When it comes to choosing a camera, mirrorless models are a great option for many photographers. They are usually smaller and lighter than traditional DSLRs, and have fast and precise autofocus systems and high continuous shooting speeds. Even if you’re working with a tight budget, you can still find a mirrorless camera that offers good quality. There are plenty of models on the market, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1,000
The best mirrorless camera under $1,000 that we’ve tested is the Sony α6400. This APS-C model has a relatively compact and lightweight body that makes it easy to slip into a bag and take on the go. It feels well-built and comfortable to use, and it has a screen that can tilt and flip up to help you shoot at different angles or take selfies. Plus, there are a couple of different kit lens options you can buy depending on your budget.
The Sony a6400 boasts an impressive 24.2-megapixel sensor that delivers excellent image quality with superb dynamic range. Additionally, it has great RAW noise handling capability, so you can raise the ISO sensitivity of the sensor when shooting in low light without sacrificing too much quality. Like many Sony models, it also has an amazing autofocus system that can quickly and reliably keep track of moving subjects so they stay in focus – whether you’re taking photos or shooting 4K or FHD video.
Cheaper Alternative
If you’re looking to save some money on a camera that’s similar to the Sony α6400, then check out the Sony α6100. It’s got a design that’s very similar to the α6400, including a rangefinder-style body, textured handgrip, and tilting screen. However, it isn’t weather-sealed and has a lower-resolution viewfinder. Even so, it’s slightly cheaper and offers performance that’s nearly identical in most areas. You can expect impressive image quality with good noise handling at higher ISO levels for low light from this camera. Plus, it has an amazing autofocus system that quickly and accurately tracks moving subjects.
Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera Under $1,000
We’ve tested a lot of cameras, and Best Mirrorless Cameras Under 1000 for beginners is the Nikon Z 50. This entry-level crop-sensor model feels well-built and is very comfortable to use. It has a substantial grip that’s suitable for most hand sizes and physical controls that are easy to adjust. The menu system is intuitive, including a guide mode to walk new users through its core settings and features. It doesn’t have a fully-articulated screen, but its touchscreen can tilt outward or flip up to face you for selfies or vlogging.
Overall, the Canon EOS R5’s image quality is very impressive. Photos have a great dynamic range and look incredibly sharp, even at higher ISO levels. Its noise handling capability is also excellent, making it well-suited for taking photos in more dimly-lit conditions at moderate and high ISO levels. Its video features are good, although shooting in 4k does incur a slight crop. However, its low light video quality is disappointing. Still, it delivers great 4k video quality in brighter conditions, and its autofocus system quickly and reliably tracks moving subjects in either resolution.
Best Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Under $1,000
The Panasonic LUMIX G100 is the best mirrorless camera under $1,000 that we’ve tested for vlogging. It’s a lightweight, portable camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and it’s designed with vloggers in mind. To that end, it has a fully articulated touchscreen, textured grip, and dedicated video recording button. It has a built-in microphone with audio tracking that you can set to isolate audio coming from any direction, which is great if you don’t have an external microphone.
Best Budget Mirrorless Camera
The camera’s 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor provides good image quality, decent noise handling for dimmer conditions, and a good autofocus system that tracks moving subjects well. It can shoot at 9 fps for burst shooting, although the photo buffer is on the small side. However, it’s quick to clear once you fill it up.
