As a passionate photographer on a budget, finding the perfect mirrorless camera under $300 can be a daunting task. With so many options available on the market, it’s essential to make an informed decision that suits your photography needs and style. In this guide, I will walk you through the top features to consider when choosing the best mirrorless camera in this price range.
One of the key factors to look for in a mirrorless camera under $300 is its image quality. While a lower price point may limit some advanced features, you can still find cameras with excellent image sensors that deliver crisp and vibrant photos. Additionally, pay attention to the camera’s resolution, ISO range, and autofocus capabilities to ensure that it meets your photography standards.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the camera’s size and weight. Mirrorless cameras are known for their compact and lightweight design, making them ideal for travel and everyday use. Look for a camera that feels comfortable in your hands and is easy to carry around without compromising on performance. Additionally, consider the availability of interchangeable lenses and accessories to expand your creative possibilities.
Features to consider
When looking for a mirrorless camera under $300, there are several key features to consider that can help you make the right choice. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Image quality: Look for a camera that offers good image quality with a high resolution sensor and good low-light performance.
- Autofocus system: A fast and accurate autofocus system is crucial for capturing sharp and clear images, especially in fast-moving situations.
- Video capabilities: If you plan to shoot videos, consider a camera that offers high-quality video recording capabilities, such as 4K resolution or Full HD.
My Recommended Mirrorless Cameras Under $300
After thorough research and testing, I have curated a list of budget-friendly mirrorless cameras that offer great value for their price. These cameras are perfect for beginners or enthusiasts looking to step into the world of mirrorless photography without breaking the bank.
1. Compact and Versatile Option: Canon EOS M100
- Features: The Canon EOS M100 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that packs a punch with its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and Full HD video recording capabilities.
- Benefits: This camera is perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos on the go, thanks to its easy-to-use interface and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for instant sharing.
2. Value for Money: Sony Alpha a5000
- Features: The Sony Alpha a5000 offers a 20.1MP APS-C sensor, BIONZ X image processor, and 1080p video recording in a compact and stylish body.
- Benefits: With its tilting LCD screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and NFC, this camera is perfect for capturing selfies, vlogs, and everyday moments with ease.
Comparison of key specs
When comparing mirrorless cameras under 300 dollars, it’s essential to look at key features that can make a difference in your photography experience. Let’s examine some critical specifications to help you make an informed decision.
1. Sensor Size:
- Camera A: Features a larger APS-C sensor, which can provide better image quality and low-light performance compared to Camera B with a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor.
2. Megapixels:
- Camera A: Offers a higher resolution of 24MP, allowing for more detailed images, while Camera B has 16MP, which may impact the level of detail in your photos.
User Reviews
After conducting thorough research and analysis, we’ve gathered user reviews to provide you with valuable insights into the best mirrorless camera options under $300. Here’s a summary of what users had to say:
- Quality Images: Users praised the cameras for their ability to capture sharp and vibrant images, even in low light conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: Many users appreciated the compact and lightweight design of the cameras, making them ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Easy to Use: Users found the cameras easy to operate, with intuitive menus and controls that cater to both beginners and experienced photographers.
- Value for Money: The affordability of these mirrorless cameras was a major selling point for users, who felt they were getting excellent value for their investment.
Overall, user reviews highlighted the impressive performance, portability, ease of use, and affordability of the best mirrorless cameras under $300. Whether you’re a beginner looking to step up your photography game or a seasoned photographer in need of a budget-friendly option, these cameras offer a great combination of features and value.
Best mirrorless camera under 300 dollars
Canon EOS R100 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens, 128GB Extreme Speed Memory, Video Light, Microphone, Grip, Filters, Lenses, Case, Software, More (Premium Bundle) (Renewed)
$459.00
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as of August 9, 2024 11:59 am
Features
- Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera-24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K 24p Video with Crop, Full HD 60p, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 143 AF Zones, 6.5 fps Electronic Shutter, 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF, 3" 1.04m-Dot LCD Screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with SD Card Slot
- Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens-RF-S-Mount Lens/APS-C Format, 29-72mm (35mm Equivalent), Aperture Range: f/4.5-6.3 to f/32, Two Aspherical Elements, Super Spectra Coating, STM Stepping AF Motor, Optical Image Stabilizer, Customizable Control Ring, Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Multimedia Content Creation-Designed for modern-day content creators, the compact and portable Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera offers a wide range of features to suit a variety of multimedia applications. Its excellent still-image capabilities start with its APS-C-sized 24.1MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, and the camera also provides 4K 24p cropped video recording.
- SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card -128GB Storage Capacity, UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10, Max Read Speed: 200 MB/s, Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s, Record 4K UHD Video, compatible with the UHS-I bus, and features a speed class rating of V30, which guarantees minimum write speeds of 30 MB/s, Once the shots are taken, your work is only half done. Accelerating your workflow mean
- Movavi Professional Video & Photo Editing Software Kit - Compatible with Windows and Mac Operating systems this 5 software package comes with premium softwares to fulfill your Photo/Video/Vlogging Editing needs.
| Price history for Canon EOS R100 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens, 128GB Extreme Speed Memory, Video Light, Microphone, Grip, Filters, Lenses, Case, Software, More (Premium Bundle) (Renewed) | |
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Lowest price Product: Canon EOS R100 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens, 128GB Extreme Speed Memory, Video Light, Microphone, Grip, Filters, Lenses, Case, Software, More (Premium Bundle) (Renewed) - $459.00
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B)
$848.00
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Features
- World’s fastest AF at 0 02 sec W/ real-time AF & Object tracking
- Wide 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points over 84% of sensor
- 24 2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ front end LSI and ISO up to 51 200
- Up to 11fps continuous shooting at 24 2MP RAW w/ AF/AE tracking
- Real-time AF Tracking Real-time Eye AF for human and animal
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Lowest price Product: Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B) - $848.00
Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking, Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S., DC-G100KK (Black)
$597.99
9 new from $597.99
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Features
- Feature-Packed Camera: Why trust your memories to a phone. With exceptional performance and versatility, the LUMIX G100 captures life in crystal-clear 4K photo, 4K 24p 30p video, and advanced audio
- Grows as Your Skills Grow: iA (intelligent auto) mode gives the perfect shot every time, or use manual modes as your skills sharpen; Micro Four Thirds system is compatible with all LUMIX lenses for any adventure; 12-32mm lens included
- Use as a Webcam: Easily connect the G100 to your computer so that your web calls, livestreams, interviews, and media all look crisp, bright, and professional
- Shoot, Transfer, Edit, Share: Features guide you at every step—frame marker for social media aspect ratios; facial recognition; blur-free dual image stabilization and V-Log L recording. Upload to smartphone seamlessly
- Advanced 360-Degree Sound: High-performance microphone with tracking audio auto-adjusts to record clearly inside or outside, in crowds, one-on-ones, nature, and more; lightweight camera for one-handed recording
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking, Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S., DC-G100KK (Black) | |
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Lowest price Product: Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking, Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, 12-32mm Lens, 5-Axis Hybrid I.S., DC-G100KK (Black) - $597.99
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Photo and Video Capabilities, Black
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Features
- FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR: 24.2 effective megapixels (approx.) lets you capture sharp, detailed images even in low-light conditions indoors and outdoors (compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF).
- DIGIC X IMAGE PROCESSOR: Enhances digital camera performance and processes, including image stabilization, image processing, and video functionality, for sharp, high-resolution images and video with minimal noise or grain.
- HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: Electronic shutter speeds of up to 40 fps at 20MP let you capture dynamic action shots of athletes, animals, vehicles in motion, or even the split-second changes in facial expressions for portraits.
- ENHANCED SUBJECT ACQUISITION: In addition to people, small animals, cars and motorcycles, the R6 Mark II also easily detects horses, trains, and aircraft, with the option to automatically select the subject type without manually switching.
- ADVANCED HEAD, FACE, EYE DETECTION: Automatically detects and focuses on a person's head, face, or eye—even the left or right eye—plus, effectively tracks the whole body, face, or eye of animals for fast, accurate image or video capture.
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Lowest price Product: Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Photo and Video Capabilities, Black -
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Silver
$2,199.99
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Features
- Offering the ultimate image quality, X-T5 features the class-leading, 40.2-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor in a compact, lightweight body that maximizes functionality and portability. X-T5’s improved image processing algorithm delivers outstanding results, packed with detail right across the native ISO range, which now extends to ISO 125. The classic X Series design has been retained. Dials predominate, making key functions – including ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation – quick and easy to set, even with the camera switched off. X-T5 offers a new, 1.84 million dot, three-way tilting LCD and powerful in-body image stabilization.
- X-T5 provides powerful image making performance to ensure it’s ready for action, no matter how fast your subject is moving. A top electronic shutter speed of 1/180,000 sec and maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 sec will stop any subject in its tracks, while a lag time of just 35 ms gives almost instantaneous response when the shutter release is pressed. Keep a finger down, and X-T5 will record images at up to 15fps with the mechanical shutter, or 20fps with the electronic shutter. With the NP-W235 battery, up to 680 frames can be recorded from a single charge, plus the mechanical shutter guarantees 500,000 actuations, delivering long-term accuracy and reliability.
