Best Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

These are the best mirrorless cameras of the moment for beginners, enthusiasts, bloggers, and professional photographers.
The best mirrorless cameras in 2023 can do everything DSLRs did and more.

They are especially suitable for travel, thanks to their more compact design, and for video, due to their constant live image capture. But which one should you get and how much should you spend?

There are many things to think about when choosing a mirrorless camera. Do you want to take pictures or videos or both? Almost every camera on our list can shoot 4K video, but some have in-body stabilization for smoother footage, professional ‘log’ modes for colour grading, and higher frame rates or capture quality. If video is a priority.

At A Glance

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And for still photography, how much resolution do you need? It’s tempting to assume that the higher the resolution, the better, but this increases costs. A 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera can have all the resolution you need, even for large prints to hang on the wall, and while a 40MP+ full-frame camera can be very tempting, both cameras and lenses cost a lot more, and you’ll end up with some pretty heavy equipment too.

Sensor size is actually a key decision when choosing the best mirrorless camera for your needs.

Our Recommendations Best Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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Here is a summary of the main sizes available:

• Micro Four Thirds is the smallest sensor format, but image quality is surprisingly similar to larger APS-C cameras. The Panasonic Lumix G100 is designed specifically for novice vloggers, but it’s also a great stills camera, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of our favourite little cameras.
• APS-C cameras provide a good balance between quality and affordability, with a sensor approximately twice the size of Micro Four Thirds cameras. It includes mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X-S10 and Nikon Z50, which offer good resolution and powerful controls.

• Full-frame mirrorless cameras have sensors the same size as 35mm film negatives and about twice the size of APS-C. This gives them better quality, but they are also larger and more expensive. However, affordable full-frame options include the Nikon Z5 and Panasonic Lumix S5.
• Medium format cameras have even larger sensors than full-frame cameras. These are typically for slightly more specialized applications where you really need the pixels, and while they were once prohibitively expensive, these days we’re seeing more “affordable” (sort of) models appearing on the market.

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Best Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking in 2023

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1. Fujifilm X-S10

Best Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking overall

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 26.1MP
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2360k dots
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30/ 8fps
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Intermediate/Expert

The Fujifilm X-S10 doesn’t have the external exposure controls of higher-tier X-series cameras, but that’s about the only thing we can complain about, and it’s clear this isn’t an ‘amateur’ camera.

As its build quality and handling immediately stand out. The switch to a conventional mode dial may disappoint Fujifilm fans, but the excellent finish, build quality and handling and inclusion of IBIS (in-body stabilization) give this camera very wide appeal, especially in this price segment, to produce perhaps the best combination of performance, quality, and value on the APS-C mirrorless camera market right now.

It even has a vari-angle rear screen, which is another reason we rate this new camera above our previous favourite, the X-T30. Recommended lens kit: Fujinon XF18-55mm or XF16-80mm.

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2. Nikon Z5

Best Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Megapixels: 24.3MP
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 1040k-dot
• Continuous shooting speed: 4.5fps
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3690k-dot, 100% coverage, 0.8x magnification
• Max Video Resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
• User Level: Enthusiast

A great value full-frame camera and an introduction to Nikon’s fast-growing Nikon Z mirrorless ecosystem.

While Nikon has done a solid job rounding out the top end of its Z range of full-frame mirrorless cameras with the flagship Z7 II, and even found room for a cheeky APS-C offering with the Z50, it was arguably lacking. from an entry-level gateway to full-frame.

It has arrived in the form of the Nikon Z5, a sleek little camera that offers full-frame features at an attractive price. With twin card slots and 4K UHD video, it takes some cues from professional bodies, though it won’t shoot bursts at more than 4.5fps.

Still, with full weather sealing, five-stop image stabilization and a spectacular electronic viewfinder, anyone making their first jump to full-frame will find themselves absolutely spoiled for features.

What we like most about this camera is its excellent price, well below the Nikon Z6 II, and its impeccable retractable lens kit. Recommended lens kit: Nikkor Z 24-50mm or Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4.

