Last updated on January 3rd, 2021 at 11:59 am
It’s almost summertime, and tourists have planned their next summer destination. With all the adventures and exciting trips, you need a compact camera to record all of your memories for times to come.
Keeping this in mind, not every camera is meant for traveling. The DSLRs, without any doubt, produce stunning images, but their bulky physique isn’t perfect for being carried around constantly. Mirrorless cameras aren’t that new to the market anymore, and quite a few renowned manufacturers have come out with their own travel-friendly cameras.
We have listed our best mirrorless cameras for travel with an additional buying guide and FAQ section to help you make your decision before you embark on your next trip.
Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Sony Alpha a7 III | Nikon Z6 | Nikon Z50 |
Mirrorless Travel Camera Reviews
1. Sony Alpha a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 25.3 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Sensor: CMOS 35.6 x 23.8 mm
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Recording mode: XAVC S/H.264, AVCHD/H.264 and 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 650g
Build quality
If you’ve worked with Alpha A7R III, you’d notice a quite similar design with some minor refinements to its control layout. We were happy to see a joystick as it’s perfect for improving the handling of the AF point selection. Moreover, there is an AF-on button at the rear for enhanced focusing.
Fortunately, the eye sensor turns off automatically after moving the camera away to minimize feed cutting and unwanted switches to the EVF. Overall, it feels thicker, sturdier, and more comfortable to hold with a refined grip and magnesium construction.
Performance
The shooting speed is doubled on Sony A7 III at 10fps from the mere 5fps with the addition of Front End LSI pre-processor. This boosts the performance of the buffer capacity of 89 raws or 117 JPEGs. While traveling, you may come across heavily scrutinized areas. Therefore, it’s best to take advantage of the silent shooting mode by switching to the electronic shutter: you don’t need to worry about the burst shooting speed. The rear display and electronic viewfinder are pretty great, but some people prefer additional touchscreen integration. Furthermore, the five-stop image stabilization is useful for shooting at slower shutter speeds without compromising on the sharpness.
The battery life is impressive, to say the least: you can shoot around 710 shots in a single charge, which is perfect for a full day intense shooting session. The image quality isn’t disappointing either, considering its 24.2 sensors. The images exhibit fine details while the back-illuminated architecture is perfect for great ISO performance: you won’t notice any noise at ISO 6400. On the other hand, the dynamic range is flexible enough to recover lost shadow details in the post-production process.
Bottom line
This is a brilliant camera and should definitely be on the bucket list of many photographers. It took inspiration from its other well-acclaimed cameras to put together a piece with amazing performance and great image quality. It’s safe to say that you won’t find any other similar camera at this price range.
What we like:
- compact, durable body
- 10fps burst shooting
- Uncropped 4K video
What we don’t:
- Limited touchscreen control
- Poor weather sealing
- Only one slot for UHS-II cards
2. Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 25.28 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Sensor: CMOS 35.9 x 23.9 mm
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Recording mode: MOV/MP4/H.264 and 10-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 585g
Features:
Nikon Z6 came late to the market, but we aren’t complaining. The manufacturers spent considerable time devising the features and managed to make it one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Build quality
The design isn’t extraordinary as it sports a more basic look, unlike Nikon’s articulately designed DSLRs. However, each part of the design complements the way an enthusiast would use it. The large and comfy handgrip allows users to hold it for long time periods while the magnesium alloy body promises strength and durability. Moreover, it features weather sealing to withstand unpredictable shooting conditions. Fortunately, the manufacturers didn’t make any big changes to the overall layout since who wants to spend unnecessary time getting used to a new operational setup. There are clearly labeled buttons for shutter release, movie recording, exposure compensation, while any adjustments are shown on the top plate LCD. The joystick control is weighted properly to provide hassle-free AF area selection.
Performance
Z6 is relatively quick compared to its sister camera with a 12fps burst shooting speed. While traveling, tourists want to blend into the crowd for candid shooting. Therefore, we recommend you to use the quite shooting mode with an electronic shutter to capture your desired stills silently.
Z6 offers a smooth transition to an electronic viewfinder from an optical finder: there is a large display at the top with a perimeter that includes key information and a fast refresh rate. We found out that the 3.2-inch tilt angle display offers higher resolution; thus, the final images are extremely clear and sharp.
