Here is a comparison chart of the best mirrorless cameras under $1000 in 2018. The prices listed are updated daily to provide you with the latest and most accurate list of prices. These cameras have full frame sensors which give you more flexibility in photography. Mirrorless cameras are getting cheaper and might be a better alternative to the DSLR to consider.
Best camera under 1000 2022
Every photographer is looking for the best camera that won’t break the bank. With new cameras coming to the market, it can be hard to choose an ideal model. With the price of new models rising, photographers are shying away from entry-level dslr’s and buying mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras instead. While many first time buyers prefer buying a cheap model, I believe this is not the way forward. I present to you the best hybrid mirrorless camera under 1000 (and even under 1500).
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Best hybrid mirrorless camera under 1000
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What Is the Best Mirrorless Camera Under 1000?
Believe me, finding a great mirrorless camera that is cheaper than $1000 is easy. Even semi-professional photographers and videographers can find suitable models in this price range.
If you got tired of toting around a bulky, heavy DSLR camera body and lens kit when you just want to take some photos outdoors, I recommend you replacing you old DSLR with a new, compact, high-quality mirrorless or micro-four-thirds camera.
Best Mirrorless Camera Under 1000 in 2022
After exploring the current mirrorless cameras market, I’ve gathered 13 best mirrorless cameras under 100 that are good for beginners.
1. Sony A7
- Comes with a full-frame image sensor
- Efficient AF system
- Great results even on high ISO
- High-quality OLED digital viewfinder
- Small, dirt- and moisture-resistant build
Cons
- Not found
When looking for the best mirrorless camera, you shouldn’t limit your search only to the models that were released last year. You can also choose from several older cameras that are still capable of offering great performance. Despite the fact that A7 was released in December 2013, its characteristics enable you to take amazing photos. The camera has a hybrid autofocus system that offers decent speed and accuracy in good lighting.
The standard design of this model is great, but it suffers from a few flaws that have been addressed in newer releases. For instance, the shutter produces some noise compared to modern digital cameras. However, when compared to a DSLR, it’s still relatively quiet. A7 offers terrific picture quality even on higher ISO settings, but the autofocus accuracy drops significantly when used in poor lighting conditions. During evening or night photoshoots, I advise you to use either manual or zone focus modes.
Recommended camera lens:
Sony 85mm f/1.8 GM
85mm models are known for their ability to take flattering portraits and this Sony lens elevates it to a completely new level. It highlights the model’s face while creating an alluring, gorgeous bokeh in the background. Photos taken with the lens have intense, vibrant colors, while the lens itself is highly reliable thanks to the weather-, dirt-, and moisture-resistant design.View More
Picture taken with Sony A7
2. Fujifilm X-T100
- Great JPEG image quality
- Low battery consumption
- Can be charged via USB
- High-resolution VF is great for work in bright lighting
- Tilting LCD screen allows taking selfies
Cons
- Rather slow performance can result in many “missed moments”
- Doesn’t have any weather protection
The X-T100 offers a sturdy body, an efficient viewfinder, and a rugged three-way articulating screen. Moreover, the camera’s build is so impressive that it looks like a pro-level model. This mirrorless camera has a standard 24MP CMOS image sensor capable of providing great results that are good for printing. It also includes 11 film simulation effects, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and a very user-friendly interface.
This camera has all the characteristics for taking breathtaking images including natural skin tones, perfect corner-to-corner resolution, minimum noise in poor lighting, and accurate color reproduction. FUJIFILM Company has over 80 years of experience, so you can be sure about the quality of their photo equipment. The Fujifilm X-T100 offers fantastic JPEGs, a digital viewfinder, and wireless support, which make it the best mirrorless under 1000 dollars to use for semi-professional photographers.
Recommended camera lens:
Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
Fujifilm’s latest wide-angle model stands out thanks to its ultra-wide focal distance support. It’s ideal if you plan to take dynamic nature or architectural photographs with many details.View More
Picture taken with Fujifilm X-T100
- If you are ready to spend more than $1000 on your camera, read more about the best mirrorless cameras for professional studio photography.
