The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024
The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024
There are numerous new models to consider in a market that’s on the upswing.
After years of decline due to smartphones, it looks like the camera market is on the upswing — with Canon, for one, seeing solid growth in 2023. And as with 2022, we saw numerous new models arrive last year from Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon and Panasonic, featuring faster speeds, better focus, improved video and more. Most of those cost more than $1,000 and many are over $2,000 — it’s a profitable market coveted by manufacturers.
If you’re looking to buy one for YouTube creation, travel videos, sports, family photos and more, but aren’t sure which one to get, we’re here to help. In this guide, you’ll learn about all the latest models and most importantly, which camera can do what you want it to do.
Why a mirrorless camera over my smartphone?
To learn more about mirrorless tech and why it’s taken over the camera world, check out our previous camera guide for an explanation, or watch our Upscaled video on the subject for an even deeper dive.
The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 Why get a camera when my smartphone takes great photos, you may ask? In a word, physics. The larger sensors in mirrorless cameras let more light in, and you have a wide choice of lenses with far superior optics. Where smartphones have one f/stop, cameras have many, which gives you more exposure control. You also get natural and not AI-generated bokeh, quicker shooting, a physical shutter, more professional video results, and so on. Smartphones do have impressive AI skills that help make photography easier, but that’s about it.
Today, mirrorless is the best way to go if you’re shopping for a new camera. Both Canon and Nikon recently announced they’re discontinuing development of new DSLRs, simply because most of the advantages of that category are gone, as I detailed in a recent video. With all their R&D now in mirrorless, that’s where you’ll find the most up-to-date tech.
Compact cameras still exist as a category, but barely. Panasonic has built a number of good models in the past, but recently said it would focus only on video-centric mirrorless models going forward. And we haven’t seen any new ones from Canon or Nikon lately, either. The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 Only Sony and Fujifilm are still carrying the compact torch, the latter with its $1,400 X100V model, which has become famously hard to find. Most of Sony’s recently compact models, like the ZV-1F, are designed for vloggers.
What to look for in a mirrorless camera
Sensor size
Now, let’s talk about features you need in a mirrorless camera. The one that affects your photography (and budget) the most is sensor size. The largest is medium format, but that’s only used on niche and expensive cameras from Hasselblad, Fujifilm and Leica, so we’ll skip over those for this guide. (See my Fujifilm GFX 100S and Hasselblad X2D reviews for more.)
The most expensive category we’ll be discussing here is full-frame, largely used by pros and serious amateurs. Models are available from all the major brands except Fujifilm, including Sony, Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. That format offers the best image quality, low light capability and depth of field, with prices starting around $1,000. With the right lenses, you can get beautifully blurred backgrounds, but autofocus is more critical. Lenses are also more expensive.
Down one size are APS-C cameras, offered on Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon and Canon models. Cameras and lenses are cheaper than full-frame, but you still get nice blurred “bokeh,” decent low-light shooting capability and relatively high resolution. With a sensor size equivalent to 35mm movie film, it’s ideal for shooting video.
Micro Four Thirds, used by Panasonic and Olympus, is the smallest mainstream sensor size for mirrorless cameras. It offers less dramatic bokeh and light-gathering capability than APS-C, but allows for smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. For video, it’s harder to blur the background to isolate your subject, but focus is easier to control.
Sensor resolution
The next thing to consider is sensor resolution. High-res cameras like Sony’s 61-megapixel full-frame A7R V or Fujifilm’s 40-megapixel APS-C X-H2 deliver detailed images – but the small pixels mean they’re not ideal for video or low-light shooting. Lower-resolution models like Panasonic’s 10.3-megapixel GH5s or Sony’s 12.1-megapixel A7S III excel at video and high-ISO shooting, but lack detail for photos.
Image quality
Image quality is subjective, but different cameras do produce slightly different results. Some photographers prefer the skin tones from Canon while others like Fujifilm’s colors. It’s best to check sample photos to see which model best suits your style.
