As a beginner photographer, finding the right camera can be a daunting task. With the rise of mirrorless cameras, it’s important to choose a model that suits your needs and skill level. One key feature that many beginners look for in a camera is a built-in viewfinder, providing a more traditional photography experience.
When it comes to mirrorless cameras with viewfinders, there are several options on the market that cater to beginners. These cameras offer a compact and lightweight design, making them easy to carry around for everyday shooting. Additionally, they provide excellent image quality and versatile shooting capabilities, perfect for those looking to explore different photography genres.
In this article, I will highlight some of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners with viewfinders, discussing their key features, performance, and value for money. Whether you’re interested in landscape photography, portraits, or street photography, there’s a mirrorless camera on this list that will help you kickstart your photography journey with confidence.
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners with Viewfinders
When I was starting out in photography, finding the right mirrorless camera with a viewfinder was crucial for me. I wanted a camera that would provide me with a clear and accurate view of the scene I was capturing.
After researching and trying out various models, I found a few that stood out for beginners like me. One of the top picks for beginners is the Sony Alpha a6000. This camera offers a built-in electronic viewfinder that allows you to compose your shots easily and accurately.
- Fujifilm X-T200: With a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, this camera is perfect for beginners who want a traditional shooting experience.
- Canon EOS M50: This camera features a built-in electronic viewfinder that makes it easy for beginners to frame their shots effectively.
- Nikon Z50: Another great option for beginners, the Nikon Z50 comes with a sharp electronic viewfinder that helps you capture stunning images.
Fujifilm X-T200
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Fujifilm X-T200, and I must say, I was impressed by its performance and features. One of the standout features of this camera is its lightweight and compact design, making it perfect for beginners who want a portable option for their photography needs.
The Fujifilm X-T200 is equipped with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder that provides a clear and detailed view of your subject, allowing you to compose your shots with precision. The viewfinder also helps in bright conditions where it might be difficult to see the LCD screen clearly.
- The camera’s 24.2MP APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality, capturing sharp and vibrant photos with great detail.
- It offers 4K video recording capabilities, allowing beginners to explore videography and create high-quality content.
- The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it easy for beginners to navigate the camera’s settings and functions.
Sony Alpha a6100
When I was looking for a mirrorless camera with a viewfinder, I came across the Sony Alpha a6100. This camera impressed me with its advanced features and compact design, making it an excellent choice for beginners like me.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6100 is its impressive autofocus system, which ensures that my shots are always sharp and in focus. The camera also has a high-resolution viewfinder that provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, allowing me to compose my shots with precision.
- The Sony Alpha a6100 is equipped with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which delivers stunning image quality.
- It has a tilting touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate the menu and adjust settings.
- This camera offers excellent low-light performance, allowing me to capture clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
As a beginner in the world of photography, I found the Canon EOS M50 Mark II to be an excellent mirrorless camera with a viewfinder. The compact size and lightweight body of this camera make it easy to carry around, allowing me to capture stunning images on-the-go.
One feature that impressed me the most is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, providing fast and accurate focusing for both photos and videos. The viewfinder on the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is bright and clear, allowing me to compose my shots with precision and confidence.
- The vari-angle touchscreen display is a great addition, making it easy to capture images from different angles.
- With its 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, I was able to capture high-quality images with great detail and clarity.
- The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity made it convenient to transfer my photos to my phone for easy sharing on social media.
Nikon Z50
When it comes to beginner-friendly mirrorless cameras with viewfinders, the Nikon Z50 is a strong contender. As a novice photographer, I appreciate the compact and lightweight design of the Z50, making it easy to carry around and handle during shoots.
The Z50 boasts impressive features like a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, 11fps continuous shooting, and 4K video recording. The electronic viewfinder provides a clear and detailed view of the scene, helping me compose my shots accurately.
- The tilting touchscreen allows for easy navigation and quick adjustments to settings.
- The Z50’s autofocus system is fast and reliable, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
- With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, I can easily transfer photos to my smartphone for quick sharing on social media.
My Experience with the Panasonic Lumix GX85
As a beginner photographer, I was looking for a mirrorless camera that would provide me with excellent image quality and versatility. I came across the Panasonic Lumix GX85 and decided to give it a try.
