10 Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners

I have always been interested in photography, but what scared me most, was the cost of all those expensive DSLR cameras.

DSLRs take great pictures, we all know that. But they also take a lot of money out of your wallet. And the lenses (bought separately) even add to the cost.

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Plus, they come with so many manual settings that terrifies me to even try them out.

What if I can’t take as good pictures with such an expensive camera?

Then a friend recommended me one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners. These literally changed my photography life. Not only was I able to take as good pictures as I probably would have a DSLR, but I did it at half the price and size!

It is called mirrorless since it does not have a mirror in the optical path. Mirrorless cameras are interchangeable lens cameras that don’t have the mirror and optical viewfinder that define a DSLR.

In most other respects both are extremely similar.

Most mirrorless cameras are built around the same sized sensors as DSLRs, increasingly have similar lenses, and can offer the same image quality.

But the mirror mechanism of a DSLR is complex and noisy and adds to the weight of the camera. That’s where the mirrorless camera with a compact system camera comes in.

They keep the big sensors and interchangeable lenses of DSLR cameras but ditch the mirror to produce a smaller, lighter and simpler camera.

Which is why I have ranked the 10 best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now based on specs, handling and performance, size, simplicity and value for money.

Start your photography journey ASAP!

10 Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners in 2019

10 Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners Review in 2019

1. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera – Perfect for beginners

The black Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a versatile and advanced camera. With tons of amazing features, this camera is the number one best-seller on Amazon.

It features a 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor to produce high-resolution still images and full HD movies.

With a marked low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 25600, the Sony Alpha is beyond notable imaging traits.

The image processor can handle continuous shooting up to 11 fps and the intelligent Fast Hybrid AF system uses both phase and contrast-detection methods to quickly and accurately acquire focus.

The 3.0 inch 921k-dot Xtra Fine LCD screen features a tilting design to facilitate easier use from both high and low angles and also incorporates WhiteMagic technology for easier viewing in bright conditions.

The 0.39 inch 1,440k-dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF offers 100 percent frame coverage and a refined optical design to provide a natural viewing perspective and magnification.

The body design of the a6000 also houses a configurable user interface, built around several customisable buttons and two control dials, for efficient and intuitive access to frequently used camera settings.

For live view monitoring, image playback, and menu navigation, both a large rear monitor and detailed electronic viewfinder are available.

Additionally, a Multi Interface shoe is available for attaching external flashes, continuous lights, or microphones.

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2. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm and 55-210mm Power Zoom Lenses

Test the limits of your creativity with the advanced Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with a 16-50mm and 55-210mm power zoom lenses.Weighing only 3.2 lbs you can now take amazing quality pictures in half the size and weight of conventional DSLRs.

The lens bundle is focused on speed and clarity. With the built-in OLED viewfinder, the easy and intuitive controls help you shoot like a pro. Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video with the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera.

The world’s fastest autofocus at 0.06 seconds and 179 AF points, you can now shoot 11 frames per second so you never miss any of the action. Every artistic shot you take-from candid’s to fast-action-benefits from 24.3MP detail with the world’s fastest autofocus.

Capture life in high resolution and in low light with the 24MP APS-C sensor and two lenses provide the tools you’ll need to start shooting immediately. For capturing crucial moments that go by in a blink, the a6000 can shoot 11 frames per second.

It’s convenient features and intuitive controls like the convenient OLED viewfinder and the compact size will help you become a great photographer while being easy to use too

You can instantly share the photos via smartphone with the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC.

Also, the purchase package includes an AC adaptor (AC-UB10), Eyepiece cup, Lens cap, Lens hood, Lens rear cap, Micro USB cable, Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FW50), SEL55210, SELP1650, and a shoulder strap.

Features I like:

3. Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

In its compact, lightweight and robust body, the Fujifilm X-T2 delivers everything you need.

The Fujifilm X-T2 features a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor for outstanding image quality. It’s highly random pixel array effectively reduces moiré and false colours without the use of an optical low-pass filter.

The sensor readout speed is now approximately twice as fast, delivering high-speed continuous shooting, precise AF tracking, playback and higher quality movies.

The X-Processor Pro image processing engine is approximately four times faster than the previous model. The increased built-in memory and enhanced computational power bring out the maximum capabilities of the X-Trans CMOS III sensor

It produces high-quality images and improves response times for shorter delays between shots, reduced shutter-release time lag and greater AF precision.

The Fujifilm X-T2 features a new CPU for high-speed processing. The Buffer memory has also been increased for an even faster response.

Incorporating knowledge developed from over 80 years of photographic film manufacturing, the Fujifilm X-T2’s Film Simulation modes allow you to enjoy different colour tones and rich gradations as if actually swapping films.

