I've been testing cameras since before the first wave of mirrorless models hit the market – which started with the 12 megapixel Panasonic Lumix G1 all the way back in 2008. In the years since then, the TechRadar team and I have reviewed countless cameras — and seen mirrorless become the format of choice over DSLRs for most photographers, including beginners.
So which mirrorless camera should you start your photography journey with? To help you decide, I’ve compiled the best models below which cover a range of styles, user experience and budget. It's years old now, but I think the Canon EOS R10 still sets the bar for entry-level mirrorless cameras today. Our review declared it compact, easy to use and packed with helpful features for beginners. Modern autofocus and fast burst speeds make it a versatile choice for learning the ropes and trying different styles of photography. I also think it’s a camera you can really grow with.
I'm TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. I've worked as a freelance photographer and tech journalist for more than 15 years. In that time, I've been lucky enough to shoot with a whole range of mirrorless cameras. As a result, I've developed an in-depth experience of what makes an excellent mirrorless camera for beginners. Naturally, most beginners start with a limited budget, which is why I've included a number of more affordable mirrorless cameras here. However, I think that overall value is important, too, which is why my guide also features pricier, well-equipped models with the right features for novices to learn and grow with.
Why you can trust my choices
Every single beginner mirrorless camera in this guide has been tested by me or one of my expert team of reviewers in real scenarios.
We test all types of mirrorless cameras, from beginner-level snappers to pricier enthusiast and pro models, and have tailored these reviews for newbies. That means we have assess how easy each model is to get started with and its staying power, looking at performance, handling and ease of use, all with beginners in mind.
The results of these reviews are distilled into this guide. Naturally, there's no one size fits all, and so I have included a range of styles and types to cover most use cases. For more information about how we test cameras, scroll to the last section in this guide.
Meet the team
Our team of reviewers has accumulated countless years of camera experience and testing, covering all of the entry-level cameras for beginners from leading camera brands, since the advent of mirrorless cameras. A phone might still be most people's first choice camera, but there is plenty of reason to opt for a dedicated mirrorless camera instead.
Jon Devo is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in photography and videography. After studying Journalism and Psychology at City University London in 2009, he transitioned into presenting and journalism. Jon is the founder of Devoted Creatives, a photo and video studio based in West London.
Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week.
Rod is an independent photographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years' experience. He's previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.
The best beginner mirrorless cameras
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best beginner mirrorless cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best beginner mirrorless camera overall
✅ You're looking for your first camera: The power and usability of the EOS R10's autofocus, plus its superior burst-shooting, put it top of the pile for those starting out.
✅ You need an affordable sports or family camera: While the EOS R10 has mid-range price tag, its burst speeds and autofocus are worth the premium if you're looking to shoot moving subjects.
❌ You need a wide choice of native lenses: Right now, the EOS R10's main weakness is a lack of native lenses.
❌ You'll be mostly shooting video: No headphone jack for monitoring audio, nor any in-body image stabilization to keep things steady. This isn'y a vlogging camera.
Striking a great balance between accessibility and performance, we think the Canon EOS R10 is a fantastic entry-level camera to grow with. Compact yet comfy in the hand, its dual control dials and dedicated AF joystick made it easy to try different techniques in testing. The articulating touchscreen also feels like a natural switch from smartphone shooting. While its 24.2MP sensor isn’t cutting-edge, modern autofocus and Canon’s punchy Digic X processor make it an adaptable camera for learners.
During our review, AF tracking proved impressively reliable for a beginner camera. Burst shooting rates of 15fps also make it a good choice if you want to try action photography. Handheld options are limited after dark by the absence of in-body image stabilization, but the EOS R10 otherwise holds up well against APS-C rivals, producing clean, detailed stills with pleasant colors. Its video skills give it some hybrid versatility, too. While there’s no flat color profile, it can record uncropped 4K/30p footage by oversampling from the sensor’s 6K resolution. All that’s really missing is a wide choice of native lenses, something that will hopefully improve soon.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R10 review
The best budget beginner mirrorless camera
✅ You want a small, powerful stills camera: Compact proportions belie the class-leading stills capabilities of the E-M10 Mark IV.
