8 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000 in 2024

Finally, decided to take the plunge and go mirrorless but unsure where to start?

We’ve got your back!

Here are the best mirrorless cameras for under $1000 that are highly relevant and reliable in 2021.

If you’re looking to get into photography, or even making your own videos, a well-equipped mirrorless camera is perfect to start with.

Budget?

For beginners, we’d recommend a mid-range camera that costs less than $1000.

If you’re wondering which one to buy, we’ve got just the list for you.

Before picking a camera, the first thing you need to do is figure out whether you’ll be taking stills or shooting videos.

While all the $1000 cameras will do both, some are more specialised than others.

Another factor to consider is the lens ecosystem, which will affect the long-term usability of your camera.

For stills photographers, factors like built-in flash units and sensor size are important.

For budding videographers, you’ll need to look at video crop factor, battery life, and recording limits.

Resolution is particularly important for video as some cameras, while they shoot in both 4K and FHD, only shoot FHD with all features enabled.

Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000 in 2024

To find the best Mirrorless under $1000, we scoured through reviews, consulted with experts, and relied on our own experience testing mirrorless cameras over the last few years.

We’ve done our best to cover the spectrum of use-cases and regardless of the type of photographer you want to be, rest assured that at least one of these cameras will meet your requirements.

1. Best Full-frame Mirrorless: Canon EOS RP

The very best stills camera you can get for under $1000 is, hands down, the Canon EOS RP.

This brilliant little mirrorless camera is the only full-frame camera on this list, and, well, size matters.

The camera also boasts of some decent video features that make it suitable for vlogging and some degree of content creation.

Design and Build

Canon’s an old hand at camera design and with the RP, you can tell.

The camera is larger than most mirrorless cameras under 1000 USD, but the design is so ergonomic that you won’t be able to tell.

A deep grip ensures that your shots are stable and there’s a flip-out touchscreen that allows for comfortable shot-framing and vlogging.

Sensor & Photography

The EOS RP’s bulk comes from its huge 26.2MP full-frame sensor and even larger RF mount.

The sensor, which is much larger than the APS-C sensor found in most mirrorless cameras, is perfect for stills and produces smooth, creamy bokeh with the right lenses.

The large RF lens mount, with adapters, ensures compatibility with nearly any lens ever made.

Video features

This camera can shoot 4K UHD video, but it’s only in FHD that the camera performs at its best.

4K video is severely cropped, and you lose access to Dual Pixel AF, resulting in slow, hunting AF that is not pleasant to work with.

In FHD, this camera shines.

Frame rates and color depth is also limited compared to serious video cameras.  

Inputs and Connectivity

Canon doesn’t scrimp out on ports and you get just about everything you could need.

This includes a 3.5 mm mic and headphone jacks, a 2.5 mm remote shutter release, a clean HDMI out, and a USB-C interface that supports charging and data transfer at, sadly, USB 2.0 speeds.

Lastly, there’s a single UHS-1 card slot at the bottom.

Battery Life

Canon uses the smaller LP-E17 battery here resulting in the relatively lower 250-shot battery life.

This will be alright for casual shoots, but if you’re shooting professionally and/or intend to shoot a lot of videos, be sure to carry spare batteries.

Do note that the USB-C port will charge best with a high power charger and not your regular smartphone chargers.

Conclusion

The EOS RP is a stills camera first, and if you’re a photographer, there’s no better system to start with.

The large, full-frame sensor will give you shots that APS-C mirrorless cameras can only dream of, and you get access to Canon’s unmatched lens ecosystem.

This is undoubtedly the best Canon camera under $1000 right now.

2. Best APS-C Mirrorless: Fujifilm X-T30

The Fuji X-T30 is a very capable stills camera with one of the most interesting and effective APS-C sensors around.

It’s a tiny camera, but despite its size, the [azamazon link=”B07NQBKMR4″ title=”Fujifilm X-T30″ /] happens to be one of the most feature-packed video cameras around, but there are limitations.

Design and Build

Ergonomically, the X-T30 is a bit of a mixed bag.

You get dedicated buttons and dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO, and a flippy screen, giving you superb control over the camera.