Furthermore, users have more control over the camera as the touchscreen offers options other than focus selection, including hassle-free menu navigation and image review. We were taken aback by the fabulous in-body image stabilization system that effortlessly delivers sharp images at pretty slow speeds. On the other hand, the battery lasts for around 650 shots if you use the single shot and burst shooting modes simultaneously. The metering system works pretty well by delivering well-saturated images with details not being blown out of proportion. Moreover, it has a flexible, dynamic range that recovers lost shadow details at higher ISO levels too.
Bottom line
Nikon decided to go all out with Z6, and if it were up to us, we would call it flawless. Despite the high price, there are hardly any ways to convince customers not to invest in Z6. The remarkable features and outstanding control functions make this one of Nikon’s best releases up to date.
What we like:
- High-resolution viewfinder
- Great touchscreen interface
- Five axes IS system
- Refined handling
What we don’t:
- Limited buffer depth
- The lens range is limited.
3. Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 25 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Recording mode: XAVC S, AVCHD and 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 503g
Features:
Sony a6600 is an ideal mirrorless camera choice for enthusiasts fond of high ranking specs but don’t want to invest in a full-frame camera just yet. It was released soon after Sony A6400 and managed to woo several photographers with its wide range of features.
Build quality
Sony is famous for its innovative cameras that utilize technology to suit the needs of every photographer. However, Sony A6600 doesn’t fulfill our expectations in terms of its design. The body gives off a vintage feeling that suits the aesthetic of some photographers but makes many underestimate its performance. The flat design has a deeper grip to house a large battery with a viewfinder on the left and two dials on the top. The first dial sets the exposure mode while the other adjusts the shooting mode. You may find a whole set of buttons on the right side, and we really missed having a joystick around.
Performance
If you’re let down by the design, the performance of the Sony A6600 will surely change your mood. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who are trying their hands on sports photography or fast-moving subjects with a shooting speed of 11fps. Moreover, it has a buffer capacity of 116 JPEG shots, which is perfect for burst shooting such subjects. There are two gas focusing modes: Eye AF and Animal Eye AF that immediately lock onto an eye after picking it up. The latter works extremely well with domestic pets but isn’t a feasible option for wildlife photography. We were rather impressed by the battery life as it manages to last a full day of constant photography, and since you can charge the battery in the camera, you don’t need to carry additional chargers either.
Sony A6600 uses a 24MP sensor, similar to its rivals, to take excellent images: they look realistic and highly detailed with well-saturated colors. Moreover, the all-purpose metering system produces well-balanced exposures, while some photographers find it necessary to use exposure compensation. We found that images look much better while using the auto Dynamic range optimizer as it balances out shadows and highlights pretty well.
Bottom line
Sony A6600 may easily top the list of the best APS-C cameras with its outstanding sensor and wide range of features to get the perfect image. However, there are some flaws, including a rigid menu system and underperforming functions that place its rivals above it.
What we like:
- Great tracking mode
- Long battery life
- Compatible with several lenses
What we don’t:
- Convoluted menu system
- Small preview area
- Limited touchscreen control
4. Nikon Z50 Compact Mirrorless Camera with Flip LCD
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 21.51 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Max Resolution: 5568 x 3712
- Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.7 mm
- Image stabilization: Digital (Video Only)
- Recording mode: MOV/MP4/H.264
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 395g
Features:
Nikon released Z6 to fulfill the need for a mirrorless full-frame camera, and it’s overwhelming success led to the release of Nikon Z50, a more hobbyist friendly APS-S mirrorless camera. Within no time, it managed to earn a positive reputation of being one of the best travel companions due to its ergonomic structure and excellent features.
Build quality
As we mentioned earlier, Nikon Z50 is a great travel companion. It bears a lot of resemblance to its sister cameras: Z6 and Z7, in terms of the button layout and viewfinder placement. The 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6′ pancake’ lens won’t fit into your pocket but packs neatly into the camera bag, unlike the full-frame lenses. There are minimal controls, no top plate LCD, or joystick, which makes it a bit hard to select the AF points. The mode dial on the top jumps straight into shooting videos while there’s a video record button, an ISO button, and an exposure compensation button right next to it.
Performance
The AF system is similar to Z6, with 209 points offering a 90% frame coverage. The Auto Area AF works effectively and always manages to select the intended subject to focus on, while the Single-point AF lets you select your own AF points. You don’t need to worry about using it in low light conditions as it manages to find the focus point after a few milliseconds.
