Just a few years ago, aspiring photographers looking for their first camera had to choose between a digital point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR. Fortunately, technological advancements have given us a mix of both worlds — enter, the mirrorless camera.
As you may have guessed from its name, mirrorless cameras lack the internal mirror that DSLRs have. Instead of the mirror mechanism, mirrorless cameras use a digital imaging sensor to reflect a digital preview of what the lens is seeing to the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or rear LCD screen. This innovation allows mirrorless cameras to have a more compact body that’s more convenient to shoot and travel with on photography trips.
What makes mirrorless cameras ideal for beginners is that most of them use the same DSLR features and functionalities that have made the DSLR the prime choice all these years — the use of interchangeable lenses, sophisticated autofocus systems, and multiple shooting modes (programmed, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual). Both are still comparable, especially since they are within the same price range, but a mirrorless camera comes in a smaller and lighter package.
So what’s the best entry level mirrorless camera right now? To help narrow down your choices, here are a few of the most popular and best-selling mirrorless cameras for aspiring photographers.
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners
As with every other type of camera, there’s no single best mirrorless camera. It all boils down to choosing the right camera that suits your needs and preferences—may it be high-end specs, functionality, portability, or style. 
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III ()
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an excellent example of a mirrorless camera that looks a lot like a DSLR with its viewfinder mounted at the top. But even then, it maintains the compact size that this type of camera is well known and loved for. It’s equipped with a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is smaller than the APS-C sensors on most entry-level DSLRs but makes up for it with its ultra-fast focusing performance with compatible lenses.
Aside from its excellent responsiveness and beautiful image quality, many beginners are fond of its premium build quality, sophisticated finish, built-in Art Filters, advanced shooting modes, and access to a good range of lenses.
Key Specifications:
- 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
- TruePicTM VIII Image Processing Engine
- 16MP Still Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30fps
- 2.36m-dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” 1.04m-dot Tilting Touchscreen Monitor
- Burst Photo Mode up to 8.6fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600
- Weighs 0.90 lb (14.46 oz)
Fujifilm X-T100 ()
The Fujifilm X-T100 fairs extremely well for many beginners, thanks to fantastic image results that can rival many other entry-level mirrorless cameras. It offers more than enough for those who are looking to upgrade from their trusty smartphone cameras to a very stylish, standalone camera that can produce 24MP stills and UHD 4K videos (albeit at 15fps).
In an attempt to appeal to shooters who want to blend in or stand out from the crowd, this new Fujifilm camera comes in dark silver, black, and champagne gold. It also doesn’t have the brand’s premium X Trans sensor, which allowed the camera to have a more affordable price tag but would mean the need for an upgrade for those who wish to shoot professionally.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 24MP Still Photos / UHD 4K Videos
- 2.36m-dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” 1.04m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Burst Photo Mode up to 6fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 200-12,800 (100-51,200)
- Weighs 0.98 lb (15.80 oz)
Sony Alpha A6000 ()
Looking at its price, you may have assumed that the Sony Alpha A6000 is an entry-level mirrorless camera; however, it’s actually a higher end one whose price has significantly dropped since its release back in 2014. Some of its specs can still compete today, particularly its high-resolution output, DSLR-like sensor, and impressive continuous shooting frame rate of 11fps.
Although there are definite newer upgrades in the more current releases (the A6000 only shoots full HD 1080p videos and its rear lower-resolution LCD monitor is not touch-sensitive), it blends in with today’s modern mirrorless cameras and offers more than other entry-level mirrorless cameras do for beginners.
Key Specifications:
- 24.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 24MP Still Photos / HD 1080p Videos at 60fps
- 0.39” 1.44m-dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” 921k-dot LCD Monitor
- Burst Photo Mode up to 11fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600 (51,200)
- Weighs 0.76 lb (12.13 oz)
Canon EOS M50 ()
At the time of its release in early 2018, the Canon M50 (known as the Canon EOS Kiss M in Japan) was the brand’s much-awaited, affordably-priced mirrorless camera with a viewfinder. Naturally, beginners rushed to grab one over the pricier EOS M5, which was the only other model with a viewfinder.
Aside from being able to take steadier shots (by bracing the camera against your face when looking into the viewfinder), the M50 offers UHD 4K video recording, burst photo mode of up to 10fps, and a modern AF system — at a very beginner-friendly price. And considering the brand, high-quality imagery is assured.
Key Specifications:
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Digic 8 Image Processing Engine
- 24MP Still Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 24fps
- 2.36m-dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3” 1.04m-dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen Monitor
- Burst Photo Mode up to 10fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600 (51,200)
- Weighs 0.85 lb (13.7 oz)
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 (, with lens)
Like the Olympus, Panasonic uses Micro Four Thirds sensors in their mirrorless offerings and allows the use of a collection of interchangeable lenses, and the GX850 is less about the style and creativity and more on providing the ideal blend of portability, functionality, and value.
If you’re all about having the smallest camera possible and don’t mind not having a separate viewfinder, consider the GX850 and its excellent features for beginners — including 4K photo modes, a 180-degree selfie screen, and its 12-32mm retracting kit lens.
Key Specifications:
- 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
- 16MP Still Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30fps
- 3” 1.04m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- Burst Photo Mode up to 10fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600
- Weighs 0.75 lb (12 oz)
Fujifilm X-A5 (, with lens)
The Fujifilm X-A5 is perhaps the most attractive option for those who want to stand out. (Just check out that gorgeous pink leather accent!) Aside from looking extra stylish, it boasts a large 24.4MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which produces terrific image quality.
Although it doesn’t have a viewfinder and its other features are pretty basic for aspiring professionals, it’s enough for beginners who simply want a fashionable, higher-resolution camera for general photography use. It even has a brand new 15-45mm kit lens that retracts for easy storage and comes in other colors (brown and black).
Key Specifications:
- 24.4MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 24MP Still Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 15fps
- 3” 1.04m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Burst Photo Mode up to 6fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 200-12,800 (100-51,200)
- Weighs 0.79 lb (12.7 oz)
Sony Alpha A5100 (, with lens)
Released the same year as the A6000, this high-end mirrorless camera from the famous Sony Alpha line is now within the price range of other newer but lower end models. In fact, it’s even cheaper than the A6000, but you don’t get a viewfinder and the extra external controls.
What you can get are very high-quality images, thanks to its 24.3MP APS-C sensor and BIONZ X™ image processor. Video recording is decent (full HD video at 60fps), continuous shooting is at 6fps, and its tilting screen is touch-sensitive. The 16-50mm kit zoom lens also makes a great walkaround lens — and you’ll definitely want to travel with this camera, thanks to its small and stylish body.
Key Specifications:
- 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X™ Image Processing Engine
- 24MP Still Photos / HD 1080p Videos at 60fps
- 3” 921.6k-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Burst Photo Mode up to 6fps
- ISO Sensitivity Range of 100-25,600
- Weighs 0.62 lb (10 oz)
Feature photo by Nicholas Santoianni on Unsplash
