The boom in mobile phones fatally wounded compact cameras , but while this category suffers, there is another that arose from the same problem. We are talking about mirrorless cameras, teams that offer superior image quality thanks to their interchangeable lenses, but that eliminate the mirror of SLRs to achieve more compact and manageable designs.
Users want quality, but carrying around a SLR is not for everyone. Mobile cameras are fine, some even surpass many compact cameras, but if you want to get started in photography more seriously, mirrorless cameras are undoubtedly an option to take into account. They are convenient to transport and allow you to expand the equipment with new lenses to achieve new effects. In addition, most come with wireless connections to control them with the smartphone or transfer the photos quickly. There are them for all tastes and all pockets, from those that integrate Full Frame sensors and cost thousands of euros, to others much more affordable.This second group is the one that concerns us in this article. Thinking of the amateur user, we bring you a selection of mirrorless cameras with prices below 500 euros.
Canon EOS M10
We recently had the opportunity to test it and this Canon EOS M10 pleasantly surprised us. Canon got its start in the mirrorless camera segment in a somewhat resounding way. Despite being a benchmark brand, the first models in their EOS M range left a lot to be desired, but Canon is determined to patch up their mistakes. First came the Canon EOS M3, its most advanced proposition, and then came the Canon EOS M10, a slightly more modest version at a more affordable price.
The first thing that strikes us is its simple and elegant design. Canon bets on a resistant plastic body with a glossy finish and a good combination between physical controls and the touch screen, which by the way measures 3 inches and is folding . The Canon EOS M10 does not have an electronic viewfinder , but it does integrate a removable flash on the top. In the bowels of the M10 EOS sensor is a CMOS 18 megapixels with a processor DIGIC 6. Furthermore, Canon system includes a hybrid auto focusing (contrast + phase detection) of 49 areaswhich offers good performance. It also offers up to ISO 12,000 and a burst speed of 4.6 frames per second.
The Canon EOS M10 is already available for 400 euros.
Sony A5000
The most compact and lightest mirrorless camera on the market. This is how Sony presented us with the a5000 , a camera that has aged very well and to this day remains a reference model for those who are looking for a competent device that they can comfortably carry everywhere, even in a pocket. It weighs just 269 grams (including battery and memory card) and looks almost like a miniature when placed next to other models in its class.
Its sensor is an APS-C 20 megapixels which is accompanied by a processor BIONZ , usual cameras Sony. In this case, the burst speed is only 2.5 frames per second, but it is not a problem if you are not going to do action photography. Returning to the design, despite its small size, Sony has placed a good set of physical controls, since its 180º folding screen is not tactile. However, the downside is that it does not have an electronic viewfinder, so the framing must be done through the touch screen.
The Sony a5000 can be had for 340 euros.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7
It was presented at the beginning of last year and is another of the most interesting options for those who are starting in the world of photography. Like its sisters in this selection, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 also bets on a compact design that dispenses with an electronic viewfinder, but makes up for it with a 3-inch screen , which in addition to being a touch screen, is tiltable 180 degrees. However, in this case the company wanted to go for a more retro design , with a combination of metal and an imitation leather finish that is reminiscent of some older film cameras, and is also available in various colors.
Panasonic puts its focus on selfies with features such as automatic portrait mode launch by simply rotating the screen or shooting a photo when it detects two people in the frame. It also has wireless connections to sync with your smartphone and records Full HD videos at 50 frames per second.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 is a Micro Four Thirds with a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor. Its focus system is made up of 23 zones and in this case the burst speed goes up to 6 frames per second. Its current price is around 420 euros, a more than reasonable figure for what this camera offers us.
Nikon 1 J5
A Nikon happens more or less the same as Canon. It is a renowned brand in the world of photography, but its presence in the compact interchangeable lens segment is not as important as one might expect from a brand like Nikon. However, they have very interesting mirrorless camera models, such as the Nikon 1 J5, a very compact camera, with a very versatile retro design and, above all, very fast .
Nikon mounts a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, with a size of one inch diagonally. -which translates into a crop factor of 2.7x. This small camera allows you to shoot burst images up to no less than 60 frames per second if we use the fixed focus mode and up to 20 fps with the continuous focus mode. It is not an action camera, but if what you are looking for is a versatile camera that allows you to shoot quickly so that you do not miss a moment, the 1 J5 from Nikon is definitely an option to consider. In addition, it has a 171-zone focus system and has WiFi + NFC.
It has, of course, a 3-inch folding touch screen and also records videos in 4K -although, yes, at 15 frames per second. If you are interested, you can already get it for less than 420 euros.
Samsung NX3000
We close our selection with the Samsung NX3000 , one of the most interesting proposals from Samsung with good value for money. Within its chassis features a retro design size sensor APS-C of 20 megapixels . Its focus system consists of 35 zones and offers a burst speed of 5 frames per second.
Like the rest of the models in this selection , the Samsung NX3000 does not have an electronic viewfinder, but it does integrate a 3-inch screen that, of course, is folding to be able to take self-portraits. Samsung includes a feature that allows shooting selfies with a simple nod and also carries WiFi and NFC and record videos in Full HD.
The Samsung NX3000 can already be found for around 350 euros with the 20-50 mm lens .