On the other hand, the camera grip is too small and some of the buttons are easy to hit accidentally.

Sensor & Photography

Making up for any issues we might have in any other department is the camera’s stunning X-Trans IV image sensor.

This 26.1MP sensor has been designed and developed by Fuji to deliver unmatched people photos in any kind of lighting.

Its unique design also means that there’s no Bayer filter, and thus no AA filter, resulting in clean, moiré-free images.

Video features

Video is another area where this camera shines.

It shoots proper 4K, i.e., without a crop, and in DCI at that (17:9 vs. UHD’s 16:9).

Video is recorded in 8-bit 4:2:0 internally but with an external recorder, can deliver 10-bit 4:2:2 colors, a feat that even premium mirrorless cameras struggle to match.

Things to watch out for are heat and record limits.

The camera overheats in just 40-50 minutes, especially when recording 4K.

It can last longer when recording externally, however.

Besides that, the camera can only record 10 minutes of footage in 4K, and 15 minutes in FHD.

Inputs and Connectivity

Being a small camera, connectivity is more limited.

You get USB-C, a mini-HDMI output, and a 3.5 mm mic jack.

The phone does charge via USB-C and you can transfer data at USB 3.0 speeds.

If you want to monitor the audio, you’ll need to use a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter.

Data is recorded on a single UHS-1 SDXC card.

Battery Life

Fuji’s NP-W126S battery is small, but it gets the job done.

You’re looking at about 350 shots per charge and a max video recording time of 75 minutes.

The camera will end up overheating before that when recording internally, however.

For longer shoots with external recorders, you can buy a battery grip.

Conclusion

The Fuji X-T30 is a small, portable camera that is fun to use and will not seem intimidating to onlookers.

The size belies its capabilities.

That tiny body is packing in one of the most capable camera sensors ever made and offers powerful video features.

This is still, primarily, a stills camera, but it’s capable of taking professional-level video when necessary.

3. Best Under $900: Canon EOS M6 Mark II

One can think of the Canon EOS M6 Mark II as the mirrorless equivalent of Canon’s stellar EOS 90D DSLR.

It features the same 32.5MP image sensor, UHD 4K recording modes, and more while offering the benefits of a modern, mirrorless camera system.

The only drawback is the limitation of the EF-M mount used by the camera.

Design and Build

The M6 Mk.II is quite ergonomic for a tiny mirrorless camera.

The body is small, but it’s festooned with buttons and features a deep grip that makes it easy to hold and use.

There’s no EVF so you’ll need to use an external module, but the LCD screen is usually good enough.

It also tilts up so you can use this camera for your vlogs.

Sensor & Photography

The 32.5MP APS-C sensor is, as with the 90D that inspired it, the highest resolution APS-C sensor you can get at the moment.

This camera is a couple of years old and it uses an older dual pixel AF system, but it’s still an excellent system that does a great job of snapping focus and tracking faces and eyes.

Video features

Compared to more video-focused cameras like Fuji’s X series cameras and Panasonic’s Lumix line, video quality is best described as functional.

You can shoot in 4K UHD at 30 fps, FHD HDR at 30 fps, and FHD 120 fps slo-mo, but you don’t get log modes or 10-bit recording.

The video capabilities are great for YouTubers or vloggers that are just starting out.

Inputs and Connectivity

Being a smaller camera, inputs are limited to the mic input, remote trigger, mini HDMI out, and USB-C.

As with the EOS RP, USB-C supports PD for charging but transfers data only at USB 2.0 speeds.

Surprisingly, the camera supports the much faster UHS-II standard SDXC cards, which is especially great for those who shoot long bursts.

Battery Life

Canon’s venerable LP-E17 battery again makes an appearance here.

It’s an older, smaller battery that manages to deliver about 305 shots, but at least it’s a popular standard and getting spares will be easy.

Hell, you could even borrow a battery from a fellow Canon shooter if the need arises.

Conclusion

The EOS M6 Mk II is a camera for enthusiasts.

It’s a small camera with a good sensor and simple controls that can deliver great results in the right circumstances.

A lack of finer control over video output will worry pros, but for everyone else, and especially if you’re a vlogger, the camera has more than enough features to keep you happy.