3. Panasonic Lumix S5

Best Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Megapixels: 24.2MP
• Lens mount: L-mount
• Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84 million dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 7fps (mechanical shutter), Mode 6K Photo (18MP @ 30fps)
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K/60p
• User Level: Enthusiast

Ideal for stills and even better for video, the full-frame S5 is sold with an exclusive 20-60mm super-wide lens kit.

The original Lumix S1 and S1R are impressive and powerful cameras… but big. Panasonic took this into account and somehow (we’re still not sure how) introduced the Lumix S5, a camera that offers basically the same imaging power as the beefy 24-megapixel Lumix S1, but in a body that weighs around 300 g. less.

It’s also something of a spiritual successor to the video-oriented GH line, with best-in-class video specs.

It shoots 4K/60p 10-bit 4:2:0 video, and in terms of dynamic range, on paper only the pro-grade Sony A7S III. You can try to match it or beat it. Colour science is finely optimized for a beautiful image.

Photographers can also make use of the 6K Photo mode for effective 30fps burst shooting, ensuring they never miss a moment. As full-frame hybrid cameras go, this is extremely hard to beat, especially at today’s prices. Recommended lens kit: Lumix 20-60mm.

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4. Fujifilm X-T4

Best Fujifilm Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 26.1MP
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm X mount
• Monitor: EVF, 3690k dots, 100% coverage
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 11fps Viewfinder: : EVF
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Hobbyist/Professional

Fujifilm’s flagship X-series camera is a robust powerhouse for stills and video shooting.

The X-T4 is the current flagship of Fujifilm’s X-mount camera range. Its predecessor, the X-T3, was hard to follow, with high-speed continuous shooting, advanced autofocus, and class-leading 4K video capabilities, but the Fujifilm X-T4 takes things to another level.

The X-T4 now has in-body stabilization, a vari-angle touchscreen, and better battery life. Of course, the X-T4 isn’t just an excellent still camera.

It also has cutting-edge 4K video performance, with 60p 10-bit internal recording. It’s a shame Fujifilm dropped the headphone jack (you’ll need an adapter now).

The only thing keeping this camera from rising higher on our list is its price, which has remained high and is only one notch below some very good full-frame rivals. Recommended lens kit: Fujinon XF18-55mm or XF16-80mm.

5. Nikon Z FC

Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS
• Megapixels: 20.9MP
• Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04 million dots
• Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots
• Maximum video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
• User Level: Beginner/Hobbyist

The Z fc is a great value first camera with wonderful retro styling, though ‘native’ APS-C Nikon Z lenses are required.

The Nikon Z FC is undoubtedly one of the most attractive mirrorless cameras at the moment. It’s a retro-style mirrorless machine with dial-based controls, and it’s a joy to drive, use, and be seen using.

Internally, it’s basically the same as the Nikon Z50, with the same APS-C sensor and processor and many of the same specs. Some extra features have been removed, like a built-in flash, and it’s more expensive than the Z50, so if you don’t care about aesthetics, Nikon’s other DX-format camera is the smarter choice.

But if you are one of those who cannot resist the siren song of the best retro cameras, the Nikon Z fc will be perfect for you.

The only thing we’re up against, and it’s a pretty big deal, to be honest, is that there are still only two Nikon Z DX lenses to go with it. However, many photographers just want a kit lens and nothing else, so it’s not a problem for them. Recommended lens kit: Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm.

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6. Panasonic Lumix G100

Best Budget Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Megapixels: 20.3
• Lens mount: MFT
• Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,840k-dot
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69 million dots
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
• Maximum resolution video: 4K UHD
• User level: Beginner/Hobbyist

A compact, portable and affordable MFT camera perfect for vlogging and travel.

One of the cheapest cameras on our list is also one of the best for beginners, vloggers, and travel photography.

For many of us, video is just as important as stills, if not more so, and it’s these vloggers and content creators that the Lumix G100 is aimed at. It makes it easy to capture high-quality video and still images with its accessible button layout.

Even people who are not interested in the technicalities of capturing good-looking video will be able to get results with this camera.

By giving it a decent viewfinder and ‘proper camera’ ergonomics, Panasonic has given the G100 an edge in a highly competitive market.

