When we look around us and observe which camera photographers are shooting with, we can pretty much find that all the camera brands and models are represented. This tells us that every photographer had certain specific criteria in mind as he or she made a purchase decision. Quick question: How do you choose? Do you choose based on features on paper? Do you choose based strictly on your budget? Or, as one person I know, he is always asking me to “tell me which one is the best, money is not a factor?” We want to show you a better criteria.
As long-time readers of Photoxels know, we have always insisted that you should stop trying to find and buy the best camera. Instead, you need to choose the one that is best for you — at your current abilities, budget and interest.
Ability: There is no point in choosing a camera that is way beyond your ability to use it properly; in fact, it may frustrate you and discourage you from further pursuing your hobby. And, no, you are not going to necessarily get better pictures with a more expensive camera — if you do not know how to use it.
Budget: True, we all have a budget to live within. However, we could also wait a bit and save up longer to get the camera that is just right for us.
Interests: And, based on your interest, one camera and lens combination may serve you better than another combination. For example, you would want to buy a certain prime lens with fast aperture for portrait work or a fast telephoto zoom for sports photography. An extra wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod may serve you better for landscape photography.
So, take all these factors into consideration as you read up on the mirrorless cameras below. To help you out, we have divided them into four main groups: entry-level (for those who mainly “point-and-shoot” but want the option to be able to change lenses and explore further), serious / advanced (for those who want to take up photography seriously and need a more advanced camera), enthusiast / expert (for those who are expert at using any camera model as well as in post-processing) and Pro.
> Click here to skip reading and go directly to the mirrorless cameras now!
A SYSTEM CAMERA
A mirrorless camera is often referred to as a Compact System Camera (CSC), emphasis on the word System. That’s because, like DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex), a mirrorless camera accepts interchangeable lenses, external flashes and other accessories that give it flexibility and extend its usefulness.
Therefore, in selecting a mirrorless camera, you may want to give some thought to which system you want to standardize on. Professionals do that all the time since once they start spending thousands of dollars on camera bodies, lenses and accessories, they do not want to switch to a different camera system. Not only would it be financially prohibitive, but they would need to relearn how to shoot with a different camera, and the lenses and accessories for one camera brand are more often than not incompatible with other camera brands. Some camera systems are also more complete than others. For example, if astrophotography is your turf, find a camera system with accessories that make it easy for you to shoot through a telescope with your camera.
Don’t fret if you are new to all of this. If you are selecting an entry-level mirrorless camera and do not intend to invest heavily in lenses and accessories, you may afford to be brand-insensitive. With time, experience and use of the different camera brands, you slowly get a better feel for which system you definitely prefer. So, don’t go asking which is the best camera system. They each have their strengths as well as quirks. So, if you want to make a choice that will make you happy, be patient, try them and see for yourself. Once you decide to invest in lenses (which can be much more expensive than the camera body), you then need to carefully decide to standardize on one camera system.
STYLING
A mirrorless camera does not have a mirror and so it also does not need a prism/optical viewfinder. It can therefore locate its high resolution EVF (electronic viewfinder) anywhere it wants, resulting in some of the beautiful retro styling with a clean flat top.
However, since most people still tend to equate a high-level camera with the tell-tale DSLR viewfinder hump, mirrorless camera manufacturers have therefore continued to locate the EVF on some of their flagship mirrorless cameras at the center top with a hump that mimics the DSLR viewfinder hump. Sometimes, lack of space or ergonomic design will dictate that the EVF should be at that central top location. But we tell you all of that to tell you this: don’t judge a mirrorless camera simply by the presence or absence of the viewfinder hump.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Here are some of the best mirrorless cameras you can buy, listed in alphabetical order. This is by no means an exhaustive list and we will add and remove from the list as new models appear and old models are retired. As you read about the various models, remember not to get too hung up with finding “the best camera”; instead, find “the camera that is best for you.”