The focus area can be changed in eight directions using the Fujifilm X-T2’s Focus Lever: up/down, right/left and diagonally. This allows users to make quick changes to the focus area for accurate focusing on composing an image. This feature is useful not only to shift the AF points during autofocusing but also to quickly choose the area to be enlarged in MF Assist mode during manual focusing.

The Fujifilm X-T2 is equipped with larger high-speed and high precision phase detection and AF area which excels in low light conditions have also received a performance boost, with the ability to accurately focus in light levels as low as -3EV.

It also comes with a speed tracking sensitivity that tracks characteristics based on changes in the subject’s speed. And a zone area switching that allows you to specify which part of the selected focusing zone should be given focusing priority.

The high-resolution real-time viewfinder with 0.77x magnification eliminates false colours, and boasts performance comparable to an optical viewfinder, but with the added advantage of displaying a live view that reflects exposure settings.

And to add to it, the film stimulation on video recording allows you to enjoy extra creativity without the need for lengthy post-production. The Fujifilm X-T2 captures approx. 1.8x the required number of pixels for 4K video and 2.4x the required data for full HD video to deliver superior video quality free from moiré.

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4. Fujifilm X-Pro2 Body Professional Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 takes X-Series camera performance to new heights. the camera body is made from magnesium and features a dust-proof, splash-proof and freezeproof structure, along with a highly durable focal plane shutter

The newly-developed 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor boasts the highest ever pixel count for an X-Series camera.

Thanks to the newly-developed X-Processor Pro engine, processing speeds are now approximately four times faster than a conventional model.

Combining the advantages of both an OVF and an EVF, Fujifilm has perfected the Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder with three viewing options.

The EVF is simultaneously displayed as a small window in the optical viewfinder. It can be displayed in three different ways

The optical design of the viewfinder has been improved, moving the eye point from 14mm on the previous model to 16mm.

The shutter speed and ISO dials have now been combined into one dial, which is reminiscent of those found on old film cameras. Changing the ISO is done by lifting the outer portion of the dial.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 features the new ACROS Film Simulation mode. Using the knowledge gained from accurately reproducing colour in film manufacturing, Film Simulation allows the user to change colour and tone settings to match the subject, scene and creative intent, just as if shooting with a roll of film.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 has the ability to reproduce graininess typically unique to film-based images.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is the first mirrorless camera to offer dual SD card slots for highly reliable data storage.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 comes equipped with a focal plane shutter boasting a durability of 150,000 shots, a maximum speed of 1/8000 sec and a flash sync speed of 1/250sec.

With the new dedicated ‘Fujifilm Camera Remote’ application, you can focus and trigger the camera release from your smartphone or tablet. The app not only lets you adjust focus, but also control settings like shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity.

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5. Panasonic LUMIX GX85 Body 4K Mirrorless Camera – Perfect for travelling

Anyone looking for a lighter, newer more intelligent alternative to bulky DSLRs, the Panasonic LUMIX Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds System Camera delivers an impressive, no-compromise performance.

The GX80 is a strong proposition that offers the ability to shoot 8MP images at 30 frames per second and comes equipped with touch-control.

Nearly half the size of most DSLRs, the DMC-GX85 delivers impressive large sensor performance in the most compact camera system ever designed by Panasonic LUMIX.

It has an impressive 2,764,000-dot resolution and its rear LCD share the same 3-inch high-resolution 1,040,000-dot touchscreen technology. It’s tilting rather than fully articulated.

It includes the Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus technology and operates when Panasonic’s own lenses are used. And the third-party lenses the GX80 uses contrast-detect autofocus.

The GX80 includes Panasonic’s new Post Focus technology. This enables you to shoot a series of still images, with the camera automatically varying the focal point between the frames. You can choose the image with the desired focus point by touching that point on the rear screen.

It includes the increasingly popular 4K video and photo modes. This means you can film in 4K quality at 30 frames per second, and also extract the best still image from within this sequence as an 8MP file.

Improved dual Image stabilization system is top of its class that works for both video and stills. It works across five axes that allows you to achieve a greater degree of stabilisation. The sensor and lens working in harmony to provide maximum shake correction.

The complementary LUMIX 2-axis lens O.I.S. and a new 5-axis in-body are available in both photo or video recording modes.

You will enjoy the quick-access thumbwheel controls and integrated 2764 k-dot eye-level electronic viewfinder in this camera. Plus, it also features a tilting LCD display for greater flexibility in difficult shooting angles.

You will also love the Wi-Fi mobile control and next-generation flexibility that 4K Video, 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus modes bring to the creative experience.

The sensitivity ranges from ISO 200 to 25,600 with auto and intelligent ISO, enabling you to set an upper limit of ISO400 to 25,600

Wi-Fi functionality is included and enables remote operation, playback and image transfer through your smartphone/tablet, using Panasonic’s image app.

