The best mirrorless camera for 2023: top picks for every budget

Enthusiast or professional, the best mirrorless cameras have the features and performance to give your photography an upgrade. Using electronic sensors instead of physical mirrors, the top mirrorless models are smaller and more versatile than even the best DSLR cameras. Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned hobbyist, we’ve put together this guide to help you find your ideal mirrorless camera at the right price.

We’ve comprehensively tested all of the best mirrorless cameras on the market, ranking our top picks in the list below. Our selection spans a range of budgets and niches, from entry-level options for beginners, to full-frame mirrorless flagships that rank among the very best cameras you can buy in 2023. You’ll find excellent choices for stills photography, plus hybrid and video-focused cameras which are up there with the best video cameras.

Our favorite mirrorless camera overall is the Sony A7 IV, a full-frame hybrid with the hardware to deliver outstanding results in almost all situations. If you’d prefer something that’s easier to handle, we highly recommend the Fujifilm X-T5 – a lightweight APS-C option with retro styling and a control setup that’s perfect for stills photographers. And for beginners, we think the versatile Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the best starter mirrorless camera.

Read on to find out which of the best mirrorless cameras is right for you. We keep our guide regularly updated to reflect the latest prices and releases. Once you’ve decided, you’ll find links beneath each entry which take you directly to the top offers available online right now. And if you’re not sure what to consider when choosing a mirrorless camera, scroll down for expert buying advice.

The best mirrorless cameras for 2023

The best enthusiast mirrorless cameras

The Sony A7 IV is a truly modern hybrid camera. It’s overkill for beginners and more expensive than its stills-focused competition, but it’s also a versatile workhorse for anyone who want to shoot a mixture of photos and video. A price bump means it no longer occupies the same entry-level price bracket as its popular predecessor, but upgrades like 10-bit video and a Bionz XR processor make it a much more powerful option.

In our tests, we found the A7 IV to have class-leading autofocus skills, plus a seemingly endless buffer depth, which means the camera can almost indefinitely maintain its maximum burst speeds without any slowdown. When using a CFexpress card, it swallowed 9fps for over a minute (or 6-7fps when continuously shooting raw). The A7 IV's new 33MP full-frame sensor doesn't dramatically improve image quality over the A7 III (the higher resolution also means fairly prevalent noise above ISO 6400), and there's a heavy crop on 4K footage. But as a complete package, the Sony A7 IV is a solid all-rounder which could be the only mirrorless camera you'll ever need.

• Read our in-depth Sony A7 IV review

If you’re in the market for a hybrid all-rounder, you should look elsewhere. While the Fujifilm X-T5 can record lovely 6.2K footage, photography is its focus – and that’s where it excels. Deploying the same 40.2MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 as the Fujifilm X-H2, it delivers images of near-identical quality. If you’re upgrading from an older X-T model, you’ll also notice the benefits of in-body image stabilization, superior battery life and Fujifilm’s latest subject-detection autofocus, even if the latter can’t compete with Sony and Canon’s latest efforts.

Form factor also sets the X-T5 apart. We found its reduced dimensions reminiscent of the X-T1, making it a small, lightweight tool that’s perfect for everyday shooting. Its controls are also photog-friendly, with retro dials for ISO, shutter speed and exposure, plus a three-way tilting touchscreen that works better than a vari-angle for framing stills. Yes, the APS-C sensor limits low-light performance, while a modest buffer isn’t ideal for action snappers. But its marriage of performance and convenient form makes the X-T5 our favorite mirrorless camera for hobbyists.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T5 review

It’s not a revolutionary upgrade over the original, but incremental improvements make the Canon EOS R6 II a solid choice for fans of the RF format. Standout among the changes is Canon’s latest AI autofocus system, which proved very impressive during our tests, almost always discerning our subject and focusing quickly. We couldn’t match Canon’s claimed 8 stops of in-body image stabilization, but the system is still one of the better ones around.

