There are many different mirrorless cameras on the market, with different sizes, strengths, designs, qualities and prices. With so many options you might think that the most expensive is the best, but actually, that is not always true.
What are mirrorless cameras?
Unlike DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras obviously don’t have mirrors in the optical viewfinder, but use a digital image sensor to provide an image to electronic viewfinder that they have.
Diversity of these cameras is making hard to generalize their strengths and weaknesses, but some general benefits of these cameras are that they are a lot smaller, lighter and simpler than DSLR cameras, yet they have the same sized sensor, similar lenses available and, most importantly, they can offer the same image quality.
Related reading: Sony A6300 vs A6000 comparison – is it worth upgrading this great mirrorless camera?
Mirrorless cameras are a way forward for those who want to move from their phone cameras but don’t want to spend a lot of money on DSLR or don’t need that bulky camera.
Top 5 Mirrorless Cameras under $500
If you don’t want to lug around your DSLR, than mirrorless camera is the best solution. They are a lot like DSLR cameras, only without mirrors and much smaller and lighter.
Now that you know exactly what mirrorless cameras are, I’m going to introduce you to 5 best cameras under $500.
1. Nikon 1J5 Review
- 20.8 effective megapixels
- 105 Phase-detection AutoFocus Points
- 20 frames per second continuous shooting with AF-C
- 1080/60p video capabilities and 180 degree tilting touch screen
- EXPEED 5A advanced processing engine
Perfectly designed inside and out, the Nikon 1 J5 is the ultimate combination of image quality, speed, creativity, connectivity and portability.
It gives us crisp and clear images and great quality video. It’s faster than any DSLR camera on the market. The controls and menu are very easy to use and the great thing is that you can send photos right in to your smart device.
The only disadvantage of this camera is lack of viewfinder which can make it hard to take a photo in the bright sun, but you can brighten the output to the maximum to make it easier.
It stores photos on micro SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
It has an amazing value for the price. It’s the best choice in my opinion (based on personal experience and hours of research).
Full specs:
- 20.8 effective megapixels, CMOS sensor
- 105 Phase-detection Auto Focus Points
- 20 frames per second continuous shooting with AF-C
- Auto, ISO 160-12800
- 1080/60p video capabilities and 180 degree tilting touch screen
- Video Capture Format MPEG-4, H.264
- Video Capture Resolution 4K (15p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (120p/60p/30p)
- EXPEED 5A advanced processing engine
- Built in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications (NFC)
- Battery Average Life 250 Photos
- 60 fps continuous shooting
- Built-In Flash
- Minimum Aperture ƒ/3.5
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2. Canon EOS M3 review
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H: 25600) and DIGIC 6 Image Processor can help capture photos and videos with stunning detail even in challenging lighting situations
- Hybrid CMOS AF III helps provide fast and accurate focusing for stills and videos
- Front Dial and Exposure Compensation Dial help provide full manual control and offer customizable functions as well as improved operability and ease of use
- Create Full HD 1920x1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format with ease using manual movie control
- Intuitive touch screen 3.0 tilt type (180° up/45° down) LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) can be perfect for selfies and allows for quick focusing and shooting, easy menu navigation and simple viewing of images and videos
This compact camera can capture high –resolution images and full HD 1080p videos even though it fits in to a jacket pocket.
This camera allows you to play with light by adjusting the ISO and shutter speed and the great thing is that you can see changes that you make to the exposure on the LCD screen (even outdoors on the bright day). Most of the mirrorless cameras have tiltable LCD screens and this one is no exception.
The LCD screen (3’’ in size with 1.04 million dots) can tilt upwards up to 180 degrees, and downwards, under the body, about 45 degrees. It starts, focuses and fires in about 2.5 seconds, which is a little slow, but the quality of an image that you get compensates for the speed.
One of the things that could be better is battery life. With a CIPA rating of 250 shots per charge, you might need a spare battery with you.