Remember also that today’s mirrorless cameras have many useful and practical features that cameras of old did not have, such as in-body image stabilization, face detection, eye detection, etc. etc. These are great to have but if the camera you have set your heart on does not have one or more of these features, it does not mean it’s not a good choice. It only means that you need to develop more as a photographer, learning to anticipate action, pre-focus, etc. Just because your camera has some technological feature does not a good photographer make you.
When you’ve identified a camera that you would like to learn more about, click on the manufacturer links to read more about the specifications. (For some of the cameras, we’ve added some of our own thoughts.) Note that there might be typos; firmware upgrades will add or change certain features; and not all countries include the same accessories in the box. So, do some careful research before you make a final purchase decision.
If you are purchasing your first mirrorless camera, we recommend that you also purchase it together with the kit lens (one is usually offered). The kit lens is usually of good enough quality and costs much cheaper when bought as a kit together with the camera than if you bought it separately.
Lastly, if you do decide to purchase from one of our sponsors by clicking on one of the links below each camera, remember that it won’t not cost you one cent more — and we get a referral fee if you make a purchase to help support this site. Since there are always deals going on, clicking on the links will show you the latest price and will allow you to take advantage of any existing deals. We thank you beforehand for your support!
Happy Reading!
| BRAND | PRO | ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) | SERIOUS (ADVANCED) | ENTRY-LEVEL |
| Canon | EOS R | EOS M6 | EOS M50 EOS M100 |
|
| Fujifilm | GFX 50S GFX 50R |
X-H1 X-T3 X-T2 X-Pro2 |
X-E3 X-T20 |
X-A5 X-T100 |
| Hasselblad | X1D | |||
| Leica | M10-P M10-D M10 |
CL TL2 |
||
| Nikon | Z 7 Z 6 |
|||
| Olympus | E-M1 II | PEN-F E-M5 II |
E-PL9 E-M10 III |
|
| Panasonic | S1 R S1 |
G9 GH5s GH5 |
G85 | GX9 GX850 |
| Sony | A9 | A7S II A7R III A7 III |
a6500 |
Do not get too hung up if you find your camera listed under the “wrong” column in the table above. In fact, as new models come out with even better features, cameras may shift from one column to a lower one. But it does not mean that your camera is now less able to take great pictures. For example, cameras listed under the expert column are also extensively used by professional photographers, so those two columns could be viewed as one. We, however, have a feeling that many cameras specifically targeted at pros will be coming out in the very near future.
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
If you are new to photography, these entry-level mirrorless cameras are perfect to start out with. They usually feature full AUTO mode, Scene Modes, built-in Wi-Fi and lots of creative filters to make it easy to transition from your smartphone camera.
They are also relatively affordable and make it easy to try different camera brands and models to see which system you feel most comfortable using.
They are all guaranteed to give you entry-level DSLR performance and image quality (i.e., much better than what your smartphone camera can give).
Our recommendation here is to visit a retail store to try and handle different camera brands for size, weight, controls placement and even look and feel. Buy what you like and can afford.
Canon EOS M50, black
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Canon EOS M50 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Canon EOS M100
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Canon EOS M100 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-A5
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-A5 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-T100
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-T100 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Olympus PEN E-PL9
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is an ideal entry-level mirrorless camera. Underneath its stylishly beautiful exterior hides a powerful Micro Four Thirds camera that is as easy to use as your smartphone.
The E-PL9 is perfect for someone new to using an interchangeable lens camera, making the transition from smartphone camera to an interchangeable lens camera as seamless as possible: touch screen controls with sliders allow you to adjust the way the image looks; 16 Art Filters put creativite control at your fingertips; select a Scene Mode to let the camera adjust settings automatically for that scene; and Advanced Photo mode makes taking multiple exposures, HDR, Sweep Panoramas, Live Composite photos and Focus Bracketing Close Up shots a screen tap away. An electronic shutter allows you to shoot silently.
