Mirrorless cameras are best known for their versatility. They’re a great option for novice photographers because they offer ease of control and interchangeable lenses. They’re also ideal for professional photographers in need of a noise-free, lightweight camera packed with the same features as their favorite DSLR.
In a lot of ways, a mirrorless camera is like a compact digicam that functions the same way a DSLR does. But the best part is that mirrorless cameras are often cheaper than standard DSLRs. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best budget mirrorless cameras under $600.
The Best Inexpensive Mirrorless Cameras Under $600
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Canon EOS M200
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
- Panasonic Lumix DC-G100
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The M50 Mark II by Canon is the ideal camera for the novice photographer, video blogger, or web streamer. It comes with a 3” LCD touchscreen for easy viewing and quick playback. The updated Dual Pixel AF and Eye AF make the Mark II a useful camera for continuous live streaming or on-the-go vlogging. Users have access to 4K/24p video recording and 120 frames per second in Full HD for slow motion. The 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor keeps all the content detailed and sharp.
Check out Canon Explorer of Light Vanessa Joy’s hands-on review of the Canon M50 Mark II to see the camera in action.
Why did we choose this mirrorless camera?
Between its fantastic image quality and compact, lightweight body, the Canon M50 Mark II is a terrific choice for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera. This model integrates beautifully with any of the EF-M lenses, or you can use an adapter to access the full range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
While many compact mirrorless cameras only offer electronic viewfinders as an add-on accessory, this one has a built-in viewfinder for greater shooting flexibility.
Features:
- 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Eye AF
- 4K/24p video recording
- 120p HD slow motion recording
- 3.0” LCD Touchscreen
Canon EOS M200
The Canon EOS M200 is arguably the best mirrorless camera under $600 for social media content creation. The Canon mirrorless camera has a tiltable 180-degree LCD touchscreen to pair with Self-Portrait Mode. Users can swiftly share content with the M200’s built-in Bluetooth and WiFi functionality. The Canon EOS M200 enhances creativity with features like vertical video recording, 4K timelapse mode, and creative filters and color effects. This product also comes with a EF-M 15-45mm lens.
Features:
- Comes with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 lens
- 180 degree flippable LCD touchscreen
- 4K video recording, 4K timelapse, Vertical Video shooting
- Creative filters and color effects
- Bluetooth and WiFi capability
Why did we choose this mirrorless camera?
The Canon EOS M200 is a fully functional interchangeable lens camera that’s easy to take with you on any adventure, no matter what type of content you want to create.
It’s a solid choice for new photogs too! The Feature Assistant function is helpful for beginners who are still learning about camera settings and how to get the looks they want in their photos.
While it may be a smaller camera, the M200 features an APS-C size sensor for better image quality than you’d get from many micro-four-thirds cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
Preserve your greatest memories with 4K photos and videos. Make the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 your life companion and capture your favorite moments in hi-res. After all, 4K offers immersive viewing: with a native resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, it’s four times bigger than Full HD. And that translates to richer colors and more precise details.
If you want to capture fast-moving action, you can rely on the DMC-G7’s Depth from Defocus AF technology. The new system has an AF speed of 0.07 seconds, as well as a burst shooting speed of 6 frames per second. That way, you won’t miss out on any fun.
Features:
- 16.84 megapixels, 16.00 effective megapixels
- 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio) sensor size
- LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens
- Focal length: f=14mm to 42mm (35mm camera equivalent 28mm to 84mm)
- Aperture: F3.5(Wide) – F5.6(Tele)
- 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 aspect ratio
- OLED Live View Finder (2,360k dots)
- Contrast AF system
- Shutter speed: 1/4,000 – 60 for still images, 1/16,000 – 1/25 for motion picture
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is a compact camera body featuring both an in-camera electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch rear touch-sensitive LCD screen.
Though it’s set at an entry-level price point, this camera has specs and features that make it more than capable of replacing larger, bulkier DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras without sacrificing image quality. In particular, the advanced image stabilization system helps you shoot with impressive sharpness in low-light situations.
Panasonic eliminated the low-pass sensor filter in this device, which is also its smallest mirrorless digital camera, so your photos will have better fine-detail performance than other cameras with the same sensor size.