✅ You often shoot handheld: In-body image stabilization gives the Mark IV an edge over rivals, keeping handheld shots sharp.
❌ You record a lot of video: The E-M10 Mark IV can shoot decent footage, but no mic input and a 4K/30p cap limit its blogging potential.
❌ You own the E-M10 Mark III: Upgrades include a new sensor and flip-down screen, but these don’t justify swapping from the Mark III.
It isn't radically cheaper than its Canon EOS R10 and Fujifilm X-T30 II rivals, but the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a little more affordable for beginners. And because it has a smaller Four Thirds sensor than those APS-C cameras, it's an even more compact package to shoot with. Videographers should look elsewhere, because it lacks both a microphone port and a USB-C connection. But for budding photographers, it offers a lot: we found its ergonomic grip comfortable in testing, paired with an approachable button layout and handy flip-down touchscreen. We also found it to be the most photo-centric camera at its price point, delivering great stills during our review.
Olympus cameras have long gone big on beginner-friendly software modes, pioneering some of the computational techniques that would later be built on by smartphones. It's the same here, with an 'Advanced Photo' mode that steers novices through techniques like long exposures. The in-body image stabilization system – borrowed from the flagship E-M1 – also proved superb. It might not grab headlines, but the Mark IV is still a great first camera for beginners. That said, if your budget stretches a little further, we also highly recommend the travel-friendly OM System OM-5 as a powerhouse alternative.
Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
The best beginner mirrorless camera for features
Nikon Z50 II sample images
✅ You want excellent autofocus performance: Despite being an entry-level model, the Z50 II boasts flagship autofocus performance, with subject detection modes for people, animals and more.
✅ You shoot a mix of stills and video: It 20.9MP stills and 4K video might not sound impressive, but video footage is oversampled from 5.6K and has support for N-log 10-bit recording, plus there are useful vlogging modes.
❌ You want detailed stills with cropping potential: A 20.9MP resolution is at the lower end for detail in this group, with most rival cameras packing more pixels.
❌ You'd rather start out with full-frame: NIf you'd rather a bigger sensor camera and don't mind a performance compromise, then the much older Z5 can be had for a similar price.
For the money, the Nikon Z50 II is probably the most well-rounded mirrorless hybrid in this guide. At first it looks like a modest upgrade of the original Z50, with the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor, but it didn't take long during our in-depth test to appreciate the bump in performance that Nikon's latest Expeed 7 processor delivers.
Yes, the Z50 II is an altogether more powerful and feature-packed camera than the Z50, particularly its autofocus performance with the same people, animal and subject detection modes offered by Nikon's flagship Z9 – which costs 5x the price – plus a nifty vlogging autofocus mode akin to Sony's Product Showcase mode
Video-based improvements abound, including crisp 4K 60p video oversampled from 5.6K with 10-bit color depth and N-Log color profiles. Design has been improved too, and the Z50 II is pleasure to use, thanks to its larger-than-average 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen, bright viewfinder and deep grip.
The Z50 II feels very much the polished all-rounder, even if its modest 20.9MP resolution is bettered by rivals, and matched by its predecessor which now costs less. You'll need to spend extra to bag in-body image stabilization too, but that's true of any brand. Overall, the Z50 II represents excellent value and is my top pick of the best Nikon cameras for beginners, now we just need a few more native lenses to go with it.
Read our in-depth Nikon Z50 II review
The best hybrid beginner mirrorless camera
Fujifilm X-M5 sample video
✅ You want 6K video: There's no better video bang for your buck than the X-M5 right now – 6K video is the tip of the iceberg in this tiny, sub $1,000 / £1,000 winner.
✅ You'd like an everyday camera: The X-M5 is postively tiny and discreet, and you can find compatible compact X-series lenses to boot.
❌ You're primarily into photography over video: As capable as the X-M5 is for photography, its video features make it truly stand out for the money.
❌ You want a viewfinder: The X-M5 lacks a viewfinder, a feature that can be supremely helpful for composing photos, especially in bright light.
As Fujifilm's video-focused entry-level mirrorless camera, the X-M5 is ideal for filmmaking newcomers who will discover a wealth of powerful features at their fingertips, including 6K open gate 10-bit video, that's versatile for mixing between horizontal and vertical formats. But where the X-M5 really shines is through its well thought out design and compact form factor.
