A Guide to the Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

In case there was any lingering doubt, 2019 confirmed that the camera industry is all-in on mirrorless technologies. I can count on one hand the number of new DSLR cameras announced this year—with room to spare. I would need help from two friends to do the same for mirrorless cameras. Need more proof? Over half of the mirrorless cameras unveiled in 2019 feature full-frame or medium format sensors, directly competing with professional DSLRs. Whether you are shooting high-resolution stills, capturing pro-quality video, or just getting started with mirrorless, 2019 had something for you. Come along as we break down the whopping twenty-three new, interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras unveiled in 2019.

2019 Interchangeable-Lens Mirrorless Cameras

Canon

Canon released a trio of new mirrorless cameras in 2019: a high-performance APS-C camera in the EOS M6 Mark II, a starter APS-C mirrorless in the EOS M200, and an entry-level full-frame camera in the EOS RP. The M6 Mark II has a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor for rendering detail-rich imagery and provides a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 for reliable performance under a variety of lighting conditions. It is capable of recording UHD 4K video at 30p or Full HD at 120p and its Dual Pixel CMOS AF offers 5,481 selectable points for accurate focusing when shooting stills or video.

The EOS M200 serves as an accessible crop-sensor mirrorless in a super-compact form, perfect for everyday carry. A 24.1MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor offers up to 6.1 fps continuous shooting and an ISO up to 25600. Additionally, it offers 4K video recording and in-camera 4K time-lapse capabilities. Finally, the EOS RP is one of the most compact full-frame cameras on the market, serving as an accessible entry into Canon’s RF-mount system. With a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, it can shoot up to ISO 40000, has Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 4779 selectable points, and can record UHD 4K video at 25p.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm released four new cameras in 2019: three for its APS-C-format X system and one for its medium format GFX system. The GFX 100 effectively doubled the resolution of previous GFX cameras, with its whopping 102MP medium format (43.8 x 32.9mm) BSI CMOS sensor. Combined with an X-Processor 4 image processor, this beast of a camera outputs 16-bit images with a sensitivity range that extends all the way to ISO 102400. The GFX 100 is also the first medium format camera to have sensor shift image stabilization incorporated for up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. A built-in vertical grip helps with ergonomics while doubling the camera’s power supply and dual UHS-II SD slots provide multiple file-storage options.

Fujifilm’s X-T30 is a mid-range, versatile APS-C camera that combines a 26.1MP X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor 4 with the classic, cool aesthetic that has come to characterize Fujifilm cameras. The X-T30 is capable of continuous shooting of up to 30 fps and records internal DCI/UHD 4K video at 30p. A 425-point phase-detection AF system keeps images sharp under most circumstances. Read Todd Vorenkamp’s review of the X-T30 here.

Fujifilm pulled all the stops for its retro fan base with the X-Pro3, a unique, digital homage to analogue cameras. Its most immediately noticeable feature, compared to the X-Pro2, is a rear LCD that flips down for waist-level shooting. When flipped up, it has a rear-facing status panel that reveals exposure settings or information about any Film Simulation modes being used—including all-new Classic Neg. and Monochromatic color modes. Additionally, the camera has titanium top and bottom plates, a newly redesigned hybrid viewfinder, and 4K video capabilities.

Rounding out Fujifilm’s new cameras, the X-A7 serves as an entry-level APS-C for the X system. Featuring a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and hybrid autofocus system, it has a sensitivity range of ISO 200-12800 natively, extendable to ISO 100-51200 for challenging lighting environments. It can record UHD 4K video at 29.97p and Full HD video at 59.94p. All of the new Fujifilm cameras include the popular film simulation modes for nostalgic or reluctant digital adopters.

Hasselblad

The most anticipated release from Hasselblad this year was the second generation of Hasselblad’s mirrorless X system, the X1D II 50C. Its impressive, 50MP medium format (43.8 x 32.9mm) CMOS sensor captures 16-bit color depth with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600. Incorporating Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution, it delivers the on-point skin tones and color-rich landscapes that have made the brand a perennial favorite among professionals. Read about Bjorn Petersen’s experience using the X1D II 50C here. Hasselblad also announced one of the more unusual and exciting mirrorless camera of the year: the 907X Special Edition, an all-black limited release commemorating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s (and Hasselblad’s) trip to the moon. Combining a CFV II 50C digital back with a 907X camera body, it is the smallest medium format camera by Hasselblad, just over an inch thick and weighing only 7.3 oz.

Leica

Before digital mirrorless cameras flooded the market, rangefinders were the most popular cameras lacking mirrors. This year, Leica announced its latest digital rangefinder, the M-E (Typ 240). A snazzy entry camera for the M system, it features a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor and Maestro image processor. It has a sensitivity range of ISO 200-6400 and can record Full HD video at 25p. True to its origins, the M-E maintains a classic rangefinder design with a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and superimposed manual focusing, as well as parallax correction. Finally, the M-E sports a unique, anthracite gray paint finish.

Nikon

Nikon announced the entry-level, DX-format Z50 this year, a solid transition camera into Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless system. A great choice for travel and social-media uses, the Z50 incorporates a touchscreen LCD that flips down 180 degrees for selfies, built-in editing capabilities for stills and video, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for quick sharing via Nikon’s SnapBridge app. In addition to Nikon’s FX-format Z-mount lenses, two zooms, a 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 and 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 were released specifically for its DX format.

