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3 cheap mirrorless cameras that are good for beginners and veterans alike

One of the top features of the Fujifilm X-T10 is its magnesium body. (Image source: Math on Unsplash)
One of the top features of the Fujifilm X-T10 is its magnesium body. (Image source: Math on Unsplash)
As a photography beginner, you might immediately look to buy an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera, while the correct move may actually be buying a used or open-box high-end or mid-ranger from a few years ago instead. From full-frame to Micro Four Thirds and beyond, there is plenty of excellent camera gear that can be had for a good deal if you look.

1. The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a great compact all-rounder

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 (also known as the GX80 outside of the US, and the GX7 in Japan) is a retro-styled Micro Four Thirds camera that packs all the features you might expect from a premium device into an almost unbelievably compact package. Complete with five-axis in-body image stabilisation, a tilting touchscreen, and a sharp electronic viewfinder, the Lumix GX85 makes a great pocket camera that trades very little for its size. Aside from razor-sharp stills with accurate colour reproduction, the Lumix GX85 is capable of 4K video at 24 and 30 fps, as well as 1080p at 60 fps.

At 16 MP, it's not the sharpest camera out there, and the small Micro Four Thirds sensor does suffer some when it comes to very dark scenes. Despite any shortcomings, it's hard to beat what the GX85 offers in such a portable package, especially considering you can find them used for around US$300 on sites like eBay and new with a kit lens for around US$600 on Amazon. Once you outgrow that kit lens, there's a plethora of versatile, quality lenses waiting for you.

2. Fujifilm X-T10

The X-T10 is a former mid-ranger from Fujifilm based around the same sensor and philosophy as the flagship X-T1. Now, the X-T10 was launched way back in 2015, meaning it's certainly getting on in 2023. That doesn't mean it's not an excellent camera, though. The 16 MP X-Trans CMOS II APS-C sensor produces professional-looking, well-lit images, with a wide ISO range for when light is scarce.

The X-T10 lacks in-body image stabilisation, meaning there are better choices for video, but it does record video at up to 1080p 60fps. Still photography and ergonomics are where the X-T10 shines, thanks to the variety of film simulations and a wealth of programmable buttons. The X-T10 received high praise from the likes of DPReview for offering similar performance to the premium X-T1 at a much lower price, and it continues to offer good bang for the buck, at somewhere between US$400 and US$500 on sites like eBay. If you're in Europe, you can find one for around €400 on MBP.

The boxy Fujifilm X-T10 is right at home in any local hipster hotspot. (Image source: Austin Park on Unsplash)
The boxy Fujifilm X-T10 is right at home in any local hipster hotspot. (Image source: Austin Park on Unsplash)

3. Canon EOS M50

Canon has a strong reputation for great colour science and video performance, and the EOS M50 is an attempt to bring those strengths to an affordable, compact, APS-C vlogging camera. The biggest weakness of the EOS M50 is the relatively limited assortment of EF-M lenses, but that's easily resolved with an adaptor.

The 24.1 MP sensor in the EOS M50 produces sharp images, while the Dual Pixel autofocus with face and point tracking constantly work to keep things crisp. Able to record 4K at 24 fps and 1080p at 60 fps, the EOS M50 performs admirably as a compact all-rounder with a slightly larger sensor than its Micro Four Third contemporaries. Of course, the compact body and reduced price meant sacrificing any in-body image stabilisation, but that can be remedied with a stabilised lens.

Depending on where you buy it, the Canon EOS M50 is around US$300-US$500, but there are bundles on Amazon for US$750 that come with a kit lens, extra batteries, SD cards, a bag, and a number of other valuable accessories. 

Source(s)

Panasonic, Canon, Fujifilm, Adorama, eBay, DPReview (1, 2, 3)

Teaser image by Math on Unsplash, Fujifilm X-T10 image by Austin Park on Unsplash

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 04 > 3 cheap mirrorless cameras that are good for beginners and veterans alike
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-04-27 (Update: 2023-04-27)