Rating of TOP-19 mirrorless cameras of 2021: review of the best models

Which is better, DSLR or mirrorless?

Modern mirrorless cameras are not inferior to DSLR cameras in terms of image quality and ease of use, so the choice of one type or another is determined solely by the preferences of the owners.

Among the advantages of mirrorless devices are usually highlighted:

• lightness and compactness;
• better video quality;
• quiet operation;
• electronic viewfinder.

Mirror devices guarantee:

• higher quality images in low light conditions;
• long battery life;
• wider range of lenses.

Most likely, mirrorless devices will eventually supplant bulky DSLRs.

However, this will not happen soon, so the number of fans of SLR cameras will not decrease in the next few years.

Mirrorless Camera Systems

Most mirrorless camera manufacturers develop their own shooting systems, sometimes partially copying the functionality of competitors. Now there are four most common systems that have become popular with consumers.

Micro 4/3 system is used by Panasonic and Olympus. It was one of the first to appear, and its advantage is the smaller size of the matrix and, as a result, more compact dimensions of the lenses. This system does not produce the best quality, but it is cheaper, and it is much easier to select lenses for all occasions.

Sony E system is used only in the line of mirrorless cameras from this company (if you do not take pirates into account). Its main advantage is cameras with a full-frame matrix, which even allow high-quality video shooting.

Fujifilm X-mount system appeared on the market later than others, so it is not yet very popular. Its main feature is a matrix with an unusual arrangement of color filters, which allows you to remove “moiré” from images.

Canon EF-M system is also used by two manufacturers - Canon and Nikon. It is famous for its ease of use. True, color rendition suffers, but for those who use mirrorless cameras exclusively at home, this is a very good option.

Criterias of choice

If a user is ready to invest approximately 66,000 rubles in the purchase of a mirrorless camera, then image quality most likely plays a significant role for him. Another such person, most likely, has already worked with manual or semi-automatic shooting mode and is trying to find something that will not limit his creative potential and will provide an opportunity to improve his own experience in the art of photography.

If the user is new to the field of photographic art, who is sure that this will subsequently become his passion for a long time, then 66,000 rubles is not such a large amount to invest in a reliable and wear-resistant device, as well as optics that last longer than the body of the camera itself.

The user will also appreciate the improved functionality in the form of a viewfinder, special external control components and manual exposure configuration. If a person is not convinced that he needs it or simply wants to easily take good shots, then it would be advisable to buy something more budget-friendly. For example, a mirrorless camera from the middle price segment or a practical camera costing 33,000 rubles with interchangeable lenses.

If a user wants to become the happy owner of a practical gadget, then it makes sense to take a closer look at the capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix G5 model. Despite the fact that the picture quality here is inferior to the notorious Sony A6000, this is a good choice when compared with other devices. It has a wide range of optics “for growth” and is quite small in size to carry it with you, but you should not miss the fact that the kit does not come with a very high-quality lens.

At about the same price there is a CANON EOS M10 KIT device. The picture quality in it is significantly inferior to the Sony A6000, but this device is much better equipped when compared with ordinary point-and-shoot cameras that cost 13-15 thousand rubles. The model also stands out from its competitors with its fast and bright optics. This is a good choice for this segment, but the picture quality, of course, will not be the best. If the user is a professional with many years of experience, who already has a mirror device in use and is looking for a practical gadget as a replacement for a DSLR, then he should be prepared for the fact that the latter often does not have some of the usual options. In particular, this is reflected in the lack of control components.

Fujifilm X-T3

The Fujifilm X-T3 is the most expensive cropped APS-C mirrorless camera we recommend. This is the flagship of Fujifilm, which is famous for long-term support for its top cameras. The X-T3 will outlast most of its competitors and will gain new features from the company's next models over time.

The characteristics here are outstanding: 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor, top-end X Processor 4, hybrid focusing with eye/face tracking support, 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a slot for a spare memory card and, of course same, a full set of interfaces for connecting peripheral devices.

This mirrorless camera literally has it all. Supplement it with high-quality lenses and get an excellent set for any task, including professional ones.

Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 continues the top of mirrorless cameras - the flagship model from the famous brand and, concurrently, the main historical competitor of Canon. This is a full frame camera that has everything you need to take amazing photos.

Z6 features include a 24.5-megapixel sensor, a powerful EXPEED 6 image processor for superior image quality at high ISOs, 4K video recording, a 3.2-inch tilting screen, 12fps continuous shooting, fast autofocus with eye tracking and more. .

The Nikon Z6 is a model for serious photographers, but if you want the most of what Nikon has to offer, check out the more expensive and feature-rich Z7.

Which company is better

For an ardent photography enthusiast, the practicality of the model is one of the most important selection criteria. If you have to “click” everything in the world, then it’s quite easy to figure out which model is better to buy. In any case, first of all, you need to set a budget and find a store where you can buy the camera you like at a good price.

For beginners, devices from different manufacturers do not differ critically in terms of technological characteristics. Reliable cameras are produced by the best manufacturers:

• Canon.
• Fujifilm.
• Olympus.

So are less recognized companies:

• Panasonic.
• Samsung.
• Sony.

Some brands, the popularity of whose models skyrocketed last year, are today rapidly losing their leadership positions. In this regard, now few people buy high-performance Praktica, Kodak or Polaroid cameras. Small cameras from Casio, by the way, are also no longer in demand.

It’s hard to call non-core “digital cameras” from General Electric or Hewlett Packard a good purchase, and inexpensive devices from Rekam and other manufacturers can’t even compare with cameras integrated into smartphones.