Best APS-C Mirrorless Cameras in 2021: cameras for travel, vlogging and more

Most likely, the best APS-C mirrorless camera to buy will be different for each individual! The type of photography or videography you want to do, your level of experience, and, of course, your budget will all have an impact on the camera that is right for you and your needs. Are you a gadget-obsessed person who must always have the most up-to-date technology? Is it alright for you to use a camera from a few years ago if doing so results in a good deal for you? As a result, we’ve broken down our guide to the best APS-C mirrorless cameras into sections to make sure that everyone can find something they’re interested in.

Are you looking for the best APS-C mirrorless cameras that money can buy? We’re here to assist you – whether you’re looking for a beginner APS-C camera or a professional powerhouse, we’ve tested and ranked all of the top APS-C mirrorless cameras in this regularly updated guide to help you find what you’re looking for.

It’s an exciting, if a little overwhelming, time to purchase an APS-C mirrorless camera system. Photographers and videographers have never had more options than they do now, thanks to an explosion in the number of options available at all price points from manufacturers such as Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and a resurrected Olympus.

Are you unsure of where to begin? The sensor size of an APS-C camera is often a good indicator of the camera’s personality and shooting style. Models designed for professionals and serious amateurs will feature either a full-frame sensor or a slightly smaller APS-C sensor. While not quite as portable as Four Thirds sensors cameras, the latter are typically smaller and more affordable than full-frame cameras, despite being smaller and more affordable (from Panasonic and Olympus).

Best APS-C Mirrorless Camera

1. Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 is an APS-C mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with 24MP resolution that is aimed squarely at vloggers. An articulating selfie screen with touch capability, 4K video capture, headphone, and microphone ports, as well as an assortment of add-on accessories to aid in video capture, including the handgrip seen in the photo above (which is sold separately) and a variety of sophisticated microphones, are all included.

Key specifications:

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Highly reliable AF system with face and eye detection
• 4K/24p video capture with no crop (4K/30p is cropped)
• 1080/120p capture for slow-motion footage (cropped)
• Built-in directional 3-capsule microphone with windscreen
• Fully articulating touch-sensitive display
• 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports
• Livestream-capable via USB-C connection
• 440 shots per charge, 80 mins continuous record per charge
• Capable of shooting vertical video

It appears that the ZV-E10 offers a lot in terms of vlogging capabilities: it shoots 4K/24p video at oversampled resolutions using the entire width of its sensor, it has a selfie touchscreen, it has a good built-in directional microphone, it has headphone and microphone ports, and it has class-leading video autofocus. The camera’s battery life is also among the best in its class, and it is ready to stream live right out of the box. Unfortunately, when recording a 4K video, a distracting ‘jello effect’ appears in clips with movement and/or fast action, which is difficult to remove. Furthermore, when compared to the competition, Full HD video shows poor detail capture.

It’s a very likable little camera that doesn’t really break any new ground in terms of technology and even sacrifices a few features that still photographers would have liked to have, but it’s a pretty good camera for new vloggers to get their feet wet with. 4K video, Sony’s excellent autofocus system, a vari-angle screen, and a clip-on muffler to reduce wind noise are all features of this camera. The best part is that, against the backdrop of steadily rising prices, it represents a good deal of value. The absence of in-body stabilization and the presence of a noticeable rolling shutter is, on the other hand, drawbacks.

2. Canon M50

A 24MP APS-C sensor, an electronic viewfinder, a fully articulating touchscreen, a single control dial, and an electronic viewfinder are all included in the Canon EOS M50 (known as the EOS Kiss M in Asia) entry-level mirrorless camera. It shares the same sensor as its M-series siblings. It is equipped with Canon’s most recent DIGIC 8 processor and offers expanded Dual Pixel AF coverage, 4K/24p video capture (with a 1.7x crop), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, among other features.

Key specifications:

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• EF-M lens mount with support for EF/EF-S lenses with optional adapter
• Dual Pixel autofocus for stills and 1080p video
• DIGIC 8 processor
• 2.36M-dot OLED EVF
• 1.04M-dot vari-angle LCD
• 7.4 fps burst in AF-C (10 fps in AF-S)
• 4K/24p UHD video (1.7x crop)
• 1080/60p and 720/120p HD video
• Wi-Fi and NFC with Bluetooth
• 235 shot-per-charge battery live (per CIPA)

In many ways, it’s a beefier, viewfinder-equipped M100, which was previously the brand’s most affordable M-mount camera. And it is likely to appeal to the same demographic: beginners and/or those who are upgrading from using a smartphone as their primary photography device. – However, what is most intriguing about the M50 is what it might indicate about future developments in Canon’s EOS M and Rebel-series digital cameras.