3. Canon EOS M100
- Small and convenient
- Quick AF mechanism
- Rotatable LCD touchscreen
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 24MP APS-C image sensor
Cons
- Doesn’t have EVF or microphone ports
- Small number of compatible native lenses
- 1080p video support is a bit outdated
This digital mirrorless AF/AE model is available at a low price and is widely considered to be among the best in its class. Moreover, M100 includes an SD card slot used for storing content and is supplied with an EF-M lens mount that functions as an image stabilizer and ensures you won’t take blurry photos. It has a regular 24.2MP CMOS sensor that can support Dual Pixel CMOS AF. If you’re searching for a camera model with such an image processor and you highly value accurate exposure settings and shutter speed, M100 may be the best mirrorless camera for these requirements.
Recommended camera lens:
Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
This universal lens is compatible with EOS M models and is perfect for photographers who want to unleash their creative potential. It has an 8.3-times optical zoom, an optical IS system equiv. to 4 exposure steps, and a Canon native STM focusing mechanism.View More
Picture taken with Canon EOS M100
4. Panasonic G85
- 4K video support
- Integrated Wi-Fi
- Display has touchscreen controls
- Rugged body with weather protection
Cons
- Disappointing battery life
- Lacks headphones input
The G85 is the best budget camera for video recording. It offers both 4K and 1080p support and has an impressive image stabilization system. Aimed primarily at moviemakers and vloggers, the Panasonic G85 is a universal MFT camera renowned for its efficient performance and UHD 4K footage quality. It has a 16MP MOS image sensor and a light sensitivity range of 200–25600, which is ideal for shooting in different lighting conditions. The G85 also offers a burst shooting mode with 10fps and a single-shot AF.
Another advantage this camera has over the competitors is that it doesn’t heat up quickly when recording 4K. I’ve used it several times and haven’t noticed the overheating that usually occurs when recording for longer than 15 minutes. The G85’s body has weather sealing and is water- and dust-resistant. It’s also quite sturdy and capable of enduring rough shooting conditions. Thanks to the ergonomic shape, the G85 allows you to take detailed, clear photos even when holding it with just one hand.
Recommended camera lens:
Panasonic Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7
This telephoto lens was designed specifically for cameras of the Micro Four Thirds system. It offers incredible sharpness at maximum aperture, as well as high levels of light fall-off, distortion, and purple fringing control.View More
Picture taken with Panasonic G85
- Can’t choose a good camera for an affordable price? Read more about the best cheap cameras for photography and the cheapest 4k cameras for high-resolution videos.
5. Fujifilm X-A5
- Efficient hybrid AF system
- Touchscreen with a selfie mode
- Integrated RAW format conversion
- 17 artistic filters
- 11 film simulation effects
Cons
- Doesn’t have a viewfinder
The X-A5 has a handy tilting screen that can be flipped and rotated to the front. Thanks to the included wide-angle lens, you can easily take amazing selfies and share them on FB and Instagram. Besides, this camera can record beautiful photographs and videos. Wi-Fi support is another pleasant feature. The tilted display is one of the camera’s biggest selling points and the reason why Fujifilm didn’t include a viewfinder. The impressive battery duration, great lens, and low price are big reasons why I consider it the best mirrorless camera under 700 dollars and a fantastic choice for beginners.
Recommended camera lens:
Fujinon XF 50mm f/2 R WR
This 50mm lens is the latest introduction to the X series, famous for its breathtaking picture quality. It has a focal length equal to 76mm and an f/2.0 max aperture that creates a charming bokeh effect. This small and stylish lens offers quick and quiet focusing while weighing less than 200 grams.View More
Picture taken with Fujifilm X-A5
- If you are just dreaming about becoming a professional photographer and don’t typically take photos in manual mode, I recommend you read about the best mirrorless cameras for beginners that are user-friendly.
