We may earn a commission when you purchase through affiliate links. Learn more.
Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, or MILCs have revolutionized the world of digital photography. These mirrorless cameras are lightweight, small, and typically have large sensors that offer image quality that can rival DSLR cameras. Much like their DSLR cousins, mirrorless cameras come in a wide variety of prices with some being very affordable and others being prohibitively expensive. In this buying guide, we’ll focus on the more affordable, entry level mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.
Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras like the Fuji X-A1 offer impressive image quality in a very small and lightweight camera body.This class of entry level mirrorless cameras is a great stepping stone between (and often even a good alternative to) compact cameras with their fixed lenses and entry level DSLR cameras which accept a wide variety of lenses. While these mirrorless cameras vary in price, they offer a very noticeable improvement in image quality for photographers transitioning from most compact cameras. Because mirrorless cameras are significantly smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, they’re great for photographers who need a camera that offers the benefits of interchangeable lenses without the weight and size, making them an excellent choice for traveling with.
With sensors that are often larger than those found in most point and shoot compact cameras, mirrorless cameras allow more light to be gathered accurately, resulting in sharper images and lower noise, especially at higher ISO speeds. Paired with a fast lens with a large maximum aperture, these larger sensors found on most of these entry level mirrorless cameras are able to do a better job at taking photos with attractive bokeh than most compact cameras are.
Before buying into any interchangeable lens camera system, be sure to research the lens offerings of the brand you’re considering. Because mirrorless cameras are relatively new in the world of digital photography, camera companies are still developing new lenses and some brands may have a more limited selection of lenses to choose from.
Fujifilm X-A1
The serious looking 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-A1 uses a large APS-C size sensor that provides impressive results and pleasing bokeh when paired with fast lenses. A tilting 3 inch LCD screen makes it easy to compose shots at waist level or above your head — a very handy feature for shooting street photography or at concerts and in crowds. WiFi connectivity allows images to be shared with a smartphone or tablet. A high maximum ISO of 25,600 makes it easy to capture high quality images in very low light and both a pop up flash and hot shoe mount offer photographers lighting options. The X-A1 is a well designed mirrorless camera with all of the buttons and dials arranged to the right of the LCD making one-handed operation easy.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Fujifilm X-M1
The 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-M1 looks nearly identical to the X-A1 listed above. While they share the same looks, the X-M1 uses Fuji’s X-Trans APS-C size sensor that can be found on their more expensive and advanced mirrorless cameras. The X-Trans sensor eliminates the need for an optical low-pass filter, resulting in images with high clarity. A tilting 3 inch LCD screen makes it easy to compose shots at waist level or above your head — a very handy feature for shooting street photography or at concerts and in crowds. WiFi connectivity allows images to be shared with a smartphone or tablet. A high maximum ISO of 25,600 makes it easy to capture high quality images in very low light and both a pop up flash and hot shoe mount offer photographers lighting options. The X-M1 is a well designed camera with all of the buttons and dials arranged to the right of the LCD making one-handed operation easy. Priced significantly higher than the X-A1, photographers face the tough task of deciding whether the potential for slightly improved clarity is worth the price difference.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Nikon 1 J3
The 14.2 megapixel Nikon 1 J3 is a mirrorless camera well suited for newcomers to interchangeable lens photography who want more resolution than the 10 megapixel Nikon 1 S1 listed below offers. The J3 also features continuous shooting of up to 15 frames per second, very impressive for an entry level MILC. In normal lighting situations, image quality is good but low light performance with the Nikon J3 is not the best and the ISO range extends to only 6,400. While exposure settings can be changed manually, the J3 has clearly been designed to be easiest to use in full auto mode. Like the S1, the J3 offers full HD video capture that allows photographers to capture full resolution still images while recording a video.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Nikon 1 S1
