One of the most significant developments in digital photography has been the introduction of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. By removing the mirror and optical viewfinder, manufacturers are able to make their cameras smaller, without compromising ergonomics, performance and, in most cases, image quality.
Over the past year we’ve seen more growth in the consumer/mid-level mirrorless category than nearly any other camera class. These cameras are a step up from their entry-level counterparts and generally sell for between $500 and $1000 body only, or between $600 and $1100 with a kit lens. The following cameras are included in this roundup:
- Fujifilm X-E2
- Sony a6000
- Sony a5100
- Olympus OM-D E-M10
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7
Since the range in pricing is so great, we believe there are two groups of people who may be considering cameras in this class. One group wants a more compact, secondary camera in addition to their DSLR, something that still offers ample controls. The other is the photographer for whom this will be their only camera - someone who wants DSLR image quality and control without the additional size or weight.
Fujifilm X-E2
The Fujifilm X-E2 uses a 16MP APS-C-size CMOS sensor with the company's X-Trans color filter, which has impressed us with its excellent image quality. It's a step up from the X-M1 (which has no viewfinder), but sits below the pro-level X-Pro1. It uses X-mount lenses, and the 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 is probably the best kit lens out there (though it's not cheap).
"The Fujifilm X-E2 uses a 16 Megapixel CMOS sensor with an X-Trans color filter, which has impressed us with its excellent image quality"
The camera's color rendition is among our favorites and JPEG image quality is generally very good. The X-Trans design struggles a little bit with fine green detail, so it's not perfect for landscape work, but it's only a problem if you look obsessively. Raw support for X-Trans is a little patchy (though expanding all the time), so it's worth checking your favored converter will work.
The X-E2 is a solid camera, with manual shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, and a high-resolution
Overall, the Fujifilm X-E2 is a camera designed for photographers who put still image quality and handling ahead of movies and the often-gimmicky features found on some other mirrorless cameras. The design of the camera is top-notch, performance is good and, with the right lens, image quality will truly impress.
What we like:
- Excellent photo quality
- Design and handling are good
- Good-quality EVF
What we don't:
- Autofocus not as good as comparable cameras
- EVF can let in incident light
- Pricey kit lens
Sony a6000
The Sony a6000 is the successor to the very popular Sony Alpha NEX-6. It sits just above the Sony a5100 in the company’s mirrorless lineup. In fact the a6000 and a5100 are essentially identical, with the exception of the a6000’s electronic viewfinder.
The a6000 offers a 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Sony’s Bionz X image processor, and the biggest advancement over its predecessor is a vastly improved autofocus system. In fact, we found the a6000 to be class-leading when it comes to autofocus speeds and accuracy with its 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase detect points. The AF system also takes advantage of the image sensor's ability to know what to focus on, be it your initial subject, or a detected face. And while the viewfinder on the a6000 offers less resolution than the NEX-6’s, it is still very good.
“The a6000 is a solid camera and better than its predecessor in almost every respect.”
The camera itself handles well, with ample customizable buttons and click wheels for solid control, plus a quick menu
Overall, this is an incredibly well-rounded camera that offers class-leading features for a very reasonable price.
What we like:
- 24MP APS-C sensor is one of the best in this class
- AF is best in class
- Very fast continuous shooting
- Wi-Fi and NFC
What we don't:
- No in camera raw conversion
- No touchscreen
- EVF has less resolution than predecessor
Sony a5100
The Sony a5100 is identical to its big brother, the Sony a6000 in most aspects. The major difference between the two is that the a5100 skips the electronic viewfinder and instead includes a 180 degree flip out touchscreen LCD, which offers slightly less resolution than that of the a6000. It is also priced $100 cheaper, which makes it slower burst rate of 6fps, compared to the a6000's 11fps, excusable.
At its heart is a class-leading 24.3MP APS-C sensor and Sony’s BIONZ X image processor. It contains the same impressive AF system as the a6000, which we found to be class-leading when it comes to autofocus speeds and accuracy with its 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase detect points. The AF system also takes advantage of the image sensor's ability to know what to focus on, be it your initial subject, or a detected face.
“The a5100 combines the compact designs of the NEX-3N and NEX-5T and throws in the guts of the a6000.”
Other major differences between the two are in regards to body design. The a5100 is smaller and lighter than the
If you are torn between the a5100 and the a6000, there’s good news! You won’t be disappointed with either. We tend to think the a6000 is the smarter option, given how close the two cameras are in price, but if size and weight are a concern, the a5100 might be the better choice.
What we like:
- 24MP APS-C sensor is one of the best in this class
- AF is best in class
- Wi-Fi and NFC
What we don't:
- Only one control dial
- No hotshoe
- No in-camera Raw conversion
Olympus OM-D E-M10
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is based around the very well-regarded 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (and a lot of the same features) found in the OM-D E-M5, our 2012 reader-selected "Camera of the Year."
While not weather-sealed like the E-M5, the E-M10 does pull some high-end features from its big brother, the E-M1. These include the TruePic VII image processor, built-in Wi-Fi, and dual control wheels on top.
