A few years back, both hobbyists and professional photographers alike used only point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras to take pictures and record videos. Mirrorless cameras have surged in popularity since their introduction to the market, thanks to their compact designs and excellent image quality. They are packed with tons of impressive features that parallel those on DSLR cameras and offer several unique advantages. Silent shutters do not spook animals and are ideal for wildlife photography. Precise autofocus and subject tracking mean you never miss out on the action with fast-moving subjects and sports games. Whether you want to take family portraits at home or close-ups of birds visiting your backyard, we’ve got the mirrorless camera for you. We reviewed and evaluated the best mirrorless cameras currently on offer and compiled our list of favorites. These cameras are compatible with many lenses, have excellent resolutions, and are packed with useful features that make taking pictures and videos a breeze. Did we mention they’re compact and lightweight too?

What is the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras?

DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect the light from the lens onto the viewfinder so users can see what they are taking a picture of. Instead of an optical viewfinder, mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders (and sometimes no viewfinders at all). Because they do not have a mirror to reflect the light, mirrorless cameras allow the light to hit the sensor directly to show users what they’re seeing. Aside from that, mirrorless cameras tend to be smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras.

What accessories might I need for my mirrorless camera?

Most mirrorless cameras come only with a battery and a lens cover. The first thing you will need is a memory card to start taking pictures. You will also need a protective case to carry the cameras in and a lens cleaning kit. Do not use paper towels to clean the lens as it gets easily scratched. If you plan to use the camera to live stream, you will need a tripod, an external microphone, and a few ring lights. For taking home portraits, a portable flash or a portable strobe is a great addition.

Regardless of your photography skills and shooting styles, there are a few things you should consider before investing in a mirrorless camera. In this guide, we highlight the top things to look out for when shopping for mirrorless cameras.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Our top choice features a 24.4 megapixel image sensor with a 15-stop dynamic range. It’s compatible with Sony mount lenses and connects to any smartphone to download or share captured images and videos.

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Compact and Lightweight

This is a compact and lightweight kit that offers an impressive zoom range to capture subjects with ease. The included lens offers excellent magnification and allows you to take clear pictures from as close as an inch away.

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Intuitive Controls

This option records videos in 4K with superior definition and detail thanks to a 16-megapixel sensor. If you forget to take a still picture, just pause the video at any moment and extract the perfect photo.

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Ideal for Vlogging

This all-inclusive kit has a wide lens mount to capture more light and deliver better sharpness, contrast, low light performance, and overall image quality. It has a 20.9 CMOS sensor and comes with two different lenses.

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Hybrid Multi Viewfinder

This option has an optical viewfinder with magnification to provide a real-life view of subjects. The electronic viewfinder shows users exactly how their pictures and videos will look. It is available in three different colors.

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