With so many choices when it comes to buying a new camera, finding and choosing just one can be a real ordeal. Although, it mainly depends on your needs as a photographer. If you're leaning towards a hybrid camera, you've come to the right place and we're here to help.

Mirrorless cameras have been popular in recent years for their compact size, superb performance and growing choice of lenses. This style is rapidly replacing DSLRs, as mirrorless camera technology is rapidly outpacing DSLRs, which have virtually stagnated. They are often the best choice for most people, which is why we generally recommend that you look at hybrids when deciding on your next camera.

For any digital camera, including mirrorless, there are entry-level and professional options, and you can choose from crop (often called by its more official name APS-C), full-frame (closer to the classic 35mm film format) or even medium-frame (a much larger sensor). All these types of sensors have advantages and disadvantages, so you should weigh your options carefully.

Whether you're opting for a mirrorless camera for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing camera, here are our suggestions for the best cameras you can get this year.

What we are looking for

The main appeal of mirroless cameras is that they have the latest technology and high-resolution sensors in a body that is more compact and lighter than most DSLRs.

Fast burst mode capabilities, reliable connectivity, excellent video recording, image stabilization and decent low-light shooting capabilities are some of the most requested features by photographers of all levels.

Of course, since these are interchangeable lens cameras, they also need to have a good selection of native lenses available in the most common focal lengths.

Although they are smaller and lighter, the latest hybrid cameras are not always cheap. Below are our picks to help you make the right decision the first time.

Our picks fall into the following categories:

The best mirroless camera of all: Sony A1

Best mirroless camera: Canon R5

The best video-oriented mirroless camera: Sony a7S III

Best medium format mirroless camera: Fujifilm GFX 100S

Best APS-C sensor mirroless camera: Fujifilm XT4

The best mirroless camera for beginners: Fujifilm XT30

The best mirrorless camera of all: Sony A1

With specs that make it impressive on paper, it's no surprise that the full-frame Sony Alpha 1 is getting a lot of hype. In our recent Sony Alpha 1 review, we found that it delivers on Sony's promise of being a camera that can do anything you want.

With features like a new 50.1-megapixel sensor, a dynamic range of over 15 stops, an ISO of up to 32,000, incredibly fast autofocus, a 30 fps continuous shooting mode, and waterproofing, you have a mirroless camera that can handle all your photographic needs.

Likewise, the video capabilities are superb, with 8K video and a host of high frame rate options in 4K and Full HD. Add to that better battery life and an improved body, and you have a very versatile mirrorless camera.

The only major thing that might hold you back is the price, especially if you don't really need this high-end professional model yet.

However, the Alpha 1 is worth the price, as it is the only camera on the market that offers these high-end, pro-oriented features. If you want the best that money can buy, this is it.

Read more: Sony A1 - Our opinion

The best mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5, Canon's flagship 2020 full-frame mirrorless camera, remains a top choice for professionals or anyone looking for great equipment for a wide range of photographic projects.

With key features such as a 45-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, 8K video recording and other shooting modes, a continuous shooting mode of up to 12 fps (mechanical shutter) - 20 fps (electronic shutter), waterproofing comparable to the EOS 5D Mark IV, a high-resolution viewfinder, a fully articulated rear screen and image stabilization of up to 8 stops (with the right lenses), this is certainly one of the most powerful options on the market.

The highlight of this model is the full coverage Dual Pixel II AF system. While some photographers feel that Sony's autofocus is superior, Canon is not to be outdone.

With a very capable autofocus system that covers the entire frame and implements reliable eye detection and subject tracking, it's easy to take perfectly sharp photos of human and animal subjects. However, there is one major downside: if you plan to shoot a lot of video, beware of overheating issues.

However, as a camera with the features needed to follow a true hybrid workflow, it's really hard to beat the EOS R5: it's a complete package that's suitable for a wide range of photographers. Canon has made great strides in improving dynamic range, and the image quality of the R5 is top-notch for that reason.

Against other cameras that offer high resolution, video features and are competitive in this price range, the Canon EOS R5 has a small edge.

The best mirrorless camera focused on video: Sony a7S III

Many of the cameras on this list have outstanding video capabilities, as do many of the models released in the last couple of years. However, if you are considering a mirrorless camera primarily for video, consider the Sony a7S III.

The third version of Sony's full-frame, video-focused series, it boasts features such as 4K UHD video up to 120p, 16-bit Raw video output, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal video, and in-body 5-axis stabilization.

It also features a 12 MP BSI CMOS sensor, Bionz XR processor, 9.44 million dot viewfinder and a fully articulated rear LCD. These features and specifications are coupled with major improvements such as a redesigned touchscreen menu system, a large high-resolution viewfinder, ergonomic improvements borrowed from the a9 and a7R IV, and two dual-format card slots that accept UHS-II SD cards or CFexpress Type A cards.

When it comes to a compact camcorder that maintains the form factor of a modern mirrorless camera, the Sony a7S III is the camera to beat.

