Mirrorless cameras have been making waves ever since they were introduced to the world of photography. According to a report, around 5 million mirrorless cameras have been purchased and shipped across the world. Oops! It sounds like a huge figure. Well, if you are a newbie who is considering buying a mirrorless camera, I have a collection of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners.
You can simply skim through the list of cameras and leaf through their pros and cons. I’m sure you would find the best match. Besides, I have some additional information to help you choose the best gadget for your next photography adventure as a beginner.
Five Things To Consider Before Your Mirrorless Camera Investment
Price
Well, I suggest that people not buy mirrorless cameras that are too expensive. You can find a good entry-level mirrorless camera on a budget within the price range of $500. So, make sure you don’t stress your wallet. You can pursue your profession without making a large financial investment. Many cameras can satisfy your needs and are up for re-selling if you do not need them anymore for some reason. So, research the prices very well and make a reasonable choice.
Ease Of Usage
Make sure the beginner mirrorless camera you choose is easy to operate. If you choose a camera with complicated operations and functions, you will probably end up making the wrong investment. Check for the automatic modes. Also, look for on-screen tips to help you learn about the camera in a better way. In addition, the user interface and menu system must not be difficult to use. Further, auto and scene modes are also simply photography experiences for beginners. So, make sure they are present in your gadget.
Built-In Features
Built-in features matter for both beginners and seasoned pros. They make your photos more creative and beautiful. Therefore, it is important to look for desired built-in features in the mirrorless camera you are purchasing. Here is some worth having built-in stuff that must be present in your photography gadget to make your beginner-level photography awesome.
- Wireless connection
- Time-lapse modes
- Dual memory-card slots
- High-resolution LCD
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- 4K video recording capability
Image Quality
I know you want stunning photography outcomes while you are learning to be a pro. So, keep in mind not to compromise on image quality. Make sure the camera has
- High-resolution sensors
- Advanced noise reduction
- Large sensor
- High-quality lens
- Accurate color production
- Customizable white balance settings
Ergonomics
Handling your mirrorless camera is all that makes a difference. So, it is best to handle different models physically and assess which one is easy to handle. Also, you must pay attention to a few important factors to make sure your gadget is easy to carry. They include button layout, build quality, and grip feel. Choosing a beginner mirrorless camera that is stress-free to handle will make your photography experience better.
My Choices Of Mirrorless Cameras For Beginners
Samsung NX-3000 (Price:$459)
Being one of the best mirrorless cameras, the Samsung NX-3000 is the updated version of the NX-2000. It is a compact, versatile, and high-resolution camera, and it is one of the finest products from Samsung. With beyond-pure imaging qualities, the NX-3000 features everything that makes it an ideal idea for novices who want to pursue photography as a career or hobby.
Pros
- Compact and versatile design
- Built-in Wi-Fi connection
- Excellent image quality in daylight
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Software
- Outstanding contrast and sharpness
Cons
- Focus is a bit slow
- No built-in flash and EVF support
Sony Alpha A6000 (Price: $480)
The premium mirrorless DSLR, the Sony Alpha A6000, is perfect for fast-action and candid shots. It can capture 11 photos in one second and help you not miss any moments that go by quickly. Besides, the camera is excellent in terms of speed and high-quality interchangeable lenses. It can truly make the best mirror camera for beginners.
Pros
- Excellent ISO performance
- Dynamic range is very good
- Nice light quality
- Electronic viewfinder
- Sharp focus
Cons
- Battery life can be problematic
- You may experience a start-up lag of few seconds
Panasonic Lumix G7 (Price:$497)
The Panasonic Lumix G7 launched in 2015 features a Venus Engine 9 image processor, a 2360k dot electronic viewfinder, and a 16 MP live MOS sensor. It is an ideal mirrorless camera for beginners as it offers an easy setting and you will find it comparatively easy to learn about its specs.
Pros
- Image quality is great
- Ergonomic and easy to hold
- Built-in Wi-Fi functionality
- Electronic viewfinder
- 4K video recording
- Very quick auto-focus
Cons
- Plastic construction may not be of your preference
- Loud shutter
Olympus E PL-8 (Price: $388)
Commonly called a blogger camera, the EPL-8 is a blend of style and class. The tilting screen, metal feel, and macro lenses are some of the prominent features of this ideal beginner-friendly mirrorless camera. The EPL-8 has an EMOS sensor with IBIS, 8-fp non-stop shooting, and an 81-point AF system. It is a good-looking camera, and you can get detailed outcomes from it.
