The best cheap mirrorless cameras offer you outstanding picture and video quality from the world’s leading camera manufacturers. The expertise that goes into making cameras that sell for many thousands of dollars is also reflected in these budget options. We’ve chosen cameras from the major brands that combine excellent performance with affordability.
The Canon EOS R100 is our favorite cheap mirrorless camera. It’s a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera. It gives you gorgeous images. You can record videos and use it for streaming. And the AF system is terrific. It also has an ultra-competitive starting price.
What is the Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera?
We’ve chosen 10 of the best cheap mirrorless cameras on the market today. Before we look at each one in more detail, here is a summary of our recommended models.
- Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
- Canon's reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
- AF also has auto subject, face, and eye detection
- 4K video recording and Full HD at 60 fps
- High-precision 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder
- Compact and lightweight design
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- 4K video recording
- Advanced image stabilization
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control
- 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor
- Fast Hybrid AF with 425 phase detect points
- Real time eye AF and real time tracking
- 4K video recording with full pixel readout
- 180-degree tiltable LCD touchscreen
- Compact and lightweight design
- 20.3 MP Digital Live MOS sensor
- 5-Axis Dual IS 2 image stabilization
- 4K UHD video recording at 30p/24p
- Flip-out LCD monitor
- 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus
- 4K video recording
- 2.36M-dot OLED EVF
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 24.2 MP full frame CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus
- 4K video recording
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- Compact and lightweight design
- 4K video recording
- 16 MP Digital Live MOS sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- 3-inch LCD touch screen
- Intuitive controls and creative effects
- 24.3 MP full frame BSI CMOS sensor
- 273-point hybrid AF system
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
- 4K/30p video recording
- Dual memory card slots
- 24.2 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
- 4K/30p video with 10-bit color output
- 3.5mm mic input and 2.5mm remote shutter release
- Full-featured tilting LCD touchscreen
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
- Compact full frame mirrorless camera
- 4K UHD video recording
- 12 fps shooting
- 273-point autofocus system
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Now let’s take a look in some more detail at each of the cameras.
1. Canon EOS R100
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
3,975 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Eye-detection AF
|
| Best for |
Best for
Beginners and anyone looking for an affordable mirrorless camera
|
The Canon EOS R100 is one of Canon’s most affordable cameras. And it isn’t affordable because it’s an old or inferior model. In fact, the R100 is brand new! It lacks a few features we’ve become accustomed to from new releases. But it still delivers in all the key areas. And the starting price is truly exceptional.
The C100 is an APS-C mirrorless camera. The sensor gives you beautiful images with a 24.1 MP resolution. The details are sharp and clear. And all the colors are well-rendered, giving you naturalistic images in any genre.
It’s a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera. It does lack weather sealing, so you have to take care outdoors. But it fits in any of the best camera backpacks without any trouble.
Everyone from beginners to more advanced users will appreciate the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system. It’s fast and accurate, using 143 focus zones for accurate subject detection. It also has eye-detection capabilities, which is great for portrait photography. And the subject tracking even works with the 6.5 fps burst mode.
Video makers can also have fun with the Canon R100. You can record sharp videos with 4K resolution, which looks great. But the 4K is cropped and has a max rate of 24 fps. Shooting in Full HD gives you more frame rate options, including 60 and 120 fps. It also has webcam functionality, making it a solid streaming camera.
It does lack an articulating screen. The LCD is fixed and isn’t a touchscreen. That can feel frustrating. But Canon has compensated with a bright and accurate electronic viewfinder. You can even use it to shoot videos.
The Canon EOS R100 is a landmark in affordable cameras. Canon has released a full-featured camera that has a more-than-reasonable starting price. It still has modern features like Wi-Fi connectivity and microphone ports. But it doesn’t pull too heavily on the purse strings.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
15 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Impressive AF tracking and in-body IS
|
| Best for |
Best for
Stylish travel or street photography
|
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV crops up in our camera reviews quite often. That’s because it delivers impressive performance at a very attractive price. And it’s a perfect camera to learn the craft of photography.
It also helps that it has knockout looks. Its retro style recalls classic SLRs. But its inner workings are full-on modern. The Micro Four Thirds sensor is small compared with, say, APS-C. But most people looking for a cheap mirrorless camera will be more than happy with the results. The sensor is, after all, about twice the size of those found in smartphones.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV produces perfectly usable images all the way up to 6,400 ISO. In challenging lighting situations, it has excellent in-body image stabilization. This gives you an extra 4.5 stops of exposure if your subject is not moving.
Image quality also depends on lens choice, and the Micro 4/3 lens mount has plenty of options. So you should find one to suit you. Even the kit lens performs pretty well for image sharpness and contrast. So you can get snapping straight away.
3. Sony a6100
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fully articulating touchscreen and superb AF
|
| Best for |
Best for
Shooting fast action
|
The Sony a6100 builds on the success of the a6000. And it helped Sony’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of top-quality mirrorless cameras. The autofocus is very fast and accurate. And the camera’s electronic shutter is almost silent in operation.
