The Best Mirrorless Cameras
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Scott-Gilbertson.jpg)
You know what's the least important part of taking a great photo? Gear. The vision you have and the work you put into realizing it are far more critical.
That's not to say gear doesn't matter, just that it's best used in service of something larger. That's why this guide doesn't get too deep into the weeds of megapixel counts, sensor sizes, and pixel peeping. All these cameras are capable of producing amazing images. Which one is right for you depends more on your needs than on the sensor or other specs. Still, choosing the right one can be confusing. I've spent years testing dozens of cameras in all kinds of shooting scenarios to come up with what I think are the best choices for different types of photographers.
Our top picks are the Sony A7 IV ($2,498) or the Fujifilm X-T5 ($1,699), but we have many more picks below. Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, like the Best Camera Bags, Best Compact Cameras, Best Action Cameras, Best GoPro Hero, and Best Instant Cameras.
Updated May 2025: We've added the new S1R II, updated our notes on the Sony A7R V, added a new section of general buying advice, another new section on lenses and accessories, and updated links and prices throughout.
Sensor Size: Full-Frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds
The internet has an obsession with sensors, megapixels, and zooming in on images to find their flaws. Here's the thing: if sharpness is what you want, shoot the largest format you can. But great photographs don't need to be razor-sharp from edge to edge. Few of them are.
That said, most of the cameras here have full-frame sensors (except the Fujifilm models, which use the APS-C sensors). There is nothing magical about this size; it just happens to be the same size as 35-mm film. This means that any lens made for a film camera can (probably) be adapted to work with the camera and produce the same field of view.
There are much smaller sensors—micro four thirds, for example—that are capable of producing amazing images. Future versions of this guide may include some micro four-thirds cameras, but for now, to keep things simple, I've limited testing to APS-C and larger sensors.
What to Look for in a Digital Camera
The best mirrorless camera for you depends on what you want to do with it. Ultimately, there is no such thing as the perfect camera. Each has its own limitations, and part of the magic of photography is learning how to get around them. What you want to find is the camera best suited to the type of photos you like to take. This can be a complicated process so we put together an entire guide to choosing the right camera, which walks you through all the jargon, acronyms, sensor options, and extra features to help you figure out the best options for you.
Here are some features to keep in mind, depending on the type of images you are interested in making. While all the cameras below have these features, performance varies and some are better at, for instance, low light photography than others.
Sensor size: Yes, I said it doesn't matter and it doesn't, but you do need to understand it. For example, if you're interested in shooting wildlife, a higher resolution sensor, like Sony's 60 MP sensor in the A7R V, will allow you to crop in on images more than a 24 MP sensor. On the other hand, there's not much reason to spend extra for more megapixels if you aren't going to use them.
Autofocus: When I first picked up a camera in the 1980s, autofocus was a brand-new thing. The Minolta Maxxum 7000 was the first SLR camera with an integrated autofocus system and completely changed the way photography worked. The flip side to this is that every single image made before the early ’80s was manually focused, so no, you don't need autofocus to make a great image. Every camera below has insanely fast autofocus. However, the accuracy varies, so if this feature is important to you, pay attention to those notes.
In-body image stabilization: Often referred to as IBIS, stabilization in the camera body helps eliminate hand shake, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and still get a sharp image. This one is especially important for anyone wanting to shoot in low light conditions.
Electronic viewfinder: Often abbreviated EVF, the viewfinder is what you use to compose your shots and there is perhaps more variation here between cameras than any other features. The viewfinder has a huge impact on how much you'll enjoy using a camera. This is one place I suggest heading to your local camera shop to try out the viewfinder in person and make sure it works for you, especially if, like me, you wear glasses.
Weather sealing: An often overlooked feature that's important if you want to shoot in adverse conditions. This one is important for landscape photographers. A related feature to look for is a sensor cover that protects the sensor from dust and dirt when changing lenses.
Battery life: Battery life is pretty good across camera bodies these days, but there are still some that are better than others. For example, my Sony A7RII chews through batteries and I seldom head out with fewer than 2 backups, which is a pain.
In-camera JPEG quality: All the cameras here can save your images as RAW files, JPEG files, or both at the same time. However, some cameras produce better JPEGs than others. Fujifilm is especially noted for the amount of control it offers to fine-tune in-camera JPEGs, though Panasonic's Lumix line has recently added the ability to apply LUTs in-camera, which is also very nice.