4. Best With Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Panasonic LUMIX G9

Panasonic’s cameras tend to lean heavily towards the videographer crowd, but the LUMIX G9 is a departure from the norm

It’s packing some impressive specs for stills photographers, with the 50 fps burst mode, in particular, standing out.

Whether you’re shooting action of animals, this is a camera you’ll want to have by your side.

Design and Build

The design of the G9 is seriously impressive.

The body is literally covered in buttons and dials of every description and even incorporates a secondary top-mounted LCD that displays essential settings.

A deep grip allows for excellent control and the LCD flips out and swivels.

If that wasn’t enough, you get one of the largest, brightest EVFs in the business.

Sensor & Photography

The Lumix G9 uses a smaller and slowly-going-extinct micro four-thirds sensor that’s rated at 20.3MP.

Its smaller size translates to poorer bokeh and lower light sensitivity, but it also results in the mind-boggling 20 fps burst mode (with physical shutter and continuous AF), and 50 fps burst in electronic shutter mode.

The smaller sensor is also faster, resulting in better rolling shutter performance as well.

A 5-axis IBIS system allows for steady, handheld shots in low-light, and it’s great for video.

Sadly, the camera only offers CDAF, which is slower and more unreliable than the PDAF system used by most other camera systems.

Video features

The camera shoots 4K UHD and FHD video at 60 fps.

A feat that’s only possible because of the smaller sensor.

Image quality is great in both FHD and UHD, but CDAF does make it harder to use AF, especially in difficult lighting.

Output is also limited to 8-bit colour, ruling out this camera’s use in more professional settings.

Inputs and Connectivity

Despite its size, Panasonic offers some of the best connectivity in the business.

You get the usual headphone and mic jacks, but also a full-size HDMI port (Goodbye, dongles!) and dual UHS-II class SD card slots.

This is perfect for video as well as for capturing those 50 fps bursts without stuttering.

Strangely, there’s a UBS micro B connector for power and data transfer, but at least it’s rated at USB 3.0 speeds.

Battery Life

Battery life is quite decent for a $1000 mirrorless camera and you should get up to 400 shots per charge in normal operation.

If necessary, you can switch to a power efficiency mode that will boost battery life to well over 900 shots.

You can, of course, pop the camera into a battery grip when you need more juice.

Conclusion

The G9 is unusual in that it’s a stills camera from a video-focused camera brand.

It’s also packing in a smaller sensor and a slower CDAF system, but the trade-offs, which include incredible burst rates and 60 fps 4K video, we think, justify the purchase.

If you shoot action and don’t mind CDAF, get this camera.

5. Best from Nikon: Nikon Z50

The Nikon Z50 is an Instagram-friendly camera with DX-format (APS-C outside of Nikon’s world) that supports Nikon’s newer Z mount mirrorless camera lenses.

It’s a good camera with a great sensor and excellent video features, perfect for enthusiasts who are partial to or invested in, the Nikon ecosystem.

Oh, and the ergonomics are great as well.

Design and Build

The camera’s body is essentially a flat rectangle with a deep handgrip and massive viewfinder bump-up top.

You only get two dials, one for shooting mode and one for exposure, and a dedicated switch for flicking between video and stills mode.

A screen that can flip down 180° and a massive OLED round out the design.

Sensor & Photography

The camera’s DX sensor captures pleasant 20.9MP stills using an on-sensor PDAF to help with focus.

This results in a fast, snappy experience that pairs well with the responsive touchscreen and OLED EVF.

Since the camera targets Instagrammers, it incorporates a bunch of filters for processing JPG & RAW.

It is also the best mirrorless camera for portraits on the list.

Video features

While most cameras support FHD and 4K cameras, many digital cameras under $1000 compromise with 4K by cropping the sensor and not using its full width.

The Z50 doesn’t make that mistake and uses the full width of the sensor to deliver high-quality 30fps 4K video.

The camera does have a 30-min recording limit, however.

Inputs and Connectivity

I/O is quite limited on this camera.

You get the essentials, i.e. a micro HDMI port, mic input, and a micro-B USB 2.0 connector that can charge the battery, but no headphone jack for recording audio.

