Thinking about ditching your DSLR, switching camera systems, or upgrading to full-frame? These three mirrorless models deliver excellent price-to-performance value – and right now, you can save up to £604 at Amazon or Wex.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX + 18-40mm is now just £1,399 on Amazon – you save £400 off the bundle's RRP of £1,799. (The body alone is reduced to £1,399...)
The Sony A7 IV is now just £1,999 at Wex – this new low price lets you save £401 off its original £2,400 price tag.
The Nikon Z5 is now just £645 on Amazon – you save £604 off its £1,249 RRP.
Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX
Ideal for hybrid shooters, DSLR, and system switchers
If you've been shooting on an APS-C or DSLR camera before, the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is a fantastic upgrade. It's notably smaller and lighter than many DSLRs.
So while the handling might feel a bit different at first, you'll quickly appreciate the more compact, less bulky design. There are not as many native lenses for the S5 IIX available as is the case within the Sony and Nikon lineups, but there are third-party options like Sigma available.
And if you want to keep using your older glass, Canon EF to L-mount adapters, for example, are available.
Sony A7 IV
Best for DSLR and system switchers, as well as content creators
Switching to Sony means unlocking incredible mirrorless flexibility. The Sony E-mount system is the most mature on the market, with an extensive range of native lenses and strong third-party support from trusted brands like Tamron and Sigma.
The A7 IV shines with its real-time Eye AF detection and tracking options – features that make focusing faster and more accurate than many DSLR systems. So, if you're coming from a DSLR, this camera feels like a serious step up in autofocus and creative control.
Nikon Z5
Budget-conscious DSLR option, best for stills-focused shooters
If you are on a budget, the Nikon Z5 offers one of the most affordable ways into full-frame mirrorless with great image quality.
The body design will feel very familiar if you're upgrading from a Nikon DSLR, and thanks to the FTX adapter, you can continue using your trusted F-mount lenses seamlessly. The only downside is that the Z5 doesn't have IBIS, which is usual at this price point. That means handheld shooting with longer lenses or video might require a steady hand or a tripod.
And if the bundled lens doesn't suit your photography style, there are plenty of alternative lens bundles available on Wex – many of which offer great savings too.
Comparison
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX |
Sony A7 IV |
Nikon Z5 |
Released |
2023 |
2021 |
2020 |
Mount |
L |
E |
Z |
Sensor |
24.2MP CMOS sensor without Low Pass Filter |
33MP Exmor R CMOS |
24.3MP CMOS sensor |
Autofocus |
779-pt Phase Hybrid AF |
759-pt Hybrid Phase/ Contrast-Detect |
273-pt Hybrid Phase/ Contrast AF |
IBIS |
5-axis, up to 6.5 stops |
5-axis, up to 5.5 stops |
5-axis, up to 5 stops |
Burst rate |
30fps (electronic shutter), 7 fps with AF-C (mechanical shutter) |
10fps, up to 828 raw+JPEG (with CFexpress Type A card) |
4.5fps |
Video |
6K (Full-sensor readout)/29.97/25/24/23.98p, 5.9K/29.97/25/24/23.98p, C4K/60/50/30/24p |
4K 30p full width, 4K 60p Super35 crop |
4K UHD, 30/25/24p |
Card slots |
2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II |
1x CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II, 1x SD UHS-II |
2x SD/SDHC/SDXC, UHS-II |
Build quality |
Weather-sealed magnesium alloy |
Weather-sealed magnesium alloy |
Weather-sealed magnesium alloy |
Weight (card and battery included) |
740g |
658g |
670g |
Personally, I would lean toward the Sony A7 IV. Its autofocus performance is unmatched, as well as its lens options. The flexibility makes it a standout choice, especially if you're open to switching systems entirely.
That said, if you want to stick with your current brand and already own a lot of DSLR lenses, staying within the same ecosystem is a smart and budget-friendly way to jump into mirrorless photography.
Want to browse more mirrorless options? Here are the best mirrorless cameras, along with the best cameras for beginners.
