting rear screen to assist with more awkward compositions, which works in both landscape and portrait orientations.

 

The X-T5 is only slightly larger than the X-T4, with a negligible increase in weight that’s barely noticeable. The body itself is stylish, durable, and pleasing to hold.

The physical controls for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation bring a sort of tactical satisfaction that you just can’t get with most modern cameras.

Where the Fujifilm X-T5 falls short of its competitors is on the video front, although it does come with some new features, such as the inclusion of 6.2K video at 40p.

To begin with, the return to the previous LCD screen format has left many vloggers out in the cold, as they’re no longer able to use the screen for monitoring the camera from the front.

With that said, it supports F-Log2, expanding the dynamic range over previous models, and introduces a new menu for Movie Mode that makes shooting video easier than before.

Still, the Fujifilm X-T5’s real strengths are more in the realm of still photography – that’s where it really shines.

So, if you’re looking for an APS-C camera that looks good, feels great, and has all the power under the hood you need for landing fantastic photos, you’re going to want to keep the Fujifilm X-T5 at the top of your list.

Nikon Z8 – Best High-End Mirrorless Camera

A Nikon Z series mirrorless camera with a cap on the lens mount, placed on a wooden surface.

Credit: Steve Vansak

Sensor: Full-frame stacked CMOS | Resolution: 45.7MP | Viewfinder: 3.69m-dot OLED EVF | Monitor: 3.2″ tilting touchscreen, 2.1m dots | Autofocus: 493 points | Max frame rate: 20 fps | Video: 8K60p, 4K120p | Weight: 910g (2.01 lb)

Pros
  • Same 45.7 MP sensor as the Nikon Z9
  • Top-of-the-line RAW image quality
  • Lightning fast autofocus
  • Superb video capabilities
  • Pro-level weather sealing and build quality
  • EVF dual flow system
  • Sensor shield
  • Great ergonomics
Cons
  • Add-on battery grip is excessively large
  • Battery life is shorter than the Z9

If you have a little more cash to spend and are in the market for a high-end mirrorless, you’ll want to take a serious look at the Nikon Z8.

Smaller and lighter than its phenomenal older sibling (the Nikon Z9), the Z8 can do just about everything the Z9 can do and at around three-quarters of the price.

To begin with, it has the same cutting-edge stacked sensor and Expeed 7 processor as the Z9. Together, these yield images incredibly rich in detail and with an excellent dynamic range.

Image processing and data handling are ridiculously fast, including up to 20fps continuous shooting with RAW files.

The Z8’s autofocus excels at just about everything: subject detection, eye detection, and 3D tracking. It’ll lock onto a fast-moving subject and track it effortlessly.

The AF also performs remarkably well in low-light situations, making night photography and indoor photography a breeze… well, at least as far as locking onto your subjects is concerned.

 

With the exception of its larger and more expensive sibling, the Z8 is Nikon’s most capable video camera to date.

Video shooters will love the fact that the Nikon Z8 can record 8K video at up to 60fps in N-RAW format, and up to 30fps in ProRes 422 HQ, H.265, or H.264 formats. The 4K recording goes up to 120fps.

There’s also an “extended oversampling” option that allows you to capture oversampled 4K video from 8K footage at up to 60 fps.

Other video features include timecode sync, proxy recording, and both 12-bit and 10-bit recording.

In terms of build quality, the Nikon Z8 is quite robust and comes extensively weather-sealed. It also has a sensor shield for changing lenses in dirty environments.

As with most high-end Nikon cameras, the ergonomics and button placement are spot-on.

There’s even a dedicated EVF feed that’s totally independent from the rest of the camera’s processes. It never needs to blackout and, in practical terms, is pretty much the closest you can come to looking through an actual optical viewfinder.

The price tag will seem a little high, but once you realize how much of the Z9 you’re getting in this smaller, less expensive version, it may not seem quite so staggering.

This is why we really believe the Z8 is the high-end Nikon camera that makes the most sense for most serious photographers: its Z9 capabilities packaged into a smaller, more affordable package make it a true force to be reckoned with.

Sony a7C II – Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Travel Camera

Sensor: Full-frame BSI CMOS | Resolution: 33MP | Viewfinder: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF | Monitor: 3.0″ fully articulated touchscreen, 1.04m dots | Autofocus: 759 points | Max frame rate: 10 fps | Video: 4K60p (with 1.5x crop) | Weight: 514g (1.13 lb)

Pros
  • Full-frame sensor in a compact APS-C-sized body
  • Best-in-class autofocus
  • Real-time tracking
  • Excellent image quality
  • IBIS up to 7 stops
  • Fully articulating LCD
  • Robust build
  • Separate mic and headphone jacks
  • Great battery life
Cons
  • So-so ergonomics
  • Electronic viewfinder is on the small side
  • Only one memory card slot
  • Limited mechanical shutter

Want the image quality of a full-frame sensor but a camera that won’t weigh you down? Take a look at the Sony a7C II – one of the smallest full-frame mirrorless cameras available.

Feature-wise, the Sony a7C II packs all the punch of the Sony a7 IV, but adds in better autofocus and somehow fits high-end performance into a smaller, lighter body. Pair it with the retractable 28-60mm f/4-5.6 lens, and you get a remarkably small footprint yet fantastic photos.

The autofocus system is simply incredible in this little camera, with the real-time tracking recognizing human heads, faces, eyes, and animals, and locking onto them with ease. Its AI-trained focus system is even better than what you get on the full-sized a7 IV.

Image quality is as good as the a7 IV (it’s the same 33MP sensor), but the Sony a7C II outdoes the a7 IV with a newer-generation Bionz XR processor and an all-new image stabilization system.

The in-body image stabilization of the a7C II promises up to 7 stops of blur compensation, something absolutely critical in a camera this size. (The Sony a7 IV only compensates up to 5.5 stops.)

Like the Sony a7 IV, the Sony a7C II has burst shooting to 10 fps with full AF/AE tracking. That may seem low, but given the incredible stickiness of the tracking, you’re likely to get more keeper photos than if it were simply faster burst shooting and less awesome AF.

 

Video users will appreciate the oversampled 4K video up to 30p (including 10-bit S-Log3 and HLG) and the 10-bit 4:2:2 color. It also includes S-Gamut3.Cine and S-Cinetone profiles, providing a wide dynamic range and cinematic color options.

Other video tools include AI-based auto framing, focus breathing correction, and soft skin rendering.

Of course, you’re going to get some ergonomic tradeoffs once you start handling a body this small: there’s no built-in flash and the built-in viewfinder is definitely on the small side. (There is, however, a hot shoe for attaching an external flash.)

It’s also not as comfortable in the hand and larger lenses don’t balance so well on it.

On the plus side, you get great battery life (540 shots per charge), a fully articulating LCD swivel screen, and separate mic and headphone jacks.

All-in-all, this little gem makes for a stellar travel companion: it’s easy to keep with you and, like the Sony a7 IV, it will excel in just about any situation.

Panasonic Lumix GH7 – Newest Mirrorless Hybrid Powerhouse

Person holding a Lumix GH7 camera outdoors with a denim jacket on.

Sensor: 25.2MP BSI CMOS | Resolution: 25.2MP | Viewfinder: 3.68m-dot OLED EVF | Monitor: 3.0″ touchscreen, 1.84m dots | Autofocus: Phase-detection, 779 points | Max frame rate: 14 fps (75 fps with electronic shutter) | Video: 5.8K/30p, C4K/60p | Weight: 721g (1.59 lb)

Pros
  • Ergonomics designed specifically for filmmaking
  • Unrivaled video toolkit
  • Internal ProRes 422 HQ support
  • Best-in-class image stabilization
  • Phase detection autofocus
  • Subject recognition for people and animals
  • 32-bit float recording
  • Weather-sealed
  • Active cooling for long-form recording
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
  • Bulkier than most MFT cameras

Just released this year, the Panasonic Lumix GH7 improves on the GH6, a fantastic hybrid camera that already beat out most of the other video cameras in its class.