Want more control? You can switch to semi-auto and full manual (PASM) shooting modes, too.
And you don’t have to stop taking selfies either: the E-PL9 has selfie-friendly features: a LCD screen that tilts all the way down to face forward; In-body image stabilization means you can handhold the camera without getting blurry shots due to camera shake; Touch AF allows you to simply tap on the LCD screen where you want the camera to focus; and Touch Shutter will focus and take the picture with just one screen tap. Lastly, Always-on Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi ensure that you can immediately transfer a picture to your smartphone for posting to social media.
You can shoot high-definition 4K video, slow-motion video and time-lapse.
There is a pop-up flash and a hot shoe allows you to attach a more powerful external flash, if necessary.
Since the E-PL9 is a mirrorless camera, it is therefore a system camera and accepts all the interchangeable lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, currently at more than 20 lenses ranging from super wide angle to super telephotos. The kit option is the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Pancake lens for general purpose photography. If you are seriously into portrait photography, consider also getting the M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 portrait lens. If you rather mostly shoot macro photos, then consider the M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro lens. In addition, you can also use hundreds of legacy lenses via various adapters.
The Olympus E-PL9 is available in white, black or brown.
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Olympus PEN E-PL9 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
While the Olympus E-PL9 is for those who are new to interchangeable lens cameras and have only used the camera that is on their smartphone, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III provides many more direct controls for the more knowledgeable camera user.
You can just use the E-M10 III as a point-and-shoot camera since Olympus has worked hard to make its auto and creative modes as easy to use as possible (as on the E-PL9). Or, you can flick the Mode Dial to one of the semi-auto or manual (PASM) modes and take full control.
You also get an eye-level electronic viewfinder, better image stabilization and a bigger RAW buffer. However, you won’t get the in-camera panorama and always-on Bluetooth features in the E-PL9.
Think of the E-M10 III as a mirrorless camera that can be as easy to use as the E-PL9, but with more robust and accessible features for those who want to go further in their photography. And, you can get it for about US $100 less than the E-PL9! Talk about a bargain.
Olympus E-M10 III QuickFact Sheet
Olympus E-M10 III Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic GX9
Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX9 Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 12-60mm Lens (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX850
Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX850 Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
If you want to take up photography as a serious hobby and have a desire to learn how to take great photos, step up to an advanced mirrorless camera that gives you control over shooting modes. Aperture-Priority mode allows you to control depth of field, getting everything from near to far sharp, or throw the background out of focus and make your main subject pop; Shutter-Priority mode allows you to freeze a subject in motion or allow flowing water to blur for that ethereal cloudy effect; and, Full Manual Mode hands over total control of the camera over to you. (Note: many entry-level models usually also allow you to have that level of control, but operability, performance and image quality will vary.)
In Full AUTO mode, the camera makes all the decisions for you.
In Programmed Auto shooting mode, the camera meters the scene and suggests a shutter speed/aperture settings combination for a correct exposure. If your camera has Program Shift feature, you can dial in a different shutter speed (or aperture) and the camera will shift the aperture (or shutter speed) accordingly to continue to maintain correct exposure. You can also dial in an exposure compensation (over or under) and the camera will use that compensation in its exposure calculation. If you adjust the ISO, the camera will also take that into consideration.
In Aperture-priority shooting mode, you decide on an aperture (small for maximum depth of field and sharp landscape photos, large for narrow depth of field and portraits with blurred background) and the camera takes exposure compensation (if you have dialled one in) and ISO into consideration and select the shutter speed required for a correct exposure.
In Shutter-priority shooting mode, you decide on a shutter speed (fast to freeze action, slow for cloudy or blurred effects) and the camera takes exposure compensation (if you have dialled one in) and ISO into consideration and select the aperture required for a correct exposure.
In full Manual shooting mode, you decide on everything: shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and though some cameras may suggest settings for a correct exposure, you are left to be in total control.
