Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000 – Top 9 Picks (NEW Guide)

Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 06:08 am

After DSLRs, every photographer, from amateurs to professionals, seemed to possess an insatiable need to invest in a mirrorless camera. It’s hard shopping for cameras under a budget. There’s always a threat of accidentally settling for the wrong one because a common assumption says: the cheaper the camera, the lesser the features.  

However, this isn’t true in the modern market since most renowned manufacturers have come out with budget-friendly cameras that offer more than what you pay for. An innovative design? A wide range of features? Superb image quality? They offer everything. Here’s our list of the best mirrorless cameras for under $1000 with their merits and disadvantages.  

Top 3 Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000

Sony Alpha a7II	Canon EOS RP	Panasonic Lumix GH4
BEST OVERALL Superb image quality An amazing in-body stabilization system	PREMIUM CHOICE Great autofocus performance Great color and contrast from the viewfinder	BEST BUDGET Exceptional still image quality A sturdy and comfortable camera body
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Mirrorless Camera Reviews

1. Sony Alpha a7II Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Sony has, undoubtedly, stole a huge market share by its constant innovations and ability to create an incredible ergonomic body. The Sony Alpha A7 II is nothing different: it offers consumers a superb image quality and benefits of a full-frame sensor from within a compact frame. What more would one need?  

Build Quality and Design  

The new model boasts a number of improvements to make sure that each feature offers 100% satisfaction to the user. There is an all-new sensor with a highly sophisticated 693-point AF system. The sensor itself has a magnesium alloy built with moisture and dust sealing properties, which allow the camera to survive through extensive wear and tear.

Moreover, the comfortable grip consists of a rich texture coating while the compact thumb ridge allows you to use it single-handedly.

Furthermore, there is a large shutter button at a thumbs reach that lets you operate the camera easily. The small protruding dial is ideal for making any exposure adjustments, and due to the additional space present, Sony managed to include an extra button with more customization options.  

Image quality

The most important aspect of the camera, after its design, is the overall performance and image result. The first feature we fell in love with was the built-in image stabilization system. No matter what lens you plan to use, the end result would be nothing but spectacular. We managed to snap a sharp shot using the Carl Zeiss 70mm lens with a shutter speed of 1/6 secs.

Another impressive feature is the automatic white balance system that doesn’t leave your side during any lighting condition. Even though the result under artificial light won’t be the best, one may easily get a custom white balance value: a little negative exposure compensation using the 1200 cone evaluative metering system would do wonders while shooting under bright, sunny conditions. Thanks to the electronic viewfinder, you can view the impact of any exposure adjustments.  

Moving on to the autofocus system, it’s nothing less than great. It is fast, accurate, and functions extremely well in well-lit conditions. The Lock-on AF mode identifies the subject, draws a box around it, and stays in that position.  

Bottom Line

Sony Alpha A7 II is the ultimate model for those who aren’t fond of the huge file sizes and aren’t looking for low light or video performances but place great emphasis on a cameras autofocusing ability. The autofocus system is pretty fast and accurate when used in well-lit conditions while there is none to little noise from ISO 50 to 6400. The incredible texture and comfort of the exterior make it a pleasure to use while the built-in image stabilization allows you to use any lens of your choice.

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2. Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Sony A6500 Digital Camera is, undoubtedly, the best option for street style photographers and video bloggers with its high-end 4k capabilities and fast performance.  

Build Quality and Design

The magnesium alloy body of Sony A6500 is largely similar to its predecessors. It features a half metal and half plastic body built around a magnesium frame to maintain a sturdy yet lightweight structure. The plastic components, including the battery hatch, controls, and power switch, minimize any additional weight but don’t compromise on quality either.

It’s a bit thicker than A6300 at around 53mm to easily accommodate the in-body stabilization system while the height measures at 67mm. The model weighs around 453 grams, not the lightest model in the market, but not a hassle to carry either.  

The deep grip is quite impressive as it allows us to hold the camera comfortably and without any fear of dropping it. There are two custom function buttons between the shutter button and mode dial while the clean design allowed the manufactures to include an additional builtin flash and multi-interface shoe aa well as the viewfinder, command dial, and shooting mode. At the back, you may find some clearly marked controls and control wheel for easy menu navigation and image scrutinization.  

Furthermore, there is a 3.0-inch display that remains in it’s adjusted position without falling over but can be pulled away from the back when not in use. The rear screen features an incredible sensitivity. Therefore, you can use it as a touchscreen to position the focus point or trigger focus and shutter while holding it to your eye. Moving on, the comprehensive menu system includes a whooping 35 color-coded screens to make it easier to find your desired settings.  

