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Best compact system camera 2014: the top models reviewed
Best compact system camera 2014: the top models reviewed
Updated Get the best compact system camera for your budget
Fuji's X-E2 makes a great choice for enthusiast photographers
DSLRs have long-held the title as the most versatile cameras on the
market, capable of delivering the highest quality images, robust build
quality and advanced functionality, not to mention speed.
With
compacts and bridge models providing a set of stepping stones up to the
traditional DSLR, manufacturers noticed a gap in between that was
waiting to be filled: the CSC (Compact System Camera) was born.
Fast
forward to today and we have an ever-increasing array of CSCs available
with varying levels of functionality. Quickly carving out their own
hierarchy within the wider camera market, CSCs have now developed to
form their own entry, mid and pro-level sub-categories, many of which
are starting to see some overlap with previously unrivalled DSLR format
cameras.
To sum up the essence of a CSC: it's a camera that
strives to take as many of the desirable attributes of a DSLR as
possible and shoehorn them all into a neater, more portable package.
Recent
incarnations of the main manufacturer's offerings are closer than ever
in terms of operability, performance and image quality to that of a
DSLR, with APS-C sized sensors, Full HD movie recording and connectivity
features like Wi-Fi and NFC becoming increasingly commonplace among new
launches.
Improvements in image quality, noise suppression, AF
speed and overall handling means that some CSCs now provide a viable
alternative − and not just a backup − to your traditional DSLR,
particularly when recent advancements in EVF and 'hybrid' viewfinder
technology are taken into account.
While we wouldn't go so far as
to say that the CSC is a 'DSLR killer', the latest petite powerhouses
to come to the market are certainly capable of giving their larger
brethren a run for their money. The upshot is an increasing array of
options open to photographers, with some impressive offerings that
successfully combine the versatility of having interchangeable lenses
with the portability that comes from having a smaller camera body and
matching accessories.
We've gathered our pick of the best CSCs in
each category of the market to give you an overview of what's available
to suit your needs and budget: read on to discover your perfect
pocket-sized partner.
Entry-level CSCs
Updated Get the best compact system camera for your budget
Sony NEX-3N
Key specs: 16.1mp APS-C sensor, 3-inch 180° tiltable LCD, Full HD video Price: US$562 / £349 / AU$597 (with standard zoom lens) Sony NEX-3NMaking
its debut earlier this year, the Sony NEX-3N took the title as the
world's smallest and lightest CSC to sport an APS-C sized sensor −
equivalent in size to that of a DSLR.
The entry-level model to
Sony's CSC range cuts a sleek silhouette, particularly when coupled with
the 18-55mm power zoom lens that comes bundled with it as standard.
Aside
from its large 16.1mp sensor, the NEX-3N's other standout features
include a Full HD movie recording mode and a very versatile 3-inch LCD
that can be tilted through 180-degrees. Flip the screen into this
position and the built-in Self Portrait mode that's on board is
automatically activated: a nifty feature that's a bonus for social
snappers that don't want to be left out of the frame. Pros:
Key specs: 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, tiltable 3-inch LCD, Full HD movies, Wi-Fi Price: US$804 /£499 /AU$854 Fujifilm X-A1Another
APS-C sensor-toting CSC, the Fujifilm X-A1 is a stylish-looking camera
that's based around the prestigious design that wowed us all at the
launch of the higher-end X-Pro1 and X-E1 before it.
The
entry-level X-A1 inherits the award-winning build and accessible
interface of its predecessors, sporting a light and compact body and a
comprehensive range of controls that cater for more advanced users as
well as beginners.
Its 3-inch 920k-dot LCD is tiltable for added versatility and displays live view images and HD video in wonderful detail.
Built-in wireless connectivity is another asset this camera has to offer, providing scope for instant image sharing. Pros:
Key specs: 16mp Live MOS MFT sensor, 3-inch touchscreen, Full HD movies, Light Speed AF, Wi-Fi Price: US$1,014 / £629 /AU$1,077 with 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens Panasonic Lumix GM1This
palm-sized Micro Four Thirds CSC almost defies logic when comparing its
featherweight 204g mass and tiny body to the amount of technology
Panasonic has managed to cram inside.
The Lumix GM1 is currently
still a new kid on the block; however, early testing suggests that it's
every bit as good as its extensive specs promise.
The
high-resolution touchscreen the GM1 offers is superb, delivering a
responsive performance when navigating menus and settings, with the
added bonus of enabling the AF point to be precisely positioned and/or
the shutter to be fired instantly on-screen.