6. Olympus PEN-F
- Compact, ergonomic body design
- Rotatable display
- Reliable image stabilization
- Digital shutter is incredible
- Touchscreen controls and integrated Wi-Fi
Cons
- Lacks dust and water protection
- Disappointing battery life
This model uses the brand’s E-5 as a base foundation while fixing all the main flaws of its predecessor. The Pen-F has an increased number of megapixels, which is perfect if you’re taking photographs at a fast pace. This mirrorless camera has a quick and efficient autofocus system that is superior to most models in its class. The camera’s visual design was also improved significantly while maintaining its vintage look.
The characteristic that stands out the most is the upgraded digital viewfinder that offers incredible sharpness and accuracy. Pen-F is aimed largely at photographers and so it doesn’t offer 4K video support and lacks mic or headphone inputs. Thus, if you’re planning on shooting videos a lot, you should consider other models mentioned above that are good for video recording.
Recommended camera lens:
Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 II Lens
This is a new, updated model of the brand’s wide-angle-to-telephoto lens. Thanks to the introduced weatherproof design, you can safely perform outdoor photo sessions without worrying about damaging your photo equipment. The lens also has an improved coating that ensures better results when working in poor light.View More
Picture taken with Olympus PEN-F
- If you want to use the camera that popular street and portrait photographers have, read more about the best cameras for photography you can buy for taking incredible-quality photos in high-resolution.
7. Olympus E-M10 III
- 16MP 4/3 Live MOS image sensor
- Great build quality and small dimensions
- Impressive single-shot AF system
- Beginner-friendly, straightforward UI
- Awesome battery life
Cons
- Hand grips are too small for bigger lenses
- Lacks a microphone jack
The E-M10 Mark III is a feature-heavy model packed in a small, stylish body, and offered at a very attractive price. It has a 16MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor and a broad sensitivity range of 100 to 25600 ISO. In max resolution, the camera offers a continuous shooting mode with 8.6 fps, which is only a bit more than its predecessor offered. Additionally, the camera has an efficient single-shot AF, a sharp viewfinder, and a handy touchscreen that can impress everyone with its functionality. The Olympus E-M10 can be connected to a smartphone via Wi-Fi, allowing you to send photos directly to your phone or tablet. Besides, its charming design has already made it a worthy purchase in my eyes. It looks stunning and grunge!
Recommended camera lens:
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 ED M.Zuiko Digital
This is a telephoto prime lens made for the PEN digital camera line. It has a 2x crop factor and a 90mm field of view, which is ideal for portrait photography with a shallow depth of field.View More
Picture taken with Olympus E-M10 III
8. Panasonic Lumix G7
- Better performance in poor light
- Nice results at higher shutter speeds
- Durable, scratch-resistant build
- Above average video recording capability
Cons
- Doesn’t have weather sealing
- Body can’t be purchased separately
- Plastic design
The DMC-G7 boasts a high-resolution digital viewfinder, a tilting display with touchscreen controls, a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, and 4K movie recording support. Firstly, I’d like to mention that the 4K footage quality is absolutely nice. If you don’t have the money necessary to purchase a professional video camera, then the G7 is a good budget-friendly alternative. This device is capable of recording in 4K resolution and the rotatable touchscreen gives you great operability. These features are further supported by the useful EVF and a nicely-designed body that has an ergonomic grip. For its price, this is the best mirrorless camera for video recording and a great variant for beginning YouTube bloggers.
Recommended camera lens:
Panasonic Lumix G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8
This is a telephoto zoom model with f/2.8 brightness on its entire zoom range, meaning there’s no risk of zoom damaging the quality or mood of a photograph. Another cool fact is that its autofocus works not only when you’re taking photos, but when you’re recording videos as well, which is ideal for shooting dynamic action scenes without having to worry about the subject becoming too distant from or close to the lens.View More
Picture taken with Panasonic Lumix G7
9. Nikon 1 J5
- Integrated Wi-Fi and NFC
- LCD touchscreen that can be rotated up to 180 degrees
- High-burst shooting mode speed with 20fps
- Pretty high resolution of 21MP
Cons
- Clunky interface design that slows down the camera operation
- Requires micro-SD format memory cards that are too tiny
- Lacks a hot shoe for attaching a flash or EVF
The J5 is perfect for anyone who’s looking for a small camera with interchangeable lenses suitable for taking dynamic photos. I think this lightweight model deserves to be a contender for the best mirrorless camera under 1000 dollars title due to its 1-inch sensor, powerful processor, and the ability to record 1080p videos with up to 60fps. Moreover, J5 is such a noticeable upgrade compared to the previous models that it can be placed at the same level as larger mirrorless cameras with better APS-C and Micro Four Thirds image sensors. This model is easy to learn and offers far better performance than most compact cameras do thanks to a broader set of features and interchangeable lenses that make your photos and videos look fantastic.