Performance

What is a well-built camera with poor performance? Nothing. The one thing we heard about A6500 was the veritable speed- something the previous model lacked. Powered by Alpha 99 II’s potent processing engine, the camera offers a burst shooting buffer of up to 200 JPEGs or 107 raws at 11fps and 307 JPEGs at eight fps- around 35 seconds of firepower. Pretty cool, right? The multi-zone metering system, on the other hand, doesn’t disappoint us either as it meters perfectly on the dot without any unwanted changes in exposure.  

Furthermore, there are around 12 white balance modes along with three custom settings to create the perfect tinted image. The CMOS sensor is worth mentioning due to the exemplary performance: if you want incredible stills, A6500 is the optimal choice.  

Bottom Line

It’s easy to say that A6500 was a pleasure to work with while the five new features and fast speed made this upgrade worthwhile. If you want to delve into the video blogging world or want a DSLR like image quality, you won’t get a better camera.

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3. Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera

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Canon EOS RP is one of Canon’s signature models and a wonderful treat for beginners. If you want a camera that offers all but with an easier user interface, this is definitely the one for you.  

Build Quality and Design

If you have used Canons’ older camera models, you may find EOS RP a bit smaller than them. This isn’t a bad thing as the smaller the equipment, the easier it is to carry. With a clean control area and a comfortable grip, your experience would be nothing less than great.  

It has a lightweight polycarbonate-on-mag alloy chassis body that feels robust to the touch so to withstand the harsh photography conditions. Fortunately, the RF lens comes with a gasket to prevent dust and moisture from coming further than the mount. Moreover, you could enhance the comfort of the grip by using an optional grip extender.  

Moving on, we were pretty impressed by the connectivity options considering that EOS RP is a budget-friendly model for beginners. Not only do you get HDMI out but also a microphone jack, headphone jack, a remote jack as well as a USB-C port that works well with 2.0 transfer speeds.

Furthermore, the well-implemented controls seem to have undergone a much-needed upgrade with no M-Fn touch bar and an accessible rear control dial. The back button autofocus users may find it easier to access the AF-ON button. The rear screen features a responsive touch screen, an electronic viewfinder with an OLED panel to provide excellent color and contrast.  

Image quality

Moving on to the most important aspect, Canon EOS RP works even better than its signature EOS 6D Mark II due to an updated processor and other subtle differences. While testing their differences, we noticed a better detail capture with an edge over sharpness. While using low ISO values, you get well-judged sharpening and less pronounced halos on high contrast edges. However, you don’t need to fret about increasing the ISO value as there are minimal noises with detail retention.  

EOS RP utilizes the famous Dual Pixel AF system combined with an updated Digic 8 processor to offer better, reliable autofocus. The Servo mode allows the camera to focus on the chosen subject while moving, and with a shooting speed of 4fps, you surely get a lot at this price range.  

Bottom Line

It’s easy for us to say that Canon EOS Rp is one of the best Entry-level Full-frame cameras we’ve worked with. With lots of pleasing JPEGS, wonderful grip, and compact size, this works well as an amateurs travel companion.

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4. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the first camera in Olympus’s OM-D line of Micro Four Thirds compact system, and needless to say, it’s an ideal option for professionals and all those looking for a camera with a variety of incredible features.  

Build Quality and Design

The small, magnesium body may appear fragile but is sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear. Surprisingly, its dust-proof, water-proof, and freeze-proof down to -10 degrees C: these features make it an ideal tool for photographers always on the run.  

The front finger grip surely isn’t the best we’ve seen but works well. However, the more particular people may choose to invest in optional grips for a comfortable experience. There’s a thumb rest at the back of the body to allow users to hold the camera safely. Comparing M5 to its predecessor, we found some additional buttons on the top plate with a different dial arrangement. The two large dials on the right adjust the settings while the one on the left adjusts the mode. On the other hand, you may find the power switch somewhere alongside the mode dial for easier access.

Moreover, this switch comes with a lock while the button on the back is meant to change the dial options. All of this may seem complicated, but the ergonomic design makes everything much easier to control.

What we found impressive was that this camera was quite customizable: this may be your best investment once you get the hang of each control. The viewfinder sensor is pretty impressive and provides a wonderful view of the subject without any flickering or texture.  