JPEG stills are attractive out of the camera, with fantastic high-ISO performance and rapid electronic burst speeds of up to 40fps. 4K footage is similarly impressive, with rich but natural color rendition, and sharp detail from the 24.2MP sensor. A useful lever on the top plate makes it simple to transition between stills and video, reflecting the fact that this is a great camera to handle and use. You’ll find more for less if you’re not invested in Canon’s RF system. But if you are, this is a very capable full-frame hybrid.

• Read our in-depth: Canon EOS R6 II review

The Canon EOS R7 is like one of the camera giant's full-frame EOS R cameras, only with a smaller APS-C sensor. For the price, it's impressively powerful, particularly if you're fan of shooting wildlife or sports scenes. That's because it boasts 15fps burst speeds (or 30fps if you switch to the electronic shutter). Our tests found that the EOS R7 can indeed hit these speeds, though you don't get the deep buffers found on full-frame siblings like the EOS R6, so it can't sustain those speeds for quite as long.

Beyond rattling off frames of speeding animals, the EOS R7 offers comfortable handling, Canon's latest subject-tracking autofocus system and and dual UHS-II card slots, making it a camera that will also tempt pro EOS R series fans as a second body. The only downside? Canon has so far only made two native lenses for the EOS R7's APS-C sensor. More should be en route, though, and you can always mount existing RF lenses or adapt older EF lenses from Canon's DSLRs while you wait.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS R7 review

For a long time, the full-frame Nikon Z6 reigned as our number one camera. This successor remains an excellent performer, particularly for those looking to upgrade from Nikon DSLRs, but the Z6 II's modest updates mean it's fallen slightly behind the very best mirrorless cameras. It still comes highly recommended, though, thanks to its consistency in most areas, with the addition of a second Expeed 6 processor bringing a range of performance improvements that include a new 14fps burst shooting speed.

In our tests, we found the autofocus to be a significant improvement on the Nikon Z6, particularly with animal eye/face detection, and the Z6 II adds a much-needed UHS-II SD card slot alongside the existing XQD/CFexpress slot. Video does now lag slightly behind hybrid rivals like the Sony A7 IV. But with a tried-and-tested 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers very good high ISO performance, and the best handling around, it fully deserves its place at the top table for photographers.   

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 II review

By shoehorning several highlights from the excellent X-T4 – including IBIS – into a cheaper, more compact body, Fujifilm has created the best mid-range mirrorless cameras for beginners and hobbyists. The Fujifilm X-S10 packs stacks of shooting power into a small shell that handles well. In the hand, its chunky grip and simplified dials make it feel like a classic DSLR (without the unnecessary bulk), while the charm of its retro styling speaks for itself. 

The proven APS-C sensor and X-Processor 4 combo makes the X-S10 a true all-rounder, as comfortable shooting stills as it is capturing quality 4K footage. We found its only real weakness to be autofocus performance: AF is still impressive in most situations, but subject-tracking isn’t as advanced as the systems seen on cameras like the Sony A6600. While it might not be the first choice for action snappers, the X-S10’s IBIS system is also a boon for handheld shooters. Provided you can do without weatherproofing, the X-S10 is superb mid-range mirrorless camera.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S10 review

The Nikon Z5 is the best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy right now – although it depends a little on how you define ‘entry-level’. On the spec sheet, there’s plenty that appeals. We found that the large 24MP full-frame sensor produces lovely images in well-lit situations, while the big, bright EVF and 3-inch tilt-angle touchscreen make composing shots a joy. The 273-point autofocus is also very effective, coping well with both static and moving subjects. And the camera itself is a lovely thing to shoot with, offering a large, comfy grip and a nice control layout. 

