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Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000 (Top 5 Picks For Filmmaking & Photography)

Olympus OM D E M10 Mark IV

Mirrorless cameras are often made for travel. They are compact in design, can shoot videos as well as can see what your camera lens sees at the same time, but on the LCD instead of the optical viewfinder

Choosing the right camera is a challenging part of photography. In this article, you will be informed that are the best mirrorless cameras under $1000 if you are a newbie in the photography world or want to switch up your game.

A Quick Look at My Favorite Mirrorless Cameras under $1000

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best For YouTubers
Panasonic LUMIX G95

Panasonic LUMIX G95

10
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Best Versatile
Fujifilm X-S10

Fujifilm X-S10

9
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Best Compact
Canon EOS M200

Canon EOS M200

8.6
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Best For Amateurs
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

8.5
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Best For Vlogging
Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Canon EOS M6 Mark II

8.6
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Key Takeaways

  • If you’re looking for a camera that you can vlog with, I’d say go with the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, because its lightweight and travel friendly
  • The most versatile camera under $1000 is probably the Fujifilm X-S10.
  • When buying a mirrorless camera, make sure you understand your intentions with the camera are clear.
  • When buying a mirrorless camera, the most important things you should look for are: Autofocus system, sensor size, frame rate, image quality.
  • Do not spend a huge amount of money on your first mirrorless camera.

The Top 5 Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000

5. Panasonic LUMIX G95 – Best For YouTubers

Panasonic LUMIX G95 3

What I Like

  • Versatile
  • Great For Photo & Video
  • Great For The Money

What I Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t shoot 1080p 24fps
  • Cropped 4K Video

Panasonic LUMIX G95 mirrorless camera is lightweight that can be easily sealed in your travel bag. A strong grip and quality leather materials show that it is built to last.

You don’t need a professional skill level to use the Panasonic LUMIX G95 mirrorless camera, entry-level enthusiasts can put their hands too.

If you intend to use it for content creation in pictures or videos, the LUMIX G95 mirrorless camera will capture every moment incredibly clear. The weather-resistant feature is a nice bonus, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not to shoot on cold rainy days.

Panasonic LUMIX G95 has 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor. It features a Micro Four Thirds system camera format to create crisp and clear pictures. Every adventure you shoot is going to appear effortlessly in high precision.

This will help you focus on details and live view mode will multi-shoot long exposure pictures. Shooting 9fps autofocus with static objects and 6fps with continuously moving subjects, your content is going to be a chef’s kiss.

Another amazing feature of Panasonic LUMIX G95 is its unlimited video shooting capacity. The only limit is your MicroSD Card. The mirrorless camera can shoot 4K resolution at 30p and 24p. Plus, in the photo/video editing process, the camera gives you full freedom to access with its12 stops of dynamic range in your pre-recorded video.

The battery life of Panasonic LUMIX G95 can last about 290 shots per charge with the use of the touchscreen. If you activate the  Power Save LVF mode, it will highly increase the battery life.

The sound quality in your YouTube channel will be crystal clear because the Panasonic LUMIX G95 features an external microphone and a headphone jack socket to let seek help from external equipment.

Why should you buy it?

This camera consists of a weather-resistant feature which is a nice bonus, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not to shoot on cold rainy days.

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Sample Pictures of Panasonic LUMIX G95


4. Fujifilm X-S10- Best Versatile

Fujifilm X S10

What I Like

  • Good Value For Your Money
  • Small & Easy To Grip
  • Great LCD Screen
  • Amazing Image Quality

What I Don’t Like

  • Small Flash

Fujifilm X-S10 has an extra minimalist appearance when you look from the distance. The portable and lightweight design features a really secure grip, so not even a harsh drop won’t make the camera fall apart.

It is intended more for professional use, rather than amateur use. It is definitely not hard to understand, but with some failed attempts, you will figure it out.

X-S10 packs the articulated LCD touchscreen with 180° vary angle modes. This will help you see how much of a background space you want to include in your picture.

The camera has 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor that supports full clarity even in dark lighting conditions. It doesn’t compromise the quality of the picture and stays steady without shaking a bit.

The autofocus system is dependable. It has a tendency to work accurately in just 0.02 seconds to boost your creativity. In that case, you won’t miss any important shots that you want to catch. Also in the fast-moving subjects, you can keep up the tracking with the best in class image quality.

Fujifilm X-S10 supports 4K resolution and the controls are super easy to use. If you switch to Full HD mode with 240fps, you can accomplish a 10x slow-motion effect, so even just a basic movement can become phenomenal.

