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The 14 Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1500 of June 2023

Suzanne Woods
  Jun 6, 2023 9:58 AM

Are you looking for a quality mirrorless camera that doesn't break the bank? Look no further! We’ve rounded up an extensive list of the best mirrorless cameras currently on the market - all under $1500.

Whether you're just starting out in photography, or have been shooting professionally for years, this post will provide insights into the features and benefits each camera offers, so that you can make an educated decision and find the right device to suit your needs. So what are some of these fantastic options? Read on to find out more!


Our best choices

Best value: Nikon Z50

This fabulous kit includes everything you need to get your photographic journey off to an amazing start. The Nikon Z50 offers stellar performance and creativity with its  revolutionary Z mount, the widest lens mount yet seen in a comparable camera system.

With this wider mount, you can capture incredibly bright images with sharpeness and contrast that rivals even the most expensive cameras. Plus, it's capable of recording 4K Ultra HD videos and stunning time-lapse footage at up to 1080p slow-motion speeds.

And with the included NiKKOR DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 and NiKKOR DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 lenses and 64GB SD card, you'll have no shortage of ways to bring your stories to life! 

Best powerful: Nikon Z50 Compact Mirrorless

This powerful system is designed for creatives who want to take their artistry to the next level. It sports a remarkably compact and lightweight body that's durably constructed, and is the first DX-format mirrorless camera to use a large 55 millimeter lens mount – providing great advantages in image quality and lowlight performance.

With its 20.9 MP sensor and robust 4K UHD video features, you can capture sharp, high-resolution images and videos no matter what scene you’re shooting from. Plus, this device comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for simple pairing to your smartphone and a unique “selfie” flip-down touch LCD screen, making it perfect for capturing self-portraits or vlogging.

Best compact: Sony Alpha a6400

This powerful, compact camera is designed for the advanced photographer that wants ease of use and excellent image quality. From its impressive 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with DRAM to its large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to capture crystal clear photos and videos in any setting.

Its 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points cover 84 percent of the sensor which creates fast and accurate shots up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors.

The tiltable LCD screen makes it easy to customize settings based on your style so whether you’re vlogging, still shooting, or filming a professional video, this camera will help get the job done quickly and easily. 

Best durable: Nikon Z 50 DX-Format

This ultra-compact, lightweight, yet durable camera is great for any beginning or experienced photographer looking to explore all the possibilities digital photography has to offer.

The large 55 millimeter lens mount of the Z 50 gives you amazing advantages when it comes to capturing stunning, high quality images even with difficult lighting conditions.

The 20.9 MP sensor offers powerful features such as 4K UHD video capabilities and an impressive selection of video capture options so you can make stunning professional quality footage. 

Best versatile: Sony ZV-E10

This top-of-the-line camera features an APS-C image sensor and a versatile range of mirrorless versatility, designed to make all your photos look their best. Enjoy improved autofocus, high ISO sensitivity and stunning color accuracy that sets it apart from the rest - plus features such as Picture Profiles make creating stunning visuals even easier.

Along with the ZV-E10 comes a whole host of additional kit that will ensure your shoots go off without a hitch. The included 64GB extreme PRO memory card gives you plenty of space for recording 4K video and 12MP stills images in RAW format; with a maximum write speed of 170MB/s for ultrafast transfers.

Also included is a soft bag for easy storage, plus an HDMI cable for connecting up your camera directly to any compatible display allowing you to playback recorded media or use it for live streaming on social media platforms.  

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Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Things to consider

Don't Buy a Mirrorless Camera Until You Know These Things

Sony ZV-E10

Mirrorless cameras have been gaining in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer many advantages over traditional DSLR cameras, such as size and weight.

However, before you buy a mirrorless camera, there are some things you should know. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of mirrorless cameras and help you decide if one is right for you.

1. Sensor Size:

One of the biggest differences between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is sensor size.

Mirrorless cameras typically have much smaller sensors than DSLRs, which means they can’t capture as much detail or offer the same low light performance as a DSLR.

Make sure you consider the size of the sensor when making your purchase decision.

2. Autofocus Performance:

Mirrorless cameras are known for their fast and accurate autofocusing capabilities, but not all mirrorless cameras offer the same level of performance.

Make sure you do your research and read reviews to find out which models offer the best autofocus performance.

3. Battery Life:

DSLRs typically offer much better battery life than mirrorless cameras, so if you plan on taking a lot of photos in one sitting, you may want to consider a DSLR.

However, many mirrorless cameras offer external battery grips which can help extend the battery life.

4. Lens Selection:

DSLRs have been around much longer than mirrorless cameras and as a result have a much larger selection of lenses available.

If you are looking for specific types of lenses, such as telephoto or super wide angle lenses, it may be easier to find them in the DSLR world.

5. Video Performance:

Mirrorless cameras offer excellent video capabilities, but they can’t always match the performance of DSLRs when shooting in low light or fast action situations.

If video is important to you, make sure you research the capabilities of the camera before making your decision.

6. Cost:

Mirrorless cameras can be more expensive than their DSLR counterparts, but they often come with features that are not available on some DSLRs such as electronic viewfinders and live preview screens. Consider the features you need and your budget when making your purchase decision.


Final thoughts

With these fourteen fantastic mirrorless cameras, those who are looking for an upgrade or on the hunt for a new camera can rest assured that they have plenty of options under $1,500. There is no doubt that each of these models has something special to offer.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting your feet wet in the world of photography, any of these selections will give you all the features you need and more to capture amazing images.

No matter what type of camera you choose, it's important to understand all the necessary components so you know how to get the most out of your purchase. In this list we've tried to create something that is able to satisfy any need - whether budget or otherwise - in order to make sure the right camera ends up in your hands!


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