The 24 MP sensor produces excellent quality images and 4K video is available at 30p. You can shoot HD at 120p, giving you a ton of slow-motion possibilities. Maximum ISO is 51,200. It is only at that highest setting that you start to see any intrusive noise. Even then it is more a reduction in detail, not a total loss. This is impressive from an APS-C Sensor.
The LED touchscreen is bright and clear. You can navigate menus with it. And you can use it to select AF points and zoom playback images. Other controls are generally well-placed. But the memory card can be tricky to remove.
Other things to like about the a6100 are the simple file transfer using NFC and the USB charging. The EVF is good quality for a cheaper mirrorless camera. Overall, this is a sound choice. It will deliver superb quality images and a good user experience.
4. Panasonic Lumix G100
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
49 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Depth from Defocus AF and 10 fps shooting
|
| Best for |
Best for
Vloggers and YouTubers looking for a quality camera
|
Panasonic has developed a reputation for excellent, reliable cameras. The Panasonic Lumix G100 has a strong set of features that make it a popular choice for vloggers. Indeed they are the biggest target market.
The fold-out LCD monitor is one of its attractive features. As is the built-in directional microphone. In fact, there are three microphones. One facing front, one rear, and one omnidirectional. One unusual feature of the G100 is the audio tracking. It takes data from the focus tracking and prioritizes audio from that direction. It can’t compete with a decent external mic. But it is better than most in-camera solutions. As the G100 also has an external mic port, you are covered for most eventualities.
The electronic shutter has an impressive maximum speed of 1/16,000. Maximum frames per second in stills mode is a respectable 10. Video capture maxes out at 4K/30p, but this is with cropping. If the sensor-based IS is activated, the crop is even more significant. In fact, you lose more than 3/4 of the image if IS is at its highest setting. It is less pronounced (and more feasible) at 1080p.
In general, the image quality of the G100 is good. At higher ISOs, it is less impressive, but the JPEGs are typically usable straight out of the camera. You can edit both JPEG and RAW files in camera. This is useful if you’re away from your computer.
The Lumix G100 is an easy-to-use camera that will reliably produce good images. It is a strong contender as a budget mirrorless camera.
5. Canon EOS M50 Mark II
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF-M
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
143 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
External microphone socket and eye tracking AF
|
| Best for |
Best for
People with Canon EF or EF-S lenses looking to move to mirrorless
|
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II has won many friends for its low-cost, high-quality performance. Like all EF-M mount cameras, the M50 can also accept the extensive inventory of EF and EF-S lenses using Canon’s EOS M-Mount adapter. That is a lot of lenses. And it means there are some pretty cheap lenses available to fill your camera bag.
The M50 Mark II has an impressive set of features. The 24 MP APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality. The DIGIC 8 processor is fast for a camera in this price bracket. You can livestream direct from the camera via Wi-Fi. And portrait orientation for video is now supported. It’s perfect for Instagram Reels.
What’s remarkable about the M50 Mark II is how well it does a whole range of things. And all at an impressively low price. You get a large, bright, and responsive touchscreen. You can use this to scroll through menus. It’s very handy for selecting the focus point. It’s especially helpful when your eye is glued to the bright and clear electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Autofocus is fast and accurate and even has eye-tracking. This works well with video and stills, and even in fairly poor light.
The ultimate test of any camera is the quality of the images it produces. And the EOS M50 Mark II does not disappoint. Both out-of-camera JPEGs and RAW images are excellent. Especially when you consider the cost of the camera. It’s a super entry point into the world of mirrorless cameras. Especially if you consider the range and quality of lenses available.
6. Canon EOS RP
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
4,779 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
40,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Full frame sensor and excellent IS
|
| Best for |
Best for
Anyone wanting an entry-level full frame camera
|
The Canon EOS RP is an impressive entry in this field. That’s partly because it bumps against the definition of “cheapest.” But mainly because of its qualities. For one thing, it’s a full frame camera. It is probably the cheapest full frame camera available. So there are bound to be compromises.
There’s no in-body IS for still shooting, for instance. Although Canon’s lens IS performs reliably well. Features you’d often find on full frame cameras, like dual card slots, aren’t on the EOS RP. But that’s because it breaks the “full frame = professional-level” notion. It brings full frame to a wider audience.
The EOS RP takes advantage of the benefits of mirrorless design. The AF system covers the whole sensor and is fast and accurate. Unlike DSLRs, mirrorless cameras don’t need a second AF sensor. They can read from the whole sensor. Canon use this to excellent effect with this camera.
It is also very compact and light. This can make a difference on a long day of shooting. And Canon has a tried and true formula for ergonomics. Here it is tweaked to include useful features such as AF selection via the touchscreen. The right side of the screen is available for this. And it helps to avoid accidental nose-activation of an AF point. AF tracking also works across the whole image.
And those images are the quality you would expect from a Canon full frame camera. Even at 51,200 ISO, you get perfectly usable pictures. Noise only becomes intrusive at the top 102,400. Otherwise, the quality of both JPEG and RAW pictures and video is good.
