Over the last half-dozen years, we have seen an explosion of mirrorless wonders. Sure, mirrorless took the world by storm a decade ago, but what we are seeing now is beyond our wildest dreams. Mirrorless cameras have become the dominant interchangeable lens camera for all levels of photographers. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best mirrorless cameras for professional photographers.
Many professional photographers have been making the switch from DSLR to mirrorless, and it’s no surprise why. In the past few years, mirrorless cameras have gained significant popularity as a modern contender for bigger DSLR cameras that have long been considered to be the standard workhorse for professional photography.
As most of us already know, the primary reason professionals choose to invest in a mirrorless camera is that it packs a lot of power in a much smaller and lighter body. It lacks an internal mirror, which reflects the light coming in through the lens and allows it to fall onto the camera’s image sensor. In mirrorless cameras, the light passes through the lens and right onto the image sensor, eliminating the need for the mirror mechanism that brings added weight to the DSLR camera.
A lighter, more compact camera body has given many professionals the freedom and liberty to shoot freely and with ease. It helps them “blend in” more and move from place to place without having to lug heavy equipment around—a hassle when there’s a need to shoot professional quality photos on the fly or when there’s a lot of traveling involved.
What to consider when choosing the best mirrorless camera for professional photography:
Today’s mirrorless cameras have been developed for pretty much every kind of professional photography, but serious users often look for specific features that will provide creative, high-quality outputs and help them excel in their particular fields.
Sensor size
Many are particular about having a mirrorless camera with a large, full-frame sensor, as it yields higher resolution photos and videos that are perfect for huge prints and HD movies. These days, the major camera brands have released their own powerful mirrorless series, and they’ve quickly become user favorites. Sony, Leica, Nikon, and Canon have some of the best mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors at the moment, so if you’re looking for one, make sure to check out those brands.
Camera and image stabilization
Whether you’re looking for the best mirrorless cameras for professionals for photography or for videography, it’s always important to look for image stabilization features. It’s a huge benefit for professional photographers as it improves subject focus and minimizes blurring, while professional videographers will appreciate the reduced camera shake for on-the-go shooting.
If the camera doesn’t have it built-in, some brands usually make up for it by producing lenses with stabilization features.
AF performance
Hybrid AF systems in new mirrorless cameras allow for faster and more efficient autofocus, thus saving the photographer precious time in capturing priceless photos. However, this still depends on your preference. Some photographers rely only on manual focusing, so it won’t matter if the camera has a sophisticated AF system, giving them a wider pool of mirrorless cameras to choose from.
Video capabilities
Even if you don’t plan to use your mirrorless camera to capture videos, this is still something to consider when choosing the camera for you. After all, you might have to shoot a movie at some point as capturing 4K has become second nature to most creators these days.
Mirrorless cameras lead the charge in video features and resolutions, with companies like Sony, Canon, and Nikon offering models with 6K and even 8K internal recording, typically at frame rates of more than 30 frames per second. This is great for movies and HD slow-motion footage.
In fact, many of the cameras below also make our list of the Best Mirrorless Cameras for Video Recording.
Lens options
Does your work require you to use telephoto lenses in varying focal lengths? Or are you in need of some good wide angle lens for your landscape photos? This is definitely something to consider before purchasing your first mirrorless camera. If you’ve already invested in a DSLR camera, manufacturers are producing lens mount adapters to make your transition to a new mirrorless body easier than ever. If you’re looking for new glass, the latest mirrorless lens offerings continue to grow.
Most professional shooters rely on different lenses to help them produce the kind of image that they want. Therefore, it’s important for them to make sure that the mirrorless camera model they have in mind has access to a wide range of compatible lenses, or at least to those that they will need for their chosen fields.
With these benefits and characteristics, mirrorless cameras have become the modern, go-to choice for both amateurs and serious photographers.
Best Sony Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Learn more about the Sony Alpha a7 IV in this hands-on review by filmmaker Renan Ozturk.