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6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III might not be a massive leap forward over the Mark II but it’s more refined features has made it to the list.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark III has a burst shooting of 8.6fps. Buffer performance is pretty good too, at 22 frames for raw files, while the camera will keep shooting JPEGs until the card is full.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 comes equipped with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens.And the camera retains a 2,360,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, along with a 3.0-inch 1,037,000-dot LCD touchscreen on the back.

The five-axis image stabilization system performs very well. With the shutter speed of 1/8 seconds, you will now be able to get sharp images. If you must brace the camera properly, it’s possible to shoot at even slower speeds for good results.

The iAuto mode delivers sharper images in all scenarios.

The Advanced Photo (AP) mode, allowing photographers to fine-tune images, as well as use the likes of Live Composite and Multiple Exposure without the need to dive into the camera’s main menu.

The package includes an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body USA Warranty – V207070BU000, an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens and an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R Lens all of which are covered by a USA warranty.

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7. Sony ILCE 9/B Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera ILCE 9/B

Weighing only 673g, the Sony ILCE 9/B Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera has a magnesium alloy construction and is built to be weather resistant.

It comes equipped with a full-frame stacked CMOS sensor of 24.2MP. The 3,686K-dot viewfinder has a 120fps refresh rate and the 3.0 inch tilt-angle touchscreen makes it super easy to use. Perfect for beginners.

The stacked design allows for the integrated DRAM memory modules and a high-speed processing circuit. The stacked sensor design also means the Alpha A9 and can perform an impressive 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second

This design has allowed Sony to push the data through the sensor, resulting in a sensor that reads data 20 times faster. This enables the Alpha A9 to shoot at a blistering 20fps for 241 raw files or 362 JPEG images. The BIONZ X image processing engine is all lined up behind the image sensor.

The Sony Alpha A9 is equipped with an innovative 5-axis image stabilization system that provides a shutter speed advantage of five stops.

The Alpha A9 features a broad native ISO range of 100-51,200. This can be expanded to 50-204,800. This will allow you to shoot even at low light conditions. And the D5 offers an extra four stops on the A9, with an expanded ISO ceiling equivalent to 3,280,000.

The electronic shutter promises to be both vibration-free and completely silent and with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000 sec, you won’t face any horrible viewfinder blackout even at 20fps.

Additionally, the Alpha A9 can record Full HD at 120fps at up to 100Mbps, which allows footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow-motion video files in Full HD resolution.

The package includes a Sony ILCE 9/B Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera, 2- Sony 128GB UHS-I SDXC Memory Cards, a Micro HDMI Cable, a Carrying Case, a Memory Card Wallet, an SD USB Card Reader, a Hand Strap for a DSLR Camera and an LED Video Light with a bracket.

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8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

The black Lumix DMC-GX85 from Panasonic features a compact build and intuitive layout, along with a feature-set to suit a multimedia lifestyle. With a 6MP Live MOS Sensor and a Micro Four Thirds System that forges a low pass filter.

An all-around Micro Four Thirds camera designed for photographers and videographers, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is equipped with a 2.76m-Dot 0.7x Electronic Viewfinder and a 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD.

The camera utilizes a 16MP Live MOS sensor, which lacks an optical low-pass filter for increased sharpness. The GX85 is capable of shooting continuously at up to 10 fps with single-shot autofocus. And the 6 fps allows a continuous autofocus, as well as up to 40 fps when using the electronic shutter function.

The UHD 4K video recording is also supported in 30 and 24fps frame rates, as well as Full HD 1080p, and the 4K recording abilities also permit shooting 8MP stills at a 30 fps rate

It also features a built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity

A sensitivity range up to ISO 25600 permits working in difficult and low-light settings while 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization also helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. It also features a 5-Axis Image Stabilization, a Dual I.S and a Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.

Spanning a broad range of features for both still and moving images, the GX85 is a versatile mirrorless camera further characterized by its sleek form factor and connected functionality.

The package includes a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera, a Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens, a Sandisk Extreme 32GB SDHC Memory Card, a Mini HDMI Cable, a Carrying Case and a Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.

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9. YI M1 4K 20 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera – Great for travelling

The YI M1 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera that offers a superb image quality. Equipped with a Sony IMX 269 image sensor, it supports 4k/30fps video recording, 20MP still images and raw photos.

Lightweight to be easily carried around, it is great for travel.

The YI M1 is compact and stylish. Elaborately designed, the sleek body features only two physical buttons and the 3″ LCD touchscreen allows for simple operations.

It features a seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity with a simple app interface. This offers you the power and features of a professional camera with the ease and connectivity of a smartphone.

