Best Affordable Mirrorless Cameras! The Winners are… [Comparison]

 

 

Mirrorless cameras are the newcomers to the digital camera world. Most people are familiar with DSLR-style cameras. They have lenses you can change in and out, to create all sorts of photography effects. Mirrorless cameras have the same ability to swap lenses. However, a DSLR has a complex system of internal mirrors. These mirrors direct light to an autofocus system, image sensor, or viewfinder.

Mirrorless cameras do away entirely with the mirrors. The image sensor handles all three of these functions at the same time, similar to how a smartphone camera works. No mirrors means the body of the camera tends to be more compact compared to a DSLR. But you don’t lose out on functionality. The image sensors also have autofocus systems just as good or even better than some DSLR cameras. And you’ll find mirrorless cameras to suit all budgets and photography styles. Here are the five best budget-friendly mirrorless cameras on the market today.

 

 

1. Panasonic LUMIX GX85

 

Technical Specifications

• Price: $597.99 with Kit Lens
• Kit Lens: LUMIX G Vario 12-32 mm f/3.5-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. Lens. MEGA O.I.S. is the built-in Optical Image Stabilization. The lens can use a shutter speed up to two stops slower than a lens without IS. If a lens without IS needs a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to avoid blurring, this lens can shoot the same scene up to 1/250th of a second. This works in sync with the IS of the LUMIX GX85 body as well, which adds even more stability.
• Sensor: 16.0 Megapixels (Micro 4/3rds sized at 17.3 x 13 mm).
• Number of Autofocus Points: 49 Contrast Detection points. Contrast Detection uses differences in image contrast to find focus.
• Flash: Yes, with 6.0 meter (19.69 foot) range at ISO 200. This is the lowest level of light sensitivity. Increasing the ISO will increase the flash detection range.
• Continuous Shooting: 8 fps
• ISO Range: 200-25,600, and can be digitally dropped to 100. This digital ISO 100 is more of a noise reduction software edit. Unlike a digital ISO boost, this is very useful for capturing clearer images with low ISO.
• Video Recording Capability: 4K 3840 x 2160 (30, 24 fps), Full HD 1920 x 1080 (60, 30, 24 fps), HD 1280 x 720 (30 fps), SD 640 x 480 (30 fps).
• Image Format: JPEG and RAW photos. JPEG is the format used by most devices to display photos. RAW is the format used for photo editing and is a higher quality image.
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes; Wi-Fi. The camera can be remote controlled using the Panasonic Image App available for Android and iOS. The Lumix GX85 can also transfer images directly to smart devices using this app.
• Supported Memory Cards:  SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Battery Life (CIPA rating): 290 images per charge
• Weight: 426 g (0.94 lb / 15.03 oz)
• Dimensions: 122 x 71 x 44 mm (4.8 x 2.8 x 1.73 in)

Click here to read a full review of the Panasonic LUMIX GX85.

 

Advantages of the Panasonic LUMIX GX85

4K Photo Modes: Panasonic’s mirrorless line of cameras often blurs the line between photography and video. The GX85’s 4K Photo mode allows you to take a 4K video and then extract an 8 MP JPEG from any part of that video. If you’re shooting a moving subject, 4K Photo mode is great for capturing every possible moment, and then choosing the best one.

Post Focus mode is best used for still subjects. Usually, the photographer sets their focus before shooting when using Manual Focus. With Post Focus, you can record the entire scene in 4K video and choose a single frame with the exact focus area you want. And then you can extract a still image as an 8 MP JPEG. While the megapixel count is lower and it does not export RAW, the 4K Photo modes are excellent creative tools.

4K Video Recording: The LUMIX GX85 and Olympus E-M10 Mark III are the only cameras here that can shoot high-quality 4K video. Unfortunately, the LUMIX GX85 does not have an external microphone port. So the E-M10 Mark III is the better videographers camera. The Nikon 1 J5 also has 4K, but at 15 fps, it’s choppy and poor quality. The LUMIX GX85 is one of the best 4K cameras here.

Dual Image Stabilization: The LUMIX GX85’s body can use a shutter speed up to 3 stops slower than a lens without IS. And with a Panasonic O.I.S. lens, such as the kit lens, you get up to 5 stops of IS. If a camera without IS needs a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to avoid blur, the LUMIX GX85 with the kit lens can shoot the same scene at up to 1/30th of a second. In-body IS means no matter what lens you have, you’ll always have a degree of image stabilization.