Key features:
- 16.84 megapixels, 16.00 effective megapixels
- 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio) sensor size
- LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 and LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm / F4.0-5.6 lenses
- 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 aspect ratio
- OLED Live view finder (2,764k dots)
- Contrast AF system
- Shutter speed: 1/4,000 – 60 for still images, 1/16,000 – 1/25 for motion picture
Why did we choose this mirrorless camera?
If you want the flexibility of shooting both 4K video and sharp still photos, you’ll have a difficult time finding a better choice than the Lumix DMC-GX85.
For under $600, you’ll be able to create beautiful images with a fully functional manual or automatic-setting camera plus two compact yet versatile lenses. The 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 is the perfect walking-around lens for travelers and street photographers.
Vloggers, influencers, and photographers who want to keep a reliable camera on hand at all times will love this compact model.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G100
Contemporary content creators have to take on plenty of roles, from camera operator and sound technician to on-screen talent and video editor.
The DC-G100 simplifies and streamlines the creation process so you can focus on the content you want to create rather than on worrying about camera settings. The fully articulating screen simplifies shooting videos in selfie mode, while integrated OZO Audio by Nokia makes it easy to capture beautiful, clear sound from any side of the camera.
If you’re ready to put your cell phone recording days behind you and take things up a notch, the DC-G100 is the next stepping stone on your journey to high-end content creation.
Key features:
- 21.77 megapixels, 20.30 effective megapixels
- 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio) sensor size
- LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. lens
- Focal length: f=12mm to 32mm (35mm camera equivalent 24mm to 64mm)
- Aperture: F3.5(Wide) – F5.6(Tele)
- 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 aspect ratio
- LCD Live view finder (3,680k dots)
- Contrast AF system
- Shutter speed: 1/16,000 – 60 for still images, 1/16,000 – 1/25 for motion picture
Why did we choose this mirrorless camera?
The DC-G100 is simplicity at its finest. This camera is both small enough and light enough for handheld shooting, and you can also use a compact gimbal for smooth movement shots.
Frame-marker displays on the screen help beginners frame their shot correctly for any aspect ratio. So whether you typically post your content on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, you can record in the correct ratio every time, saving on post-production work.
Why did we choose this mirrorless camera?
The DC-G100 is simplicity at its finest. This camera is both small enough and light enough for handheld shooting, and you can also use a compact gimbal for smooth movement shots.
Frame-marker displays on the screen help beginners frame their shot correctly for any aspect ratio. So whether you typically post your content on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, you can record in the correct ratio every time, saving on post-production work.
What to Look for in the Best Inexpensive Mirrorless Cameras
When deciding on the perfect mirrorless camera for you, it’s important to think about how you’ll use your camera most often and the features that matter most to you.
Resolution
Resolution is an important factor in any camera. Many compact cameras often sacrifice resolution because of their smaller sensor sizes. As you explore your options, choose a camera with high-resolution video capabilities and the ability to shoot detailed RAW photos so you can futureproof your investment as your needs grow.
ISO
A wide ISO range makes it possible to shoot in any lighting conditions, both indoors and out. If you usually shoot with available light, make sure you find a camera that can perform well at high ISOs without introducing noise or sacrificing image quality.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is a big help for capturing photos handheld. The key feature of a compact camera is portability, so you don’t want to have to worry about packing a tripod when you’re out shooting. That makes a camera with an in-body stabilization system that works with lens stabilizers a smart choice.
Build Quality
At lower price points, some camera manufacturers sacrifice durability in camera housings and materials. Protect your investment by looking for a mirrorless camera built with robust, reliable materials. Metal case components are usually the strongest, but heavy-duty plastic is often rugged enough as long as you’re careful with your gear.
The Takeaway
Just because you have a modest budget doesn’t mean you need to compromise on your photography and videography. By selecting one of the recommended cameras on this list, you can create high-quality content without spending beyond your limit. Choosing a compact mirrorless camera is also an affordable way to start learning and practicing photography.
Gear? Check. Now, time to expand your creativity. Check out our Photography 101 and Video 101 series to kick off your creative passion.
