Are you looking for one or even the best mirrorless system camera? The market for mirrorless system cameras is huge. It can be difficult for you to find the camera that offers all the functions you need and that, if possible, fits your budget. With this guide we would like to introduce you to our favorites and the best system camera and show you their advantages and disadvantages.
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What are mirrorless cameras system?
The name says it all for mirrorless system cameras. Mirrorless system cameras (also called DSLM) do not have a mirror mechanism in comparison to DSLR cameras. Therefore DSLM cameras are usually more compact, lighter and less sensitive than DSLR cameras.
DSLR vs. DSLM
If the light falls directly on the image sensor, mirrorless system cameras have an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical viewfinder. Normally such cameras also have either an autofocus system with contrast detection or a hybrid autofocus system with sensor-bound phase detection pixels.
As a result, these system cameras are able to carry out a direct image analysis with the image sensor. This gives you the option of tracking faces, eyes and other objects as well as a much better autofocus analysis. Without a doubt, mirrorless technology will make up a large part of photography in the future. In short, it is a matter of time before DSLMs replace DSLRs for most photographers.
Thoughts on Mirrorless Technology
With the exception of Olympus and Nikon, all camera manufacturers have been offering more than one mirrorless camera system since 2019. For example, Panasonic offers full format systems, while Fujifilm focuses on APS-C and medium format. This means that the selection of mirrorless cameras varies between brand, sensor size, camera functions and price. Smaller APS-C systems usually offer advantages in terms of weight, size and cost, while medium format systems are large, heavy and quite expensive.
While most mirrorless cameras come with a digital viewfinder, others (mostly cheaper mirrorless cameras) don’t have one. If you choose such a cheaper camera, you have to shoot the pictures with the integrated LCD display. This can be very annoying, especially if you’re used to a viewfinder. However, if you are an architecture or landscape photographer, or otherwise need a tripod for your photography, the subject of the “viewfinder” is irrelevant. Therefore, when buying a camera, you always have to pay attention to your personal requirements.
Disadvantages of mirrorless system cameras
One of the main disadvantages of mirrorless cameras is a poor battery life due to the constant use of the electronic viewfinder or display. In addition, many system cameras have a slow autofocus, which is not suitable for fast action photography (PS: you can find our action camera ranking here). Complex menu systems (due to additional functions and options) and a limited selection of lenses from some of the manufacturers who have recently entered the arena of mirrorless system cameras reduce the appeal a little. However, I expect that most of these issues will be addressed in the future, so these shortcomings will largely be temporary.
Despite these disadvantages, most modern mirrorless cameras are exceptionally good and offer excellent image quality and autofocus performance with which they can keep up with their DSLR colleagues. You can find a comparison of SLR and system cameras here.
The best mirrorless cameras in 2021
We decided to compile a list of the best mirrorless cameras to buy from 2019. The ranking is based on our personal experience and preferences. Please note that we have prioritized the list according to an overall rating and not according to specific characteristics. Here are our top 10 best system cameras in 2021. PS: If you are specifically looking for a camera for landscape photography, we have created a separate list with our tests and recommendations.
Sony A7 III – Best system camera
When you think of the best mirrorless system camera that we believe strikes the best balance between features, lens selection and price, it was clearly the Sony A7 III.
With its 24 MP sensor (which is sufficient for most requirements) and a fast processor that can record 4K video, an amazingly fast and precise autofocus system, a large selection of native and third-party lenses, the Sony A7 III is one high-performance full-frame camera that can meet most photographic requirements and therefore makes the best system camera in our eyes.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Sony A7 III
In our opinion, the biggest disadvantage of the A7 III is the complex and overcrowded menu systems. Some basic functions are also missing, such as an intervalometer or lossless compressed RAW images. However, considering the number of areas the camera can be used in, we decided to give this camera first place on our list. Since we’re at Sony: Here you can find our best list for Sony lenses with FE / E mount.
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Nikon Z6
The introduction of Nikon’s mirrorless system in 2018 was very exciting for many Nikon fans (including some of our team members who have been using Nikon DSLRs for many years). As Nikon releases more and more lenses for the Z system, these cameras have the potential to be one of the best mirrorless system camera systems out there.