The Canon EOS M50 crams a lot of technology into a small package, and the fact that it includes a viewfinder – something that is lacking in many similarly priced mirrorless cameras – is a major selling point. A minor annoyance is the retracting 15-45mm kit lens, which is a little difficult to use, and the 4K video mode has some unexpected limitations. Canon’s EOS M series, on the other hand, has taken a significant step forward as a result of this. It has now been replaced by the EOS M50 Mark II, but the differences are minor, and the original EOS M50 is still a good buy if you can find one at a reasonable price.

For those looking for a mirrorless camera that produces excellent image quality, is simple to operate, and has a reliable autofocus system, the Canon EOS M50 is an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for a more well-rounded camera with a wider range of features and system support, there are more capable options available.

Photographers who want something more advanced than an entry-level camera without going overboard will find the EOS M50 to be an excellent choice as a stills camera. Photographers will appreciate the camera’s image quality, improved autofocus system, and wireless connectivity. The addition of the newly developed C-RAW format will also be appreciated by enthusiasts. If you want to shoot a 4K video, the M50 is not the camera for you because of its high crop factor, rolling shutter, and poor autofocus performance.

3. Sony a6400

The Sony a6400 is a small, 24MP mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sensor that will appeal to a wide range of photographers, from family documentarians to professional photographers looking for a lightweight second body to use on location. A new processor based on that found in Sony’s sports-shooting flagship a9, which enables ‘Real-Time Tracking’ autofocus, which is one of the most effective autofocus implementations we’ve seen so far, is the big announcement. Once you’ve got it set up, it’s also one of the most straightforward to use.

Key specifications:

• 24MP APS-C sensor
• 425-pt phase detection AF system with Real-Time Tracking
• Tilting screen, 180° up, 90° down
• 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder
• New Bionz X processor
• ISO range from 100-32000
• 11fps burst shooting (8fps with silent shutter)
• Interval shooting option added
• 4K/30p video capture
• Mic input, no headphone output
• 410 shots per battery charge (per CIPA)
• Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth

The Sony A6400 is a dream come true for bloggers, vloggers, and other independent content creators. Even though the camera’s still image quality is excellent, its 4K video quality is even better, and the camera’s 180-degree screen and eye-detect autofocus make it ideal for single-handed video capture. For regular still photographers, however, the high-tech image capture is a poor consolation for the camera’s five-year-old design and lack of external controls.

The Sony a6400 is a midrange camera that is nearly universally capable. It has some of the best autofocus performance we’ve ever seen, and it produces consistently good image and video quality in the vast majority of situations. Even though we’d like to see Sony continue to refine the ergonomics of its full-frame cameras, as it has done with its full-frame models over the years, the a6400 is still an excellent choice for a wide range of photographic applications.

4. Sony a6100

The Sony a6100 is an APS-C mirrorless camera with 24MP resolution that is aimed squarely at beginners and people who want to take attractive photos but don’t necessarily consider themselves to be professional photographers. A new, powerful autofocus system makes it one of the most straightforward cameras to use if you simply trust it to do its job and concentrate on what you’re photographing rather than the camera.

Key features:

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Advanced AF system with highlight dependable subject tracking
• 1.44M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• 0.9M dot LCD tilting rear touchscreen
• Wi-Fi for image transfer to smart devices (with NFC for quick connection)
• 4K video capture
• USB charging

With respect to specifications, the a6100 isn’t particularly cutting-edge, and the price reflects this. However, because of its simple and effective autofocus system, it is simple to capture the images you desire, and as a result, it is arguably a better value than its less expensive competitors. On paper, it appears to be very similar to the budget-priced a6000, but in practice, it is a significantly better camera.