Moreover, you can opt for AF-C to enable a continuous frame rate while shooting moving objects: this model performs well in terms of following any steady moving subjects. On the other hand, the battery life extends up to 300 images, which are a generous estimate for a full day shooting.
Talking about the image quality, you won’t be disappointed despite the small sensor and low resolution. The colors look realistic with the right amount of saturation and vibrancy, while the metering system produces images with a balanced exposure. Moreover, the automatic white balance setting works well under different lighting conditions and would produce excellent results in low light with the ISO settings under 6400.
Bottom line
Nikon Z50 is, without any doubt, an outstanding way to enter the APS-C mirrorless market. Despite other similar cameras, Nikon managed to maintain an edge over them by becoming an excellent travel companion or suiting the likes of DSLR owners with similar or, let’s say, better functionality. With great features at an excellent price, there’s not much to dislike about it.
What we like:
- Great handling
- It’s affordable
- Meant for traveling
- Amazing viewfinder
What we don’t:
- Limited lens range
- Only one UHS-I card slot
- No joystick for AF point selection
5. Canon EOS M6 Mark II (APS-C) Mirrorless Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 34.4 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Canon EF-M
- Max Resolution: 6960 x 4640
- Sensor: CMOS 22.3 x 14.9 mm
- Image stabilization: Digital (Video Only)
- Recording mode: MP4/H.264 and 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 408g
Features:
It’s hard to ignore Canon EOS M6 Mark II and its incredible performance in terms of image quality and speed. We weren’t a huge fan of M6, but the recent upgrade certainly changed our point of view.
Build quality
Mark II isn’t a hassle to carry with the body, just weighing a bit over 400g. The upgraded grip enhances comfort and safety, but we definitely missed having a viewfinder. However, this won’t be an issue for smartphone users since the 1.04 million-dot tilting LCD screen displays the image. Moreover, it pivots forward for selfies and angles down to 45 degrees from high angles. If you’re right-handed, you’ll find it much easier to control the camera due to the cluster of buttons on that side, while the top plate features a trio of dials.
Performance
Don’t mistake Canon’s compact body for poor performance because you’re ready to be surprised. There are 5481 points for you to tap pretty much anywhere on the screen to select a focus point. Mark has a pretty fast and accurate autofocus capability under natural lighting but focusing under low light is almost always accurate too. The 14fps shooting speed works well with the sensor’s full resolution and allows users to take around 54 JPEGs in a single go. The battery lasts for around 305 shots, but the speed of USB-C charging makes it easier for you.
Moving on to the image quality, it’s nothing less than outstanding. You might need to use fast shutter speeds or high ISOs due to no inbuilt image stabilization, but it’s no big deal. There are a number of Picture Style options with our favorite” Fine Detail setting” using the ultra-high pixel count to deliver well-saturated images. Moreover, the raw files are pretty malleable, allowing users to manually adjust the composure. Furthermore, users get access to uncropped 4K videos that are highly detailed and well-saturated.
Bottom line
The only thing we would like to say is that it’s the perfect travel companion because of its lightweight, compact body. However, the manufacturers did not compromise on any other specs, giving you some outstanding features, including an ultra-high-resolution APS-C sensor, 14fps shooting, and uncropped 4K images. It doesn’t come without some flaws, but it’s easy to ignore them.
What we like:
- Perfect traveling companion
- Amazing sensor
- Fast burst rate
What we don’t:
- No built-in viewfinder
- Limited Native lens range
6. Sony a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 24.7 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Image stabilization: None
- Recording mode: XAVC S, AVCHD, and MP4
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 344g
Features:
Sony a6000 launched in 2014 but is on the top of our list to date. This is an APS-C version of the full-frame Sony Alpha 7, another well-acclaimed mirrorless camera. The small and sleek body offers many exciting features and is considered to be a wonderful travel companion by travel bloggers.
Build quality
It features several dedicated dials and buttons rather than multifunctional controls; however, this won’t be an issue for many. The pronounced grip allows you to hold it for longer time periods while the smooth camera texture enhances the grip. There are two dials on the top to make shooting easier and prevent any accidental adjustments, while the second dial is only a thumb away to adjust the shutter speed. There isn’t any touchscreen LCD. However, you may use customize the buttons to access your desired settings easily.
