The Best Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC) have gained substantial market share in recent years. In contrast to DSLR, these digital cameras do not have a mirror in the light path between the lens and the sensor. Instead, they capture the image with their sensor and project it onto an electronic viewfinder or the rear screen.
There is a wide and growing choice of mirrorless cameras on the market. It is not easy to decide which one is best. Indeed, what does it really mean to look for the best mirrorless? The camera that offers the best imaging experience? The one with the highest sensor resolution? The one that is most portable? The MILC that does not break the bank? The answers to these questions come down to personal preference, but hopefully the listings below will prove to be useful for your camera decision process.
The highest rated MILC
The Camera Elo represents a comprehensive rating that takes the body, sensor and feature characteristics of digital cameras into account. It is based on the outcomes of thousands of pair-wise comparisons undertaken via the CAM-parator app.
The Sony A7R V is currently the top-ranked MILC with a Camera Elo of 3088, followed in second place by the Sony A9 III with a rating of 3078. The table below lists the 20 highest ranked mirrorless cameras in descending order of their Elo. It also reports the cameras' DXO Mark sensor quality score, which can be taken as indicators of pure image quality. For both the Camera Elo and the DXO score, higher values represent better performance.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sony A7R V | Sony E | 3088 | 100 | Full Frame | 60.2 | 8k/24p | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Sony A9 III | Sony E | 3078 | 96 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 4K/120p | Nov 2023 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Sony A7R IVA | Sony E | 3071 | 99 | Full Frame | 60.2 | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Canon R5 C | Canon RF | 3042 | 96 | Full Frame | 44.8 | 8k/60p | Jan 2022 | 4,499 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Fujifilm X-H2 | Fujifilm X | 3039 | 86 | APS-C | 39.8 | 8k/30p | Sep 2022 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Nikon Z9 | Nikon Z | 3029 | 98 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8K/30p | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Fujifilm GFX 100 II | Fujifilm G | 3027 | 101 | Medium Format | 101.8 | 8K/30p | Sep 2023 | 7,499 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Panasonic S5 II | L Mount | 3024 | 96 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6K/30p | Jan 2023 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z | 3020 | 96 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 4K/60p | Sep 2023 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
| 10. | Fujifilm X-T5 | Fujifilm X | 3014 | 86 | APS-C | 39.8 | 6.2k/30p | Nov 2022 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Sony A1 | Sony E | 3003 | 98 | Full Frame | 49.8 | 8k/30p | Jan 2021 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Fujifilm X-H2S | Fujifilm X | 2991 | 86 | APS-C | 26.0 | 6.2k/30p | May 2022 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Leica SL3 | L Mount | 2984 | 97 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 8K/30p | Mar 2024 | 6,999 | amazon.com | |
| 14. | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z | 2982 | 98 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8K/30p | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Canon R5 | Canon RF | 2979 | 95 | Full Frame | 44.8 | 8K/30p | Jul 2020 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 16. | Canon R3 | Canon RF | 2978 | 96 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6K/60p | Sep 2021 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Sony A6700 | Sony E | 2976 | 86 | APS-C | 25.6 | 4K/120p | Jul 2023 | 1,399 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Sony A7R IIIA | Sony E | 2975 | 100 | Full Frame | 42.2 | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,199 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | OM System OM-1 II | Micro FT | 2972 | 78 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 4K/60p | Jan 2024 | 2,399 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Sony A7 IV | Sony E | 2970 | 97 | Full Frame | 32.7 | 4K/60p | Oct 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
You can access more detail on the listed cameras by clicking on the camera's name. Alternatively, you can compare two cameras using the search boxes below. Just enter two model names into the input fields and you will promptly be taken to a respective comparison.
