Top 5 BEST Budget Mirrorless Cameras of 2024

Purchasing a camera may be a significant financial commitment, especially when you take into account the cost of extra lenses and accessories. It might be challenging to select a model because there are so many to pick from. Fortunately, the majority of contemporary mirrorless cameras can produce stunning photos, enabling you to step up your photography game beyond just using your smartphone. A secondhand model could be a good option if money is short. A fantastic camera may be found for a reasonable price if you shop about on eBay and at stores like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH, and MPB. If, however, you insist on purchasing fresh, there are still plenty of excellent low-cost choices available.

We’ve purchased more than 100 cameras; our top-rated, tried-and-true low-cost mirrorless cameras are listed below. All of the cameras we’ve selected below have interchangeable lenses; however, our top point-and-shoot cameras have fixed lenses. You may also have a look at our list of the top mirrorless cameras for novice photographers if you’re just getting started. On the other hand, check out the finest mirrorless cameras we reviewed if you want something more sophisticated.

QUICK LIST

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera

1.Canon EOS R50

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

One of the greatest new affordable cameras available is the Canon EOS R50, which is a great option for anyone purchasing their first “proper” camera because of its many features. This camera is incredibly portable, with an adjustable screen, and easy to use settings that make it easy to take with you wherever you go. You hardly ever have to worry about losing focus, even when working with moving subjects, thanks to the camera’s incredibly efficient autofocus technology and APS-C sensor, which produces superb image quality.

Beyond that, for a low-cost camera, it has surprisingly sophisticated video capabilities, including as uncropped 4k recording at up to 30 frames per second and the ability to internally capture 10-bit color in its HDR PQ mode for more experienced photographers who need greater creative control over their film. The main drawback of the camera is that if you ever wish to use a lens other than the stock lens, the RF mount still has a rather little variety. Nevertheless, as it has the same lens mount as more expensive models in Canon’s mirrorless portfolio, it could still be a wise purchase for individuals who want to upgrade to a full-frame camera in the future.

For individuals starting out in photography or content production with a smartphone, the Canon EOS R50 is the best entry-level camera due to its lightweight design, easy-to-use controls, and several clever auto-shooting settings. The R50 is the enhanced spiritual successor of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, even though it is still in production. You can use both full-frame RF lenses and crop-sensor RF-S lenses with the R50 because, unlike the M50, it has the same RF lens mount as high-end cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R8. Regarding low-cost versions, the R50 is competitively priced, offering an excellent sensor, a strong focusing system, and strong video capabilities within the most reasonably priced R system camera body to yet.

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera For Portability

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

If you’re looking for something small, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is among the finest inexpensive choices. Compared to the Canon EOS R50, it employs a smaller Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor. But that also means you get a more portable camera setup because MFT lenses are often smaller than APS-C lenses in addition to the body’s extreme compactness. You will also have more possibilities for lenses with the MFT system than with the newer RF mount because it has a better established lens portfolio. The E-M10 Mark IV offers good ergonomics and simple controls despite its compact size.

Additionally, this model is among the few low-cost cameras with in-body image stabilization (IBIS). IBIS can help you record smoother handheld video or take steadier photos at slower shutter speeds, which is useful in reduced light. This is an excellent tiny camera for the price, even though its focusing isn’t the fastest or most dependable.

With a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a mirrorless camera that is suitable for beginners. In addition to being incredibly lightweight and portable, it features a tilting screen that can turn to face you while taking a selfie. It produces images with remarkable dynamic range, strong noise reduction capabilities, and excellent quality. Its in-body image stabilization greatly reduces camera wobble while shooting without a tripod, making it useful for both still and motion picture photography. Additionally, the camera produces FHD and excellent 4K video quality. Its focusing function, however, is merely passable; while capturing pictures, it has trouble tracking faces and does a bad job of following moving subjects in videos.

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera For Lens Selection

Sony α6400

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative with a reputable lens ecosystem, consider the Sony α6400 or any of its Alpha siblings. If you’re on a limited budget, the less priced Sony α6100 has a lower-res EVF and worse build quality, while the more expensive Sony α6600 has in-body image stabilization and a longer battery life. Whichever model you select, you’ll have access to an enormous selection of E-mount lenses, including several excellent third-party alternatives that may really help you improve your photography.

The Sony α6400, which debuted in 2019, is the middle child in Sony’s entry-level APS-C Alpha family; it is positioned below the Sony α6600 and above the Sony α6100. With the same high-resolution APS-C sensor and Sony’s industry-leading Real-Time Tracking autofocus, all three cameras have comparable performance. This model is a nice compromise; it lacks the a6600’s longer battery life and in-body image stabilization but has a higher-resolution EVF and superior build quality than the a6100.

The α6400 delivers a superb sensor and a decent combination of functions, but the ergonomics and UI have a longer learning curve than a camera like the Canon EOS R50. Even after being available for a few years, the camera’s focusing remains among the best in its class, and its somewhat small size makes it convenient to carry around.