Key Specifications:
- 33MP full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 8x more powerful, next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine
- Up to 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 with full pixel readout
- 7K oversampling full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 with no pixel binning
- Real-time Eye-AF for humans, animals, birds for photo and movie
- S-Cinetone, S-Log, HLG and 10 Creative Look presets in-camera
- Advanced movie features; Focus Map, Breathing Comp., AF Assist
- UVC/UAC live streaming up to 4K 15p/1080 60p w/ internal recording
- In-Body Stabilization: 5-Axis Digital
Learn more about the Sony Alpha I in this hands-on review by photographer Mahesh Thapa.
Key Specifications:
- 50 MP (8640 x 5760 pixels) Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 – 32000 (expandable to 50 and 102400)
- Continuous 30 fps with electronic shutter
- Eye AF and tracking for both video and stills
- 530-shot CIPA rated battery life
- Dual USH-II/CFexpress Type A card slots
- 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen (1.44M dot resolution)
- 44M dot OLED EVF (0.9X magnification)
- 5 stops of CIPA rated image stabilization
- 8K/30p video capable
Best Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II in this hands-on review by filmmaker Rob Adams.
Key Specifications:
- Wired and wireless unlimited live streaming for indoors and outdoors
- Unlimited video recording in C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit
- Simultaneous output over HDMI during 4K 60p internal recording
- Advanced image stabilization to 6.5-stop slower shutter speeds
- Double SD Memory Card slot
- Magnesium alloy body, rear frame is splash, dust, and freeze resistant down to -10C (14F)
See our hands-on review of the Lumix GH6 with Rob Adams for more information.
Key Specifications:
- 25MP MOS sensor
- Joystick eight-direction control
- Zone AF focusing
- Face priority in multi metering
- Micro four-thirds sensor
- Max. video quality of 5.7K at 60fps
- 5-axis gyro sensor and 7.5 stops of body image stabilization
- 12+ stops of wide dynamic range for V-log recording
Best Fuji Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Key Specifications:
- 51.4 Megapixel Large Format CMOS Image Sensor
- X-Processor 4 Image Processor
- 3.0 Frames per second
- Updated Autofocus (AF) algorithm for optimized performance with G Mount lenses
- Up to 6.5 stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- Compact, weather-resistant body
Learn more about the Fujifilm GFX 100S in this hands-on review with photographer Ab Sesay.
Key Specifications:
- Newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II sensor paired with X-Processor 5 imaging engine
- 5.76 million dot high-resolution EVF
- Up to 7 frames-per-second
- Up to 8.0 stops of in-body image stabilization
- AI-assisted subject tracking autofocus down to -5.5EV
- 4K/30p video resolution with 4:2:2 10-bit in-camera recording
Best Olympus Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Check out – Computational Photography with Susan Magnano on Adorama TV
Key Specifications:
- 20M Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor provides amazing resolution and low noise
- TruePic X engine will deliver up to 3x faster processing power
- Cross Quad Pixel AF delivers 1,053 point, all cross-type 100% high-precision focusing
- Pro Capture begins recording up to 120 fps once the shutter button is pressed halfway
- High definition 4k, 60p video supports imaging expression
- An independent AEL button and AF-ON button allow customizable settings for both
Best Canon Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Get the complete story of the Canon EOS R1 here: Canon EOS R1: A New Generation of Professional
Key Specifications:
- Powerful Auto-focus upgrades such as the ‘Cross-type AF’ at the imaging sensor, a first for Canon.
- New Canon-designed 24.2MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor (with Dual Pixel AF)
- Built-in neural upscaling feature can double horizontal and vertical image size to create a 96MP JPEG in about 10 seconds
- Pre-continuous shooting to capture the previous 1/2-second of images prior to a full shutter release
- New DIGIC Accelerator works in tandem with the DIGIC X Image Processor to handle complex tasks
- Fast sensor read-out speeds virtually eliminate rolling shutter concerns and allow for up to 40 fps electronic shutter
See how the Canon EOS R3 performs in this hands-on review with Ab Sesay.
