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When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Updated Oct 22, 2025 Well over a decade after Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, they now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market.

They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits and models at everything from budget to professional price points.

We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, as you move up the price ladder, you'll see larger sensors with better image quality, higher resolution, faster burst rates, and more capable video specs. We'll explain why we've chosen each camera and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Our picks:

Best affordable kit: Sony a6100

Best value around $1000: Nikon Z50II

Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T5

Best value full-frame: Nikon Z5II

Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Nikon Z6III

Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon R5 II

Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR

IQ above all else: GFX 100S II

Best affordable kit: Sony a6100

24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Excellent autofocus system4K/30p video recordingTilting touchscreen LCD

What we don't:Less robust build qualityRolling shutter 'jello effect' present in 4K videoCrop when recording 4K/30p video

The Sony a6100 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera. While it's one of the older camera still available, its 24MP sensor, touchscreen for easy focus placement and Sony's excellent autofocus tracking, which especially excels at focusing on people and pets, still make it excellent value for its price.

It's happiest if you prefer to point-and-shoot in an auto mode. The wide range of lenses available for it give you somewhere to grow if you find yourself catching the photography bug and, if you shop smart, you can get the body and a lens for around $1000 (though we'd recommend staying away from Sony's default 16-50mm F3. 5-5. 6 II kit option).

The a6100 is the most basic model in the a6000-series and doesn't feel quite as robust as its step-up siblings. It offers a lower-resolution electronic viewfinder, and twin control dials that are both thumb-operated. Its touchscreen flips upward 180-degrees for easy selfie framing and vlogging.

Sony's autofocus system has been trained to recognize people and pets as subjects, and will follow them flawlessly throughout the frame. Coupled with the ability to touch the screen to place a focus point, it's a system that will serve beginner users very well, whatever they're shooting.

"The a6100's autofocus can effortlessly track whatever you point it at"

The a6100 makes it easy to record 4K footage or slow-motion 1080 video. There's a socket to connect an external mic but no way to connect headphones for monitoring. It can be set up for tap-to-track autofocus in video, too. There's significant 'jello-effect' distortion in the 4K footage though, especially in 24p mode.

The a6100 is a good entry-level camera with a very powerful, easy-to-use autofocus system. We're not huge fans of the kit zoom and the interface isn't especially welcoming, but with a few settings changes, it can help you get excellent shots, easily.

Read our Sony a6100 review

See the Sony a6100 studio scene

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Best value around $1000 - Nikon Z50II

20. 9MP APS-C sensor | Subject recognition AF | Full-width 4K video up to 30p

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Twin command dialsSimple tracking AF w/ subject recognitionStrong video specs

What we don't:Weak battery lifeLimited zoom lens selectionNon-stabilized sensor limits video

The Nikon Z50II is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera, built around a 21MP CMOS sensor. It features Nikon's '3D tracking' autofocus system, and can recognize nine subject types.

It represents a step up over the a6100, offering similarly powerful autofocus (though with more autofocus subject recognition types) and much more welcoming controls for when you want to be more involved in the photo-taking process. Nikon places some restrictions on what lenses third parties can make, but there are increasingly more sensible options; if the ones you want are available for it, the Z50II is the best option at this price point.

It has a solid grip, twin top-plate control dials, and a wide variety of customizable buttons, including one that, by default, controls color mode. Focusing is handled using the touchscreen or four-way controller.

Autofocus is very good with subject detection being especially good. However, human detection doesn't seem as sticky and 3D Tracking isn't as dependable as on Nikon's higher-end models. Otherwise, the camera is snappy and can even do 30fps pre-capture, though it's JPEG only.

The Z50II delivers on the basics without breaking the bank.

The Z50II can shoot Log or HLG video and has a waveform monitor to help set correct exposure. A headphone socket helps maintain audio quality but the lack of in-body stabilization counts against its use for video.

The Z50II is a solid hybrid camera, with several features from Nikon's higher-end cameras. The lack of a stabilized sensor is the one mark against what are otherwise very good video specs, and you may find the lens selection limited if you want a camera to grow with you.

Read our full Nikon Z50II review

See the Nikon Z50II studio scene

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Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T5

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Dedicated dial interface shows your settingsDetailed 40MP imagesPhoto-centric design and feature set

What we don't:Autofocus prone to false-positivesSignificant rolling shutter in e-shutter modeSmaller buffer, lower-spec video than X-H2

The Fujifilm X-T5 is an enthusiast-level APS-C mirrorless camera built around a stabilized, 40MP BSI CMOS sensor with the company's X-Trans color filter array. It has plenty of features for both photo and video shooters.