Best Budget Mirrorless Vlogging Camera

4. Sony ZV-E10

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Take a look at the Sony ZV-E10 if you’re searching for an inexpensive vlogging camera. Its design is primarily focused on vlogging, however it employs the same sensor as the Sony α6400 mentioned above. This features an enhanced stereo microphone with a retractable windshield to minimize wind noise while filming outside and a completely articulated screen to assist you in keeping an eye on yourself when vlogging. But since it doesn’t have a viewfinder, it’s less useful for taking pictures.

Beyond its look, it offers you a variety of frame rate settings, allowing you to capture smooth action footage or add slow motion to your vlogs. It can record 4k video at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. Additionally dependable is the camera’s focusing technology, which guarantees that both you and your subjects maintain focus. For product vloggers, there’s even a special “Product Showcase” option. All things considered, hobbyist video shooters and aspiring YouTubers may get a lot of use out of this camera for the price.

One affordable option for vlogging is the Sony ZV-E10 camera. Made for YouTubers and content producers who wish to film vlogs without breaking the bank, the Sony ZV-1 has specific vlogging features such a fully-articulated screen, a vlogging mic, and no viewfinder. Its internals are comparable to those of the Sony α6100. With a more portable design than the full-frame Sony ZV-E1 and greater lens versatility than the tiny ZV-1, it strikes a solid compromise between the two cameras.

Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera

5. Canon EOS R100

One of the most economical mirrorless cameras available right now is the Canon EOS R100, which is also the least expensive model in the company’s portfolio. This is a fantastic starting camera to use if you want to avoid purchasing an older used one. Thanks to a fantastic APS-C sensor taken from the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, this budget-friendly alternative will improve your photography without breaking the bank. Its body is just as portable as the Canon EOS R50, but it has an even simpler, more straightforward design.

This model can provide you a footing inside Canon’s RF system and make it easy to replace bodies if you ultimately outgrow it, even if it lacks an articulated screen and has a far slower burst rate than the R50. Its video capabilities are, however, quite restricted; 4K footage is cropped heavily and capped at 24 frames per second. Still, this is a very affordable camera with a user-friendly design if you’re on a very limited budget.

A great camera for travel photography is the Canon R100. It’s really easy to carry around because it’s lightweight and somewhat small. It is also simple for inexperienced users to learn how to operate because to its intuitive UI and extensive selection of automated shooting settings. While more seasoned photographers would like more tangible exposure adjustments, smartphone shooters could be turned off by the absence of touch controls. Although its shiny surface and permanent location might make it difficult to view in direct sunlight, its display can grow rather bright. It’s wise to be ready with extra batteries for extended days on the move because the camera’s battery cannot be recharged without the usage of its wall-mount charger.

HOW WE TEST MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

I utilize every camera I own in the field for actual photography scenarios, occasionally even using it for commissions and commercial projects. More significantly, I evaluate them in actual shooting scenarios tailored to the camera; for example, I’ll test a wildlife camera’s capacity to capture images of animals rather than scenery.

In addition to the scientific testing, this practical, hands-on examination considers things like how well a camera works inside and outdoors, overheats, performs in natural or artificial light, has a long battery life, and is easy to use. Since I’ve used practically every camera that has been introduced in the last six years, I can also contextualize them, since a newer model isn’t always superior than one that has been around for a long.

1. Resolution (ISO-12233): To show the upper bound of the camera’s vertical resolution at the center of the frame, we employ a resolution chart based on ISO-12233 from Applied Image Inc. The detail resolution improves at a higher setting.
2. Dynamic range (DxO Analyzer): This gauges how well a camera can capture shadow and highlight detail. Utilizing the transmissive chart provided by DxO, we are able to evaluate a dynamic range of 13.3 stops.
3. Noise (DxO Analyzer): Using DxO Analyzer, we examine the signal-to-noise ratio for RAW and JPG files at each sensitivity level using the dynamic range transmissive chart. The signal is clearer when the value is greater.

FAQS

Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR?

To put it quickly, sure! The price difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras used to be a significant turnoff. However, mirrorless technology is far more accessible and “the norm” these days. Sure, you can acquire a DSLR for less money, but that’s false economy unless you really need one; mirrorless cameras are the new norm, and DSLR development has all but stopped (Pentax is the only manufacturer currently making new models).

What are the disadvantages of a mirrorless camera?

Although mirrorless cameras have many more benefits than their DLSR predecessors, there are a few areas where they are inferior, chief among them being battery life.

Mirrorless cameras require continual electricity for a display (either the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder) since they are always shooting in live view. Both the image stabilization technology, which causes the sensor to hover in a magnetic field, and the more sophisticated autofocus system, which has more focus points and intricate algorithms, are a continual drain. Better even, a DSLR has significantly longer battery life because it doesn’t even need to be turned on in order to see through the lens. Naturally, my approach is to always have a power bank and an additional battery with me.

Which mirrorless camera has the best image quality?

Because this is such an individualized question, your results may differ. Still, most people believe that Canon has the greatest “color science” out of all the manufacturers, producing the most realistic and aesthetically beautiful representation of natural colors, especially skin tones. (In comparison, Sony is frequently criticized for having colors that should be adjusted in post-processing.

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