Sure, the micro four-thirds sensor isn’t the largest sensor size, but its 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor, new Venus Engine processor, high-res recording modes, and phase detection autofocus combine to create fantastic image quality in both stills and video.

If you need more resolution, there’s a High Resolution mode, which combines 8 separate images into one 100-megapixel JPEG or RAW file.

One would expect the GH7 to perform poorly in low light given its micro four-thirds sensor, but the Lumix GH7 actually rivals the a7S III for detail and high ISO noise management (at least up until ISO 12,800).

New for the Lumix GHx line, the GH7 is only the second Lumix micro four-thirds camera to use a phase detection system for its autofocus. The result is high-speed, high-precision AF performance that’s much better than its predecessor, the GH6.

Along with subject recognition for people and animals, the GH7 now has real-time auto-focus recognition for airplanes and trains.

Like the GH6, the GH7 comes with fantastic burst shooting, with speeds up to 60fps with continuous auto-focus and up to 75fps with the focus and exposure locked at the first frame.

The Lumix GH7 also comes with an excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization system rated at 7.5 stops, eliminating the need for a gimbal in many situations.

 

But it’s in the video department that this little micro four-thirds camera excels. The list of recording options is over the moon – at least for a mid-range mirrorless camera.

Headliners include Apple ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 HQ recording (5.7K resolution in 30p, 4K video, and Full HD). There’s also the ability to record in full V-Log, offering 13+ stops of dynamic range.

The Panasonic Lumix GH7 supports 5.7K full-width capture at up to 60p and produces footage far beyond any of its competitors when shooting at 4K/120p in 10-bit 4:2:0.

On the sound side of things, the Lumix GH7 comes with the world’s first 32-bit float recording, which eliminates the need to adjust sound recording levels during shooting.

There are two card slots: one for UHS-II SD, and one for the more advanced CFexpress Type B card. The Lumix GH7 can record Cinema 4K footage at 60p to both its cards simultaneously, as well as externally via HDMI to a recorder.

There’s also the ability to record to an SSD through the USB-C port.

Video shooters will also love:

  • The sub-video record button on the front, as well as on the top plate
  • The dedicated audio management button in place of the picture profile button
  • The anti-rotation pinhole in front of the tripod thread
  • The Lumix Luminance Spot Meter, Waveform, and VectorScope

Suffice to say that even the most passionate and unique filmmaker should find what they need in this little camera. It outperforms most other mirrorless cameras, including its main micro four-thirds competitor, the Olympus OM-1.

Even full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS R6 can’t really match it in the video department.

Some cameras just excel at video, and the Panasonic Lumix GH7 is one of them. One would be hard-pressed to find a digital camera with a more comprehensive list of high-quality recording options – especially at this price point.

Sony a7R V – Best for Exquisite Landscape Photography and Portraits

Credit Daniel Stark

Sensor: Full-frame | Resolution: 61 megapixels | Viewfinder: 9,43M dots | Monitor: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots | Autofocus: 693 Phase + 425 Contrast | Max frame rate: 10fps with full AF / AE Tracking | Video: 8K at 24p/4K up to 60p | Weight: 723 g (1.96 lb)

Pros
  • Stabilized 60MP full-frame sensor
  • Improved electronic viewfinder
  • Best autofocus mirrorless camera with subject recognition
  • 8K/24p (cropped) or 4K/60p video
  • Excellent AI-based focusing
  • Vari-angle rear screen
  • Enhanced IBIS
  • Superb ISO handling
  • Sensor shield
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limitations on video
  • Multi-shot mode requires Sony’s software to stitch

While it’s built around the same 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor as the Mark IV, the addition of more powerful processors gives the Sony a7R V significantly more clout.

Perhaps the main area that benefits from this ramped-up processing power is autofocus, which offers far better subject recognition that goes well beyond human subjects.

A range of vehicles and animals can now be identified and tracked with ease, opening up the potential for shooting all manner of subjects with rapid AF.

Users now have the option to tailor the specific parameters for each of these subject categories to fine-tune how tolerant and sensitive AF is while tracking.

The upgraded algorithms extend into the Sony A7R V’s in-camera stabilization of up to eight stops, which works in combination with Sony’s native lenses for a rating of 8.0EV in industry-standard tests.

Image quality is excellent whether shooting photos or recording videos, although to optimize the end results, it’s best to use lenses from Sony’s G and GM ranges.

While the design is similar to the A7R IV, there’s an improved 4-axis 3.2-inch articulating screen, making it a more viable option for video content creators than its predecessor.

Sony has also improved the viewfinder, delivering a high-magnification 0.9x optics for a bigger view of the frame, along with a 9.4 million dot display.

The body comes in an attractive matte black finish and magnesium alloy for the chassis, with dust and splash protection along with the option to close the shutter down when changing lenses.

 

The previously marked, dedicated EV control is now unmarked, and while it is still set to EV as default, it can be easily swapped out for another function.

There’s also a new toggle beneath the Mode dial dedicated to Stills/Movie/Slow Motion, which is a nice new touch that may speed up the workflow for some users.

Videographers and content creators can enjoy the inclusion of 8K video – albeit cropped – as well as introducing S-Log3, S-Cinetone and HDR formats that were lacking from the a7R IV.

This makes the Sony a7R V a wonderful camera for filmmakers who want to really fine-tune their footage in post, with a more dynamic range to adjust colors and push blacks.

The aforementioned improvements to the autofocus also ensure a far more accurate and reliable experience with video, tracking subjects accurately even in busy scenes as they move around the frame.

With that said, the benefits from the updated in-body image stabilization aren’t as apparent when shooting video footage, with rapid movements and other jolts prone to negatively impacting the footage.

There are also issues with the rolling shutter when shooting in 8K and full-frame 4K, although these issues can be avoided by shooting in APS-C mode.

The Sony a7R V brings plenty of reasons to the table to earn a strong recommendation, with outstanding image quality and all-around improved engineering combined with game-changing AI-based autofocus and stabilization.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II – Great Option for Wedding Photography

A Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body without a lens on a light green background.

Sensor: Full-frame | Resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Viewfinder: 3,690K dots | Monitor: 3-inch fully-articulated touchscreen, 1.62M dots | Autofocus: 4,897 points | Max frame rate: 40 fps electronic / 12 fps mechanical | Video: 4K at 60p | Weight: 670 g (1.5 lb)

Pros
  • Excellent autofocus
  • Max burst speed of 40 fps
  • 8-stop IBIS
  • Crop-free 4K 60P video capture
  • ISO range of 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-204,800)
  • Solid build quality
  • Easy to switch between stills and video
  • Excellent single-handed operation
  • Improved battery life
Cons
  • No Backside-Illuminated (BSI) Sensor
  • No OLED Info Screen

Wedding photographers need a quick, high-capacity camera that can perform across a huge range of photographic challenges, all while cranking out excellent images. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II does all of this and more.

For a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is nicely compact, yet well-balanced. Its solid build can hold up to even the rowdiest wedding.

The image quality of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II will please even the pickiest of clients, and the superb ergonomics will make long shooting sessions much easier on the photographer.

It feels great in the hand, key controls are well-positioned, and the buttons are all customizable.

The Canon R6 Mark II’s full-frame sensor is only 24.2 megapixels, more than enough for the vast majority of wedding photography applications unless you need a huge billboard of an image or tend to highly crop your photos.

In fact, the low megapixel count is actually an advantage to many wedding photographers, as the small file size of the photos makes it much easier to process and store the literally thousands of images you’re likely to end up with.

(It’s one reason the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is often favored over the Sony a7 IV – it’s remarkably easier to quickly sort through 24.2-MP files than 33MP files.

Also, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II’s fantastic ISO range and low-light performance easily compensate for the low megapixel count. There’s also 8-stops in-body image stabilization, to help with landing those tricky, handheld shots.

 

Need to get some action shots of the couple dancing? No problem! The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has burst shooting up to 12 fps with its mechanical shutter and up to 40 fps with its electronic (silent) shutter.

The Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system is a solid performer and comes with machine learning and subject tracking. It quickly identifies people and animals, as well as planes, trains, and helicopters. There’s not much need for fine-tuning – it just works.