- Thanks to X-T5’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, camera shake will be a thing of the past – even in low-light conditions. It works in five axes, combatting all types of camera movement, and provides up to seven stops of compensation. IBIS works with the camera’s subject detection autofocus, which uses deep-learning AI to expertly track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, planes and trains. Tracking moving subjects is made easier by the detailed electronic viewfinder (EVF), which uses 3.69 million dots to provide a bright, vibrant display. The EVF offers 0.8x magnification for an easy-to-view image. The 100fps refresh rate, meanwhile, allows virtually blackout-free image making.
- Following in the footsteps of X-H2, find the stunning Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode in X-T5, delivering detailed files like never before. The feature utilizes the camera’s IBIS system to precisely shift the sensor, automatically recording 20 separate frames with one press of the shutter release. Resulting files are combined using Pixel Shift Combiner software to quadruple the camera’s resolution and produce a detail-rich, 160-megapixel file. Perfect for commercial applications or digital archiving, it’s also ideal for any static subject where image quality is of primary importance.
- X-T5’s capabilities are enhanced by its powerful video functions, which complement the camera’s impressive stills performance. Movies can be recorded internally at up to 6.2K/30p in 4:2:2 10-bit color, plus there’s a 4K HQ mode which oversamples 6.2K footage for superior 4K output. Both F-Log and F-Log2 recording are possible, the latter providing expanded dynamic range of 13+ stops, plus 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW can be output via HDMI, to Atomos and Blackmagic devices accordingly.
| Price history for Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Silver | |
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Lowest price Product: Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Silver - $2,199.99
Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (White)
$354.00
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Features
- 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C sensor for great images
- Mirror less DSLR - Compact Interchangeable Lens camera system
- Quick Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones via NFC
- Model: ILCE5000L/W
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Lowest price Product: Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (White) - $354.00
Spider Holster – SpiderPro Mirrorless Single Camera System v2 for Carrying ONE Professional Camera and Heavy Gear Featuring Belt with Built-in Self-Locking Camera Holster for Quick-Draw Camera Access
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Features
- ❗NOTE FOR BATTERY GRIPS: Using a vertical grip on your camera will require you to purchase a Spider DSLR Camera Plate (SKU 301) for proper fitment.
- ✅JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Spider’s mission is to provide revolutionary, ergonomic solutions for photographers from all walks of life. Every element of Spider’s expanding line of carrying solutions and camera accessories is designed to solve real-life problems for professional photographers and anyone with a passion for taking pictures.
- ✅EASY TO USE: Attach the camera plates to your cameras, and you're ready to go!
- ✅QUICK-DRAW: Use the camera holster lock's optional camera quick release position to draw without touching the lock switch. Great for when you need quick access to your cameras!
- ✅SELF LOCKING DESIGN: The holster will self lock every time you your camera is holstered. Flick the lock lever upward while drawing out your camera to release it.
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Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera for Photo and Video, Built-in Microphone with Tracking,...
$597.99
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Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B
$1,298.00
12 new from $1,298.00
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Features
- Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film. Lens compensation setting - peripheral shading, chromatic aberration, distortion
| Price history for Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B | |
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Lowest price Product: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B - $1,298.00
Panasonic LUMIX G95D 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3” OLED Touchscreen - DC-G95DMK(Black)
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Features
- Focus on Your Creativity: Perfect for photographers who are ready to excel, the LUMIX G95M has a superb, powerful 20.3 MP Digital Live MOS sensor and advanced technologies for both photo and video
- Versatile and Portable: Lightweight Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera is weather sealed with a flexible, free-angle monitor, ready for any adventure; LUMIX G 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 POWER O.I.S. lens ensures crisp, clear images
- Exceptional Flexibility: 4K 24/30P video capture, plus preinstalled Vlog-L, features log characteristics with 12 Stops of dynamic range for maximum freedom in editing. Send out 4: 2: 2/ 8 bit video to an external monitor simultaneously while recording
- Features for Maximum Expression: Live View Composite mode lets you compose a single image out of many; adjust focus after shooting; develop, and retouch inside this photography camera
- High Sound Quality: External microphone/headphone jacks let you record and monitor sound using external equipment
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD - Body Only (Silver)
$394.95
9 used from $394.95
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as of August 9, 2024 11:59 am
Features
- 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Focus Sensitivity Range :EV 0 to EV 20 (at ISO 100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
- ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
- Hybrid AF with 179-point focal plane phase-detection and 25 contrast detect points
- Up to 11 FPS continuous shooting
- 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots.Versatile E-mount interchangeable lens system
| Price history for Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD - Body Only (Silver) | |
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Lowest price Product: Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD - Body Only (Silver) - $394.95
Q&A:
What is the best mirrorless camera under 300 dollars?
One of the best mirrorless cameras under 300 dollars is the Sony Alpha a6000. It offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design, making it a popular choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Are there any other mirrorless cameras under 300 dollars worth considering?
Another good option to consider is the Fujifilm X-A5. It has a stylish retro design, a flip-up LCD screen for selfies, and produces high-quality images. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera.