You take the time to know your camera inside out, practice taking lots of pictures under different weather conditions, explore various shooting techniques, improve your post-processing and start to develop a definite idea of your likes and dislikes as far as what type of camera and what type of shooting you prefer. For example, you may prefer shooting landscapes or portraits or macros or wildlife or sports. You also start doing some basic post-processing (such as sharpening, light levels, white balance adjustment) in a photo editing software — and start to immediately see a major improvement in the quality of your pictures.
Our recommendation here is that you move up from your entry-level camera to a better model keeping the same brand if you have already invested in additional lenses and accessories; or, switch to a different brand, depending on your photographic needs and preferences. Do not invest heavily in lenses and accessories yet until you are certain you have settled on a camera system. Concentrate on learning and mastering the fundamentals of good photography. Do not be afraid to experiment.
A note about forum boards: join boards where you get to learn and practice your photography, not to debate the finer points of camera features. Remember: there is no perfect camera. Do not worry about what other people say negatively about your camera choice. Instead of wasting time debating which camera is better, just go out and take pictures. Become a better photographer. Enjoy your photography!
Canon EOS M6
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Canon EOS M6 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-E3 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-T20
Fujifilm X-T20 QuickFact Sheet
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-T20 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Leica CL
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Leica CL (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Leica TL2
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Leica TL2 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Olympus PEN-F
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Olympus PEN-F (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Olympus E-M5 Mark II Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G85
Read our Panasonic G85 Review
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony α6500
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Sony α6500 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
You are now technically considered an expert, being proficient in different camera systems and how to make the best of your camera, lenses and accessories. Photography has become a passion and you want to up your game. You may have used different mirrorless models and brands, and may have developed a preference for a certain brand. You may have also settled on what you like to photograph, and what you buy at this stage will depend on whether the camera has the features you are looking for as well as the lenses and other accessories you need.
Since a mirrorless camera is a “system” camera, you will probably spend quite a bit on lenses and accessories as time goes by and you delve deeper into your passion. There are lenses specifically crafted for portraits, landscapes, macros, wildlife, sports, etc. You will find that quality lenses can easily be the most expensive equipment you can buy and, while you may upgrade your camera model, you will almost certainly still keep on using the same lenses over many years and camera model upgrades.
So now, you need to carefully and deliberately think about which “system” you want to attach yourself to for the long haul. Consider which camera brand and lenses you are most comfortable using and determine to stay with them for many years. This allows you to learn all the ins and outs of your camera and system.
Too many photographers obsess over the little quirks in their camera (forgetting that there is no “perfect” camera) and constantly change from one model to the latest one, from one brand to another–always chasing the latest features and never taking the time to really learn to get the most from their equipment and become better photographers. When you have acquired several camera bodies, lenses and accessories, changing camera brand and lenses often can end up being a very expensive luxury few of us can afford to indulge in. So, now is the time to settle on one camera brand, lens mount and lenses.
In fact, at this stage, you can be handed any camera and start taking good pictures with it because you have completely mastered the fundamentals of good photography. You do not spend hours on forum boards arguing the pros and cons of different camera systems and their features — or lack thereof. The camera is a tool in your hands. You (the photographer) take (imagine, compose, create, craft, crop, post-process, …) the picture.
Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R is Canon’s first serious mirrorless camera, is full-frame and its sensor and some features are comparable to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR (though its cheaper price and weather-sealing capability are closer to the EOS 6D Mark II). For their first full-frame mirrorless, the EOS R is a hybrid 30.3MP still and 4K video camera, delivering excellent image quality in a body smaller and lighter than an equivalent DSLR. It features 8 fps continuous shooting, a high resolution 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder and 2.1M-dot Vari-Angle touch 3.15-inch LCD.