Good looks, great
build quality and handling plus a host of technologies like Full HD
movie recording and built-in Wi-Fi all add up to a very appealing
pocket-sized prospect. Pros:
Key specs: 18mp APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD movies with AF-C, 3-inch touchscreen, DIGIC 5 processor Price: US$724 / £449 /AU$767 (with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM) Canon EOS MIt's
worthwhile noting that − following a firmware update − the EOS M's
performance has been much improved since our initial assessment of
Canon's diminutive DSLR alternative.
The EOS M packs in plenty of
impressive features, not least an 18mp APS-C sized CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5
processor, a good quality Full HD movie mode with the added bonus of
Continuous AF available while shooting, and a very responsive
touchscreen − to name a few.
With the latter on hand for fast
navigation and an equally as intuitive set of physical controls on hand
for traditionalists, the EOS M offers easy operability for beginners and
more advanced users alike. Pros:
Updated Get the best compact system camera for your budget
Fujifilm X-E2
Key specs: 16.3mp X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II, Fast AF, Full HD movies, EVF, Wi-Fi Price: US$999 /£769 /AU$ (body only) Fujifilm X-E2
Not
just an update to the X-E1, this new camera also boasts some desirable
enhancements compared with the older and more expensive X-Pro1. A newer
generation X-Trans image sensor includes phase-detection autofocus as a
supplement to regular contrast-detection AF, it has a faster burst rate
of 7fps compared with the X-Pro1's 6fps, and a higher-resolution 2,360k
pixel electronic viewfinder. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity which,
again, is lacking in the X-Pro1. There's a pop-up flash as well as a hot
shoe, and the whole package is physically a little smaller and
noticeably lighter in weight. A further refinement is the new Lens
Modulation Optimizer, which can be switched on in the shooting menus to
flatter the performance of Fujinon X mount lenses.
Similarities
between the two cameras include 16.3Mp image resolution and a very
like-minded control layout. Again, the shutter speed dial and lens-based
aperture ring are well implemented and, this time around, the neatly
positioned exposure compensation dial offers up to +/-3EV of bias,
instead of the X-Pro1's +/-2EV. We found the X-E2's lack of an optical
option for the viewfinder display no drawback whatsoever. The same
variety of film emulation modes is nice to have, again with bracketing
availability for hedging your bets. Given the comparative newness of the
X-E2, the lack of a touchscreen LCD is a little frustrating but the
Quick menu system makes for easy adjustments to most shooting settings.
Performance
Autofocus
isn't blindingly fast but it's a step up in speed from the X-Pro1, as
well as adding the bonus of off-centre AF in continuous autofocus mode.
There's practically nothing to choose between the two cameras in terms
of image quality, making the X-E2 look rather better value. It's not
only cheaper to buy but the various enhancements and improvements are
well worth having. Pros:
2,360k EVF
920,000-dot LCD
Improved AF
Cons:
No touchscreen
Fixed screen
Advanced Filters JPEG only
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7
Key specs: 16mp Live MOS sensor, flip-up EVF, 3-inch tilting LCD, built-in flash, Full HD movies, Wi-Fi, NFC Price: US$899 / £700 /AU$ (body only)
Whereas
Panasonic's own GH3 is the biggest CSC in the group, the GX7 is one of
the smallest and lightest. Coupled with similarly diminutive Micro Four
Thirds lenses, it really is a very compact package. An improvement over
the GH3 is that the GX7 features a newer generation of image sensor.
It's not a backlit sensor, but the amount of micro-circuitry has been
significantly reduced. This enables greater light-gathering potential
for each and every photosite.
Another new advance in the GX7 is Panasonic's 'Light Speed AF'. This
aims to give faster performance for tracking moving objects. There's
also a Low Light AF function, which is intended to improve autofocus in
dark shooting environments. The only real downside for shooting in near
darkness is that the Bulb exposure mode has a maximum limit of two
minutes.
Despite its small size, handling feels natural and the
sculpting on the finger grip is rather more generous than on the two
Fujifilm cameras. That said, control buttons around the back of the
camera are rather cramped, but at least there's quick access to pretty
much any shooting parameters you need to get your hands on in a hurry. A
further boost comes from the touchscreen for quick and easy navigation
of menus. Yet more design flourishes include the fact that both the
viewfinder and LCD screen have tilt facilities, making it easy to shoot
from high or low angles, or around corners in portrait orientation.
Resolution of the EVF and LCD are both impressive, at 2,765k and 1,040k
respectively, again significantly beating the older GH3.