If you’re looking for a small, user-friendly camera that can capture both still images and video, the A6100 is one of the best options available. Its main advantages are its image quality, battery life, and autofocus performance, which is among the best in its class. As a result of the fact that it shares many features with Sony’s significantly more expensive APS-C cameras, it can grow with you as your photography skills improve. There are a few minor quirks in the handling, as well as a comparatively poor buffer when shooting continuously, but aside from that, it’s a fantastic buy once you spend some time customizing it to your preferences.

In addition to 4K video and incredible autofocus, Sony’s newest entry-level mirrorless camera offers a number of excellent enhancements. But it hasn’t lost sight of its original purpose as a superb compact camera.

5. Nikon Z50

The Nikon Z50 is a 20.9-megapixel mirrorless camera, marking the first time that the company has used an APS-C sensor (unstabilized) behind its new, larger ‘Z’ lens mount. According to the manufacturer, the camera is intended to appeal to a younger generation of users who do not consider themselves to be photographers.

Key specifications

• 20.9MP CMOS sensor
• Twin control dial interface
• Up to 11 fps shooting with AE/AF, 5 fps with live view
• 4K video at up to 30p
• 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder
• Rear touchscreen tilts up by 90° or down by 180°
• Single UHS-I SD card slot in battery compartment
• Bluetooth-enabled Wi-Fi (via Snapbridge app)
• Creative Picture Control effects

Nikon has also announced two lenses that are optimized for this sensor size: a 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 collapsible standard zoom and a 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom, both of which camera built-in image stabilization (which Nikon calls Vibration Reduction).

The Nikon Z50 is more than just a downsized version of the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras. In addition to the camera’s small size, the 16-50mm pancake kit lens is one of the slimmest APS-C kit lenses we’ve seen, and it has a ‘proper’ mechanical zoom system rather than an electrical power zoom system, which is a welcome change from the usual electronic power zoom system. Nikon’s pricing, on the other hand, could be the deciding factor. The Z50 is already less expensive than its primary APS-C competitors, the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 when purchased as a standalone unit, and the pricing for the kit lens and twin lens bundles is truly remarkable.

The Nikon Z50 marks the company’s entry into the competitive APS-C mirrorless market with a strong showing. A great travel camera, it’s also a great option for those who want to upgrade from a Nikon DSLR or who simply enjoy the Nikon brand. There’s a lot to like about the Z50, despite the fact that it falls short in a few areas. It offers excellent handling, excellent value, and an array of enticing features.

In terms of capabilities and comfort, the Z50 is a capable and comfortable camera to use for a wide range of photography. The autofocus system is a little more difficult to use than it should be, but overall, this is a very competitive camera in its class. If the camera you want to use is compatible with the lenses you want to use, it should be on your list of cameras to consider.

6. Sony a6600

The Sony a6600 is the company’s top-of-the-line APS-C mirrorless camera, with a resolution of 24MP and the ability to record video in 4K. At first glance, it appears to be very similar to Sony’s other a6000-series cameras, but this one has the largest battery and the best build quality of the bunch, even if the images it produces are broadly comparable to the images produced by the less expensive options.

Key features:

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Advanced, capable subject-tracking autofocus
• In-body image stabilization
• 2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• 0.9M dot tilting touchscreen
• Wi-Fi for image transfer, and NFC
• 4K video capture with log profiles
• USB charging
• 810-shot battery life (per CIPA)

The a6600 further distinguishes itself from the competition by including in-body image stabilization, which is still a rarity among APS-C cameras today. Of course, this should help with low-light photography, but when combined with excellent autofocus tracking, it results in the best crop-sensor video camera on the market right now, according to Sony.

In addition to being a fantastic camera for video and vlogging, the Sony a6600’s outstanding autofocus, in-body image stabilization, and large battery make it a good choice for demanding stills photography as well. The a6600’s still image quality is good rather than outstanding, which is a significant shortcoming when compared to some excellent and more reasonably priced rival cameras. Additionally, while its video performance is generally good, it is hampered by a noticeable rolling shutter effect and video specifications that are below par by today’s standards, which is a significant shortcoming when compared to some terrific and more reasonably priced rival cameras.

APS-C cameras are becoming increasingly competitive, and the Sony a6600 should be the camera to beat thanks to its high-performance sensor and a range of features that will appeal to a wide range of photographers. While rival cameras have adopted a more comfortable form factor, Sony has chosen to stick with a convoluted menu system and options that don’t always work as you would expect them to in order to save money.