Though the Canon EOS R is built solidly and handles well, it sports controls that you would expect to see on their entry-level EOS M mirrorless models rather than on a full-frame DSLR-level camera. It’s as though Canon has not decided yet that it’s future is mirrorless and has somewhat hobbled the development of the EOS R system and positioned it beneath their current DSLR offerings.
The EOS R is weather-sealed, shoots 4K video at 30 fps, has a beautifully high resolution electronic viewfinder, and can shoot silently when needed. It also boasts the world’s most sensitive AF with sensitivity down to -6 EV. As Canon’s first generation full-frame mirrorless camera, it has a few kinks to work out (such as a severe 1.8x 4K video crop), but the EOS R is nevertheless an impressive mirrorless camera capable of producing stunning images with very good dynamic range and low noise at high ISOs.
If you are a Canon DSLR shooter and have been holding out switching to mirrorless, you may want to consider an EOS R to get used to mirrorless shooting and workflow. When your perfect Canon mirrorless camera eventually does come along (whenever Canon finally decides mirrorless is their future), you’ll be ready to make a complete switch and the transition will be smooth for both yourself and your clients.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Canon EOS R, RF lenses and accessories (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-H1
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-H1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 is an APS-C mirrorless camera. What distinguishes the Fujifilm X Series mirrorless cameras from other interchangeable lens cameras is the beautiful retro design with dedicated analog controls: Shutter Speed dial, Exposure Compensation dial and ISO dial on the camera body, as well as an Aperture ring on its XF lenses. This puts the controls you need to adjust the most often right at your fingertips and providing an immediate tactile and visual feedback. If you are old enough to have used film SLR cameras, you may delight in these controls; if you have grown up using a Mode button and Command dials on film SLRs and DSLRs, you may not get used to them. Or, you may also delight in them — as many have found out!
Aside from its gorgeous look, superb handling and compact size and weight, the X-T3 is probably the best affordable still and 4K video camera you can purchase today. Fujifilm has also lots of superb lenses available. If you don’t need full-frame resolution, the X-T3 captures pictures with excellent image quality and may even renew your joy of photography. It’s that kind of camera.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-T3 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-T2 with optional Vertical Power Booster Grip
Read our Fujifilm X-T2 Review
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-T2 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Read our Fujifilm X-Pro2 Review
Fujifilm X-Pro2 QuickFact Sheet
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm X-Pro2 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Leica M10-P Silver
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Leica M10-P (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Leica M10-D
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Leica M10-D (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Leica M10
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Leica M10 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Nikon Z 7
The Nikon Z7 is Nikon’s first serious mirrorless camera, is full-frame and we would slot it at the top among the very best mirrorless cameras currently available for serious and advanced photographers. For their first full-frame mirrorless, the Z 7 is impressive as a hybrid 45.7MP still and 4K video camera, delivering excellent image quality in a body smaller and much lighter than an equivalent DSLR. It features 9 fps continuous shooting, in-body 5-axis image stabilization for a 5 stops gain, a high resolution 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder and 2.1M-dot tilting touch 3.2-inch LCD. There is also an OLED top plate display.
In its first iteration, Nikon has seen fit to include only one XQD card slot — a decision that has disappointed event photographers who depend on twin slots for backup purposes to ensure peace of mind.
Some photographers who prefer to leave a tripod plate permanently attached to their camera have also found that some plates protrude too far out and do not allow Nikon’s F-to-Z lens mount adapter to attach.
The Z 7 will be compared to the D850 DSLR and found wanting in the area of AF: the AF is not as sensitive in low light, AF Tracking is not as reliable or easy to engage, Face Detection is also not as reliable. But this is true of all mirrorless cameras and is one of the last bastion for mirrorless to conquer before they can claim to be master of the hill.
The Z 7 is lighter, smaller, handles superbly, is weather-sealed, shoots 4K video at 30 fps, has in-body image stabilization to eliminate camera shake, has a beautifully high resolution electronic viewfinder, and can shoot silently when needed. As Nikon’s first generation full-frame mirrorless camera, it has a few kinks to work out, but the Z 7 is nevertheless an impressive mirrorless camera capable of producing stunning images with very good dynamic range and low noise at high ISOs. The Nikon Z 7 also has an excellent intervalometer and time-lapse movie mode if you’re into this type of photography.