Performance
True
to its claims, the GX7 has faster autofocus and better high-ISO image
quality than the GH3. However, AF can still struggle to keep up with
moving objects in action photography. With its impressive enhancements
and considering that the GX7 is so much smaller than the GH3, it's a
clear case of 'less is more'. Pros:
Fast contrast detection AF system
Responsive touchscreen
Pop-up EVF
Wi-Fi with NFC
Cons:
Screen not fully articulated
Tracking AF is sluggish
Viewfinder refresh rate needs improvement
Sony NEX-5T
Key specs: 16.1mp APS-C sensor, Hybrid AF, tiltable touchscreen, Wi-Fi, NFC Price: US$965 / £599 /AU$1,027 (with standard zoom lens) Sony NEX-5TIf connectivity's your thing then the Sony NEX-5T should be on your shortlist.
Following
in the footsteps of last year's NEX-5R − the first Sony CSC to feature
Wi-Fi − the NEX-5T boasts well-implemented wireless and NFC connectivity
options.
This not only means that you can instantly upload and
share your Full HD movies and 16.1mp stills shot using the camera's
excellent DSLR-sized sensor and control the camera remotely, but there's
a growing range of downloadable apps available from the Sony
PlayMemories store, too.
The 921k-dot touchscreen is responsive
and tiltable through 180-degrees − a useful feature for self-portraits -
plus the Bionz processor that drove the 5R is also inherited by the
newer 5T, assuring decent low-light performance throughout its ISO
100-25,600 sensitivity range. Pros:
High-resolution touchscreen
Wi-Fi and NFC
DSLR-sized sensor
Compact dimensions
Cons:
Currently limited options on PlayMemories Store
No built-in flash
Non-standard hotshoe attachment
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5
Key specs: 16.1mp 4/3" (MFT) Live MOS sensor, TruePic VI processor, Full HD Movies, Art Filters, tiltable touchscreen Price: US$886 / £549.99 /AU$945 (14-42mm FlashAir Kit) Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5Headlining
this pint-sized powerhouse's feature-set has to be its 16.1mp sensor,
which it inherits from the acclaimed Olympus OM-D.
Coupling
powerful image capture technologies with the user-friendliness and
compact design that's synonymous with the PEN series cameras proves to
be a winning combination, with the small, lightweight E-PL5 managing to
pack in all of the essential 'must-haves' like a tilting touchscreen,
rubberised grip, Full HD movies and an intuitive user interface.
Like
the rest of the Micro Four Thirds range, the E-PL5 boasts an updated
selection of Olympus's coveted Digital Art Filters: a plus for creative
snappers and HD videographers alike, plus you get Wi-Fi connectivity
using Wireless LAN FlashAir memory cards. Pros:
Same sensor as the OM-D
Extensive range of lenses available
Responsive touchscreen
Cons:
Currently no remote camera control with FlashAir
Screen isn't fully articulated
No EVF
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6
Key specs: 16.05mp Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine processor, Light Speed AF, 1440k-dot OLED LVF, Wi-Fi, NFC Price: US$1,014 /£629 / AU$1,080 (with 14-42mm lens) Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6Panasonic's
MFT standard format means it's compatible with a wide array of lenses −
not just from the company's own range − but Olympus MFT and a selection
of Sigma optics, too.
This means there's plenty of scope for
creativity when opting for the 16.05mp G6, enhanced further by some of
its other specifications, such as its fully articulated touchscreen that
can be manipulated into all manner of awkward angles for total freedom
of expression.
Its up-to-date Venus processor delivers continuous
shooting speeds of up to 7fps as well as a faster AF system than that of
its predecessor's (the G5).
It also boasts an updated 1440k-dot
OLED EVF that's clear and bright, along with advanced controls, RAW
support and on-board connectivity features including Wi-Fi and NFC. Pros:
Fully articulated screen
Superb touchscreen
Filters can be used with RAW
Viewfinder
Cons:
Outdated 16mp sensor
Creative Control options not available in advanced modes
Olympus OM-D E-M1
Key specs: 16.3mp 4/3' Live MOS sensor, TruePic VII, Dual Fast AF, 2360k-dot EVF, tilting touchscreen, weatherproof, Wi-Fi Price: US$2,096 / £1,300 /AU$2,233 (body only) Olympus OM-D E-M1The
OM-D E-M5 has found great favour with photographers all around the
world, but isn't above criticism. One particular bugbear is that
autofocus is very slow when using regular Four Thirds, rather than Micro
Four Thirds lenses. The new E-M1 joins the line-up as Olympus's
flagship CSC, and a key enhancement is its 'Dual Fast AF', which
delivers hybrid phase/contrast-detection, making it similarly speedy on
both types of lens. Furthermore, both detection systems are available in
continuous AF for stills shooting, helping the camera to track
fast-moving targets. Action heroics in autofocus speeds are backed up
with a fast maximum shutter speed of 1/18000th of a second, plus a rapid
burst rate of up to 10fps.