Performance
Some people are a bit hesitant while investing in such an old model; however, it’s one of the best in terms of performance. The image quality is excellent, with properly saturated colors and pleasing effects. Moreover, you can adjust the color tones through” Picture Styles”: there are Landscape, Vivid, Clear, or Monochrome modes that can also be modified for contrast. The final results appear highly detailed up till ISO 6400, but small prints appear well at ISO 12800 too. There are some great” Picture Effects” for JPEG images for people concerned with particular aesthetics.
Moving on, the metering system mostly produces accurately exposed images, but you may need to dial in some exposure compensation while shooting a subject with high contrast. There is an automatic white balance setting that works well under natural lighting, and you can opt for the” Incandescent” setting for shooting flawless images under artificial lighting.
Furthermore, A6000 has a lightening fast autofocusing speed, something that we didn’t expect from an APS-C camera. On the other hand, battery life isn’t disappointing either due to the small sensor size.
Bottom line
Sony A6000 testifies to the fact that old is gold with it’s competitive yet basic 24-megapixel sensor and AF system. Even though you won’t get a modern design or 4K video resolution, you won’t be disappointed by its lightning-fast performance and excellent image quality. If you’re constantly on the go, Sony A6000 is an ideal camera to record your memories without any hassle.
What we like:
- Powerful features
- Great autofocus
- Sharp sensor
What we don’t:
- 4K resolution isn’t available
- Not meant for high ISOs
7. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 25.8 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Canon EF-M
- Max Resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Sensor: CMOS 22.3 x 14.9 mm
- Image stabilization: Digital, 3-Axis
- Recording mode: MP4/H.264
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 387 g
Features:
Let’s say that you just started on your photography journey, and you want a camera that wouldn’t scare you away with its complex functions: all you demand is a powerful, versatile camera with beginner-friendly features. For this situation, our best bet would be Canon EOS M50 due to its popularity with novices and enthusiasts.
Build quality and design
By the looks of it, M50 reminds us of a DSLR with a viewfinder housing in place of a pentaprism. The front is covered consists of a leatherette grip to enhance the safety of the camera and your comfort. Moreover, you can hold it singlehandedly.
However, you don’t need to get overwhelmed by the total number of buttons due to the clever placement. They are streamlined on the rear while the shooting settings are controlled through the touchscreen or Q button. Furthermore, there is a centrally positioned electronic viewfinder, which plays a significant role in your photography experience. The body itself is made of strong polycarbonate with a plasticky finish: this shouldn’t be mistaken as weak as M50 is sturdy enough to withstand almost all photography situations. The modes include an eye detection mode and a silent shooting mode with a gyro sensor.
Performance
Canon EOS M50 features a Digic 8 image processor that allows users to shoot images up to 10fps in Single AF mode and 7.4fps in Continuous AF mode. As we mentioned earlier, it includes an electronic viewfinder to deliver a smooth display and great magnification. Moreover, it complements the touchscreen interface by making it more responsive: it’s a breeze to swipe through the wide range of menus and images. Another wonderful thing about M50 is the built-in image stabilization on the 15-45mm lens. However, you could increase the ISO or use automatic ISO to control the risk of camera shake with other lenses.
Moving on to the image quality, it uses a 24.2MP APS-C sensor that produces crisp and clear images while delivering great performance in dark shooting conditions. Unlike other cameras, it doesn’t lose control over noise even if you use the highest ISO setting: raw files don’t produce any chroma or grain-like noise even at ISO 6400.
Bottom line
Canon EOS M50 is one of the oldest models and has met with several successors but still hasn’t lost its charm. It’s a budget-friendly option for beginners, while the electronic viewfinder is considered exemplary to date. Even though we aren’t a fan of the design, the image quality and ISO performance are worth applauding.
What we like:
- External microphone input
- Amazing image quality
- Has a large phase-detect coverage
What we don’t:
- Poor battery life
- Doesn’t offer USB charging
- Substantial crop in 4k
8. Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 26.1 Megapixel
- Lens mount: FUJIFILM X
- Max Resolution: 6240 x 4160
- Sensor: CMOS 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Image stabilization: None
- Recording mode: MOV/H.265 4:2:0 10-Bit, MOV/H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit and 4:2:2 10-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 539 g
Features:
FUJIFILM X-T3 is an effective upgrade from the impressive X-T2 and X-T1. The design remains the same, but there were a few noticeable changes that were needed.
