Do you enjoy birdwatching with friends or shooting video for commercial or personal use? Are you shopping for a portable digital camera that shoots decent images in all environments? The best mirrorless digital cameras stand out in many ways. First, at a fraction of the cost of the best instant cameras, you get a valuable product that delivers. They are lighter that some of the best digital cameras, faster, and designed to capture high-definition images, albeit with fewer camera accessories. In this review, we have highlighted some of the best in 2023.
List of the Best Mirrorless Cameras under $500 in 2023
10. Leica C-18485 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Leica C-18485 mirrorless digital camera is available in various colors such as dark red and light gold. The camera also has a compact and lightweight design, which makes it convenient to carry anywhere. Built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) module allow you to pair the camera with smart devices. You can download the Leica C Image Shuttle on your Android or iOS devices to upload your files on the cloud and social media platforms. The camera further has a 3-inch TFT-LCD display with around 921600 pixels to view the subjects’ full-color spectrum.
You can also expand the camera’s memory storage with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The camera features a built-in flash that illuminates your subject to reduce shadow spots. Leica C-18485 camera has a large 1/1.7-inch sensor with 12.1MP to capture clear photos and record Full HD videos. This camera uses a durable and rechargeable 3.7V 950mAh Li-ion battery. You can also control the shutter system both electronically and mechanically at a 259s to 1/4000s.
- Stylish look
- Expandable memory
- Built in light
- Large display
Our Verdict
The Leica C-18485 mirrorless digital camera is a useful addition to your travel carry bag. It allows you to record all your travel adventures in HD still and mobile images.
9. YI F3.5-5.6 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The YI F3.5-5.6 mirrorless digital camera features an interchangeable lens and a Sony IMX269 image sensor. They support 4K video recording at 30 fps and capture 20MP photos. The camera also uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology that connects to the YI Mirrorless app on your smart devices. These features enable you to upload your data on the cloud or to share it on various social media platforms. The camera has a 3-inch LCD touchscreen for reviewing photos/videos.
The YI F3.5-5.6 mirrorless digital camera has a compact and lightweight that you can carry in a backpack without damage. Its MFT lens mount is compatible with over 50 lenses, which includes a 42.5mm F1.8 portrait lens for shooting portraits in Macro mode. The lens has ƒ/1.8 bright aperture and six sets of optical glasses that enable shooting in low-light settings with little distortion. You also get a one-year warranty and a one-month free replacement guarantee.
- Lightweight and portable
- Wireless connectivity
- High resolution videos
- Sleek look
Our Verdict
The YI F3.5-5.6 mirrorless digital camera is the ideal on-the-go camera for both amateurs and professionals. It is lightweight and easy to carry around.
8. Fujifilm X-A5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Fujifilm x-A5 mirrorless digital camera has a compact, lightweight design that is perfect for travelling. A leather finishing gives it a fashionable look that will fit your style. You can also download the Fujifilm Camera Remote app on your Android or iOS devices and use Bluetooth to pair your devices to the camera. Therefore, you can share photos with your friends and or upload them to the cloud for long-term storage. The camera has an LCD that tilts up to 180-degrees. You can also use the camera to take selfies with the help of the Eye Detection AF system.
Fujifilm x-A5 mirrorless digital camera further includes a 24.2MP APSC-C sensor that shoots photos and videos in high resolution. Multiple built-in creative tools make photography more fun. The camera also supports 4K video shooting and 4K photography at an image capture speed of 15 fps. You can use the Panorama Mode to combine multiple images into a single photo.
- Easy to transport
- 4K video/photo shooting
- Long lasting batteries
- Wireless connectivity
Our Verdict
The beautiful design of the Fujifilm x-A5 and its high-resolution performance make it the ideal choice for any photography hobbyist.
