Image Credit: hiphotos35 via iStock
One of the problems - if you can call it that - with buying a new camera is that there are simply so many choices.
If you're like me, though you appreciate all those options, it can paralyze your decision-making.
Even narrowing things down to something like mirrorless cameras doesn't do you all that much good because that still leaves you dozens of options to choose from.
So, in this guide, I offer up three of the best mirrorless cameras for 2021 that you should strongly consider if you're on a budget.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
One of the best features of the OM-D E-M10 II is that when it was released in 2014, it incorporated many of the features found in Olympus' higher-end cameras.
That made it - and still makes it - a great camera because you get some of the fancy features of more expensive cameras but without spending a ton of money.
This micro four thirds system has a reliable 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, which, though it can't compete with the 40+ megapixel sensors found in mirrorless cameras today is still a great sensor with excellent imaging results, especially with the TruePic VII imaging processor running the show.
The camera also has 5-axis image stabilization, a viewfinder that is one of the best of this generation of cameras, and Wi-Fi as well.
Shooters will love the 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, which is bright and crisp, the three-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, and the 1080/60p video capabilities.
This little rig can even shoot 4K time-lapse videos!
The compact body makes it an ideal travel camera, though it's not so small that you feel like a giant using a child's toy.
The dials on the top of the camera are ideally placed for ease of use, the autofocus system is wonderfully accurate and responsive, and the electronic shutter gives you a silent shooting option if you're in a spot in which working quietly is of the essence.
But best of all, you can find excellent pre-owned models for about $375, so you can up your photography game without worry about paying a huge price!
Get an in-depth mirrorless camera review of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II in the video above by DigitalRev TV.
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Sony Alpha a6300
The Sony Alpha a6300 is newer than the Olympus that was previewed above by about two years, and as a result, it's also more expensive.
But even at around $700 for an excellent pre-owned model, you still get plenty of bang for your buck in a lightweight, compact, and feature-rich camera that can essentially go anywhere and do anything.
The a6300 is a mid-range camera, so you shouldn't expect all the bells and whistles that you'd find on a Sony flagship like the a9. However, this little guy still packs a punch.
It comes with a 24-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor paired with an incredible 425-point autofocus system. All of those AF points are of the phase-detect variety and they are located across the imaging sensor for improved performance.
That means this is one of the best mid-range cameras available when it comes to identifying and tracking moving subject matter.
The 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder offers a gorgeous view of what you're shooting while the dust and water-resistant magnesium alloy body allows you to shoot in less-than-ideal weather conditions without worrying what it'll do to your camera.
The a6300 also features 4K UHD video capabilities with 25/24p shooting at full width and 30p shooting using a smaller crop.
There's Wi-Fi, NFC, a built-in microphone socket, and a flip up/down 16:9 ratio screen that's perfect for videography.
In fact, there is no better camera at this price point for shooting video, so if you're in the market for a solid mirrorless camera that produces clean, sharp images as well as superb video, this is the camera for you.
See the Sony Alpha a6300 in action in the video above by Armando Ferreira.
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Fujifilm X-A5
For something a little unexpected, you might consider the Fujifilm X-A5 as your next camera.
With beautiful retro looks and modern functionalities, this camera is the best of both worlds.
The 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is the largest of the cameras reviewed here, and it produces gorgeous images, even though it's a traditional CMOS sensor and not Fuji's superb X-Trans version.
Unlike the other two cameras in my mirrorless camera review, this one does not have a viewfinder.
However, what it does have is an excellent 3-inch tilting touchscreen display with 1.04-million dots that even flips around 180-degrees if you're the selfie-taking type.
This is also a simpler camera to use, making it an ideal choice for photographers that are just beginning their journey behind the lens.
Of course, it's more than a beginner camera because it has loads of features that make it a highly capable choice.
Not only is it's small size perfect for daily photo-taking, but the 15-45mm retracting lens gives you a good focal range for taking all sorts of photos without getting in the way of packing this camera into small spaces.
It performs well even in low-light situations, giving you the ability to take sharp, focused photos with less noise.
It's got Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy photo sharing, an adequate (though not spectacular) autofocus system, and it's also the newest camera on this list, having been released in January 2018.
In other words, you can get all the modern functionalities you need in a small package and for a small price - about $400 for a like new condition camera!
Get a detailed review of the Fujifilm X-A5 in the video above by Fuji Guys.