On the video side of things, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II comes with offers 4K video up to 60fps, and 1080p up to 180fps. There’s also 10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log or HDR PQ. Internal recording is available in all formats, and all have autofocus.

Hybrid users will be pleased to find that switching between video and stills is fairly quick.

In a major improvement over its predecessor – the Canon R6 Mark I – the R6 Mark II has a full 6 hours available per movie file. So no issues there. The rolling shutter effect has also been nicely managed.

There’s honestly not much else to complain about with this excellent little full-frame camera.

The R6 Mark II is simply one of the most popular mirrorless cameras for wedding photographers, as well as anyone else looking for a high-performing mid-range mirrorless camera in the RF-lens-mount world.

Sure, it may not be the absolute best Canon mirrorless camera with the formidable R3 taking the top spot, but for the money, it can’t be beaten.

What Are the Advantages of a Mirrorless Camera?

mirrorless vs dlsr guide by Shotkit

  • Less weight and bulk – Mirrorless camera bodies and most of the lenses made for them are smaller and lighter than corresponding DSLR cameras. While the difference may not be huge, if you’re someone who travels with a camera, every last ounce can make a difference after a long day of hauling gear around. On the flip side, adding a long zoom lens to a small body can make the setup a little unwieldy.
  • Manual focus is much, much easier – Because you can see exactly what you’re doing, it’s extremely easy to manually set an accurate exposure and make sure your image is in focus. There are also tools like focus peaking and focus point magnification available.
  • Live histogram – With a mirrorless camera, you can see the histogram and overall exposure before you take the picture. While some DSLRs can show a histogram in Live Mode, none can show a live histogram in the viewfinder as you’re changing the camera settings.
  • Exceptionally high burst rate – Most mirrorless cameras can leave DSLRs in the dust when it comes to burst rate.
  • Silent shooting – Mirrorless cameras can switch to “silent mode” and use their electronic shutter only. This means you won’t be interrupting the moment when doing wedding or event photography in a quiet space.
  • Better autofocus – Most mirrorless cameras have a high number of focus points, with the focus points much more spread across the entire frame than what you’ll find on an average DSLR.
  • Longer life span – The life span of a DSLR is pretty much tied to the life expectancy of its shutter. With mirrorless cameras, because there’s no mirror to flip up and down, the shutter count doesn’t matter as much.

Should I Switch From DSLR to Mirrorless?

Mirrorless cameras are the wave of the future: almost all of the R&D funding is going in that direction. It’s quite likely that DSLR development won’t keep up nor continue much into the future.

That being said, if you’re happy with your DSLR setup, then there’s no reason to switch to a mirrorless camera – at least anytime soon.

If you feel like a change and want to try out the world of mirrorless, go for it. You can always rent or borrow a camera first before you take the leap.

Just beware, switching over to a mirrorless camera won’t necessarily make you a better photographer. Sure, it’s much easier to shoot in manual mode and get your exposure correct, but the elements of creating a good photo haven’t changed.

You can also read the results of our survey to find out what cameras photographers use to see how many use DSLRs versus mirrorless cameras and what brands they use the most.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Mirrorless Camera?

Fuji system vs mirrorless

Fujifilm mirrorless cameras

  1. Sensor size – Sensor size makes a huge difference to image quality, especially when shooting in low light, but there are some trade-offs. For example, APS-C cameras tend to be smaller and lighter than full-frame cameras. They’re also less expensive.
  2. Budget – At the end of the day, which mirrorless camera you choose will ultimately come down to what you can spend on it… and on the lenses that you want to use on it. If you’re on a budget and can’t yet buy the camera you want, choose a cheaper version with the same lens mount. That way all your lenses can migrate over to the new camera.
  3. Resolution – These days it’s pretty common to find cameras offering 24 megapixels., which is more than enough for most applications. You likely won’t need more if you’re not planning on printing out your images. Also, keep in mind that higher resolutions provide better image quality, but also huge files and a slower burst shooting rate.
  4. Lens options – In many respects, the glass you buy will be more important than the camera – at least if you really want quality photos. If you’re really planning to grow as a photographer and/or want flexibility in what types of lenses you can choose, you’ll want to invest in a camera with a lens mount that has a great lens library (like the Sony E-mount).
  5. Autofocus – The autofocus on mirrorless cameras has really changed the game, especially when it comes to moving subjects. Make sure that the camera you want to buy has face, eye, and subject detection if you’re planning on doing any action or event photography.
  6. Burst rate – Burst rate isn’t a big deal if you’re shooting static subjects. If your subject matter contains a lot of moving subjects, however, you’ll want at least a 10fps burst rate.
  7. Video features – If you’re planning on using your new camera for video, take a look at the different recording options offered and make sure they’re the ones you’re planning to use now AND grow into. This includes physical features like a full-size HDMI port. (For example, maybe you haven’t shot a lot of slo-mo yet but might want to get into it in the future – make sure the camera you buy has this option as well.)
  8. Ease of use – What’s the easiest mirrorless camera to use? It depends on individual preferences and needs, but finding a model that fits your hands and has well-placed buttons is the first step. Getting a camera with plenty of customization options will also let you further adapt the camera to your needs.

Best Mirrorless Cameras FAQ

What is a mirrorless camera?

A mirrorless camera doesn’t have any moving mirror mechanism that’s found in DSLRs. This makes it smaller and able to offer features such as electronic viewfinders, faster burst shooting, and real-time exposure previews.

Which brand has the most popular mirrorless camera?

In our opinion, Sony consistently makes the best full-frame mirrorless cameras. They have many more years of development under their belt than Canon or Nikon. For APS-C cameras, Fujifilm makes the most popular mirrorless cameras.

Why are mirrorless cameras better?

Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter, with image quality that’s just as good as same-class DSLRs. Because they don’t have a mirror, they have a much faster frames-per-second rate than other cameras and even have a silent shooting mode. That’s something a DSLR camera just can’t do, yet it’s often needed in quiet settings.

Do professionals use mirrorless cameras?

Yes, many professionals prefer using mirrorless cameras over DSLRs.

What are the disadvantages of mirrorless cameras?

The biggest disadvantage is that the sensor on most mirrorless cameras is fully exposed when you change lenses. (On a DSLR, the mirror partially protects the sensor.) Also, many mirrorless cameras have sub-par battery life when compared to DSLRs.

Is a DSLR still worth buying?

DSLRs are still worth buying if you already have a lot of EF or F-mount lenses, or you can get them inexpensively. Also, the prices of DSLRs are going down considerably – you can get some amazing deals now that mirrorless cameras are all the rage. Beyond this, they feel better in the hand (especially if you have large hands).

Is mirrorless the future?

Undoubtedly, mirrorless cameras are the face of things to come. It’s where the major camera manufacturers are putting in the bulk of their R&D and also where consumers are putting their dollars, which in turn influences further development.

What is the lightest mirrorless camera?

The Panasonic Lumix GX850 weighs approximately 329g (11.6 oz), and the Sony ZV-E10 is 343g (12 oz) with a battery and memory card.

What is the cheapest Fujifilm mirrorless camera?

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is the cheapest new Fujifilm camera with advanced features, including film simulations. It features a 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, 4K video, and advanced autofocus and can be found new with an XC 15-45mm kit lens for under $1000.

What mirrorless camera is best for family photography?

Any camera can be used for family photography, but if you need something small and unintrusive for candid shots, the Fujifilm X-T30 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is ideal. Pairing these cameras with a zoom lens will help you maintain adequate distances from families, ensuring they don’t get nervous in front of you.

Final Words

Choosing a mirrorless camera isn’t an easy task, but hopefully, our guide has helped you make the right decision based on your needs.

Mirrorless cameras are fun and exciting to use, so they encourage you to get out and take more photos.

Feel free to leave a comment below with your questions and recommendations. Happy shooting!

sonya7iv-camera-body
Sony Alpha a7 IV

An all-round powerhouse mirrorless camera with best-in-class autofocus, image quality, ergonomics and features.