Olympus Lens Compatibility: Panasonic and Olympus both have fairly large mirrorless lens selections. And the Micro 4/3rds mounts of both brands are compatible with each other. If there’s an Olympus lens that you think would go well with the LUMIX GX85, it will mount and operate without a problem. Dual IS is not guaranteed, however. It works best with Panasonic bodies combined with Panasonic lenses.

Disadvantages of the Panasonic LUMIX GX85

Lower Image Resolution: The LUMIX GX85 is tied with the E-M10 Mark III for the lowest megapixel count here. And it’s not terrible as long as you don’t need posters or extra large images. 16 MP is enough for most photographer’s needs. But if you do need large prints, this might disqualify the LUMIX GX85 entirely. The flipside is that the lower megapixel count means you can fit larger pixels onto the sensor. Larger pixels collect more light, and interfere with each other less because they’re not crammed as close together. Noise levels are improved as a result. The pixels are “better quality,” even if there are less of them. Megapixel counts are important, but not all pixels are created equal.

Get the best deal on the Panasonic LUMIX GX85.

 

 

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

 

Technical Specifications

• Price: from $499.00 body-only, from $499.00 with Kit Lens
• Kit Lens: M.ZUIKO ED 14-42mm F/3.5-5.6 EZ lens. “ED” describes the extra low dispersion glass used by this lens to improve image sharpness. “EZ” refers to the motor driven Electronic Zoom.
• Sensor: 16.1 Megapixels (Micro 4/3rds sized at 17.4 x 13 mm).
• Number of Autofocus Points: 121 Contrast detection points. Contrast detection uses the image generated by the sensor to search for maximum contrast. The AF system searches for the highest possible tonal difference between image pixels.
• Flash: Yes, with 5.0 m (16.4 foot) range at ISO 100. This ISO value is the lowest level of light sensitivity. Raising the ISO will increase the flash detection range.
• Continuous Shooting: 8.6 fps
• ISO Range: 200-25,600, and can be digitally dropped to 100. The digital drop is not truly ISO 100. It is in-camera noise reduction which isn’t as clear as Native ISO 100. But unlike digital boosting, this is a very useful feature for getting the clearest images possible.
• Video Recording Capability: 4K 3840×2160 (30, 25, 24 fps), Full HD 1920×1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), HD 1280×720 (60, 30, 25, 24 fps)
• Image Format: JPEG and RAW photos. JPEG is the format used by most devices to display photos. RAW is the format used for photo editing and is a higher quality image.
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes; Wi-Fi and QR (quick response) scan. Smart devices with QR scanning apps installed can use the picture code generated by the Mark III to sync the two devices. The camera can be remote controlled using the Olympus Image Share App available for Android and iOS. This app can also add GPS locations to photos or send pictures from your camera to your smart device.
• Supported Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I, UHS-II
• Battery Life (CIPA rating): 330 images per charge
• Weight: 410 g (0.90 lb / 14.46 oz)
• Dimensions: 122 x 84 x 50 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.97 in)

Click here to read a full review of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

 

Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

In-body Image Stabilization: The E-M10 Mark III has Image Stabilization, but it’s located in the body of the camera, rather than the lens. This means IS works with any lens attached to the camera. The body can use a shutter speed up to four stops slower than a camera or lens without IS. If a camera without IS needs a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to avoid blurring, the Mark III can shoot the same scene up to 1/60th of a second. Olympus lenses also have IS, which works together with the in-body IS for Dual IS. Dual IS does not work as well with non-Olympus lenses, however. The kit lens of the E-M10 Mark III does not have built-in IS, but other Olympus lenses do. Always having a degree of image stabilization, no matter the lens, is very useful.

Live Composite and Focus Bracketing: The E-M10 Mark III has two creative options usually reserved for higher priced cameras. Live Composite mode is a special kind of photography mode that combines both long exposure and fusing several images into one. The camera will take an initial image that sets the light exposure range for the whole series. And then over time, it will take additional pictures at a preset rate. Any pixels from the new pictures brighter than that of the original image get added to the original image, and the rest get discarded. And as the photo develops, you can watch the process live on the LCD screen. With Live Composite, you can get night photos that show star motion trails, for example. Other options include multiple firework bursts in one photo, car traffic light lines, etc.

Focus bracketing is much simpler. First, you set the number of images and focus adjustment between each photo. The camera will then take a series of photos of the stationary subject. Each photo will have the area in focus adjusted slightly, depending on your settings. Afterwards you can choose the image that has the focus you want. Or if you have focus stacking software, you can merge them together to get a single photo with exactly the portions in focus you want. Focus bracketing is common in higher priced cameras, but a great feature at this price point.

