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The best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1200 have the features and performance to elevate your photography. Top mirrorless models, which replace mirrors with electronic sensors, are more compact and adaptable than even the greatest DSLR cameras. Many people are also quite good at shooting video. And there are options for every budget, from entry-level cameras to expensive models.
For many photographers and videographers, mirrorless cameras are an ideal choice. They are smaller and lighter than standard DSLRs, with fast and precise focusing systems and high continuous shooting speeds. Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are lots of options available, whether you buy new or used.
The good news is that most modern mirrorless cameras, including entry-level versions, can perform a wide range of photography and video tasks. With many options available, you’re likely to discover something that meets your requirements without breaking the bank. We bought and tested cameras, and our choices for the best mirrorless cameras under $1200 are listed below.
Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1200
Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon camera (Z 50) is the best mirrorless camera under $1200. This entry-level crop-sensor model is based on a 20MP sensor that works brilliantly in low light, with good noise management and a wide dynamic range. It’s also weatherproof, durable, and comfortable to hold, with a large grip and well-placed tactile controls. It’s also a fantastic choice for shooting fast subjects, as it has a high burst rate and a robust autofocus system.
It also boasts good video specs for the budget, including a screen that can be flipped down for vlogs. The similarly cost Sony a6400 has a somewhat more reliable AF system, making it a solid choice in this price bracket, but the Nikon’s colours and handling, along with a considerably more straightforward menu system, make it our top all-around pick for most consumers.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony a6000 is the best mirrorless camera for the money. Mirrorless cameras are smaller than DSLRs yet perform just as well. In reality, Sony makes some of the greatest mirrorless cameras on the market. While the a6000 has been replaced by the newer a6400, it remains a fantastic affordable alternative. To say this camera has excellent image quality is an understatement. The sensor has a resolution of 24.3 MP. It’s overachiever who consistently creates amazing photographs in a variety of settings.
The dynamic range is superb. And the ISO range of 100-25,600 is ideal for low-light settings. Even at high ISO settings, there is relatively no visible noise. The focusing system is still competitive with current versions. It makes use of 179 phase detection points as well as 25 contrast detection points. It also monitors moving subjects across almost the whole frame. The 11 fps continuous shooting speed is ideal for capturing quick action.
Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera
The R10 sounded too wonderful to be true when Canon launched it, but it is the perfect enthusiast camera. With its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, burst rates of up to 23fps when utilising the electronic shutter, and the excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF II found in the high-end R3, R5, and R6 bodies, it’s pretty unbeatable in terms of value for money.
It includes full subject tracking for humans, animals, and cars, and it can shoot 4K 60p (although cropped), but for the price, it’s a fantastic value and a versatile all-rounder. It’s exceptionally small and lightweight, weighing only 429g, and when combined with the new Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, you’ve got a strong combo for under 550g – ideal for aspiring street photographers.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a steal at less than $1200. It is the class leader in terms of performance and features. This DSLR camera includes everything newcomers and enthusiasts need to get started. If you choose the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, your money will be well spent. Because the sensor has a resolution of 24.1 MP, you can nearly always expect great image quality. And the low-light performance allows you to continue shooting after the sun has set.
The ISO range is 100 to 12,800, providing you with more shooting possibilities in various lighting conditions. Indoor sports and concerts can be shot with stunning effects. The autofocus on the Rebel T8i is dependable. It employs a 45-point cross-type arrangement, providing near-complete coverage of the frame even with moving subjects. Face identification is also useful for portraits, selfies, and vlogs.
Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Camera
Consider the Fujifilm X-S10 if you can stretch your budget a little. While the camera body can be purchased for less than $1,000, extra lenses will cost you more. If your budget allows it, this is one of the greatest APS-C cameras available. It’s one of the few cameras in this price range with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), which allows for smoother handheld pictures and films. It also boasts easy-to-use controls and a fully articulated screen, which is useful for video production or vlogging.
Despite being touted as a vlogging camera, the X-S10 is actually a fantastic photographic camera, thanks to its tried-and-true 26MP sensor and Fuji’s well-known colour science. You can experiment with different film simulation profiles to vary the look of your images right out of the camera. It isn’t weather-sealed like the Nikon Z 50 above, but that’s a tiny price to pay for a really well-built camera that feels fantastic in the hand.
Nikon Z fc DX-Format Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z fc incorporates the characteristics of the Nikon Z50 into a body that resembles a Nikon FM2 – only in bright colours. The Z fc is significantly smaller than Nikon’s full-frame systems, such as the Z6 II (opens in new tab) and Z7 II (opens in new tab), making it an excellent alternative for travel or street photography.
Whether you want it for photographs, movies, or both, it can record 4K 30p, shoot at up to 11fps in burst mode, and boasts precise and fast autofocus as well as Eye AF. You may also use the Nikon app as a wireless remote or to transmit photographs while on the go through WiFi. It has a Nikon Z mount, so you may use any of the available full-frame lenses.
Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Before the Canon EOS RP, it would have been difficult to obtain a brand new full-frame camera for around $1,000 if you wanted full-frame image quality on a budget. It’s one of the most economical full-frame cameras on the market, with a body price of just under $1,000. Of course, if you don’t already have lenses, you’ll have to stretch your budget, but it’s still a wonderful entry point into full-frame photography for those who can’t afford to spend a boatload on a camera body.
There’s a lot to like about the RP, from its small size to its simple controls and user interface. However, there is a cost. The build quality is a tad lacking, and the battery life is rather short. It lacks built-in stabilisation and only takes badly cropped 4k video, unlike the X-S10, thus it isn’t the ideal option if you want to shoot video. Still, for aspiring photographers, the increase in low-light prowess and the flexibility to employ full-frame lenses may be worth the trade-off.
Olympus OM-D E‑M10 Mark IV
The predecessor to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the Mark III, was a fantastic camera with a lot to offer. Its ageing 16MP sensor and contrast AF, on the other hand, left room for development. Fortunately, the Mark IV is an excellent upgrade, with the same 20.3MP sensor as the PEN-F and enhanced Continuous Autofocus.
While some minor changes, this Olympus camera introduces intriguing new features, such as a quick 15fps continuous burst mode. We particularly like the extra-tiltable screen, which can be flipped 180° down to provide the ideal selfie screen. And, happily, Olympus has restored quiet shooting to manual mode! For the ultimate pocket-size travel camera, use it with the EZ 14-42mm pancake lens.
Final Words
Our selections above are what we believe are the best mirrorless cameras under $1200 for the majority of people to buy, based on their needs. We consider the price, guest comments, and availability. If you want to make your own decision, here’s a collection of all our reviews for interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras under $1200. Take care not to become bogged down in the intricacies. Personal choice and shooting habits will be more important in your pick.