Buy a digital SLR? Here are 5 mirrorless cameras to try instead

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If you want to improve the quality of your photos, a DSLR may seem like the next step up from a smartphone camera, but there are also many mirrorless cameras you can try. While DSLRs may still be worth it, mirrorless models offer some very useful new features, like on-screen exposure preview or an electronic viewfinder. This allows you to experiment with adjustments before checking the result after taking the photo.

Even though smartphone cameras are still good enough to take everyday photos, they still lack the complexity of a device designed specifically for photography. With an interchangeable lens camera, you can select a specific lens for portraits, landscapes, or other subjects. This way, with the correct lens, lighting and settings, you will achieve better results.

Another point is that you don’t need to invest in expensive hardware to get a mirrorless camera. Many of these DSLR camera alternatives cost about as much as smartphones, with options for anyone looking for an entry-level device and even more advanced models for photography enthusiasts. That’s why we’ve picked out a few models worth keeping an eye on.

If you’re unsure if a mirrorless camera is worth the investment, the Canon EOS R100 is a great entry-level option if you don’t want to spend a lot. It has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and manual controls, so you can adjust exposure, focus and depth of field. You can achieve this effect by combining lens, aperture, and subject distance rather than relying on a smartphone’s focus.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system offers face and eye detection for photographing people, while the electronic viewfinder lets you compose images by bringing the camera closer to your face. The kit also includes an 18-45mm RF-S lens with optical stabilization. You can find this camera for around $550 on sale, but you should also consider other useful accessories when purchasing it. A memory card and a bag are essential for these models.

Although the R100 comes with solid entry-level kit, it requires some compromises to keep the price low. You get a fixed 3-inch screen with no touch support, so anyone used to a smartphone may find this strange. Additionally, it records 4K at up to 24fps, but with crop and contrast detection autofocus, which can be slower.

Without upgrading to a professional camera, this Sony model is one of the best mirrorless cameras for anyone who wants to photograph moving people and animals without spending too much. You can find the kit with a 16-50mm lens for $999.99 in official stores. Additionally, the 24.2-megapixel sensor has a focusing system with 425 phase detection points and real-time tracking. It also shoots up to 11 frames per second, allowing you to capture multiple steps of the same action and then choose the one that comes out best.

For anyone used to taking photos with a smartphone, the electronic viewfinder makes framing in bright light easy, while interchangeable lenses expand the possibilities for portraits or distant subjects. However, the a6400 lacks in-body stabilization, since this support comes from the lens’ optical system. The screen also tilts up to 180 degrees, but doesn’t swivel sideways. It also records in 4K, but at 30fps you have to put up with some extra cropping.

For anyone looking for more features in a camera, the Canon EOS R50 is a mirrorless option to consider instead of a DSLR. It has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor paired with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus, which can recognize people, animals, and vehicles. So if you want to track moving children and animals, this is a great option, capturing up to 15 photos per second.

It also has an articulating screen, so if you take a photo from an unfavorable angle, you can move it for a better look, and it’s touch sensitive. The R50 also records in 4K at 30fps and lets you transfer footage directly to your phone, so you can quickly edit and share photos with an app.

Currently, Canon is advertising the camera kit with lens for $799 on sale or $899 regular price. However, it lacks in-body stabilization and relies solely on optical lens stabilization. So while it reduces shake, it doesn’t prevent blurring of moving subjects.

Canon isn’t the only mirrorless camera manufacturer and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great travel alternative. You can currently find the base model for $799 or the kit with an EZ 14-42mm lens for $899. It also uses a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and lets you change lenses, a key difference between compact and mirrorless cameras.

One of the main advantages of this model is the 5-axis in-body stabilization, which helps reduce the effects of hand shake when shooting without a tripod. The screen is touchscreen and tilts up or down for selfies. It also records 4K video at up to 30fps and offers automatic modes for anyone still learning manual settings.

This is a portable camera, weighing just 383 grams with battery and card, but without its own lens. The tradeoff is that this portability comes with some limitations. For example, it lacks an external microphone input and weather sealing, and its contrast-detect autofocus struggles to track moving faces. So it’s better for landscapes and portraits than for recording action videos.

For anyone looking to invest a little more in a camera, the Nikon Z50II is a more expensive mirrorless model, but it’s worth the price. Currently, the kit with a VR 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens costs US$1,146.95, but it offers a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor and autofocus capable of recognizing nine categories, including people, dogs, cats, birds and vehicles. For starters, the auto modes help a lot with exposure and focus, but a dedicated button also lets you experiment with different color profiles.

The higher investment makes sense for anyone who wants to shoot photos and produce video with more flexibility. In addition to the electronic viewfinder, one of the advantages of mirrorless cameras over DSLRs, the Z50II offers a screen that rotates sideways, making it easier to record facing the camera. Microphone and headphone connections let you capture and monitor audio, while 4K at 60fps delivers smoother video motion.

To choose these mirrorless camera models as alternatives to DSLRs, we considered models aimed at both beginners and photography enthusiasts. We have therefore excluded expensive models generally used by professionals. We also checked if the kits included a lens to provide better value for money to the buyer. This way, we looked at a variety of cameras at different price points for different uses, such as travel, video, or simple portraits.

The comparison also took into account the specifications and price of each model, limiting us to a maximum of $1,000, with the Nikon Z50II being the only exception. We therefore selected models that stood out for their sensor, autofocus, screen or limitations that were worth accepting for the price. We’ve also prioritized the practical differences for anyone considering ditching their smartphone, as this is also a common starting point for many people before upgrading to dedicated cameras.