Best mirrorless camera: top compact system cameras reviewed

Despite having only been “a thing” for a little over ten years, the best mirrorless camera is a thing of wonder; mirrorless has roundly ousted DSLRs as the enthusiast’s picture-taker and video-capturer of choice.

Key to their appeal is that they offer the flexibility and performance of a DSLR in a (generally speaking) more compact package. That’s because, while mirrorless cameras have large sensors and interchangeable lenses just like a DSLR, they don’t need to accommodate the bulky mirror and pentaprism you’d find in a DSLR’s optical viewfinder setup. It’s for this reason that mirrorless cameras are also known as compact system cameras or CSCs.

While they all have that one thing in common, there are big differences in price, specification, features and performance. This guide features our favourite models across the entire category: entry-level, premium, video-centric, stills-centric and all-rounder. If you’re shopping for a mirrorless camera and feeling a little overwhelmed by the breadth of choice, start here.

Our pick of the best mirrorless cameras to buy today

Sony A7 IV

Pitched as Sony’s ‘standard’ mirrorless camera, the fourth addition to the A7 line is an all-rounder with premium performance. As good for stills as it is for video, the A7 IV benefits from a 33MP full-frame sensor. Paired with the same Bionz chip found in the flagship A1, it hits an ideal sweet spot between detail and low-light performance. Recording skills are similarly strong: footage is sharp and clean out of the camera, while a range of tools and profiles give filmmakers plenty to play with. A fully articulating touchscreen also makes it easier to frame yourself. It’s fairly pricey compared to some APS-C and Micro Four Thirds alternatives and suffers from cropped footage in certain circumstances, but the A7 IV is still the most compelling mirrorless hybrid for most people right now.

• Read our full Sony A7 IV review here

Fujifilm X-H2S

New hero of Fuji’s X-Series, the X-H2S is a true speed demon. While its fifth-gen X-Trans CMOS sensor isn’t a seminal upgrade, it does deliver continuous shooting rates to rival pricier systems: up to 40fps with the electronic shutter. Tracking autofocus is both rapid and reliable, with up to seven stops of in-body image stabilisation making a big difference when shooting handheld. That 26.1MP sensor also captures wonderfully detailed, dynamic yet true-to-life stills, even at higher ISOs. Rolling shutter improvements are also noticeable when recording 6.2K footage at 30fps, with the X-H2S’s video skills representing a real step up. A pared-back control layout won’t please Fuji die-hards, but the X-H2S is ergonomic in the hand – and brilliantly compact without the optional battery grip. The only major drawback? It costs as much as some full-frame cameras.

• Read our full Fujifilm X-H2S review here

Fujifilm X-T4

The former flagship of Fujifilm’s retro-inspired X Series range, the X-T4 remains a true all-rounder in the mould of Ian Botham (and thankfully lacking in Beefy’s iffy politics and dress sense). Capable of rattling off richly coloured and pin-sharp stills at a brisk 15fps (30fps with a crop), it’ll also capture beautiful 4K video at up to 60fps. It’s built like a tank too, which makes it a touch on the heavy side for vlogging and such – but with its stonking battery life and a reasonable price tag, we’re happy to endure a bit of arm-ache.

• Read our full Fujifilm X-T4 review

Canon EOS R6

Arguably the number one DSLR maker in the world, Canon has been slow to get its mirrorless act together, but now the company has caught up with upstart rivals like Sony, Panasonic and Fujifilm thanks to stellar models like the EOS R6. Toting a 20.1MP full-frame sensor and a quasi-DSLR design (albeit smaller and lighter), it’s a fast and well-equipped all-rounder that’s as comfy snaffling up 4K footage as it is snapping crisp low-light stills. It’s a little pricier than its closest rivals, and long video shooting sessions can cause overheating, but we love its nimble autofocus and in-body stabilisation.