This is an impressive, easily portable camera that opens up the world of full frame photography. And at a low price point! Want to know more? Read our full review.
7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
| Released |
Released
2015
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
16 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
49 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Pre-burst photo mode to never miss the action
|
| Best for |
Best for
Videographers looking for a capable budget camera
|
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is getting a little long in the tooth now. But it still performs well and at an attractive price. It produces reliably good images in both RAW and JPEG formats. And it has impressive features that make it attractive for videographers. These include the touchscreen controls, focus peaking, and zebra displays. All of which are very handy for spotting problems before it’s too late. An external microphone socket is essential if you want your video to have good sound. And the G7 has one.
Autofocus and exposure can all be easily adjusted while recording. The touchscreen can also be used for AF point selection whether you are looking through the EVF or using the rear screen. The AF works well and tracks moving subjects very effectively. It can do this at up to six frames per second.
The picture quality is very pleasing. And the DMC-G7 is very good at pulling detail from darker areas of photos with a high dynamic range. If you shoot in RAW you can even post process in-camera.
This is an attractive camera, especially for budding videographers. It offers a great set of features at a decent price.
8. Nikon Z5
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
273 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
4.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Multiple connection options, both wired and wireless
|
| Best for |
Best for
Anyone looking for a serious first step into full frame photography
|
The Nikon Z5 is on the more expensive side of “cheap.” But we’ve included it here because it is an excellent camera. And it can be had second-hand for about the same as the Canon. Plus, sometimes you need to go that extra mile (or dollar) to get what you want.
What you get with the Z5 is excellent image quality from its 24 MP full frame sensor. Not only this but also a generous stable of available lenses. Other noteworthy features are the dual card slots and full frame autofocus. It also has superb EVF and weather sealing.
The AF is quick and reliable, but less so in low light. One downside of the EVF is that in poor light, the image is extremely blotchy. Once the camera focuses the EVF improves, but the frame rate slows down. So it becomes inferior to a DSLR. But in that low light, there’s little noticeable noise even up to ISO 25,600.
The burst speed of 4.5 fps is a little slow at this price point. On the other hand, the 1/200 second flash sync speed is very handy. This is also true of the microphone and headphone ports. These are essential if you’re going to take video work seriously.
9. Fujifilm X-T30 II
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
30 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Super-fast burst speed and shutter speed
|
| Best for |
Best for
Shooting portraits with style
|
If you like your camera to have a little dash of style, the Fujifilm XT-30 II might interest you. Like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, this beauty has metal and leatherette everywhere. I think it looks best with the brushed silver, but the black is also very lovely to look at. And the top plate controls make it look and work like the old-fashioned cameras it pays homage to.
This makes it a super camera for learning the basics of exposure, as you can see and adjust the dials. Match it with a lens like the Fujinon XF35mm F2 R WR with its aperture ring, and you have the perfect hands-on learning tool. Because unlike its SLR forebears, you can see in real time what every adjustment does.
All this retro-chic is wrapped around some very high tech. The shutter is capable of an astonishing 30 fps. And it has a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,768 s. That is quick by any standard.
There are 425 focus points. And the AF is good in most circumstances except for tracking fast-moving objects. So it’s probably not the camera for you if sports is your main thing. But if you shoot portraits, then Fujifilm cameras process JPEGs in a very flattering way. And the X-T30 is no exception.
This is a very attractive choice for anyone looking to get into the world of mirrorless camera photography.
10. Nikon Z fc
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
11 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Excellent specifications in a stylish retro-inspired body
|
| Best for |
Best for
Learning the elements of exposure
|
There’s a danger that you will find yourself looking at rather than through the Nikon Z fc. If anything, it is even better looking than the Fujifilm XT-30 II. Perhaps one of the neatest things about the marriage of retro style and new tech is the tiny f-stop window. With beautifully detailed dials on the top plate, you will find a small LCD display. Here is where it gives you the aperture value. It means all exposure information is available on the top plate.
It also has other modern tech such as an electronic level and eye and face detection AF. The AF is very fast and effective. Eye tracking works with both video and still photography.
High ISO performance is pretty impressive. Images are very useable up to 12,800 ISO. Above that, they deteriorate gradually as you increase the ISO. Image quality overall is very good. The 21 MP sensor delivers crisp photos. It also delivers an impressive 11 fps burst speed.
This is a light, compact, and easy-to-use camera that oozes style. And it does it without compromising on quality. Stick a Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens on it for a complete package. You’ll have a great little camera that won’t disappoint.
Conclusion: The Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you’re limited to old or inferior cameras. As we’ve shown, there are some cheap mirrorless cameras that still deliver fantastic results. There are cheap mirrorless cameras for beginner photographers. And you even have affordable cameras for vloggers.
The Canon EOS R100 is the best cheap mirrorless camera. Despite being an affordable mirrorless camera, it’s one of Canon’s latest models. It’s a great entry-level camera for beginners. But it also has advanced features that experienced shooters will enjoy.
