Updated: September 22, 2023
The popularity of Mirrorless camera is in full-swing. So what are those features that make the full frame mirrorless camera so attractive for professional photographers, we need to understand that in detail before we proceed to some of the best mirrorless camera models.
Mirrorless cameras have very impressive large sized sensors that are packed nicely into the compact bodies. They offer some stunning image quality that is far more superior to the point and shoot cameras, but don’t have the bulkiness of the DSLR. The other big advantage of the full frame mirrorless camera is that you can buy interchangeable lenses at focal length or a zoom range of your preference. As the preference for lenses increases, it is sensible to buy a mirrorless camera.
So with so many advantages, isn’t it feasible to invest in a good mirrorless camera? Following are some of the best mirrorless camera models review of 2018. The cheapest among them comes under $500 with the lens kit and the mid range includes models with advanced features like electronic viewfinder, and weather sealing. The high end cameras are designed to suit professional requirements.
Best mirrorless camera
1.Sony Alpha a7R III
Specifications
Megapixels: 42.4
Sensor size: 864sq.mm
Weight: 23.2 oz
Pros
Lot of improvements over the previous model a7R II, which is already impressive
Cons
Too costly
Lenses: 10 Sony FE (full frame) lenses
The Sony a7R Mark III mirrorless camera review is the latest high-resolution full frame mirrorless camera from the stables of Sony and as always, it is just superb. As compared to the older model a7R II, the 42.4 mega pixels of resolution are the same, but the new a7R III boasts of superior quality auto focus and image stabilization, touch functionality on the LCD and a faster burst rate at 10 fps, which is 5 fps more than the previous model. Moreover, Sony has introduced a newer battery type (NP-FZ100), which improves the battery life by double. Considering all the features in the a7R Mark III, it is a deserving candidate for the best and most favored mirrorless camera in the market. The image quality is sharp and so full of colors that you will want to take it out more often on outdoors.
Even thought this mirrorless camera is one of the best, it still has a few drawbacks and these include its high cost, making it suitable only for professionals and amateurs who have deep pockets.
2: Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Specifications
Megapixels: 10.2 MP
Sensor Size: MOS Sensor, 17.3 x 13mm
Weight: 660 g with battery and memory card
Pros
Good low light performance
Good professional build quality
Cons
Costly
The new Panasonic Lumix GH5s is an upgrade model of the Panasonic’s mirrorless micro four thirds GH- series camera. It has the newly developed 10.2 mega pixel sensor with dual ISO. The next big highlight of this mirrorless camera is its ability to shoot in cinema 4K resolution. This camera comes preloaded with HDR Hybrid Log Gamma and Panasonic’s V-log L along with the various professional grade exposure tools. It can capture 14-bit RAW images with 0.07 second focus speeds, 12fps burst shooting and 8 fps continuous auto focus. The display at the back is 3.2 inch. With an increase in demand for high-resolution videos, the Panasonic Lumix GH5s delivers richer and crisper videos even under low light conditions. The robust design of the GH5s caters to the demands of professional photographers.
3: Sony Alpha a6500
Specification
Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: 366 sq.mm
Weight: 16 oz
Pros
Compact and feature rich
Cons
E-mount lens options
Just when there was a small lull in the development of new cameras from Sony, at the end of last year they came forward with the a6500 just a few months after launching the a6300. Both these models are mid-range mirrorless cameras that offer 4K videos, advanced Autofocus and sturdy weather proof bodies that make it just suitable for outdoor shooting. The a6500 has a few additional features like the in-body image stabilization and touchscreen functionality for the rear LCD, which improves the image quality and user experience. With just a few dollars increase in price over the a6300, both these models are excellent.
As with most full-frame cameras, some users have experienced overheating while shooting 4k videos on the a6500 for an extended period of time. Leaving aside a few issues, the a6500 is a versatile mirrorless camera and is one of the most preferred cameras for outdoor photography by professional photographers.
4: Fujifilm X-T2
Specification
Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor size: 368sq.mm
Weight: 17.9 oz
Pros
A drastic improvement from the X-T1, which is a great performer
Cons
4k feature is good to have, but serious photographers will still prefer the Sony and Panasonic models
The mirrorless cameras from Fujifilm are just good and we all love them. They provide some nice true colors and offer image quality that is superb and best suited for travel photography. The X-T2 is the second generation mirrorless camera and is a major improvement from the X-T1, by offering more mega pixels, 4k video recording and the best auto focus systems from Fujifilm to date. The X-T2 comes with high quality Fujinon lenses that will make sure serious photographers will be happy, especially for those who love the classic look and feel of this full-frame mirrorless camera. The X-T2 is more practical mid-range camera offering great image quality and a sturdy build.
