The 6 Best Mirrorless Cameras - Summer 2021 Reviews

The best mirrorless camera we've tested with a full-frame sensor is the Canon EOS R6. This premium model feels incredibly comfortable to use, with lots of command dials to make it easy to adjust exposure parameters and sturdy-feeling build quality. It has a bright, fully articulated screen for easy shooting at unconventional angles, and it's rated to be weather-sealed to protect from elements like rain and dust.

Its full-frame sensor delivers exceptionally high-quality images, with very little noise or loss of detail even at higher ISO levels, making it well-suited to shooting in all kinds of lighting conditions, including low light. The camera is also a good option for video, with great video quality in both FHD and 4k, as well as 10-bit internal recording capability and support for large, high-quality video files. Its autofocus system works great for photos and video, with particularly good object tracking performance. Its in-body image stabilization also does a good job of reducing camera shake.

That said, it doesn't have the best battery life. While it supports USB charging, it can't be used while charging, and its tested battery life in video is only decent, with a tendency to overheat during long periods of continuous recording. It's also rather bulky and heavy, so it's not convenient to take on the go. Still, its high image quality, comfort, build quality, and full set of photo and video features make this one of the best mirrorless cameras we've tested.

The best mirrorless camera we've tested with an APS-C sensor is the Fujifilm X-T4. This flagship model from Fujifilm delivers great all-around performance, and it's especially well-suited to video, with an exceptional autofocus system that ensures moving faces and objects stay in focus. It also feels excellently built, with decent ergonomics and a fully articulated touchscreen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording or take photos at unconventional angles.

Video quality is impressive, especially in 4k, and even in low light, there's minimal visual noise and grain. Overall, the image looks sharp and detailed. It's capable of incredibly high-quality video output, and it supports a range of frame rates to suit a wide variety of video types, from a more cinematic 24 fps to 60 fps or higher for smooth fast action. Finally, it has an amazing video stabilization feature to reduce camera shake, especially when moving at a moderate pace.

That said, it's not the most portable option out there. It's on the heavier side and may feel a bit cumbersome to carry around and shoot on the go for longer periods. Still, all things considered, it's one of the best mirrorless cameras we've tested thanks to its reliable autofocus, excellent in-body video stabilization, and impressive photo and video quality.

The best budget mirrorless camera that we've tested for most people is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. This entry-level APS-C camera is a good option for those looking to get started in photography without breaking the bank. It's very lightweight and portable but still feels comfortable to use and comes with a fully articulated touchscreen to help you shoot from different angles. While lenses for Canon's EF-M mount are somewhat limited, you can easily adapt EF lenses with an adapter.

Canon's menu system is remarkably easy to navigate and includes a guide mode to explain features to novice users. The camera's 24.1-megapixel sensor delivers great overall image quality with decent RAW noise handling capability when shooting at higher ISO levels in low light. Its autofocus system features face and eye-tracking and does a good job tracking moving subjects when taking photos or recording 1080p video. Also, it can shoot in 1080p at up to 60 fps and delivers great video quality in brighter lighting conditions.

That said, its 4k video features are limited. It can only shoot in 4k at 24 fps with a severe 1.5x crop. Its autofocus system is also considerably less reliable at tracking subjects when shooting in 4k. Still, its video quality is good in more controlled light, despite a lot of noticeable rolling shutter when panning to the side. All things considered, this is a solid mirrorless option for most people, and it offers a lot of value for its price.

The best mirrorless camera that we've tested for general video purposes is the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. Although it doesn't feature as many advanced videography features as the more video-oriented Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II, this full-frame hybrid is a great option for most people who want a camera to record videos and also take still photos. It feels remarkably well-built and comes equipped with a fully articulated touchscreen to help you shoot from different angles or monitor yourself while recording.

It delivers incredible 4k video quality in brighter lighting conditions and great quality in 1080p. It also performs well in low-light thanks to its full-frame sensor. It can shoot at up to 60 fps in either resolution, though shooting at this frame rate in 4k incurs a 1.5x crop. While it's not as effective as competitors like Sony, its autofocus system does a great job of tracking moving subjects, although it's more reliable with faces than it is with objects. The camera also offers several recording formats and V-log picture profile support for more in-depth color grading in post.

Unfortunately, its continuous shooting speed leaves a lot to be desired for those who like to take photos as well as shoot video, as it's limited to 6 fps and has a 16s buffer empty time. That said, image quality is amazing overall. The camera also has an excellent battery life and doesn't impose a recording time limit, which is great. All in all, this is one of the best 4k cameras we've tested, and it's a great choice for those doing a mix of video and photo work.