Image manipulation has never been so easy. For such a long time, Fujifilm has been developing a legacy for making the iconic analog film by using different simulation modes. The X-S10 has 18 Film Simulation modes, to help you create wonderful images.

The versatility of the lens is endless, it gives you the opportunity to combine with more than 30 high-quality lens types like FUJINON XF, XC, or MK Lens.

The battery life in Fujifilm X-S10 is 325 frames per charge. It will drop a little bit to 360 shots if you the LCD screen.

With all that being said, I can confidently say that this is one of the best mirrorless cameras under $1000.

Why should you buy it?

This camera will boost your creativity, and in that case, you won’t miss any important shots that you want to catch.

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Sample Pictures of Fujifilm X-S10


3. Canon EOS M200 – Best Compact

Canon EOS M200

What I Like

  • Affordable
  • Can Shoot 4k Video
  • Great For Live Streaming
  • Travel-Friendly

What I Don’t Like

  • Overheating Issues
  • Short Battery Life

When we decide to buy a camera, the very first thing we look for is the compactness. If the camera is not lightweight and compact, is really a downside of the product especially if you are using it for content creation.

For beginners in the photography world, Canon EOS M200 is a great fit even though it is professionally intended. Over time with practice, you will become a better user of the camera.

Social media users will highly appreciate the Canon EOS M200 because of the included features like vertical video support, excellent autofocus system, and many more features. You will meet the creative side of yourself you never knew existed.

Canon EOS M200 has a 24.1 Megapixel camera Dual Pixel CMOS AF that will be the accuracy you are seeking to pour your ideas into reality. It can shoot 6.1fps burst shooting and 4fps with AF.

For far-away objects that are not centered, there is a wide 88% x 100% autofocus area. You will love how detailed and saturated your images and videos are about to become.

As I previously mentioned, if you are a content creator on social media, the vertical angle will make your videos appear more fun and engaging. Canon EOS M200 supports 4K videos as well as 4K time-lapse videos in vertical mode. It will give you the cinema vibe with its telephoto lens type.

The video quality continues during the nighttime shootings including Face Tracking and Eye Detection. The 4K may limit or crop the view a little bit (1.6x), but in Full HD mode, everything works fine.

The battery life in Canon EOS M200 is 350 shots per charge, which is more than enough to create in-camera editing and then will make your job easier in the post-production process.

Why should you buy it?

With this camera, you will love how detailed and saturated your images and videos are about to become.

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Sample Pictures of Canon EOS M200


2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV- Best For Amateurs

Olympus OM D E M10 Mark IV

What I Like

  • Very Lightweight
  • Long Battery Life
  • Durable With Good Build Quality
  • Excellent Picture Quality

What I Don’t Like

  • Not that great for video.

With a single look, you can notice the sleek and premium design vibe. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offers us either silver or fully covered black color. The size of the camera is so compact that it weighs less than a pound. Put it in your pocket and you’ll be fine to move. However, the LCD screen fails in the placement. When you flip the articulated screen, it doesn’t allow you to use a selfie stick or tripod.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the easiest mirrorless cameras to use, that is the main reason why amateurs would kill for it. The monitor is flip-down and is specifically dedicated to selfie mode. When you flip down the monitor, selfie mode will automatically turn itself on.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has a 20MP advanced live MOS Sensor that will bring true-to-life image quality in your in a single frame. Having 4.5 fps burst shooting with autofocus mode, your action will be super clear even in the fast-paced movements of your target subject.

The video shooting is highly impressive too. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV supports 4K resolution 2160p, therefore, you are not only limited to using it for travel, but also portraits, documentary videos, and sports shooting will be with the bottom level of fuss.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV camera unfortunately is not weather sealed. It doesn’t include a microphone and headphone jack, so if you are planning to use it for the studio, this one might not be the best option for you.

In case you want to step up the game of photography, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has to offer 16 art filters, 31 types in total. Instant film is included in order to give you back that nostalgic feel.

The battery life in the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV can handle 360 shots per change with an LCD touchscreen.

Overall, i’d say that if you want high quality photos and great video quality, then this is one of the mirrorless cameras you should add to your shortlist.

Why should you buy it?

With this camera’s autofocus mode, your action will be super clear even in the fast-paced movements of your target subject.

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Sample Pictures of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV


1. Canon EOS M6 Mark II – Best For Vlogging

Canon EOS M6 Mark II

What I Like

  • Great For Traveling With
  • The Focus System Is perfect
  • Great Colors
  • Above Average Battery Life

What I Don’t Like

  • Beginners might find it hard to use.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II is put together with high-quality built materials and a compact design. It offers two colors in advance, the classic black one, and silver. The durability of the camera is decent, it will handle e few soft drops, but it may not survive a splash of water. I suggest you be extra careful in many weather conditions.