Handling
What about handling? The Fujifilm X-T5 has lots of manual dials to access shooting controls, while Sony’s A6600 relies more on menus. The choice often depends on personal preferences, but manual dials and buttons can help you find settings more easily and shoot quicker. For heavy lenses, you need a camera with a big grip.
Video quality
Video is more important than ever. Most cameras deliver at least 4K at 30 frames per second, but some models now offer 4K at up to 120p, with 6K and even 8K resolution. If you need professional-looking results, choose a camera with 10-bit or even RAW capability, along with log profiles to maximize dynamic range.
Stabilization
In-body stabilization, which keeps the camera steady even if you move, is another important option for video and low-light photography. You’ll also want to consider the electronic viewfinder (EVF) specs. High resolutions and refresh rates make judging shots easier, particularly in sunny environments.
General design and extra features
Other important features include displays that flip up or around for vlogging or selfie shots, along with things like battery life, the number and type of memory card slots, the ports and wireless connectivity. Lens selection is also key, as some brands like Sony have more choice than others. For most of our picks, keep in mind that you’ll need to buy at least one lens.
The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 Now, let’s take a look at our top camera picks for 2024. We’ve divided the selection into four budget categories: under $800, under $1,500, under $2,500 and over $2,500. We chose those price categories because many recent cameras slot neatly into them. Manufacturers have largely abandoned the low end of the market, so there are very few mirrorless models under $500.
Best mirrorless cameras under $800
My top pick in the budget category remains Canon’s $680 24.2-megapixel R50, an impressive model considering the price. It can shoot bursts at up to 15 fps in electronic shutter mode and it offers 4K 10-bit at up to 30p with super sampling and no crop.
The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 It has a fully articulating display, and unlike other cameras in this category, an electronic viewfinder. The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 It uses Canon’s Dual Pixel AF with subject recognition mode, and even has a popup flash. The only drawback is the lack of decent quality lens that’s as affordable as the camera itself.
Your next best option is an older model, the 20.7-megapixel Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, as it offers the best mix of photography and video features. You get up to 15 fps shooting speeds, 4K 30p or HD 120p video, and it’s one of the few cameras in this price category with built-in five-axis stabilization.
It’s portable and lightweight for travel, and the lenses are compact and affordable. The drawbacks are an autofocus system that’s not as fast or accurate as the competition, and a small sensor size.
If you’re a creator, Sony’s 24.2-megapixel ZV-E10 is a strong budget option. It can shoot sharp, downsampled 4K video at up to 30 fps with a 1.23x crop (or 1080p at 120 fps) and uses Sony’s fantastic AI-powered autofocus system with face and eye detection.
It also has a few creator-specific features like Product Showcase and a bokeh switch that makes the background as blurry as possible so your subject stands out. Another nice feature is the high-quality microphone that lets you vlog without needing an external mic. The main drawbacks are the lack of an EVF and rolling shutter.
Honorable mention goes to Canon’s 45 megapixel EOS R5. For a lot less money, it nearly keeps pace with the A1, thanks to the 20 fps shooting speeds and lightning fast autofocus. The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 It also offers 8K and 4K 120p video, while besting Sony with internal RAW recording.
The big drawback is overheating, as you can’t shoot 8K longer than 20 minutes and it takes a while before it cools down enough so that you can start shooting again. The Best mirrorless cameras for 2024 Another solid option is Panasonic’s S1H, a Netflix-approved mirrorless camera that can handle 6K video and RAW shooting.
If you need more resolution and want the best build quality possible, Nikon’s 45.7-megapixel Z9 has similar features to the Z8 but is built more solidly and is a better studio camera.
You’re now caught up, new models have been arriving thick and fast, including Canon’s long-rumored flagship R1. We’ll have full coverage of those when they arrive, so stay glued to techuplifting.com for the latest updates.