7. Nikon 1 J5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Nikon 1 J5 digital mirrorless digital camera captures 20.8MP photos and Full HD 1080/60p videos in time-lapse and slow-motion sequences. Furthermore, this mirrorless digital camera features a touchscreen that tilts up to 180-degree. The feature allows you to view your subject in its full-color spectrum. Nikon 1 J5 also has built-in NFC and Wi-Fi technology. The technology will enable you to pair the camera with an Android v 4.0 device or higher. You can, therefore, upload your files on the cloud or share your photos on various social media platforms.
The Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera has a compact and lightweight design, which makes traveling with it more convenient. The camera has an autofocus system with 105 phase-detect AF points that allow you to capture clear images of moving subjects. A built-in EXPEED 5A image processor enables it to capture the subject’s smooth tones and vibrant color in crisper detail. You can shoot photos in silence, and the camera can combine four separate images into one picture.
- Compact design
- Wireless connectivity
- Sleek look
- Auto-focus system
Our Verdict
The Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless digital camera enables you to capture your memories in high-resolution images and videos.
6. Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera
Canon EOS M100 camera features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 7 Image Processor. The features work together with the Canon optics to provide your photos with sharp, clear, and vibrant colors. The camera has a fast and precise autofocusing that allows you to capture clear images of fast-moving subjects in silence. You can view your targets with the 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen that tilts up to 180-degrees providing you with creative angles. You can also use the self-portrait mode to enhance selfies with uniquely blurred backgrounds.
Canon EOS M100 mirrorless camera further has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth technology. This technology allows you to pair it with your smart devices. It also allows you to share your photos on various social media platforms and upload your data in the cloud. You can, therefore, clear up memory space to shoot more videos and pictures. The interchangeable lenses allow you to take close-up to landscape shots with ease.
- Lightweight design
- Multiple creative tools
- Adjustable display
- Wireless connectivity
Our Verdict
If you wish to travel, you should take the Canon EOS M100 mirrorless camera with you to capture every moment in high-definition.
5. Pentax K-01 APS-C Mirrorless Digital Camera
Pentax K-01 digital camera has a mirrorless design that allows for a more compact design without compromising its performance. The camera features a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with silent image capture and a 100-25600 ISO range. The Pentax K-01 also has a machined aluminum frame with a black, yellow or white finishing giving it a stylish look. You can also mount over 25 million Pentax K lenses to this camera. The camera can also capture 1080p Full HD video resolution at 30 fps with an h.264 video compression (60 fps at 720p).
The Pentax K-01mirrorless digital camera has a 6fps burst mode with 1/4000 to 30 seconds. It is thus capable of capturing the images of fast-moving subjects or sports event without streaking and or pixelating. You can illuminate your targets with the external hot-shoe and the pop-up flash to reduce shadow spots in your photos. You can also customize your photography with the multiple shooting modes, automatic modes, creative filters as well as finishing options. The HDR mode allows you to combine multiple shots into one still image. The Pentax K-01 APS-C camera also supports silent image capture, which makes it ideal for professional spaces such as classes.
- Wide-angle lens
- Eye-catching design
- Compact and lightweight
- Silent image capture
Our Verdict
You can fit this camera in your backpack to take it with you anywhere. You can then capture your memories in still or mobile images.
4. Samsung NX2000 CMOS Mirrorless Digital Camera
Samsung NX2000 mirrorless digital camera has a compact and lightweight construction that is easy to store and carry. The camera features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a 20-50mm lens that allows precise and vivid image capture. You can take crisper photos under harsh lighting within a 100-25600 ISO range. The HX2000 also has a 3.7-inch WVGA touch display that shows your subject in its color spectrum. You can further use Wi-Fi to connect the camera with your smart devices for sharing on various social media platforms.
The NX2000 also features an Auto-share function that automatically sends all your camera data to your smartphone. You can also use the Remote Viewfinder to capture team and family shots within a 30ft range. This camera can upload your photos to the cloud service like Microsoft SkyDrive to clear up memory space. It also supports shooting at 8fps, which allows clear image capture of fast-moving subjects. You can use this camera to shoot videos at a Full HD 1080p resolution. Moreover, you can attach a 3D lens to capture your memories in 3D resolution.