Panasonic Lens Compatibility: Olympus and Panasonic both have a few dozen lenses available for their mirrorless cameras. And the Micro 4/3rds mounts of both brands are compatible with each other. If there’s a Panasonic lens that you really like, it will attach to the E-M10 Mark III with no issues except possibly Dual IS. Dual IS works best with Olympus lenses attached to Olympus bodies only.

4K Video Recording: The E-M10 Mark III has 4K video recording. At 3840×2160, this is the highest resolution video available with consumer level cameras. The LUMIX GX85 also has 4K video resolution. Both use a higher frame rate than the choppy 15 fps of the Nikon 1 J5. The Mark III along with the LUMIX GX85, tie as the best cameras for video resolution.

Disadvantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

Lower Resolution: While the sensor size of the E-M10 Mark III is in between that of the 1″ and APS-C sensors, the resolution is tied with the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 for the lowest. Olympus and Panasonic both have lower megapixel counts relative to the sensor size compared to other brands. But the hidden advantage is that the pixels themselves are larger. Larger pixels collect more light and cause less interference with each other, which improves noise levels. So we can say that the pixels are “better quality,” even if there are less of them. Unless you’re making large prints or posters, 16 MP is enough resolution for the average photographer.

Get the best deal on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

 

 

3. Canon EOS M100

 

Technical Specifications

• Price: $399.00 with Kit Lens
• Kit Lens: Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. EF-M is a mirrorless Canon lens. IS refers to the in-lens Image Stabilization. STM stands for “Stepper Motor,” which is the autofocus motor type.
• Sensor: 24.2 Megapixels (APS-C sized at 22.3 x 14.9 mm)
• Number of Autofocus Points: 49 (All 49 are Phase Detection points, which detect differences in distance between AF points to find focus.) This camera does not have a hybrid autofocus system.
• Flash: Yes, with 5.0 meter (16.4 foot) range at ISO 100. This is the lowest level of light sensitivity. Increasing the ISO will increase the flash detection range.
• Continuous Shooting: 6 fps
• ISO Range: 100-25,600
• Video Recording Capability: Full HD 1920×1080 (60, 30, 24 fps), HD 1280×720 (60 fps), SD 640×480 (30 fps)
• Image Format: JPEG and RAW photos. JPEG is the format used by most devices to display photos. RAW is the format used for photo editing and is a higher quality image.
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The camera can be remote controlled using the Canon Connect App available for Android and iOS. You can also use the app to send photos from your camera straight to your smart device for easy sharing. The NFC connection allows for fast pairing to Android devices and Canon’s Connect Station CS100. The Connect Station is a wireless storage device that can hold up to 1TB of data.
• Supported Memory Cards:  SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I
• Battery Life (CIPA rating): 295 images per charge
• Weight: 302g (0.67 lb / 10.65 oz)
• Dimensions: 108 x 67 x 35 mm (4.25 x 2.64 x 1.38 in)

Click here to read a full review of the Canon EOS M100.

 

Advantages of the Canon EOS M100

Large Sensor: Like the Sony a6000, the EOS M100 has a large APS-C sized sensor. The large sensor means the dynamic range of images, or the range of tones that can accurately be captured, is improved. The larger sensor also reduces noise across the ISO range, as it’s collecting more light. The pixels are also larger on a large sensor, which improves how they gather light and reduces noise even more. As a result, 24.2 megapixels on a APS-C sensor have better overall resolution than 24.2 MP on a Four-Thirds or 1″ sensor.

Disadvantages of the Canon EOS M100

Few Canon Mirrorless lenses: Canon’s Mirrorless line is tiny; there are only a dozen mirrorless lenses available with this brand. Like Nikon, Canon remains invested in the DSLR world. For the new mirrorless user, a small lens selection is a bit of an issue. But any DSLR user with a large collection of Canon lenses should think about the EOS M100. For an additional cost, the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter lets you pair your Canon EF-mount DSLR lenses with the EOS M100. The M Mount Adapter also allows for image stabilization and autofocus to work perfectly with the EOS M100.

Get the best deal on the Canon EOS M100.