Storage is limited to a single UHS-1 rated SDXC card.

Unfortunately, this means no redundant backups or deep buffers for us.

Battery Life

The EN-EL25 battery here is a small one and only manages about 320 shots per charge.

When shooting movies, you could manage 75 minutes per charge, but the 30 min recording limit will slow you down.

While the camera does charge over USB, if you’re expecting a long shoot, take a spare battery or two.

Conclusion

The Z50 is a great camera for fans of Nikon’s system.

The Z-mount system allows for newer lenses to be used, and the un-cropped 4K video options are great if you care about high-quality video.

Image quality is superb and the built-in picture profiles and easy-to-use WiFi transfers should satisfy the Instagram crowd among us.

6. Best With IBIS: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

While Olympus needs to work on its convoluted naming schemes, the camera is anything but convoluted.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a smart, simple camera with powerful video features and great image quality.

It’s an entry-level camera, but it’s easy on the pocket and a great learning tool.

Design and Build

This is a small, lightweight camera that offers a film camera aesthetic and a flip-down screen.

The grip isn’t very deep, but given how small the camera is, we can’t really complain.

Interestingly, the cameras know that it’s in selfie mode when the screen is flipped down, giving users access to dedicated selfie-taking controls on the screen.

Sensor & Photography

Micro four-thirds has been Olympus’ sensor size of choice for a while now and the E-M10 is no different.

This small 20 MP sensor sees some improvements to color quality and noise control when compared to its predecessors, but it can’t compete with the depth-of-field and noise control of larger APS-C and full-frame sensors.

It is fast, however.

Video features

With in-body stabilization and support 4K 40 and FHD 60 modes, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV can capture great video.

However, it does have a 30-min record limit per clip and there’s no microphone input for external mics.

Its size and selfie modes have great vlogging potential, but if you’re only reliant on the internal mic, quality will suffer.

Inputs and Connectivity

Ports are very limited on this camera.

You only get USB micro-B rated for USB 2.0 data transfers, micro-D HDMI, Bluetooth 4.2, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.

There is a hot-shoe mount for an external flash and the camera takes a UHS-II class SDXC card.

Battery Life

Battery life from the included BLS-50 battery pack is quite decent at 360 shots, but that’s more a result of the smaller sensor than of any battery life tweaks.

The camera can be charged via USB, but very slowly and only when the camera is off.

Never leave home without a spare battery.

Conclusion

As an entry-level compact camera, this E-M10 delivers.

You get the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system, the low cost of micro four-thirds, and great image quality, and fast, high-quality video modes.

Think of this camera as one step up from your phone camera rather than as a serious mirrorless system.

Overall, it’s the best budget mirrorless camera you should consider investing in.

7. Best Under $600: Canon EOS M50 Mark II

The original M50 wasn’t a great camera even when it launched, but it was a reliable workhorse with good FHD performance and decent stills.

It ended up being a best-seller.

The M50 Mark II variant that came out last year takes the original design and polishes it up, vastly improving AF performance and updating 4K video.

It is also the best mirrorless camera for beginners.

Design and Build

Canon’s gone for a simple, straightforward design here.

There’s only one control dial, a deep handgrip that helps with video, and a swivelling touch-screen that allows for selfies as well as vertical video recording.

Controls are limited, but the touchscreen makes up for any missing functionality, even adding a record button in selfie mode.

Sensor & Photography

The new 24.1MP sensor isn’t that much of an improvement over the already decent sensor in the M50, but it’s still a good sensor to begin with.

More than the image quality, however, the improvements come in the form of a brand new AF system with improved face and eye AF, and support for tracking in servo mode.

Video features

Speaking of servo mode, M50 users can finally shoot video with continuous face and eye-tracking, and in 4K30 at that.

This is a big improvement over its predecessors’ more limited CDAF mode in 4K.

Additionally, you get a clean HDMI out for streaming or recording, and the option to go live on YouTube.

It is definitely the best Mirrorless camera for video on a budget.

Inputs and Connectivity

Connectivity includes micro USB, HDMI type D, and an external mic jack.