The highest resolution MILC
Perhaps your primary aim is to capture images with great detail, for example in landscape photography, or to have the ability to crop images heavily in post processing while still maintaining good image quality. In this case, the best MILC might be the one with the highest sensor resolution. The following table lists the 20 mirrorless cameras with the highest megapixel count. Again, clicking on the camera's name will reveal further detail.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hasselblad X2D 100C | Hasselblad XCD | 102.1 | 2918 | 101 | Medium Format | - | Sep 2022 | 8,199 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Fujifilm GFX 100 II | Fujifilm G | 101.8 | 3027 | 101 | Medium Format | 8K/30p | Sep 2023 | 7,499 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 100S | Fujifilm G | 101.8 | 2913 | 100 | Medium Format | 4K/30p | Jan 2021 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Fujifilm GFX 100 | Fujifilm G | 101.8 | 2759 | 99 | Medium Format | 4K/30p | May 2019 | 9,999 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Leica SL3 | L Mount | 60.3 | 2984 | 97 | Full Frame | 8K/30p | Mar 2024 | 6,999 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Sony A7R V | Sony E | 60.2 | 3088 | 100 | Full Frame | 8k/24p | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Sony A7R IVA | Sony E | 60.2 | 3071 | 99 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Apr 2021 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Sony A7C R | Sony E | 60.2 | 2963 | 96 | Full Frame | 4K/60p | Aug 2023 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Sony A7R IV | Sony E | 60.2 | 2939 | 99 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Jul 2019 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Sigma fp L | L Mount | 60.2 | 2910 | 96 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Mar 2021 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Hasselblad X1D II | Hasselblad XCD | 51.3 | 2764 | 99 | Medium Format | 1080/25p | Jun 2019 | 5,750 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Hasselblad X1D | Hasselblad XCD | 51.3 | 2262 | 102 | Medium Format | 1080/25p | Jun 2016 | 8,995 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Fujifilm GFX 50S II | Fujifilm G | 51.1 | 2956 | 100 | Medium Format | 1080/30p | Sep 2021 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
| 14. | Fujifilm GFX 50R | Fujifilm G | 51.1 | 2684 | 98 | Medium Format | 1080/30p | Sep 2018 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | Fujifilm G | 51.1 | 2498 | 96 | Medium Format | 1080/30p | Sep 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Sony A1 | Sony E | 49.8 | 3003 | 98 | Full Frame | 8k/30p | Jan 2021 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Leica SL2 | L Mount | 46.7 | 2866 | 95 | Full Frame | 4K/60p | Nov 2019 | 5,999 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Panasonic S1R | L Mount | 46.7 | 2839 | 100 | Full Frame | 4K/60p | Feb 2019 | 3,699 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | Nikon Z9 | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 3029 | 98 | Full Frame | 8K/30p | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z | 45.4 | 2982 | 98 | Full Frame | 8K/30p | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
The most portable MILC
In contrast to DSLR, mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror assembly and pentaprism, so that they tend to be more compact. They are, thus, easier to carry around. If portability is important to you, the following ranking will likely be of interest. It lists the 20 lightest MILC that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their weight.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Camera Weight |
Camera Size |
Camera Elo |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Launch | Launch Price (USD) | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon 1 J5 | Nikon CX | 231 g | 98 x 60 x 32 g | 2095 | 1-inch | 20.7 | Apr 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Panasonic GF7 | Micro FT | 266 g | 107 x 65 x 33 g | 1946 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | Jan 2015 | 499 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Panasonic GX800 | Micro FT | 269 g | 107 x 65 x 33 g | 2169 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | Jan 2017 | 549 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | YI M1 | Micro FT | 281 g | 114 x 64 x 34 g | 2222 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | Sep 2016 | 349 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Samsung NX500 | Samsung NX | 287 g | 120 x 64 x 43 g | 2294 | APS-C | 28.0 | Feb 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Canon M200 | Canon EF-M | 299 g | 108 x 67 x 35 g | 2696 | APS-C | 24.0 | Sep 2019 | 549 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Canon M10 | Canon EF-M | 301 g | 108 x 67 x 35 g | 2058 | APS-C | 17.9 | Oct 2015 | 499 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Canon M100 | Canon EF-M | 302 g | 108 x 67 x 35 g | 2357 | APS-C | 24.0 | Aug 2017 | 499 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Fujifilm X-A7 | Fujifilm X | 320 g | 119 x 68 x 41 g | 2801 | APS-C | 24.0 | Sep 2019 | 499 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Fujifilm X-A10 | Fujifilm X | 331 g | 117 x 67 x 40 g | 2242 | APS-C | 16.0 | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Olympus E-P7 | Micro FT | 337 g | 118 x 69 x 38 g | 2744 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | Jun 