If you are a Nikon DSLR shooter and have been holding out switching to mirrorless, your reasons have ran out. Though there are some feature and control changes you’d need to adapt to, the Z 7 is a Nikon thru and thru and is the mirrorless that will win you over. You may not want to get rid of your D850 DSLR yet, but now is the time to get the Z 7 (or Z 6) and immerse yourself into mirrorless shooting and workflow. When your perfect Nikon mirrorless camera does come along, you’ll be ready to make a complete switch and the transition will be smooth for both yourself and your clients.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Nikon Z 7 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Nikon Z 6
If you do not need the 45.7MP resolution of the Z 7, then the Nikon Z 6 at 24.5MP shoots at 12 fps and basically is similar in all other specs to the much pricier Z 7.
It competes directly with the Sony A7 III, and some of you may prefer it for being slightly larger and more ergonomic than the A7 III. Where it needs to improve on is the AF Tracking and Eye AF. Not that the Nikon Z 6 is not capable of tracking a subject and maintaining focus, but the Sony A7 III does it much better.
If these two AF features are not that important to your type of photography, then you should definitely try out the Nikon Z 6. Remember, it’s also very important how a camera fits in your hands and how you easily, effortlessly and, dare I say, enjoyably interact with it. The Z 6 also has the advantages of all the excellent Nikkor lenses already available for it with the use of the FTZ adapter.
Nikon could improve the Continuous AF issues with a firmware update, but I would bet the Z 6 II will solve that. Meanwhile, you can enjoy shooting with the Z 6 and perfect your mirrorless workflow.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Nikon Z 6 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with optional Power Battery Holder
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic LUMIX G9
Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, the G1, in 2008. Now, 10 years later, the G9 currently sits atop its many — and sometimes confusingly named — mirrorless models. The G9 is the still mirrorless camera equivalent of the video-centric GH5, the latter recognized as perhaps the best professionally-oriented video interchangeable lens camera.
The Panasonic G9 shoots 4K/60p video and also offers both headphone and microphone jacks. The GH5 adds high bitrate options and an extensive professional video tool set.
The G9 features 6.5 stops of image stabilization — the highest of any interchangeable lens camera. It can shoot 20 fps with Continuous AF, a 3.68M-dot EVF (with a high 0.83X equiv. magnification for a large view), a 1.04M-dot 3-inch fully-articulated touch LCD, Dual UHS-II high speed card slots, AF Tracking and weather sealing.
The impressive Panasonic G9 is a ground-up redesign with much improved handling, image quality and Continuous AF. Though its sensor is 20.3MP, its High Resolution mode captures and combines eight shots into an 80.6-megapixel image.
(If it’s a full-frame mirrorless you are looking for, the Panasonic S1 and S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras are coming in early 2019.)
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix G9 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
.
Panasonic GH5s
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony a7S II
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Sony a7S II (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony a7r III with Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
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Sony a7R III (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony A7 III
The Sony A7 series of mirrorless cameras provided the impetus for both Nikon and Canon to urgently and seriously reconsider their (re-)entry into mirrorless camera research and development. Before that, Nikon toyed with the 1 System and Canon dabbled timidly with the EOS M system. The Sony A7 series posed a clear and present danger to existing full-frame DSLRs. It was the full-frame mirrorless that many said could not be built, could not match the DSLRs in features, AF speed and image quality — well, Sony proved everyone wrong: The A7 could and did. That set off a panic from Nikon and Canon which, with their Nikon Z 7, Nikon Z 6 and Canon EOS R, are now trying to gain a foothold into the mirrorless race.