 

 

4. Sony a6000

Technical Specifications

• Price: from $398.00 body-only, $498.00 with kit lens
• Kit Lens: The a6000 comes with the Sony E PZ 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens. OSS stands for “Optical Steady Shot,” the in-lens Image Stabilization used to reduce vibrations from hand shake or other motions. This lens can use shutter speeds needed to control handshake or blur two stops slower than one not using image stabilization. If a lens without IS needs a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to avoid blur, this lens can shoot the same scene at up to 1/250th of a second.
• Sensor: 24.3 Megapixel APS-C sensor, sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm.
• Number of Autofocus Points: 25 Contrast Detection points and 179 Phase Detection points, creating a Hybrid AF system. Contrast detection uses differences in image contrast to find focus. Phase detection detects differences between AF points to find focus. Together, they combine the speed of phase detection with the accuracy of contrast detection.
• Flash: Yes, with 6.0 meter (19.69 foot) range at ISO 100. This is the lowest level of light sensitivity. Increasing the ISO will increase the flash detection range.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 11 fps
• ISO Range: 100-25,600, with a Digital Boost option to 51,200. Keep in mind, the digital boost is a software rendering of what ISO 51,200 would look like, not true sensitivity. Also, ISO this high is too noisy for good photos.
• Video Recording Capability: Full HD 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), AVCHD 1440 x 1080 (30, 25 fps), SD 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
• Image Format: JPEG and RAW photos. JPEG is the format used by most devices to display photos. RAW is the format used for photo editing and is a higher quality image.
• Wireless Connectivity: The a6000 can connect via Wi-Fi to any smart device or PC using Sony’s PlayMemories app for Android or iOS. You can remotely control the camera as well as download photos to a smart device or PC.
• Supported Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
• Battery Life (CIPA rating): 360 shots per charge
• Weight: 344 g (0.76 lb / 12.13 oz)
• Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 45 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 1.77 in)

Click here to read a full review of the Sony a6000.

 

Advantages of the Sony a6000

Large Sensor: The Sony a6000 and Canon EOS M100 are tied for the largest sensor and highest megapixel count in this list. A large sensor collects more light. And more light collected improves the dynamic range of your images, which is the range of tones and contrast in a photo. More light also means less noise across the ISO range, as the pixels have more information to work with. Also, higher megapixel ratings are better with larger sensors, as you have more space to place those pixels. Squeezing them too close can cause noise from interference between the pixels. The Sony a6000 has one of the best sensors on this list.

Full Hybrid Autofocus: Mirrorless cameras use hybrid autofocus systems much more often than DSLRs do. The Nikon 1J5 uses a mix of phase and contrast detection points but no hybrid AF points. And the Olympus E-M10 Mark III has 121 contrast detection AF points across the center of the sensor. But the a6000 has hybrid autofocus points covering nearly the entire sensor. The 179 phase detection points also work together in clusters. These groups each act as a contrast detection point and there are 25 clusters in all. With its fully hybrid points, the a6000 has the fastest and most accurate autofocus here. The hybrid AF system also allows for continuous autofocus while using burst shooting at up to 11 fps.

Disadvantages of the Sony a6000

No In-Body Image Stabilization: While the kit lens of the Sony a6000 does have built-in Optical Steady Shot, it’s weaker compared to some of the other cameras here. The Panasonic LUMIX GX85 has in-body image stabilization that works with any lens you attach to the camera.

Most modern lenses come with in-lens image stabilization. Therefore, the a6000 user will have some degree of IS, but in-body IS is hard to give up. Unwanted motion from hand shake or shutter clicks are unavoidable and can cause blur in a photograph. Also, you can shoot using much slower shutter speeds handheld. In-body Image Stabilization gives great light exposure and no blur in your photo even without using a tripod.

Low Viewfinder Resolution: The electronic viewfinder of the a6000 has a lower resolution compared to some of the other cameras here. The resolution is a decent 1,440,000 pixels. But the Olympus E-M10 Mark III has 2,360,000 pixels of resolution and the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 has 2,764,800 pixels. Therefore, the EVF display of the a6000 will look somewhat grainy and poorly rendered in comparison. However, the LCD screens are roughly comparable at 921,000 pixels for the a6000 versus 1,040,000 for the other four cameras in this review. Using LiveView for viewing photos or video from the LCD will look no worse on the a6000 than any of the other cameras.

Get the best deal on the Sony a6000.

