Welcome to our guide to best Canon mirrorless cameras. In a tough market full of competition from Nikon, Sony and Panasonic, Canon mirrorless cameras stand out as some of the best. Whether you want to shoot stills, video or both, there will be a Canon mirrorless camera that suits you – it’s just a matter of finding it.
At AP, we test and review every new Canon mirrorless camera that’s released, so we have a good sense of which models are suitable for which user. The range currently consists of two lines – the flagship EOS R series, which includes both full-frame and APS-C cameras, and the EOS M series. Canon’s EOS M uses a different lens mount (EF-M rather than RF) and consists only of cameras with APS-C sensors. If you’re not sure what the difference is between a full-frame and and an APS-C sensor, check out our guide to full-frame versus APS-C for a quick guide to the basics.
The introduction of APS-C to the EOS R series has cast the future of EOS M into doubt. Canon claims to be still invested in both lines, but frankly, we’ve heard that one before. Sony claimed for years it was not abandoning A-mount in favour of E-mount, before quietly but inevitably doing exactly that. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – right now, the EOS R and EOS M series are both on the market and popular, and the slimline EOS M cameras have plenty of fans among photographers.
Picking a mirrorless camera can be a daunting task, particularly if it’s your first. So before we get to the list, let’s quickly run through the key specs to consider when choosing the best Canon mirrorless camera.
Sensor & Resolution
As already discussed, Canon’s mirrorless cameras offer either a full-frame sensor or an APS-C one. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so it’s important to think about what you really need. In simplistic terms, full-frame tends to give better image quality in a range of situations, including low light, while APS-C makes for an overall smaller system and can be beneficial for certain subjects such as wildlife. Resolution is also worth thinking about – it’s not necessarily true that more pixels is better. Whether you need a very high resolution likely comes down to the type of subjects that you photograph – we’ll discuss more on this as we go along.
Screen and Viewfinder
Naturally, all of the cameras in our list include a screen, while most (but not all) include an electronic viewfinder too. Think about whether you would like an articulating or tilting screen (which can be handy for composing from awkward angles, as well as for video). For the viewfinder, pay attention to the resolution and size.
Image Stabilisation
When it comes to in-body image stabilisation, relatively few Canon cameras offer it. Indeed, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation was introduced for the first time for Canon in 2020 with the EOS R5 and the EOS R6. Since then, the EOS R3 also includes it, as well as the newer R7 (an APS-C model). Although image stabilisation is not essential – since those cameras without it take advantage of stabilisation in lenses – it is beneficial for those who like to shoot certain types of images handheld, such as in low light or even to creatively blur certain elements (such as water).
Frame Rate
For those with a penchant for photographing fast moving subjects (such as sports and wildlife), you’ll be keen to buy a camera with a fast frame rate. Mirrorless cameras offer much better capability for this than their DSLR counterparts, with cameras in the R or M ranges giving you up to 30fps (frames per second). This will be less important to you if you mainly shoot static or near-static subjects, such as landscapes or portraits. You’ll also want to look out for models which offer high-quality continuous autofocusing capabilities.
Video
Almost all modern cameras are equipped with 4K video recording. Other video-related specifications to consider include whether a crop is applied to 4K, frame rates and special video modes. For some, video specifications will be extremely important, while for others still they’ll be completely irrelevant if they only shoot stills.
Build Quality
How a camera handles is extremely important, and it’s always worthwhile actually holding a camera in your hands before you commit to buy. It’s also worth thinking about other specifications, such as weather-sealing, particularly if you intend to be using the camera in all weather conditions or in potentially risky conditions (such as for coastal landscapes for example).
Lens Choices
Canon’s two mirrorless lines (R and M) use different lens mounts, and as such, the lenses between them are not interchangeable. Despite being much older, the lens range for the M series never really took off, and as such there are just 8 available optics. By contrast, there’s 28 RF-mount lenses, along with two extenders. You can use existing DSLR optics like the best EF-mount zoom lenses with either the M or the R mount cameras, via an adapter (two different adapters). Take a look at our guide to DSLR vs mirrorless: which is best for more on the differences between the two types of camera.
So now you know what things you should be looking at when choosing a camera, have a look at our recommendations for the best Canon mirrorless cameras:
1. Best professional Canon mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R3

Canon has struggled to keep up with demand for the EOS R3 – it took us a while to get hold of a review sample! Photo credit: Andy Westlake
At a glance:
- Professional-level flagship full-frame mirrorless
- 30fps shooting
- 8-stop in-body image stabiliser
- Eye-control AF and Subject Tracking
- 4K/6K video
- £5,789 / $5,999 (body only)
If speed is your main concern, then you can’t go far wrong with the Canon EOS R3 – so long as you’ve got the budget to buy it. It includes super-fast specifications including up to 30fps shooting (using the electronic shutter), as well as a world-record top shutter speed of 1/64,000 sec.
The full-frame sensor offers 24 megapixels, which certainly sounds low compared to some other models – particularly from other manufacturers – but Canon suggests that this is a deliberate choice to give the best possible balance between image quality, file size and speed – and in practice it delivers on that.
Autofocusing is top-notch, with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology on board to provide 4779 focus points. The even more exciting news is eye-control AF which allows you to literally look at the subject through the viewfinder in order to choose a focus point. Subject tracking is also superb for moving subjects. As we said in our full review, the price of the EOS R3 means it is only going to be worth it for those who truly need every one of its outstanding features. If you need (not just want, need) a camera that will nail the shot, again and again, in all conditions, the EOS R3 is it.
What we like:
- Truly exceptional AF, with eye-control focus
- Super-fast shooting and deep buffer
- Superb across-the-board handling
What we don’t like:
- 24MP may be low for some
- On the larger side
Best for: action, wildlife and sport photography
2. Best high-res Canon mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5

