Once upon a time, mirrorless cameras lagged behind DSLRs - but now, they’re the fastest growing category of cameras. And for good reason! The newest generation of models are packed with high-performing features to produce high-quality images and videos to match.
If you’re looking to add a camera to your collection or get a Christmas gift for your favourite photographer, a mirrorless camera is a solid choice.
To help you with your shopping, our team at Ted’s Cameras share their top 5 mirrorless cameras.
- Sensor: 4/3”
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 8.6fps
- Autofocus points: 121
- Minimum and maximum shutter speed: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec
The first thing you’ll notice about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III is its unique retro design. But this mirrorless camera is more than a pretty (inter)face: it’s modern in functionality, anad very user-friendly. It features a built-in 5-axis image stabilisation, and a rapid-fire continuous shooting speed of 8.6 frames per second.
The compact mirrorless camera also makes use of a 16MP Micro Four Thirds-sized sensor, which stands out for producing high-quality, noiseless images — no easy feat! It’s also compatible with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds mount lenses. If you want to switch to video, you’ll be pleased with the 4K resolution.
Its 3-inch tilting LCD screen works with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, giving you the best of both worlds when it comes to framing your pictures. But one of the major selling points of this Olympic mirrorless camera is its portability. Weighing in at less than 400 grams, it sits comfortably in the hand and is easy to carry around when you’re shooting on location or for long periods of time.
- Sensor: 4/3”
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 9fps
- Autofocus points: 49
- Minimum and maximum shutter speed: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec
The perfect gift for travellers, the Panasonic Lumix G85 is compact, sturdy and weather-sealed to withstand life on the road. Its ruggedness aside, the mirrorless camera features 5-axis built-in stabilization to deliver sharp and blur-free images without the help of a tripod.
The enthusiast-level camera has an ergonomic design, so you don’t have to worry about losing your grip. Its 16MP MOS sensor doesn’t contain a low pass filter, which allows the camera to capture incredible detail. As soon as you start snapping photos or filming, you’ll see just how crisp the images and videos turn out.
The Lumix G85 has a microphone input and a fully articulating touchscreen, making it a popular choice among vloggers who want to shoot from a variety of angles. The chic, DSLR-style body also features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder for those who want to use the camera at eye level.
- Sensor: 23.6mm x 15.6mm
- Megapixels: 26.1MP
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 30fps
- Autofocus points: 91
- Minimum and maximum shutter speed: 1/32000 sec to 60 min
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a modern mirrorless camera with firm ties to the past, thanks to its retro body. It’s a great Christmas gift for photographers who love the design of classic film cameras but still want all the bells and whistles of the newest models on the market.
Aesthetics aside, the mirrorless camera is portable and and produces crisp, detailed
images thanks to the famous 26.1MP X-Trans sensor and X-Processor. This combination continues to impress when it comes to low-light scenes and colour reproduction. That’s not all: the broad ISO range and 91-point autofocus system ensures you’re left with clean, noise-free photos — no matter where you’re shooting.
While this mirrorless camera might look retro, it boasts a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting, touch sensitive LCD screen, both of which make it easier to compose and frame your photos. It also has a range of physical dials, buttons and levers to adjust exposure, a feature that will appeal most to enthusiasts and students.
4. Nikon Z50
- Sensor: 23.5mm x 15.7mm
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 11fps
- Autofocus points: 209
- Minimum and maximum shutter speed: 30 sec to 1/4000 sec
An exciting new release from Nikon, the Z50 is a smaller, budget-friendly alternative to the popular full-frame Z-mount range. It lives up the hype, and it’s one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners.
The Z50 differs slightly to its dearer siblings. These changes mean it has a more compact body, which is a better fit for a consumer — rather than professional — audience.
Internally, you’ll reap the benefits of a 20MP APS-C sensor and powerful processing engine, which work together to produce high-quality still images and videos. Externally, Nikon has opted for a clean, space-saving design that isn’t cluttered with dials and buttons. When you’re framing your scenes, you can choose between an electronic viewfinder and touch-sensitive LCD screen. If you’re filming video or taking selfies, go with option two — it’ll serve you well.
This mirrorless camera is a magnet for content creators, thanks to its 3.5mm microphone input and hot shoe for adding LED lights and other accessories.
5. Canon EOS R
- Sensor: 36mm x 24mm
- Megapixels: 30.3MP
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 8fps
- Autofocus points: 5655
- Minimum and maximum shutter speed: 30 sec to 1/8000 sec
The best mirrorless camera for professionals, the Canon EOS R packs a huge punch in terms of both quality and speed.
It shines brightest in low-light conditions, thanks to its 30.3MP CMOS sensor and versatile 100-40000 ISO range. Its broad dynamic range cuts out image noise for detailed images, while the amazing autofocus system with over 5000 AF points can find focus even in the darkest situations.
The mirrorless camera also offers 8 frames per second of continuous shooting, which includes an 47 RAW frame buffer! With the EOS R, you can hold your finger down on the shutter when in doubt, and select your favourite image when the action has finished.
Design-Wise, the EOS R is weather-sealed, with a tilting, touch-sensitive LCD screen. While it’s a full-frame mirrorless camera, it’s compact, making it a favourite among landscape photographers. If quality is your priority, this is the best mirrorless model to gift for Christmas.
Shop the best mirrorless cameras
Whether you’re looking for a model that will help you to sharpen your photography skills or the perfect Christmas present, browse the best mirrorless cameras to suit every budget.
For expert advice (and more gift ideas), check out our blog or drop by your local Ted’s store to chat with our friendly team.