Mirrorless camera technology has come so far that even inexpensive models can deliver high-quality photos and videos without too much hassle. Compared to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras are also much more straightforward and portable for non-professional users.
The addition of nifty features like wireless file transfers, quick autofocus, and pocketable design are also among the unique selling points of mirrorless cameras.
But cameras can get pricey, and you should set your budget upfront if you don’t want to get into the rabbit hole.
For non-professional users, most mirrorless cameras under $1,000 should have more than enough quality images and videos.
If you’re currently looking for the best mirrorless camera under $1,000 – look no further. We’ll talk about the most popular mirrorless camera under that price point and the reasons why they’re worth every penny you spend on them.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents - Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000 - Fujifilm X-E4 - Canon EOS M50 Mark II - Sony ?6400 - Fujifilm X-T200 - Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV - What to Consider When Buying a Mirrorless Camera - Sensor Size - Video Capabilities - Inputs - Autofocus - Display - Stabilization - Size and Portability - Connectivity - Battery
Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000
Narrowing down the list of mirrorless cameras with a budget is always a great start to making the right purchase. Let’s go over the five best mirrorless cameras under $1,000.
Fujifilm X-E4
The Fujifilm X-E4 is what most people will think of when they talk about point-and-shoot cameras because of its appearance.
However, it’s packed with Fuji’s latest APS-C CMOS 4 sensor, which offers up to 26 MP image resolution in a gorgeous and pocketable body.
With Fuji’s high-performance sensor and color profiles, this camera can deliver crisp photographs without breaking a sweat.
The Fuji X-E4 can also shoot up to 4k 30fps videos with the option to record 10-bit files through a micro-HDMI cable. While the autofocus is quick enough to record moving subjects, it’s been known to have a problem tracking fast-moving subjects.
If you’re looking for a bang-for-the-buck mirrorless camera that can do everything well on ‘Auto’ mode, the Fuji X-E4 is the one for you.
Key Specifications
| Sensor | 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor |
| Sensor Processor | X-Processor 4 Image Processor |
| Resolution | DCI/UHD 4K at 30 fps, Full HD at 240 fps |
| Display | 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HDMI D (Micro), 3.5mm Microphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Iso Sensitivity | Auto, 160 to 12800 (Extended: 80 to 51200) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 3600 Seconds 1/4000 to 4 Seconds in Program Mode 1/4000 to 30 Seconds in Aperture Priority Mode 0 to 60 Minutes in Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 900 Seconds 1/32000 to 4 Seconds in Program Mode 1/32000 to 30 Seconds in Aperture Priority Mode 1 to 1 Second in Bulb Mode 1/4000 to 1/24 Second in Movie Mode |
| Video Recording Modes | H.264/MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 to 200 Mb/s] UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 to 200 Mb/s] DCI 2K (2048 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 to 200 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/200p/239.76p [100 to 200 Mb/s] |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Battery | 1 x NP-W126S Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1260 mAh (Approx. 380 Shots) |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 2.9 x 1.3″ / 121.3 x 72.9 x 32.7 mm |
| Weight | 12.8 oz / 364 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a popular choice among video content creators and photographers looking for a user-friendly camera that doesn’t require too much technical knowledge.
It features a 24MP APS-C sensor with DIGIC 8 processor and a Dual Pixel Autofocus system.
The enhanced Dual Pixel system allows you to track subjects and focus much easier by tapping on the articulating rear LCD. In other words, the Dual Pixel AF system allows the M50 to work like a smartphone camera.
The M50 Mark II also records video up to 4k resolution – but you won’t be able to use the Dual Pixel AF in that resolution.
You need to keep in mind caveats about the M50 Mark II, namely the lack of weather sealing and image stabilization.
But if you’re not very concerned about having high-resolution raw footage, the 1080p video quality is more than enough to satisfy you. You can also record slow-motion 120fps videos at 1080p.
Key Specifications
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Sensor Processor | DIGIC 8 Image Processor |
| Resolution | UHD 4K and HD 720p120 Video Recording |
| Display | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Iso Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
| Video Recording Modes | H.264/MP4 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 59.94p [60 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/29.97p [30 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 119.88p [52 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 59.94p [26 Mb/s] |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Battery | 1 x LP-E12 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 875 mAh |
| Dimensions | 4.6 x 3.5 x 2.3″ / 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm |
| Weight | 13.7 oz / 387 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
Sony ?6400
The Sony ?6400 is another candidate for the best mirrorless camera under $1,000 on our list.