This offers a stable connection so you can connect and instantly share your photos to your social media. Also, you can achieve full and fast sharing and have full control over your Phone. The Firmware upgrade can be easily operated via the mobile app.

YI M1 offers the ultimate image and video quality capturing 20 megapixel still images and stunning 4K video at 30 frames per second. The camera features the latest Sony IMX 269 Image Sensor, which supports ISO up to 25,600, as well as 20-megapixel images.

YI M1 also offers two lens options – include a 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 and 42.5mm F1.8. The camera also includes an MFT mount system which is compatible with more than 50 interchangeable lenses.

From beginners to professionals, photographers can capture and share stunning video and images. With special ‘Master Guide’ feature, users can access photography templates, composition guidelines and step-by-step instructions, to shoot like a professional.

The package includes a YI Digital Camera, a YI 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 Lens, a Micro USB Cable, a Power Adapter, Battery, a Neck Strap, a Lens Cap and an instruction manual.

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10. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

Built with a magnesium alloy body, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera comes equipped with a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor Venus Engine Image Processor.

The Lumix DC-GH5 Camera provides an outstanding imaging platform for shooters who demand some of the best video and still photography quality in a single compact camera.

At the heart of the camera are a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS sensor and a newly developed Venus Engine processor which both offer dramatically improved processing.

This enables you to record 4K video at up to 60 fps. The 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with select settings lets you take full HD video at up to 180 fps. And the 12 fps allows for continuous shooting and sensitivities up to ISO 25600.

Also, the camera features a built-in 5-axis sensor stabilization, which can work with certain lenses to activate the Dual I.S. 2 for highly effective shake correction that can compensate for up to 5 stops of shutter speed.

Other improvements include a speedier and more accurate Advanced DFD autofocus system that can lock on in just 0.05 seconds, as well as 6K PHOTO at 30 fps and 4K PHOTO at up to 60 fps.

Along with all these internal features, the body received some significant upgrades as well. For viewing and composing images both the 0.76x OLED viewfinder and 3.2″ free-angle touch screen has resolution bumps to 3.68m dots and 1.62 m dots, respectively.

This will make shooting more comfortable and more accurate.

The magnesium alloy body is now freezeproof to 14°F in addition to splash and dustproof. For fast image transfer and saving, there are now two UHS-II SD card slots. Additionally, for a completely wireless setup, it offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for advanced functionality when paired with a mobile app.

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Why choose Mirrorless Cameras?

Size

Mirrorless cameras no doubt function almost as well as any DSLRs. But the main advantage to owning one of these is that they are more compact and smaller.

These are interchangeable lens cameras that don’t have the mirror and optical viewfinder that define a DSLR. This considerably lessens the weight.

Thus offering high portability and makes it easy for you to take with anywhere you go.

Autofocus

DSLRs come with complex manual focal settings. I barely can get around all those tools even though I have been practising photography for over 10 years already.

What’s best about mirrorless cameras is that most of them come equipped with Autofocus (AF)

Not all mirrorless models offer hybrid AF though, so it’s worth doing a little research if you need a camera with good continuous autofocus.

Video

In mirrorless cameras, there isn’t a mirror blocking the sensor. This means that unlike a DSLR, you don’t have to completely change the way that the camera works in order to shoot video.

You can continue to use the same means of previewing and shooting when you switch from stills to video.

As a result, it’s mirrorless cameras that have led the charge towards offering a better video and the clever photographic tricks.

System

Because all mirrorless systems are less than eight years old, their systems aren’t as fully developed as legacy DSLR systems.

Most of the lens designs are relatively new and are well optimised for use on the latest high-resolution models.

But you may find that there are more modern, more interesting or more affordable lenses available for some mirrorless systems than are available for the big DSLR brands.

How to choose the Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners?

I know how difficult it can get to pick out a new camera. Whether this is your first camera, or you are replacing your old one, cameras aren’t something you can buy every year.

They are kind of a long-term investment. Which is why you must pick yours wisely.

You must keep in mind as to what you require a camera for.

If it is just to satisfy your hobby, you can opt for the cheaper ones, since they will give you pictures good enough for your collection and also to upload on social media.

But if you need it for professional reasons, the expensive cameras are pricey for a reason. They offer higher resolution and better picture quality that can be introspected for your photography.

So, be sure to check all the details that I have mentioned and pick out the camera that best suits your requirement.

The Best Pick

Like I mentioned before, your requirement must define your choice. Similarly, the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera meets all of mine which is why it is my favourite.

It is simple to use and allows a user-friendly operation. You won’t have to worry about all those complex settings with this camera.

Equipped with all the latest features, this camera is perfect for anyone who is new to photography as well.

Perfectly designed and durably built, the Sony Alpha a6000 is perfect for any place, any time.