With plenty of options at different price brackets, making the jump to a dedicated camera has never been easier. Though it might be tempting to dive right into a more advanced model, the good news for those just starting is that any modern mirrorless camera will be more than capable of doing what you need. That's why overspending on your first body might not be the best choice, and you should keep that extra budget to experiment with lenses instead. Our advice is to get whichever camera is within your budget or is easily available, whether new or used, so you can start practicing and get a handle on the fundamentals of what makes a good photo. Starting with a simple, versatile zoom lens might also help you find the focal range that works better with your shooting style. If you don't mind getting a camera secondhand, there are plenty of reputable retailers on eBay and at stores like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH, and MPB.
We've bought and tested over 125 cameras, and below, you'll find our best entry-level mirrorless cameras. If you're curious about DSLR alternatives, check out our list of the best DSLR cameras for beginners instead. And if you're on a tight budget, check out the best budget mirrorless cameras or the best cheap and budget cameras more broadly. Otherwise, you can have a look at our best mirrorless cameras under $1,000.
We've independently purchased over 100 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography7.8Sports & Wildlife Photography8.4Vlogging7.4Studio Video8.2Action Video4.2Raw Photo7.5Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R10 is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras we've tested. Though it isn't exactly cheap, it's a well-rounded choice for beginners who can afford it, with excellent ergonomics and a highly intuitive user interface. Its image quality is great thanks to its high-res APS-C sensor, and the camera is versatile enough for video work and vlogs. With 4k recording at up to 60 fps, you can record video in a wide range of styles. The R10 also has a great battery life and one of the most reliable autofocus systems among entry-level models.
If you're on a tighter budget and are okay with more basic autofocus and video features, consider the Canon EOS R50. It's portable enough to take on the go and features the same APS-C sensor and intuitive interface as the R10. It's a solid vlogging camera, but 4k video recording is limited to 30 fps. That said, lens selection is still somewhat limited for Canon's RF mount, though you can adapt older EF and EF-S lenses with an EF-EOS R adapter. If you'd prefer a more established mirrorless system, the Fujifilm X-S10 is another great choice, featuring in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to help you get smoother handheld shots. However, it's been discontinued, and it may be harder to find brand new. Its autofocus also isn't as reliable as the AF on the Canon.
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Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera For Lens Selection
Travel Photography8.2Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography7.5Vlogging7.4Studio Video7.8Action Video5.0Raw Photo7.9Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CIf you're specifically after an entry-level camera with a wide selection of lenses to choose from, a Sony Alpha camera like the Sony α6400 is the way to go. Sony's E mount is well-established, with plenty of native and third-party lens options that you can upgrade to as your style and skills grow. The α6400 has begun to show its age a bit, especially compared to the newer, higher-end Sony α6700, which has improved ergonomics and video features. However, its sensor more than holds up, and its autofocus system remains one of the best in its class at this price point, even today. It's an excellent all-around camera that's very compact and performs very well for both photo and video.
For those who want to save even more money, the Sony α6100 can sometimes help you save some money. It uses the same sensor but has a lower-resolution EVF and a slightly cheaper build. On the flip side, the pricier Sony α6700 uses a newer sensor and puts it in a sturdier body with a bigger battery and IBIS. Overall, the choice between these three cameras comes down to what you need out of a camera body, but they all capture beautiful images and high-quality 4k video, so each one can be a good choice, depending on your budget.
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Best Compact Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography8.0Sports & Wildlife Photography7.4Vlogging8.5Studio Video9.2Action Video6.0Raw Photo8.0Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Fujifilm X-M5 is Fujifilm's latest entry-level camera and one of the most portable interchangeable lens options on the market. With a super compact and lightweight body, it's incredibly easy to take it on the go, whether you're traveling, shooting on the streets, or vlogging. Despite its small size, it has a well-thought-out design, with a few control dials and a dedicated film-simulation dial to play around with the look of your images in-camera. Image quality is also excellent, since it uses the same tried-and-true APS-C sensor as older models like the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-S20, though its processor gives it Fuji's latest and greatest autofocus system.
Of course, that portability comes with some trade-offs. The camera doesn't have a viewfinder, for one, which may be a dealbreaker for some. It also lacks built-in stabilization, and its screen could be even brighter and higher-resolution. But given its amazing sensor and incredible video specs for the price, this is one of the best-value options for beginners who want something small and lightweight. If you're willing to spend a bit more and sacrifice some portability for a viewfinder, you can consider the Fujifilm X-T30III, which should deliver very similar performance.
