Some consider photography a passion while others consider it a hobby. If you are someone who loves trying out new things, this is absolutely the perfect time to invest in a camera. While there are pricier options, you can also find the best mirrorless camera under $1000.
Mirrorless cameras are a unique camera set that is the talk of the town right now and are soon to take over the world. Also, if you aim to do small projects, this is just what you need. However, how does one determine which is the best mirrorless camera under $1000? Is it the cost? Nope. Keep reading on reading.
Image | Product | Features | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Canon EOS M50 | 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor Dual Pixel autofocus 1080p video | ||
Sony Alpha A6000 | 24.3 MP Improved Hybrid AF system APS-C CMOS sensor | ||
Sony Alpha A6400 | 24MP APS-C sensor Bionz X Processor | ||
Canon EOS M6 Mark II | 32.5 MP Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor Raw burst mode at 30 fps | ||
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 | 20 MP Four Thirds sensor 4k video | ||
Olympus E-M10 Mark III | 16 MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor TruePic VIII processor | ||
Sony A7 | 24.3 MP Bionz X processor Hybrid AF system | ||
Panasonic G7 | 16 MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor 4k photo mode | ||
Fujifilm X-T100 | 24.2 MP APS-C sensor Focal plane shutter | ||
Fujifilm X-T20 | 24 MP 4k video at 30 fps |
1. Canon EOS M50 - Best Overall
For a camera more on the inferior spectrum of the Canon M series, the Canon EOS M50 packs a punch with its 24MP APS-C sensor. The cropped images that come out have impeccable details in color and sharpness that make each element in the image look more vibrant than one take in full-frame.
The Canon EOS M50 has improved image stabilization properties that make it easier for beginners to get used to. Besides the gyroscopes that detect motion, it also has a CMOS sensor, and together they produce two different sources of data to read from. This gives you more insight into how to best take still photos.
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2. Sony Alpha a6000 - Runner Up
Right after the exit of the Nex moniker series, Sony buckled up to redo the entire specification list to provide better facilities with the Sony Alpha a6000. The processor is much smoother and the resolution has been amped up, meaning better quality photos in every click.
The re-vamped Hybrid AF system is what brings in the flair in the Sony Alpha a6000. Because there are more phase-detection points scattered around, it tracks moving objects far better and lets you cover a wider area in the frame.
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3. Sony Alpha a6400
If you are looking to try your hand at photography or make home movies, the Sony Alpha a6400 is a great first camera to start with. It is probably the best mirrorless camera under $1000 for starters. The APC-C sensor will help you learn stabilization and the “Real-Time tracking” technology will teach you about autofocus proficiently.
In an exposure latitude test, it was seen that the Sony Alpha a6400 exhibited significantly less noise compared to when the dark exposures were subject to brightening. This means more freedom in editing pictures without the worry of having photos snapped in the “perfect” lighting conditions.
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4. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Canon strikes again with improved models and the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is no short of that. With the perfect juxtaposition of speed and advanced features, this model gives the rest of its competitors a run for their money.
It has electrical and mechanical shutter modes. The electrical shutter mode is more convenient for shooting in places where you need absolute stillness. The mechanical shutter mode is better suited for casual shooting will also allow some room for some softness in the image to make it seem more cinematic.
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5. Panasonic LUMIX GH5
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 has taken the industry by storm with its game-changing video shooting capabilities and still photography features. Considered an underdog by many professional photographers, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 makes many top contenders rethink their stand in the industry.
This camera has a generally wider span of an area that the unit processes for color values from individual pixels. What this means is that the processing power of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 portrays advanced sharpening in images that make the device a suitable pick for videography as well.
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6. Olympus E-M10 Mark III
The Olympus E-M10 Mark III has a very old-timey feel to it and can be a great novelty present for those vintage souls. However, the appearance should not undermine its performance in any way because it delivers some amazing shots that even most cameras cannot do.
If you are someone who takes a lot of static images and dabbles with contrast settings, this will be effortless to use as the camera utilizes contrast-detection to autofocus. This produces some amazing still that are worthy of being part of a photo exhibition.
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7. Sony A7
Although the Sony A7 was released as one of the first compact cameras back in 2013, it still has widespread popularity and for good reason. Granted that it lacks many technological advancements that are a common scene in modern photography, the Sony A7 still holds the title for one of the best Sony mirrorless models.
The RAW images shot on the Sony A7 is an impressive sight. It is more than enough considering standards of the modern day and pictures speak true in terms of color. Although there is the noise issue when cropped in, especially in low light, that’s something that can be avoided by just changing the way or the ratio in which you will be taking the photos.
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8. Panasonic G7
The Panasonic G7 is a DSLR look-alike, only smaller in size. It is packed with features you would find in a mid-range DSLR. Starting from the control dials to the in-built features, the camera is perfect for intermediate photography.
The mirrorless camera has impressive autofocus properties, just like the LUMIX GH5. This, too, makes use of the two shutter modes, electrical and mechanical. The frame rates at which they take photos is impressive and it speaks volumes in motion pictures.
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9. Fujifilm X-T100
Fujifilm generally holds a respectable place in people’s hearts because they know how good they are when it comes to anything related to photography Fujifilm’s colors. Fujifilm X-T100 is a beautiful homage to the iconic color photos.
The way the colors used to appear on film, the Fujifilm X-T100 mimics exactly that but in digital form. JPEGs shot on this come out in vivid colors that are packed with fine details. The dynamic range on the Fujifilm X-T100 is one that is subject to a lot of envy and those who snap JPEGs are avid fans of this feature.
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10. Fujifilm X-T20
Again, Fujifilm never ceases to amaze everyone with their shared experiences will claim the same. The Fujifilm X-T20 could be the next big thing for the image quality in this are exemplary.
Even though it does exhibit low sharpening properties, noise reduction is still exceptional. Zooming in shows very little detail loss which would otherwise be a big concern in other models. Moreover, it delivers a dynamic range that takes full advantage of these properties to manipulate pictures with high contrast.
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Buying Guide
1. Battery Life
DSLRs have a much better battery life compared to mirrorless cameras. However, mirrorless cameras have other features that compel people to opt for one rather than invest in a DSLR. Thus, it is suggestible to have battery backups in case your shoot is running late and your battery is draining fast. Some manufacturers offer battery backup sets. Be sure to be on the lookout for those.
2. Image Quality
We could fill this up with many technical terms to explain the best settings for image quality that a camera must have. However, we strongly believe that images are as good as the person taking them. People who know their way around camera settings manipulation to let their creativity flow the best possible way are the ones who can take photos with just about any camera. So do not worry too much about the image quality, rather learn what you are comfortable with before getting the best of the best.
3. Size
Not everyone requires a DSLR to take photos, let alone get it as a job requirement. If you are just shooting some home videos, doing everyday photography to improve on your skills, or are just recreating indie photo settings, you do not need to splurge on anything big and mighty. Get started with a smaller size to learn focusing better and you will be ready in no time.
Conclusion
And that’s it! We’ve come to an end to our review of best mirrorless cameras under $1000. Now, choosing the best mirrorless camera should not be difficult anymore as you’ve went through a list of good cameras. We have also covered the factors that you need to consider before buying a mirrorless camera. Hope this review was helpful to you! Don’t forget to let us know if you have any questions.
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