Mirrorless cameras have taken hold of the kingdom, dethroning DSLRs as the go-to choice for interchangeable lens photography.
The secret to their success? Size — and so much more. Mirrorless cameras deliver results that rival or exceed their DSLR counterparts in a smaller, more travel-friendly form factor. Couple that with fewer moving parts, superior autofocus, purpose-built lenses, and no mirror-induced camera shake, and you have a camera system worthy of the throne. Read on to discover everything you need to know about mirrorless cameras.
Last updated: June 2026
What is a Mirrorless Camera?
To understand mirrorless technology, it helps to first understand how DSLR cameras work. DSLRs use a mirror and prism system to reflect the image from the lens up through an optical viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, exposing the sensor and capturing the photo.
Mirrorless cameras remove this mirror entirely. Images pass directly from the lens to the sensor, which means mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of an optical one. An EVF displays a live feed from the image sensor — essentially a real-time preview of your final image, including exposure, white balance, and depth of field.
What Are the Benefits of Mirrorless Cameras?
The simplified design of mirrorless technology allows manufacturers to produce much smaller and lighter cameras than traditional DSLRs. This size reduction extends to lenses too — mirrorless lenses are generally more compact, and manufacturers like Canon (RF mount), Nikon (Z mount), Sony (E mount), and Fujifilm (X mount) If you're considering Sony's APS-C mirrorless range specifically, see our Best Sony APS-C Mirrorless Cameras 2026 roundup for a full breakdown of every current model. are using the mirrorless platform to produce some of the highest-quality optics ever made.
While early mirrorless cameras — also known as Compact System Cameras (CSC) — had autofocus limitations, modern mirrorless cameras use on-sensor phase-detection autofocus that is fast, accurate, and capable of tracking subjects in even the most demanding scenarios. This has made mirrorless cameras a genuine choice for sports, wildlife, and professional video work.
Other key benefits include:
- No mirror vibration — eliminating a source of camera shake for sharper images at slower shutter speeds.
- Silent shooting — electronic shutters allow completely silent operation, ideal for weddings, wildlife, and theatre.
- Real-time exposure preview — the EVF shows you exactly how your image will look before you press the shutter.
- Higher burst rates — without a mirror to flip, mirrorless cameras can shoot at extremely high frame rates.
- Advanced video capabilities — most modern mirrorless cameras offer 4K or higher video recording with professional-grade features.
Choosing the Right Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras are available at every level — from beginner-friendly entry-level bodies to professional flagships used by working photographers and filmmakers worldwide. The right camera for you will depend on your budget, shooting style, and the subjects you love to capture.
At Ted's, we stock mirrorless cameras from all the major brands including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade to a professional system, our team can help you find the perfect match.
Browse our full range of mirrorless cameras at Ted's Cameras, or visit your nearest store for personalised advice from our expert team.
How Does a Mirrorless Camera Work?
When light enters a mirrorless camera through the lens, it hits the image sensor directly — there is no mirror to redirect it. The sensor reads that light continuously and sends the data to the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or rear LCD screen, giving you a live, real-time preview of your shot before you press the shutter. When you do press the shutter, the sensor captures the final image instantly. This direct light-to-sensor pathway eliminates the mechanical mirror assembly entirely, reducing camera size, minimising vibration, and allowing for faster continuous shooting speeds. It also enables more advanced autofocus systems, as the sensor can be used for focusing at all times rather than relying on a separate dedicated phase-detection module as DSLRs do.
Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras Explained
A full frame mirrorless camera pairs the mirrorless design with a sensor that matches the dimensions of traditional 35mm film — 36mm x 24mm. This larger sensor captures more light than crop-sensor alternatives, delivering superior low-light performance, greater dynamic range, and a shallower depth of field for that sought-after background blur. Full frame mirrorless cameras from Sony (Alpha 7 series), Canon (EOS R series), and Nikon (Z series) have become the professional standard, offering compact bodies without sacrificing image quality. While they come at a premium price point, full frame mirrorless systems are the benchmark for portrait, wedding, landscape, and commercial photographers who demand the highest image quality in a modern, versatile camera body.
What Is the Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners?
If you are looking for a good beginner camera, a mirrorless model is now the smartest starting point. Entry-level mirrorless cameras such as the Sony ZV-E10 II, Canon EOS R50, and Nikon Z30 offer intuitive controls, guided shooting modes, and excellent autofocus — all in compact, lightweight bodies that grow with your skills. Unlike DSLRs, beginner mirrorless cameras give you a live exposure preview through the EVF or screen, so you see the effect of your settings before you shoot. This makes learning the fundamentals of photography — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO — far more intuitive. For the best camera for photography at an entry level, look for a mirrorless model with a kit lens, in-body stabilisation, and good video capabilities to maximise versatility. Check out Ted's Top 5 Mirrorless Cameras for our current recommendations.
Are Mirrorless Cameras Full Frame?
Not all mirrorless cameras are full frame — but many are, and some of the best in the world are. Mirrorless cameras are available across multiple sensor sizes, including full frame (36×24mm), APS-C (crop sensor), and Micro Four Thirds. Full frame mirrorless cameras — such as the Sony Alpha 7 series, Nikon Z6 III, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, and Panasonic Lumix S5 II — deliver the largest sensors available in a mirrorless body, offering superior low-light performance, shallower depth of field, and greater dynamic range. APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras offer a more compact and affordable alternative while still outperforming most smartphone cameras. When shopping for a mirrorless camera, always check the sensor size to ensure it matches your photography needs.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a DSLR or mirrorless camera comes down to your priorities. Mirrorless cameras offer faster autofocus, silent shooting, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), and a more compact form factor — making them the preferred choice for most new buyers today. DSLRs, however, still hold advantages in optical viewfinder clarity, longer battery life per charge, and an extensive back-catalogue of native lenses available at lower prices. If you're starting fresh or upgrading, mirrorless is the future-proof choice — all major manufacturers have shifted their lens development roadmaps to mirrorless systems. If you already own DSLR lenses, many can be adapted to mirrorless bodies using manufacturer adapters, giving you a smooth transition path without sacrificing your existing investment.
Mirrorless Camera Definition: What Does Mirrorless Mean?
By definition, a mirrorless camera is an interchangeable lens camera that operates without a reflex mirror. In traditional DSLR cameras, a mirror sits between the lens and the sensor, redirecting light up to an optical viewfinder. When you shoot, the mirror flips up momentarily to expose the sensor. A mirrorless camera removes this mirror entirely — light travels directly from the lens to the image sensor at all times. This allows the camera to display a live electronic preview through an EVF or LCD screen. The result is a simpler, more compact mechanical system with fewer moving parts, faster continuous shooting speeds, and real-time exposure feedback before you press the shutter — key advantages that define what mirrorless cameras are and why they have become the dominant choice in modern interchangeable lens photography.