Looking to move on from your DSLR? We round up the best professional mirrorless cameras to serve every need

Many professional photographers are leaving even the best DSLRs behind and migrating over to mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless technology has quickly become the standard for pros who want a more compact system and some of the innovations it provides, such as cameras with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), hybrid AF and enhanced video capability. But with so many options now, choosing the best professional mirrorless cameras for your needs takes a bit of research.

Thankfully, we’ve done this research for you! We’ve tested and shot extensively with all of the best professional mirrorless cameras on the market. The wealth of options out there means there are professional mirrorless cameras better tailored for certain types of photography.

What features should you consider when buying the best mirrorless camera for professional photography? Sensor size is the obvious one. Do you need a full-frame sensor? Most of the time, the answer is probably yes, but some professional sport and wildlife photographers might want a fast and lightweight APS-C body. For more information, check out our guides on APS-C vs full-frame and when to use APS-C lenses over full-frame options.

IBIS, as we mentioned earlier, is increasingly becoming a must-have feature for professional photographers and hybrid shooters. Wedding photographers, for example, who shoot handheld in low-light and often need video, as well, will find IBIS a crucial specification.

AF is another consideration when choosing the best professional mirrorless camera for your needs. With manufacturers now developing advanced subject recognition and tracking modes, something like the Canon EOS R3’s Vehicle AF makes a lot of sense for someone who shoots motorsport for a living.

What are the best professional mirrorless cameras?

All of the options on our list of the best professional mirrorless cameras were chosen based on our experience testing them. You might find our guides to the overall best cameras for professional photography and best professional DSLRs useful as well. For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our extensive range of camera buying guides.