As in both Fujifilm cameras and the
Sony A7R that are also on test, the anti-alias filter is omitted to
enable maximum sharpness. This is further reinforced by a new generation
of image processor, which aims for greater fine detail in images, while
also correcting for lateral chromatic aberrations in own-brand Olympus
lenses.
The electronic viewfinder delivers 1.48x magnification
along with an excellent resolution of 2,360k pixels, making shot
composition very easy on the eye. The LCD is equally adept in the
shooting stakes, thanks to its well implemented tilt and touchscreen
facilities.
One thing from which there's no escape is that the
Four Thirds format sensor is significantly smaller than the APS-C format
sensors of the Fujifilm cameras, and quite tiny compared with the Sony
A7R's full-frame sensor. On the plus side, it means that lenses also
tend to be very compact, in keeping with the downsizing philosophy of
CSCs.
Performance
Performance is enhanced by wonderfully
natural handling, despite the touchscreen facility not extending to menu
navigation. Instead, there are plenty of direct access buttons and
customisable function buttons as a feast for the fingers. Image quality
is sublime, with excellent colour rendition and superb retention of fine
detail. Pros:
Weather sealed body
Plenty of physical controls
Top-notch EVF
Superb image quality
Cons:
Screen not fully articulated
Expensive
Some operational niggles
Sony Alpha A7R
Key specs: 36.4mp full-frame sensor, built-in EVF, 3-inch 1,230,000 screen, Full HD movies, Wi-Fi and NFC Price: US$2,298 / £1,700 /AU$ (body only) Sony Alpha A7RThink
of a high-res, full-frame camera and you're probably imagining a big
and beefy SLR like the Nikon D800. Sony redressed the balance by
launching the world's first full-frame compact cameras, in the
diminutive shape of the RX1 and RX1R. The Sony A7
and A7R do the same for the CSC market, the latter boosting resolution
to a whopping 36.4Mp while also omitting the low-pass filter. This
enables optimum sharpness, the A7R aiming to make the very most of all
the fine detail that a fitted lens can throw at it. The sensor is backed
up by a new-generation image processor, which is claimed to be three
times faster than its predecessor. It's a welcome bonus, with so many
pixels to process.
Despite its class-leading image sensor size
and resolution, the A7R body is even smaller and more lightweight than
the Olympus EM-1. However, at any actual Vs effective focal length, the
Sony's E-mount lenses are likely to be rather larger. We say 'likely'
because the A7R's biggest current criticism is a relative lack of
E-mount full-frame lenses, although more are promised. In the meantime,
APS-C format E-mount lenses can be used in crop mode.
Autofocus
in the A7R relies purely on contrast-detection, whereas the more
standard 24Mp A7 (which includes a low-pass filter) has a hybrid
contrast/phase-detection system. The high-res 2,400k OLED viewfinder is a
treat for the eyes and the 921k LCD screen has a useful tilt function,
but no touchscreen facility. The provision of direct access controls is
fairly generous, including three customisable function buttons plus a
quick shooting menu. Front and rear command dials are fitted, as well as
a similar exposure compensation dial to that featured on the Fujifilm
cameras.
Performance
Autofocus can be a bit sluggish,
especially under dull lighting, and the maximum burst rate is only 4fps.
However, image quality is punchy and retention of fine detail is every
bit as good as you'd expect from a 36.4Mp full-frame camera. Pros:
High resolution sensor
No AA
Filter
Full-frame
Built in Wi-Fi
Cons:
Poor battery life
No touchscreen
Currently few directly compatible lenses
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
Key specs: 16.3mp 4/3' Live MOS sensor, TruePic VII, Dual Fast AF, 2360k-dot EVF, tilting touchscreen, weatherproof, Wi-Fi Price: US$1,198 / £830 /AU$ (body only)
There's
an argument that, while small cameras are easier to carry around and to
stow away, handling qualities can be impaired. It's an accusation that
certainly can't be levelled at the Panasonic GH3, which is the biggest
and bulkiest camera in the group, by quite a margin. As we've mentioned,
it's almost the same size and weight as the Canon 100D SLR but the
trade-off is that it feels very natural when shooting, even in a big
pair of hands.