Build quality
As we mentioned earlier, the design is pretty much the same as it’s predecessors; thus, you won’t go through much hassle after swapping. It features a rugged, weather-sealed texture with a dual-axis touchscreen LCD and several analog controls for exposure compensation, ISO, and shutter speed. The body is made of magnesium alloy for a sturdy figure. Moreover, there is a higher resolution EVF with 3.69 million dots and a refresh rate of 100 Hz. We weren’t a fan of the mini handgrip that doesn’t provide as much stability with heavier lenses, but you can always opt for an optional lens.
Performance
The upgraded autofocus is much faster and responsive and worked well with almost every lens we tried. Fortunately, the default lens is one of its kind with an amazing ability to capture fast-moving subjects through the” focus zone.” As we mentioned earlier, the EVF performs incredibly well, unlike the mirrorless cameras we’ve come across. The panning shot results are relatively smoother, while the image quality is incomparable. The 26.1-megapixel sensor delivers extremely high-resolution images, and there was hardly any chroma noise in the high ISOs.The APS-C sensor works well with its low pass filter-free design to capture every single detail. The JPEGs feature great edge definition and textural detail, showing hardly any need for improvement.
Moving on, the” film simulation” mode produces vibrant, heavy, and quite realistic looking colors while the wide dynamic range retains the original highlights. Moreover, there is a new color chrome effect to enhance the highly saturated colors and a warm black adjustment to enhance the depth of monochrome shots. This is an ideal camera for bloggers trying to maintain a strict yet pleasing aesthetic.
Bottom line
It’s one of the best APS-C mirrorless cameras we’ve come across so far. Most of the features are flawless, while the rest could’ve been better, such as a slightly bigger depth and in-body stabilization. However, the price is justified, and the rivals need to step up to match the X-T3s class.
What we like:
- 4k video at 60 fps
- Excellent senor
- Full AF coverage
What we don’t:
- Small handgrip
- No in-body stabilization
- Small buffer
9. PANASONIC LUMIX GX9 4K Mirrorless ILC Camera
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 21.77 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Max Resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Sensor: MOS 17.3 x 13 mm
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Recording mode: MP4 and AVCHD
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 210 g
Features:
PANASONIC LUMIX GX9 4K succeeds one of Panasonics oldest mirrorless cameras and is definitely meant to excite an enthusiast photographer with a great range of features and image quality. This compact, high-performance camera suits every traveler’s need by recording the memories without any hassle.
Build quality
The design resembles the renowned GX80 but features several adjustments for more comfort. GX9 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, with a streamlined handgrip for a sleek look. However, some people invest in additional hand grips for enhancing safety. The mode and compensation dial on the upper and lower plate are easy to access with twin command dials to control the essential settings. You can easily spin the front dial or squeeze the rear dial to adjust the settings within no time. There is a focus lever to switch between single and continuous shots while the touchscreen selects the desired focus area.
Performance
It’s not an action camera per se but is able to shoot up to 9fps by default and 6fps in the continuous shooting mode. Moreover, the 4K Photo mode allows you to shoot images at 30frps from which you can extract a single 8MP frame too. There is a 1,728-zone metering system that is pretty solid and produces well-exposed images: you can utilize the exposure compensation dial to correct the images too.
Furthermore, there is a 4-stop, 5-axis built-in image stabilization system that works well to deliver extremely sharp shots at 1/8 sec with certain lenses. On the other hand, the electronic viewfinder comes with a 90-degree tilt for comfortable waist level shooting but isn’t the best for shooting stills. Talking about the battery, you can take out 260 shots normally and around 900 shots through the power saving mode: it’s effective when you’re running out of time.
Further on, the 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and absence of an optical low pass filter means that your images would demonstrate fine detail and can be compared to the results of APS-C cameras in low sensitivity. There is hardly any noise at high ISOs, while the flexible, dynamic range is able to recover shadow and highlight details from raw files.
Bottom line
It’s definitely a great camera to carry along on your next business trip but not enough to win over its rivals. It’s pretty fast and shoots great images, but we were a bit tired of its reliance on the touchscreen, especially when selecting the desired AF area.
What we like:
- Compact design
- Hybrid stabilization system
- Fast-focusing speed
What we don’t:
- Needs more weather sealing
- Uneasy rear control dial
10. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- Pixels: 21.8 Megapixel
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Max Resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Sensor: MOS 17.4 x 13 mm
- Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
- Recording mode: MOV/H.264 and 4:2:2 8-Bit
- Focus type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Weight: 414 g
Features:
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a part of the OM-D range that is known for the user-friendly yet powerful cameras. It’s ideal for beginners and professionals as it offers features ranging from the most basic to complex: as we say, there’s something for everyone.