• Read our full Canon EOS R6 review

Panasonic Lumix GH6

Micro Four Thirds might seem insufficient for a modern mirrorless camera, but Panasonic’s latest model is its best yet for video. The smaller sensor delivers some of the best image stabilisation around (up to 7.5 stops), while the relatively lightweight body benefits from excellent handling. Thanks to forced-fan cooling, the GH6 can record at any resolution and frame rate for as long as the memory card allows. Star of the show is 5.7K Apple ProRes, but all of the 10-bit 4K video modes look fantastic out of the camera. Depth By Defocus isn’t as fast or accurate as hybrid autofocus systems, but it’s still more effective than the GH5 Mark II.

• Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH6 review

Sony A7S III

Don’t let its “low” 12.1MP resolution fool you: the Sony A7S III is arguably the best mirrorless choice for filmmakers on the market. Able to capture 4K footage at up to 120fps, output pristine 16-bit RAW footage to an external recorder via HDMI and record in a dizzying variety of profiles, speeds and resolutions, it delivers video with glorious dynamic range and detail. Class-leading real-time AF and in-body stabilisation add yet more weight to its video credentials, and the full-frame sensor’s excellent sensitivity makes it a dazzling low-light performer for both stills and video.

Fujifilm GFX100S

Fujifilm has achieved something special by fitting a huge 102MP medium-format sensor in such a compact camera. With brisk AF and in-body stabilisation, the GFX100S is as close to a point-and-shoot medium-format camera as the world has ever seen, although it’s still chunky by mirrorless standards – not to mention frighteningly expensive. And yet, when you see the beautiful bokeh, wide dynamic range and razor-sharp detail its huge images deliver, you might be straight on the phone on the bank manager. A stunning pro-quality camera that’s surprisingly easy to live with.

• Read our full Fujifilm GFX100S review

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II

The first GH5 was a landmark mirrorless camera, being the first 4K all-rounder that didn’t feel like it compromised significantly on either video or stills. This 2021 update isn’t a massive leap forward from the original model, but for its price it’s still a brilliantly versatile camera. Vloggers will love its wide range of video options (including wireless live streaming – a first on a mirrorless camera), in-body stabilisation and lightweight, weather-proof build. The slightly slow AF performance and smallish sensor makes still performance solid rather than heavenly, but this is still a fantastically flexible camera.

• Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II review

Nikon Z50

The first model in Nikon’s Z-mount range to come with an APS-C sensor, the Z50 is pitched primarily at newcomers to the world of interchangeable lens photography. With its affordable price tag, lightweight plastic build and comfortable handling, it’s an ideal first “proper” camera for those looking to hone their skills. The 20.9MP sensor isn’t stabilised or particularly hi-res, but can capture engaging stills and 4K videos, while pairing the Z50 body with Nikon’s 16-50mm pancake zoom lens makes for a compact and capable travel-friendly setup.

• Read our full Nikon Z50 review

Sony a6100

Another killer entry-level APS-C model, the a6100 is dinky even by mirrorless standards, and both its video (4K at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps is available) and photo performance are pretty ace. They’re underpinned by a superb hybrid AF setup that impresses with its speed, tracking and recognition skills, even if the lack of in-body image stabilisation for the 24.2MP sensor is disappointing (if not unexpected on a cheaper model). Be warned, vloggers and selfie fans: the tilting screen isn’t able to face forwards, so self-shooting can be tricky.

• Read our full Sony a6100 review

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Let’s get this out of the way quickly: when it comes to shooting stills, the PCC6K Pro is only marginally better than a turnip. But who cares? Blackmagic has delivered a budding cinematographer’s dream, built for filmmaking. Lightweight and blessed with a huge 5in screen, it can shoot 12-bit RAW or lossless ProRes footage at 6K resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range and works with Canon’s hugely popular EF mount – meaning there are hundreds of lenses out there you can try. It’s not for newbies, mind you: with no IBIS or AF tracking, only seasoned video warriors need apply.

• Read our full Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro review

Sam Kieldsen Contributor

About

Tech journalism's answer to The Littlest Hobo, I've written for a host of titles and lived in three different countries in my 15 years-plus as a freelancer. But I've always come back home to Stuff eventually, where I specialise in writing about cameras, streaming services and being tragically addicted to Destiny.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, drones, video games, film and TV