5: Sony Alpha a6000
Specification
Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor Size: 366sq.mm
Weight: 12.2oz
Pros
Value for money
Fastest Autofocus6 with 179AF points and 11Fps
Cons
Not weather resistant
No 4k video
The Sony a6000 was the original successor to the NEX series, but is still a great value for money full-frame camera costing only $650 with the kit lenses, which is a nice deal. At this price point you get a camera with 24.3 mega pixel APS-C image sensor, fast shooting at 11fps, 1080p video and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. With just 12 ounce weight and a great price tag, the a6000 is a good deal you would not want to miss.
Yes, there are a few drawbacks, like lack of 4K video, in-body image stabilization and water resistance. The lens kit provided is basic and to get improved images you may have to add-in extra lenses for better zoom. The Sony a6000 is a high quality mirrorless full-frame camera that is budget friendly and does the job well.
6: Sony Alpha a7 III
Specification
Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: 864sq.mm
Weight: 22.9 oz
Pros
Affordable camera compared to the Sony a7R III
Cons
Need for quality lenses
The Sony a7 III is set to be available in the market by the spring of 2018 and there are a lot of features that will make you fall in love with it. It has all the important features of the costlier a7R III, including the advanced auto-focus system, fast burst rate of 10 fps, 4k video functionality and more than double battery life of the older model a7 II. With this price tag, the a7 III is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of Sony’s full-frame lineup without compromising on the performance.
Though there are a few shortcomings, mostly the camera has a 24.2 mega pixel sensor, which is a huge drop from the a7R III at 42.4 mega pixels. But, this is not a big issue here, as most people won’t be using that much. 24.2 mega pixels are more than enough to capture outstanding images and videos. With the price range at which this camera is available, the a7 III has some very good feature set overall.
7: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Specification
Megapixels: 20.3
Sensor Size: 226sq.mm
Weight: 20.3 oz
Pros
Packed with features and functionality
Cons
Too expensive if you don’t shoot action
For people who love the micro four thirds systems and have deep pockets to spend, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is quite an impressive mirrorless camera that shows how far the technology has come. This model has almost all the features and functionalities that are required for an enthusiast like in-body image stabilization, fast burst rates for good action photography, 4K video and a weather sealed magnesium alloy body that is designed to perform well in outdoor conditions. This all-rounder is great for any kind of photography from street and travel photos to landscapes.
The one main issue with the OM- D E -M1 Mark II is its high cost. It is too costly and is more expensive than popular full-frame DSLRs like the Nikon D750 or the Canon 6D and is similar to the impressive Nikon D500, which is also an action specialist. To match the performance and quality of its competitors, you will have to invest in the Olympus Pro lenses.
8: Fujifilm X-H1
Specification
Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor Size: 368sq.mm
Weight: 23.7 oz
Pros
Feature rich camera with in-body image stabilization
Cons
This one costs just a $100 less than the full-frame Sony a7III
Fujifilm has many models lined-up in the mirrorless category of cameras and they are all quite an interesting fare. They have cameras for each segment category, but have largely ignored the full-frame at least. Launched in 2018, the new X-H1 is Fujifilm’s premier sensor camera, which is an alternative to the X-T2. The X-H1 has a lot of new features like in-body image stabilization, superior video, improved auto focus and touchscreen on the LCD. Even though it may be slightly pricey, there is a significant improvement in features.
If you are interested in Fujifilm and want a camera to start off, then you must go for the X-H1 since it is better and technologically advanced than the X-T2. The X-H1 is a good choice for any Fujifilm loyalists since the lenses are cheaper and smaller if compared to the a7III.
9: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Specification
Megapixels: 16.1
Sensor Size: 228sq.mm
Weight: 14.5oz
Pros
4K video and good user experience compared to the older E-M10 Mark II
Cons
A bit costly for a 2mp camera
Olympus is well-known for mirrorless interchangeable lens camera for years, but consumers have felt the squeeze when considering high-end models like the E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark II above.
