The Changing Shape of Interchangeable-Lens Cameras

The Changing Shape of Interchangeable-Lens Cameras

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Whether you call them mirrorless compact cameras because they dispense with the traditional SLR mirror box, CILCs (compact interchangeable-lens cameras) because they’re smaller than SLRs and have interchangeable lenses, or EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable-lens cameras) because they lack optical viewfinders (and you like smarmy acronyms), one thing is for sure. Whatever you call them, they’re definitely making an impact on serious and casual shooters and the camera market in general, delivering flexibility and performance on a par with many DSLRs in a lighter, more compact cost-effective package that appeals to anyone with an active lifestyle.

All the models covered below offer larger sensors than the typical point-and-shoot model, and this generally equates to better imaging performance, particularly at higher ISOs—a good selling point. Interchangeable lenses provide for greater shooting flexibility for travelers, action shooters and creative types, plus a robust aftermarket in accessories for dealers—a classic win-win.

Even their archrivals, long-range zoom point and shoots, cannot deliver fast-aperture lenses that allow creative pictorial effects, not to mention the ability to mount prime lenses, fisheyes and true macro lenses. It is also notable that CILCs, particularly the upper tier models, provide other value-added benefits that are difficult to quantify, but come under the heading of style, exclusivity and pride of ownership.
Indeed, cameras like the Sony NEX-7 and Pentax Q have already attained a cult status among the cognoscenti, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see cameras like the Samsung NX200 and Olympus E-P3 added to this list.

To give you a broad overview of this intriguing and still emerging sector of the market, we’ve gathered a nice bunch of current models for your delectation and perusal. As mentioned, these fascinating critters definitely appeal to women, travelers and other sophisticates seeking that breathless combination of lightness, compactness, flexibility and high performance.

And remember, when it comes to enthusiasts and pros, there’s no reason they shouldn’t complement the DSLR systems they already own with a nice, compact interchangeable-lens camera of the same system or a different brand. In fact, if you look at the stats, the majority of people buying these things are already proud DSLR owners.
          
Nikon 1 J1
Nikon designed this attractive new advanced camera system and its 10.1MP CX-format sensor to provide many of the benefits of a digital SLR in a more portable body with a more compact lens system. The ultracompact 1 J1 has extremely quick sensor-based autofocus, super fast shooting speeds and a smart photo selector that picks the right mode for you. You can shoot still photos with a press of the shutter button while recording Full HD 1080p movies, capture full-res photos at a blistering 60 frames per sec, or expand you creativity with motion snapshot mode, which combines a photo with slow-mo movement set to a built-in soundtrack. Available in five luscious colors, the 1 J1 uses Nikon’s compact 1 Nikkor glass lenses. Despite initial skepticism from the press, based largely on its relatively small sensor size, the 1 J1 is selling very well and exceeding Nikon’s expectations. $596.95 with 10–30mm VR zoom lens. nikonusa.com

Fujifilm X-Pro1
Made in Japan with a custom-developed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor with a newly developed filter array that Fujifilm says is capable of delivering resolution superior to other APS-C sensors and equal to some full-frame sensors, and proprietary EXR Processor technology, the X-Pro1 provides a second-generation hybrid multi-viewfinder and three prime interchangeable Fujinon lenses. Its  new viewfinder instantly switches between an optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder. For the brightest viewing image, and to keep shutter lag to a minimum, users should choose the optical viewfinder. Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure information, white balance information and depth-of-field indicators should switch to the electronic viewfinder, which provides a “live view” of the composition. This fusion of technologies allows users to enjoy composing their images through a bright viewfinder with the option to overlay picture-taking information.

The X-Pro1’s top and base are made from die-cast aluminum alloy, which combines with high-quality touches like engraving on the top-plate, hand-enameled lettering on the lenses, precision-milled dials and a leather-like finish. The camera also features: multiple exposure mode; professional color negative film modes; film simulation bracketing, along with AE, dynamic and ISO bracketing; and shoe-mount optional accessories like a flash unit. Its three compact Fujinon lenses include the: XF 18mm f/2 R (27mm equivalent); XF 35mm f/1.4 R (53mm equivalent); and XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro (90mm equivalent). Price TBA. fujifilmusa.com

Sony NEX-5N

Housed in a light magnesium alloy body with an intuitive touch screen, the Sony NEX-5N measures less than an inch at its slimmest point yet provides a big 16.2MP APS-C-format Exmor APS HD sensor. Thanks to its low-noise Bionz image-processing engine, it has a shutter lag time of only 20 milliseconds, faster AF than its predecessor, and ISO settings to 25,600. The 5N can also shoot AVCHD Progressive (v2.0) Full HD movies with stereo sound at 60p, and a cinematic 24p setting is included. The NEX-5N is the first E-mount camera with a photo creativity touch interface for background defocus, exposure, picture effects and other adjustments that can be previewed, applied and combined via the 3.0-inch tilting LCD touch panel and control dial. Other features: 10-fps burst capability; in-camera picture effects with 11 modes and 15 effects; 3D sweep panorama; auto HDR; and handheld twilight and anti-motion blur modes. It’s available in black and silver. $699.95 with 18–55mm zoom lens. sony.com