Overall, this is a great camera for everyone from pro photographers to amateurs.
Full specs:
- 24.2 megapixel
- CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- ISO 100-12800 ; expandable to H:25600
- Hybrid CMOS AF III
- 4.2 fps continuous shooting
- SDXC Flash Memory Type
- No External Memory Included
- Maximum Shutter Speed 30 seconds
- 3.0″ 1,040k-Dot Touchscreen Tilting LCD
- Full HD 1080p Video at 24/25/30 fp
- Built-in flash
- Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
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3. Sony Alpha A5000 review
- This Unit Is An International Model Camera Comes In Kit Box (Brand New)
- 20.1 Mp Exmor APS HD APS-C CMOS Sensor BIONZ X Image Processor, 3.0" 460.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- Hand-held Twilight Mode and ISO 16000, 25-Point Contrast Detection Autofocus
- Continuous Shooting up to 3.5 fps, Photo Creativity and Picture Effects
If you are looking for your first compact system camera, this would be an excellent choice for you. The Sony Alpha A5000 performs like DSLR cameras which cost at least twice as much as this one. High ISO noise is very impressive.
Noise from ISO 100-800 is hardly noticeable (even without noise reduction active). The A5000 has advanced exposure modes (program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual) for less experienced photographers. It also offers 13 picture effects that can be applied to JPEG images.
With built-in flash and automatic settings, you will get excellent quality images almost effortless.
This camera is available in three colors: black, silver and white.
Full specs:
- 20.1 megapixels
- CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X image processor
- 3.0’’ 460.8k – Dot Tilting LCD monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video recording at 60fps
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC
- ISO 16000
- 25 point contrast detection Autofocus
- 3.5 fps continuous shooting
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4. Olympus PEN E-PL7 review
- 16MP Live MOS Sensor
- 3-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- 81 Point FAST AF with Small Target AF
- Expanded OI Share Capabilities
The E-PL7 is not really a pocket camera, but is much easier to carry around than DSLR. It takes amazing pictures with splendid colors and sharp details. Constructed from plastic and metal with leather details, E-PL7 is compact, lightweight camera that feels solid in the hand.
This camera has improved performances over its predecessors. It has very good ISO performance, but at ISO 16000 and higher image noise becomes evident.
When you have good contrast light, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a great performer, it’s just when the camera is pushed to its limits in low light, the results aren’t that great.
The LCD screen is 180 degrees tiltable, which is great for taking selfies. Cameras usually have screens that can tilt upwards, but on this one tilts under the body and gives the user the best selfie experience.
With the screen that is underneath the camera selfies look better because that way you look more into the camera and not above it or on the side of it. It looks like the Olympus cares a little more about the casual crowd.
Full specs:
- 16 MP
- Live MOS CMOS sensor
- 81 point FAST AF with small target AF
- ISO 100-25600
- Shutter speed 60sec 1/4000
- Max Aperture 3.5 (kit lens)
- 1080p / 30fps video recording
- 8fps max burst mode
- 1.037 dot LCD
- 3-Axis in-body image stabilization
- Built-in Wi-Fi
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5. Canon EOS M10 review
- Canon Authorized Dealer - Includes USA Manufacturer's Warranty
- 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor / DIGIC 6 Image Processor / 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Full HD 1080p Video at 30/24 fps / Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity NFC / Hybrid CMOS AF II, 49-Point System
- Up to 4.6 fps and Expandable ISO 25600 / Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode / EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
- Includes: Canon EOS M10 Digital SLR Camera with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens / Sony 32GB Memory Card / Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Replacement Battery Pack / 49mm UV/CPL/ND Filter Kit / Rapid Travel Charger / Point and Shoot Accessory Bundle
Lightweight and compact, interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera, Canon EOS M10, offers a lot of useful features. It has 18 MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 6 image processor, numerous creative filters, and all at entry-level price, but it doesn’t have viewfinder.