It might be a video-first camera, but the X-M5 is an adept and discreet everyday walkaround camera that shoots attractive 26MP stills with Fujifilm's stunning Film Simulations directly accessible through a dial, with a wealth of compatible X-mount lenses to choose from. What's more, most rival brands simply aren't making mirrorless cameras at such a cheap price point any more, and so the X-M5 really stands out for beginners. In fact, the TechRadar team has even picked one up to take product photos and videos for some of our content – that's a high recommendation.
The X-M5 isn't perfect – its lack of in-body image stabilization might be the reason to upgrade further down the line, but as a starting point, the X-M5 will see you through many days. For the money, there's nothing better.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-M5 review
The best beginner mirrorless camera for wildlife
✅ You're on a budget and like action photography: With excellent subject-tracking and eye-recognition AF, the EOS R7 is a game-changer for Canon enthusiasts shooting action.
✅ You want a small, travel-friendly all-rounder: The EOS R7 with 18-150mm kit lens is a compact package ideal for travelling.
❌ You’re frustrated by the lack of native RF-S lenses: Sports and wildlife shooters are better served by Sony and Fujifilm APS-C systems with superior selection of lenses.
❌ You crave full-frame or low-light excellence: There are lots of advantages to APS-C sensors, but some beginners will simply want to jump in with full-frame camera.
The EOS R7 is a little pricier than its beginner-friendly stablemate, the EOS R10 (see no.1 above). But it also brings a lengthy list of improvements that'll give you more room to grow into, including in-body image stabilization, a better viewfinder, a larger buffer for burst shooting, weather-sealing and uncropped 4K/60p video. If you like to shoot moving subjects or video, it's likely the better choice – as long as you can justify its slightly more mid-range price tag.
While you can't expect full-frame performance from the EOS R7, we found that its smaller APS-C was capable of producing excellent images in a range of conditions. Importantly for beginners and solo filmmakers, its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus was particularly impressive during our time with the camera: besides intelligent subject tracking, face and eye-detection were capable of locking onto animals rapidly, reliably and with impressive accuracy.
Action shooters will also appreciate its speedy continuous frame rates for capturing action – up to 15fps with the mechanical shutter, or 30fps if you switch to electronic. The only real downside? A lack of native RF-S lenses. Only two are currently available, and safari photographers may find the 18-150mm telephoto doesn’t quite get them close enough.
To save some money on Canon products, check out our Canon discount codes.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review
The best retro beginner mirrorless camera
✅ You like looking at your camera: The Nikon Zfc is a retro-chice beauty, whether you are a Nikon fan or not.
✅ You want a mix of old and new: The vari-angle touch screen transforms the Z fc from old to new; tucked away you can pretend there's no screen at all.
❌ You want bullet proof build quality: It may look like the Nikon FM2 analog camera, but the casual Z fc is a different prospect in regards to build quality.
❌ You need a wide choice of lenses: Nikon is yet to fill out the lens range for it's APS-C mirrorless cameras, although there is at least the 24mm f/1.7 prime lens now.
It's a close call between the Nikon Z fc and the Nikon Z50 for a place in this list, but think this gloriously retro model just edges it. Both cameras are based on the same photographic engine and fans of DSLR-style deep grips will likely prefer the Z50, but we found the Z fc's style and useful dials to be better for beginners who have just picked up the hobby or are just starting to expand their photography skills.
The Z fc is a fine all-rounder thanks to its 20.9MP APS-C sensor and hybrid autofocus system. It can also shoot 4K/30p video and has a vari-angle touchscreen to help you shoot from different angles, including front-on to the camera. The only real downsides we found are a lack of weather-sealing and relatively limited collection of native lenses. That said, there are now an increasing number of third-party lenses from the likes of Viltrox, and those physical controls are ideal for anyone who wants to get up to speed with the exposure triangle.
Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review
Also consider
Our team has reviewed a whole range of entry-level mirrorless cameras, which means there are plenty of alternative options for beginners that almost made it into this list. Here are a few honorable mentions to consider.
