Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000 (Top 11 Around $1000!)

Our list gives you the best options in this price range when writing this. We looked at camera resolution, burst rate, autofocus, video performance, and other features. Our top choice is the Fujifilm X-S10. But what will work best for you?

To choose the right type of camera for your budget, you need to consider what you want from your photography.

Do you need a camera to take pictures at parties or on holiday? Or do you want something to help you become an enthusiast or even a professional?

Your choice is between full frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras:

• Full frame cameras such as the Canon EOS RP are generally larger and heavier. But they give you better low-light performance. And they provide background bokeh for both stills and video. They often have more megapixels, but not necessarily.
• APS-C models such as the Fujifilm X-S10 are more compact and portable. This is especially true when you consider the size and weight of your lenses. But you sacrifice image quality. And you might have to replace all your glass if you decide to upgrade to a full frame camera at a later date.
• Micro Four Thirds cameras have the smallest sensors of the bunch. One example is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. But Olympus and Panasonic do offer some good options with plenty of features.

A cheap and cheerful APS-C or Micro Four Thirds model is fine for casual use. Some features available on the Sony a1 or Nikon Z9 have also trickled down as far as these cameras.

But if you decide to take up photography seriously? You may regret it. You’ll need to trade your whole kit for a full frame system. It’s up to you…

Let’s quickly look at the best mirrorless cameras for less than $1000, before we delve into each model in more detail.

• Fujifilm X-S10
• Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
• Canon EOS RP
• Sony a7 II
• Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
• Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90
• Canon EOS M50 Mark II
• Nikon Z50
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II
• Canon EOS M200

1. Fujifilm X-S10

Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1000

2. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Best APS-C Budget Mirrorless Camera

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best MFT Budget Mirrorless Camera

4. Canon EOS RP

Best Full Frame Budget Mirrorless Camera

5. Sony a7 II

Best Sony Mirrorless Camera Under $1000

6. Panasonic Lumix DC-G9

Best Panasonic Mirrorless Camera Under $1000

7. Panasonic Lumix DC-G95

Highly Recommended Mirrorless Camera Under $1000

• Video Quality and Features

8. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Best Budget Mirrorless Camera for Streaming

9. Nikon Z50

Best Nikon Budget Mirrorless Camera

10. Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Best Burst Mode for a Budget Mirrorless

11. Canon EOS M200

Most Affordable Canon Mirrorless Camera

When starting out in photography, it’s hard to know what format camera to buy. Full frame, APS-C, or Micro Four Thirds? Given the budget of around $1,000, all the models on this list are around the same price.

And even the crop-sensor models offer lots of features. Fujifilm mirrorless cameras like the X-S10 or X-T30 II are excellent. Olympus and Panasonic offer Micro Four Thirds models packed with features.

But most enthusiasts and professional photographers use full frame cameras. What’s the point of starting with something you’ll only trade in if you decide you want to take it more seriously?

This is not an easy decision. And you might not know how you’ll feel in six months or a year. But we hope this list will give you the best possible options to choose from.

These are the most common questions for the best mirrorless cameras under or around $1000.

What’s an APS-C Camera?

An APS-C camera is either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. It uses an APS-C sensor. APS stands for “advanced photo system.” And the sensor measures anywhere from 22.3 x 14.9 mm to 25.1 x 16.7 mm. This compares to 36 x 24 mm for a full frame sensor. So it’s quite a bit smaller.

What’s a Micro Four Thirds Camera?

A Micro Four Thirds (or MFT) camera is another kind of crop-sensor camera. It uses an even smaller sensor, measuring 17.3 x 13 mm. Olympus and Panasonic generally produce the best Micro Four Thirds models.

What Does “crop factor” Mean?

The crop factor compares a particular sensor to a full frame sensor. You work it out by dividing the diagonal length of the full frame sensor (43.3 mm) by the same for the other sensor. Different APS-C cameras have different crop factors. It depends on the size of their sensors.

What are the Crop Factors for Nikon and Canon APS-C Cameras?

The APS-C sensors in Nikon’s APS-C (DX-format) cameras are 24 x 16 mm and have a crop factor of 1.5. But the ones in Canon’s APS-C cameras are only 22.3 x 14.9 mm and have a larger crop factor of 1.6.