Compact mirrorless
Pentax Q10
The top-tier device for this line of products, the Q10 is
Pentax’s premier entry into the compact mirrorless space. At a size rivalling
some point and shoot cameras, the Q10 is startlingly small for what it can do.
Interchangeable lenses? Check. 12.4MP BSI CMOS sensor? Check. 1006400? Check - all
this in a body that’s just 3.9 inches at its largest dimension. With HD video recording,
and a nice, large three-inch screen on the back, and enough battery to last 250
shots, it’s the perfect companion to keep in your bag of tricks.
Pentax Q10
Panasonic Lumix GM1
Another amazingly small entry to this list of compact
mirrorless cameras is the Lumix GM1. Launched just last year, this handsomely-designed
camera comes decked in a faux-leather exterior that is a solid throwback to the
compact film cameras of old. The GM1 is by no means a dinosaur, however.
Packing impressive specs such as a 16MP sensor, the ability to shoot in RAW,
30FPS Full HD recording and Wi-Fi connectivity to make sharing photos a breeze,
it’s not just capable; it can give a lot of DSLRs a good fight for your
hard-earned buck. It comes with a long list of compatible lenses and
accessories so you can configure it to do exactly what you need, in any
situation.
Panasonic Lumix
GM1
Canon EOS M2
Yet another entry from imaging masters Canon, the EOS M2 is
a standout. With a huge 18MP APS-C sensor, the camera has a field of view 1.6
times the conventional 35mm format. The EOS M2 also packs the DIGIC 5 processor
that is remarkable at reducing noise, even at high ISO settings and low-light
conditions. The dedicated imaging chip also takes care of lens correction, and
allows the camera to get focus faster than other systems. The EOS M2 also comes
with a large 3-inch touch screen for ease of navigation and quick, painless
image previews without having to fiddle with a lot of complicated dials and
buttons.
Canon EOS M2
Samsung NX30
Samsung has its fingers in a lot of pies, and the world of
compact mirrorless cameras is one of them. The NX30 isn’t quite a compact
mirrorless camera, but it gives almost all the versatility of a DSLR with
neither the mirror nor the bulk. The 20.3MP camera can shoot 1080p videos with
hybrid AF, or 30 still shots per second. Much like its point and shoot brother,
the NX30 comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n so you can share your photos on your
social media account, or store it online instantly. For previews, and
manipulating the settings, the NX30 has a 3-inch, 720x480 screen that swivels
to accommodate awkward shooting angles without being hard on the photographer.
To further simplify things, the viewfinder can swivel upwards, so you can see
the action even when it’s going on, even when it isn’t at eye level. Compatible
with other NX lenses, the NX30 gives you a lot of functionality with the
confidence that only a Samsung device can deliver.
Samsung NX30
Sony Alpha a7
Imaging expert Sony has always been exceptional at making
imaging solutions. From their simple Cybershot line, all the way to the Alpha
DSLRs, Sony has excellent technology behind their cameras. The Alpha a7 isn’t
an exception to that rule. The Alpha a7 full frame mirrorless camera claims to
be the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame, interchangeable lens camera.
With a large Sony Exmor image sensor, the a7 gives you all the advantages of
the format, at less than half the size. Its 24.3MP sensor has an ISO range of
100 to a whopping 25600, and its Bionz X image processor allows 5FPS shooting without
a hitch. The same image processor allows the camera AF speeds close to that
found on DSLRs, which is a feat in itself. The a7 is compatible with all
E-mount lenses, giving you a whole line of after-market lenses and accessories
to cater to any conceivable situation.
Sony Alpha a7