Recommended camera lens:
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 10-100mm f/4.0-5.6 VR
This is a universal lens with a 10x zoom that is capable of doing everything: capturing landscapes and taking group photos, portraits and close-up pictures. Additionally, the integrated Vibration Reduction technology is great for taking sharp photos.View More
Picture taken with Nikon 1 J5
10. Sony a6300
- Great picture quality
- Awesome 4K video
- Weather-resistant
- Pleasantly small and portable
- Controls are laid out ergonomically and intuitively
Cons
- Worse autofocus performance in poor lighting compared to a7s II and a7r II
- Accidental video recording
The A6300 offers incredible performance for its price. With a 24.2MP sensor, this Sony mirrorless camera shoots high-quality photos and videos at an excellent resolution. Keep in mind, previous 5D models didn’t have 24MP. The impressive number of pixels is supported by a sensor that is perfect for shooting at high ISO settings. Sony managed to pack a lot of power into this compact camera. Compared to A6000, A6300 offers better video quality and 4K footage support. Moreover, this model has a microphone input, which wasn’t included in the previous model. If you’re looking for a high-performance camera and are ready to spend some time learning its unconventional menu, this model will amaze you with its features and produce amazing results.
Recommended camera lens:
Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
An ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that is perfect for landscape photography and videography. This model is designed for advanced and professional users who need a broader minimal focal length compared to a regular wide-angle lens. A perfect choice for landscape photographers.View More
Picture taken with Sony a6300
11. Fujifilm X-T20
- Terrific picture quality
- Efficient autofocus mechanism
- Manual controls
- Rotatable display
- Includes several film presets
Cons
- Low battery life
The X-T20 is a very attractive camera both visually and hardware-wise. It has a 24.3MP resolution, which is as good as you can expect from a mirrorless camera under 1000 dollars. The display has handy touchscreen controls and can be rotated. It’s possible to fold the X-T20 and compose the shot by viewing the screen before taking a photo. The main drawback of having a touchscreen is that consumes more energy. When using this model, you should always have some spare batteries nearby so that the camera doesn’t die on you mid-shoot. The X-T20 is also great for users who don’t do image editing as it includes many movie presets that improve JPEG files directly in the camera.
Recommended camera lens:
Fujifilm 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 XC OIS II Zoom Lens
This is the latest lightweight, inexpensive telephoto model developed for the X series. It’s attached to an APS-C sensor and has an equivalent focal length of 76-350mm. This is perfect for shooting wildlife, sports events, and distant subjects of any kind.View More
Picture taken with Fujifilm X-T20
12. Samsung NX3000
- Nice picture quality in proper lighting
- Vintage body design
- Compact and ergonomic package
Cons
- Noise reduction is too strong
- Focusing is less accurate in poor lighting
- Low-resolution screen
This multifunctional and small mirrorless camera comes with a super-sensitive 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a state-of-the-art hybrid AF mechanism. The unbelievably high shutter speed of 1/4000s allows you to capture dynamic scenes without missing crucial moments or taking blurry pictures. Since the NX3000 has both Wi-Fi and NFC support, you can easily send images to your phone or tablet. This model also has Photo Beam, which can be used for transferring files instantly, while Mobile Link enables you to send entire folders at once.
