Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginner Photographers

Canon EOS R100 is a basic model from Canon's mirrorless portfolio with RF-S mount. The camera is aimed at beginner photo and video enthusiasts.

The camera features an APS-C image sensor with a resolution of 24 MP. There is no matrix stabilization on board, and it is proposed to use stabilized optics instead. Such a lens Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is included in the standard equipment with a mirrorless camera. Its brightness is "dark," but overall the zoom will serve as a good solution for learning photography and videography basics.

The model uses a classic mechanical shutter with a rear curtain. With tracking autofocus, the camera develops a burst shooting speed of up to 3.5 fps; with single-frame focus, up to 6.5 fps. The mirrorless camera's video capabilities include recording Full HD from the entire sensor surface and 4K shooting at 25 fps with a small crop. There is no headphone audio output provided on the camera.

Perhaps one of Canon EOS R100's strongest points is the proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face and eye tracking in the frame. The creative potential is revealed by the pre-installed filters and Creative Assist assistant. The mirrorless camera is equipped with a fixed non-touch screen, a simple electronic viewfinder, one control ring on the top panel of the body. The model is assembled in a compact body measuring 116x86x69 mm and weighing about 350 g.

In the hierarchy of cropped sensor mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6400 model is positioned right in the middle between the previously released cameras A6300 and A6500. Externally, the camera is almost indistinguishable from its peers in the "six-thousand" league, but as they say, the devil is in the details.

Of the visible innovations, the main changes have affected the screen of the mirrorless camera. From now on, the display flips into a selfie position, and it has finally been given full-fledged touch control. Instead of the screen, the user is invited to bring their eye to the window of the electronic viewfinder, which has a resolution of 921 thousand pixels.

Inside, the model has acquired a well-proven APS-C format sensor with 24 MP without a stabilizing platform. The prerogative of image stabilization with sensor shift has been left to the older Sony A6500. At the same time, the 425-point autofocus system underwent radical improvements. Japanese engineers taught it to work in face and eye tracking mode, and significantly improved its autofocus speed — the shooting object falls into the system's clutches in a record 0.02 seconds.

In burst shooting, the camera accelerates to 11 fps, fitting 46 RAW files and over a hundred JPEG photos into the buffer. The model also holds its ground in video shooting — 4K recording is possible using the full width of the matrix at a frequency of up to 30 fps. In addition, the operator is provided with S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG profiles (for creating HDR video). The only thing that holds the camera back from full professional use is the absence of a headphone output. The potential of the Sony A6400 is enough to solve the most ambitious creative tasks, and the main thing is that the camera has a good foundation for future quality growth.

The amateur mirrorless camera Panasonic DC-G97 is equally good for photos and videos. The model is quite straightforward to master and offers versatile use thanks to the widest range of interchangeable optics for the Micro 4/3 system.

The camera features a 20.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor complemented by the proprietary Venus Engine processor. For handheld shooting with extended exposure times and smooth video, the model employs a 5-axis matrix image stabilization system Dual IS 2. Its maximum effectiveness is demonstrated when paired with stabilized optics. Incidentally, the camera is typically supplied together with the zoom lens Panasonic Lumix G 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS. Considering the system's crop factor of 2x, the lens has a set of equivalent focal lengths ranging from 24 to 120 mm.

The model reaches a burst shooting speed of up to 9 fps. In 4K Photo mode, this indicator increases to 30 fps but decreases the final image resolution. Video recording is possible in 4K format at 30 fps without duration restrictions. The mirrorless camera features vertical video shooting mode, and in V-Log mode, the available dynamic range is up to 12 exposure stops. To ensure quality sound recording, the camera is equipped with headphone and external microphone ports.

The mirrorless camera is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen on a swivel hinge, an electronic viewfinder with full frame coverage, wireless communications with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. The model's battery is slightly weak — a full charge promises about 290 shots. However, the battery can be recharged from a power bank on the go via a USB type C interface.

The entry-level mirrorless camera Nikon Z50II enables capturing photographic masterpieces with just one button press. For this purpose, the model provides an extensive set of Picture Control color profiles with a dedicated button for quick switching. Filters can be applied for both photos and videos.

Inside the camera is a 20.9-megapixel sensor without a stabilization system. The proprietary EXPEED 7 processor handles image processing. It also powers an AI-based autofocus system — the Nikon mirrorless camera firmly holds people, animals, birds, and vehicles in focus. In burst shooting mode, the camera's speed is up to 30 fps with an electronic shutter and up to 11 fps with a mechanical one.

In terms of video recording, the Nikon Z50II supports 4K shooting at 60 fps with a 1.5x crop and 4K at 30 fps without cropping. The camera features N-Log and HLG, along with the option for 10-bit video recording for more flexible post-processing of captured materials. Photos and videos are stored in memory on an SD card of UHS-II standard.

For framing during shoots, the camera offers a 3-inch swivel touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder. The model's only weak point is its moderate battery life. Otherwise, the camera serves as a worthy acquisition for beginners and hobby photographers with some experience. Additionally, the mirrorless camera comes with Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR.

In the Fujifilm X-M subfamily of mirrorless cameras, there hadn't been any additions for over 10 years. The situation was remedied by the X-M5 model, released at the end of 2024. It's geared towards budding photographers and videobloggers.

The camera is recognizable for its signature retro design—a kind of hallmark of Fuji photographic equipment. In terms of size and weight, the model is one of the most compact mirrorless cameras from the Japanese manufacturer. However, the trade-off for compactness is the absence of a viewfinder. Shooting will mainly be done through the 3-inch screen, which features a swivel design and convenient touchscreen functionality.

The mirrorless camera is equipped with a 26-megapixel X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 APS-C format sensor. It works in tandem with the powerful X Processor 5 image processing engine— which is responsible for "intelligent" autofocus with in-frame object recognition based on machine learning algorithms. This combination is also excellent for video shooting — recording at resolutions up to 6.2K at 30 fps or in 4K up to 60 fps. In the latter case, the crop factor is 1.29x. For extended 4K video shooting of up to one hour, there's a LongPlay mode with reduced bitrate. The model is noted for its built-in triple-capsule microphone and combination mic/headphone jack.

Budgetary roots of the Fujifilm X-M5 are hinted at by the absence of an in-camera image stabilization system. However, the camera features a dial on the top of the body for switching film simulation modes. Finally, the model package includes a versatile Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ.