As the pandemic presses on, more Australians are pursuing creative hobbies to get through these uncertain times. Amongst the most trending right now is photography, which has seen a significant boom over the last 12 months. We’re sure you’ve considered joining in on the hype too, or you wouldn’t be here reading this. So, we’ve decided to present you with the 5 best mirrorless cameras on the market right now.
1. Sony A6100
The Sony A6100 is aimed at beginners and people who wouldn’t really consider themselves photographers but want to capture great photos (don’t we all?). It’s one of the easiest cameras to use on the market. It features an all new and powerful autofocus system, and an advanced AF system with highlight dependable subject tracking, meaning your photos are basically taken for you.
Other features include a 1.44M dot OLED electronic viewfinder, a 09M dot LCD tilting rear touchscreen, Wi-Fi for image transfer to smart devices, 4K video capture and USB charging. You can get all this, plus a two-lens kit adding a 55-210mm zoom all for $1100. Confused? No. Your mind should already be made up.
2. Nikon Z50
Introducing Nikon’s first Z range camera to use an APS-C sensor. This handy device is once again aimed at people who aren’t seasoned professionals, but want a candid for the gram. Viewing at 20.9MP, it features two uniquely powerful lenses. First, a 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 collapsible standard zoom, and a 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom, both with built-in image stabilisation (or as Nikon calls it, ‘vibration reduction’). Without doubt, your pictures will come out crystal clear.
The innovative camera also includes up to 11 fps shooting with AE/AF, 5fps with live view, and 4k video at up to 30p. Other features include a twin control dial interface, bluetooth-enabled Wi-Fi and Creative Picture control effects (sounds like fun!). You can get all this, including the zoom and two lens kit with both DX zooms, for just $1350. Happy snapping!
3. Canon EOSRP
The Canon EOSRP sits among the smallest and lightest full-frame cameras on the market. It’s also the least expensive at launch, ever.
Featuring solid JPEG image quality, this camera is once again great for casual users. It offers a stripped down shooting experience in exchange for its large full frame image sensor. It also lends itself to more price-conscious users with access to shallower depth of field, similar to what most full frame cameras offer over those with APS-C or smaller sensors. Other features include 4K/24p, 4 fps continuous shooting with continuous AF, a Digic 8 processor, 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder, fully articulated 1.04M dot touchscreen, twin command dials and CIPA rated to 250 shots per charge. For the whole package, you can expect to pay around $2400.
4. Fujifilm – T30
The cheapest on the list, the Fujifilm X-T30 is again a great camera for beginners. Featuring a 26MP sensor, processor and many of the features of the high-end X-T3 cameras, it comes with direct controls and tilting touchscreen, and an overall smaller body, making it great for travellers or those who love a little adventure.
Other features include an X-Processor 4, Hybrid AF system, 425 phase detect points spread across its entire frame, a joystick for AF point selection, DIC and UHD 4K/30p capture using the full width of the sensor, a single SD card slot, and 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording or a 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. It also features burst shooting at 30 fps with no blackout crop using a unique top-of-the-range electronic shutter. You can get the camera body alone for just $899, compared to $1499 for its parent model, the X-T3. It’s no wonder why this camera is flying off shelves and into the hands of keen hobbyists.
5. Sony a6600
The Sony a6600 is the company’s best APS-C mirrorless camera. Featuring 24MP of resolution and 4K video capture, it boasts the biggest battery (810-shot) and best build of the entire a6000 series. Perfect for travel and outdoor activities, it comes with an in-body image stabilisation and excellent autofocus tracking, making it the best crop-sensor video in Sony’s catalogue. Not to mention, it works great in low light so you don’t need to worry about those early sunsets as we approach the cooler season. It’s certainly not the cheapest on the list, but if you’re feeling generous, $3500 will get you the body, including a 0.9 dot tilting touchscreen, plus an 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens and an overall longer-lasting experience.