Once you've got your camera, read the manual and learn what it can and cannot do, and then use it over and over until it is an effortless extension of your mind. Once you have the comfort level, the gear fades into the background where it belongs, and you can focus on making the images you've always dreamed of creating.
Best for Most People
Sony's A7 IV (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a 33-megapixel, full-frame camera capable of incredibly sharp images, with excellent dynamic range and the best autofocus system on the market. It's compact and light enough to carry all day without back strain, and the grip is comfortable. The five-axis image stabilization means you can hand-hold it in lower light, and the wide range of 4K video options make it the best all-around video-and-stills combo on this page. There are better still cameras (see the Sony A7RIV below) and better video cameras, but nothing else combines the two quite as well.
What I don't like about it, or any other Sony, is the labyrinthine menu system. Luckily there are enough customizable buttons that it's not too difficult to set things up so you never need to dive into the menus. My only hesitation buying this right now would be that the successor, the A7 V is rumored to be coming in early 2025.
Specs Sensor size 33 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 10 fps RAW Video 7K oversampled; 4K30p ★ Alternative: If you don't need the new autofocus features, the A7III remains a solid choice, and it's frequently on sale for under $1,400.
Best on a Budget
The Fujifilm X-T5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the best cameras I've tested. The 40-megapixel APS-C sensor in the new X-T5 is impressive enough that you'd be hard-pressed to tell it from a full frame sensor. Images from the X-T5 are sharp, wonderfully detailed, and don't suffer too much noise. This sensor also manages to retain that uniquely Fujifilm look.
The X-T5 is more focused on the shooter of stills than video, though it can record up to 6.2K/30p video. The camera body's design is reminiscent of film cameras, and perhaps the best thing about it is how seldom you need to use digital controls. ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and shooting modes are all accessible via physical dials. Plus, Fujifilm's excellent line of lenses is surprisingly affordable relative to some of the others on this list, making this one of the least expensive systems to invest in. My only real gripe is the grip; it's on the small side for a body of this size.
Specs Sensor size 40 MP XTrans APS-C Max Photo Frame rate 15 fps RAW Video 4K60p ★ Alternatives: The X-H2 ($1,999) is the best option for those more interested in video. It uses the same sensor as the X-T5, but can record 8K/30p video and has nice video extras like a fully articulated rear screen, support for an external cooling fan, 3.5mm headphone jack, and HDMI out.
Megapixel Madness
The A7RV has a massive 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, the largest sensor you can get (unless you opt for medium-format cameras). If that's not enough, there's a 16-shot, high-resolution mode that can create 240-MP images (so long as your subject is static, e.g., a landscape). The dynamic range in the A7R V is outstanding, and the ability to recover detail in the shadows is something you'll only believe once you do it yourself. The autofocus speed and intelligence are nice, particularly the eye detect. The viewfinder is huge and bright. I also like that there's an option for compressed RAW files as the uncompressed RAW files from this sensor run around 125 megabytes per image.
As a sidenote, the A7R V test unit was provided by KEH camera. I've bought used gear from both KEH Camera and B&H Photo and had great experiences with both. If you want to save some money this can be a good way to go. Just remember to pay attention to shutter counts—the lower the better.
Specs Sensor size 61 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 10 fps RAW Video 8K 24p/25p; 4K 60p/50p Best for Nikon Fans
Nikon's Z6 III brings most of the flagship features of Nikon's far more expensive Z8 and Z9 to the Z6 line. The Z6 III (8/10, WIRED Recommends) features Nikon's 24-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor, very fast and accurate 3D subject-tracking system, and ProRes encoding for video—making it one of the best hybrid, photo/video cameras on the market.
The “partially stacked” bit means you get some of the performance benefits of a stacked CMOS sensor, like those found in the Nikon Z8 and Z9, but not the downsides (or, at least fewer of the downsides). Stacked sensors, ahem, stack the processing circuits right on top of the sensor itself (technically, it's behind the sensor), which means the RAM is directly tied into the sensor, making for incredibly fast readout. This is what allows high-end cameras to shoot upwards of 12 RAW images per second without the viewfinder blacking out. The downside to stacked sensors is that you run into some rolling shutter distortion with moving objects, and there is often less dynamic range. The Z6 III's partially stacked sensor is an attempt to lessen those downsides, and it mostly works. The 5.76-million-dot viewfinder has a blazing fast 120-Hz refresh rate and is insanely bright and wonderful (it supports full HDR color space). The back panel isn't bad either, with a 2.1-million-dot display and full articulation, which makes it easy to shoot video from pretty much any angle.