- Lightweight and compact
- Autofocus technology
- Wi-Fi enabled camera
- Multiple creative tools
Our Verdict
With the NX2000 mirrorless camera, you can upload your photos to the cloud for more secure and easily accessible storage. It is compact and has numerous creative tools that you will like.
3. Olympus E-M10 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Olympus E-M10 has a mirrorless design and more compact construction that does not downgrade its performance. The camera has a 16MP MOS sensor with a TruePic VII image processor. This feature allows you to capture images with an accurate color rendition and high resolution. E-M10 also includes a fast Autofocus system that supports up to 8fps. You can, therefore, capture clear images of fast-moving subjects. The camera also has an 81-point autofocus grid, which covers the image frame fully and provides additional focus options.
The Olympus E-M10 has creative tools such as color creator, HDR bracketing, photo story, photo movie capture, and more. Built-in Wi-Fi technology enables you to pair the camera with your smart devices to edit and share your photos or videos. You can use the flash to illuminate your subjects to reduce shadows. The camera also has an adjustable LCD touch display with 1440000 pixels, 1.15x zoom, adaptive brightness technology, and 120fps refresh rate.
- Customizable buttons
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast autofocus
- Image stabilization
Our Verdict
You can use the Olympus E-M10 camera to capture beautiful photos with the help of the 13-42mm zoom lens.
2. Panasonic Lumix G7 DMC-G7KK Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Lumix G7 has the latest generation of mirrorless interchangeable lens, which is compact and lightweight. The camera also includes a 16 MP sensor with an intelligent image processor. This feature allows you to shoot photos and videos without artefacts, which degrade the image quality. Lumix G7 supports 4K video recording and has three 4K photo modes. The camera also has a 3.5mmmic port, 2,5mm remote port, micro HDMI type D, and a USB 2.0 port. You get to expand the camera’s memory with a BUS Class UHS I/UHS-II SDXC/SDHC SD cards.
Lumix G7 also features front and rear dials that you use to control the shutter and aperture settings with ease. The camera has a 2360k-dot high-resolution OLED Live View Finder that features a 10000:1 contrast. This contrast ensures high-visibility under direct sunlight, and you can adjust the touch display to achieve optimal clarity. Depth-From-Defocus Auto Focus technology enables automatic focus at a maximum 6fps. You can use the 4EV low light automatic focus to capture clear images under the moonlight. You can also download the Panasonic Image app and connect it to the camera via Wi-Fi with your tablet or smartphone.
- Compact design
- Expandable memory
- Silent shooting
- Automatic focusing
Our Verdict
You can take the Lumix G7 camera with you anywhere and capture you every moment in HD 4K quality. It is durable, easy to use, and has autofocusing, which improves its quality further.
1. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera features a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and autofocus that captures images at 11fps. The camera’s mirrorless design enables a more compact and lightweight construction that does not compromise the video and photo quality. The a6000 has a built-in BIONZ X image processor that provides you with true-to-life images. You can also use Wi-Fi to connect the camera with your smartphone or tablet. The camera enables you to capture clear images even under harsh lighting from a 100-25000 ISO range.
You can also adjust the 3-inch LCD, which has 921000-dots resolution and is compatible with the Sony E Mount lenses. You can optimize your camera’s features such as portraits, time-lapse, and more with the PlayMemories Camera Apps and you can also expand the camera’s memory with SD/SDHC/SDXC and Stick Pro Duo, Pro-HG Duo cards for more storage. Wide compatibility makes the camera usable with Widow Vista or higher and Mac OS X version 106-109. You can, thus, connect the camera to your computer for video editing or uploading your data to the cloud.
- Compact and lightweight
- Intuitive and easy controls
- Wi-Fi-enabled
- Expandable memory
Our Verdict
The Sony Alpha a6000 is the ideal camera for both photography hobbyists and professionals as it provides high-quality videos and photos.