131 Comments

  1. Loeena Lopexa on May 8, 2023 at 4:29 pm

    That was so amazing.

  2. Cak Bass on May 18, 2022 at 5:19 pm

    I’ve wrote “why I choose mirrorless instead of DSLR on my blog. In my opinion, at least we have the latest technology that developed and keep improve on our hand. Anyway, I agree that mirrorless now is leading in performance if we compare to 4 or 5 years ago. Thank’s for share, Usnea!

  3. Taylor on March 2, 2022 at 7:33 am

    I loved your article! You said same things my local photographer said, that he loved the Mirrorless Sony Camera’s. But, if you please a little bit more advice. I have a 10 yr old Canon PowerShot SX20 IS.
    It’s ready for the bone pile. I want to shoot faces close-ups mostly shoulders up in black and white. Be outside in the Midwest weather. I’d edit them with light or photoshop. Putting them on line in a story.
    My question Mirrorless camera, lens, is RAW ok. Or? And would you buy a flash or stick with the built in? I’m not a beginner but I’m far from advanced.
    I’m can’t afford to make a mistake in buying the wrong one. Thanks, but I’m like a lot of people confused….

    • Mark Condon on March 4, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      Sorry Taylor, I don’t understand your question – please can you rephrase it?

  4. Charlotta Linder on January 24, 2021 at 6:58 am

    Hi there,
    This was such an interesting article! Thank you! I am having a hard time deciding what brand/camera to go for, as I have been trying out all different kind of cameras since my own equipment got stolen a year back.

    I am shooting professional, and want to expand the photography part of my business. Mostly events, yoga sessions, portraits and travels/nature/street. I have been looking at the Fuji xt-4 for a while, but I am a bit worried the crop sensor / not being a full frame camera – won’t be “enough”.

    Considering Nikon Z6ii – Canon R/ or R6 – or Fujifilm. I am somehow not the biggest Sony fan, not sure why.

    Which would you go for? I would love to hear your recommendations.

    Thank you so much.

    • Mark Condon on January 25, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Hey Charlotta – if budget isn’t an issue, out of the ones you’ve mentioned there, my preference would be the R6. The only major consideration is if you’re happy to spend more on the Rf lenses (and don’t mind about their size/weight). Otherwise, my recommendation would be the one at the top of this article – the a7III. Hope that helps!

      • Mark on September 30, 2021 at 7:11 pm

        Hello Mark. I’m in a quandary. I want to film BIF. I’m struggling between EM1 mk3, A7iii, A6600 and even EM1X. Any input? My inclination is olympus because of their pro lenses.

        • Mark Condon on October 4, 2021 at 1:18 pm

          What’s BIF, Mark? Regardless, this article is more for stills photography rather than video. I may still be able to help, though!

  5. Phillip Koch on November 18, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    This is such a great and helpful article! I have been looking to step into a camera role for some of the work I have been doing as of late and am curious if you would be able to help recommend a mirrorless for dynamic fashion photography and portraiture, possibly some short video work as well (like 10-15 second edited clip work). I am having a tough time figuring out what to choose from this list, as I am an amateur at photography and am not sure what I may need.

    I work mainly in fashion marketing and advertising and need a good camera for crisp, clean shots for dynamic movements, along with possible landscapes for distance shooting, and something that is really good with exposure for contrast in portraiture and to show detailed linework (and sometimes pores for closeup shots, but that may rely on the lense type used as well).

    Thank you so much for your help!

    • Mark Condon on November 20, 2020 at 5:34 am

      Hi Phillip, my recommendation is the Sony a7III – it’d be perfect for what you describe, but the lenses you choose are just as important. Good luck!

  6. Louise on November 5, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    Brilliant article, thank you. Still don’t know which one to get!!

    • Mark Condon on November 6, 2020 at 5:18 am

      haha thanks Louise! Yeah it’s still a tough choice… and we’re updating this article with new models too, to add to the confusion! My recommendation is still the a7III ;-)

  7. Ross Alexander on October 27, 2020 at 2:03 am

    As I type, I’m eagerly awaiting my Canon R5 which is due to be delivered today. It will be my first mirrorless camera and I can’t wait!

  8. Liz on October 21, 2020 at 5:07 am

    Hello!
    I am a beginner mom photographer who would like to get great shots of my middle school and high school age kids on the soccer,baseball and lacrosse fields. I do not need the top of the line most complex, but would like a great camera that will last me and not have me wanted to upgrade.
    Do you have a mirrorless suggestion for primarily outdoor sports photos? Thank you so much!

    • Mark Condon on October 21, 2020 at 2:04 pm

      Hey Liz, for sports in decent light if you’re on a budget, look for an ‘APS-C’ sensor camera – they’re more affordable than ‘full frame’, and give you some extra reach on your lenses due to their ‘crop factor’. If this is all Greek to you, check out this camera buying guide: https://shotkit.com/camera-buying-guide/

  9. Jesper on October 2, 2020 at 8:08 am

    Hi!
    I’ve been in love with my Nikon’s for 30 years, but as I was looking for an new supertelezoom (300+) I realized that my D90 did not give me many interesting choices. So, at this moment, I’m seriously considering leaving the Nikon family. The DSLRs seem to be a bad choice when looking for a new system, mirrorless seems to be the future. And Nikons may be good, but lens alternatives are poor and very expensive… I mainly shoot nature and sports, video is not very interesting to me (I find the iphone good enough). Finding a mirrorless camera that can handle both nature and sport seems hard if not spending a fortune? Especially since I find most mirrorless cameras too small as well. Still I want to go for mirrorless since it seems oldfashioned to buy a new dslr… Please help me with a suggestion of a good choice?

    • Mark Condon on October 3, 2020 at 5:48 am

      Hey Jesper, some of the new Canon/Nikon mirrorless bodies are shaped more like DSLRs – the Canon EOS R series and Nikon Z series, for example. They are, however, expensive.

  10. jim on May 10, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    FYI your A7III listed specs are not totally correct
    Actual a7iii EVF & LCD resolution are much lower than what you have listed, and the AF has more phase detect points that you have listed.

    • Mark Condon on June 29, 2020 at 11:12 am

      Thanks for spotting the typos, Jim!

  11. Josefa David on May 2, 2020 at 7:36 am

    Thank you for all of those informations! It is helping me a lot.
    I must admit that i am still not sure what to choose.

    I am a fashion designer and need this camera for taking beautiful pictures of my products, fashion photoshoot inside and outside and a bit of informative videos as well on my products.

    It will be the first time ever that i will buy a camera.

    Could you please help me to make a decision?

    Thank you so much for your time

    • Mark Condon on May 2, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Josefa, thanks for the comment! Any of these cameras could do a great job with fashion photoshoots/videos. I’d need a bit more information from you to make a more specific recommendation. Why don’t you join the private Shotkit Facebook group and we can chat more there :-)

  12. Amy on February 14, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    This information is great. Thank you.
    For a first camera would you recommend the Sony a6000 or the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III?

    • Mark Condon on February 15, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      Hmm tough one, but I’d say the Olympus as it’s newer!

  13. Free Hosting on January 30, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    Yes, The only dilemma for me is that working with light, ie. flashes and strobes, is not yet “up to speed”. When this comes around, I’ll jump in with a Sony for sure. I need to be able to bounce light around at weddings, Thanks again buddy.

    • Mark Condon on January 31, 2020 at 11:05 am

      What do you feel is lacking, Aman? I use Sony with flash at every wedding…

  14. Wliam on January 30, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    As you recommended, I bought Sony a7III. Its really a cool camera. Your choice is perfect for me. Thanks for sharing a valuable information.

  15. Volen on January 7, 2020 at 6:22 am

    Hey Mark, nice video on Sony a7 III. Thanks. I would rather slow down and stay with a Canon 5d mk3. Who needs a perfect camera, when the fun from the shooting is gone? It is exactly like riding a Tesla, no motor sound, no gears, everything so perfect. Who needs that? Although I find Sony very interesting offer for changing the system. Cheers mate, thanks.