Less impressive is the 4.5fps burst shooting speed, while a tight 1.7x sensor crop on 4K footage limits its use as a videography tool. Still, it should tick pretty much all the boxes for those new to the genre or Nikon fans after a second body. The biggest issue? Cost: as prices for the older but more capable Nikon Z6 continue to fall, the Z5 looks like a less persuasive proposition.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z5 review

Smaller than the Panasonic Lumix GH5, which has a comparatively tiny Four Thirds sensor, the Lumix S5 is a great full-frame option for those who need a strong video performer with solid stills performance. While it's truly a hybrid camera, the S5 is particularly strong when it comes to shooting video, thanks to its uncropped 4K/30p shooting and high-end features that include Dual Native ISO and V-Log recording. If you're looking to shoot vlogging segments, there's also a vari-angle screen and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) on hand to help, too. 

Okay, the mediocre 7fps burst shooting means it isn't the best option for action or wildlife snappers, but it does have a 6K photo mode to compensate, which lets you extract 18MP stills from a video sequence. And the autofocus, while not quite up to the level of Sony and Canon's latest full-framers, is certainly better than Panasonic's previous incarnation. In fact, for video shooters who need to also a large amount of stills, the Lumix S5's only real rival at this price point is the incoming Sony A7C.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S5 review

Best starter mirrorless cameras

On paper, the E-M10 Mark IV is an easy camera to overlook. But in reality, it’s one of the best cameras for beginners who are mainly focused on stills rather than video. It might lack advanced features such as phase-detection autofocus or a microphone input, but it ticks all of the key boxes for beginners. A compact body and approachable button layout make it an accessible upgrade for smartphone photographers, as do Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. 

In our tests, we found that the 20.3MP sensor to be plenty capable enough to capture consistently attractive images, while in-body image stabilization works a treat for shooting snaps at slower shutter speeds. The 121-point contrast detection autofocus won’t make headlines, but it does a decent job of consistently tracking faces and eyes. Add classic styling to the mix, plus a handy flip-down touchscreen and an Advanced Photo mode that makes it easy to experiment with complex techniques and the Mark IV proves itself a well-rounded beginner mirrorless option.

• Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

The Nikon Z fc is a gloriously retro take on the Nikon Z50, the camera giant's other crop-sensor mirrorless camera. It packs the same specs as the Z50 into a body that's inspired by the Nikon FM2 from the early 1980s – and the combination is a triumph for casual shooters who want a fun camera for travel and everyday shooting.

It might lack a weather-proof build and the large grip seen on the Nikon Z50, but we found the Z fc to be a delight to shoot with. Its competitive specs, which include a 20.9MP sensor, the ability to shoot 4K/30p video, and continuous AF tracking for people and animals, are also borne out in reality. The only downside? A lack of native lenses. If a wide range of APS-C lenses is important to you, then Fujifilm's X-series is a good alternative – but otherwise, the Nikon Z fc is a glorious mix of old and new.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review

The Sony A6000 remains a popular mirrorless camera for beginners, but five years on from its launch the A6100 brought its skills up to date in a familiar but more capable package. Borrowing an APS-C sensor from Sony’s premium mirrorless cameras, the A6100 also deploys the flagship A6600’s autofocus system to deliver outstanding continuous tracking capability that’s rapid and reliable for both stills and video. 

Image quality is as expected, with good detail and decent colors (though a neutral profile would be welcome), while battery life is solid and the tilting screen is now touch-sensitive – albeit with limited functionality. Not everything has changed, mind: the LCD and EVF both remain relatively low-res and maximum burst is still 11fps, while buffering performance can sometimes stumble. So it’s not perfect and unlocking its full potential can take time, but the A6100 is certainly a top mirrorless all-rounder for a decent price.

• Read our in-depth Sony A6100 review

A fine choice for anyone moving up from smartphone shooting, the Fujifilm X-T200 combines a large, sharp 3.5in touchscreen with a lovely design that feels much nicer in the hands than its predecessor. It's a big step up from its X-T100 predecessor in most ways, including autofocus performance. And unlike the Fujifilm X-A7, the X-T200 also crucially has a built-in viewfinder for framing your shots.

