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So, you want to get your first traditional camera after getting the photography bug from your smartphone. Congrats! This is a huge step in making your photography dreams come true. However, how does one know what camera to buy first? After all, the market is flooded with tons of Mirrorless cameras that cost less than $1,000. Fear not. We’re here to help. Before selecting the Mirrorless cameras in this roundup, we took several factors into consideration. The cameras needed to be under $1,000. The Mirrorless needed to have enough about them so that you can grow with them. They needed to have access to a robust lens lineup that features many affordable lens options. Lastly, they needed to have sensors that will put your smartphone camera to shame. Check out five of our favorite Mirrorless cameras for beginners after the break.
Table of Contents
Olympus EM10 IV
In our review, we said:
“The Olympus EM10 IV is perfect to document everyday life. Slip this camera in your pocket or bag and take it everywhere. This camera is also ideal for those stepping up from smartphones. Spend quality time with the camera, learn the system, pair it with small lenses, and you’ll have a blast using it.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $599
Sony a6100
In our review, we said:
“Sony claims that the Sony a6100 features the fastest autofocus system in the world and that the camera can find focus in just 0.02 seconds. I have to say that they may just be right. While the AF system is nowhere near as advanced as the systems found in the a7 III, a7r IV, or the a9 II, this little camera has seriously impressed me. Having autofocus as good as this in a camera that costs as little as this one does is unheard of.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $748
Nikon Z50
In our review, we said:
“The Nikon Z50 offers up nice image quality. The 20.9 Megapixel APS-C sensor does a nice job with capturing details; the colors it produces are nice and vibrant too. Straight out-of-camera JPEGS are nice. After testing out RAW performance, I found myself shooting JPEGS only and found them more than good enough to use. Perhaps the one thing the Nikon Z50 excels at is high ISO performance. In fact, it could have the best high ISO performance out of any current APS-C camera.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $829
Pro Tip: If you’ve just picked up a Mirrorless camera for the first time, we urge you to spend quality time with you. Get comfortable with the controls. Learn the menu system. Set the camera up so that it fits you. This is the best way to learn. However, if you need some extra guidance, check out this awesome guide. It will help you get to grips with your new Mirrorless cameras and will help you with exposure settings, composition, and so much more.
Canon EOS RP
In our review, we said:
“There is a lot to like the Canon EOS RP. It’s a simple and fun camera if you’re more inclined to the world of automation. But even so, with the right settings and a bit of patience, it can be a great camera in the hands of someone who has a creative vision. You’ll just need to take your time with it. The Canon EOS RP is also really, stupidly affordable.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $999
Fujifilm XS10
In our review, we said:
“The Fujifilm XS10 is the Fujifilm camera for the masses. It’s for those who are thinking about stepping up from their smartphone. It’s for enthusiasts who want a camera that’s easy to use. This camera is for photographers who were put off with Fujifilm’s usual vintage-style controls and dials. The Fujifilm XS10 is an entry-level camera with more bells and whistles, like IBIS than the competition. The XS10 is certainly a compelling option because of the great image quality, fantastic handling, and price.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $999