The 5 Best Mirrorless Cameras - Winter 2023 Reviews

If you're looking for an all-arounder just short of pro-level that can handle all kinds of photo and video work, look no further than the Sony α7 IV. Unseating our previous favorite, the Canon EOS R6, it's one of the best full-frame cameras we've tested. It's equipped with a highly capable 33-megapixel sensor and comes with a few advantages for video work, like unlimited recording times and better heat management, that make it just slightly more well-rounded than the R6. You also get Sony's reliably accurate autofocus and a revamped menu with touch navigation that makes it that much more usable than previous iterations.

While the clinical, boxy design doesn't feel as good in the hand—and maybe lacks a bit of soul—compared to the Canon, it's a sturdy, weather-sealed camera with a high-res electronic viewfinder. Burst shooting is a bit disappointing at just six fps (when shooting uncompressed RAW), especially for a camera of its caliber, but otherwise, its flaws are few and far between. Ultimately, both of these cameras are excellent, but the vast selection of native and third-party lenses for Sony's E-mount make the α7 IV hard to beat among enthusiast mirrorless options.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is among the best and most well-rounded APS-C cameras on the market. While a high-end full-frame camera like the Sony α7 IV does have advantages thanks to its larger sensor, the differences in image quality and low-light performance are marginal in practice unless you're a pro or enthusiast. An APS-C model like the X-T4 still offers excellent performance but in a more portable package and at a more affordable price, especially when you start to factor in the size and cost of lenses.

This camera is also just a blast to shoot with. That's partly due to its dedicated exposure dials, which give manual shooters more hands-on control. Plus, it has a weather-sealed body that's relatively compact, so you'll be more likely to want to take it with you on the go. Add in excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a solid autofocus system on top of excellent video specs, including internal 10-bit 4k up to 60 fps, and you've got a very well-rounded camera that can do just about everything you need.

The Fujifilm X-S10 follows in the footsteps of the Fujifilm X-T4 but comes in at a lower price point. If you don't need more advanced features like internal 10-bit recording, weather-sealing, or the longer battery life that you get with the X-T4, then the X-S10 is for you. It ditches the dedicated exposure dials that Fuji fans are used to; however, the simpler mode dial is a bit more accessible to newcomers, and the camera has a deeper, more comfortable handgrip than its higher-end sibling.

The kicker, though, and what makes this one of the best-value APS-C cameras around, is that you still get built-in image stabilization, a rarity for cameras at this price point. Beyond that, it also uses the same high-resolution sensor found on the X-T4, meaning comparable image and video quality at a more affordable price. Just don't forget to budget for the lens—Fuji lenses tend to be a bit pricier than the kit lens you get with, say, the Nikon Z 50 below.

A lower-tier mid-range option like the Nikon Z 50 is a great choice if you want to save a bit more and especially if you don't need built-in sensor stabilization. With a kit lens included at a relatively affordable price, this model has a lot to offer for both new users and more advanced users looking for a crop-sensor camera. While its sensor has a lower resolution than the Fujifilm X-S10, you'll still get great results out of this camera, and it's well-suited to low-light shooting.

That said, the Z 50 stands out because of its handling. It isn't the most compact camera—for something more portable, you might want to look at the similarly-priced Sony α6400, though its ergonomics leave something to be desired. The Z 50, however, feels great in the hand, and Nikon's intuitive user interface and ergonomics are known to be among the best. All that and a kit lens at this price point make this a fantastic option if you're looking for an entry-level model at a reasonable price point.

Short of buying a camera secondhand, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable mirrorless option than the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which is one of the best budget mirrorless cameras we've tested. This portable APS-C option offers a ton of value for its price and makes for a great entry point into the world of mirrorless cameras. While it doesn't feel as well-built as pricier options like the Nikon Z 50, it's super portable, and its intuitive menu system and simple controls make it a breeze to shoot with. It also delivers great image quality right out of the box and has a highly effective autofocus system, so it's perfect for beginner photographers.

It's a popular budget choice for vlogging, too, but its 4k video capability leaves much to be desired, so it's most suitable for those who prefer shooting in 1080p. At this price point, vloggers and beginner photographers can also consider the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV for its built-in image stabilization, which comes in handy when recording handheld video. However, it's a bit more expensive than the Canon, and its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor comes with a slight trade-off in low-light capability.