The GH-3 is aimed at enthusiast photographers and,
as such, puts its extra real estate to good use with a plethora of
direct access controls. There are no less than five customisable
function buttons, in addition to a dedicated drive mode wheel and
buttons for white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, autofocus modes
and more besides. It's also the only camera in the group to feature a
fully articulated LCD, which comes complete with a touchscreen facility.
Unlike with the Olympus E-M1, touch control is available for menu
navigation instead of being limited to touch-and-point autofocus.
Like the Olympus, the GH3 uses the Micro Four Thirds format, along with
a similar 16Mp image resolution. Image noise at high ISO settings is a
danger but, in this camera, Panasonic has added crafty multi-stage noise
suppression in the image processor, which aims to deliver smooth shadow
tones.
Performance
While the GH3 lacks the hybrid
phase/contrast detection AF system of the Olympus EM-1, autofocus is
pretty quick nonetheless. AF speed holds up fairly well even in very
dull lighting conditions but it's often not fast enough to track moving
objects effectively. The 'Intelligent Auto' shooting mode does well to
deliver very pleasing results in wide-ranging conditions, making the GH3
a useful camera for beginners, but its advanced controls are more
suited to experienced photographers. Pros:
Responsive touchscreen
Quick and easy controls
Wi-Fi built-in
Remote control app
Cons:
Social integration poor
No focus peaking
No image rating
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Key specs: 16.3mp APS-C X-Trans CMOS, dual AF mount, Hybrid viewfinder, Full HD movies Price: US$1,078 / £830 /AU$999 (body only) Fujifilm X-Pro1Fujifilm
certainly hit the ground running with the launch of its first CSC, the
X-Pro1. Highlights include an X-Trans image sensor, which uses a 6x6
filter array pattern. It's designed to avoid the risk of moiré
interference and bypasses the need for an anti-alias filter, bringing
the potential for sharper, more detailed images.
The retro chic
design isn't a case of style over substance. The old-school shutter
speed dial on top of the camera, coupled with an aperture ring at the
rear of the lens, make for quick and easy exposure adjustments in
shutter-priority, aperture-priority and metered manual shooting modes.
There's no PASM dial as such, the camera using 'automatic' positions in
both the shutter speed and aperture selectors instead. There are no
scene modes either, which is a clear indication of the 'enthusiast'
aspirations of the camera. Instead, there's another nod to bygone days
in a variety of film emulation modes, including Provia, Velvia and
Astia. If your photographic memory doesn't stretch that far back, think
in terms of standard, vivid and soft.
The slightly odd hybrid
optical/electronic viewfinder is much more useful in electronic mode,
where it benefits from a fairly high 1,440k pixel resolution. Around the
back, the 1,230k pixel LCD is also high-res, although it lacks a
touchscreen facility, or any articulation. A good Quick menu system
helps to offset the lack of touchscreen availability, speeding access to
creative shooting settings. Handling is good overall, although the
finger grip is much less sculpted than on most competing cameras.
Performance
Image
quality looks very natural, especially in the standard, Provia colour
mode, with rather more vibrancy being delivered in Velvia mode.
Retention of fine detail is impressive, at least at low ISO settings.
When using high sensitivities, image noise is kept well under control at
the expense of fine detail and texture being smoothed out. Autofocus
speed is a little pedestrian but not overly sluggish. Pros:
High quality, film-like images
Buttery smooth bokeh
Excellent hybrid viewfinder
Plenty of advanced features
Cons:
Manual focus with EVF could be slicker
Sony NEX-7
Key specs: 24.3mp sensor, Full HD movies with AF Tracking, OLED Tru-Finder, 10fps burst mode, built-in flash Price: US$1,369 / £849 /AU$1,458 (body only)
This
svelte CSC packs plenty of functionality into its tiny frame, with lots
of high-end specifications that are worth shouting about.
In
addition to its excellent 24.3mp DSLR-sized sensor, the NEX-7 is
equipped with the means to shoot Full HD movies with AF Tracking and
full manual control over settings while filming.
Fast, continuous
shooting at 10fps and an array of accessible manual controls and
customisable function buttons make the NEX-7 a camera that's as quick to
respond as it is simple to use.
The built-in OLED EVF is a
further standout feature, plus there's a hotshoe and a jack for
attaching an external mic: all welcome additions that bolster this
camera's appeal to advanced enthusiasts. Pros:
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