Shopping around for a new camera is an exciting venture, but it can also give you headaches.
If you haven’t made up your mind about a system yet, that can be challenging on its own.
DSLRs used to be the standard choice for anyone looking to get serious about photography, but over the past few years, compact mirrorless cameras have changed the game entirely.
They are smaller, sometimes faster than most DSLRs, and the image quality is often just as good.
A mirrorless camera system can be a great learning tool, but it can also be a high-end professional instrument. Many pro filmmakers have even switched to mirrorless systems because of their amazing features, and a lot of photographers have made the leap as well.
These cameras are smaller, lighter, and just as capable as most non-pro DSLRs.
You can also find many used mirrorless cameras for a great price, assuming you choose the right retailer.
Here is our list of the ten best mirrorless cameras of 2017, in no particular order.
Panasonic GH5
Few cameras have been so anticipated in recent years.
The GH4 put Panasonic right up there with the greats, and it has created a cult following thanks to its astonishing video capabilities.
The GH5 is the current flagship in the lineup, and it is hands down every bit as good as the fans expected.
It has a 20.3MP sensor, a maximum burst rate of 12 fps, and a 3.2 inch 1,040,000 dot screen.
While it might not be a class leader in terms of still image quality, it leaves very little to be desired. It is a great choice for photographers who already own M4/3 lenses, and without a doubt, a must-have for amateur and professional videographers.
Sony Alpha A6300
The Sony Alpha A6300 is one of the smallest and most capable cameras on the market today.
With very good image quality, a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, and a maximum burst rate of 11 fps, it’s a beast in disguise.
Another great feature of this camera: Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for fast file transfers.
Fuji XT-2
Photographers loved the beautiful retro-styled design of the XT-1, so that’s probably why Fuji decided to keep the similar look for the XT-2.
Under the hood though, it is an entirely different story. Perhaps the most important improvement is in the autofocus system which now allows you to track moving much faster and more precise.
The 24.3 MP X-TRANS III CMOS sensor produces superb image quality and beautiful colors. The handling has also been improved with plenty of controls located on the body and a higher level of customization.
Those features alone should be enough to put this camera on your list of mirrorless cameras to buy.
Sony A7R II
Simply put, the Sony A7R II is a disturbingly good camera no matter how you look at it.
It’s smaller than a DSLR yet it has a 42.4MP full frame sensor. The electronic viewfinder is one of the best we’ve ever seen, and the low light performance and level of detail is amazing.
Oh, it also shoots 4K video and has professional-level settings for filmmakers.
Needless to say, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity are present as well.
Olympus Pen-F
No doubt one of the most attractive features of this camera is its design, which is very similar to the original Pen from the 1960s.
But this retro inspired Pen is equipped with a great 20MP Micro 4/3 sensor and a beautiful 2.36 million dot viewfinder.
It also has an in-body 5-axis stabilization system that helps a lot when shooting handheld long exposures or video.
Fuji X-T20
As you would expect, this is the X-T2’s little brother.
They look a lot alike, but the X-T20 is designed to be a more affordable option that gives you a lot of the good stuff for a smaller price.
It houses the same brilliant 24.3MP sensor, and while it feels just as good in your hands as the big brother, it’s smaller and more compact.
It’s definitely a great camera worth looking at for amateurs and enthusiasts.
Panasonic G80/G85
It’s the same camera, but in the U.S., the name is G85, and it is hands down one of the best mid-range options to look at right now.
The resolution is “only” 16MP, but the image quality is very good, and thanks to the removal of the low-pass filter, detail levels are very high.
The autofocus is also top-notch for its class, and the in-body stabilization system will actually make the difference between a blurry shot and a sharp image.
Of course, as with most Panasonic mirrorless cameras on the market, 4K video is a standard. And if you look in the right places, you can get a great deal on a used one.
Sony A7 II
The second generation in the A7 family has brought some considerable improvements, and the A7II is actually very different from its predecessor.
The body is a little bigger; it fits a 5-axis stabilization system and 24.3MP full frame sensor.
They are also plenty of video formats to choose from for videographers, which makes the A7II a great all-around camera.
Panasonic GX80/GX85
Following the popular GX8, the GX80/GX85 is a little camera that offers a lot for the price compared to the competition.
It’s powered by a 16MP sensor with no AA filter, and as you would expect, it produces very sharp images.
It also allows for 4K video capture, and you can actually capture 8MP stills from your video footage.
It’s small, but it has fairly good handling, and it’s a top candidate for travel photography and anyone looking for a small camera that can produce great looking images.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
The previous E-M10 was very well received and was regarded as great value for money. The Mark II just takes everything good about that camera and makes it a whole lot better.
The OM-D E-M10 II now has a 5-axis stabilization system instead of the original 3-axis unit. It has a very good 16.1MP micro 4/3 sensor, and the EVF is an absolute joy to use.
It’s one of the most affordable yet capable cameras on this list, and we think it definitely lives up to the lineup’s reputation. It’s also just a good looking camera!
Do you have a different favorite mirrorless camera? Let us know what it is!