    • Mark on January 11, 2020 at 8:04 am

      I agree with you Volen, the Sony does make the job much easier, akin to driving a Tesla… but some of us still crave the roar of a V8 ;-)

  16. Jessica on September 18, 2019 at 3:12 pm

    These cameras look awesome. Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic looks great. Good post.

  17. Mayur on September 7, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    Really helpful for who are love to click photos during traveling …thanks to tell about the mirror less camera by this article.

  18. Sggreek on July 25, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Mirrorless cameras are always on demand and professional photographer take best photo by them, i read your opinion and i sure said that you have excellent knowledge about it… thanks

  19. Saikat on July 24, 2019 at 2:29 am

    What a lovely content and photos. Thanks for share very good information

  20. oriental on July 4, 2019 at 8:51 am

    Good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
    I have bookmarked it for later!

  21. variancetv on May 13, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    Thanks for the great article.

    • Andy Leslie on June 1, 2019 at 12:30 am

      No Olympus Omd Em1 mark ii – lots of us use them. Amazing camera with some fantastic lenses.

      • Mark Condon on June 1, 2019 at 6:50 am

        Yeah we’ll be having a review of that one on the site soon. I’m a fan of the EM5 and EM10, personally.

  22. Tech blog on April 30, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    Thanks for! Good informative article

  23. Frederic Hore on April 20, 2019 at 1:27 am

    A superb review and assessment of the current popular mirrorless cameras on the market Mark.
    With a heavy investment in Nikkor glass, from 12mm to 500mm, I personally did a comparison between the Nikon Z7 with the FTZ adaptor and the Nikon D850, and found that the Z7 was lacking, and worse, was more expensive than the D850, which had more features!

    You were right on the money when you wrote:
    “Would I recommend it to a pro who’s coming from a Nikon D850 (or superior) camera? Probably not.”

    My big complaint with all the mirror less cameras is that bright EVF. As one who pursues a lot of night photography, the EVF IMHO is a great way to wreck your night vision, and appreciation of the night skies. When I need critical focus, I have found the live view works fine on my Nikon DSLR’s for when I need it in challenging situations.

    Will I eventually change over to mirrorless? Perhaps. Right now, I am playing the wait and see game, much as I did in 2006 when I finally made the switch from 35mm film to FF digital. I certainly won’t turf my Nikon system for another brand, especially when the range of lenses and quality optics are not there yet in mirrorless world.

    Like everything these days, change is in the wind, and no doubt mirrorless will progress and get better. I’m just not ready to plunk down the hard dollars and switch… yet!

    Cheers from Montréal.
    Frederic Hore
    https://www.instagram.com/frederic_hore/

    • Mark Condon on April 20, 2019 at 8:10 am

      Glad to hear you agreed, Frederic! Thanks for the long comment :-)

  24. David Wilkins on April 5, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    Excellent review thanks for sharing

    • Silky on June 3, 2019 at 10:46 pm

      I agree, your review was thorough and detailed. Lots of information for a potential buyer of a mirrorless camera.

  25. Rey Colón on April 5, 2019 at 9:05 am

    Awesome! This blog is very usefull! Thanks for provide great information.

  26. Nikul on January 31, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    This is an awesome list of mirrorless cameras. I am very appreciative of your writing! I learned so much about the various Mirrorless Camera.

    • Mark Condon on February 3, 2019 at 5:23 am

      Glad to hear it, Nikul.

      • Daniel Frick on March 30, 2019 at 7:23 am

        Where is the Leica CL?
        Dan

  27. Martin Ellard on January 22, 2019 at 12:07 am

    I have been using the Sony A7/A9 series cameras for a few years off the back of 15 years with Canon and I’m so happy with them I’ve not felt the need to try any of the new offerings from other manufacturers and with the news of some impressive firmware upgrades to the Sony system this year the cameras I have are basically going to be upgraded to the next level without me having to wait for a new model.

    • Mark Condon on January 22, 2019 at 4:47 am

      Exactly, Martin! Exciting times ahead with Sony and it’s great to see them adopting more of a ‘kaizen’ approach to updating existing bodies with firmware, similar to Fujifilm.

  28. mike on December 28, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    I completely agree that mirrorless cameras are very good for travellers

  29. james on December 28, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    First time here on your blog and it’s amazing! Really had a great time! Keep up the good work.

  30. Frame Camera on October 15, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    This advice is just what I needed! I am struggling with grainy pictures and I have been shooting with 800 ISO. I’m going to bring it down and see how that makes my pictures better. Thanks for sharing all the resources also!

  31. Nowshad Rahman on September 16, 2018 at 5:49 am

    First time here on your blog and it’s amazing! Really had a great time! Keep up the good work.
    Is it sony a5100 best mirrorless camera for beginners?

    • Mark on September 16, 2018 at 8:00 am

      Thanks! I’d recommend the a6000 – see here

  32. tonykakkar on July 29, 2018 at 7:27 pm

    I completely agree that mirrorless cameras are very good for travellers but due to low sunlight, they can’t compete with DSLR.

    • Mark on July 30, 2018 at 11:37 am

      hmm I don’t agree with the statement about sunlight Tony! There are several that are easily on par with DSLRs

  33. Techmen on July 2, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    Actually, i was looking for the best mirrosless camera.. thanks for this post…

  34. Techmen on June 25, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    Very useful post with full information about product…i really enjoyed reading and will suggest other camera geeks as well…

  35. Aaron Hank on May 23, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    I’ve heard mirrorless can’t compete with DSLR’s in situations of low light and moving subjects such as children indoors. Is this really true?

    • Mark on May 24, 2018 at 6:20 am

      It depends on which mirrorless and which DSLRs you are comparing, but as a blanket statement,, I haven’t found that to be true with the mirrorless cameras I own, Aaron. Obviously if you’re comparing with a flagship DSLR like the D5, no, a mirrorless won’t compare with AF in low light.

  36. Nowshad Rahman on April 26, 2018 at 5:57 am

    Your selected cameras were too good.
    This blog is unique.I just like it!
    Thanks for the insightful article.
    Sony a9 is most interesting one.

  37. SSS809 on April 21, 2018 at 1:37 am

    I enjoyed reading your reviews. I am strictly an amateur, I make no money off photography. I love shooting portraits and have taken senior pics for my nieces & nephews. I am no considering going mirrorless as I am losing the desire to haul a dslr and lenses. Please recommend a camera and 2 lens setup for portraits. The vast majority of my photos are taken outdoors. Thanks

    • Mark on April 22, 2018 at 7:20 am

      Any of the camera in this list are suitable for portraits. As for lenses, I’d recommend a 35mm, 50mm or 85mm.

  38. Carrie on April 6, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Now that the Sony a6500 is out, and updated with IS amongst other things, how do you think it rates compared with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II? I’m looking for a decent quality interchangeable lens camera with low-weight lenses as well as a low-weight camera body?

  39. martine on February 13, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    Hi Matt!
    I just bought the Sony A6000, and am curious, do you ever take prime lenses when travelling? I’ve seen some amazing travel pictures taken with Sony primes. Amazing blog, keep up the great work!

    • Mark on February 13, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      I always take only primes with me when traveling! Mark- not Matt ;-)

  40. Kerilou on February 11, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    Thanks for the informative article, Mark. I am thinking of upgrading from the Olympus OM-D E-M10, as I am getting more interested in bird photography. I already have 4 lenses for this camera, incl. the M.Zuiko 75-300mm. So I am considering purchasing the Oly O-MD E-M1 Mk II, but am concerned that the image quality is not sharp enough when you crop in post editing. Do you have an opinion? And what would be your top mirrorless choice for bird photography? Thanks

    • Mark on February 12, 2018 at 6:28 am

      Hey Kerilou, I think you’ve made a good choice with the Micro Four Thirds format for bird photography – those sensors really provide some useful reach to your lenses. If you can avoid cropping in post, it’s always a good thing, but the 20.4MP sensor of the Olympus O-MD E-M1 Mk II will allow for some adequate crops so I wouldn’t worry too much. The burst mode on that camera is amazing too – perfect for fast moving birds. Here’s a post I did recently on recommended micro 4/3 lenses you may find useful too: https://shotkit.com/best-micro-four-thirds-lenses/ All the best with the birdies ;-)

      • Kerilou on February 12, 2018 at 11:36 am

        Thanks so much for that confirmation, Mark – and your prompt reply. Good luck with your business. Cheers

  41. Sara on February 5, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    The camera for beginners part was insanely helpful. Actually, this entire website is, which ive been reading for the past two hours. Is there a section where you talk about the settings when you first get your Sony A6000 camera? You had mentioned once you get it programmed or settings right then its pretty easy.