“The E-M10 is truly an impressive little camera. It holds its own against entry-level DSLRs in terms of image quality and handling, and beats them all in terms of direct control.”
Features like 8fps burst shooting, a tilting 1.04m dot LCD, built-in flash and 3-axis image stabilization make this a very appealing camera. It is designed in a classic Olympus style and will feel comfortable in the hands of those switching from a lower-end DSLR or even a traditional SLR film camera.
Micro Four Thirds cameras in general are appealing for the number of lens options available from both Olympus and
The 1.44 million dot EVF is not the best in this class, but it is very good. The level of dedicated controls that the E-M10 offers for its size and weight can’t be beaten In fact, this diminutive camera offer more customizable controls than many DSLRs.
What we like:
- Twin control dials
- E-M5 image quality in a smaller, lighter body
- Sensor-based IS works with all lenses
What we don't:
- Video quality is not as good as some competitors
- Grip is a bit shallow
- Default JPEG processing tends to muddy details at ISO 3200 and above
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
Like the GM1, the GM5 offers a 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and a 3-inch touch LCD. Features like built-in Wi-Fi and a magnesium alloy body remain unchanged.
"Overall, the GM5 proves that a tiny camera can be quite feature-rich."
The GM5 makes changing settings a bit easier with a new click control dial and button layout, leading to a better overall handling experience. Autofocus has also been noticeably improved over the GM1, and video specs have been bumped up to 1080/60p movie recording.
Overall the GM5 proves that a tiny camera can be quite feature-rich. As with any small camera design, you ultimately sacrifice some level of ergonomics for portability. But if that does’t bother you, the GM5 is certainly worth your consideration.
What we like:
- 1,166K-dot EVF
- Sensor-shift image stabilization
- Compact, lightweight, tough body design
What we don't:
- Small size sacrifices ergonomics
- No built-in flash
- Poor battery life
Panasonic GX7
The Panasonic GX7 falls comfortably into the consumer mirrorless category. No specific specs are class-leading, but it does squeeze a whole lot of competitive features into a reasonably-sized and priced body.
At its heart is a very familiar 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor, with sensor-shift image stabilization (the first Panasonic mirrorless body to offer this) and a Venus engine image processor.
The body is constructed of magnesium alloy and fits comfortably in the hand. It sports a 90-degree tilting 2,764k-dot EVF and a 3” 1040k-dot tilting touch LCD. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity are nice inclusions, as are a hotshoe and pop-up flash.
"Panasonic has clearly aimed to throw as many features as possible into this stylish camera, and they've succeeded for the most part"
We found shooting with the GX7 to be a very positive experience, thanks in part to its highly customizable button layout, responsive touschscreen and inclusion of multiple control dials. Autofocus speed is very good, as is image quality. Silent Mode is another nice feature which will certainly appeal to street shooters.
Video can be captured at 1080/60p and 24p. Video features like focus peaking, mic level controls and manual exposure controls find their way into the GX7, but unfortunately a headphone and/or mic port did not.
Overall, the G7X is a pleasure to shoot with and a strong contender for anyone looking for a mirrorless camera with a good EVF (tilting, no less), touchscreen and solid image quality.
What we like:
- Good image quality
- Large and harp tilting EVF
- Highly customizable
What we don't:
- Sensor-shift image stabilization can't be used during video capture
- No in-camera Raw conversion
- No mic or headphone jack
Which camera should I buy?
The mid-range mirrorless camera market covers a rather large price spread, and thus it includes cameras that touch both the entry-level and higher-end categories. The build quality and handling of all these cameras tend to make them worth the extra money over cheaper interchangeable lens cameras.
So, whether you're looking for a second camera to sit alongside a high-end DSLR that you can't carry with you all the time - or desire an alternative to buying a DSLR altogether - there's plenty to chose from.
We recommend: Sony a6000
The Sony a6000 offers class-leading autofocus and image quality, ample controls and customization, and a solid EVF, all at a lesser price point than many of the other cameras in this roundup (with the exception of the a5100). This is not to say that the other cameras listed do not come close, it’s just that the a6000 is the only camera in this list that has all the features we crave (except for maybe a touchscreen), coupled with the best shooting experience and top-notch low-light performance.
Honorable mention: Olympus OM-D E-M10
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 builds on the reader-picked Camera of the Year 2012-winning OM-D E-M5’s design and offers a highly customizable shooting experience on par with the controls of a DSLR. It includes Olympus’ highly-regarded sensor-based 3-Axis image stabilization and offers very good image quality. Add in a high-res EVF, tilting touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity and you have a very solid body. Though for $150 less, you could get the a6000.
Honorable mention (if size is a concern): Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is an incredibly impressive camera. It won’t hold up to the a6000 or even E-M10 in terms of shooting experience. But considering its size, solid image quality, and the fact that it includes an EVF and accessory hotshoe, all in a super tiny magnesium body, we have to tip our hat to it.
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