6 Lightweight and Easy-to-Use Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners

Japanese photo cameras are known to be reliable and of good quality. However, you might have trouble choosing one that fits your needs. We introduce six recommended products including mirrorless cameras that are easy to use.

Camera Types: SLR, Mirrorless, Compact

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SLR, or single lens reflex camera, comes with a mirror inside. The term mirrorless describes a smaller, lightweight type without a mirror. A compact camera is a digital camera with fixed A/S/M (*) modes.

*A/S/M: "A" stands for automatic mode, "S" is for shutter speed priority mode, and "M" is the manual mode.

Type	Distinction	Features
SLR	Equipped with a mirror and interchangeable lens	Large, heavy device and expensive price point
Mirrorless	A smaller type without a mirror and interchangeable lens	Small and lightweight body with moderate price range
Compact	Compact camera with zoom function without lens replacement	Small and lightweight body priced in the lower range

Out of the three mentioned above, the mirrorless type is gaining popularity.

Reasos for Our Camera Recommendations

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The mirrorless type is small, lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to upgrade.

Some beginners purchase an expensive camera from the get-go. However, this camera type is harder to handle and tends to get shelved earlier.

Others may buy a compact type, which is inexpensive and easy to use, but quickly regret their choice since the camera comes with a fixed lens and cannot be upgraded.

The mirrorless type is perfect in that regard and suitable for those who are interested in photography.

6 Recommended Mirrorless Cameras

The following is a list of six mirrorless cameras recommended by our writer.

1. Sony α7C: A Popular Choice for Bloggers

Picture courtesy of Amazon

Released on October 23, 2020, the α7C is the world's smallest and most lightweight mirrorless camera.

Available in silver or black, it weighs only 509 grams, even with a battery and memory card. This camera is ideal for bloggers and YouTubers who upload photos and videos daily.

Equipped with real-time tracking ability, the camera can photograph fast-moving objects. It also can take high-quality videos with 4K resolution.

2. Olympus PEN E-PL10: Preferred by Artists

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Aoi Miyazaki, a Japanese actress, appeared in advertisements for PEN produced by Olympus, a series of cameras favored by many artists.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

This camera is available in white, black, or brown. It allows the user to take photographs that are natural-looking and soft-focused or in tricky situations such as during the nighttime.

The focus can be easily adjusted by touching the screen. It is also popular for improving one's complexion with a built-in flash lamp.

(Reference Price: 69,300 yen after tax)

3. Panasonic LUMIX DC-GF10X: The Ultimate Selfie Camera

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LUMIX DC-GF10X features a compact design available in white/rose gold, orange/silver, and black. Featuring 4K resolution, this camera allows users to easily snap photos in various situations, including focus selection and focus composition.

The most prominent feature is the ability to shoot 30 frames per second (*) in the 4K resolution mode, capturing moments that other cameras will miss.

*4K Resolution Mode: the 4K/wide-angle mode features continuous shooting limited to 15 frames per second. This mode is activated only when shooting selfies.

Picture courtesy of Rakuten

Afterward, users can edit photos by applying the skin beautifying and slimming effect without additional software and upload them to their social media platforms.

4. Fujifilm X-T30: A Popular Choice for Culinary Influencers

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Fujifilm X-T30 is popular among Taiwanese and Japanese influencers in the culinary scene.

Users can choose among 16 film simulation modes that vary with one's environment. This also allows users to create a photo with a distinct atmosphere that follows the trends.

Picture courtesy of MOMO

One of the features of Fujifilm cameras is the ability to reproduce colors without altering details in the photo. This is an essential function for foodie influencers.

5. Canon EOS M6: Chosen by YouTubers

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The Canon EOS M6 is a popular choice for YouTubers. It is equipped with features that make it ideal for video shooting, such as 5-axis image stabilization and continuous shooting performance up to approximately 7.0 frames per second or about 9.0 frames per second with auto-focus mode.

Picture courtesy of MOMO

This camera is available in silver or black.

(Reference Price: 92,500 yen)

6. Sony α5100: A Standard Camera for Beginners

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Released in 2014, this camera continues to be a standard model for beginners.

The built-in flash lamp allows users to take photographs against the light or at night. The camera is available in white, black, or brown.

Picture courtesy of Amazon

Equipped with an E-mount lens, users can upgrade the camera by choosing from over 30 Sony products, ranging from fixed focal to zoom lens.

(Reference Price: 54,880 yen)

Find the Best Japanese Camera for You!

Mirrorless cameras are constantly evolving, with new products continuously on the market. We hope you'll find one that best suits your needs.

If you still can't decide which product to purchase, try a hashtag search on Instagram using the product's name, such as "#fujifilmxt30," to gather more information.

Main image by Pixta