The main downside here is the Z6 III has about a stop less of dynamic range than its competitors, but in actual real-world use, I didn't find this to be a factor.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Partially Stacked Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 12 fps RAW Video 6K/60p RAW ★ Alternatives: For more resolution, there's the Nikon Z8 ($3,497), which is very nearly identical to the Z6 except it has a higher resolution, 45 MP fully stacked sensor, and a few more on-camera buttons (the Z8 also has a sensor shield to protect it when changing lenses, which I love). The Nikon Z5, on the other hand, is one of the cheapest full-frame cameras. Often on sale for around $1000, the Z5 is a stripped-down Z6. It's a barebones camera, but for some that might be all you need.
Best for Classic Camera Vibes
The Nikon Zf (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the camera I would buy if I were in the market for a new camera. I grew up in the film era, and I am still more comfortable turning dials and knobs than I am using touchscreens. The Nikon Zf offers just that. Every setting you need to make an image is accessible on a dial or knob: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. There's also a switch to change shooting modes and another to change to black-and-white mode or video mode.
The Zf looks like a 1980s film camera, but the 24-megapixel sensor and speedy autofocus system is decidedly modern and very nearly as good as the Nikon Z6 III above. There's no beefy grip to hold onto (though you can buy one), and I hate that Nikon doesn't give you a battery charger, but otherwise the Nikon Zf is a fantastic camera. I suggest the version with the 40-mm lens, which pairs well with this body.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 13 fps Video 4K/60 fps (cropped for 60 fps) Best for Canon Fans
The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless option for people who loved their DSLRs. It's a hefty beast, with a solid feel that reminds me of what I used to love about film cameras. Even the on-off switch is made of metal. The sensor is typically Canon, which is to say sharp, with good contrast and the characteristic Canon color rendering (it's slightly warmer in tone than some of the others here). The phase-detect autofocus is fast and accurate.
One thing I really like is that when you change lenses there's a cover that swings out to protect the sensor from dust. (The exception is if you have an adapter and you remove the lens but not the adapter.) Every camera on this list would benefit from adopting this feature. The R-Mount lens system uses a very wide base diameter, like the Nikon system, and achieves similar results—there are fast R lenses around. The better news for those already invested in Canon glass is that there's a $99 adapter that will let you affix just about any older Canon lens to the R.
Specs Sensor size 30 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 8 fps Video 4K/30 fps (cropped for 60 fps) ★ Alternatives: If you need faster autofocus or faster shooting capabilities, the Canon EOS R6II ($2,000) is a better choice. You'll lose a few megapixels in the sensor, but get much faster autofocus and 40 fps burst rates. If it's megapixels you want, the Canon EOS R5 ($3,000) Is the way to go.
Best for Video
Panasonic’s S5 II is a compact, full-frame mirrorless with a very sharp 24-megapixel sensor. The S5 mostly holds its own against the rest of these full-frame cameras in still image quality, but what really sets it apart is the extra video features. Support for V-Log recording, Real Time LUTs, anamorphic 4K, video recording to SSD, and more. While many of the others on this page can boast quite a few of these features, no other camera has them all. The result is a camera that's perfect for hybrid video and stills shooters. The S5 II improved autofocus considerably over the original S5, adding phase detection and closing the autofocus gap with competitors.
The S5 uses the L-mount lens system, an effort to do for full-frame what Panasonic did for micro four-thirds: create a unified lens mount standard. Leica is the driving force behind the L-mount, but Panasonic and Sigma also have plenty of glass in L-mount. That means there's no shortage of lenses for the S5. If your primary use case is video, be sure to check out our guide to the gear and tips you need to make studio-grade home videos.
Specs Sensor size 24 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 5 fps Video 6K/30p Best Hybrid Video/Stills Camera
Panasonic's new S1R II (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the best all-around full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market. It's also one of the best budget cameras around. The 47-MP sensor is capable of gorgeous stills and up to 8K 30p video. Video shooters will also be glad to know there's support for in-camera ProRes 422 and ProRes RAW capture. It uses the same internal fan design as the S5II, which allows the S1R II to record video for longer without overheating. On the downside there is some rolling shutter. Fast pans will definitely show some jello wiggling at higher fps settings. It's not too hard to avoid this, but there are definitely situations where it could be an issue.