The required skill level to use EOS M6 Mark II is professional, so if you are an entry-level user, is going to take a bit to find out the key specifications and how they work. This mirrorless camera has a telephoto lens type which will help you get the desired angle precisely.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II has a 32.5MP Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor and an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. The specifications don’t end here.

The 14 fps continuous shooting mode is more for action shooters because it allows you can take multiple pictures in such a short time. In the end, success will eventually follow.

The 30 fps raw burst mode is active with AF tracking. There is pre-shooting with 0.5 seconds and also an electronic shutter system that can freeze the high-speed movements. You will be left capturing the exact moment of the picture in your mind.

The video shooting in Canon EOS M6 Mark II is reasonably detailed and supports 4K resolution at 30p and 25p in full width, with no cropping. If you apply external electronic helpers like tripods or microphones, the video quality reduces. Plus, if you plan to live stream, you get mediocre quality.

The battery life in Canon EOS M6 Mark II has rated 305 shots per charge, which is not something above the average. If you intend to use it for longer, it is recommended to be used in the Eco Mode. Canon says that it will increase the battery and you will get approximately 410 shots per change.

A powerhouse in a compact body – definitely one of the mirrorless cameras i would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat.

Why should you buy it?

This camera is built for professionals so if you are an entry-level user, is going to take a bit to find out the key specifications and how they work.

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Sample Pictures of Canon EOS M6 Mark II


Specifications When Buying a Mirrorless Camera

Skill Level

If you are a newbie who has just stepped into the camera world, then look for an amateur or entry-level camera, because the adjustment of features in the professional skill level is much more complicated. Start from the basics, and then switch up after a time.

Physical Attributes

anonymous woman with vintage photo camera and lens 2022 02 04 20 25 31 utc 1

The first thing to look at in the mirrorless camera is how compact the camera is. The reason is that you will hold it for a long time, and it will become very tiring. 

Look at the size, if is it a perfect fit for your desired bag. Lastly, check the built materials. You know, we don’t want to spend money on a camera that will fall apart in a single drop.

Lens Options 

The market offers different types of lenses, but not all of them will give you desired shot, or what is exactly on your mind. Choose wisely.

Autofocus System

If you can want your subject always to come first, and fast-paced action is your thing to go, then pay attention to the aperture priority mode to give you full access over the aperture.

Frame Rate

shooting process 2021 08 29 04 27 45 utc

Catching the movement perfectly is challenging, you need to know how many frames per second can the camera shoot. When you use it for vlogging and video making, 24 and 30 fps are ideal. Use 60fps to capture the sharp details. 

Image Quality

Image quality is very important when buying a mirrorless camera. In fact, image quality is the first thing you should look for when buying one.

The image quality also depends on the type of the lens you choose, and in which field of photography you are going to perform.

To get the best image quality, i recommend getting a 4K camera with a full-frame sensor. If you can’t afford a full frame camera, i recommend something like the Canon EOS M50. The Canon EOS M50 doesn’t have a full frame sensor but it’s pretty powerful.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners use mirrorless cameras?

Mirrorless cameras are one of the greatest options for beginners! That’s because they are super compact and very easy to use.

Are mirrorless cameras really expensive, and are they worth it?

When you compare the price tag of a mirrorless camera with any other type of camera, you will notice that they are the most expensive ones that you can purchase. Still, being great enough to be used by anyone, it is super worthy of owning one. Their features are indeed for everyone.

What lenses can I use with my mirrorless camera?

Some of you may know that DSLR cameras work with many different lenses, but when it comes to mirrorless ones, you should keep in mind that they have some requirements. Mirrorless cameras work great with RF mount lenses, Z mount lenses, and E mount lenses.

Are mirrorless cameras good at focusing?

If you want to find the best camera with the best focus, you will notice that many mirrorless cameras will appear. That concludes the part that mirrorless cameras have a perfect focusing ability, and they will help you capture the best photographs.

Final Words

Finding a mirrorless camera at a budget price is a challenging part of photography. There are many other things to pay attention to before you decide to buy one.
Before you get a mirrorless camera ask yourself what is your exact purpose for buying, and the skill level you have.

Further Reading

If you’ve already decided on one of the options here, i’d recommend you read our article on the best camera sliders you can buy, because they can increase your video quality and make everything look much more professional.

If you still have trouble understanding these mirrorless cameras, read What Is A Mirrorless Camera? Also, if you liked the article and you are interested more in DSLR cameras, then I highly recommend reading Best DSLR Cameras Under $2000 For Enthusiasts.