Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallCanon EOS R50 | EnthusiastsNikon Z50 II | VloggingSony ZV-E10 II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £650–£850 | £800–£1,000 | £800–£950 |
| Best for | Beginners | Enthusiasts | Vlogging |
| Key feature | Easy controls and great autofocus | Viewfinder and strong autofocus | Vlogging features and flip screen |
| Sensor | APS-C 24 MP | APS-C 21 MP | APS-C 26 MP |
| Video | 4K | 4K | 4K 60p |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Canon · Mirrorless cameras
Canon EOS R50
Easy controls and great autofocus.
- Buy it if
- you want an easy first camera
- Skip it if
- you need weather sealing
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good autofocus
- Compact
Cons
- Limited lenses
- No stabilisation
Key specifications
- Sensor
- APS-C 24 MP
- Video
- 4K
Nikon · Mirrorless cameras
Nikon Z50 II
Viewfinder and strong autofocus.
- Buy it if
- you want a viewfinder
- Skip it if
- you want the smallest camera
Pros
- Good grip
- Viewfinder
- Strong AF
Cons
- Limited lenses
Key specifications
- Sensor
- APS-C 21 MP
- Video
- 4K
Sony · Mirrorless cameras
Sony ZV-E10 II
Vlogging features and flip screen.
- Buy it if
- you make videos
- Skip it if
- you want a viewfinder
Pros
- Great video
- Flip screen
- Lens range
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No stabilisation
Key specifications
- Sensor
- APS-C 26 MP
- Video
- 4K 60p
Compare more Mirrorless cameras on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Mirrorless cameras for beginners, travel and content creators, compared on autofocus, video and lenses. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Lens choice matters as much as the body.
- Subject-detection autofocus helps with children and pets.
- Flip screens help with vlogging.
Buying in the UK
UK retailers often bundle kit lenses, bags and cashback – compare bundle prices carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mirrorless camera better than a phone?
For low light, zoom and background blur, yes. For quick snaps, phones are very good.
Which lens should I start with?
The kit zoom covers most needs; a 50 mm prime is a great cheap upgrade for portraits.