Key Specifications:
- Back-illuminated Stacked 24.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC X Image Processor
- ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 204800
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to approx. 30 fps with electronic (silent) shutter and up to 12fps with Mechanical Shutter
- Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 1,053 AF Points. Includes Vehicle Detection as well as Eye, Face, Head, and Animal Detection
- The First EOS Digital camera to feature Eye Control AF
- 5.76-million-dot & 120fps blackout free EVF with quick response
- Capable of recording 6K 60P RAW or 4K 120p 10-bit (uncropped) with Canon Log 3
- Dual Card Slots for CFexpress and UHS-II SD Memory Cards
Get the complete story of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II here: Canon EOS R5 Mark II: A Perfect Union of Photo and Video
Key Specifications:
- Completely NEW Canon designed full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS 45MP sensor
- Fast sensor read-out speeds allow for up to 30 fps electronic shutter performance
- Capture video and stills simultaneously with no interruption
- Capture 8K RAW at 59.94/50.00 fps, and can Canon LOG 2
- Features the same 0.5-inch 5.76 million dot OLED EVF found in the EOS R3
- Video Menus now use Cinema EOS terminology
Best Black Magic Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
See our hands-on review of the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with cinematographer Vince Rappa.
Key Specifications:
- Super 35 sensor
- 13 stops of dynamic range
- 6K video at up to 50fps
- Dual native ISO of 400 and 3200
- Two mini XLR audio inputs
- Adjustable tilt HDR LCD with a bright 1500 nits for use in bright sunlight
- NP-F570 style battery
- Built in 2, 4 and 6 stop ND filters
Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras for Professional Photographers
Learn more about the Z 7II (and the Z 6II) in Seth Miranda’s visit to Nikon headquarters.
Key Specifications:
- 45.7MP sensor
- Dual EXPEED 6 processing engines
- 3.5x more buffer capacity than Nikon Z7
- 4K UHD 60p video
- Compatible with new vertical battery grip
- Dual card slots for CFexpress and XQD + UHS-II SD
Key Specifications:
- Nikon’s first partially-stacked 24.5MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor
- Extraordinary low-light focus detection and a blazing fast electronic shutter
- 6K/60p internal RAW and Full HD/240p video capture with 10X slow motion
- AF detection down to -10EV, with sophisticated multi-subject recognition, enhanced by Nikon’s Deep Learning technology
- Built in image stabilization and vibration reduction with 8 stops and Focus Point VR
- Best in class EVF with 4000 nits and 5760k-dot resolution
Check out Seth Miranda put the Z6 III through its paces: Nikon Z6III: NEW Full Frame Partially Stacked Sensor | On Location Boxing Gym Photo Shoot
See our hands-on video: Nikon Z8 The Mini Flagship | Hands On with Joe McNally
Key Specifications:
- High-performance hybrid camera with 45.7MP full-frame sensor for exceptional image quality
- Advanced in-camera 8K UHD video capabilities for professional videography
- Fast burst speeds up to 120 fps
- Intelligent autofocus system with subject detection developed from deep learning technology
- Compact and lightweight design with professional build for comfortable handling and durability
- BSI Stacked full-frame sensor
See our hands-on review of the Nikon Z 9 with professional photographer Rod Mar.
Key Specifications:
- 45.7 MP stacked CMOS sensor with EXPEED 7 image processing
- Fast and accurate AF
- 8K at 30p video for over two hours of recording time
- 4K at 120p slow-motion video capturing
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
- Internal 12-bit RAW video
- Up to 20fps burst shooting
- Subject detection/AF works down to -6.5 EV, or -8.5 EV with starlight mode
Looking for more imaging options? Shop Adorama’s entire lineup of mirrorless cameras.
Stephanie Vermillion is a wedding, documentary and small business filmmaker covering the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area, as well as a travel and lifestyle journalist reporting on a variety of topics across the globe. Combining Stephanie’s interests in storytelling, love, wildlife, travel and media, Stephanie Vermillion Studio was built from the ground up in her one-bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stephanie’s writing and photography have been published in outlets like Mental Floss and Elite Daily, and her filmmaking includes everything from East Coast weddings to awareness-building wildlife conservation films around the world.