Although Nikon announced both Z6 and Z7 cameras at the same time, the release of the Z6 was delayed. The similarities between Z7 and Z6 cannot be overlooked. This includes the identical body, identical ergonomics and very similar functions. Nevertheless, we decided to give the Z6 second place. It is therefore Nikon’s best mirrorless system camera.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon Z6
Thanks to its 24 MP CMOS sensor in FX format, a fast EXPEED 6 processor that can process 10-bit 4K video recordings, an exceptional 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS), proven Nikon ergonomics, a clear Menu system and an exceptional electronic viewfinder, the Nikon Z6 is an excellent choice. Not only for photography, but also for videography. Although Nikon currently has only a few native lenses available for the Z6, the camera can be used with hundreds of existing Nikon F-mount lenses (Nikon and third-party options) with the optional FTZ adapter.
The biggest disadvantage of the Nikon Z6 is the autofocus system – especially when it comes to tracking fast-moving subjects. In view of the fact that Nikon traditionally had some cameras with their DSLRs that were allowed to carry the title of “best system camera” for photography, we expect that the mirrorless system will have at least similar capabilities. We anticipate that Nikon will make some efforts to tweak the autofocus system on the Nikon Z6 and add special tracking features, such as the ability to track and focus a subject’s eyes. If Nikon fixes these issues, this might even be our next best mirrorless system camera.
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Sony A7R III
The Sony A7R III is best for those who care about high definition images.
The Sony A7R is ranked among the best system cameras in 2021. Thanks to its 42 MP CMOS image sensor with excellent dynamic range, an excellent autofocus system, a large selection of lenses from original and third-party manufacturers, and a long-life battery, the Sony A7R III has established itself as the first choice for many photographers. Although it is a bit more specialized than the Sony A7 III and is more aimed at landscape, fashion, studio and architectural photographers, it is still one of the best and for its purpose even the best mirrorless system camera on the market.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Sony A7R III
The weaknesses we found coincide very closely with those of the Sony A7 III in first place: a rather complex and disorganized menu, the lack of a built-in intervalometer, and sub-par ergonomics are possibly the biggest points that Sony engineers should work on. Given that the Sony A7R III is likely to be used outdoors more often, Sony should have ensured that the camera was properly protected from the weather (reports from independent sources showed weaknesses in the weather seal on the bottom of the camera). Nevertheless, in our opinion, it is the best mirrorless system camera for landscape, fashion, studio and architectural photographers.
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Nikon Z7
It is impressive how many areas Nikon has covered with the release of the Z7 and how precisely they have met the needs.
Without the limited choices of native lenses and the challenges of tracking fast-moving subjects, the Nikon Z7 could possibly be higher up our list. Nevertheless, the Nikon Z7 with its excellent 45 MP BSI CMOS image sensor, which offers a very high dynamic range, excellent integrated functions, excellent ergonomics and a very bright digital viewfinder is currently one of the, if not the best system cameras in our opinion in the landscape, product and architectural photographer market.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon Z7
This camera is easy to understand for any Nikon connoisseur and, in conjunction with the native Z-mount lenses, offers exceptional image quality and a new level of clarity and sharpness, even when using the compact 24-70 mm f / 4 kit lens .
Similar to the Z6, the Nikon Z7 also has its own set of challenges. As we’ve seen in the past, Nikon has mainly done firmware updates for its DSLR cameras as troubleshooting. It is extremely rare for new features to be made available via firmware updates, for which Nikon has often been criticized. With the introduction of mirrorless cameras that house a high resolution electronic viewfinder, body image stabilization, and other features that we have never seen in DSLR cameras, it is especially important for Nikon to focus on updating the camera firmware so that theirs Products remain desirable and competitive.
During the Nikon Z7 camera launch event, I was particularly concerned about future firmware updates for Nikon’s mirrorless cameras. So I decided to ask a Nikon representative about it. I was told that Nikon is very committed to the Nikon Z-mount and future products. I was also promised that Nikon plans to release more frequent updates for the Z6 / Z7 series cameras than before. In conclusion, the representative told me that the company is very open to all customer feedback and that every request is taken very seriously. We will see.
