Mirrorless Cameras — Top 5 Options For Picking The Best MILC Camera

The excitement for the mirror-less cameras is gaining momentum. Making a mark with Panasonic’s DMC-G1in 2008, the trend of offering fast, light and small no-mirror design has surpassed all the major camera manufacturers. These mirrorless designs are categorized as the cameras with relatively larger sensor which shower the benefits of better image quality (even in low light) and high speed capture. While currently there are multiple mirrorless cameras in market, here are top 5 options to help you pick the best one from the basket.

1. Nikon 1 V1 / J1

   Nikon 1 system introduces two new members in the family of mirror-less cameras largely dominated by Olympus PEN series, Sony NEX series, Samsung NX series, etc. With its V1 and J1 models, Nikon has finally entered the market segment targeting the amateur photographers, categorized as Facebook shooters by dpreview. Nikon 1 system is in limelight for introducing the all new CX format (featuring 2.7x crop) with V1 and J1. Both the cameras essentially share same set of features — 10.1 MP CMOS sensor powered by EXPEED 3 image processor, hybrid auto-focus, motion snapshot, smart photo selector and 1 Nikkor interchangeable lenses (specifically designed to work with Nikon 1 system). The cameras however vary on the grounds of design, sophistication (for instance V1 offers electronic as well as mechanical shutter control) and cost. Likely to be available by mid-October, you can grab Nikon 1 J1 for $649.95 approx. and Nikon 1 V1 for $899.95 approx. Get it here.

   

   Nikon1 J1

2. Samsung NX200

   Already in the market for quite some time for the mirrorless implementation, Samsung is now all set to step ahead for offering professional quality in a compact camera. Samsung NX200 amalgamates high performance features in stylized metallic looks. Talking of the specs, the camera features 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, high speed capture (including 100ms Advanced Auto Focus), wide range ISO (100-12800), Full HD movie recording and Samsung’s unique i-Function lens. The upgraded i-Function 2.0 allows you to control 6 smart filters and intelli-zoom function from the lens itself. The packaged deal of small size of the compacts and high performance features of DSLR costs you around $899.99 approx. Get it here.

   

   Samsung NX200

3. Sony Alpha NEX 7

   After the successful launch of mirrorless cameras around a year back, Sony is now redefining the compacts with the launch of NEX 7. Designed with an attempt to come over the limitations of the NEX series, NEX 7 is targeted at the photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. According to dpreview, this high end APS-C mirrorless camera manages to squeeze vast amounts of the A77’s capabilities into a body barely bigger than the existing NEX models. It packs a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and XGA OLED TruFinder 2.4M dot OLED electronic viewfinder into its magnesium alloy body and yet still finds room for a pop-up flash and Alpha hot shoe. Other exciting features include responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (20 ms) release time lag, versatile new TRINAVI control, Full HD Movie with manual focus and 10 fps continuous shooting. Likely to hit the stores in November, Sony’s pro quality compact packed with creative options is priced at $1199.99 approx. Get it here.

   

   Sony Alpha NEX 7

4. Fujifilm Finepix X100

   The retro look and amazing image quality of Fuji X100 makes it the part of this list even after one year of release. This large sensor compact camera features 12 MP APS-CMOS powered by new EXR processor with its ISO range extending upto 12800. These specs help in boosting the low light performance of the camera. In the words of Ken Rockwell, “The X100 has an uncanny ability to make great-looking images under any light”. Unlike other cameras in this list, Fuji X100comes packed with 23mm F2 single focal lens (equivalent to 35mm/135 Format) – no provision for interchangeable lens. Fujifilm is however in news for soon launching mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (likely to be revealed in CES 2012). You will need to pay $1199.95 approx. for this smallest and lightest real camera ever made. Get it here.

   

   Fujifilm Finepix X100

5. Panasonic Lumix DMC G3

   Last but not the least how can we forget Panasonic, the brand that land-marked the mirrorless DSLR to consumers in 2008 with the DMC-G1. In the league of providing the world’s smallest and lightest camera body with stylish design, Panasonic launched Lumix DMC G3 early this year. With certain improvements and refinements over G1 and G2, this Micro Four Thirds system is all set to impress the customers with its 16.7 MP CMOS sensor, GF-2 style touch screen interface, pinpoint AF mode, new live MOS for advanced noise reduction and 3D shooting capability all that for a cost of $699.99 approx. Get it here.

   

   Panasonic Lumix Dmc G3

Take your pick and don’t forget to share your pics with us.