The new OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an affordable camera that offers crisp image and video quality, which is a hallmark of Olympus for around $700 along with lenses. The Mark III has one new feature; 4k video, high quality image stabilization, more auto focus points and easy to use menu system and user experience.
If you compare the Mark II with the Mark III, the older model is cheaper with the same kit lenses, unless you are frequently shooting videos none of the upgrades in the newer model is of any great use. But, the changes are ground breaking. The Mark II still remains an excellent entry level mirrorless camera for enthusiasts.
10: Fujifilm X-T20
Specification
Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor Size: 368sq.mm
Weight: 13.5oz
Pros
It has the same sensor and processor as the X-T2, but $600 less
Cons
No weather sealing
Fujifilm’s two flagship mirrorless cameras are represented above in the X-T2 and X-H1, but the cheaper X-T20 is still amazing. The X-T20 is a simple to use version of the X-T2, without some features like weather sealing, an auto focus joystick and an advanced LCD screen. Image quality is similar, since both the cameras have the same 24.3 mega pixel sensors and processors. The X-T20 is light weight and less expensive. If you want to enjoy the high quality image and colorful video under $1,000 price point, the X-T20 is the best.
The X-T20 lacks in some functionalities, like it is not weather proof and the video quality of Fujifilm is still inferior compared to other brands like Panasonic and Sony, though this has improved in the last few years. People who are mostly into still photography and want premium quality images; the X-T20 is still the best mirrorless camera.
11: Sony Alpha a9
Specification
Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: 864sq.mm
Weight: 23.7oz
Pros
Fast shooting at 20fps
Cons
Good only for serious action photographers
Mirrorless camera have provided some stiff competition in terms of resolution and video quality, but if you look at speed, this is still dominated by the DSLRs. Professional action and sports photographers always carried the fast full-frame DSLRs and there was no stiff competition in the mirrorless world. Sony has been pioneers in innovating and the Alpha a9 is the fastest interchangeable lens camera in the market, mirrorless or not. It shoots at 20 fps, which makes its competitors run for cover. Moreover, you get an ultra-advanced 693-point phase detection Autofocus system, built-in image stabilization, 4k video and almost all the features that make Sony
popular in the mirrorless market.
It is the high cost and practicality that is keeping the Sony Alpha a9 from going higher up the ranking. If you compare this model with the a7R III which has 42.4 mega pixels, the a9 looks pale. But, amateurs can expect great results and still remains the niche model that appeals all kinds of photographers. So if you are not keen on action photography, then the a9 is a good deal.
12: Panasonic Lumix G8 5
Specification
Megapixels: 16
Sensor Size: 224sq.mm
Weight: 14.6 oz
Pros
4K video and high fun factor
Cons
Low resolution compared to other models in the list
The Panasonic G8 5 lies in-between, it is not a true mirrorless camera, but you can say it to be an entry level camera. If you compare it with the premium point and shoots that are similar in cost, then the G8 5 is minor entrant. If you want to take quality images and videos and are not bothered about the other functionalities of a mirrorless camera, then go for the Panasonic G8 5.
Panasonic takes good videos, so the G8 5 is apt at taking good 4K videos. You also get a 16mp Micro Four Thirds sensor for fast and continuous shooting and good auto-focus for the price. You also get weather sealing and built-in image stabilization. If you are looking for a camera under $ 1000, then the G8 5 is the best one to go.
13: Fujifilm GFX 50S
Specification
Megapixels: 51.4
Sensor Size: 1,441sq.mm
Weight: 29.1 oz
Pros
Highest resolution in this list
Cons
Too much features
Fujifilm has not made a complete entry into the full-frame mirrorless camera to compete with the other giants and their models. Fujifilm skipped the full-frame altogether and jumped straight into the medium format. Instead of an already large 36 x 24 mm full-frame sensor, Fujifilm’s medium format camera is massive at 43.8 x 32.9 mm. This medium format has all the qualities of a full-frame camera and does the job very well.
The whole concept of Fujifilm GFX50s is great, but thinking of practicality this may not be a great choice, because how much resolution does one need. Compared to other brands, the Fujifilm GFX 50s is not that great. The lens option is few and there is no clear road map on the availability of lenses. Fujifilm as of now offers 5 G-mount lenses and the price of the camera is also very high without the lenses. If you add the cost of lenses, the overall cost of the camera will be sky rocketing. The GFX50s is a great camera and the images taken from Fujifilm is high quality, but the product doesn’t seem realistic.
