What is the best mirrorless camera for beginners under $1000?

I would suggest looking at the Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM as it fits your budget. You might want to consider that the native RF-S lens selection is quite small, so be careful there. Make sure to check out the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R to save money with cheaper EF glass... it basically solves the lens issue while keeping you under that 1000 dollar limit.

Regarding what #1 said about "I would suggest looking at the Canon EOS..." - honestly, while the R10 is a beast, the lack of native crop-sensor prime lenses for street photography might frustrate you later. I've tried many systems over the years and for a Kyoto trip, portability and lens variety are everything. If you want that viewfinder without breaking the bank, definitely check out the Sony Alpha a6400 with 16-50mm Lens. It's weather-sealed which is huge if you catch some rain in Japan, and the autofocus tracking is basically industry-leading. Another solid sleeper pick is the Nikon Z 50 with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. It feels way more natural in the hand than the Sony bodies imo.

• Sony has a massive third-party lens ecosystem (look at Sigma or Tamron for cheap, sharp glass)
• Nikon has better ergonomics and a much nicer viewfinder experience
• Both fit well under your $1000 limit with a kit lens Id personally go with the a6400 for the sheer amount of glass youll have access to as you grow. Ngl, having a viewfinder in that bright Kyoto sunlight is gonna be a lifesaver.

Late to the party but honestly, I've spent years lugging gear around on trips and I totally get the anxiety of picking the right one. Like someone mentioned, the ZV-E10 is basically a vlogging tool first and a camera second. > then people say it doesn't have a viewfinder which seems like it would be annoying for taking pictures outside? In my experience, you definitely want that viewfinder. Trying to compose a shot in bright sunlight on a screen is basically impossible and it'll drive you crazy in Kyoto. I've tried many cameras over the years, and for a beginner who wants reliability, I'd skip the vlog-centric stuff. I actually started with the Sony Alpha a6400 with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens and it's been a rock. It has a proper EVF and the autofocus is basically magic for street shots. Plus, the body is weather-sealed which is huge if you get caught in a drizzle near a temple. Quick tip: whatever you get, grab a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC card. Nothing kills the vibe like a slow card making you wait between shots. Since you're worried about lenses, the Sony E-mount has a massive library. If you find the kit lens too dark for night shots, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E is relatively cheap and produces incredible bokeh for portraits of your girlfriend. It basically stays on my camera 90% of the time. Just make sure you get an extra battery too, since mirrorless cameras eat them like candy tho.