It's closely followed by the Panasonic Lumix S1H full-frame, also designed specifically for videographers. It also offers advanced video features, including 6K resolution, video scopes, internal 4:2:2 10-bit recording, anamorphic capture and full V-Log gamma.

On top of all that, the S1H is also an exceptional 24MP camera. Unfortunately, its autofocus capability and internal recording options are not up to par with what Sony offers.

Finally, it's worth noting that the slightly more expensive Sony FX3 is actually the a7S III repackaged in a smaller body, but it comes with more pro-oriented physical features, such as a detachable camcorder-style grip and mounting points for camera cages designed right into the body.

The best medium format mirrorless camera: Fujifilm GFX 100S

Medium format mirrorless cameras have gradually gained the preference of professional photographers who demand the best image quality with the most accurate color reproduction possible.

Although medium format sensors sacrifice autofocus speed and shooting performance, they are known for having the best image quality possible in a modern digital camera. If your goal is to capture incredible studio portraits or beautiful high-resolution landscape images, medium format may be for you.

Recently launched, the Fujifilm GFX 100S, is already considered the medium format camera to beat.

The GFX 100S boasts impressive features like a 102 megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, enhanced image stabilization up to 6EV, 4K 30p video capabilities, continuous shooting up to 5.0 fps, and a 400 MP multi-shot mode for still subjects, all in a relatively small and compact body.

If you're a fan of Fujifilm's film simulation, you might appreciate the additional "Nostalgic Neg" mode, which is inspired by the look of Stephen Shore's iconic color photographs.

Lately, it feels like Fujifilm's biggest competition in the medium format space is itself, and that's certainly the case here with the 50R, 50S and 100 all being solid options (though the 100S is our pick as the best of the bunch).

While there are options at Hasselblad, the Fujifilm is simply superior at this point, even if the lens options favor Hasselblad. For now, most photographers will find that the Fujifilm GFX 100S meets most requirements.

The best APS-C mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T4

APS-C doesn't mean bad - it just means a smaller sensor. This may mean less low-light performance and dynamic range, but it also means that the entire camera can be smaller: smaller bodies and lenses.

For a traveling photographer, the slight compromise in image quality is well worth a lighter camera bag. These days, that trade-off isn't even significant, as is the case with our choice here.

Fujifilm's X-T4, the latest 26-megapixel "sister model" to the X-T3, is an outstanding option. The X-T4 brings improvements over its predecessor, such as better autofocus, the addition of in-camera image stabilization, faster continuous shooting at 20 fps, additional processing options, and a larger capacity battery.

Other key features that make it a great choice for stills and video include 4K capture at up to 60p, 1080 video at up to 240 fps, a fully articulated rear touchscreen, two UHS-II card slots, a 3.68M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, the inclusion of 12 Fujifilm film simulation modes, and USB charging via a USB-C type connector.

Recently, many competitors are launching entry-level full-frame cameras at about the same price as the X-T4, and touting better image quality thanks to a larger sensor.

And while that's all well and good, it's the compact nature of the X-T4's sensor that makes it so appealing.

And while image quality may be better on a larger sensor, the X-trans' sensor is no different: the images captured with the X-T4 are fantastic.

Besides, the extra cost of the full-frame sensor has to come from somewhere, and entry-level cameras cut back on video, frame rate or autofocus capabilities to keep costs down. The X-T4 doesn't have to do that. It's one of the best cameras you can buy, and our pick for the best full-frame sensor camera available.

The best mirrorless camera for beginners: Fujifilm X-T30

If you are starting your photographic journey with a mirrorless camera, you certainly don't need the expensive professional models with all their bells and whistles.

If the Fujifilm X-T3 or X-T4 caught your eye but are a bit too expensive, the Fujifilm X-T30 might be more suitable.

Indeed, the X-T30 has many features of the more expensive X-T3. These include a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, an X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU, a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a continuous shooting mode of up to 20 fps.

Other features that make the X-T30 a good choice for beginners include a mirrorless AF system with 425 phase-detection points (so you don't miss the shot), dedicated dials for drive, exposure compensation and shutter speed settings, and DCI and 4K 30p UHD video.

All of these elements are housed in a significantly smaller body than the X-T4, which can also be an advantage if you're looking to start with a more compact option.

Shooting the X-T30 side-by-side with the X-T4 often feels like a no-brainer.

Sure, it's a smaller, more user-friendly camera that doesn't have all the high-end photo and video capabilities, but it has plenty and is capable of producing beautiful images. Its design is easy for a newcomer to approach and it won't break the bank either.

While you might consider a camera like the Sony a6400, we think the confusing menu and number of options can overwhelm a new photographer, and the Fujifilm X-T30 is the better choice for more people.

If you don't mind spending a little more, the X-S10 is also a solid choice and has a more "traditional" body that is similar to offerings from Sony, Canon and Nikon. It's also a great camera.