What really lands it on this list, though, is how lovely it is to use. There are physical controls for all your exposure settings alongside configurable top-plate command dials, a big, bright EVF, and its JPEG colors are especially pleasing with a wide range of sensible (and more out-there) "Film Simulation" color modes. Though there are more technically capable APS-C cameras on the market, for a lot of photography we'd give up a bit of AF tracking performance and speed for the X-T5's user experience.

The X-T5 features dedicated control dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation, along with a film-era SLR-style low-profile front grip. Its rear screen tilts up and down but also hinges outward for portrait-orientation shooting.

The X-T5 can detect a variety of subjects from animals to vehicles, and tracking performance is quite good with these. Tracking for unrecognized subjects is less dependable and eye detection is prone to false positives. Buffer depth while shooting at 15fps is reasonable.

The X-T5 foregoes some of the X-H2's video features to offer a more photo-centric experience with classic styling

Video performance can be either full width but less detailed, or oversampled from a crop of the sensor. The use of SD cards means it doesn't share the X-H2's high-data-rate ProRes options. There's no headphone jack but audio can be monitored through the USB port with an included adapter.

Having the X-H2 and X-H2S available to meet the needs of videographers allows the X-T5 to fulfill photographers' desires for stills-centric handling and features. For photographers who enjoy Fujifilm's traditional dial-based controls, there's no more capable body than the X-T5.

Read our full Fujifilm X-T5 review

See the Fujifilm X-T5 studio scene

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What are my other APS-C options?

The Sony a6700 is the most capable APS-C camera on the market, with extremely strong autofocus performance, image quality and video capabilities. Sony's E-mount also has the most complete array of APS-C lenses after Fujifilm's, largely thanks to support from third parties. However, we don't find it as pleasurable to use as the X-T5 – its viewfinder is smaller and lower-res, and the lack of an AF joystick making picking a focus point a bit more of a chore – but if technical prowess is what you seek, the a6700 is your best bet.

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Canon also builds some decent APS-C competitors that rival Sony's performance, but while you can now get some several decent third-party fast zooms for them, the company still restricts what lenses can exist on RF-mount.

Fujifilm's X-T50 is also worth considering if you're looking at APS-C cameras

Photo: Richard Butler

Finally, if you were enticed by the X-T5 but are on a budget, we'd suggest considering the Fujifilm X-T50. It packs the same sensor and processor into a smaller, lighter design. While the viewfinder isn't as nice, and the controls are a little more fiddly, in return you get the film simulation dial, which encourages you to play with different looks. It can also be kitted with the excellent 16-50mm F2. 8-4. 8 OIS zoom, which is significantly better than the lenses bundled with other companies' APS-C offerings

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Full-frame mirrorless

Full-frame cameras (those with image sensors the same size as traditional "35mm" film) offer the potential for better image quality than smaller formats, simply because they have a larger area on which to capture light. However, you don't get something for nothing: even if you can find an affordable, compact full-frame camera at a good price, the lenses needed to make the most of it will be larger and will typically cost more than those for APS-C or Four Thirds sensors. Broadly speaking, there's a balance to be struck between image quality, size and price, which is worth contemplating before you make the assumption that full-frame is the best (or even 'better') format.

Best value full-frame mirrorless: Nikon Z5II

24MP BSI full-frame sensor | In-body image stabilization | Dual UHS-II card slots

Photo: Mitchell Clark

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What we like:Excellent image qualityVery good autofocus, for a range of subjectsExcellent handling, ergonomics and feature set

What we don't:Reasonable, but not great, battery life Needs to crop to deliver 4K/60Lens choice limited by Nikon

The Nikon Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor.

Don't be scared by the "value" part of this pick; the Z5II doesn't feel cheap, and there aren't obvious features cut for cost. In fact, we suspect most photographers would struggle to push its limits, and unless you must absolutely have faster or higher-resolution shooting or top-end video, it's hard to argue that most people truly need anything better.

The Z5II is a solid camera with a deep grip and plenty of customizable buttons. It's comfortable to use, even for long sessions using a relatively large lens.

The autofocus is very good, especially in subject recognition modes. It's not quite as dependable at recognizing people in low light, but it's very competitive and light-years better than even higher-end cameras from just a few years ago.