Best value Sony – Sony A6100: Launched in 2019, the Sony A6100 is far from the newest APS-C camera you can buy. Even so, its spec sheet still stacks up well today, with excellent autofocus and plenty of features for learners to grow with. We think it’s a great beginner buy at a great price.
Best cheao – Canon EOS R100: It's simple, there's no cheaper mirrorless camera than the EOS R100, which packs much of the same core tech as the EOS R10 – my top pick in this guide – but in a simpler body. For example, the rear screen is fixed and not touch sensitive, which can take some getting used to for smartphone upgraders.
Best cheap full-frame – Canon EOS RP: One of the cheapest full-frame cameras you can buy, the EOS RP is a great option for ambitious learners. You don’t get luxuries such as in-body image stabilization and video specs are limited, but with lovely handling, reliable autofocus and a responsive interface, it’s good value for beginners. Nikon fans can check out the Z5 instead.
Best video under $1,000 – Sony ZV-E10 II: Succeeding the ZV-E10, the ZV-E10 II addressed virtually all of our niggles, with superb 4K video up to 60fps and autofocus skills, together with handling improvements such as a more versatile touchscreen. However, you'll save a packet by opting for the older ZV-E10 instead, and most people won't feel the difference.
Best retro for photographers – Fujifilm X-T30 III: If you don't need the video prowess of the Fujifilm X-M5 and would rather a little extra photography-focused features for your money instead, we recommend the X-T30 II with its retro styling and built-in viewfinder. If you can stretch a little further, then the X-T50 is an even better pick.
Best leveling-up hybrid – Fujifilm X-S10 / Fujifilm X-S20: Fujifilm's mid-range all-rounders, X-S series of cameras feature a small body, with viewfinder, proven APS-C sensor and useful in-body image stabilization. We think the X-S10 makes a fantastic first mirrorless camera, while the newer X-S20 has stronger video specs, but if you want an affordable hybrid, we recommend the X-S10.
Best 'entry-level' mirrorless – Nikon Z5 II: OK so this model is the priciest of the lot, but it redefines entry-level performance. In fact, it's probably better than the previous generation Z6 II, which is supposedly the next model up in Nikon's Z-mount range. If you like the sound of the Z5 II but don't need the speed upgrades, the older Z5 costs a lot less.
Best cheap rangefinder – Panasonic Lumix GX9: With its compact proportions and neat rangefinder style, the GX9 is actually a superb every day carry. However, you'll now need to search hard to find one new.
How to choose the best beginner mirrorless camera
Should I look for the latest model?
Not all beginners need the latest and greatest camera, and that's why many of the models which feature in my list are older versions – you'll make a huge saving by opting for an older model, which you could then invest in a better second lens.
The Fujifilm X-S10, Sony ZV-E10, Nikon Z5 and Z50 have been updated with newer and better models, the X-S20, ZV-E10 II, Z5 II and Z50 II respectively. And the latest versions deliver several performance upgrades, which could make all the difference to your overall experience.
However, you're looking at a huge leap in price to bag the latest model. Sure, the Z5 II brings improvements across the board and redefines what entry-level cameras can do, but that could be a better second camera should you want to level up down the line.
My advice is to save some cash with a slightly older model – all the cameras in this list are still available new – and use those savings to buy a second, better lens to the kit lens that comes with the camera. In general, a previous generation camera with decent prime lens will dish up better quality than the latest model with kit lens.
How to choose the best beginner mirrorless camera?
Just because something is 'cheap', that doesn't necessarily mean it represents value for money. If you find you quickly outgrow it and need to upgrade very soon, then you'll end up spending even more money. Some of the cameras here might seem expensive to somebody buying their first camera, but we will have recommended them as something that should last you for many years to come.
If you view your photography hobby as an investment, it will pay huge dividends if you can invest as much as you possibly can when you first get started. Inexpensive cameras can still do a good job, but cutting back on price inevitably means that features and controls are missing – so ask yourself if the saving is worth missing out on something you think you'll need.
For example, the cheapest mirrorless cameras don’t usually have a viewfinder – such as the vlogging-style Nikon Z30 – but this can be invaluable for shooting in bright light, when the screen on the back can easily suffer from glare and reflections, so we’d always recommend stretching to a camera with a viewfinder if you can.