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a compact and lightweight camera that offers impressive features for its price point. One of the standout features for me was the built-in electronic viewfinder, which allowed me to compose my shots with precision and clarity even in bright sunlight.
- The 16-megapixel sensor delivered sharp and detailed images, and the 5-axis image stabilization system helped me capture smooth and steady footage.
- The camera’s 4K video capabilities were a bonus, allowing me to explore my creativity in videography as well.
- The touchscreen interface was intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to adjust settings on the go.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
When I was exploring mirrorless cameras for beginners with viewfinders, I came across the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. This camera caught my attention with its compact size and impressive features.
One of the standout qualities of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is its built-in electronic viewfinder, which provides a clear and detailed view of the scene. This feature is especially helpful for beginners like me who prefer composing shots using a viewfinder rather than the LCD screen.
- The camera’s 16.1-megapixel sensor delivers sharp images with vibrant colours.
- It has in-body image stabilization, allowing me to capture steady shots even in low-light conditions.
- The tilting touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the menu and adjust settings.
Pentax K-70: A Reliable Mirrorless Camera for Beginners
As a beginner photographer, I recently purchased the Pentax K-70 mirrorless camera, and I have been extremely impressed with its performance and features. The camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for long shooting sessions without feeling fatigued.
One of the standout features of the Pentax K-70 is its viewfinder, which provides a clear and bright view of the scene, allowing me to compose my shots with precision. The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring that I can capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
- The Pentax K-70 also offers a variety of shooting modes and creative filters, allowing me to experiment with different styles and effects without the need for advanced editing software.
- Additionally, the camera’s weather-sealed construction gives me peace of mind when shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions.
- Overall, the Pentax K-70 is a fantastic mirrorless camera for beginners looking to take their photography to the next level.
Leica CL: A Compact and Stylish Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to mirrorless cameras for beginners, the Leica CL stands out as a compact and stylish option that delivers exceptional image quality. As a novice photographer, I was drawn to the Leica CL for its sleek design and advanced features that make it easy to use and produce stunning photographs.
One of the key features of the Leica CL is its built-in electronic viewfinder, which provides a clear and accurate view of the scene you’re capturing. This viewfinder makes it easy to compose your shots and ensure you’re capturing exactly what you want. Additionally, the Leica CL offers a range of manual controls that allow you to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the perfect shot every time.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Leica CL is a small and lightweight camera that is easy to carry around, making it perfect for beginners who are always on the go.
- Advanced Autofocus System: The Leica CL features a fast and accurate autofocus system that makes it easy to capture sharp images, even in low light conditions.
- High-Quality Images: With a 24-megapixel sensor and Leica’s renowned image processing technology, the Leica CL produces high-quality images with vibrant colours and exceptional detail.
Sigma fp: My Experience with the Compact Full-Frame Camera
As a beginner in the world of photography, I was on the lookout for a mirrorless camera that would provide me with high-quality images and a seamless shooting experience. That’s when I stumbled upon the Sigma fp, a compact full-frame camera that caught my attention.
One of the standout features of the Sigma fp is its lightweight and portable design, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting. Despite its small size, this camera packs a punch with its full-frame sensor, delivering stunning image quality and impressive low-light performance.
- The Sigma fp’s minimalist design appealed to me, with its intuitive controls and easy-to-navigate menu system.
- I was impressed by the camera’s ability to shoot 4K video, providing me with the flexibility to explore videography as well.
- The inclusion of a viewfinder in the Sigma fp was a game-changer for me, allowing me to frame my shots accurately and focus on the details.
Conclusion
The Ricoh GR III is a compact and powerful mirrorless camera that is perfect for beginners looking to step up their photography game. With its large APS-C sensor, fast autofocus system, and impressive image quality, the GR III offers great value for its price.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it ideal for street photography or travel. The built-in viewfinder is a great feature for beginners who prefer composing their shots through a viewfinder rather than a screen.
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Large APS-C sensor for high-quality images
- Fast autofocus system
- Built-in viewfinder
- Cons:
- Fixed focal length lens may not suit all photographers
- No 4K video recording
Best mirrorless cameras for beginners with view findrs
Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, 4K Video, RF Mount, Black
$399.00
2 used from $510.00
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
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Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, 4K Video, Hybrid Camera, Photo and Video, Vlogging, Content Creator, RF Mount, Black
$749.00
1 used from $741.51
Features
- Compact, lightweight RF mount camera with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC X processor.