Recommended camera lens:
Samsung NX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS
This Samsung lens has an optical IS system that enhances the overall quality of the photos and prevents blur. You can use it to record highly detailed videos thanks to the user-friendly, straightforward controls.View More
Picture taken with Samsung NX3000
13. Sony RX100
- Terrific image quality produced by a small body
- Suitable for outdoor and low-light photography
- High-resolution photos
- RAW format support
- Offers fully manual controls
Cons
- Disappointing battery life
- Can sometimes clip highlights
RX100 is a very interesting model since it signifies the introduction of another huge brand to the market of premium small cameras and represents a noticeable technological achievement. Sony managed to integrate a huge sensor into a compact body, which is an innovation that demanded a lot of effort and creativity. It doesn’t feature long zooms, one-click social media posting (such functions can be found in the MK 2, but they are a bit clunky) or other functions an ordinary user can expect from a small pocket model.
However, RX100 provides incredible picture quality for its size, and that makes up for all the missing features. This model has a 1-inch sensor, a Zeiss lens, and a 20MP resolution. It’s probably the best mirrorless camera under 1000 dollars for shooting weddings or traveling.
List of 13 Best Mirrorless Cameras Under 1000
| IMAGE | CAMERA | CHARACTERISTICS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sony A7OUR CHOICE | 24 MPFull Frame BSI CMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Fujifilm X-T100BEST UNDER $500 | 24 MPCMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Canon EOS M100BEST UNDER $600 | 24 MPCMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Panasonic G85BEST 4K | 16 MP4k | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Fujifilm X-A5FOR BEGINNERS | 24 MPCMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Olympus PEN-FFOR PROFESSIONALS | 20.3 MPLive MOS Micro-Four-Thirds (MFT) sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Olympus E-M10 III | 16 MPFour Thirds-format Live MOS image sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Panasonic Lumix G7BEST FOR VIDEO | 16 MP4k | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Nikon 1 J5 | 20.8 MPBack-illuminated CX-format 1-inch sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Sony a6300 | 24.2 MPCMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Fujifilm X-T20 | 24.3 MPX-Trans CMOS II | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Samsung NX3000 | 20.3 MPCMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Sony RX100 | 20.2 MP1in. type Exmor R CMOS sensor | CHECK PRICE → |
How to Choose the Best Mirrorless Camera Under 1000
As you’re picking the ideal camera for your needs, there are many camera characteristics you need to keep in mind before making your decision.
- If you can’t decide what camera to buy, read more about the differences between mirrorless vs DSLR cameras to choose a model that is good for your purposes and your pocket.
1. Matrix
Firstly, you have to study the physical dimensions and resolution of the matrix. Full-frame models usually offer the best images. Also, the better the resolution, the bigger and more detailed photographs you’ll take.
2. ISO
The larger the value, the better result you’ll achieve. If you dream of taking breathtaking photographs, this figure should be set somewhere in the 800 to 1600 range. If the ISO is lower, you risk taking dark or unclear pictures.
3. Image Stabilization
Image stabilization systems come in two forms: integrated into the body or built into the lens. If you go with the former, the stabilizer is a part of the matrix, which increases the cost of the camera, but provides superior stabilization results. You can buy models that possess both kinds of IS, but they aren’t very common.
4. Viewfinder
A viewfinder is meant to build the frame and to adjust the sharpness and focus of the picture. Additionally, the display shows the primary settings of the device: shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure, etc.
5. Video
Even though most mirrorless cameras already allow you to record videos, I recommend you definitely purchase one that has this feature, even if you don’t have any moviemaking ambitions for now. If this aspect is important to you, I’ve mentioned in the article which cameras have this function. Keep in mind that most have a max resolution of 1080p since models with 4K support are usually slightly more expensive.
6. Battery Life
Cameras with an electronic viewfinder have a disadvantage of draining the battery faster since they have a screen that needs to be powered constantly. Overall, mirrorless models are known to have poor batteries, but they are getting better with each next generation. For now, you always need to bring a couple of extra batteries with you.
7. Additional Functions
Cameras can offer extra, non-essential features. For instance, some models have Wi-Fi and NFC support, include various artistic presets, or have advanced LCD screens.
All this makes the camera using easier and more convenient. But if you do not plan to spend a huge amount of money on additional functions, the cameras illuminated above will be perfect for you.
