The best mirrorless camera for 2023: top picks for every budget

Whether you’re new to photography or a proven enthusiast, the best mirrorless cameras have the features and performance to take your shooting to the next level. We’ve extensively tested all of the top mirrorless cameras and put together this guide to help you decide which one is right for your experience, expectations and budget.

We think the best mirrorless camera for most people right now is the Sony A7 IV, which is also our favorite camera for photography outright. With a sharp full-frame sensor and fantastic autofocus capabilities, it’s a hybrid that handled almost every shooting scenario during our review. If you’d prefer a lightweight camera with a retro design, though, we also highly recommend the Fujifilm X-T5 – an APS-C camera that’s ideal for everyday stills. For beginners, the versatile Olympus OM-D E-M10 ticks all the right boxes.

Our ranked selection draws on the results of our in-depth reviews. We comprehensively test every mirrorless camera to see how well it handles, and how its features and performance stack up in the real world. We assess each model on its individual merits, then compare it to the closest competition in its category. 

Our in-depth guide is divided accordingly, to help you quickly find the top options for enthusiasts, novices and advanced photographers. We keep it regularly updated with the latest releases, and we’ve also outlined some expert buying tips at the bottom of the page. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll find direct links to the best deals beneath each entry.

Written by

Written by

Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. He notes, "In 2023, mirrorless cameras are where it's at for the camera divisions  of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and OM System (Olympus), and those that like to shoot both photo and video are reaping the benefit with some of the most powerful hybrid cameras to date. We already have camera of the year contenders in the shape of the 61MP full-frame Sony A7R V, Panasonic Lumix S5 II / S5 IIX and the Nikon Z8. The Fujfilm X-S20 was announced at the Fujifilm X Summit and updates the X-S10 as a much more powerful, if costly successor. In one sense there is a trend that 'cheap' cameras are a thing of the past, but at the high-end you are getting more bang for your buck."

The quick list

Want to get straight to the best mirrorless camera for your needs? Use our quick round-up below to immediately find a mirrorless camera that suits you – and you can read more about it by jumping to our full write-ups and explanations using the links.

The best mirrorless cameras for 2023

The best enthusiast mirrorless cameras

The best overall for enthusiasts

The Sony A7 IV is a truly modern hybrid camera. It’s overkill for beginners and more expensive than its stills-focused competition, but it’s also a versatile workhorse for anyone who want to shoot a mixture of photos and video. A price bump means it no longer occupies the same entry-level price bracket as its popular predecessor, but upgrades like 10-bit video and a Bionz XR processor make it a much more powerful option.

In our tests, we found the A7 IV to have class-leading autofocus skills, plus a seemingly endless buffer depth, which means the camera can almost indefinitely maintain its maximum burst speeds without any slowdown. When using a CFexpress card, it swallowed 9fps for over a minute (or 6-7fps when continuously shooting raw). The A7 IV's new 33MP full-frame sensor doesn't dramatically improve image quality over the A7 III (the higher resolution also means fairly prevalent noise above ISO 6400), and there's a heavy crop on 4K footage. But as a complete package, the Sony A7 IV is a solid all-rounder which could be the only mirrorless camera you'll ever need.

• Read our in-depth Sony A7 IV review

The best crop-sensor camera overall

The Canon EOS R7 is like one of the camera giant's full-frame EOS R cameras, only with a smaller APS-C sensor. For the price, it's impressively powerful, particularly if you're fan of shooting wildlife or sports scenes. That's because it boasts 15fps burst speeds (or 30fps if you switch to the electronic shutter). Our tests found that the EOS R7 can indeed hit these speeds, though you don't get the deep buffers found on full-frame siblings like the EOS R6, so it can't sustain those speeds for quite as long.

Beyond rattling off frames of speeding animals, the EOS R7 offers comfortable handling, Canon's latest subject-tracking autofocus system and and dual UHS-II card slots, making it a camera that will also tempt pro EOS R series fans as a second body. The only downside? Canon has so far only made two native lenses for the EOS R7's APS-C sensor. More should be en route, though, and you can always mount existing RF lenses or adapt older EF lenses from Canon's DSLRs while you wait.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review

The best for Nikon enthusiasts

For a long time, the full-frame Nikon Z6 reigned as our number one camera. This successor remains an excellent performer, particularly for those looking to upgrade from Nikon DSLRs, but the Z6 II's modest updates mean it's fallen slightly behind the very best mirrorless cameras. It still comes highly recommended, though, thanks to its consistency in most areas, with the addition of a second Expeed 6 processor bringing a range of performance improvements that include a new 14fps burst shooting speed.

