Best mirrorless camera

DSLRs have taken a backseat to newer, sleeker mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless cameras are generally lighter in weight than the DSLRs of yesterday, and most have built-in image stabilization, which allows you to take handheld pictures that once required a tripod. And the lack of a mirror slap means you can also take near-silent photos at weddings or other places where camera noise might be considered intrusive.

There are a lot of mirrorless cameras out today, but there's only one best choice for you. If you're not a professional photographer, you probably don't need the extra resolution and features found in a full-frame mirrorless camera. And if you don't take video, you won't need to worry about whether a camera captures video in 4K or 1080p. There's something here for every budget and type of photographer in this list of the best mirrorless cameras.

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is a camera that'll fit a beginner's learning curve and challenge those who've worked behind a lens before. With a 60X zoom that moves from 20 to 1200 millimeters, the FZ80 is excellent for everything from capturing wildlife in their natural habitat to taking vacation snapshots. There's a 3-inch touchscreen LCD on the back of this model to help you nail focus when it counts, plus an eyepiece for long-distance shooting. Built-in image stabilization enables you to take steady stills, while the 4K video camera is robust enough for vlogging to split-second action at the track. If you don't want to mess around with carrying and changing lenses, this is the best mirrorless camera on this list.

Sony has innovated faster than any other brand in the camera space, and the a6400 is proof of that. This camera is a couple of years old but still measures up to newer cameras from other brands. With 425 focus points, you'll never miss a shot because the autofocus is insanely fast and accurate. Grabbing focus is super simple in auto and manual modes. This APS-C camera with 24.2 megapixels shoots up to 11 frames per second, so it'll have no trouble capturing action or stills. This Sony bundle comes with a remarkable 50-millimeter lens that's perfect for portraits, vacation shots, or family photos.

Canon's first really impressive camera in their mirrorless lineup is the EOS R6. This full-frame camera has 20MP under the hood and 5-axis image stabilization for crystal clear shots. With an ISO range of 100 to 102400, the Canon is one of the best mirrorless cameras for shooting stills and action shots at night. It has zero problems getting pictures on the dark dance floor at a wedding or shooting the stars when the sun goes down. The Canon EOS R6 shoots 4K UHD and has a continuous shooting speed of 12fps with the mechanical shutter and 20fps with the electronic silent shutter. If you're a Canon fan with a large collection of old lenses or you take nighttime photos, this is the camera to put in your cart.

It looks like an old-school film camera, complete with dials and knobs, but operates as one of the most tech advanced mirrorless cameras on the market. The Fujifilm X-T4 is a crop sensor model with 26.1-megapixels, 16 built-in film simulation modes, a color viewfinder and eyepiece, and more than two million phase detection pixels. You can shoot 4K and Full HD video with this camera and capture stunning portraits and eye-popping landscapes. The beloved Fujifilm colors are present in the X-T4, and this is a model that pros and those wanting to step up their skills turn to often.

I've had the Nikon Z 6II since its release date, and it's proved to be one of the best all-around cameras I've ever owned. With a full-frame sensor, a 273-point autofocus system, and the ability to shoot 4K UHD, the Z6II does everything really well. This camera has dual card slots, making it a great choice for pros, and a wide handgrip that gives all-day comfort. The Z6II accepts a vertical grip and comes with the popular NIKKOR 24-70mm f/4 S lens to get you started.

Putting my top three in focus

Mirrorless cameras take care of many of the behind-the-scenes chores photographers have manually grappled with since the invention of film. Today's best mirrorless cameras nail focus, steady your shots, and have higher resolutions than ever before.

The best camera for most is the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80. It has a built-in zoom lens that adjusts from 20 to 1200 millimeters, so it's a great choice for faraway and close-up photos. With 18.1 megapixels, image stabilization, and a three-inch touchscreen on the back, this is one of the best point-and-shoot mirrorless cameras you can buy.

If you're ready to jump up to a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS R6 is a future-proof model that performs well day and night. With a 20MP sensor, fantastic ISO range, and the ability to shoot 4K UHD, the Canon is perfect for professional photographers and those ready to upgrade.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is one of the most unique cameras out today. This crop sensor model takes stunning photos and videos and relies on dials, buttons, and knobs to control everything. The X-T4 excels at stills and video, and there's a lot of high-quality glass out there for you to choose from.

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