The ‘best’ mirrorless camera can be different things to different people. Obviously it means one thing if I want to take holiday snaps, and another if I want to film a documentary. So the best tool for the job really depends on the job – which is why this guide is divided into different use cases.
I own and use a lot of different cameras but, for my money, the best mirrorless camera overall might well be the Canon EOS R7 – an APS-C powerhouse with all the punch of a full-frame camera, combined with all the advantages of a cropped sensor. Again it has particular pros and cons depending on what you use it for, but it's the most adaptable camera on this list in the overlapping Venn diagram of price, performance and portability.
My advice is to work out what you actually need from your camera, and then click on the relevant link in our menu. Want something for vlogging? For wildlife? Something for beginners? These recommendations are pitched accordingly.
I'm lucky enough to have played with every camera on this list, and the DCW team has reviewed and lab-tested each one according to its specialism, so you can be sure that you're being recommended the best mirrorless camera for you.
As a proud owner of the Panasonic G1, the first ever mirrorless camera (launched in 2008), I was an early adopter of the technology. I switched to the trailblazing Olympus cameras in the mid-2010s, and in 2018 I sold my Canon DSLR to join the EOS R system as well. I've been a mirrorless convert since day one, when the tech was still a little primitive, through to today where it's now the industry standard.
The Quick List
Don't get swayed by full-frame! The R7 packs combines speed, stabilization and resolution with all the benefits of a smaller sensor – like an amplified focal range, perfect for genres like wildlife. I would (and have!) taken this camera on any job.
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Made for pros who demand the absolute best, this will please photographers and filmmakers alike with its all-around prowess, from 45.7MP stills to 8K video. For me, the size gives this the advantage over the otherwise near-identical Z8.
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The E-M10 series has always been great value, and the Mark IV adds power and sophistication with a 20MP sensor, improved stabilization, and a flip-down monitor that tilts 180° for selfies. I think it's ideal for newcomers to photography, too.
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The Sony ZV-E1 is ideal for vlogging and content creation, with a full-frame sensor, in-body image stabilization, and Sony's S-Cinetone and S-Log3. The ZV product line is very confusing, but this is the one I would go for right now.
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The X-S20 doesn't have the external exposure controls of the higher-level X cameras, but that arguably makes it better suited to run-and-gun vacation vlogging and shooting. I love all of Fujifilm's X cameras, but this is perfect to pack for a holiday.
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Panasonic has always had one of the best reputations when it comes to video, and the Lumix S5 IIX steps this up with the debut of phase detect AF as well as pro-level in-camera recording. I'll reach for this camera if I need to film something!
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Other cameras have caught up in some departments, but the R5 is still an almost unbeatable Swiss Army knife of a camera: 45MP stills, 8K video, best AF in the business, 8 stops of in-body image stabilization… Canon made a monster. And I bought one!
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If you, or anyone you know, is just starting photography, this is the camera to get. Simple to use (it guides you through the menus!) yet packing plenty of power under the hood, I think the R100 is an exceptional camera for beginners.
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I've never used a camera like the A9 III! With its full-frame 120fps burst shooting, global shutter sensor and 1/80,000 sec sync speed, this is the ultimate camera for fast-paced action and top-tier sports photography.
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The best mirrorless cameras I recommend in 2025
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I've extensively used every camera on this list, and I'm fortunate enough to have owned a few of them as well, so I'm confident in saying that these are the best mirrorless cameras in their particular category. I'm brand agnostic, so I'm simply choosing the cameras that I feel do the best job for a given purpose – having tried them out specifically for that purpose!
Best mirrorless camera overall
✅ You want a camera that does everything: The R7 is a true jack of all trades – in a good way! It's small, fast, high-resolution, has amazing autofocus and dual card slots.
✅ You shoot wildlife: Its 30fps burst mode is ideal for shooting fast action. Combined with its 1.6x APS-C crop factor, which makes your lenses effectively longer, this is a great camera for capturing subjects at a distance.
❌ You want a full frame camera: This is an APS-C camera, which has advantages, but if you want the power of a full frame sensor then look to something like the R5.
❌ You want the best lens selection: Canon has an extensive line of RF (mirrorless) and EF (DSLR) lenses that can be used, but the third-party range is limited.
The R7 is the mirrorless replacement for three of the most popular DSLRs that Canon ever made: the EOS 90D, EOS 7D and EOS 80D. However, more than just doing the same thing but without a mirror, Canon has turned these speed-focused wildlife specialists into an all-purpose performer that can handle anything you throw at it.
Of course, the Canon EOS R7 still retains its pedigree when it comes to wildlife, sports and action. Its blistering 30fps maximum shooting speed is on par with the flagship Canon EOS R3, and the 1.6x crop factor means that the effective focal length of your lenses is extended. My creaky old EF 75-300mm lens becomes a whopping 120-480mm on this camera! It also boasts the same bleeding-edge autofocus system found in the flagship camera, which I called a cheat code for wildlife photography.