It features an APS-C sensor that can take up to 24MP picture resolution with one of the best AF systems in the market.
You can take JPEG and RAW images with top-notch quality and a broad enough dynamic range to boost shadows without adding too much noise.
The ?6400 is also excellent for video recording since it has a 425 point phase-and-contrast detect AF system with real-time subject tracking and eye detection, almost instantaneous.
It also has a highly responsive touch LCD that also flips out to help you take selfies. Unfortunately, there’s no front dial, and the buttons aren’t always super accurate.
The Sony ?6400 is also moist and dust resistant, but it’s built larger and less ergonomic than other Fuji and Canon models.
Key Specifications
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor |
| Sensor Processor | BIONZ X Image Processor |
| Resolution | Internal UHD 4K Video, S-Log3, and HLG |
| Display | 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), Wired Remote Port, USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), Wi-Fi |
| Iso Sensitivity | 100 to 32000 (Extended: 100 to 102400) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
| Video Recording Modes | XAVC S UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/119.88p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [25 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p [16 Mb/s] AVCHD Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i [17 to 24 Mb/s] |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I) |
| Battery | 1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh |
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 2.6 x 2.4″ / 120 x 66.9 x 59.7 mm |
| Weight | 14.22 oz / 403 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
Fujifilm X-T200
The Fujifilm X-T200 is another contender for the best mirrorless camera under $1,000 with Fuji’s signature body and color profile.
It packs a 24MP APS-C sensor with an updated hybrid AF system that ensures crisp image quality.
Image quality is excellent on both JPEG and RAW output. The hybrid autofocus system is pretty quick, but it’s not faster than Canon’s Dual Pixel for subject tracking.
The X-T200 also delivers videos up to 4k (down-sampled from 6k). The 4k videos are better than its 1080p output, but you can’t use the digital stabilization at that resolution.
Key Specifications
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Sensor Processor | Ultra Sonic Vibration |
| Resolution | UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording |
| Display | 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI D (Micro), 3.5mm Microphone, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Iso Sensitivity | Auto, 200 to 12800 (Extended: 100 to 51200) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Second 1/4000 to 4 Second in Program Mode 0 to 60 Minute in Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 30 Second 1/32000 to 4 Second in Program Mode Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/32000 to 30 Second 1/32000 to 4 Second in Program Mode 0 to 60 Minute in Bulb Mode |
| Video Recording Modes | H.264/MPEG-4 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p HD (1280 x 720) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p 1080 x 1080 at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p 720 x 720 at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Battery | 1 x NP-W126S Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 8.4 VDC, 1260 mAh (Approx. 270 Shots) |
| Dimensions | 4.76 x 3.3 x 2.17″ / 121 x 83.7 x 55.1 mm |
| Weight | 13.05 oz / 370 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera with enough features to appeal to photographers and casual users. It has a 20MP four-thirds sensor with a 121 point contrast-detect AF system.
While the specifications sheet doesn’t seem impressive, this camera has in-body stabilization and a fully articulating touchscreen LCD.
Since the Olympus OM-D Mark IV has a smaller sensor, which allows for a smaller build, it is very portable.
It also records up to 4k 30fps videos and slow-mo 120fps at 1080p – but unfortunately, there’s no mic input.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive upgrade from your smartphone camera, the E-M10 Mark IV is almost a no-brainer given how affordable it is.
Key Specifications
| Sensor | 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor |
| Sensor Processor | TruePic VIII Image Processor |
| Resolution | UHD 4K30p Video Recording |
| Display | 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot 180° Tilt Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), HDMI D (Micro), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Iso Sensitivity | Auto, 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600) |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 60 Second 0 to 3 Hour in Bulb Mode Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/320 to 60 Second Electronic Shutter 1/16000 to 60 Second |
| Video Recording Modes | H.264/MOV UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [102 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/119.88p [18 to 52 Mb/s] HD (1280 x 720) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [10 to 26 Mb/s] MOV HD (1280 x 720) at 119.88p |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Battery | 1 x BLS-50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1175 mAh (Approx. 360 Shots) |
| Dimensions | 4.79 x 3.32 x 1.93″ / 121.7 x 84.4 x 49 mm |
| Weight | 11.82 oz / 335 g (Body Only) 13.5 oz / 383 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
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What to Consider When Buying a Mirrorless Camera
Sensor Size
The size of a mirrorless camera sensor determines the image quality, low-light capability, and depth of field when capturing a photo or shooting a video. There are three types of mirrorless sensors that you should know about:
- Full Frame Sensors: Largest sensor size that usually comes with high-end cameras.