The only real downside compared to pricier models in this list is that the X-T200's subject-tracking can be a little hit-and-miss during burst shooting and isn't available in video mode. But it otherwise offers excellent value and is a great alternative to rivals like the Sony A6100 (see above) and Canon EOS M50 Mark II.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T200 review

Best advanced mirrorless cameras

Canon really pulled out all the stops with the EOS R5. Lightweight yet substantial in the hand, it’s the company’s best mirrorless camera so far. High-resolution, full-frame and driven by the powerful Digic X processor, it’s an exceptional tool for stills photographers. Our tests found its next-gen Dual Pixel autofocus to be outstanding, offering impressively accurate tracking and mind-blowing animal detection. Image quality is similarly superlative, producing remarkable results even in low light, with minimal noise even as high as ISO 4000. Add 20fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter and you’ve got a pro-level mirrorless camera that’s as comfortable in the studio as it is on the street. 

The EOS R5's battery life can’t rival a DSLR, but a good four hours of intensive shooting is possible on a single charge. Its video specs are also staggering for a camera of this size, capturing 8K at up to 30fps or 4K at up to 120fps, and recent firmware upgrades have only boosted its appeal for videographers. However, it's worth bearing in mind that heat restrictions do limit recording times, while ‘cool down’ periods can be lengthy. Making the most of that performance will also require investment in costly CFexpress cards – though if you can afford the R5’s top-end price tag, perhaps that won’t be an issue.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS R5 review

With a stacked sensor that’s seriously rapid, the Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best mirrorless cameras for action photographers who also want to shoot pro-quality video. Its electronic shutter delivers burst speeds of up to 40fps, while its subject-tracking autofocus makes it easily the best Fuji X-series camera for shooting fast-moving scenes.

Videographers are also rewarded with a superlative skill set. The X-H2S can record detailed 6.2K/30p footage internally, with countless color profiles for editing flexibility. In-body image stabilization and a sharp articulating touchscreen complement the package.

We think it’s overkill for photographers who won’t utilise its blistering pace, and there’s no escaping its serious price tag. That said, it’s a more realistic alternative to the Nikon Z9. And while it costs the same as full-frame rivals such as the Sony A7 IV, not other APS-C camera can compete with its feature set or the performance of its stacked sensor.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-H2S review

Sony's A7R line of cameras has always been about resolution, and the A7R IV remains its top dog - well, until the new Sony A7R V arrives on shelves. That new camera will be available this month, and from what we've seen of it, its improved autofocus and usability will make it a strong contender for this list. Until then - or if you'd rather save some money by buying the previous generation - the A7R IV is a great alternative. Our tests found that its 61MP sensor delivers an excellent level of detail, while its Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode is seriously impressive. An update to the autofocus system has made it faster and smarter, with face- and eye-detect AF working amazingly well – but with Sony at the helm, there was no doubt about that. 

The camera body is now even more sturdy and better equipped than its predecessors to handle the worst of the elements while out on field, while the deeper grip makes it comfortable to use over long periods of time. That said, the addition of top plate command dial makes the mode dial a little harder to access. While the A7R series wasn't designed with videographers in mind, video quality here is excellent, even if rolling shutter effect is an issue. 

• Read our in-depth Sony A7R IV review

Like its GH5 Mark II stablemate, the Panasonic GH6 is first and foremost a video tool – and it’s one that proves the Micro Four Thirds format still has plenty to offer filmmakers. Robustly built and relatively compact, the new Lumix flagship is also blessed with a remarkable array of video modes, offering outstanding creative flexibility for videographers.

We found its handling to be excellent, with lots of useful interface features: the rear touchscreen can flip, twist and tilt for easy framing, while a second record button on the front benefits self-shooters. Add virtually unlimited recording times and improved image stabilization algorithms into the mix and the GH6 shapes up as a compelling package for videographers.