In our tests, we found the autofocus to be a significant improvement on the Nikon Z6, particularly with animal eye/face detection, and the Z6 II adds a much-needed UHS-II SD card slot alongside the existing XQD/CFexpress slot. Video does now lag slightly behind hybrid rivals like the Sony A7 IV. But with a tried-and-tested 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers very good high ISO performance, and the best handling around, it fully deserves its place at the top table for photographers.   

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 II review

The best in the hand

Taking all that made the X-S10 one of our favorite mirrorless hybrids, the Fujifilm X-S20 adds beginner-friendly features while still satisfying advanced users. Adopting the balanced body of the X-S10, it handles comfortably. Our first impressions found that simplified dials make it easier for learners to operate. A new Vlog mode, plus automatic scene detection and better subject tracking, also eases the way for beginners.

By inheriting the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor from the X-S10 and X-T4, the X-S20 benefits from a proven imaging system, while Fuji’s latest X-Processor 5 works efficiently with the bigger battery to extend longevity. The X-S20 enhances things further by offering 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording, which is more than most casual content creators will need.

We think many beginners will be wary of its increased price tag, with the X-S10 still available for less. We also wish that Fuji had weather-sealed the X-S20. All the same, with a generous feature set – including in-body image stabilization that worked well for handheld shooting in our review - the result is a very capable all-rounder for both stills and video.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review

The best for video creatives

A worthy successor to one of our favorite video cameras, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II improves on the S5’s excellent precedent. Wieldy like its predecessor, we found it sturdy yet comfortable to handle during testing. Happily, its compact design doesn’t compromise the physical controls.

Like the S5, the S5 II is ticketed as a hybrid, but video is where it excels. In our tests, we found its 6K/30p footage rich and detailed, with wide dynamic range. Its video chops are bolstered by 10-bit recording across almost all resolutions, plus the ability to record uncropped footage using the sensor’s full 3:2 aspect ratio – useful for cropping content.

The S5 II is Panasonic’s first mirrorless camera with phase detection AF for video. Combined with highly effective image stabilization, we found it produces sharp, stable video even when shooting handheld, although the 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video is a shame. It’s no slouch for stills, either: contrast detection AF proved rapid and reliable, and the S5 II demonstrated excellent noise control. Serious videographers will be drawn by the Lumix S5 IIX, while the Canon EOS R6 II offers more advanced subject detection. Nevertheless, the S5 II is a fantastic hybrid for high-quality video.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S5 II review

Best starter mirrorless cameras

The best for most beginners

On paper, the E-M10 Mark IV is an easy camera to overlook. But in reality, it’s one of the best cameras for beginners who are mainly focused on stills rather than video. It might lack advanced features such as phase-detection autofocus or a microphone input, but it ticks all of the key boxes for beginners. A compact body and approachable button layout make it an accessible upgrade for smartphone photographers, as do Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. 

In our tests, we found that the 20.3MP sensor to be plenty capable enough to capture consistently attractive images, while in-body image stabilization works a treat for shooting snaps at slower shutter speeds. The 121-point contrast detection autofocus won’t make headlines, but it does a decent job of consistently tracking faces and eyes. Add classic styling to the mix, plus a handy flip-down touchscreen and an Advanced Photo mode that makes it easy to experiment with complex techniques and the Mark IV proves itself a well-rounded beginner mirrorless option.

• Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

The best retro modern fusion

The Nikon Z fc is a gloriously retro take on the Nikon Z50, the camera giant's other crop-sensor mirrorless camera. It packs the same specs as the Z50 into a body that's inspired by the Nikon FM2 from the early 1980s – and the combination is a triumph for casual shooters who want a fun camera for travel and everyday shooting.

It might lack a weather-proof build and the large grip seen on the Nikon Z50, but we found the Z fc to be a delight to shoot with. Its competitive specs, which include a 20.9MP sensor, the ability to shoot 4K/30p video, and continuous AF tracking for people and animals, are also borne out in reality. The only downside? A lack of native lenses. If a wide range of APS-C lenses is important to you, then Fujifilm's X-series is a good alternative – but otherwise, the Nikon Z fc is a glorious mix of old and new.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review

The best low cost starter

The Sony A6000 remains a popular mirrorless camera for beginners, but five years on from its launch the A6100 brought its skills up to date in a familiar but more capable package. Borrowing an APS-C sensor from Sony’s premium mirrorless cameras, the A6100 also deploys the flagship A6600’s autofocus system to deliver outstanding continuous tracking capability that’s rapid and reliable for both stills and video. 