This is very limited, but a clean HDMI out and mic support make this a great camera for vloggers and live streamers alike.

Storage is limited to a single UHS-I rated SDXC card, but that’s to be expected from an entry-level camera.

Battery Life

Battery life is poor at 305 shots, but the camera does at least support charging over USB, provided you have a capable enough power bank.

Either way, if you’re intending to vlog, especially when travelling, you’ll need to carry several fully charged batteries on your trip.

Conclusion

As an upgrade to the M50, the Mark II is most certainly worth it.

Improved 4K operation and AF performance push this camera from entry-level vlogger gear to something more serious, and stills are not bad either.

We’d have liked to see support for Canon’s RF mount instead of the older, more limited EF-M, but it’s not a bad choice for vlogging either way.

8. Best Compact Form Factor: Fujifilm X-A7

Unlike the X-T30, the Fujifilm X-A7 doesn’t employ Fuji’s stellar X-Trans sensor and instead uses a regular, Fuji-tuned CMOS sensor.

While you’re not getting cutting-edge tech, you’re getting Fuji colors, a great video system, and a great price tag, which makes the X-A7 a winner in our books.

Design and Build

The camera is a bit light on ergonomics and has a very shallow grip.

That said, it barely weighs 0.7 lb so holding on to the camera isn’t really an issue.

Controls are very limited to Fuji’s more expensive cameras, but the swivelling touchscreen does make up for any shortcomings.

Sensor & Photography

The 24.2MP CMOS sensor is a good, high-quality CMOS sensor that, like all Fujis, takes great people’s photos.

Not being an X-Trans sensor, it does lose out on low-light performance and there’s definitely some moiré because of the AA filter, but image quality will surpass that of any budget mirrorless camera out there.

Video features

Supporting 4K UHD video at 30 fps and FHD at 60 fps, not to mention 4x slo-mo at HD, this camera is quite a capable video shooter.

A 15-min recording limit at 4K — 30 min at FHD and HD — does throw that proverbial spanner in the works that limits this camera’s use as a serious vlogging camera.

Inputs and Connectivity

An HDMI micro-D connector allows for a clean HDMI out for external recording and streaming (assuming you have a capture card), and there’s a USB-C port for charging and data transfer (USB 2.0 speeds).

There is a mic input but it’s a 2.5 mm jack and you’ll need to use the included 2.5-3.5 mm adapter.

Data can be recorded on a UHS-I SDXC card.

Battery Life

At 270 shots, battery life is very poor but good enough for a day of light shooting.

When recording video, the camera can manage 55 minutes at 4K, and about 70 minutes at FHD, but this isn’t a vlogging camera anyway so that’s not an issue.

We’d recommend carrying a spare battery, but a powerful battery bank will also suffice on long shoots.

Conclusion

As an entry-level Fuji, the X-A7 can’t be beaten.

Superb image quality, great video quality, and an elegant design are all huge pluses in the X-A7’s favor.

If you’re looking to vlog, look elsewhere, but for a travel or street photographer on a budget, the X-A7 is a great camera to have in your kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

As you can tell, there’s quite a variety of cameras and form factors to choose from, each tuned towards a particular task or audience.

Our top picks from this list are as follows:

• For stills, you just have to go with the Canon EOS RP.
  It barely fits in the sub-$1000 budget and doesn’t include a lens, but it’s the only full-frame camera on this list.
  If you’re shooting stills, you’re going to want that massive sensor.
  It also has a fantastic FHD video mode in case you want to vlog.
• If you’re looking for a hybrid shooter the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the way to go.
  It’s an excellent, reasonably priced all-rounder with a great sensor and vlogging features.
  If you need something with better image quality, though, consider the Fujifilm X-T30.
  Be warned that video record limits will be an issue.
• Lastly, if you intend to shoot animals or sports, you just can’t go wrong with the Panasonic LUMIX G9.
  It can shoot at a blistering 20 fps with AF using the mechanical shutter, and a mind-boggling 50 fps with the electronic one.
  With this camera, you’ll never miss a shot.

Well, that’s the list, and hopefully, you’ve been able to make a quick and easy decision on your next camera purchase.

Happy shooting!