Image quality

The one thing most people find quite annoying is the increase in noise production after changing the ISO settings. Thankfully, Olympus combats this issue and controls it well throughout ISO 100-1600. Furthermore, the automatic white balance system is worth mentioning as it completely transforms images in natural lighting conditions.

Moving on, you get access to a variety of filters apart from the Natural picture mode, including Vivid, Muted, Portrait, Monotone i-Enhance, along with a Color Creator option too. The AF system is worth mentioning: it snaps subjects with exemplary sharpness, especially in a well-lit area.  

Bottom Line

Needless to say, Olympus M5 is a favorite of many professionals and photography enthusiasts due to the compact size, robust body, and incredible features. Despite the same sensor, this upgrade featured quite a few changes that brought it in par with high-end cameras.

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5. Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Fujifilm X-T30 is the successor of X-T20- one of Fujifilm’s best selling models. You can only imagine what changes the manufacturers made to make T30 into an even bigger success than its older counterpart. With a wide array of impressive features at a great price, it’s near to impossible to bring its substitute.  

Build Quality and Design

It features the same body as X-T20 but with smaller and boxer dimensions with an additional twin command dial set up to resemble a DSLR. There are three dials on the top plate that allow you to adjust the modes while you get to enjoy the same impressive drive mode, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.  

One thing we found different and much better was the grip. Even though there weren’t any major issues with the previous one, X-T30 seemed to offer better support to the long and heavy lenses: for such a compact camera, it surely is a feature worth applauding.  

Moreover, there is a joystick lever instead of a D-pad with movement buttons while the Q button was repositioned to the upper right-hand side for more thumb resting space. Fujifilm spared no effort in making this model an epitome of comfort. On the other hand, the focus lever allows you to swiftly move through the menus, adjust the focusing point while responding to any diagonal movements.  

Image quality

As we mentioned earlier, X-T30 is almost a carbon copy of its predecessor, but the two places where you would notice a major difference is in the electronic viewfinder and LCD screen. Even though the dimensions of the LCD screen are pretty much the same, you get a 2.36 million-dot ‘finder, which works well with Fujifilm’s features.  

Moving on, it can capture around 16 raw and JPEG frames at an 8fps burst rate- its maximum rate. Another thing we noticed is that the camera remains operational while the files are being written, unlike other models, which means that you get to save time. Moreover, you may easily capture around 147 frames at the same speed: you don’t really need a higher figure.  

Bottom Line

You may have guessed why this was a popular choice amongst photographers. From the robust built to the superior image quality, everything seems to favor your next photography adventure.

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6. Panasonic Lumix GH4 Body 4K Mirrorless Camera

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Surely, Panasonic doesn’t need any introduction. If you thought Panasonic GH4 was the best compact system camera you ever bought, you are wrong as GH4 shocks one with it’s enhanced design and range-topping features. 

Build Design and Handling

With the same size, control layout, and weight, you might wonder why they decided to upgrade: there aren’t many changes. However, some things do appear different; for example, the electronic viewfinder is on the larger side for more shade from the sun with a lock button on the mode dial to avoid a change from its position.  

There is an additional Timelapse Shot option on the drive mode dial that one can set to start immediately or at intervals of 1 second to 99 minutes. Pretty cool, right?

The body itself features a magnesium alloy built that is dust and splash-proof for bearing any wear and tear while shooting. Moreover, there is a 3-inch 1,036,000-dot LCD screen that offers a clear view with a pleasing contrast level. Being very responsive to touch, you can easily select AF points and other modes. A back switch allows users to select from single, continuous autofocus or manual focus modes while the other five buttons are customizable. 

Performance

The first thing we want to mention is GH4s ability to capture images with natural colors, pleasing contrast, and good exposure. The images look great when viewed from normal angles while simultaneously shot RAW files feature more detail. According to Panasonic, the camera operates down to -4EV, and they were proved right.  

Furthermore, the AF system didn’t disappoint us either; it is fast enough to keep track of moving subjects and works exceptionally well in good lighting conditions. Moreover, the metering and white balance systems match the high standards: its automatic white balance system is capable of producing natural-looking results.  

Bottom Line

To be honest, the brand name or it is a stills camera didn’t attract it as much as it’s the ability to record 4k video did. Being the first of its kind, video enthusiasts could utilize the focus peaking and zebras while the interface units make for a professional rig at a low cost. The compact body and sensor size ensure better image quality by fitting into the lens image circle more easily.

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7. Olympus PEN-F

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You may or may not have heard about Olympus. Olympus Pen F, after it was initial release in 1963, made a comeback as the premium option in the PEN family. It’s ideal for street shooters and photographers looking for retro styling and range finder like controls.  

