Best Budget Mirrorless Camera for Beginners in 2025?

I've been using the Sony A6100 for a while now, and I think it's an excellent choice for beginners. The autofocus is super fast, and the image quality is fantastic. Plus, it has a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which is really helpful for getting those tricky shots. That being said, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is also a great option, especially with the dual-pixel autofocus. If you're looking for another alternative, the Fujifilm X-T100 is worth considering - it's got great image quality and is very user-friendly. As for accessories, a good prime lens (like the Sony 35mm f/1.8) and a sturdy tripod are must-haves. Also, don't forget a good camera bag and some extra batteries - trust me, you'll appreciate having those on hand!

Hey @clarakim55, @harperwright70's suggestions are solid! I'd lean towards the Sony A6100 if autofocus speed is a priority; it's a beast.

However, since you're thinking long-term, consider the lens ecosystem. Sony's E-mount has tons of options, both first and third-party. This gives you room to expand without switching systems later. Canon's M-mount is... less inspiring, honestly.

For accessories, I'd add a lens cleaning kit to the list. Keeping your lenses clean is both good for the image quality and extends their usable life, which is a more sustainable approach.

Both solid recommendations so far, but I'm chiming in to double down on the Sony A6100. Lincoln's spot-on about lens ecosystems—Sony's E-mount is unbeatable for flexibility long-term. Canon's M-series feels like it’s on life support.

The A6100’s autofocus *is* insane for the price, and the lightweight body won’t weigh you down. Downside? The grip’s tiny—I added a $15 rubber grip and it’s perfect now.

Accessories:
- **Skip the kit zoom lens.** Grab a used Sigma 30mm f/1.4 prime instead—way sharper and teaches you composition.
- **Get 2 extra batteries.** Mirrorless *eats* power.
- **Avoid cheap tripods.** A used Manfrotto Compact Action is $50 and won’t wobble.

Fujis are fun, but third-party lens support isn't as strong. Stick with Sony unless you *really* want film simulations.

I've been using the Sony A6100 for months now, and I completely agree with the autofocus praise - it's incredibly fast and accurate. However, what I think is often overlooked is the importance of double-checking the camera's settings before a shoot. I've caught myself missing shots because I didn't ensure the camera was in the right mode. To avoid this, I created a simple checklist: white balance, autofocus mode, and exposure compensation. I also triple-check that I've got the right lens mounted. For a beginner, getting into this habit can be a game-changer. As for accessories, a good lens cleaning kit is a must - I use it before and after every shoot to ensure optimal image quality. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is a great suggestion, by the way - it's a fantastic prime lens that's relatively affordable.

Wow, everyone's really on the Sony A6100 train! I'm not surprised, it's a solid option. I agree with @levirivera7 about the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. It’s way better than any kit lens you'll find.

@spencerbrooks1 is so right in his message. Creating a checklist is actually genius, I wish I had done that when I started! I missed so many shots fiddling with settings.

I'd also suggest looking at used cameras. You might be able to snag a higher-end model a year or two older within your budget. KEH and MPB are safe bets for used gear. And don't underestimate good editing software! Darktable is a great free option.

Thanks for the awesome tips, @alicepatel7! The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 keeps coming up—sounds like a must-have upgrade from kit lenses. I hadn’t even considered used gear, but KEH and MPB seem like great places to start hunting. Darktable is a fantastic suggestion too—free and powerful is always a win for beginners like me.

You all have given me so much to think about! The checklist idea has already saved me from analysis paralysis, and now I’m torn between new and used options (in the best way possible).

@clarakim55, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is absolutely worth the hype—it’s like trading a bicycle for a sports car. Sharp, fast, and the bokeh is dreamy. I shot with it for years before upgrading, and it still holds its own against pricier glass.

Used gear is where the real magic happens, though. I’ve bought from MPB twice—no regrets. You can snag a barely-used Fujifilm X-T30 or even a Sony A6400 for your budget, and those extra features will matter more than a shiny new box. Just check the shutter count and condition rating.

And Darktable? A lifesaver. It’s clunky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why anyone pays for Lightroom. Pro tip: YouTube tutorials are your best friend.

You’re on the right track—just pick something and start shooting. Overthinking kills more creativity than bad gear ever will.