Mirrorless cameras usually ship with either a full-frame, APS-C or a slightly smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor. These formats represent a significant step up in resolution and image quality when compared to the small sensors found in a smartphone or compact camera, and the larger size means they also serve up superior low-light performance.
The importance of other features will depend on your shooting style. Those looking to try out vlogging will welcome the excellent video specs of several cameras above, while in-body image stabilization will be a useful addition for those looking to shoot hand-held.
You might want a camera that can shoot 4K, and not all of them can. Although it's becoming more common, it's still a somewhat new area for entry-level mirrorless cameras, and they don’t all do it (though they do all offer regular 1920 x 1080 Full HD).
Check out the specs of the rear screens, too. The size and resolution are not so important since they’re all quite similar these days, but a touchscreen display will make the camera feel more like a phone, making the transition to using a "proper" camera a little easier since you'll already be used to tapping, swiping and so on.
All the mirrorless cameras we’ve chosen for this list are well suited to beginners because of their price, size, ease of use, features or all of those things. You can also take a look at our other buying guides below if you're still undecided. Otherwise, read on to see the 10 best entry-level mirrorless cameras you can buy right now.
If you need... | Pick this camera | Launch price |
The best range of lenses | Fujifilm X-M5 | $899 / £799 / AU$1,499 |
The best autofocus system | Canon EOS R10 | $979 / £899 / AU$1,499 |
The best video features | Nikon Z50 II | $899 / £799 / AU$1,499 |
A full-frame camera | Canon EOS RP | Around $850 / £950/ AU$1,600 (with kit lens) |
Classic, retro looks | Nikon Z fc | $959 / £899 / AU$1,499 |
A small, affordable camera | Panasonic Lumix GX9 | $999 (with kit lens) / £699 / AU$1,399 (with kit lens) |
What camera should a beginner start with?
That really depends on what you'd like to do. An entry-level mirrorless camera is best if you want to up your photography game for social media or if you want to expand your photography skills.
The beauty of most beginner mirrorless cameras is that they come bundled with a ‘kit’ lens to cover the most common shooting scenarios to get you started and give you enough flexibility to experiment with depth of field.
As you progress, you should be able to expand your shooting setup since these camera bodies are compatible with at least one of that manufacturer's family of lenses.
Is DSLR or mirrorless better for entry level photographers?
The answer to whether DSLR or mirrorless cameras are better is the subject of much debate. In fact, we’ve dedicated an in-depth guide to the topic. The question is no less divisive for beginner photographers: both formats have plenty to offer for novices. Which is right for you will often come down to a range of factors, with the final decision usually determined by personal preference.
On paper, mirrorless and DSLR cameras share many of the same benefits for beginners. Both formats give learners the option to change lenses, which means you can upgrade to different glass as your creativity grows. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras also come in a range of sizes and styles, with entry level models to suit different budgets. And the best of both genres can produce fantastic stills.
That said, mirrorless and DSLR cameras also differ in several important ways. The main one is that mirrorless cameras don’t use a mirror to direct light onto their sensor. This means they can usually shoot at faster frame rates, which is useful if you’d like to try action photography. It also means they can be made smaller, which allows learners to carry them more readily.
The best beginner DSLR cameras are renowned for their fantastic handling and manual controls, which make them accessible for novices to operate. Then again, some of the best beginner mirrorless camera options in our list above imitate this DSLR styling with ergonomic grips and dials.
DSLR cameras also benefit from optical viewfinders, which give an analogue view of a given scene – something many beginners find intuitive. Mirrorless cameras generally rely on electronic equivalents, the best of which are sharp and basically lag-free. Touchscreens feature on both formats, streamlining the jump up from a smartphone – although they’re more common on entry level mirrorless models.
Only a few DSLR cameras are available new now. But the secondhand market is thriving, plus there's a wide choice of lenses for Canon and Nikon models.
How we test beginner mirrorless cameras
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Buying a camera these days is a big investment, so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.
To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.
When it comes to performance, we use a formatted UHS-1 card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.
In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.
If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.
Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.
We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.