- APS-C: Mid-range sensor which offers decent performance and resolution.
- Micro Four-Thirds: Standard sensor size for Panasonic and Olympus mirrorless cameras.
Suppose you’re setting your budget limit to $1,000. In that case, you may end up with either APS-C sensors from brands like Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon, and Canon, which offer decent low-light capability, relatively high resolution, and crisp bokeh in your images.
If you decide to go with Panasonic or Olympus, you will get the four-third sensors which offer less bokeh but allow for a more miniature camera and lens size.
Video Capabilities
While some mirrorless cameras can take crisp pictures with stunning bokeh and details, not all can record a video of the same quality.
The micro four-third sensors used by Panasonic and Olympus are excellent for video recording, but they don’t have the same quality when taking still pictures.
Most mirrorless cameras around the $1,000 price point can shoot up to 4k videos, but most of them can only stabilize when shooting at 1080p.
If the video resolution is important to you, the Fujifilm X-T20 is probably the best option from my recommendation.
It records up to 4k, which is down-sampled from 6k, resulting in more articulate details in the video.
Inputs
If you want to record videos with high-quality audio, you may need to input an external microphone into your mirrorless camera.
Unfortunately, some camera models like the E-M10 Mark IV don’t have the necessary audio jack to plug in your microphone.
Autofocus
Having quick autofocus will improve your overall experience when using a mirrorless camera. Most of today’s mirrorless cameras have decent face-detection autofocus.
But in recent years, camera manufacturers have improved the AF by adding an eye-detection system.
While autofocus accuracy is important, the quickness of a camera’s AF system can make the overall experience easier for you.
Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system is one of the best options for mirrorless cameras under $1,000 – which you should consider if you don’t want the hassle of setting up manual focus points whenever you take pictures or record videos.
Display
Generally speaking, you should look for a mirrorless camera with a high-resolution and responsive touch display for a better experience.
If you’re doing a lot of selfies, you should pick a camera with a flip-up or “tiltable” display – you’ll thank yourself for it.
Most of today’s cameras offer a high-resolution display, but some are less responsive than others and have a lower refresh rate.
Stabilization
If you want to take plenty of videos, you may want to look for a mirrorless camera with digital or optical stabilization.
Picking a camera with a stabilization feature will save you a lot of time in post-production, and you won’t have to buy a gimbal.
Panasonic and Olympus mirrorless cameras typically offer some form of image stabilization feature, which could be helpful if you’re planning to create daily vlogs or shoot a lot of point-and-shoot videos as you go about your days.
Size and Portability
If taking photos and recording during your travels are among the main reason you want a mirrorless camera, you’d appreciate models with compact size and high portability.
Compared to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have the upper hand in portability due to their smaller size.
The lighter weight also allows you to shoot videos for longer with less arm fatigue than using bulkier DSLR cameras.
Connectivity
The wireless functionalities are not something uncommon among mirrorless cameras. Most mirrorless cameras that support wireless connectivity usually also have a native app that you can download on your smartphone.
Though the features of each app may vary, most of them support direct image transfer from your camera straight to your smartphones.
Some manufacturers also introduced NFC functionality to their cameras, allowing for an even smoother pairing process by tapping your smartphone into your camera’s body.
Battery
Since portability is one of the main upsides of a mirrorless camera, it’s also worth looking for a model that has enough battery capacity for your needs.
The general rule of thumb is that larger batteries are better – but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get longer power-on time.
A lot of the inner workings of a camera eat up your battery quickly – especially the display and lens.
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Conclusions
The market for mirrorless cameras is quite competitive, which is a good thing for consumers. Even at the $1,000 price point, there are plenty of excellent mirrorless camera options that can deliver top-notch photos and videos – even with everything in automatic settings.
Keep in mind to consider every important aspect of a mirrorless camera before you jump the gun and make the purchase. It’s best to keep the well-balanced models to get similar result quality in various situations.
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