It’s also a dependable stills camera, with a range of options for specialist shooting, including a 100MP image-stacking High Resolution mode and extremely fast burst shooting (up to 75fps with the electronic shutter). We still found that full-frame rivals offer better low-light performance, while others offer faster, more accurate autofocus systems. But if you want a lightweight video monster that can also turn out solid still images, the GH6 should be near the top of your shopping list.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH6 review

Disguised as an old-school DSLR, the Canon EOS R3 is actually at the cutting-edge of mirrorless performance in 2022. Combining hybrid skills with a chunky form factor, it harbors a host of imaging innovations. Chief among them is a new 24.1MP CMOS sensor: though its resolution might seem low, a stacked design delivers rapid 30fps raw burst shooting. Paired with enhanced AF tracking (including Eye Control AF that follows your gaze to select focus points through the viewfinder), the EOS R3 shapes up as one of the most advanced fast-action cameras ever. 

The EOS R3 is a video star as well: assisted by an articulating touchscreen, it can capture 6K raw video internally at 60p with minimal rolling shutter. It’s tough enough to travel too, thanks to a robust magnesium alloy build. Yes, the R3 offers more – and is more expensive – than most hobbyists will ever need. But it also sets a fresh benchmark for professionals who want a supremely speedy mirrorless camera.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS R3 review

Mirrorless cameras are renowned for their technological advancements – and the Sony A1 shows the format’s evolution isn’t slowing. In almost every way, it’s the best mirrorless camera you can buy: superlative burst speeds mean you can capture detailed, high-resolution images at 30fps, while the 759-point hybrid autofocus is equal parts rapid and reliable. The 50.1MP full-frame sensor is also handy for videography, with the A1 capable of shooting 8K footage at 30fps in 10-bit 4:2:0 – or 4K at 120/60fps in 10-bit 4:2:2. 

In the hand, the A1 hits a comfortable sweet spot between Sony’s A7 and A9 series cameras, while the incredible 9.44-million-dot OLED EVF renders the average LCD display somewhat superfluous. Its menu system is complicated, but that’s largely a reflection of the Sony A1’s astonishing skill set: this is a mirrorless camera that’s as useful for studio portraits as it is for fast-paced wildlife action. Yes, there are mirrorless cameras that offer better value – and the A1 will be overkill for the majority of photographers. But if you want the pinnacle in mirrorless performance in 2022, the Sony A1 should top your list.

• Read our in-depth Sony A1 review

It's only a subtle evolution of the original Z7, but Nikon arguably didn’t need to make too many changes to its impressive, high-resolution full-frame camera. A major criticism has been addressed by the addition of a secondary memory card slot for this Mark II version, while our tests found that its additional processor provides a significant boost to its all-round performance. 

You now get 4K/60p video recording, plus 10fps shooting and a buffer that clears more quickly than on the Z7. The Nikon Z system is also growing at rapid pace, with several lenses and accessories available, making it a much more attractive overall ecosystem than when its predecessor launched in 2018. That’s not to say this camera is perfect – for those who shoot action, there are better options out there, like the Canon EOS R6. But for Nikon fans who need that 45.7MP resolution, the Z7 II is a very strong choice. 

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z7 II review

The emergence of medium format as a realistic alternative to full-frame cameras has been one of the biggest stories of the past few years – and the Fujifilm GFX50S II is the best example yet. Its huge sensor, around 1.7x larger than full-frame, does still bring some practical drawbacks, including relatively slow 3fps burst shooting and a lack of 4K video (it tops out at 1080p). But the benefits for photographers, most notably hugely impressive dynamic range, make it a very tempting alternative if you mostly like to shoot landscapes, portraits, still life or architecture.

When combined with Fujifilm's excellent GF lenses, the GFX50S II's 51.4MP sensor is capable of resolving incredible detail – and that includes low light, too. It's very easy to bring info out of the shadows and highlights without a hit on image quality, and images are clean even when taken at ISO 6400. The real game-changers, though, are the GFX50 II's relatively affordable price tag and how well it shoots handheld, thanks to its highly effective image stabilization and comfortable handling.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm GFX 50S II review

Significantly improved in almost every way, the third iteration of Sony’s A7S is the best of its kind. In fact, it’s the finest hybrid video camera you can buy. Rivals might pack superior specs, but the A7S III sticks with big pixels and a 4K cap for a simple reason: to be the top 4K video camera. The brand-new 12.1MP back-illuminated sensor can’t record 6K or 8K, but it can record for a very long time in very low light. With incredible noise management at high ISO levels, the A7S III is a liberating camera to shoot with; the only real limitations are card capacity and battery life, which averages 75 minutes when shooting in 4K. 

