GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL 8 best mirrorless cameras in 2016

GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL 8 best mirrorless cameras in 2016





Once upon a time, keen photographers bought DSLR -it was the established order of things. But the mirror mecha nism of a DSLR is complex, noisy and adds to the weight of the camera, and that's where the mirrorless camera, or compact system camera comes in. They keep the big sensors and interchangeable lenses of DSLR cameras but ditch the mirror to produce a smaller, and lighter camera. But, no two photographers are exactly the same -we're all looking for slightly different things. So we've ranked the eight best compact system cameras you can buy now based on specs, performance and simplicity.

Fuji X-T10

Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 16.3MP | Monitor: 3-inch, 920,800 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The X-T10 looks like a low-cost alternative to Fuji's flagship DSLR-style X-T1, and you might be expecting a whole bunch of compromises as a result. But, the X-T10 uses the same sensor and Fuji's latest AF technology, which the X-T1 needs a firmware update to match. This is topquality mirrorless technology at a mid-range DSLR price point.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 16.1Mp | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1,037,000 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 8.5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The original E-M10 was a favourite for its size, versatility and value for money. But the E-M10 II adds features that take it to another level. The old camera's 3-axis image stabilisation system has been uprated to the 5-axis system in Olympus's more advanced OM-D cameras. It's small, but it's no toy -the E-M10 II is a proper powerful camera.

Fuji X-T1

Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 16.3MP | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1,040,000 dots | Max shooting rate: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

Not so long back the X-T1 was the favourite compact system camera. But today it's been pushed out of the top spot.However, the X-T1's external manual controls for shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO setting are still a joy to use and lensmen love the results from the X-Trans sensor, but its rivals are getting ever stronger.

Panasonic G7

Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 16MP | Monitor: 3-inch articulating screen, 1,040,000 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 8fps | Max video resolution: 4K

The G7 is a pretty good still camera, but it goes a whole step further, adding in Panasonic's 4K movie capability and the option of grabbing 8Mp stills at a rate of 30fps.

Sony A7R II

Sensor size: Full-frame (35.9x24mm) | Resolution: 42.4Mp| Monitor: 3-inch TFT LCD with 1,228,800 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 5fps | Max video resolution: 4K

The Alpha 7R II's sensor is the same size as a piece of 35mm film, which is good news for image quality.Its 42.2 million pixel count generates huge images.

Sony A7

Sensor size: Full-frame (35.9x24mm) | Resolution: 24.3Mp | Monitor: 3-inch TFT LCD with 921,600 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 5fps | Max video resolution: Full HD

With 24 mn pixels, the A7 may not capture the same amount of detail as its high-res sibling, the A7R II, but as it has the same sized sensor you get for the same level of control over depth of field. So, you can make sharp subject stand out from a blurred background.

Sony A6300

Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 24.2Mp | Monitor: 3-inch TFT LCD with 921,600 dots | Max continuous shooting rate: 11fps | Max video resolution: 4K

You don't have to go full-frame to get the benefit of Sony's good camera tech and the APS-C format model makes a great choice for those looking for an alternative to big, heavy SLR. The A6300 also has an excellent electronic viewfinder. Image quality is high and there's built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity.

Panasonic GH4

Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 16.1MP | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 1,036,000 dots | Max shooting rate: 12fps | Max video resolution: 4K

The GH4 was a terrific, ground-breaking camera and its 4K video capabilities became legendary amongst professional film-makers. It's also a good still camera capable of shooting topquality 16Mp images at up to 12 frames per second. You can even extract really good 8MP stills from 4K video shot at 30fps.

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