Four Of The Best System Cameras: Tried And Tested
From DSLR to mirrorless cameras, there’s more choice than ever when it comes to interchangeable lens camera systems. We select six of the best https://www.reelprovideo.com/
1. NIKON D3300
£390 WITH 18-55MM KIT LENS SENSOR: 24.2MP
The entry-level DSLR. A guide mode features information on screen. As with all DSLRs, the viewfinder is the primary point of use, delivering fairly snappy autofocus from the 11-point system. Use the rear screen, however, and autofocus is far slower. The large-scale DX-format sensor means quality images, although the lens can easily be bettered.
VERDICT: A sensible and affordable DSLR entry point, but viewfinder operation is a must.
RATING: 4/5
2. PANASONIC LUMIX GM1
£429 with 12-32mm collapsible lens sensor: 16MP
If small is the order of the day, nothing can beat this palm-sized mirrorless camera. The collapsible 12-32mm lens helps keep the size down. Use it like a point-and-shoot compact camera, pressing on the touchscreen to focus, with Pinpoint mode a favourite for crosshair levels of precision. The big downside is poor battery life. The newer Lumix GM5, complete with built-in electronic viewfinder, is also available, but the smaller GM1 is the choice option.
VERDICT: Slip into a large pocket and take everywhere, this mirrorless is small yet mighty.
RATING: 5/5
3. OLYMPUS PEN E-PL7
£499 with 14-42mm lens sensor: 16MP
Based on the 55-year-old series, the latest PEN takes classic design but adds a modern twist to the now mirrorless camera: its screen tilts 180-degrees for selfies. Performance isn’t left in the lurch for the sake of that feature, with a touchscreen and fast autofocus system, but a less immediate menu system than some rivals. It’s more plasticky than the top-end PEN E-P5, but still sells itself on style, with a variety of colour options available.
VERDICT: Not just for selfie fans, also for those seeking something different.
RATING: 4/5
4. SONY A6000
£549 with 16-50mm power zoom lens sensor: 24MP
Despite its boxy aesthetic, this crams in stacks of features, including an electronic viewfinder that’s a rarity in such a small-scale build.. A larger sensor than the Panasonic and Olympus models is a positive for image quality, although the 16-50mm lens – which is electronically powered, so can be used via the toggle around the shutter, much like a compact camera – is far from perfect where distortion and corner sharpness are concerned.
VERDICT: Not the best looks or menu usability, but delivers a full feature set, minus the bulk.