This is a great camera to start with if you’re more interested in vlogging than regular photography and is a useful step up from the GX80/85 in both resolution and video capabilities. Recommended lens kit: Lumix G 12-32mm ‘pancake’ zoom.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best Olympus Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Megapixels: 20.3
• Lens mount: MFT
• Screen: 3-inch, 1,037k-dot, 180-degree tilting touchscreen
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k-dots
• Maximum shooting speed: 8.7fps
• Resolution Maximum Video: 4K UHD
• User Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Compact and affordable, the Olympus is easy to learn for beginners, but packed with powerful features for later.

The E-M10 series has always been designed with value in mind, but this Mark IV version also adds power and sophistication, with a 20 MP sensor, improved in-body image stabilization and a new tilt-and-flip monitor.

Retaining the 4K video and attractive styling that made the Mark III so appealing, the Mark IV is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an entry-level camera that can do just about anything.

The E-M10 series has long been our favourite pint-sized cameras, so we’re very happy that the Mark IV FINALLY sports Olympus’ latest 20MP sensor.

Even better, at current prices, it’s also one of the cheapest mirrorless models on the market, which is pretty amazing considering what it can do. Recommended lens kit: M.Zuiko 14-42mm EZ ‘pancake zoom’.

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8. Canon EOS R5 Camera

Best Canon Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 45
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Monitor: 3.15-inch Vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 5,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.0x magnification, 76x
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 12fps Mechanical, 20fps Electronic Shutter
• Max Video Resolution: 8K
• User Level: Professional

For professionals who need a still and video camera that will do it all for any task, this is the solution.

As a still camera, the Canon EOS R5 is simply Canon’s best product. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the EOS R’s form, the EOS 5D’s function and the EOS-1D X’s pro-level autofocus.

It is one of the best cameras. you will always have the pleasure of using it. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the R5 if your main interest is shooting video.

Don’t get us wrong, your video is amazing, but having to navigate overheating restrictions prevents it from being your A camera (unless you only shoot 4K 30p, in which case you don’t need this anyway).

It’s not perfect at everything, but it’s so good at so many things that it’s still a flagship camera. The Sony A1 is ahead of the specs, but the Canon is MUCH cheaper.

9. Sony A1

Best Sony Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 50.1NP
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Screen: 3-inch tilting, 1.44m dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 9.44 million dots
• Max burst speed: 30fps
• Max video resolution: 8K
• User level: Professional

The Sony A1 is the king of the hill, for now. Combines resolution, speed and video specifications out of this world.

The Sony A1 is everything Sony says it is. It is a technological triumph, a camera that really can do it all.

Previously, cameras could offer speed, resolution, or video capability, but the A1 offers all three, and even beats dedicated sports and video cameras at their own game.

However, as good as it is, price is and will continue to be, a big deterrent, and its appeal is limited to photographers who need everything it does, not just one or two of those things. Sony has practically killed two of their other cameras by making this one too!

The Sony A9 Mark II is a great sports camera, but the A1 outperforms it, while the excellent 4K video capabilities of the Sony A7S Mark III pale in comparison to the A1’s 8K capture.

10. Nikon Z9

Best Affordable Mirrorless Cameras For Hiking

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SPECS

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: Full Frame
• Megapixels: 45.7MP
• Autofocus: 493-point hybrid phase/contrast-detection
• Screen Type: 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot bi-directional tilting touchscreen
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 20fps
• Movies: 8K
• User Level: Professional

Possibly the best camera Nikon has ever released, and it shoots 8K video too.

Nikon may have been late to the game in releasing its high-spec professional mirrorless camera, but the Nikon Z9 was definitely worth the wait.

It’s an absolute beast of a camera when it comes to video, knocking the Canon EOS R3 out of the park. It is capable of recording 8K 60p or 8K 30p video with a whopping 2-hour recording limit.

Nikon decided to remove the mechanical shutter entirely, which means the Z9 is capable of 120fps continuous shooting and has a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000, making it perfect for sports and bird photography.

The Z9 works with Deep Learning AF which makes the camera capable of nine types of recognition: human eyes, faces, heads and upper body; eyes, heads and bodies of animals; and cars, planes, trains and motorcycles.

It has the same 493 AF points as the Nikon Z7 II, which sounds impressive until you find out that the Canon EOS R3 has a whopping 4779 AF points. The Z9 is considerably cheaper than the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3 and has many advanced features.