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Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera For Video
Travel Photography8.2Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography7.3Vlogging8.6Studio Video8.2Action Video4.2Raw Photo8.0Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CIf you want to get started in video, look no further than the Sony ZV-E10. This budget vlogging camera is the perfect video camera to get you started. It's similar to Sony Alpha cameras like the Sony α6400 mentioned above, but is geared more toward vloggers and video shooters. To that end, it has an updated internal microphone, a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise, and a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording.
Unfortunately, you don't get a viewfinder here, but the camera is super portable and feels relatively well-built. Its battery life is also impressive for a mirrorless model. Plus, its autofocus system is reliable and accurate, and it even has specialized focus modes for vloggers, like 'Product Showcase,' which automatically switches focus to any object held up in the frame for, say, product reviews or makeup tutorials. Do note that the Sony ZV-E10 II has hit the market and has better internal recording features than its predecessor, but the original ZV-E10 is hard to beat for the price, especially if you're just starting out and don't need more advanced features like 10-bit recording.
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Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.7Landscape Photography7.6Sports & Wildlife Photography6.9Vlogging5.1Studio Video7.4Action Video3.1Raw Photo7.3Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-C"Cheap" isn't really a word that comes to mind when we think of cameras, but there are options out there that won't cost you a fortune. Your best bet is to look for a camera on the used market, but if you don't want to risk it or if that isn't an option for you, the Canon EOS R100 is a good choice for beginners who want to keep costs down as much as possible.
It's as basic as they come, with no tilt screen, minimal controls, and limited video features. What it does have, though, is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great images. It's also chock-full of useful auto modes to help beginners get started. More importantly, if you've never used a camera before and this is the only one within your budget, it'll get you out there shooting, which ultimately transcends having the latest and greatest camera tech.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great cheap camera, especially if you need something even more portable. It's part of the Micro Four Thirds system, so compatible lenses are more compact, and there are a lot more lenses to choose from. Plus, it's one of the very few cameras at this price point to feature IBIS. Its autofocus isn't as reliable as the AF on the R100, and its ergonomics can feel more cramped. -
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography7.3Vlogging6.1Studio Video7.6Action Video3.3Raw Photo8.4Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:Full FrameIf you want to start directly on a full-frame platform without spending a fortune, the Nikon Z 5 is among the best entry-level full-frame cameras you can buy, but that low price comes with trade-offs. Burst shooting tops out at just 5 fps, 4k recording comes heavily cropped, and internal recording capability is limited, so this isn't a camera built for advanced video work and shooting quick-moving subjects. Photographers will still find plenty to like.
Nikon's signature ergonomics carry over here, and the camera even gets weather-sealing against dust and moisture despite its entry-level price. The high-resolution sensor produces excellent image quality, backed by a large, high-res EVF and IBIS for steadier handheld shots. If you need faster burst speeds or stronger video specs, the upgraded Z 5II is the better fit. But if full-frame image quality on a budget is the goal, the Z 5 frees up more of your budget for lenses.
Notable Mentions
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Nikon Z 50II:
The Nikon Z 50II is a great entry-level mirrorless camera with excellent ergonomics and build quality. It also has an intuitive user interface, but it can't shoot as quickly as the Canon R10, and its autofocus isn't quite as refined.
See our review -
Nikon Z fc:
The Nikon Z fc is very similar to the Nikon Z 50 we just mentioned, using the same sensor and internals. It's much more stylish than cameras like the Canon EOS R10 or the Sony α6400, with a vintage-inspired design. However, its autofocus system isn't the most reliable, and you'll have fewer lens options than the Sony.
See our review -
Canon EOS RP:
If you want a cheaper alternative to the Nikon Z 5, consider the Canon EOS RP. It's slightly more portable and shoots detailed pictures. However, it's not as well built and is even more limited in burst rate and video features.
See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 09, 2026:
We added the Nikon Z 5 as our full-frame for beginners pick and moved the Canon R50 from the budget pick to a mention in a pick. We also added the Canon RP and the Nikon Z 50II to the Notable Mentions.
Jan 30, 2025:
We added the Fujifilm X-M5 as the 'Best Compact Mirrorless Camera For Beginners' due to its portable size and well-rounded feature set.
Nov 05, 2024:
We renamed the Sony α6400 as the 'Best Beginner Camera For Lens Selection' to better showcase its benefits over other models, and we added a comparison between the Sony ZV-E10 and the Sony ZV-E10 II to round out the former's market context.
Aug 06, 2024: We added the Nikon Z fc to the Notable Mentions to round out the options available to beginner users.
May 10, 2024: We added the Nikon Z 50 to the Notable Mentions because of its excellent build quality and ergonomics.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best mirrorless cameras for beginners to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our tested mirrorless cameras that retail for under $1,000, arranged in descending order of price. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.