    • Mark on February 7, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      haha thanks Sara, glad you’re finding it useful! I’m writing a full review on the a6000 at the moment – if I get a chance I’ll add a section in about the settings. This post should help you too: https://shotkit.com/sony-a6000-lenses/

  42. Gus on January 25, 2018 at 12:05 am

    I come from DSRL and really tried whit the Fuji Xpro-1, but all the fuji´s (and the new ones) have that shutter lag that is very annoying. The Sony´s havent that problem.

  43. Emezie on January 16, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Please, what is the best on-camera speedlight I could use on a Sony A7R III? Is there something as good as the SB 910 on my Nikon?

    • Mark on January 17, 2018 at 12:59 pm

      I’d go with this Sony HVL-F45RM, Emezie! Pretty similar performance to the Nikon SB-910 in a much smaller, lighter package ;-)

  44. Eddie on January 2, 2018 at 5:16 am

    I’m a professional wedding photography and very heavily invested in a pro Nikon setup (2x D810s, Nikon Primes, Nikon 70-200mm) along with lots of speed lights and off-camera speedlight equipment.

    I’d love to go mirrorless – the saving in weight, the silent electronic shutters, the less ‘in your face’ photography using smaller cameras – all great, but like many others here there is not only a lot of dependence on low light photography at weddings but the sheer unpredictable nature of a wedding means you need a camera ready for action, capable of working instantly for perhaps 12 hours straight and for now only a full frame DSLR can do this for me.

    There is also the matter of battery life. I can get though a whole wedding with my 2 x D810s with battery grips on them without a single battery change.

    Last year I supplemented my setup with a Fuji X-E2 and a prime which was occasionally used remotely and occasionally used when I thought the electronic silent shutter was needed. Sadly I was unimpressed with the image quality in really low light (and especially disappointed with the banding which appears using the electronic shutter in some lighting conditions). Also unimpressed with its battery life and just it’s general lack of responsiveness when things became demanding.

    It’s an odd thing. When I use a mirrorless for fun / holidays they seem brilliant, fast and handle everything I through at them. As soon as I use one at a wedding it just falls apart. Weddings are so demanding on the photographer and therefore their kit that a full frame DSLR, for now is, in my opinion, still an essential.

    • Mark on January 2, 2018 at 10:11 am

      Hey Eddie thanks for the comment. It’s worth mentioning though that the limitations you describe aren’t unique to the mirrorless format, but rather, to APS-C sensor cameras like the Fuji X-E2. I’m sure that if you used the full frame mirrorless options mentioned above, the results whens shooting at higher ISOs would be similar or better than your D810… although those bodies are still a bit more pricey!

      • Eddie on January 2, 2018 at 10:54 pm

        Good point Mark. The X-E2 was very similar in terms of image quality to the APS-C Nikon D7000 I still have in my bag along with the D810s – as a third backup body – typical paranoid wedding photographer!

        I am still convinced mirrorless will become a real option for me in the mid-term future – ideally full frame – and I am watching the market with interest and will be holding on to the Nikon system in the meantime. The Sony A7 III now has dual memory card slots now and so is even more viable already. Later this year I may rent one for wedding to see how it goes.

  45. Sarah on December 13, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    Hi Mark,

    I loved the article but I’m currently losing sleep over deciding between the XT-20 vs the E3… thoughts?

    They’re both around the same price and have similar tech, it seems to be a bit nitpicky in relation to the differences (assuming the XT-20 gets the firmware upgrades that the E3 apparently is already rocking) and being a noob I was hoping to get your spin on what those differences actually mean.

    Cheers,
    Sarah

    • Mark on December 15, 2017 at 5:43 am

      Hi Sarah, yep they’re very similar – Fuji likes to do that! I’d say go for the one that feels best in your hands as the body shapes are quite different.

  46. Allison on December 4, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    I have been slowly getting into photography over the past two years, and finally purchased a Sony A6000 mirrorless last week. I consider myself really lucky; I have been able to use my dad’s Canon point-and-shoot extensively and have also been “borrowing” my mom’s Canon DSLR with three lenses for almost three months and have been able to try out my interests and abilities somewhat before investing in a camera system myself.

    My only regret, really, with the A6000 is that I bought the body with the 16-50mm power zoom kit lens. As much as I dislike the weight/feel/menu of the DSLR, I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss manual zoom and manual focus. I’ve been getting the feeling that with the DSLR cameras, most people stick to the same company’s lenses, whereas mirrorless users seem to branch out a lot more. I still don’t know enough to know what kind of lenses will make me happy or what kind of lenses will challenge my photography skills in a good way versus frustrating me.

    I’m overwhelmed and excited about the options that this camera presents me. There’s so many different kinds of photography I can play with, and different equipment I can experiment with. Just… where do you start?!? haha

  47. Lucie on November 13, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    Hi Mark. I’m a beginner/ enthusiast and looking to switch from a dslr to a mirrorless. I mainly use the camera for sports photography. Could you recommend a camera and a prime and zoom lenses respectively (need to capture at least 400ft away)? This article is packed with great information!!
    Warm regards,
    Lucie

    • Mark on November 17, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Lucie, it’s a bit of a broad question, but I’d recommend the Fujfilm X-T2 (reviewed here), due to several reasons but most notably its high frame rate, excellent image quality, and the fact that it’s a APS-C (which will give you more reach on your lenses for those sports that require it). As for the lens, check out the zooms in this post: https://shotkit.com/best-fuji-lenses/ Hope that helps!

  48. Sylvia Panico on November 8, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    Hi Mark. Looking at your last comment regarding Canon M series.. I well can read between the lines. Canon has launched their EOS M6. Any change of heart or mind. Not sure why they skipped the 4k. Price is pitched at a more inclusive market.
    I notice Sony ans OLympus have released new cameras in their series. Impressed?
    I am an enthusiast, enjoy street /portrait, macro for garden plants, bugs and birds (Hope to do some timelapse photography on the latter).
    Would sincerely appreciate your recomendation regarding which mirrorless camera and lenses you would recomend. This will be my 1st digital camera. Still have my 20yr old Nikon slr!
    Thank you very much.
    Kindest regards
    Sylvia

    • Mark on November 9, 2017 at 3:10 am

      Hi Sylvia, it’s such a broad question with so many variables! I’d say start with one of these Fuji X Series cameras since they give great bang for the buck. You can see the best lenses here.

  49. YY on September 23, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    I’m curious to know how you would rate Canon EOS M series of mirrorless cameras against those you mentioned in this article. Would love to hear your insights! :)

    • Mark on September 23, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      Let’s just say that I’m looking forward to seeing what Canon does with their next era of mirrorless cameras!

  50. Jamin on September 3, 2017 at 1:47 am

    Several of the cameras listed have the incorrect weights posted. I think you’ve posted the “packaged weight” instead of the actual weight of the camera body.

    • Mark on December 31, 2017 at 5:43 am

      Thanks for the heads-up Jamin – I’ve updated the whole post now for 2018, and all the weights should be correct this time.

  51. Manuel rodriguez on August 21, 2017 at 11:49 pm

    Thank you so much for this excellent article! After researching cameras ( these particular cameras) for a week , I have never seen such a comprehensive comparison of all the features that make a difference. I am very appreciative of your writing!

    • Mark on August 22, 2017 at 7:37 pm

      Glad to hear that Manuel! Thanks for letting me know.

