I absolutely love the fantastic number of budget camera choices we have as photographers in 2023. If you’re shopping on a bit of a budget what is the best mirrorless camera under $1000? As it turns out, there are a ton of fantastic choices in 2023 if you’re looking for a bargain but don’t want to miss out on good-quality images.
What Is The Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $1000?
1) Canon EOS RP
So what is the best mirrorless camera for under $1000? My number one pick for that spot has to be the Canon EOS RP. Canon’s first foray into the full-frame mirrorless world is a classic that introduced the RF mount to photographers while keeping the class-leading Dual-Pixel autofocus system that’s kept them competitive.
With 26.2 megapixels of resolution, the sensor has plenty of detail for aggressive cropping yet retains pixels large enough for good low-light performance. And at 453 grams it’s nearly ½ the size of the EOS 6D Mark II, the DSLR model that uses the exact same sensor.
- Sensor Size: Full-frame (36.00 x 24.00mm)
- Megapixels: 26.2
- Weight: 453 g.
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Maximum Video Resolution: 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 @23.98 fps
- Battery Life: 250 shots
- Price: Check On Amazon
For a full review of the Canon, EOS RP click here
2) Canon EOS R10
The Canon EOS R10 is a compact and affordable mirrorless camera that targets entry-level and less experienced users seeking a capable camera for both still photos and videos. Equipped with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a Digic X processor, the R10 is a fast camera that can shoot at 15fps burst speed with its mechanical shutter and 23fps with its electronic shutter, both with continuous auto-focus and auto-exposure.
It has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO 51200, and its top shutter speed is 1/16,000sec when using the electronic shutter.
The camera’s deep-learning artificial intelligence-based autofocus system, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, offers automatic face, eye, animal, and vehicle AF tracking modes, similar to the full-frame R3, R5, and R6 models.
In terms of video capabilities, the Canon R10 supports 4K/60p recording for up to an hour and Full HD footage at frame rates up to 120p, making it an attractive option for videographers.
The R10 also features a 3-inch 1,040K-dot LCD vari-angle monitor with a touch-screen interface, an integrated OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dot resolution, a magnification of 0.95x, and a 120fps refresh rate.
Other notable features include a UHS-II SD memory card slot, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, integrated USB Type-C, mini HDMI, microphone port, and a new multi-function accessory shoe
Key Features
- 2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- 4K30 Video, 4K60 with Crop; HDR-PQ
- 23 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
- 36m-Dot OLED EVF
- 04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Multi-Function Shoe, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Price: Check On Amazon
For a full review of Canon EOS R10 click here
3) Fujifilm X-E4
The Fujifilm X-E4 is a minimalist interchangeable lens camera that still gives you the best possible image quality in a tiny package. Unlike other manufacturers, Fujifilm uses its top-shelf sensors in all of its cameras. The X-E4, therefore, has the exact same resolution, video specs, and other abilities as the X-T4 and other professional cameras.
In addition, Fujifilm includes the latest in-camera Film Simulations, including Classic Negative and Bleach Bypass, for the best out of cameras JPEGS around. Paired with the many smaller prime lenses found in the system (such as the XF 18mm f/2 and 35mm f/1.4) you have a kit that weighs less than 1 kg that can shoot just about anything!
- Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Megapixels: 26.1
- Weight: 364 g
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Maximum Video Resolution: 4K (DCI) 4096 x 2160 @29.97 fps
- Battery Life: 460 shots
- Price: Check On Amazon
4) Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Micro 4/3rds has seen better days but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III remains a fantastic buy. The strength of the camera system is the tiny yet extremely sharp optics, world-class IBIS (in-body image stabilization), and IPX-rated weather sealing.
Despite weighing only 414 g. the E-M5 III packs almost all of the features of the larger E-M1 II into its chassis. 121 phase-detection autofocus points, an 80-megapixel high-resolution mode for still scenes, and up to 30 fps continuous burst make this as many sports, wildlife, and landscape camera as anything else around.
While you do have slightly worse low light performance compared to larger APS-C and full-frame sensors. But in good light, the size advantages and versatility of Micro 4/3rds are hard to beat.
- Sensor Size: Micro 4/3rds (17.00 x 13.00mm)
- Megapixels: 20
- Weight: 414 g.
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Maximum Video Resolution: 4K (DCI) 4096 x 2160 @29.97 fps
- Battery Life: 310 shots
- Price: Check On Amazon
5) Sony a6400
Sony is class-leading in terms of autofocus, dynamic range, and portability. While its full-frame lineup is on the expensive side, the Sony a6400 is an affordable, highly capable APS-C option.
Released just in 2019 this model sports an 11 fps burst rate, real-time eye autofocus for ultra-sharp portraits, and real-time tracking that uses intelligent AI to analyze the scene for perfect captures.
The a6400 is also an excellent video camera for vloggers, with S-Log2 and S-Log3 built-in for advanced color grading as well as zebra function, Gamma Display Assist, and proxy recording. Combined with its 24.2 megapixels of resolution you have a highly advanced photo and video machine at a bargain price!
- Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Megapixels: 24.2
- Weight: 403 g.
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Maximum Video Resolution: 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 @29.97 fps
- Battery Life: 410 shots
- Price: Check On Amazon
6) Fujifilm X-S10
Along with the X-E4 the Fujifilm X-S10 offers the latest gen Fujifilm sensor in a cheaper body form. The advantages of the X-S10 include IBIS for non-stabilized lenses, a deeper grip, and a more familiar PASM dial for photographers who don’t care for Fujifilm’s analog film-styled dials.