Build Quality and Design

It features a glorious matte black magnesium alloy and aluminum body: that’s an indirect way of saying that it looks stunning while being sturdy enough to handle any wear and tear. Encased in faux leather without any visible screws, it’s hard to let go of its sleek appearance.  

It’s comfortable to hold due to its subtle heft. However, some customers would find it better to invest in an additional metal grip for more safety: one-handed shooters would find the deep thumb grip on the rear end to be a lifesaver. There is a built-in, 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder that responds quickly and accurately, even in low light, while giving a full view of the image.  

The record button is accessible from the right of the shutter button while the touchscreen articulates fully for greater versatility. Furthermore, there is a front-mounted dial that allows users to switch between creative modes while the locking mode dial has a toggle that one can switch between the JPEG tone curve, color wheel, and grain adjustment slider.  

Image quality

It’s hard to expect a poor image quality from a camera with such innovative features. With a 20MP sensor, an upgrade from 16 MP, one witness stunning details with an increase in linear resolution. There is an”anti-shock” electronic first curtain mode: a shutter mode to shoot test scenes.  

When compared to Panasonic, it shows mild sharpening halos and a bit more contrast while the reds appear to be a bit darker. As you increase the ISO, you notice how well Olympus maintains its saturation with a fair auto white balance performance. Moving on, the 8-step high-resolution pixel shift mode utilizes the IBIS system to capture eight shots to cancel out the Bayer pattern for better color resolution and high-frequency detail.  

Bottom Line

One could instantly go back to the older half frame PEN F model and realize how well Olympus upgraded this model. By using the highest resolution Four Thirds sensor with a sensor greater than 16MP, it surely offers remarkable results while the design never fails to allure us.

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8. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital 4K Camera

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Most people don’t really know how to choose their first camera. If you are looking for a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera with beginner-friendly features, you need to go no further than Canon eos m50: an ideal option for novice and enthusiasts.  

Build Quality and Design  

It resembles a miniature DSLR with a viewfinder housing on the top instead of a pentaprism. The leatherette front grip enhances safety and comfort by allowing you to hold it single-handedly.  

Moreover, one can easily access the shutter release button and surrounding control dial just by bending your index finger. This feature proves efficient when you want to adjust the settings quickly. However, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the several control buttons due to the careful placement by streamlining them on the rear. You may access the shooting settings through the Q button or the touchscreen.  

To be honest, we were pretty surprised to see a centrally positioned electronic viewfinder. Being the second EOS M model with this feature, it plays a significant role in one’s photography experience. A built-in flash element remains tucked away in the raised hump of the EVF.  

It features a strong polycarbonate body with a rather plasticky exterior: the body is sturdy enough to withstand any wear and tear while shooting. Furthermore, there is an eye detection mode and new silent shooting mode with a gyro sensor to transfer movement to the lens-based IS system. As a result, there is better shake compensation, and dual-sensing IS.  

Image quality

As we mentioned earlier, Canon offers 4k: an innovative feature that enhances your shooting experience. Even though it features a heavy 1.7x crop with no Dual Pixel AF, you may use all other video modes, including 1080/60p. You may have heard that Canons latest strategy was to focus on connectivity and video. M50 is the prime example of fulfilling their promise since it automatically transfers images to your smartphone after each shot while being the first M-series model to offer 4k.

Much to our need, the DIGIC 8 image processor allows photographers to shoot at up to 10 fps in Single AF mode and a strong 7.4 fps with the Continous AF mode. On the other hand, the built-in image stabilization on the 15-45mm won’t disappoint you either and would work even better if set to auto ISO in low light. Thanks to the 24.2MP APS-C sensor, you get to experience clear and vivid images, even in low, low light.  

Bottom Line

EOS M50 is an ideal choice for beginners who aren’t willing to spend thousands of bucks on a camera yet. This compact mirrorless camera shoots amazing stills while the electronic viewfinder makes it a dealbreaker. Who wouldn’t want to shoot without any hassle in sunny conditions?

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9. Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera

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Panasonic is famous for manufacturing high-quality electronic goods, each with a unique set of features to perfectly suit your needs. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, an incredible Micro Four Thirds compact system camera, integrates 4k video recording capability as well as a variety of 4k photo elements.  

Build Quality and Design 

You may have heard that the ergonomics of a camera defines the overall performance of a camera. We were pleasantly surprised by Panasonic’s ease of use. Just a bit larger than G6, it is still compact enough to carry around the various shooting locations with ease. It features a typical DSLR angular design while the diminutive dimensions fit in a 3-inch fully rotating, free-angle LCD screen with an electronic viewfinder.

