Best Mirrorless Camera Under $1,500
$1,500 is the budget where entry full frame and better-equipped APS-C bodies overlap. Here is how to choose between them.
The best mirrorless camera under $1,500 depends on one fork: an entry full-frame body like the Canon EOS R8, or a better-equipped APS-C body like the Sony a6700 or Fujifilm X-S20. This is the budget where the two overlap, so decide whether you want the larger sensor or the stabilization and features before you look at the cards.
Why $1,500 is the crossover budget
At this line you can buy a new full-frame body, or an APS-C body with in-body stabilization and more features for the same money. Full frame gives cleaner high-ISO files and shallower depth of field; the APS-C bodies here add stabilization and more reach from the same lens. Our APS-C vs full frame guide covers the sensor half of that decision.
Full frame under $1,500: Canon R8
The R8 puts the same 24.2MP full-frame sensor and processor as Canon’s R6 Mark II into a lighter body. The trade is no in-body stabilization, one card slot and a smaller battery; our entry-level full-frame guide weighs it against the rest.
In our catalog
Canon · Full-frame · MirrorlessCanon EOS R8from $1,200See price comparison →
The Nikon Z5 II, Lumix S5 II, Lumix S9 and Fujifilm X-E5 usually sit at or above the line in our catalog, so treat a live price under it as a real dip.
APS-C: Sony a6700, Fujifilm X-S20 and X-T50
The Sony a6700 pairs a 26MP sensor with AI-based subject recognition, in-body stabilization and 4K60 video.
In our catalog
Sony · APS-C · MirrorlessSony a6700from $1,319See price comparison →
The Fujifilm X-S20 adds in-body stabilization, a fully articulating screen and Fujifilm’s X-Processor 5 to a travel-friendly body.
In our catalog
Fujifilm · APS-C · MirrorlessFujifilm X-S20from $1,329See price comparison →
The Fujifilm X-T50 uses a sensor similar to the X-T5’s in a smaller body with fewer direct controls.
In our catalog
Fujifilm · APS-C · MirrorlessFujifilm X-T50from $1,369See price comparison →
Video first: Sony ZV-E10 II
For creators, the ZV-E10 II shares the a6700’s sensor generation, records 4K oversampled from 6K at up to 30p, adds 10-bit 4:2:2, and takes Sony’s larger NP-FZ100 battery. It has no viewfinder, so it suits video more than stills.
In our catalog
Sony · APS-C · MirrorlessSony ZV-E10 II$1,200See price comparison →
Body only vs kit: where the lens money goes
A body-only price near the line leaves little for glass, and a kit lens or a used prime often does more for your pictures than the next body up. Price the pair, not the body.
Skip this tier if you are buying a first camera for casual use; the bodies in our budget mirrorless guide cover that for less.
Under $1,500, choose the sensor or the features first, and the live prices above show which bodies clear the line today.
Find the camera worth buying
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