Build quality
We were waiting to review the aesthetics of the camera since we heard about it, and true to everyone’s word, it is magnificent. It fit perfectly into our hand while the sleek polycarbonate shell makes for a lightweight body. Even though it’s not as strong as it’s predecessors’ metal body, we don’t mind it. The grip is well pronounced for light lenses, but some users prefer investing in an additional hand grip for heavier lenses. There are some chunky top dials and custom buttons that are small to prevent crowding. Moreover, there is a vari-angle LCD touchscreen that allows users to shoot at uneasy angles comfortably and is perfect for manual focusing.
Performance
The one word we would use to describe its performance is quick. It’s surely one of the most responsive cameras we’ve worked on since it starts instantly while the control buttons perform their functions effectively. The high-speed burst shooting is competitive at 10fps with a high buffer speed: you can snap unlimited JPEGs at 10fps or 150 raw images. The continuous AF mode operates at 6fps in continuous low mode while the maximum speed is 30fps in the silent electronic mode.
Moving on, we noticed outstanding exposures, thanks to the evaluative metering mode: there are separate metering modes for both exposures at different levels, while some people prefer working with the exposure compensation dial. Since it consists of a Four Thirds sensor, it doesn’t have stunning image quality, but the decent dynamic range and low contrast light performance are great for beginners. There is a High Res Shot mode to create a 50MP image, while the outstanding image stabilization works with low shutter speeds to make the most of the dynamic range.
Bottom line
This is, without any doubt, a great option for those who place the visual aesthetics of the camera side by side with its performance. The sleek and compact body is ideal for travelers, regardless of their skill level, and even though the image quality needs to be improved upon, we were satisfied by the range of well-functioning features.
What we like:
- Powerful image processor
- Great image stabilization
- Stylish and compact
- Excellent handling
What we don’t:
- Small sensor
- Expensive
- Small handgrip
Travel Mirrorless Camera Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Mirrorless Camera For Travel
We all know how expensive cameras tend to be. Therefore, one shouldn’t take any risks We’re pretty sure that you don’t want to go through the hassle of selecting the wrong camera and returning it; thus, we compiled a buying guide with all the necessary points to help you make the right decision.
Step 1: Beginners vs. professionals
Everyone starts from the bottommost tier on their photography journey. A basic camera with simple functions, a user-friendly interface, and minimal features would best complement a beginner’s journey. Mirrorless cameras are often the safest bet since they offer your desired level of control along with touchscreen focusing. Moreover, they resemble your smartphone cameras for added comfort.
DSLRs, on the other hand, are the professionals’ first choice. Maybe they used to be the only feasible option, but thanks to innovation, you get similar features in the small body of a mirrorless camera. You can make the most of the features without garnering extra attention from the crowd because of the bulky device.
Step 2: The perfect lens
The best thing about a mirrorless camera is the amazing lens system. With the ability to mount interchangeable lens, you can use the perfect lens according to what your job demands: be it wildlife photography or a portrait, there’s something for everyone. This also means that your lens would determine the look and feel of the final image.
There are a variety of lenses in the market ranging from general-purpose to specialized. Most renowned camera brands like Canon and Nikon have come out with their own lens mounts to attach lenses of their own brand. A beginner’s camera kit often includes an all-purpose lens to experiment with several shots at once.
All you need to know is that your lens determines the composition, depth, and colors, which may ruin your aesthetic. You should be aware of the limitations of each lens to ensure that it doesn’t affect your subject or scene.
Step 3: How big is the sensor?
The one thing we know about DSLR cameras is that their large sensors enhance the quality of the image and offer better control. Who wouldn’t want this on a mirrorless camera too? The past decades didn’t realize the importance of a full-frame mirrorless camera; thus, there weren’t many options to choose from: more often than not, people were stuck with Sony. However, times have changed, and brands, including Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic, have come out with a wide range of full-frame cameras and several complementing features. They possess a 35mm, which performs tremendously well at image quality, depth of field, and low light capability.
After this comes APS-C with a 22.2 x 14.8 mm film and forms a part of Sony A6400, Canons M-series models, and other compact cameras. It is cheaper and offers several benefits such as the much-hyped” bokeh” look with a blurred background, high ISO for shooting in dark environments, and a high resolution. Since it demands less focus, it’s pretty great for shooting videos.