Olympus

Olympus added two Micro Four Thirds cameras in 2019: the high-performance OM-D E-M1X and the ultra-compact OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Aimed at sports photographers, the E-M1X’s 20.4MP Live MOS sensor and Dual TruePic VIII image processor combine to shoot continuously up to 15 fps (mechanical shutter) / 60 fps (electronic shutter) with a sensitivity range extending to ISO 25600. Its 121-point autofocus and Intelligent Subject Detection AF helps keep images of fast-moving subjects sharp and in focus while 5-axis sensor shift image stabilization can compensate for 7.5 stops of camera shake. Finally, dual UHS-II SD slots and a built-in battery grip round out the professional capabilities of this camera. Check out Shawn Steiner’s review of the E-M1X here.

The E-M5 Mark III slims down the form factor of its predecessor while boosting its specs to be more in line with Olympus’s higher-end OM-D series. It has a 20.4MP MOS sensor and TruePic VIII image processor that offer up to 30 fps shooting and ISO sensitivity up to 25600. Five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization keeps imagery crisp, while 121 phase-detection points and 121 contrast-detection areas make sure focus hits. Finally, the E-M5 Mark III can record 4K video up to 29.97p.

Panasonic

Panasonic was ambitious throughout 2019, unveiling three full-frame high performance cameras and one Micro Four Thirds update. The Lumix DC-S1 serves as the gateway into Panasonic’s new full-frame system. Its 24.2MP MOS sensor and Venus Engine provide a sensitivity range extendable all the way up to ISO 204800. It is capable of up to 9 fps continuous shooting, provides 5.5 stops of camera shake reduction for handheld shooting, and utilizes Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) AF technology for stills and video. The S1 is capable of recording UHD 4K video up to 60p. It is a part of the L-Mount alliance providing compatibility with a variety of exceptionally sharp optics and includes dual memory card slots (XQD and UHS-II SD) for image saving options.

Resolution junkies who really want to benefit from Panasonic’s L-Mount will want to check out the Lumix DC-S1R, which features a 47.3MP MOS sensor with Venus Engine. In addition to its impressive baseline detail, it can create massive 187MP images using its multi-shot “High-Res” mode. Sharing the same body as the S1, it also employs DFD AF, 5.5 stops of shake correction, and dual memory card slots. It is capable of recording UHD 4K video at 60p but, unlike the S1, this requires a 1.09x crop and pixel-binning. Serious video shooters will want to look at the Lumix DC-S1-H. Its 24.2MP CMOS sensor and Venus Engine provides 14-stop dynamic range and Dual Native ISO settings. It can record 10-bit 6K video at 24p (3:2) and 5.9K at 29.97p (16:9), as well as DCI and UHD 4K at 60p with internal 4:2:2 10-bit sampling. This feature-rich camera comes pre-installed with V-Log, provides up to 6.5 stops of shake correction, and has unlimited recording time. It is also a perfectly capable still camera, making it a great hybrid-use camera.

Finally, the Lumix DC-G95 serves as the latest addition to Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lineup. Featuring a 20.3MP Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, the G95 can shoot continuously up to 9 fps over a sensitivity range of ISO 200-25600. UHD 4K video can be recorded at 30p and V-Log L provides 12 stops of dynamic range for creative control when grading. The G95 also provides up to 5 stops of shake correction and incorporates DFD autofocus.

Sigma

Sigma entered the full-frame mirrorless game this year when it announced the fp. An ultra-compact modular design makes this camera excellent for a wide range of applications. The fp is unique for its lack of mechanical shutter, relying instead on an electronic shutter—capable of shooting stills continuously up to 18 fps. A 24.6MP BSI Bayer CMOS sensor provides14-bit color depth and a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 natively (6-102400 extended). The fp was created with videographers in mind, both through its physical design and technical capabilities. You can record UHD 4K at 30p, as well as 12-bit Cinema DNG raw video when using an external recorder. It also provides the option of recording directly to a bus-powered SSD.

Sony

It was a busy year for Sony—the mirrorless trailblazer announced the full-frame a9 II and a7R IV as well as a trio of additions to the a6000-series of APS-C cameras. Resolution characterizes the R series and, unsurprisingly, the latest addition’s 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor makes it the highest-resolution Sony mirrorless to date. If that isn’t enough, using Pixel Shift Multi Shooting Mode, it is capable of combining 16 frames into a massive 240MP image for remarkable color and detail rendering. Additionally, the a7R IV’s BIONZ X image processor provides 15 stops of dynamic range and updated autofocus utilizes 567 phase-detection points. It can shoot continuously up to 10 fps with full AF/AE tracking for 68 shots at a time and can record UHD 4K video at 30p. The a9 series is designed for professionals who require not only a fast-performing camera but also quick image transfer. The a9 II includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connector, 1000BASE-T speed for its Ethernet port, and the option of a 5 GHz band for wireless. The a9 II also provides an updated BIONZ X processor and front-end LSI for better overall performance.

Sony’s new APS-C cameras all bring improved autofocus performance to the a6000 line. The a6100 serves as Sony’s updated entry-level camera for the E-mount system and features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor—a pairing maintained across models. It is capable of recording UHD 4K video at 30p and can shoot continuously up to 11 fps. Another practical upgrade is the inclusion of touchscreen capabilities to its rear LCD.

The a6400 strikes a nice middle ground in Sony’s APS-C collection. Its notable features over the a6100 include a higher resolution EVF, greater autofocus functionality, and customization options. It also introduces the ability to shoot S-Log and HLG video. Completing the trio, the a6600 serves as Sony’s new flagship APS-C format camera. A series of incremental improvements puts this camera above former APS-C offerings, including a larger grip, a larger battery for longer performance, improved AF with 425 phase-detection and contrast-detection points, a headphone port, and support for unlimited video recording times. One thing to note that the a6600 does not have a built-in flash like the other models in this series.

What is your favorite mirrorless camera of 2019? Confused about why cameras released before 2019 didn’t make the list? Leave a comment and let us know!