 

 

5. Nikon 1 J5

 

Technical Specifications

• Price: from $796.95 with Kit Lens
• Kit Lens: The 1 J5 comes with the 1 NIKKOR 10-30 mm f/3.5-5.6 PD Zoom lens. This camera has a CX-mount lens, standard to Nikon’s mirrorless camera line. “PD” is referring to the “Power Drive” Autofocus motor. The “1” is for the Nikon 1 line of mirrorless cameras. This lens also has built-in Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization). The lens can use shutter speeds up to three stops slower than a lens with no IS. If a lens without VR needs a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second to avoid blurring, this lens can shoot the same scene up to 1/125th of a second.
• Sensor: 20.8 Megapixels (1″ sized at 13.2 x 8.8 mm)
• Number of Autofocus Points: 171. The Center 105 are Phase Detection points, which detect differences in distance between AF points to find focus. The other 66 use Contrast Detection, which uses differences in image contrast to find focus.
• Flash: Yes, with 6.3 meter (20.7 foot) range at ISO 160. This is the lowest level of light sensitivity. Increasing the ISO will increase the flash detection range.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 20 fps using autofocus, 60 fps if you don’t change the focus.
• ISO Range: 160-12,800
• Video Recording Capability: 4K 3840 x 2160 (15 fps), Full HD 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), HD 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), and SD 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps).
• Slow-motion Video: HD 1280 x 720 (120 fps), 800 x 296 (400 fps), 400 x 144 (1200 fps). All formatted in MPEG-4/H.264/MOV.
• Image Format: JPEG and RAW photos. JPEG is the format used by most devices to display photos. RAW is the format used for photo editing and is a higher quality image.
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes; Wi-Fi/NFC using the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility App available for Android and iOS. You can control the camera remotely and upload pictures to your smart devices.
• Supported Memory Cards:  microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
• Battery Life (CIPA rating): 250 images per charge
• Weight: 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
• Dimensions: 98 x 60 x 32 mm (3.86 x 2.36 x 1.26 in)

Click here to read a full review of the Nikon 1 J5.

 

Advantages of the Nikon 1 J5

High Speed Photography and Video: The Nikon 1 J5 has some great options for the action-oriented photographer. So long as you don’t change the area the camera is focusing on, the 1 J5 can shoot at up to 60 fps. And using autofocus, you can continuously shoot at up to 20 fps as well. The 1 J5 also has an interesting slow-motion video option usable with its extremely fast shutter. At the lowest quality recording setting, you can record up to 1200 fps. Complex motions like a balloon bursting can be seen in great detail.

Budget Price and Size: The Nikon 1 J5 is the smallest camera here in terms of weight and dimensions. While the Sony a6000 and Canon EOS M100 are also pocketable, the 1 J5 is the easiest to carry around on a day’s shooting. Just be sure to remove the lens before trying to pocket it. Also, with a price of from $796.95 with kit lens, the 1 J5 is the least expensive camera here that includes a lens. So you’re left with more money to invest in good lenses, or can go towards a more expensive body in the future.

Disadvantages of the Nikon 1 J5

No Electronic Viewfinder: The other cameras here have an electronic viewfinder to look through, just like a DSLR or compact camera. And you can also shoot using the LiveView LCD screen with any of these cameras. But with the 1 J5, you have to shoot using the LCD screen as it does not have an EVF. It’s not terrible; and some people might even prefer using the LCD instead of looking through a viewfinder. But many traditional photographers find the lack of an EVF a bit too strange to work with.

Small Sensor: The 1″ sensor is the smallest one out of these five cameras. Sensor size is very important, and generally speaking, the larger the better. The dynamic range, or the range of colors captured by a sensor, is better with larger sensors. Also, larger sensors create less image noise. The reason for both of these improvements is simply because a larger sensor has more surface area to collect light. Which means more information for the pixels to render into accurate images. Thus, a small sensor like that of the 1 J5 will have color quality and noise issues, especially in challenging lighting situations.

Few Nikon Mirrorless lenses: Nikon remains a DSLR-oriented brand, and currently only has 13 mirrorless lenses available. This is about a third the selection of other brands like Olympus, Sony, and Panasonic. Nikon also has very few mirrorless bodies; it hasn’t invested as much into the technology as the above brands. However, anyone who currently owns a lot of Nikon glass should still give the 1 J5 some thought. Nikon’s FT-1 adapter allows you to connect any Nikon F-mount lens to the 1 J5’s body. Autofocus and in-lens Vibration Reduction work normally as well. The downside is that the mount is another expense if you decide to go that route.

Get the best deal on the Nikon 1 J5.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Mirrorless digital cameras are still a fairly new technology. Compared to DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras, the selection remains somewhat small. But the number grows with each year, and these five budget options have something to offer for every type of photographer. The Sony a6000 and Canon EOS M100 both have large, vibrant sensors with high megapixel counts. The Nikon 1 J5 has a blazing fast shutter for high speed photography and video. The Olympus E-M10 Mark III and Panasonic LUMIX GX85 both have in-body Image Stabilization, and unique photography options that set them apart from the rest. Every camera here has something to offer the budget-minded mirrorless photographer.