Micro Four Thirds, measuring around 17.3 x 13mm, is another common sensor often found in Panasonic and Olympus models. Even though they offer less bokeh and gathers less light, it’s ideal for small cameras. If you want to shoot a video, the reasonable depth of field and great control over focus is the winning points.
Step 4: Will you shoot videos?
If you are interested in purchasing the camera solely to capture videos, you require a different set of features. A selfie type flip-out screen is ideal for video bloggers while Sonys popup displays aren’t bad either: the only downside is the obstruction caused by hot-shoe mounted external microphones.
Your camera must be able to read the entire sensor to develop sharp, artifact-free videos. However, this causes issues such as rainbow colors and jagged diagonal lines when used with full-frame 4k and Ultra HD. Moreover, keep an eye on the form factor, microphone jacks, and running time for a great performance.
Step 5: Viewfinder
There are two viewfinder’s namely optical and an electronic. The DSLR reflects images into the optical viewfinder to get the original look of the shot while a mirrorless camera transfers the image straight into an image sensor for an electronic version of the shot. Due to the EVF, you’ll get a live image of the image similar to that on your LCD screen. As a result, you can adjust the settings beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Mirrorless Camera For Travel
Q: Do mirrorless cameras take better pictures?
A: The only competition a mirrorless camera has is from a DSLR. They’ve been around for ages and have redefined the parameters of professional photography with stunning image quality and powerful performance. However, some people believe that mirrorless cameras have quite a few advantages too. First of all, they have a relatively compact and lightweight body that proves efficient for traveling: no one likes carrying bulky devices. Even though DSLRs were known for their great autofocus ability, mirrorless cameras are catching up. Sony a7r and Canon M6 offer unparalleled autofocus speeds.
Furthermore, mirrorless cameras consist of an electronic viewfinder: an amazing feature for professional photographers. It allows you to preview the image on the screen with the chosen exposure level to save time. Most high-end mirrorless cameras are great for video shooting since they use phase detection: a fast and accurate focus system to prevent any blurry footage. The shutter speed, on the other hand, is pretty fast, while the lack of a mirror makes it easy to take pictures consecutively.
Q: Are mirrorless cameras better in low light?
A: We conducted thorough research with mirrorless cameras to end up with the conclusion that they are great for low light photography due to their distinctive features. This doesn’t mean that they outperform DSLRs; however, they work much better than your regular point and click cameras.
The first feature is the large sensor size that allows a diverse range of shots within each environment. A large sensor wasn’t a part of mirrorless cameras back then, but innovation leads to manufacturers realizing their importance. The lens system is an equally important quality and has completely modified the way we perceive mirrorless cameras. Thanks to the interchangeable lens, you can use a lens that best complements your desired shot. Some lenses provide improved focus in dark conditions and enhance the clarity and crispness of the shots.
Contrast detection or autofocus is another great feature for producing excellent photographs. It separates pixels and combines them after noticing significant separation for proper focus on the main subject. This is quite complex but pretty effective for low light shooting. Moreover, most modern mirrorless cameras offer a hybrid of DSLRs phase detection and the traditional autofocus for better shots.
Q: Are mirrorless cameras good for wildlife photography?
A: We all know that mirrorless cameras produce stunning street shots due to the excellent dynamic range and powerful sensors; however, wildlife shots demand a bit more, such a lightning-fast speed. Despite the versatility and performance of DSLR cameras, their bulky nature adds to the hassle of traveling. On the other hand, the two significant things mirrorless cameras offer consumers are the light body and easy-to-use interface. Fortunately, these two features contribute a great deal to the wildlife shooting experience.
Image stabilization used to be a major issue with these cameras, but thanks to the modern ages, we have cameras like A6000 and A7 that offer a proper balance from within their compact bodies. Moreover, they make the most of technological advancements through exposure info and focus peaking. You may need to keep an eye on the exposure meter with a DSLR or avoid overexposed shots while it’s relatively easy to view the actual exposure through the electronic viewfinder on a mirrorless camera. The EVF works well with manual focus, often detecting hidden animals while the focus peeking feature brings them into sharp focus.
Conclusion
We hope that you went through our list and buying guide to make a proper decision. Cameras are expensive, and each serves a different purpose and audience. Canon and Nikon are ideal manufacturers for those searching for reliable cameras while Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III serves everyone, from beginners to professionals. Fujifilm X-T3 provides stunning images with a great resolution and lighting fast speed while the others won’t disappoint you either.