Image quality is as expected, with good detail and decent colors (though a neutral profile would be welcome), while battery life is solid and the tilting screen is now touch-sensitive – albeit with limited functionality. Not everything has changed, mind: the LCD and EVF both remain relatively low-res and maximum burst is still 11fps, while buffering performance can sometimes stumble. So it’s not perfect and unlocking its full potential can take time, but the A6100 is certainly a top mirrorless all-rounder for a decent price.

• Read our in-depth Sony A6100 review

The best for stepping up from a smartphone

A fine choice for anyone moving up from smartphone shooting, the Fujifilm X-T200 combines a large, sharp 3.5in touchscreen with a lovely design that feels much nicer in the hands than its predecessor. It's a big step up from its X-T100 predecessor in most ways, including autofocus performance. And unlike the Fujifilm X-A7, the X-T200 also crucially has a built-in viewfinder for framing your shots.

The only real downside compared to pricier models in this list is that the X-T200's subject-tracking can be a little hit-and-miss during burst shooting and isn't available in video mode. But it otherwise offers excellent value and is a great alternative to rivals like the Sony A6100 (see above) and Canon EOS M50 Mark II.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T200 review

Best advanced mirrorless cameras

The best for photography pros

Canon really pulled out all the stops with the EOS R5. Lightweight yet substantial in the hand, it’s the company’s best mirrorless camera so far. High-resolution, full-frame and driven by the powerful Digic X processor, it’s an exceptional tool for stills photographers. Our tests found its next-gen Dual Pixel autofocus to be outstanding, offering impressively accurate tracking and mind-blowing animal detection. Image quality is similarly superlative, producing remarkable results even in low light, with minimal noise even as high as ISO 4000. Add 20fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter and you’ve got a pro-level mirrorless camera that’s as comfortable in the studio as it is on the street. 

The EOS R5's battery life can’t rival a DSLR, but a good four hours of intensive shooting is possible on a single charge. Its video specs are also staggering for a camera of this size, capturing 8K at up to 30fps or 4K at up to 120fps, and recent firmware upgrades have only boosted its appeal for videographers. However, it's worth bearing in mind that heat restrictions do limit recording times, while ‘cool down’ periods can be lengthy. Making the most of that performance will also require investment in costly CFexpress cards – though if you can afford the R5’s top-end price tag, perhaps that won’t be an issue.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS R5 review

The best for action photographers

With a stacked sensor that’s seriously rapid, the Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best mirrorless cameras for action photographers who also want to shoot pro-quality video. Its electronic shutter delivers burst speeds of up to 40fps, while its subject-tracking autofocus makes it easily the best Fuji X-series camera for shooting fast-moving scenes.

Videographers are also rewarded with a superlative skill set. The X-H2S can record detailed 6.2K/30p footage internally, with countless color profiles for editing flexibility. In-body image stabilization and a sharp articulating touchscreen complement the package.

We think it’s overkill for photographers who won’t utilise its blistering pace, and there’s no escaping its serious price tag. That said, it’s a more realistic alternative to the Nikon Z9. And while it costs the same as full-frame rivals such as the Sony A7 IV, not other APS-C camera can compete with its feature set or the performance of its stacked sensor.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-H2S review

The best high-resolution full-frame

At 61MP, the Sony A7R V has the same class-leading resolution as the A7R IV before it. But thanks to a new sensor and powerful Bionz XR processing engine, our review found that the A7R V is a better camera overall. Paired with high-quality optics and up to eight stops of image stabilization, we found it capable of capturing outstanding detail.

In our tests, its AI-powered Real-time Recognition AF wasn’t foolproof, but it could reliably lock onto a range of subjects, working particularly well with people – even in wider scenes. We found image quality to be excellent when shooting detailed subjects, making the A7R V a fantastic choice for landscape or studio pros. 

Its articulating touchscreen provides useful flexibility when it comes to framing, while the EVF is as sharp here as on the A7S III. If you want a high-spec full-frame powerhouse and don’t mind paying for it, the A7R V is a serious step up from its predecessor. But if you can’t afford the best glass, want to shoot slow-mo 4K video or simply don’t need such high resolution, you might find better value in the A7 IV.