On top of that, though, the R7 does everything you could ask of it. Unlike most APS-C cameras, it doesn't compromise on resolution thanks to its 32.5MP sensor. When I want to shoot video, I'm getting glorious 4K (which has been oversampled from 7K) with dedicated headphone and microphone jacks. There's twin card slots, so you don't have to worry about corrupted data, and the in-body image stabilization is good for up to 8 stops. If anyone scoffs at an APS-C camera being top of this list, they've clearly never used this camera.
Read my full Canon EOS R7 review for more details.
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 28/60 | ★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12.27 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 39.6 decibels | ★★★★ |
Best professional mirrorless camera
✅ You want pro performance: With 45.7MP stills, 8K 60p video, up to 120fps bursts, top autofocus and stabilization, the Z9 is a professional tool in every department.
✅ You need pro build quality: It's fully weather sealed, with an integrated vertical grip and exposure controls, a huge battery, and balances much better with big pro glass.
❌ You want "true" 120fps: While it shoots up to 120fps, it does so with reduced image size (11MP JPEGs rather than 45.7MP RAWs). The Sony A9 III takes "full fat" 120fps shots.
❌ You want a small body: The Z9 has a traditional "pro DSLR" form factor with the vertical grip, but the Z8 is the same camera in a conventional, compact mirrorless body.
Some say that Nikon was late to the party with its pro mirrorless camera. The moment I used it, though, I knew that Nikon hadn't been tardy: it had been canny. This is the most top-to-bottom capable mirrorless camera on the market right now.
The 8K is as good as anything I've experienced from the Sony or Canon, particularly its market-first 8K 60p. I was skeptical when I saw that Nikon had ditched the mechanical shutter but, with a blinding 120fps continuous shooting and a max shutter speed of 1/32,000, the Z9 simply stands in a league of its own. (Yes, admittedly those 120 frames are only 11MB JPEGs, but it's still hugely impressive).
The autofocus is a few steps behind Canon's, and even Sony's, but the deep learning-powered system is still truly incredible whether you're shooting people, animals, planes, trains or automobiles. The stabilization is rock-solid, it's as rugged as they come… the only thing I don't like is Nikon's counter-intuitive mounting and ring directions!
The Z9 comes in quite a bit cheaper than both the Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R3 flagships, and it has a lot of advanced features. However, if you want the same features for even less money (and an even smaller body), the Nikon Z8 has identical specs with a lower price tag.
Read my full Nikon Z9 review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 38/60 | ★★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 11.9 EV | ★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 36.12 decibels | ★★★★ |
Best affordable mirrorless camera
✅ You want bang-for-buck features: The E-M10 IV packs more features than most cameras, especially at its price! Stabilization, art filters, 4K, selfie screen, a great phone app – it's brilliant value.
✅ You want a compact system: Micro Four Thirds cameras (and, most importantly, their lenses) are ultra-small. This is perfect for anyone wanting a small, lightweight system.
❌ You want a large(r) sensor: Micro Four Thirds sensors are physically smaller than both APS-C and full frame, so there are compromises in terms of crude ISO performance.
❌ You need resolution: The 20.3MP sensor has enough detail for a magazine spread, but if you want large prints then you're better off with a camera that has more pixels.
I liked the E-M10 so much that I bought my partner one for her birthday. If that's not putting my money where my mouth is, I don't know what is! In addition to being one of the prettiest cameras on this list, the E-M10 Mark IV is also the smallest – making it perfect for travel and street photography, and an ideal holiday camera. And just because it's the most affordable, doesn't mean it skimps on features.
With a guided user interface, it's an exceptional camera for beginner and intermediate photographers eager to unlock new skills. It boasts super-sturdy in-body image stabilization, along with 4K video and a responsive touchscreen that flips down 180° – ideal for selfies and walkabout vlogging.
The small Micro Four Thirds sensor is even more compact than APS-C, giving two big benefits: the lenses, not just the body, are much smaller, making this a genuine take-anywhere system. And the 2x crop factor means that your 300mm lens instantly becomes a 600mm – great if you want to shoot faraway subjects! There are trade-offs with a smaller sensor, but honestly they're nothing that good camera craft can't compensate for. This is a brilliant all-round performer at a brilliant price.
Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 26/60 | ★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12.76 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 37.68 decibels | ★★★ |
Best mirrorless camera for vlogging
✅ You're a content creator: This camera has been tailor made for video, vlogging and content creation, with features and physical layout that suits those needs.
✅ You need great audio: While you should use a separate microphone, sometimes you're stuck using the built-in mic – and the ZV-E1 has an extra-large, extra-good one!
❌ You want to shoot photos: While it can shoot stills, the 12.1MP sensor is very low-resolution by today's standards.
❌ You use large lenses: This camera is so small that it is dwarfed by medium to large lenses, and it's particularly tricky to shoot with them handheld.
If you're confused by Sony's overwhelming ZV line of cameras, you're not alone – I am too! But I can safely say that, right now, the ZV-E1 is the best vlogging body you can buy.
It's small, compact and lightweight, while packing in some incredible features like an image-stabilized full-frame sensor, and subject recognition and auto tracking that comes straight out of the Sony A7R V. The camera is also incredibly simple and intuitive to use, so is perfect for anyone wanting professional looking footage without knowing a lot about cameras.