  52. Meghna on August 12, 2017 at 8:08 am

    Hi guys
    Would like to buy a camera(mirrorless or Dslr), i am unable to decide.
    I am a beginner, love Photography and would one day get professional.
    Could someone suggest me which one should i buy ?!!
    I travel a lot (national parks, islands,etc).
    I want to buy something perfect for a low light cave photography to a bright sunny day beach photography (landscape & portraits).
    Thought initially of sony A7 r II, but read of Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II reviews.
    It’s really confusing, i was thinking of mirrorless because i am not used to carrying lot of stuff while hiking.
    Well I would like to use the first camera i buy for atleast few years initially, don’t want to buy something & regret, so plz help.

    • Mark on August 12, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Hey Meghna, if you’re a beginner, I’d go for something a lot cheaper than the 2 you have in mind – they are for pros or serious enthusiasts. You can upgrade to something like that as and when you go pro. Look around the $1-1500 mark, so maybe the Fuji XT20 which is an excellent all round mirrorless camera.

  53. Gabriel on July 17, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Hi everybody! I really enjoyed the article and I’m getting more interested in the mirorless system. I really love the look and feel of Fuji and seariosly thinking about making a change in my gear. I would really appreciate an advice for my situation:

    – Mostly wedding photography
    – I have a fast shooting style ( not into arranging and posing the “perfect” shot )
    – I have 2 Canon 5D mk 3, 35 mm 1.4, 135 mm 2.0, 85 1.2
    – all my gear is old and kinda used up so it needs some maintenance and defiantly need some new lenses. Plus I have big issues with autofocus which I think it might be from the usage and age of the gear ( haven’t given them much maintanance lately )

    So I’m reading all these good things about Fuji but also that mirorless are still not a serious competition for DSLRs… is it worth it to start changing to Fuji? I feel that I need a fresh start or at least something new to be exited about but business is kinda slow and I’m on a very tight budget… so for example should I buy a 70-200 2.8 or sell everything and start building on Fuji?

    Thank you and I hope you can understand my English. :)

    • Mark on July 19, 2017 at 12:28 am

      The main benefits are size/weight, EVF and the great lens options (https://shotkit.com/best-fuji-lenses/). I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, but rather, you have to evaluate your own personal needs. If you need the maximum dof, dynamic range and high ISO, a full frame sensor will always ‘beat’ Fuji’s APS-C offerings. If you don’t need to rely on these things, the Fuji system can be a real game changer.

  54. p nelson on March 21, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I agree with all the advantages of mirrorless cameras. But I have a huge investment in a dozen Nikon lenses for my (three) Nikon DSLR bodies – mostly top-of-the-line pro lenses, all full-format, many fast primes, not kit zooms. If one of these mirrorless body makers really wanted to crack the “serious” market they should make a body that takes Nikon lenses. I assume it’s only a matter of time before Nikon comes out with a pro or prosumer mirrorless body with a full-format sensor that takes their family of lenses.

  55. Dan on February 13, 2017 at 10:06 am

    This is great information. It seems like the debate over DSLR vs Mirrorless is still raging. DSLRs are definitely more common but who knows, maybe mirrorless will become the new standard similar to how digital has all-but replaced film.

  56. Mark Edin on December 21, 2016 at 6:43 am

    This has all been a massive help to me. Thanks for sharing this.

  57. Warren on August 4, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Hi Mark, interesting comments from Constantine and although I totally appreciate what he says I think the clue is in the title “Shotkit- The camera GEAR of the worlds best photographers”. Glad to hear you are making a living from it, great site I have enjoyed it for some time and wishing you every success. Just one from me is all the links take you to Amazon.com where I am on Amazon.co.uk not sure if I get kicked back to .co.uk your affiliation will work? Good luck and best wishes…

    • Mark on August 6, 2016 at 6:27 am

      Thanks for your kind words of support, Warren. Hopefully the UK purchases help to support Shotkit too! Cheers

  58. Constantine Loskutnikov on August 2, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    I don’t want to be rude, I’m sorry if you’ll think so, or I’ll be looking so.
    My point is. There is no specific theme in this article. There are four main mirrorless cameras and you just said this. You were started like japancamerahunter.com telling about different photographers and their gear. But photographers were different, not just film lovers.
    I was hoping to read ypur own articles about photography as an art, to get some inspiration in the future, but you just told me about four main mirrorless cameras…
    Please, let me read an interview with interesting persons, with camera makers and other art people.
    I’d like to donate this kind of work, not just books about fundamentals of everything and nothing.

    p.s.
    I know, someome might say, “Go to another blog or start your own” But I was in the begining of your journey and it is a harm to see content like this.
    Don’t be like phoblographer.com(3 lenses for this; 5tips about that, etc)

    Thank you.

    • Mark on August 3, 2016 at 4:26 am

      Hi Constantine

      Thanks for your comment and helpful feedback.

      I understand where you’re coming from and know my content won’t be for everyone.

      I did start out that way, and appreciate you being there from the launch.

      However, Shotkit is now my full time job, so I rely on the income for my family. I’d love to write articles about photography as an art, but to be blunt, these things don’t pay the bills.

      Instead I need to focus on things that help people, interest the majority and also allow me to maintain the site/support my family if someone finds the info useful and chooses to make a purchase.

      I hope you understand, and sorry to disappoint you!

      Mark

      • Constantine Loskutnikov on August 3, 2016 at 4:08 pm

        Oh I’m so happy you understood me (Russia English is far from English English)

        To my mind you should play with different forms of writings…
        I was shocked, when I saw a New Yourker like article on the website about games. It was like a thunder strike. I think you should write more of your own feelings or something on your mind.

        Btw, the most important thing, that you and your blog forcing me to start my own blog for my clients. I’m happy to thank you for this!

  59. DE Moore on April 22, 2016 at 6:36 am

    Thank you! I learned so much about the various Mirrorless systems with the excellent article of the Pros and cons of each.
    I am trying to decide when & what Wireless system I want.

    • Mark on April 22, 2016 at 6:48 am

      Glad you found it useful. What do you mean by ‘Wireless system’?

  60. Peter on January 2, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Nice article. A couple of years ago I would never have bought a mirrorless camera because of their earlier flaws. Today I’ve got both the Fujifilm X-T1 and X100T and they’re great cameras. They’re small, lightweight and have great image quality (Fujinon lenses ar excellent), but they’re still not for every task. My Canon 5D MkIII still destroys them when it comes to autofocus speed for example, but I use my Fujifilm cameras probably 90% of the time.

    • Mark on January 2, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      Totally agree Peter – those Fujis are excellent cameras, but they still have their limitations. dSLRs are still leagues ahead for auto focus. Thanks for the comment!

  61. John on December 3, 2015 at 2:26 am

    Just made the switch from Nikon to Fuji X-system. After years being a staff photojournalist, I left that world and opened up a documentary photography wedding/event studio. Fuji x-system is ideal for this task. If I was a fashion photographer, or did studio work exclusively, or shot professional sports… this is not the system. However, for straight photojournalist photography, I believe there is nothing better out there.

    • Mark on December 3, 2015 at 5:11 am

      I’m sure many would agree with your comment John. Expect to see bigger advancements in Mirrorless cameras in 2016 ;-)

  62. Ben Russell on October 16, 2015 at 1:48 am

    Thanks for those insights Mathieu, they’re really helpful. I’m an enthusiastic E-M1 user, and it’s good to keep things in perspective. It’s nice to see that your reservations about the E-M1 are being addressed in the Nov 2015 firmware upgrade — silent mode and extended video capabilities, as well as focus stacking for macro, are all coming our way. Olympus are hyping that up with the slogan ‘Download your new camera’, but it’s not too far from the truth. I’ve put together a page to compare the current Olympus models (including the Nov 2015 firmware upgrades) here: https://bit.ly/1VUot9k.

