Professional mirrorless cameras are now the overwhelming choice of pros and increasing numbers of serious enthusiast multimedia photographers. With so many great choices available, we focused this month’s Best of the Best guide on the tech-rich category of pro-level mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.
Manufacturers are putting all their latest technology into their high-end mirrorless models. Today’s top-end cameras offer continuous autofocus (AF) during the actual exposure—crucial in capturing full-res high-speed bursts as well as seamless 4K/8K video. Other tech includes state-of-the art BSI (backside-illuminated) CMOS sensors; ultrafast processors; AI-based (artificial intelligence) AF systems; advanced image stabilization (IS); as well as superspeed shutters. Let’s not forget ultrahigh-resolution, high-magnification electronic viewfinders (EVF) with blistering refresh rates and high-res, articulating touchscreen monitors.
While our editors had a difficult time narrowing the guide down to just five models, you can check out more great pro-level mirrorless cameras on our website.
A Selection of the Best Professional Mirrorless Cameras
Nikon Z8
This ingenious hybrid ILC delivers most of the features of Nikon’s flagship Z9—but in a 30% smaller, substantially lighter package. Nikon designed the Z8 to meet the needs of imaging professionals, serious photographers, videographers as well as advanced creators. First and foremost are its 45.7-megapixel, full-frame (FX-format) BSI stacked CMOS sensor and a virtually silent 1/32,000-sec electronic shutter with full 1/200-sec flash sync and blackout-free live view (no mechanical shutter). 
- Burst speeds of 20 fps in RAW with unlimited frames and 120 fps (11MP JPEG)
- A fast hybrid AF system with 493 points, 120 AF calculations/sec and advanced subject detection that includes aircrafts and vehicles
- Impressive -9 EV AF sensitivity in low light (at f/1.2 in starlight view mode)
What sets the weatherproof Z8 apart is its video prowess. Recording options include 8K 60p (N-RAW) and 8K 30p. Additionally, it records 125 minutes in 4K UHD 60p and 90 minutes in 8K UHD 30p. Moreover, you can capture internal 12-bit RAW footage as ProRes RAW 4K 60p or 10-bit ProRes 4:2:2 HQ. And it’s nimble size allows gimbal use. Other great features include 6 stops of IS with synchro VR/compatible lenses); a 0.5-inch, 3.7M-dot EVF; and a 3.2-inch, 2.1M-dot, tilting touchscreen LCD. MSRP: $3,399.95.
Sony Alpha 1 II
Sony’s new flagship full-frame mirrorless ILC brings together some of the most requested features of its high-end cameras in one compact body. Moreover, it combines high resolution, speed and AI-driven technology to meet the needs of pro photographers and videographers. The new pro model is an ideal hybrid tool for photojournalism, wildlife, sports, portraiture, weddings as well as commercial work. 
- 50.1MP, full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor
- 30 fps blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking
- 8K 30p, 4K 120p and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with breathing compensation as well as user-imported LUTs
What sets the Alpha 1 II apart is its new high-level AI-based subject recognition. “Auto” recognition mode now automatically detects a wide variety of subjects for tracking. It also features improved optical IS with 8.5 stops (center) for still images. And its high-speed anti-distortion shutter reduces rolling shutter effects. Additionally, there are a host of connectivity/transfer options, including high-speed 2.5GBASE-T wired/wireless LAN. MSRP: $6,499.99.
Canon EOS R1
The EOS R1 is a top-of-the-line, full-frame camera for professionals working in fast-action situations. Carrying on the legacy of the durable EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR, it provides faster processing, state-of-the-art video features as well as numerous networking options. It’s geared for both professional still photographers and video creators in a range of fields, including sports, high-end video production as well as news reporting. 
- 24.2MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor (with Dual Pixel AF)
- Neural upscaling feature creates a 96MP JPEG in 10 secs
- Records RAW videos at 6K and MP4 videos in 4K-D, 4K-U, 2K-D and Full HD
Able to capture stills and video simultaneously, what sets the EOS R1 apart is superfast sensor read-out speeds that virtually eliminate rolling shutter concerns and allow 40-fps electronic shutter performance. Plus, autofocus upgrades include the first “cross-type AF” at the imaging sensor. The system’s action priority mode automatically predicts the main subject to lock focus on. MSRP: $6,299.
Sony Alpha 7R V
The Alpha 7R V combines Sony’s highest resolution sensor in an Alpha camera with an AI processing unit for image recognition—an Alpha first. Moreover, the dust/moisture-resistant, full-frame ILC offers 61MP still images plus 8-stop optical IS! The camera also records 8K 24p/25p and 10-bit 4:2:2 movies as well as continuously shoots stills at 10 fps with AF/AE tracking. 
- A 4-axis touch LCD monitor combines tilting and side-opening flexibility; a 9.44M-dot viewfinder
- A dedicated Still/Movie/S&Q dial for flexible hybrid operation
- Fast Wi-Fi; 2×2 MIMO; FTP, smartphone transfers and direct livestreaming
What sets the Alpha 7R V apart is its ability to continuously shoot 583 compressed RAW images at 10 fps plus offer full-pixel readout for 8K movies with stabilization, real-time tracking AF subject recognition as well as focus breathing compensation. Plus, it has expressive S-Cinetone S-Log3, HLG and 10 creative look presets. It also delivers the highest resolution at low sensitivity of any Alpha. MSRP: $3,499.99.
Fujifilm GFX100 II
The GFX100 II is the flagship of Fujifilm’s GFX mirrorless large-format camera family. It produces images with broad dynamic range at a very shallow depth of field and with 8 stops of in-body IS. It’s a tool for fashion, commercial, landscape and sports photography as well as photojournalism. Additionally, along with Fujifilm film simulation modes, it offers multiple cinema formats, including Fujinon Premista, 35mm and 35mm anamorphic. 
- 102MP CMOS II HS imaging sensor
- 8-fps continuous mechanical shutter
- Internally records 4K 60p at full sensor width in 4:2:2, 10-Bit Apple ProRes and jam sync timecode
What sets the GFX100 II apart is a 55mm sensor that’s nearly 1.7x larger than the 35mm sensors found in full-frame cameras. Combined with the X-Processor 5, it delivers AI-based subject-detection AF with Deep Learning tech. So, the GFX100 II tracks, detects and keeps in focus animals, birds, vehicles and other fast-moving objects like insects and drones. Plus, it’s the first camera natively enabled for Frame.io Camera-to-Cloud integration with no accessory requirements. MSRP: $7,499.95.