Designed for beginning photographers who want a camera that’s simple to use, the 10 megapixel Nikon 1 S1 isn’t a lot larger than most compact cameras. With a smaller sensor than many other mirrorless cameras, the Nikon 1 S1 doesn’t offer the same resolution or high ISO image quality, but this is a shortcoming that most casual photographers won’t mind. A 15 frame per second shooting mode is an impressive feature that will appeal to photographers looking for a good mirrorless camera to bring to sporting events. While small, the Nikon 1 S1 still offers full HD video capture that allows photographers to even capture full resolution still images while recording a video.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Olympus E-PM2
Designed with beginners in mind, the 16 megapixel Olympus E-PM2 is very small but features the same sensor found in the much more expensive Olympus OM-D E-M5. The camera settings are controlled through a three inch touchscreen LCD. The E-PM2 is compatible with a wide selection of lenses, making it a versatile system to buy into, and full HD video recording will appeal to filmmakers as well. In-body image stabilization and an ISO range up to 25,600 allows great photos to be taken in lower light conditions. Continuous shots can be taken at up to 8 frames per second, quite a bit more than most other mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in this class can do.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6
The 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix GF6 uses a Four Thirds sensor and is a great camera for newcomers to photography. The GF6 features a tilting 3 inch touchscreen display and WiFi connectivity which allows photographers to operate the camera remotely from a smartphone, making it easy to take and share photos from the camera in all kinds of situations. Auto mode is simple to use and for photographers who want to explore more manual control options, physical dials and a custom function button make it easy to change settings.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1
The 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix GM1 is a very compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that’s compatible with a very good lens selection. With classic styling, the GM1 is encased in a magnesium alloy frame with external controls made out of aluminum, resulting in a very durable camera. WiFi connectivity allows you to shoot, view, and transfer your photos remotely using a smartphone or tablet — a convenient feature. Full HD video capture combined with a wide variety of compatible lenses makes this a great mirrorless camera for filmmakers who need a very small camera that produces impressive results.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Pentax Q7
The 12.4 megapixel Pentax Q7 is one of the lightest and smallest mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras on the market. Pentax has a reputation for making cameras that are photographer friendly, and the Q7 is no exception, coming in various color combinations. While there are 7 lenses available for use with the Pentax Q7, some photographers may find this limiting. For many though, the lens options are more than enough and the small size of the Q7 makes it a great camera for traveling with.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Samsung NX2000
The 20.3 megapixel Samsung NX2000 features a very large 3.7 inch touchscreen display that makes composing and reviewing photos simple. WiFi connectivity allows you to easily share your images on social networks and back them up to cloud services. The NX2000 is capable of HD video recording and a wide ISO range up to 25,600 makes it a great performer in low light conditions. With the majority of controls located in the touchscreen menus, photographers used to the DSLR experience with physical buttons will have to adjust to a new shooting style — the large LCD screen size makes the touch screen very functional though.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Sony A3000
The 20.1 megapixel Sony A3000 is unique among the other mirrorless cameras for its DSLR styled body, offering the benefits of an ergonomic grip and familiar controls while still being lightweight. The A3000 is compatible with Sony’s E mount lenses and with an optional adapter, A mount lenses can be used as well. Full HD video can be shot in 60i and 24p and the ISO range extends to 16,000 for impressive low light performance. Continuous shots can be taken at up to 3.5 frames per second, making the A3000 a good mirrorless camera for capturing action shots.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |
Sony NEX-3N
The 16.1 megapixel mirrorless Sony NEX-3N features an APS-C sized sensor in one of the smallest camera bodies on this list. With an ISO sensitivity of up to 16,000 the NEX-3N offers great low-light performance. A sweep panorama mode allows large landscapes to be captured easily by pressing the shutter and sweeping vertically or horizontally while the camera continuously shoots and stitches the images together. Full HD videos can be recorded in 60i or 24p. A flip up LCD screen is handy for maneuvering the camera into creative angles and a pop up flash makes this a great mirrorless camera for capturing images in a wide variety of situations.
See it On:
| Amazon | B&H Photo |