

Finally, if you're on a tight budget, we have the best cheap and budget cameras. If you think you'd prefer an optical viewfinder and the longer battery life that you get with a DSLR, check out our list of the best DSLR cameras for beginners instead. Most of our picks here are APS-C models, but if you need full-frame image quality and low-light capability, we also have recommendations for the best full-frame mirrorless cameras.

We've bought and tested over 80 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best entry-level mirrorless cameras. Thankfully, we've done some of the work of narrowing down your options. What matters most is to use whatever's available to you, so you can start shooting and get a handle on the fundamentals of what makes a good photo. Though it might be tempting to dive right into a more advanced model, the good news for those just starting is that any modern mirrorless camera will be more than capable of doing what you need. With plenty of options at a range of different price brackets and experience levels, making the jump from your smartphone to a dedicated camera has never been easier.

Mirrorless cameras are a great option for beginner photographers thanks to their electronic viewfinders, which let you see changes to your image in real-time through the viewfinder.