The large, bright, high-resolution EVF is not quite as good as the Sony A7R V’s EVF, but it's on par with what you get from Canon and Nikon. I had no issues using it with glasses. The back display can both tilt and fully articulate, allowing you to shoot from just about any angle you care to come up with. Autofocus is good, though it does still struggle at times and is not as good as what you'll get with Nikon or Sony. That said, I had to work a little to really confuse it. Under normal shooting conditions it will be fine for most situations.
One of my favorite features in this camera is Panasonic's real-time LUT system. Load any LUT file you like via the SD card, and you can apply it to photos and preview video footage using it. It's not quite as easy to use as Fujifilm's film simulations, but ultimately it's more flexible and produces great in-camera JPEGs.
Specs Sensor size 47 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 40 fps electronic/ 10 fps mechanical Video 8K/30 fps
-SOURCE-Panasonic.jpg)
A Luxe Fixed-Lens Option
Leica's Q3 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) packs a 60-megapixel sensor and Maestro IV processor, which it uses to produce some truly wonderful images. True to Leica's reputation, shooting with the Q3 is a wonderful, simple experience that helps you focus on what you're doing, not the camera.
The autofocus on this model is better than on the Q2, but it's still not a sports camera by any means. The fixed 28-mm lens is great in both manual and auto focus modes. I never used to be a fan of 28-mm lenses, but lately they've grown on me. In late 2024 Leica complicated the buying decision by releasing the Q3 43, which is otherwise the same Q3, but with a 43mm f/2 lens.
The Q3 also has a bright, sharp viewfinder. It's not the camera for everyone, but for a certain kind of photographer the Q3 is an absolutely perfect fit.
Specs Sensor size 60 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 15 fps Video 8K/30p Lens Fixed 28mm or 43mm Best for Travelers
Traveling means lightening your load, which could mean just a compact camera is enough. But, if you want the smallest body you can get that still has a full-frame sensor, the Sony A7C R (7/10, WIRED Recommends) offers the most bang for your buck. It's plenty small and light, even with a lens. The 61-MP sensor offers amazing detail and very good dynamic range. Throw in some best-in-class autofocus with great subject tracking, and you have a camera that can handle just about anything. It's expensive, but if you can afford it, this is a great camera.
Specs Sensor size 61 MP Full Frame Max Photo Frame rate 8 fps Video 4K/60p with a 1.2x ★ Alternatives: There is the A7C II (note, no R) which at $2,198 is cheaper, uses the smaller 33 MP sensor, but is otherwise very close in size. Outside of that though. there are regrettably few travel-friendly full-frame cameras. The Fujifilm X100VI (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a wonderful travel camera with a great 40 MP APS-C sensor (the same sensor as the X-T5 above). As with the Leica Q3 this is not an interchangeable lens camera, you get a fixed 23-mm lens (35-mm equivalent in full-frame). The X100VI is a joy to use and produces wonderful images—it's my favorite camera to travel with. The main problem is that a TikTok-inspired obsession with this camera has driven the price up and just finding one can be difficult.
Lenses and Accessories
Once you've figured out the best camera for your needs, buy a lens to go with it and start shooting every day. Which lens? If you're a beginner and aren't sure, we recommend starting with the kit lens. Kit lenses aren't always the fastest lenses, nor do they use the highest-quality glass (though there are some outstanding kit lenses), but they're they best bang for your buck when you're just starting. These are typically in the 28-85mm range, which gives you the ability to shoot everything from landscapes (the wide end) to portraits (the long end). Shoot with the kit lens until you figure out your favorite focal length. Then, if you want to upgrade to a fast prime lens, you know which focal length is best for what you're shooting.
The camera industry has come up with hundreds of gizmos and doodads to sell you as camera accessories, most of which you don't need. I like to travel light so my entire collection of camera accessories consists of an air blower (for cleaning dust off lenses and sensors), my favorite camera strap, and my favorite wrist strap (for smaller cameras). A tripod can be helpful as well, depending on the type of photography you're into.
Again, I like to keep things light and simple. I have a Sirui travel tripod that handles my needs, though it sacrifices stability to keep weight down. This Manfrotto aluminum tripod will be considerably more robust. If you're serious about video, you'll want to spend even more for something like Manfrotto's extra stout video head tripod.
You'll also likely want a bag to store your camera, lens, and accessories. We have full guide to camera bags to help you out.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Back to top
Wired Coupons
Exclusive 10% Off Squarespace Promo Code
10% off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
Samsung Promo Code: 10% off TVs
10% off Canon promo code with upgrade
Exclusive NordVPN Coupon: 76% off
LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order