- 4K uncropped movie with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II at up to 30 fps oversampled from 6K and Full HD High-frame rate movie at up to 120 fps. Movie for Close-up Demo Mode quickly switches focus when a product is brought close to the camera.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 651 AF zones with auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology
- Continuous shooting with 12 fps with Electronic First Curtain and 15 fps with Electronic Shutter.
- Take great shots even in difficult settings with Advanced A+ Assist which offers an expanded array of auto-compatible scenes enabling greater expressive capability in auto mode, and built-in flash for shooting in dark environments or with backlit scenes.
| Price history for Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, 4K Video, Hybrid Camera, Photo and Video, Vlogging, Content Creator, RF Mount, Black | |
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Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens, 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Built-in Wi-Fi, Optical Viewfinder, Impressive Images & Full HD Videos, includes 32GB SD Card
Features
- DSLR quality photos & full HD movies
- Powerful 18 Megapixel sensor & precise auto focus
- 3.0 frames per second
- Canon Camera Connect App: share instantly & shoot remotely via compatible smartphone
- Easily frame your shots with the optical viewfinder
| Price history for Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens, 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Built-in Wi-Fi, Optical Viewfinder, Impressive Images & Full HD Videos, includes 32GB SD Card | |
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Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B)
20 used from $599.95
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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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ kit 20MP Sensor 5-Axis Image Stabilization 4K Video Wi-Fi
4 used from $719.00
Features
- 20 MP Live MOS Sensor
- Always-on connection and background connection via Bluetooth & OI Share Smartphone app
- Flip-down monitor and dedicated selfie mode. Selfie mode automatically turns on when monitor is flipped down.
- In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization capable of 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation.
- 16 Art Filters (31 types). Includes new Instant Film for a nostalgic feel
| Price history for OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ kit 20MP Sensor 5-Axis Image Stabilization 4K Video Wi-Fi | |
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Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, Full-Frame Hybrid Camera, 24.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor, 4K Video, Content Creator Vlogging Camera, Black
$1,499.00
1 used from $1,389.95
Features
- Step up to full-frame with Canon’s lightest full-frame RF Mount mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
- An affordable and compact camera with built-in 0.39” 2.36 million dots OLED EVF up to 120 fps refresh rate and 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 1,053 AF zones with automatic subject detection of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology, now including aircraft (jet planes and helicopters), trains, and horses.
- Uncropped 4K movie at up to 60 fps that is oversampled from 6K, Full HD High-frame rate movie recording at up to 180 fps2, and Canon Log 3 or HDR PQ. Max movie record time of 2 hours3 and UVC / UAC for webcam and streaming4
- Achieves high image quality such as improved resolution at low ISO speeds and low noise at high ISO speeds, wide dynamic range of still pictures, and significant improvement in rolling shutter compared to previous Canon cameras when shooting fast-moving subjects and quick panning.
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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 & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black
14 used from $790.00
Features
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
- Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP 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
| 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 & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black | |
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Minolta Pro Shot 20 Mega Pixel HD Digital Camera with 67x Optical Zoom, Full 1080p HD Video & 16GB SD Card (Purple)
$399.00
3 used from $282.65
Features
- captures sharp images and full hd (1080p) video
- 20-megapixel cmos sensor and 67x optical zoom
- 3 lcd display"
- has 14 scene modes, face detection, smile detection, blink detection, photo touch-up, continuous shooting mode, 360° panorama shooting and built-in flash with red-eye reduction
- feature optical image stabilization and high dynamic range (hdr)
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Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132)
Features
- Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105 millimeter
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 stops of shake correction
- Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 feet in Auto Focus.
- Maximum Magnification of 0.5x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.43 ft. when using Center Focus Macro.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
| Price history for Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132) | |
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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Black) - Body only
Features
- Built in 5 Axis image stabilization for sharper images
- 2.3 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62X magnification
- Silent mode (disables all shutter sounds)
- 8.5 frames per second burst shooting
- Fast touch auto focus from camera or phone
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Q&A:
Are there any other mirrorless cameras with viewfinders that are suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are several other options to consider, such as the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix G85, and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. These cameras offer viewfinders, user-friendly controls, and good image quality for beginners to start their photography journey.