  63. Hilmar Kieskemap on January 29, 2015 at 5:49 am

    I always enjoy your articles by different people. I certainly respect you for the photography I have seen from you. Thanks for this synopsis of mirror less cameras. Personally, I still have my rather ancient Canon 7D with all the three lenses. (24-70mm f:/2.8; EF-S lens 10mm-23mm f:/ 3.5-5.6; 70-200mm f:/4).
    Someone hacked my computer and I am missing my early photos from 2006-2009. These all were taken with my G2 and my Canon 20D. It is with great sorrow that they are gone as I am a person that gets attached to the pictures that I have taken. I keep all the good ones, and it is with sadness that I will continue to plug on and get others that I will enjoy greatly.

  64. yin on January 9, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    which mirrorless camera is fast enough to focus in low light? I shoot a lot of wedding and during the reception, it’s always indoors with very dim light. When people are moving and dancing, I’m worried that they are not fast enough to get the focus right. any suggestions? thanks!

    • Mathieu on January 10, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      I used with success the E-M1 for dancing moments with the Fl-600r flash and the AF illuminator turned on. It is the camera I have most experience with so it certainly the one I feel to recommend. The A7s also works well in low light.

    • Steve Solomon on February 21, 2015 at 6:27 am

      Greetings! I’m Very impressed with your article on Mirrorless Systems, as I’m on the fence between the Fuji XT-1, Olympus EM-1 Mark II, and the Sony A7 II. My primary concern is maintaining high sharpness and detail when printing large (20×30), as well as having a weather-resistant system for shooting marathons in the Pacific Northwest. I like the Fuji XT-1 ergonomics and excellent Fuji optics, but have read about issues of “mushy” detail in green foliage, perhaps being related to the particular raw processing software. The Oly system is intriguing, but the smaller 4/3 sensor gives me concern when printing very large. The Sony A7 II sounds exciting, except not many weather-resistant lenses available. Based on all this, your expert opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

  65. Andrew on January 9, 2015 at 6:46 am

    Thank you very much for the feedback!The M1+Grip+12-40mm f/2.8 will be delivered tomorrow! :)

  66. Andrew on January 3, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    That is a nice article, thanks for your time!
    I am so in love with the Olympus E-M1 OM-D with 12-40mm f/2.8 lens !
    Right now, I shoot with a D610 + 24-70mm f/2.8 lens but I am thinking a lot about moving to a mirrorless camera. I am not a professional photographer, I mean, I am not doing this for living, but still, I spend a lot of time taking with my camera and I also enjoy post processing – I wish I had someone saying “go, sell your D610 and lens and flash and triggers and and and…and get the Olympus E-M1 OM-D as you won’t regret it!!!” – I shoot portraits and landscapes, will this camera work for me ?

    • Mathieu on January 4, 2015 at 7:17 am

      For portraits and landscapes the E-M1 works really well. There is a nice selection of lenses for portraits, same for landscapes. Colour rendering is really nice as well. If you like to travel and walk a lot for your landscape work, it can make a difference.

    • Ben Russell on October 16, 2015 at 1:32 am

      Hi Andrew — I was going to say ‘go sell your D610 etc, and get an E-M1 and 12-40, you REALLY won’t regret it’, but I see that task has been crossed off the list a long time ago! How are you getting on — have you any regrets? I’m so confident when I’ve got that combo in my hands.

      Best regards, Ben Russell

  67. V. Opoku on December 24, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Good read. I have been Mirrorless for the past two wedding seasons. I shot you my kit a little while ago, Fujifilm X-Pro 1 & X100S.

    Happy holidays,
    V.

    • Mark on December 26, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks V. I’m getting there with your submission ;-)

  68. Stuart Marshall on December 24, 2014 at 8:43 am

    I keep trying mirrorless and love the size and weight and retro feel most have.
    I instantly fall in love until I use the them.

    To put it simply they are just not fast enough for me yet. Not talking about specs I am talking mainly about auto focus, menus and ergonomics.

    Pro level DSLRs still ‘just work’ how I want and in the instant I want.

    • Mark on December 26, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      I know what you mean Stuart, and I have to say I agree. I guess everyone has a different concept of ‘fast’ though. I guess you have to decide what is appropriate for your style and genre of photography.

    • Mathieu on January 4, 2015 at 7:15 am

      Cameras like the OM-D E-M1, Lumix GH4, Sony A6000 and the recent Samsung NX1 are proving mirrorless cameras can do well with autofocus and overall speed. DSLRs have still an advantage also because all DSLR cameras have good AF while with mirrorless, only certain models really excel in this. But I believe that in a few years MILCs will equal DSLRs to say the least.

      • Kharrahou Qumag on June 12, 2017 at 6:58 pm

        I beg to differ from the claim that all DSLR cameras have good AF. Basically, what you see on the viewfinder of DSLRs is often not the actual focus on the sensor. That is because the focus showing on the viewfinder often is not the actual level of focus on the imaging sensor. DSLRs indicate focus using a different set of sensors below the mirror box, and often there is a discrepancy of the indicated focus from the actual focus on the imaging sensor behind the mirror and shutter. And entry-level DSLRs don’t allow for AF micro-adjustment. With higher-end DSLRs, you can adjust focus in individual camera units to prevent front-focus or back-focus. Contrast this with mirrorless, which uses no mirror box and the imaging sensor itself is also the focusing sensor. That’s why focus with mirrorless cameras is usually bang on, tack sharp right on the subject you intended. There is no discrepancy from tiny misalignments or imprecise assembly. Lucky for you if your particular DSLR is a perfectly assembled unit, because usually there are minute variations within the same production batch.

        • Kharrahou Qumag on June 12, 2017 at 7:13 pm

          I have an aging Canon EOS 550D that probably has suffered from all that mechanical flip-flopping and it is probably no longer in its correct angle for viewing focus manually. The images I get with manual focus as well as with AF are now noticeably soft. However, when I use Live View, I always get excellent focus.

  69. joe pyle on November 22, 2014 at 4:55 am

    The only dilemma for me is that working with light, ie. flashes and strobes, is not yet “up to speed”. When this comes around, I’ll jump in with a Sony for sure. I need to be able to bounce light around at weddings.

    • Mathieu on January 4, 2015 at 7:10 am

      I agree, flash units can be better especially with Fuji cameras.

  70. Jack Danyaloff on October 28, 2014 at 11:50 pm

    great article, very interesting and useful. but I have one question that u didn’t touch in your article, what about using mirrorless cameras for wedding? I’m using Nikon DSLR and Fujifilm X-M1 as a second body and I’m very impressed with the image quality of X-series and the convenience by using small body and now I wanna fully switch to X-series.

    P.S. sorry for my English :)

    • Mathieu on January 4, 2015 at 7:09 am

      Many photographers, including people that I know personally, started to use mirrorless cameras for wedding. Some of them switched totally.
      Fuji cameras are the most popular among wedding photographers because the mix of quality and portability works really well. Also the kind of colour rendering the X-trans sensor has suits those weddings and portraits looks.
      Also the E-M1 from olympus, the Gh4 from Panasonic or the Sony A7s work well.
      In september I did a wedding with a mix of cameras: A7s, E-M1, E-M10 and X-T1 plus a GH3 in a photo corner where people could take selfies with a remote. It worked like a charm.

    • Warren on August 4, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      Hey Jack, we are currently on a train on our way to Tuscany, Italy to shoot a wedding this weekend with a Fuji XE2 and XT1. They are both excellent cameras for weddings but the big factor in all this for weddings are the lenses. Fuji glass is pretty bloody good and when you are in a dark reception or church with a F1.2 56mm or f1.4 23mm fitted we have found the image quality is great. We have shot about 12-15 weddings using purely Fuji and have no complaints so far. Back Sunday then off to Toronto Canada for another Fuji wedding ???? Can’t wait for the XT2 though!

      • Tim Whiting on February 9, 2017 at 3:31 am

        Really interesting to hear your views on mirrorless weddings Warren. Thank you.

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Mark Condon is a professional photographer with 7+ years of experience with mirrorless cameras. He currently shoots with a Sony a7III and a7IV. For personal photography, he prefers the Leica Q2 and Fujifilm X100V.

Usnea Lebendig has over 10 years of mirrorless experience, starting with an Olympus Micro 4/3, then moving on to a Sony a7III full frame.


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