The Nikon Z5II is almost unimaginably good for a camera priced under $2000.

Video quality is good, though with a decent amount of rolling shutter, and it offers advanced options like Log, HLG HDR and N-Raw capture. Autofocus isn't as dependable as it is in stills.

Image quality is excellent, and the Z5II can capture HLG HDR images using HEIF files for a more life-like viewing experience.

The Z5II is an impressive all-rounder that delivers excellent image quality and good video, underpinned by very good autofocus in a body that's well-designed and comfortable to use. It's hard to see what more an enthusiast photographer could want from a camera.

Read our full review of the Nikon Z5II

See the Nikon Z5II studio scene

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What are the other entry-level full-frame options?

We also think the Canon EOS R8 is worth considering if you're looking for a comparatively affordable full-frame camera. Like Nikon's Z-mount system, Canon's RF lens ecosystem is also somewhat short on affordable lenses to pair with an entry-level camera.

Its usability it what keeps it from topping this guide; it has shorter battery life and smaller viewfinder than the Z5II, and lacks in-body image stabilization, a second SD card slot and an AF joystick. However, it can shoot 4K60 video without a crop, which could be interesting to videographers, though, unlike the Z5II, it doesn't offer any Raw options.

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Best mid-priced full-frame mirrorless: Nikon Z6III

25MP full-frame 'Partially Stacked' CMOS sensor | 6K/60p N-Raw video | 5. 76M dot OLED 0. 8x EVF

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Very good image qualityGood autofocus tracking with auto subject recognition modeExtensive choice of video resolutions and codecs

What we don't:Peak dynamic range lower than peersN-Raw video format has limited supportNikon controls 3rd-party lens options

The Nikon Z6III is Nikon's third-generation full-frame enthusiast mirrorless camera, with a 'partially stacked' 25MP CMOS sensor.

The Nikon Z6III is a significant step up for the Z6 series, and is a very capable camera for both stills and video. Its main benefit over less expensive models are its sensor readout speeds – and, therefore, rolling shutter performance in video – which are among the best in its category.

The Z6III has an ample grip and easy-to-use control scheme. Nikon's menus and touchscreen layout are also well-refined, but the camera lacks the company's traditional AF mode button or front-corner switch.

The Z6III is a genuine do-anything camera with excellent video and photo capabilities.

Autofocus is generally reliable, and the camera includes Nikon's 3D-tracking system and plenty of subject recognition modes. It can shoot 20 raws per second, or 60fps in JPEG mode.

The Z6III shoots many video formats, including Raw, and has dependable subject-tracking autofocus and a waveform display. Its 4K and 5. 4K modes produce excellent detail, even in 60p, and its rolling shutter performance is outstanding.

Image quality is very good, with lots of detail and acceptable amounts of noise. There is a recognizable dynamic range tradeoff for that speed, but it's only noticeable in extreme situations.

The Z6III is a significant step-up from its predecessor and is to-date the most all-round capable camera in its class. It excels in both stills and video.

Read our full review of the Nikon Z6III

See the Nikon Z6III studio scene

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The mid-priced rivals

There are plenty of other cameras worth considering, in the around $2000 price category. Canon's EOS R6 II is probably the strongest competitor to the Z6III. It has a slightly smaller viewfinder, and its video specs aren't as good, but if you're just looking to shoot stills, your choice between the two should be dictated purely by which system has the lenses you want at prices you're happy with.

If you shoot outside a lot and need a compact system with excellent weather sealing, the OM System OM-1 II is worth considering; outside of that use case, it's probably worth considering other options unless you're heavily invested in Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Sony's a7C II is also a reasonable choice, as its high-resolution sensor is good for stills, though its slow readout speeds limit its video capabilities. Its autofocus is Sony's latest (unlike with the full-size Sony a7 IV), and it's appreciably smaller than its rivals. The viewfinder is small, and there's no AF joystick, though, which are the main reasons it's not one of our main picks: it's better on paper than in the hand.

Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5 II

45MP Stacked CMOS sensor | Eye-controlled AF subject selection | Up to 30fps continuous shooting

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Excellent image qualityFast, dependable autofocusGood video support tools

What we don't:Slight reduction in dynamic range in extreme scenariosTempermental eye controlTemperature limits in heaviest video modes

The Canon EOS R5 II is one of the most capable cameras we've ever tested and will almost certainly be up to any task that most photographers can throw at it. It shoots at high resolution, has an excellent autofocus system and sports plenty of video features.