Video footage is excellent, sharp, clear, and with good color direct from the camera. While the stills are of very high quality, they are obviously limited by the 12MP sensor – and pretty much a second thought for a vlogging camera, so this isn't the end of the world. While I still rank Canon's AF more highly for stills, Sony's latest autofocus tracking is a sight to behold when it comes to video, especially for human subjects. It is incredibly fast and accurate, with its AI powers meaning you don’t have to worry about focus and can think about other aspects of filming.
Read our full Sony ZV-E1 review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 18/60 | ★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12.37 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 40.23 decibels | ★★★★ |
Best mirrorless camera for travel
✅ You want great battery life: The souped-up battery is good for 800 shots on paper, but with care you can squeeze off almost 1,000!
✅ You're a video shooter: This is a real video powerhouse. Not only does it capture 6K 30p, it also offers open-gate (full sensor) recording for ultimate flexibility!
❌ You need weather sealing: If you're travelling to somewhere rainy, dusty or extremely hot or cold, this may not offer adequate durability.
❌ You want Fujifilm control dials: While Fujifilm's cameras are known for their manual dials, the X-S20 abandons them in favor of more conventional controls.
Some vacations require the take-anywhere convenience of a waterproof camera that can go to the beach, but when you need to take image quality on a world tour then it's hard to beat the X-S20's combination of size, speed, versatility and features. Not to mention its looks! Maybe I'm being vain, but if you're on vacation, then the chances are that you're going to be appearing in some holiday snaps – so you'll be grateful to have a timeless, chic-looking camera around your neck.
A fantastic hybrid camera, the X-S20 offers a seamless shooting experience from stills through to video, for users of all levels, with its intuitive and straightforward designed controls and compact and portable form factor making it convenient to carry everywhere. But portability doesn't come at the expense of power.
As well as stunning 26.1MP images, the X-S20 enables you to record high-quality 6K videos – in open gate, no less, meaning you get the full height and width of the sensor instead of the baked-in 16:9 that most cameras record in – with professional-level output and RAW codes.
The seven stops of in-body image stabilization provide rock-solid shake compensation. And while Fujifilm's autofocus still trails its rivals, for my money, it's very, very good – and unless you're planning to shoot sports, more than enough to cover your vacation!
Read our full Fujifilm X-S20 review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 24/60 | ★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12.49 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 41.93 decibels | ★★★★ |
Best mirrorless camera for filmmaking
✅ You shoot video: With open-gate 6K 30p, ProRes RAW and B-RAW, 4:2:2 10-bit, LongGOP, SSD recording and more, this is a videographer's dream.
✅ You rely on stabilization: When you don't have a gimbal, the incredible in-body image stabilization (up to 6.5 stops) outperforms even higher-specced competition.
❌ You shoot a lot of texture: The camera omits a low-pass filter, which is great for fine detail – but can invite the moiré effect sometimes caused by patterns such as fabric.
❌ You rely on a tally light: A rare miss for the otherwise excellent video features is the lack of a tally light, to indicate when the camera is recording.
I've always found it hard to recommend Panasonic cameras due to their clunky contrast-detection AF systems, but that all changed with the S5 IIX! It sees the debut of the phase-detect technology that Lumix cameras have long needed – and I'm so happy to be able to say that it rockets this camera to the front of the class for video.
There's a lot of competition in this category, and while the regular Lumix S5 II may be the best overall value camera at this price point, the S5II X opens up some great use cases for solo filmmakers at a relatively small bump in price. What’s most impressive here is that the S5II X doesn’t compromise S5II features to add extra video functionality, in fact, it added some features straight out of the box, including better AF and Live View Composite mode that only came to the S5II via firmware update.
If you’re a creator or a filmmaker who needs a top-tier hybrid camera that’s compact and can produce content that slips into professional workflows, without compromising on image quality, the S5II X makes a compelling case for itself. Even if RAW video capabilities weren’t an immediate interest of mine, ALL-I compression, the ability to shoot directly to SSDs and streaming functionality would have been enough to tip the balance in its favor over its stablemate and the competition.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX review for more details
| Lab results | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (ISO 200) | 24/60 | ★★★ |
| Dynamic range (ISO 200) | 12.34 EV | ★★★★★ |
| Noise (ISO 200) | 40.55 decibels | ★★★★ |
Best Canon mirrorless camera
✅ You want an all-purpose powerhouse: From 45MP stills at up to 20fps to 400MP(!) photographs to 8K 30p video, this camera offers pure horsepower.
✅ You want the best autofocus: Other opinions are available but, having tested them all, I've found the AF system in this camera better than any other on the market.
❌ You want third-party AF lenses: Only Canon makes RF autofocus lenses – currently, third parties are not able to produce them, so there are no cheaper alternatives.
❌ You shoot a lot of 8K: There are limits that restrict how much 8K (or 4K HQ) you can shoot before the camera overheats. The Canon EOS R5C is a better option for video.
When someone who reviews cameras for a living buys a camera, you should probably pay attention. I was so blown away by the R5 after playing with the prototype that I dropped three-and-a-half grand on launch day – and I haven't regr