Pros
- Incredible in-body image stabilization
- Ideal for self-portraits and self-documentation
- Clicky buttons and secure dials
- Straightforward button layout
- Customizable
Cons
- Bigger and heavy (can be a problem if you wish to carry it in pocket)
- No electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Ricoh GR II (Price: $799)
Emerging from an award-winning series, this camera is an ideal street photographer. The Ricoh GR II is a compact camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. It offers high-speed autofocus, an anti-aliasing filter less design, and on-board Wi-Fi connectivity. It is perfect to count on as it has reliable handling and functionality.
Pros
- Outstanding high-sensitivity capabilities
- Compact design
- Small, lightweight, and pocket-size
- Good autofocus in daylight
- Superb optics
- Great build quality
Cons
- Video quality is not good
- No electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Canon M50 (Price: $429)
The Canon M50 is one of the newest mirrorless cameras on the market. Introduced on February 25, 2018, the camera offers 4K videos, face detection focus, and a super nice autofocus system. It features 10fp non-stop shooting, an EMOS sensor, and a built-in EVF. This small camera has wonderfully made the process of shooting and uploading photos easy. Therefore, it is considered ideal for newbies in photography.
Pros
- Well-positioned controls
- Decent grip
- Very versatile with great build quality
- Great autofocus
- Interchangeable lenses
- Beginner-friendly and approachable for nr=ewbies
Cons
- No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Limited lens selection
Olympus E M-10 II (Price: $548)
Being an inexpensive, beginner mirrorless camera, the EM-10 features a touch-screen display, a 16 MP live MOS sensor, and mode and twin control dials. It contains many scene and special effect modes and complete manual control. You can record full HD videos either at 24p or 60p using EM-10.
Pros
- Very versatile with many customization options
- Excellent image quality
- Attractive and compact
- Great ergonomics/handling
- Detailed and sharp images
Cons
- No 4K video options available
- Power switch can be problematic
Canon EOS M-100 (Price: $499)
The Canon EOS M-100 is the best entry-level motionless camera with a DIGIC 7 processor, a good dual-pixel AF system, and a touch-screen LCD. It has a 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor. The EOS M-100 is smooth for videos and fast for photos, with better outcomes.
Pros
- Very fine image quality from 24MP APS-C sensor
- Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth (for easy transfer of photos)
- Very small in size and easy to handle
- Allows focused full HD videos
- Responsive touch screen interface
Cons
- 4K video option is not available
- ISO image quality is less than peers
Panasonic Lumix GX80 (Price: $697)
The Panasonic Lumix GX80 is ideal for travel and street photography. Launched on April 4, 2016, the Lumix G80 is the newest piece on the market with 16-megapixel sensors. It has 5-axis dual-image stabilization with improved resolution as it does not have any optical low-pass filter. It is an ideal choice for those who want fine contrast and color production.
Pros
- Phenomenal autofocus
- High build quality
- Image quality is excellent
- Tiltable LCD (with touch features)
- 4K video quality
Cons
- No external mic input
- Back control dial feels tiny
Nikon Z9 (Price: $ 4730)
If you want to find perfect build quality, high resolution, and fast speed in one mirrorless camera, that would be the Nikon Z9. Being the best of Nikon cameras, the Nikon Z9 helps reveal every moment with its blackout viewfinder.
Pros
- Powerful auto-focus (even in low light)
- Easy handling and usage
- Great battery life
- High-quality images and videos
- Superb range of lenses
- Excellent timing response
Cons
- A bit heavy and large
- XQD and CF Express Cards are pricey
Final Words
As a beginner, your passion and skill always demand something to improve the outcomes. So, if you want to begin the journey of photography, the article must have helped you a great deal. We have listed the best mirrorless cameras for beginners that will make each click beautiful. Make sure you get the best entry-level mirrorless camera to start your photography journey.
Happy shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use mirrorless cameras for beginners?
Yes, it is best for beginners to use mirrorless cameras. It is because they are lightweight and compact. They are more comfortable to use than DSLRs.
Which mirrorless camera is most easy to use?
Following are some easy-to-use mirrorless cameras.
- Sony Alpha A6000
- Panasonic Lumix G7
- Nikon Z9
- Canon EOS M-100
What are the best mirrorless cameras for beginners?
Some of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners are.
- Sony Alpha A6000
- Samsung NX-3000
- Panasonic Lumix G7
- Canon ES R10
- Nikon Z9
- Canon EOS M-100
How can I choose my first mirrorless camera?
You should consider the following factors while buying your first mirrorless camera:.
- Budget Range
- Photography needs
- Sensor size and megapixel
- Ergonomic comfort
- Autofocus performance
- Low-light capability
Also, it is important to research the available brands. Plus, you must read user experiences and reviews for the products.
Are mirrorless cameras more expensive than DSLR?
Mirrorless cameras are a bit more expensive than DSLRs. It is because mirrorless cameras have advanced features and use advanced technologies.