The Sony Alpha a6600 is a high-end camera that offers excellent image quality, performance, and a slew of useful features at a high price.

7. Nikon Zfc

This APS-C mirrorless camera from Nikon features Nikon’s new Z lens mount, as well as styling and controls that harken back to the company’s classic FM and FE-series film SLR cameras from the 1960s and 1970s, respectively.

Key specifications

• 20.9MP CMOS sensor
• Burst shooting up to 11 fps with full AF (9 fps with 14-bit Raw)
• Oversampled UHD 4K video at up to 30p, using the sensor’s full width
• Fully articulating 1.04M-dot rear touchscreen
• 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder
• Manual ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials

The Nikon Z fc is the company’s second crop-sensor Nikon camera to use the company’s Z-mount. It is built around the same 20.9MP sensor as the Nikon Z50, but it has dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation to go with its retro styling. Nikon claims that the camera is aimed at a younger, more fashion-conscious audience.

Internally, the Nikon Z fc is nearly identical to the Nikon Z50, and it produces the same excellent image quality with noise control that the Nikon Z50 does up to ISO 6,400. Because of the combination of a PASM exposure mode switch and a set of dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, its handling is quite different from that of other DSLRs. It takes a little getting used to using this in conjunction with the traditional exposure controls, but the results are well worth the time and trouble.

This unapologetically retro camera comes equipped with all of the modern conveniences you’d expect from a current mirrorless model. You’ll enjoy using its aluminum dials, and the body is so attractive that you’ll probably leave the camera on even when it’s not being used. But the Z fc isn’t just about looks; it’s also about substance. As a result of the Z 50’s internals being shared, performance and image quality are both excellent, and there are few compromises to be made in exchange for the added style. Only the Z fc’s slick body design, combined with the relative scarcity of native Z-mount lenses for DX-format, works against the camera’s overall appeal. The Z fc, even with these considerations, is still a fantastic buy for anyone who enjoys the retro aesthetic of the era.

8. Canon M6 Mark II

Aimed squarely at enthusiasts, the Canon EOS M6 II is a 32.5-megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera built around the company’s EF-M mount. In many ways, it’s a more compact mirrorless version of the Canon EOS 90D DSLR, which was announced at the same time as this model.

Key features:

• 32.5MP Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor
• 14 fps continuous shooting
• 30 fps Raw Burst mode (with AF Tracking and pre-shot buffering)
• UHD 4K video at 30p and 25p with no crop / full width
• 3.0″ rear touchscreen flips up by 180° or down by 45°
• Optional electronic viewfinder
• USB 2.0 port with Type-C connector

In terms of physical appearance, it is very similar to the original M6, but it has been given a number of speed and feature enhancements. Some of these enhancements include a higher-resolution sensor, the ability to capture 4K video, and a burst mode that can shoot Raw files at up to 30 frames per second. A capable and pleasingly engaging enthusiast camera is the end result.

Whereas its predecessor was a capable compact system camera, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a capable primary camera that can be used in any situation, regardless of the category. Because of its powerful 32.5MP sensor, this camera sets a new standard for APS-C systems, and it also boasts blistering 14fps continuous shooting and uncropped 4K video – all in an extremely portable body with an optional viewfinder for those who prefer it that way. Everything about this camera, with the exception of the mount and sensor size, indicates that it will be a worthy competitor to the Canon EOS R.

Despite the fact that Canon has chosen to use the Mark II badge rather than the EOS M7 badge, the M6 Mark II represents a significant step forward from the EOS M6. In most respects, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II exceeds my expectations in terms of performance. The autofocus system performs admirably in low light, and it is quick enough to keep up with the fast-moving subject matter. The Canon M6 II is equipped with the same 32.5-megapixel APS-C format sensor and Digic 8 processing engine as the Canon EOS 90D, and its image quality is excellent in the majority of situations. However, noise can be seen in ISO 400 images when viewed at 100 percent, and the shadows of some Jpegs can appear a little mushy in places.

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a camera that has a lot to offer. This compact camera’s small size and lightweight make it an excellent traveling companion, without sacrificing on specs and features. Its super-high-resolution APS-C sensor, 14fps shooting speed, and uncropped 4K video all add up to a very tasty package. Even though we have a few reservations, we believe that it is a fantastic camera that is deserving of consideration.