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For those of us who love to travel lightweight or carry-on only, a DSLR camera can add way too much bulk. More and more travelers are opting for mirrorless cameras instead, which offer similar image quality without the weight. Find out what our readers rate as the top mirrorless cameras for travel!
Best Mirrorless Cameras
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Hey ladies! I was wondering who has a mirrorless camera? I’m looking to get a new camera but don’t like the bulk of a DSLR. Ideally I’d like to spend $1,000 or less. What’s the best mirrorless camera under $1000?
A camera is a traveling necessity. Even if you don’t consider yourself a photographer, we all love to document our travels so we can reflect back on wonderful memories later. While DSLRs make it easy for novices to take great pictures, they can be heavy and bulky, which isn’t ideal when traveling.
Here’s a list of the most recommended mirrorless cameras:
- Olympus E-MD10 Mark II
- Samsung NX3000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Panasonic LUMIX GX-85
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digitial Camera
- Olympus SH-1 16 MP Digital Camera
- Fujifilm X100F 24.3 MP APS-C Digital Camera
- Fujifilm X-E3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Olympus E-M10 Mark II
Olympus is one of the most popular brands for mirrorless cameras for travel due to their compact size and image quality. One of our readers’ favorite models is the E-M10 Mark II. This model is the first entry-level interchangeable lens camera with the 5-axis image stabilization system used in Olympus’ higher-end models.
This is a great camera for beginner photographers as the easy-to-use iAuto reads the scene and adjusts the settings so all you have to do is focus and trip the shutter. One reader says, “my husband got an Olympus E-510 Mark II and we LOVE it. Love, love, love. It’s an amazing camera and has significantly decreased some of our camera packing.”
Samsung NX3000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Samsung NX3000
Samsung is known for its electronics, and their NX3000 camera is compact and light, making it perfect for travel. Featuring an interchangeable lens, this model gives you great quality images with rich color, while the large APS-C 20.5MP CMOS Sensor results in shots that are bursting with sharp detail, even in low light. Along with a trendy retro design, the Smart Wi-Fi feature makes it easy to share images.
One reader says, “I have this Samsung camera. I bought it a few years ago, but it takes great pictures.”
Panasonic Lumix GX-85
The Panasonic Lumix GX-85 is ideal for travelers who want a lighter but advanced and intelligent camera. This camera is nearly half the size of most DSLRs while still delivering impressive large sensor performance in a compact camera system. Other features include a Lumix 2-axis lens O.I.S., a 5-axis in-body I.S., an LCD display, and a 2764k-dot eye-level electronic viewfinder. With Wi-Fi mobile control and 4k video and photo, tech enthusiasts will love the Lumix GX-85.
One reader says, “I sold my DSLR and bought a mirrorless and haven’t looked back! I bought the Panasonic Lumix GX-85 and I love it!” Another reader adds, “I have a Lumix, which I like a lot.”
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digitial Camera
Sony Alpha a6000
This Sony camera is a mirrorless DSLR focused on speed. Featuring the world’s fastest auto focus and 24.3MP detail, you can capture moments in the blink of an eye. How fast? 11 photos in one second fast. This camera is also compact, coming in at about half the size and weight of a standard DSLR camera.
Several readers recommended this camera. One says, “I have a Sony a6000 and love it. It’s so much smaller and lighter than my old Canon DSLR. I’m still learning how to use it, but it worked great for my Munich and Venice trip.”
Another says, “I also have the a6000 and had a Canon DSLR before. I really like it a lot!” while a third adds, “I also recommend the a6000. I use it for a lot of nature and animal photography, and it was also easy enough to carry around Europe. I love it and am glad I went with a mirrorless option. It’s more compact but still delivers the quality that I want and need.”
Olympus SH-1 16 MP Digital Camera
Olympus SH-1
Inspired by the classic Olympus PEN cameras, the SH-1 features advanced technology, including the first-ever 5-axis image stabilization system for video and stills, all in a lightweight and compact camera. While small in size, it boasts a 24x wide angle optical zoom, built-in Wi-Fi, robust video recording capabilities including a Time-Lapse Movie feature, and multiple creative control options.
One reader says, “I have an Olympus Stylus SH-1, which I LOVE! I love my Canon DSLR and it’s invaluable for safari and mega trips like that where I need better quality, but for ‘everyday travel’ I love my Olympus.”
Fujifilm X100F 24.3 MP APS-C Digital Camera
Fujifilm X100F
Along with Olympus, Fujifilm is another popular mirrorless camera brand for travel. The X100F is the first lens-integrated X Series camera featuring the Focus Lever, making it easy so you can move your AF point selection while maintaining composition. The durable leaf shutter can withstand 100,000 actuations, and the shutter has a silent operation so you can take pictures in a quiet setting.
One reader says of this camera, “I thought I would be missing my zoom, but I don’t. This camera is so small it almost fits in my pocket. Plus, it’s very lightweight. It also has a very easy panorama mode built in, which is great for landscape images.”
Fujifilm X-E3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Fujifilm X-E3
The Fujifilm X-E3 was designed with minimalism in mind but with all the essentials you need. This camera has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sized sensor known for amazing image quality. The sensor has excellent read speed, which improves the camera’s response in the burst mode, along with high-speed live view and high-quality video performance.
One reader says, “The Fujifilm X-E3 is an awesome camera with interchangeable lenses. I can put my three Leica primes on it with an adapter. I will travel to Italy in late May with the camera, along with the 18-55 zoom.”
International Travel Adapter with Two USB Posts
If you’re traveling overseas, don’t forget to pack an international travel adapter like this one by Compass Rose Travel Accessories! This is a product by Travel Fashion Girl! You can charge 3 devices at once including your camera. You can also use it in over 150+ countries. Plus, it’s red so you won’t leave it behind on a white hotel room wall. Buy it here!
Here’s a quick guide summary of the best mirrorless camera for travel.
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What do you think is the best mirrorless camera? Share in the comments below!
For more travel trips, please read:
- Travel Cord Organizer Options
- Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone
- What’s the Best Reading Device for Travel
- Voltage Converter vs. Travel Adapter: How do They Work?
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