The grip is very well-shaped and proportioned, and the controls are all well-placed and comfortable to use for extended periods. Eye Control for autofocus is excellent when it works, which isn't always

The EOS R5 II has excellent tracking and subject-tracking autofocus performance. The subject detection is effective without getting in your way. It can shoot Raws at up to an extremely rapid 30fps.

The EOS R5 II does a vast range of things, most of them extremely well: it's impressive for action, landscapes, video, you name it.

It has plenty of video options up to Raw 8K/60p, offering high levels of detail, though it can overheat when shooting in its most impressive modes. Its rolling shutter rates are generally quite good.

The 45MP Raws are highly detailed, and the JPEG sharpening and noise reduction are sensible. It can't quite match higher-resolution cameras like the A7R V, but performs well in its own right.

The EOS R5 II excels at almost everything it tries to do, and that's a long list. It's hard to imagine what photo or video need it won't support you in.

Read our Canon EOS R5 II review

See the Canon EOS R5 II studio scene

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A worthy competitor

The strongest competitor to the EOS R5 II besides the original EOS R5 is Nikon's Z8. And, frankly, there's very little to choose between them. Canon's high-end model has some features that could be useful to certain photographers, like Action Priority AF and Eye Control, but outside of that your choice should again be dictated by lens selection, as they're both supremely capable cameras.

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Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR

61MP BSI CMOS sensor | 4K/60p video with 10-bit color | Dedicated ‘AI’ processor for AF system

Photo: Richard Butler

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What we like:Big camera features in a small bodyOutstanding AF performanceAuto Framing video mode

What we don't:Small, low-res viewfinderNo joystick controlNo fully mechanical shutter

The Sony a7CR takes most of the features of the more expensive a7R V and provides them in a smaller package. The viewfinder is disappointing for such an expensive camera, but nothing gives you so much image quality in such a small, capable package.

The a7CR is impressively small for a full-frame camera. The addition of a front control dial improves handling significantly. Notably, there’s no joystick for positioning the AF point, and the viewfinder is small and very low resolution for a camera costing this much.

Autofocus performance on the a7CR is very good and is helped by a dedicated processor for crunching complex machine learning-trained algorithms. Subject recognition is quick, and the AF system tracks subjects tenaciously around the frame in either stills or video. 8 fps burst shooting with continuous AF results in a dependably high hit rate.

"If you're looking for maximum resolution in a travel-sized body, the a7RC is tough to beat. "

The a7CR captures 4K video at up to 60 fps. The most detailed, oversampled footage results from a 1. 2x crop of the sensor, which makes it challenging to maintain wider focal lengths. Auto Framing mode uses AI algorithms to mimic the way a camera operator might punch in on subjects, keeping them framed and in focus.

The a7CR's 61MP sensor can capture a lot of detail, putting it ahead of most full-frame rivals; though it is a little noisier in low light. JPEG colors are pleasing, and excellent sharpening makes the most out of the 61MP sensor. Raw files provide plenty of latitude to pull up shadows at base ISO.

The a7CR delivers impressive results for its size. It essentially provides the same level of image quality, and most of the same features, as Sony's a7R V, but in a smaller package. In exchange for the small size, you make a few compromises, like no AF joystick, but if you're looking for maximum resolution in a travel-sized body, the a7CR is tough to beat.

Read our Sony a7CR initial review

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IQ above all else: Fujifilm GFX 100S II

102MP BSI medium format sensor | In-body image stabilization | 5. 76M dot viewfinder

Photo: Mitchell Clark

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What we like:Excellent detail captureVery high tonal quality Ready-to-go JPEG or malleable Raws

What we don't:Autofocus not especially fastVideo prone to rolling shutter

The Fujifilm GFX 100S II is a 100MP medium format mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with built-in image stabilization.

This camera is perhaps the most specialized pick on this list: it's not especially fast or versatile but in terms of image quality, it essentially offers the best levels of detail we've ever seen. It's a true step up over even the best of its full-frame rivals (some of which comes from its lenses - the GF primes often being particularly good).

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What are the other high-end options?

Just about all the cameras that cost $2500 and up are, unsurprisingly, rather good. We go into a little more detail about their relative merits in our 'High-end camera buying guide. ' As at any price, the key things to consider are what types of photography you plan to do (and hence, which features and capabilities are most important to you), and whether the lenses you need are available at a price you're willing to pay.

Why you should trust us

This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.

2025-10-23 20:40