In-body image stabilization was previously only available on the much older and larger X-H1 and more expensive X-T4. You do give up weather sealing for the size benefits, though.
Videographers will also appreciate the 240 fps slow-motion recording in Full HD as well as Bleach Bypass and Eterna, two Film Simulations that apply an ideal low-contrast color profile to footage.
- Sensor Size: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- Megapixels: 26.1
- Weight: 415 g.
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Maximum Video Resolution: 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 @29.97 fps
- Battery Life: Approx. 325 frames
- Price: Check On Amazon
7) Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a DX-format mirrorless digital camera that centers on the versatile Z Mount. It excels in both stills and video photography, with a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 image processor that enables quick performance of up to 11 fps, a reliable 209-point hybrid AF system with eye detection, and impressive low-light performance up to ISO 51200.
Video enthusiasts can enjoy UHD 4K up to 30 fps and Full HD recording at up to 120 fps for slow-motion playback. The camera offers in-camera clip trimming for fine-tuning your photos and videos, while 20 Creative Picture Controls and 10 Special Effects settings help to infuse your imagery with a unique touch
Key Features
- 9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
- 36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 2″ 1.04m-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen
- ISO 100-51200, Up to 11 fps Shooting
- 209-Point Hybrid AF, Eye Detection
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Price: Check On Amazon
8) Nikon Z 30
The Nikon Z 30 mirrorless 4K camera is specifically designed for creators, vloggers, and streamers who are looking for an easy-to-use camera. It features pro-grade video quality with crisp 4K resolution, autofocus with eye tracking for people and pets, beautifully blurred backgrounds, outstanding low-light performance, and rock-steady image stabilization. Vlogger essentials are also included, such as a flip-out touchscreen selfie monitor, a built-in stereo microphone with adjustable sensitivity, a red REC light, and a smartphone app for controlling the camera with a compatible phone.
Additionally, the camera is designed for easy live streaming, with plug-and-play webcam operation, smooth Full HD 60p streaming over USB-C, 4K 30p streaming over HDMI and constant power over USB-C. As your skills develop, the camera can grow with you since it is compatible with Nikon’s entire line of exceptional NIKKOR Z lenses, from fast primes to macro lenses.
Key Features
- 9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
- Live Stream at 60p, In-Camera Time-Lapse
- Vlogging-Optimized Design
- Hybrid AF with Eye and Face Detection
- 3″ 1.04m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- ISO 100-51200, Up to 11 fps Shooting
- Built-In Stereo Mic, Ext. Mic Compatible
- Tally Lamp and Dedicated Selfie Controls
- Price: Check On Amazon
9) Sigma SD Quattro
The Sigma SD Quattro is the best mirrorless camera for under $1000 that you’ve never heard of. Sigma is better known for its lenses however they have spent the past 10 years developing Foveon technology, a sensor that’s entirely different from the Bayer designs used by every other manufacturer.
Foveon sensors use a stacked sensor design that makes them extremely sensitive to colors. They also pack incredible detail into their images. Despite being only APS-C sized the SD Quattro has color tonality and resolution on par with the Sony A7RIII and other full-frame models!
The downside is that the autofocus is very slow, the high ISO performance is very bad beyond 800, there is no video recording, and the RAW files can only be developed in Sigma’s own software. But if you’re in love with near-medium format color and sharpness and don’t mind slowing way down, the SD Quattro + 30mm f/1.4 kit is a fantastic deal.
- Sensor Size: 5 x 15.5 mm
- Megapixels: 39 MP equivalent
- Weight: 625 g.
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Maximum Video Resolution: none
- Battery Life: 200 shots
- Price: Check On Amazon
Conclusion
It’s a great time to be a photographer! Now that we’ve seen what’s out there…Exactly what is the best mirrorless camera under $1000? Well, with so many brands creating so many competitive choices, it was hard to choose a single camera for that slot. My top pick is likely the Canon EOS RP. But any one of these six cameras is sure to get you the shots you need and offer additional features besides!
Can’t afford a brand-new camera?
Sometimes, Cameras can be very expensive for many people. However, Keh is a great option to get a used one at a reasonable price. Read the full review here.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the article, in case you have any questions just drop them below & I will be happy to answer you.
Related posts
Canon Mirrorless Cameras Compared
Difference between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
Full Frame Mirrorless Canon Camera- Canon EOS RP
Top Rated Mirrorless Cameras – Your Ultimate Guide!
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the article if you have any questions just post them below & I will be happy to answer you.
If you enjoy the site, don’t forget to subscribe, we will only inform you when a new article is posted.
Wow you have really got into a lot of detail on what the best mirrorless cameras are! I just started a photography class at school and I did not think it would be very challenging, but I can see that there is so much to it that I did not know about previously. Apparently mirrorless cameras Are very important and very vital. Thank you for this in-depth article
You are welcome Misael!
Thanks for that very well-researched and informative review of mirrorless cameras for under $1000. It can be quite daunting choosing the right camera with all the technical info to go through. Your website is a valuable resource for someone looking for the right camera, but needing some guidance to make the right selection. I agree with you, the Canon EOS RP looks like a top choice. Have you done any reviews on action cams like the GoPro?
Hi Greg, unfortunately I didn’t write any reviews on Gopro cameras yet. However, I hope to do it as soon as I can. Thanks for your input & glad that you liked the site.