Instead, just like other cameras in this class, it offers LCD screen that can tilt up to 180 degrees upwards and about 45 degrees downwards.
This camera is really easy to use, it has an ultra-simple design, but with a lot of options that it offers you can still make each picture your own style. An 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor that is paired with DIGIC 6 image processor offer us sensitivity range expandable to ISO 25600, but at ISO 1600 noise is noticeable.
This camera has 3 different image quality settings available (RAW, Normal and fine) and Fine is the highest quality option.
Full specs:
- 18 MP
- APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 6 image processor
- 3.0’’ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- Full HD 1080p video at 30/24 fps
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity NFC
- Hybrid CMOS AF II
- 49 point system
- ISO 100-12800 ; extended 10-25600
- 1/4000 – 30 seconds shutter speed
- Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode
Includes:
- 3.5 (kit lens) max aperture
- EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Replacement Battery Pack
- Sony 32GB Memory Card
- Rapid Travel Charger
- Point and Shoot Accessory Bundle
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These would be my recommendations. If you decide to go for one of those cameras I really hope you will enjoy it and make a lot of great photos with it.
Bestselling mirrorless cameras
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out the bestseller list to find a perfect fit for you:
- 24 MP APS C CMOS sensor and Focus Sensitivity Range: EV 0 to EV 20 (at ISO 100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
- ISO 100 25600 (expandable to 51200). Lens compatibility: Sony E mount lenses
- Hybrid AF with 179 point focal plane phase detection and 25 contrast detect points
- Up to 11 FPS continuous shooting. Battery Life (Still Images): Up to 360 shots.Metering Type:1200-zone evaluative metering
- 3 inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots.Viewfinder Type: 0.39 in type electronic viewfinder (color)
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor.Lens compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s. Compatible OS - Windows Vista SP2-6, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Mac OS X (v10.7-v10.9)
- Contains- Rechargeable Battery (NP-FW50) AC Charger (AC-UB10) Lens cap Shoulder strap Micro USB cable. BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speedAdvanced 24.2MP Back Illuminated 35 millimeter Full frame Image SensorSony test conditions. Compare to the 7 II
- 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount lenses. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of the date of release)- Android (Android 5.0 or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later), iOS (Bluetooth 4.0 or later)
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery Life (Still Images): Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), Battery Life (Movie, continuous recording): Approx. 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor)
- 693 phase detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93 percent image coverage. Focus Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
- In the box: Rechargeable Battery (NP FZ100), AC Adapter (AC UUD12), Shoulder strap, Body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable.Metering Type:1200 zone evaluative metering
- FINE DETAIL PERFORMANCE: 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10 percent boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensors
- MIRRORLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA KIT: With two super compact lenses 12 32mm F3.5 5.6 and 45 150mm F4.0 5.6, shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs
- CLASS LEADING DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION: In body 5 axis dual image stabilization works in both photo and motion picture recording-including 4K video-to produce clear handheld shots even in low light conditions. Battery AC Adaptor (Input 110 240V AC) (Included, connect with USB cable). Battery life (CIPA standard) Approx. 290 images (rear monitor), 270 images (LVF) with H FS12032
- LIVE VIEWFINDER AND TILTING LCD DISPLAY: Integrated eye level electronic viewfinder (2764K dots) and rear touch enabled 3 inch LCD display (1040K dots) provides 80 degrees of up tilt and 45 degrees of down tilt to maximize viewing. Recording media-(Compatible with UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards). Direct Print-PictBridge compatible
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken.Minimum Aperture:F22
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the moment happens
- 24.1 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear details, and stunning range
- Vari angle Touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high angle and low angle shooting, and reviewing your photos
- Built in high resolution electronic viewfinder features approximately 2,360,000 dots to see high amounts of detail when capturing
- Automatically transfer your files to your compatible device for easy backup and online uploading with automatic image transfer.Aspect Ratio:3:2
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