A new touch interface and fully articulating screen prove equally intuitive, while an arsenal of on-body controls make inputs a cinch. IBIS and Active stabilization won’t totally counterbalance hand-shake but nevertheless steady well, while the customizable 759-point phase-detection AF is fast and reliable, with excellent subject tracking. And despite its video focus, the A7S III can also produce stunning stills, framed through the 9.44m-dot viewfinder. So what’s the catch? Paired with decent glass and fast storage, the A7S III is a very hefty investment.

• Read our in-depth Sony A7S III review

While it’s very much a camera for photography purists, the Hasselblad X2D 100C is also the most versatile and accessible Hasselblad to date. It squeezes a medium format sensor into a stunning body that we found surprisingly compact and comfortable to handle. We also appreciated the convenience of its built-in 1TB of SSD storage. That’s not to say it doesn’t occupy a narrow niche: there’s no video, burst shooting tops out at 3.3fps, and even with speed enhancements, its autofocus still lags far behind the latest mirrorless models. Its native lens range is also lacking a proper telephoto option.

Yet despite these drawbacks, we found its manageable form factor and tilt-angle touchscreen made it usable in the real world, while its in-body image stabilization – a first for Hasselblad – eliminated the need for a tripod. Its 100MP sensor can capture pin-sharp stills, while its leaf shutter setup permits greater use of wide apertures with flash portraits. Color rendition and dynamic range are outstanding, too. The X2D is right up there with our favorite medium format cameras. 

• Read our in-depth Hasselblad X2D 100C review

Alternatively...

It might not be as great for video as the Lumix GH5, but the G9 prioritizes stills. Like Olympus OM-D E-M1X, the smaller MFT sensor size is made up for by a camera that is packed full of features. Its high resolution combines eight images into a single 80MP photograph, while its amazing image stabilization allows you to shoot handheld for about a second with sharp results. Throw in 60fps shooting, polished handling and a wealth of advanced features and the Lumix G9 is a brilliant all-round mirrorless camera that's now also great value.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G9 review

How to choose the best mirrorless camera for you

It's a great time to buy a mirrorless camera, but also a slightly overwhelming one. An explosion in the number of options available at all price points from the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and a reborn Olympus means that photographers and videographers have never had more choice. 

So where to start? Sensor size is often a good barometer of a camera's character and shooting style. Models that are built for professionals and keen amateurs will have either a full-frame sensor or a slightly smaller APS-C chip. The latter tend to be smaller and more affordable than full-frame cameras, if not quite as portable as those with Four Thirds sensors (from Panasonic and Olympus).

Other important features to look out for are electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which bump up the price but are nigh-on essential for most photographers. It's also worth considering what kind of lenses you'll need. 

If you like to specialize in a particular area (for example, wide-angle architecture or macro), then check the system you're looking at to make sure it has the right options for you. In the full-frame mirrorless space, Sony offers the most choice right now, while on crop-sensor APS-C cameras Fujifilm has a wide range of options at most focal lengths.

How we test mirrorless cameras

Buying a mirrorless camera these days isn't cheap, 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 begin 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 might 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.

To test performance, we use a formatted UHS-1 card (or UHS-II if supported) 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.

• Best cameras for photography
• Best camera for beginners
• Best beginner DSLR cameras
• Best DSLR
• Best 4K camera
• Best full-frame camera
• Best compact camera
• What camera should I buy?
• Mirrorless vs DSLR: 10 key differences
• Camera rumors

• Read our in-depth Sony A7S III review

• Read our in-depth Sony A7S III review