2021 | 799 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Fujifilm X-E3 | Fujifilm X | 337 g | 121 x 74 x 43 g | 2465 | APS-C | 24.0 | Sep 2017 | 899 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Fujifilm X-A3 | Fujifilm X | 339 g | 117 x 67 x 40 g | 2284 | APS-C | 24.0 | Aug 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Sony ZV-E10 | Sony E | 343 g | 115 x 64 x 45 g | 2826 | APS-C | 24.0 | Jul 2021 | 699 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Fujifilm X-E2S | Fujifilm X | 350 g | 129 x 75 x 37 g | 2163 | APS-C | 16.0 | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Fujifilm X-A2 | Fujifilm X | 350 g | 117 x 67 x 40 g | 1933 | APS-C | 16.0 | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Panasonic G110 | Micro FT | 352 g | 116 x 83 x 54 g | 2716 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | Jun 2020 | 649 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Canon R100 | ILC | 356 g | 116 x 86 x 69 g | 2679 | APS-C | 24.0 | May 2023 | 479 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | Olympus E-PL8 | Micro FT | 357 g | 115 x 67 x 38 g | 2216 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | Sep 2016 | 549 | ebay.com | |
| 20. | Fujifilm X-A5 | Fujifilm X | 361 g | 117 x 68 x 40 g | 2541 | APS-C | 24.0 | Jan 2018 | 399 | ebay.com |
The most affordable MILC
A mirrorless camera is only as good as the lens that is placed in front of its sensor. Thus, the best MILC is one that leaves room enough in the budget to purchase a high quality lens to go with it. The following table displays the 20 least expensive mirrorless cameras that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their launch prices (camera only). The latter provide a good idea on the market position of the cameras, but it is often worthwhile to check the current pricing, as all except the most recent models might be available at discounts or as great deals on the pre-owned market.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Launch Price (USD) |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format | Camera Launch | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | YI M1 | Micro FT | 349 | 2222 | 73 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Sep 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Fujifilm X-A5 | Fujifilm X | 399 | 2541 | 82 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/15p | Jan 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Fujifilm X-A3 | Fujifilm X | 399 | 2284 | 81 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Aug 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Fujifilm X-A10 | Fujifilm X | 399 | 2242 | 81 | APS-C | 16.0 | 1080/30p | Dec 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon 1 J5 | Nikon CX | 399 | 2095 | 65 | 1-inch | 20.7 | 4K/15p | Apr 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Fujifilm X-A2 | Fujifilm X | 399 | 1933 | 79 | APS-C | 16.0 | 1080/30p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Canon R100 | ILC | 479 | 2679 | 84 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4k/24p | May 2023 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Fujifilm X-A7 | Fujifilm X | 499 | 2801 | 84 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/30p | Sep 2019 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Canon M100 | Canon EF-M | 499 | 2357 | 78 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Aug 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon M10 | Canon EF-M | 499 | 2058 | 65 | APS-C | 17.9 | 1080/30p | Oct 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Panasonic GF7 | Micro FT | 499 | 1946 | 70 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 1080/60p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Canon M200 | Canon EF-M | 549 | 2696 | 82 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4k/25p | Sep 2019 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Olympus E-PL8 | Micro FT | 549 | 2216 | 73 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 1080/30p | Sep 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Panasonic GX800 | Micro FT | 549 | 2169 | 73 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4K/30p | Jan 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Canon M50 Mark II | Canon EF-M | 599 | 2770 | 83 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/24p | Oct 2020 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Olympus E-PL10 | Micro FT | 599 | 2693 | 76 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Oct 2019 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Fujifilm X-T100 | Fujifilm X | 599 | 2570 | 83 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/15p | May 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 18. | Olympus E-PL9 | Micro FT | 599 | 2401 | 74 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Feb 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Panasonic G110 | Micro FT | 649 | 2716 | 76 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 4K/30p | Jun 2020 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Olympus E-M10 III | Micro FT | 649 | 2359 | 74 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4K/30p | Aug 2017 | ebay.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Further Reading
Additional information on the calculation of the Camera Elo can be found on a respective Elo methodology page. Moreover, there are other rankings of cameras by category that might be of interest:
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