The Sony A7 III is the third generation A7 full-frame mirrorless and has earned a high and well-deserved reputation among both enthusiast and pro photographers as one of the most capable full-frame mirrorless camera at a competitively affordable price: fast and precise AF, improved AF Tracking for sports photography, highly effective Eye AF for portrait photography; effective in-body 5-axis image stabilization for consistently sharp hand-held shooting; high image quality with low noise at high ISOs. It is also a very compact camera and Sony has indicated it will not create a bigger sized model, opting to seek the perfect balance between compactness and ergonomics.
The Sony A7 III full-frame mirrorless camera is better than ever, causing many serious amateurs, enthusiasts and pro DSLR users to decide to finally switch to mirrorless. If you are new to mirrorless and do not have any brand preference, take a look at the excellent Sony A7 III. It has worked out the kinks and is a great choice whether you’re into portrait, landscape, macro, sports or wildlife photography.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Sony a7 III (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS
We are starting to see mirrorless cameras specifically targeted to professional photographers. To get professional photographers (who depend on their cameras and equipment for their livelihood and have very specific photographic needs) to switch from their trusted DSLRs to mirrorless, mirrorless technology not only has to catch up with DSLR technology, but also has to offer definite improvements and advantages over DSLR technology to make it worthwhile for pro photographers to switch.
Advantages like size and weight have driven some pros (who pack several heavy camera bodies, lenses and tripods) to switch to compact and lighter Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless cameras. Others have found that the retro design and analogue controls of the Fujifilm X mirrorless cameras have simplified their shooting, allowing them to concentrate more on the picture. Sony has the full-frame DSLRs in their cross-hairs and want pros to stay full-frame but switch to their mirrorless cameras with practical features that are difficult, if not impossible, for DSLRs to emulate. Hasselblad and Fujifilm are presenting their medium format models as being better than full-frame.
The truth is that pro photographers will use whatever camera and tools suit their needs. It’s not just about features, but how practical and usable the features really are, how robust the cameras are (how much can they take in the field without failing), how intuitive the cameras are in actual use, whether there are supporting lenses and accessories, and does the “tool” fit the use or does the photographer have to do contortions to use a particular feature? Mirrorless cameras targeted specifically to pro photographers need to address issues of availability of quality lenses in the focal length and aperture pros need, availability of flash accessories, dependable weather resistance and special level of dedicated field support (professional services).
Fujifilm GFX 50S with optional Vertical Grip
Fujifilm GFX 50S Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm GFX 50S (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Fujifilm GFX 50R Press Release
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Fujifilm GFX 50R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Hasselblad X1D QuickFact Sheet
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Hasselblad X1D (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic S1 R
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Panasonic Lumix S1R (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Panasonic S1 R
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Panasonic Lumix S1 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
Sony α9
The Sony A9 shoots at 20 fps at full 24MP resolution, with no viewfinder lag and no blackout during continuous shooting. It is targeted to professional photographers who shoot sports, action, wildlife and wedding photography.
The A9 features a 3.7M-dot OLED viewfinder (1280 x 960 pixels) with a fast 120 fps refresh update, a 1.44M-dot tilt touchscreen LCD, silent shooting, 4K video, highly accurate AF Tracking and Eye AF.
Making a full-frame mirrorless camera that is as light and small as (or even lighter and smaller than) some of the mirrorless cameras that use smaller APS-C and MFT sensors is quite a feat. Add to this a camera that shoots faster than — and with AF performance as good as — a flagship DSLR caught the attention of the two major DSLR manufacturers.
The Sony A9 is Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera and currently and undisputedly the best (full-frame or otherwise) mirrorless camera.
Full specifications: Manufacturer’s site
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Sony a9 (various kit lens options are offered, all prices in US $)
INTRODUCTION
I. ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS
II. SERIOUS (ADVANCED) MIRRORLESS
III. ENTHUSIAST (EXPERT) MIRRORLESS
IV. PRO MIRRORLESS