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Sony A9 as the best mirrorless system camera
The Sony A9 was the first mirrorless camera that could actually compete with DSLRs when it comes to fast-paced action.
After testing the Sony A9, we were very impressed. The autofocus functions, the incredibly high burst speeds of 20 frames per second and the large buffer that you normally don’t see in other candidates for the best mirrorless system camera are the most obvious reasons for this. Although Sony only had a 100-400mm lens at the time of publication to demonstrate its capabilities, the company later released a 400mm f / 2.8 super-telephoto lens. More telephoto lenses will follow.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Sony A9
Sony wanted to bring the A9 to market as their “top mirrorless camera” for fast action shots. At the time of its market launch, it was more expensive than all other cameras in the Sony A7 series at 4,300 euros. However, the camera has seen huge price drops recently, making it a lot cheaper than its direct competitors, the Nikon D5 and Canon 1D X Mark II. Our biggest complaints with the Sony A9 have been with the lack of super telephoto lens options, the same cluttered Sony menu system, small buttons that are difficult to access with gloves in the field, and general ergonomics.
If Sony wants the A9 to keep up with its big competitors in the future, these problems should be fixed in the next version. Despite the shortcomings and lack of lens options, the Sony A9 made it into our picks for the best mirrorless system camera.
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Fujifilm GFX 50S
The only medium format mirrorless camera on our list is the Fuji GFX 50S, a 50 MP monster specially designed for landscape, architecture, fashion and studio photographers. It is particularly suitable for photographers who need as much resolution as possible for their work.
Although Fuji has introduced two more medium format cameras (the GFX 50R and GFX 100S) since this camera was released, this camera still made our list. Compared to the GFX 50S, the GFX 50R is smaller, lighter and cheaper. But it also has limitations, such as a smaller handle, no OLED display on the top, few buttons and only a two-axis LCD display tilt. The GFX 100S, on the other hand, is an expensive, high-quality 100 megapixel model with sensor stabilization, phase detection pixels and 4K video recording. Unfortunately, this is still under development and is estimated to cost around US $ 10,000. This makes the GFX 50S the most balanced medium format camera of the three.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Fujifilm GFX 50S
Although the GFX 50S does not offer all the advantages of a modern full frame camera and the autofocus system with contrast detection is not particularly fast, it is still a remarkable medium format camera with impressive image quality. While the Hasselblad X1D 50C is another medium format mirrorless option on the market, we found that it has a number of issues compared to the Fuji GFX 50S, such as: B. a very long start-up time or the lack of some basic functions. That’s why we give Fuji our vote and from now on call it Fujifilm’s best mirrorless system camera.
Since its release, the Fuji GFX 50S has received a number of firmware updates that have fixed many bugs and added functionality to the camera. This shows Fuji’s continued commitment to their camera models, which unfortunately we see less with other camera manufacturers.
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Fujifilm X-H1
The Fuji X-H1 is the mini version of the GFX 50S and my personal favorite of all the X-series cameras that Fuji has made to date.
The features this camera offers, including the amazing ergonomics and excellent 5-axis IBIS, the first of its kind in a Fuji X-series, are by far convincing. After using the X-H1 extensively while traveling earlier this year, I fell in love with this camera and decided to keep it as my camera.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Fujifilm X-H1
Although the X-H1 doesn’t have all of the latest features and improvements from other Fuji cameras, I still chose it. Mainly because I found them better and more practical for my needs. For me, the X-H1 is just great ergonomically. Thanks to a much larger and deeper handle, it fits perfectly in the hand. It also has a very useful OLED top display, which the X-T3 (next rank) lacks.
Anyone who owns a Fuji camera can attest that the biggest advantage of the Fuji cameras is related to the amazing lenses. Fujifilm engineers know how to make incredibly sharp, lightweight, and weatherproof lenses that you can take anywhere. Put simply, the X-series lenses are good examples of APS-C lens design.