The high-res Canon EOS R5 captures an uncompromising level of detail. Photo credit: Michael Topham
At a glance:
- 45 megapixel full-frame sensor
- Up to 20fps shooting
- 4K/8K video
- 8-stop in-body image stabiliser
- Subject tracking
- £4,299 / $3,899 (body only)
If you’re looking for a real workhorse of a camera, one which can tackle lots of different subjects with aplomb, then the Canon EOS R5 is a sensible choice.
Combining its 45 million pixel sensor with up to 20fps shooting, you get a good blend of speed and resolution. Whether you photograph landscapes, portraits, or sports / action, then the R5 should perform well.
Focusing – while not quite on a par with the R3 – is still reliably excellent, with fast focus acquisition and the ability to track a variety of different subjects. Eye-detection is also useful for portraits – of both people and animals.
Videographers may also like the R5, being as it offers a good range of video specifications – including up to 8K recording. However, as we mentioned in our full review, and was extensively discussed at the time, this does come with a significant limitation – the heat build-up and resultant cool-off periods that mean you can’t shoot 8K, or 4K 120p, for more than 20 minutes at a time. At lower resolutions or frame rates, there are no such problems, but it is still something to be aware of before selecting the EOS R5 as your main video camera. Canon did somewhat hastily bring out an alternative, the EOS R5C, with a redesigned cooling system, so video users should consider that option first.
What we like:
- Stunning EVF
- Ultra-high resolution
- Impressive video spec
What we don’t like:
- Overheating compromises video usefulness
- Expensive
Best for: photographers who shoot lots of different subjects
3. Best all-round Canon mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
At a glance:
- 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor
- Up to 40fps shooting
- 4K video
- 8-stop image stabiliser
- £2,779 / $2,499
Canon’s original EOS R6 was a big hit with a lot of users and reviewers (including us). It was a quieter launch than the EOS R5, but arguably a more successful one, fielding a lower-resolution sensor for a more reasonable price-tag. It was the quintessential full-frame all-rounder – and now the EOS R6 Mark II is very sensibly building on that formula.
The biggest addition is the new 24.2MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which ups the resolution from a slightly stingy 20MP on the original. It’s not a stacked type like we’ve seen on the EOS R3, meaning you don’t get those ultra-fast readout speeds, but it is optimised to deliver exceptional low-light performance, with a standard ISO ceiling of 102,400, extendable to 204,800, and supporting autofocus in light levels as low as -6.5EV.
The EOS R6 Mark II does inherit one thing from the EOS R3 however – that freakishly powerful subject-detect autofocus that can lock onto specific targets, everything from humans and animals to cars and trains. It gives you real versatility as a photographer, and cements the EOS R6 Mark II’s status as one of the best all-rounder cameras you can buy. We’re still finishing up our tests in our Canon EOS R6 Mark II review currently – but what we’ve seen so far has seriously impressed us.
What we like:
- Fast burst mode and deep buffer
- Highly capable autofocus
- Excellent in low light
What we don’t like:
- Inevitable price bump over original R6
- No 8K or 6K video
Best for: all-rounder photographers who want to capture lots of different subjects
4. Best budget full-frame Canon mirrorless: Canon EOS RP

The Canon EOS RP is one of the more affordable routes into full-frame. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
At a glance:
- 26.2 megapixel full-frame sensor
- 5fps shooting
- 4K video
- £1,049 / $999 (body only)
If you are keen to get into the full-frame mirrorless Canon stable, but don’t have much budget to play with, the Canon EOS RP is a way to get into it – but with some notable caveats.
Although it has a well-performing 26.2 megapixel sensor, if you’re keen on photographing action / sport, this probably isn’t the camera for you, with only 5fps shooting available. However, if you mainly shoot subjects such as landscapes, still life and portraits it’s a better priced way into full-frame than some of Canon’s options.
Perhaps you’re somebody who wants full-frame but wants a relatively small and lightweight camera, the RP also ticks some boxes there, too, so it could be a good option for travel. Other notable features include 4K video, dual-pixel CMOS AF and a single SD-HC (UHS-II) card slot.
What we like:
- Great value for money
- Small and lightweight
- Fully articulated LCD
What we don’t like:
- Only 5fps burst
- One card slot
Best for: those new to full-frame mirrorless, best Canon mirrorless under £1200