• Read our in-depth Sony A7R V review

The best for serious video power

Like its GH5 Mark II stablemate, the Panasonic GH6 is first and foremost a video tool – and it’s one that proves the Micro Four Thirds format still has plenty to offer filmmakers. Robustly built and relatively compact, the new Lumix flagship is also blessed with a remarkable array of video modes, offering outstanding creative flexibility for videographers.

We found its handling to be excellent, with lots of useful interface features: the rear touchscreen can flip, twist and tilt for easy framing, while a second record button on the front benefits self-shooters. Add virtually unlimited recording times and improved image stabilization algorithms into the mix and the GH6 shapes up as a compelling package for videographers.

It’s also a dependable stills camera, with a range of options for specialist shooting, including a 100MP image-stacking High Resolution mode and extremely fast burst shooting (up to 75fps with the electronic shutter). We still found that full-frame rivals offer better low-light performance, while others offer faster, more accurate autofocus systems. But if you want a lightweight video monster that can also turn out solid still images, the GH6 should be near the top of your shopping list.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH6 review

The best hybrid for pros

The Nikon Z8 doesn’t do much that we haven’t already seen in the Z9. But as a smaller, cheaper version of our camera of the year 2022, it’s one of the most capable mirrorless models you can buy right now. In testing, we found it every bit the capable hybrid camera, producing pin-sharp stills courtesy of its 45.7MP full-frame sensor, with fantastic 8K video to match. It doesn’t rival the 61MP resolution of the Sony A7R V, but the pixel difference makes the Nikon Z8 twice as fast. 

The Nikon Z8 follows the Z9 in excluding a mechanical sensor entirely, and reaps the performance rewards. During our review, we found 20fps burst shooting more than enough to capture action-packed moments, but the Z8 can go all the way to 120fps if you’re happy with 11MP output. 

We did find battery life a little limited in testing, and in-body image stabilization was simply fine. But by squeezing almost all of those flagship features into a significantly smaller body, at a lower price, we think the Nikon Z8 offers a recipe that will make more sense for most people than the Z9.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z8 review

The best medium format mirrorless

While it’s very much a camera for photography purists, the Hasselblad X2D 100C is also the most versatile and accessible Hasselblad to date. It squeezes a medium format sensor into a stunning body that we found surprisingly compact and comfortable to handle. We also appreciated the convenience of its built-in 1TB of SSD storage. That’s not to say it doesn’t occupy a narrow niche: there’s no video, burst shooting tops out at 3.3fps, and even with speed enhancements, its autofocus still lags far behind the latest mirrorless models. Its native lens range is also lacking a proper telephoto option.

Yet despite these drawbacks, we found its manageable form factor and tilt-angle touchscreen made it usable in the real world, while its in-body image stabilization – a first for Hasselblad – eliminated the need for a tripod. Its 100MP sensor can capture pin-sharp stills, while its leaf shutter setup permits greater use of wide apertures with flash portraits. Color rendition and dynamic range are outstanding, too. The X2D is right up there with our favorite medium format cameras. 

• Read our in-depth Hasselblad X2D 100C review

How to choose the best mirrorless camera for you

It's a great time to buy a mirrorless camera, but also a slightly overwhelming one. An explosion in the number of options available at all price points from the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and a reborn Olympus means that photographers and videographers have never had more choice. 

So where to start? Sensor size is often a good barometer of a camera's character and shooting style. Models that are built for professionals and keen amateurs will have either a full-frame sensor or a slightly smaller APS-C chip. The latter tend to be smaller and more affordable than full-frame cameras, if not quite as portable as those with Four Thirds sensors (from Panasonic and Olympus).

Other important features to look out for are electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which bump up the price but are nigh-on essential for most photographers. It's also worth considering what kind of lenses you'll need. 

If you like to specialize in a particular area (for example, wide-angle architecture or macro), then check the system you're looking at to make sure it has the right options for you. In the full-frame mirrorless space, Sony offers the most choice right now, while on crop-sensor APS-C cameras Fujifilm has a wide range of options at most focal lengths.

How we test mirrorless cameras

Buying a mirrorless camera these days isn't cheap, so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To begin with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who might most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

To test performance, we use a formatted UHS-1 card (or UHS-II if supported) and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

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