The handgrip, rear thumb grip, and right-hand side feature a rubberized finish, whereas the rest has a textured plastic finish. Nonetheless, the high-quality aluminum chassis and the metal components, including the lens mount and tripod socket, making it sturdy enough to last for a long time.  

Furthermore, there is a tiny focus assist, timer indicator lamp, black lens release button, metal lens mount, and a rubberized hand-grip. The latter has a sculpted indent for your forefinger so you can hold the camera with ease. You can turn on the optical image stabilization through the menu system, after which it compensates for any camera movements and prevents any blurring.  

Image quality  

What else would you use a camera for other than snapping ultra high-quality pictures and videos? Nothing. Therefore, the camera needs to accomplish well in this department. Fortunately, G7 is ideal for capturing images with excellent quality. The noise-free images at ISO 100 to 1600 produce minimal noise, but you may start hearing limited sounds ISO 3200.  

Moreover, you can easily customize the look of the JPEG images through a huge variety of Creative controls and photo styles. On the other hand, the night mode is pretty great, considering that you can capture plenty of light with a maximum shutter speed of 60 seconds. The Intelligent D-range and the HDR mode prove excellent for capturing more detail in the shadows and highlights.  

You get two different JPEG image quality settings, with Fine being the highest on the list. Thanks to the 4k video option, you get much sharper and detailed videos: much better than HD while the low light video is pretty clean too.  

Bottom Line

Even though G6 users might not want to upgrade due to minor changes, it’s safe to say that G7 is perfectly capable of producing high-quality images with innovation beyond its years.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Mirrorless Cameras

Q: Do professionals use mirrorless cameras?

A: Professional photographers are more serious about snapping the perfect shot: their vast skill set and knowledge about lighting and angles won’t be of any use if they use the wrong camera.

Fortunately, mirrorless cameras are approved by the professional photographers owing to the incredible image quality and easy user interface. The electronic viewfinder allows you to view the processing image, which means that you won’t waste any time reviewing the shots. Moreover, you get to fine-tune your exposure more accurately: the color mode allows you to view the enhanced image while the b&w mode allows you to see the monochrome image while making it.

Furthermore, the low profile appearance of the camera allows photographers to blend in with the crowd without garnering any unnecessary attention while shooting. The smaller size makes it easier to carry- great for those always on the go.  

Q: Should I get mirrorless or DSLR?

A: This is an ongoing debate, and most of us still haven’t figured out the answer. DSLR and mirrorless cameras have redefined the camera industry with exemplary performance and incredible design. Even though there isn’t a clear winner, a professional photographer would aim to purchase a DSLR while a regular consumer, who focuses on the design, may opt for a mirrorless camera.

However, the modern mirrorless cameras feature elements that are similar to a DSLR making it a hard choice. The DSLR camera produces an image by passing light through the lens and hitting a mirror at 45 degrees and into the viewfinder. On the other hand, a mirrorless camera passes light through the lens onto the sensor, after which it’s displayed on the monitor.

DSLRs are famous for their robust built, amazing image quality and long battery life, while the latter makes it easier to shoot due to a basic optical viewfinder and no mirror.  

Q: Is a mirrorless camera better than the iPhone?

A: Mirrorless cameras will always have the edge over smartphone cameras. The first difference is the sensor size. Mirrorless cameras feature a bigger sensor resulting in superior image quality while the luxurious versions manage to capture every minute detail, including the highlights to shadows. You may have noticed that shooting a picture in dim light with your smartphone takes a toll on the quality due to the limited megapixels.  

Moreover, indoor shooting gives off a grainy finish while a mirrorless camera perfectly adapts to ever lighting condition. The built-in image stabilization, not present in smartphones, minimizes the effect camera shake in the dim light for a steady image.  

The mirrorless cameras come with an optical zoom lens that automatically adjusts to magnify the image for a clear result as compared to the pixelated, blurry image in your smartphone when zoomed in.  

Conclusion

By now, you would have figured that it’s not impossible to buy a mirrorless camera under a budget. From Sony to Panasonic, each renowned manufacturer seems to have their own model offering nothing less than brilliant performance and great image quality. If you are a video blogger, the Sony A6500 seems to be an ideal option, while the easy user interface of Canon EOS RP is optimal for beginners. At the end of the day, your choice depends on your photography needs and budget.