14: Canon EOS M5
Specification
Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: 332sq.mm
Weight: 15.1 oz
Pros
Use your DSLR lenses with an adapter
Cons
Nothing great to say
There are great expectations from Canon in the mirrorless camera market, but the M5 is just a ripple. It has a nice 24.2 mega pixel APS-C image sensor, tilting touchscreen around the back, a crisp electronic viewfinder and a reasonably fast continuous shooting at 9fps. This is a mid range mirrorless camera that is pitted against some stalwarts. This one lacks features like 4K video and weather sealing that is almost common in all cameras nowadays. Compared to the competitors like Sony, the M5 doesn’t stand a chance.
The one important feature in this camera is that the M5 lenses are compatible with an adapter. It is always nice to have a mirrorless camera and if you own the canon lenses and want an upgrade, then go for the M5, which is decent option.
15: Panasonic Lumix G7
Specification
Megapixels: 16
Sensor Size: 224sq.mm
Weight: 14.6 oz
Pros
4k video and an EVF at a reasonable rate
Cons
Fewer mega pixels compared to the new entrants
Fans of Panasonic, videographers and photographers will have to spend less to buy a mirrorless camera. The G7 released a few years ago and comes at a reasonable price along with the lenses. You have the same mega pixels like the G8 5, along with 4k video and an electronic viewfinder. Despite the drop in resolution, Panasonic has got some features and functionalities right and this includes great video quality.
The G7 doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, which is a necessity. The camera also lacks weather sealing and shoots at 7fps vs 9fps on the G8 5. The G7 is the best among the entry level cameras that are currently available. If you are looking for a Micro Four Thirds camera on a budget, the G7 is a good choice.
16: Canon EOS M100
Specification
Megapixels: 24.2
Sensor Size: 332sq.mm
Weight: 10.7 oz
Pros
Great image quality and feature set at a reasonable cost
Cons
It is quite new and has limited features
The M series from Canon is pretty nice with interchangeable lens camera, even though it is relatively new to the market. Costing around $ 550 with a 15-45mm lens, the M100 is a nice upgrade over the M10. You get 24.2 mega pixels resolution, good auto-focus, fast shooting at 6.1 fps and Bluetooth connectivity. Even though it is light weight, the Canon M100 packs in high image
quality and functionality.
The M100 doesn’t come with a viewfinder, which means you will have to lineup your videos and photos via the rear LCD. Though there are a few third party lenses available, you won’t find professional quality ones like the Fujifilm. If you still need a mirrorless and a Canon, then you should go for the M100.
17: Sony Alpha a5100
Specification
Megapixels: 24.3
Sensor Size: 357sq.mm
Weight: 10 oz
Pros
Compact and inexpensive
Cons
Fewer features compared to the other Sony Alpha models
You must have noticed how Sony has dominated the mirrorless camera market and this is the fourth model that has featured in this list. The a51000 is the cheapest entry level mirrorless camera. Despite not equipped with an electronic viewfinder, weather sealing or a fast burst rate the image quality is great for this camera. For the price it offers a camera with lens, a decent resolution and a compact camera body.
Competitor for the a51000 is the Sony a6000. The later is old now and cost more with the same 16-50mm lens kit.
18: Nikon 1 J5
Specification
Megapixels: 20.8
Sensor Size: 116sq.mm
Weight: 9.4 oz
Pros
Fast shooting and good styling
Cons
Small image sensor
Nikon has a mixed fortune in the mirrorless camera space. Their cameras have small sensors compared to the competitors, but have most of the features and functionalities. The Nikon 1 J5 is the best from their stable with more megapixels than the predecessors at 20.8. It has better ergonomics, improved grip and a fast EXPEED 5A processor from Nikon. The 1 J5 does not have optical low pass filter like the many DSLRs from Nikon, which gives sharper images and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC.
Considering all the above things, few improvements are needed on the 1 J5. The classic styling looks better and should be easier to carry around. The main drawback of the 1 J5 is the small CX sensor. But, if you are willing to sacrifice the sensor size for the features and speed, then the Nikon 1 J5 is a good choice.
Photo Credit : bhphotovideo