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Fujifilm X-T3
The latest high-end camera from Fujifilm is the X-T3. The most advanced X-series camera made to date.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Fujifilm X-T3
With its 26 MP X-Trans-BSI CMOS sensor that provides excellent image quality, the Fujifilm X-T3 is an excellent photo camera. The fast processor with 4 cores processes up to 400 Mbit / s. The camera is therefore 10-bit 4K capable and can record videos with 60 FPS and in F-Log. The Fuji X-T3 is an impressive still and video camera with extended dynamic range for video recording. In addition, it has an incredibly fast and precise autofocus with a whopping 2.16 million pixels for phase detection and a bright viewfinder with 3.69 million pixels.
Its film capabilities make it one of the most video-packed DSLMs on the market, so it is compared to video-oriented cameras such as the Panasonic GH5 / GH5S. So if you need a video camera, the Fuji X-T3 may be the best system camera for you.
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Canon EOS R
Similar to Nikon, Canon launched its first full-frame mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R, in 2018. And like Nikon, Canon plans to bring more lenses to market in the coming years to make this system even more complete.
With a 30 MP CMOS sensor, a fast DIGIC 8 core processor that can process up to 30 FPS 4K 10-bit video, a dual-pixel CMOS autofocus that allows subjects to focus quickly and accurately and Actively track, a solid 3.69 million point OLED viewfinder, with built-in WiFi + Bluetooth and new features like the ribbon, the EOS R is a solid first release for Canon, especially at a rather affordable price of 2,000 .- Euro. Although I’ve enjoyed using the Canon EOS R so far, some functions are rather limited compared to the competition. It lacks, for example, a second SD card slot or sensor stabilization. The image stabilization must therefore take place entirely in the lens.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EOS R
Compared to the Nikon Z6, the EOS R offers several advantages. Among other things, it has a fully articulated LCD screen, which is ideal for video recordings. There is also a much larger buffer memory and a two-pixel CMOS autofocus for tracking moving subjects.
I also like the ability to move the focus point on the LCD screen while looking through the viewfinder. I wish Nikon had implemented this feature on the Z-series cameras too. What Canon did right from the start gives professionals confidence by adding high quality lenses like the RF 24-105mm f / 14L, the RF 28-70mm f / 2L or the RF 50mm f / 1.2L Bring market. It is therefore Canon’s best mirrorless system camera.
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Panasonic DC-G9
Our top 10 list of the best mirrorless system cameras so far only included APS-C, full frame and medium format cameras. But what about Micro Four Thirds sensors? While it’s been a while since we’ve seen a flagship product from Olympus, the Panasonic G9 is one of the best mirrorless system cameras out there. It definitely deserves to be included on this list.
Thanks to the 20 MP digital live MOS sensor and the fast image processor, the DC-G9 is able to record 4K video recordings at up to 60 frames per second. The excellent 5-axis stabilization with which the system camera can record high-resolution still images with 80 MP, the excellent 3.68 million point OLED viewfinder with an impressive 0.83x magnification and the high-resolution 3-inch clearance angle Touchscreen make this camera even more practical. But wireless transmission options (such as Bluetooth and WiFi), as well as their exceptionally good ergonomics, currently make them one of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Panasonic DC-G9
The Panasonic DC-G9 has a wide range of features that make it desirable for both still and video recording. There is also a large selection of lenses available for the Micro Four Thirds mount. Panasonic went to great lengths to make the G9 an excellent camera. Control options such as the thumb joystick (which is also available on the optional battery grip), the mouse wheel, the 4-way switch or the right buttons in the right place make a big difference. Combined with a well-organized menu system, the DC-G9 is a pleasure to use. It is therefore Panasonic’s best mirrorless system camera – at least when it comes to the fun factor.
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Summary
There are currently many good mirrorless system cameras on the market. In our opinion, the Sony A7 III is the best mirrorless system camera because it is a good all-rounder for all photographers and has the best balance between price and functionality. However, you should always keep your own needs in mind when buying a new camera. Only then can the best results be guaranteed. Depending on the location, another camera may be the best system camera for you.
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