Pentax Q
Really in a class of its own, the Pentax Q is a fun camera for serious shooters. It sports a retro rangefinder look but offers traditional DSLR shooting modes and RAW/JPEG options, as well as set-it-and-forget-it auto picture and 21 scene modes. About the size of a deck of playing cards, the Q is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a 12.4MP CMOS sensor. It features a 3.0-inch LCD, HDR (High Dynamic Range) capture for high-detail pictures, Full HD 1080p video recording, 5-fps burst capability, and a smart effects mode. To allow viewing in the brightest sunlight, there’s an accessory shoe-mount optical finder. $749.95 with wide-aperture SMC Pentax 8.5mm f/1.9 standard prime lens (47mm equivalent). pentaximaging.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
The DMC-GF3 is Panasonic’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a built-in pop-up flash. The GF3 works with any Micro Four Thirds system lens, including Panasonic’s 3D Lumix G 12.5mm f/12 3D lens ($224.95), so you can take not only 12.1MP photos and 1080 Full HD video but also amazing 3D photos. About the size of a smartphone, the GF3 has an aluminum body, a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD, a creative control mode and the comprehensive feature set of a bulkier DSLR, including manual controls, customizable menus and a thumb wheel that cycles through settings with visual displays on its LCD. Other features: built-in optical image stabilization and a 100–6400 ISO setting range. $499.99 with a 14–42mm kit lens. panasonic.com

Samsung NX200
This strikingly minimalist mirrorless compact employs a big, high-res 20.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and incorporates a 3.0-inch full-information AMOLED display said to provide a much greater dynamic contrast range and faster response than a conventional LCD. Other key features: Full HD 1080p video capability at 30 fps and at 720p; ISO settings to 12,800; a maximum still picture framing rate of 7 frames per sec; preview capability to display the results of different camera settings; and Samsung’s i-Function lens control with a button on the lens that unlocks the manual adjustment of key settings, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance and ISO. $899.99 with 18–55mm OIS lens. samsung.com

Olympus Pen E-PM1
This stylish Micro Four Thirds compact provides 12.3 megapixel capture using a high-speed Live MOS sensor and TruPic VI image processor. It offers simplified controls, including screen-activated menu options such as six in-camera art filters, iAuto mode and scene modes. A live guide system allows users to preview effects as they adjust them. Other key features: 3.0-inch 460k-dot LCD with AR coating; Full HD 1080p/60i video capture; a burst rate of 5 frames per sec; multi-exposure capability; TTL metering; 3D photo capture; built-in image stabilization; face detection with eye detect; an attachable flash; and ISO settings to 12,800. $499.99 with M Zuiko 14–42mm f/3.5–5.6 lens. olympusamerica.com

Sony NEX-7
By integrating a brilliant OLED eye-level viewfinder into a compact, crisply styled, magnesium alloy body, Sony created a true classic that combines the finesse and elegance of a luxury rangefinder camera with the unsurpassed functionality, flexibility and performance of an upper tier DSLR. The NEX-7’s impressive technical credentials include a 24.3 megapixel APS-C-format CMOS image sensor and the aforementioned OLED eye-level viewfinder that delivers 2.36M-dot (XGA) resolution, and displays the results of camera adjustments in real time. Other features include: a 10 frames-per-second burst rate; Full HD 1,920×1,080 AVCHD video at 60p, 60i and 24p; an exclusive TriNavi control interface that provides access to commonly used settings via three dials; a tilting 3.0-inch, 921k-dot LCD; 3D and 2D sweep panorama modes; image layering; Auto HDR; and built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. $1,349.99 with 18–55mm lens. sony.com

Olympus Pen E-P3
With the classic look and feel of an all-metal body, this sleek top-tier Micro Four Thirds system entry has a 12.3 MP Live MOS sensor and a TruePic VI image processor that delivers impressive speed and responsiveness, plus 35-point AF tracking. Other key features include: a 3.0-inch, 614k-dot OLED touch screen; 3D and 1080/60i Full HD AVCHD or AVI video capture; ISO settings to 12,800; three mode image stabilization for enhanced low-light performance; and an ingenious navigation system with a new rotational dial, sub dial and two buttons for quicker, more intuitive control. $899 with M.Zuiko 14–42mm II R f/3.5–5.6 lens. olympusamerica.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

The latest G-series Micro Four Thirds-format Lumix provides notable performance upgrades, including a 16MP Live MOS sensor plus a rich enthusiast-aimed feature mix in a very attractive and compact package that accepts Lumix G and Leica DG lenses. Main features include a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD, 1080/60i Full HD AVCHD video capture, ultra-high-speed AF (0.09 sec), a built-in flash plus hot shoe and live view via the LCD or the optional DMW-LVF2 live viewfinder. Super OIS image stabilization and ISO settings to 12,800 combine to deliver enhanced low-light performance. Other features include: movie iA and creative modes and intelligent D-Range for accurate exposures under challenging lighting conditions. $799.99 with 14–42mm standard zoom lens. panasonic.com

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