You can do better than the camera on your smartphone. Yes it’s true that most people have taken on a sort of amateur photographer status, always ready to memorise a moment with their hi-res camera phone. We’re in the age of social media and sharing pictures, after all. But real photography demands real equipment. And what better way to get stuck into the world of photography than with a mirrorless camera?
Maybe you’re a camera newbie, or you’re looking to make the jump from a DSLR model? Perhaps you’re already a mirrorless devotee looking for a much-needed upgrade? Either way, mirrorless is the latest word in digital photography technology.
Knowing where to start is particularly hard for photography beginners, with all the jargon, specifications, and brand names to figure. But we can help bring things into focus and, well, put you in the picture. Here’s some useful information and a round-up of the best mirrorless cameras available right now.
What is a mirrorless camera?
The clue’s in the title, though we appreciate that doesn’t make it any easier to understand. DSLR cameras reflect images into the camera’s viewfinder via a mirror, which is placed between the lens and the camera sensor. But mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is an LCD monitor on the back on the camera body. Light goes into the lens and is digitally converted and displayed on the monitor.
Is mirrorless better than DSLR?
Mirrorless cameras — which are sometimes called hybrid cameras — have overtaken DSLR cameras as the most popular choice for photographers. The biggest selling point is that mirrorless cameras are lighter and much less clunky. They’re far easier to take on your travels and generally carry around. But that’s not all they’re good for. Here are some other great mirrorless camera features:
EVP Monitor — The monitor allows you to easily frame your subject in “live view” and access features via touchscreen. These monitors are often “vari-angle”, meaning they articulate outwards and in all directions, which is great for framing selfies.
IBIS — That’s the technical term for in-body image stabilisation. This essentially stabilises the sensor so you can shoot handheld, without needing a tripod or gimbal. Not all mirrorless cameras have IBIS but it’s increasingly common.
Autofocus — This is a standard camera feature but often clunkier in DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras can have very advanced autofocus that tracks faces and eyes or fast-moving objects. You may be able to refocus with a quick tap of the touchscreen.
4K Video — OK, so it’s not only mirrorless that shoots video. Some DSLR shoot video too, but mirrorless are geared towards better video performance and features. Shooting in 4K sometimes crops the image (it depends on how advanced the camera is) though you can also find mirrorless cameras that have 6K-8K quality resolution.
Other features, though not exclusive to mirrorless, include WiFi and Bluetooth, app support, and fast burst speed rates (measured in frames per second — fps).
How are the drawbacks of mirrorless cameras?
There are always pros and cons. Due to the reduced size, mirrorless battery power isn’t always as good as DSLR cameras, and mirrorless cameras do tend to be more expensive. Another common complaint is that because the technology is newer, there are fewer lens and accessory options. But that’s a temporary issue.
How much does a mirrorless camera cost?
We won’t lie to you. They’re not exactly cheap. The lowest priced camera on this list is around £500 and they can easily cost thousands of pounds. Even beginners can expect to spend somewhere around the £500 mark. The photography game is pricey.
What is the best mirrorless camera?
That’s a question only you can answer, because every photographer is different. Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or professional, there’s a camera that’s just right for you — but it might not suit the photographer next to you. Because just like the actual photos, no two photographers are the same. But we can help you find the best mirrorless camera for you by pointing you toward some impressive models and putting them in (auto)focus. The choice is yours. We’re just trying to give you a clear picture.
These are the best mirrorless cameras in 2025.
