Until recently, digital cameras fell into two basic categories: point-and-shoot cameras, and digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs). Now there’s type of hybrid camera available –Micro Four Thirds. These cameras do away with the mirrored lens system of DSLRs, and most of the manual controls  found on DSLRs. Instead, Four Thirds cameras use screen-based controls.

The appeal of these cameras is that they are small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, but are capable of taking professional photographs. So, if you want to take high-quality photos while traveling, hiking, or while strolling through the city, these cameras are for you. Because they have interchangeable lenses, they allow for a photographic versatility previously unavailable on a compact camera.

Currently, only four companies make interchangeable lens compact cameras: Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. Olympus and Panasonic use the Micro Four Thirds standards, while Samsung and Sony have proprietary systems.

Currently, the range of lenses made specifically for these cameras is somewhat limited. But you can fit them with older lenses by using adaptor rings. They actually support a wider range of lenses than most DSLRs, because they have a thin lens-to-sensor distance. Note, however, that these lens may be manual focus only and require an aperture ring or control mechanism for usability.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Camera

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is the Micro Four Thirds camera that has received the most recommendations from experts and buyers. We surveyed reviews on the major camera review sites: Imaging Resource, DPReview, CNET and Amazon.

Reviewers say this camera takes great photos, rivaling the quality available from the best DSLR cameras. The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a sturdy, 12.3-megapixel camera that includes a built-in pop-up flash. You can purchase this camera with a 17mm lens, making for a very portable configuration.

This camera does have a few drawbacks. The camera has no manual control wheel but instead has menu commands for adjusting aperture, shutter speed and exposure. Those who are accustomed to a manual control wheel might find this tedious. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th sec — most DSLR cameras have max of 1/4000th sec or above.

Most reviewers said the camera lasted only one full day of use before needing a recharge (about 290 shots per charge). Some reviewers suggest bringing extra batteries if this is an issue.

Overall, this is a top-rated, rugged camera that can take gorgeous pictures. Selling for under $500, this is a great step-up from a point-and-shoot camera — it provides many of the advanced features found in DSLRs.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is available at Amazon for $490. The older Olympus Pen E-P1 with a slim-line 17mm lens is available here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Micro Four Thirds Camera

The Lumix DMC-G2 is another Micro Four Thirds camera that gets top marks from expert reviewers. Like the Olympus PEN PL-1, the quality of the images from this camera are typically stunning, and on par with images from a quality DSLR.

The Lumix DMC-G2 features 12.1-megapixels sensor, and a touch-screen LCD that rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down. Reviewers were very impressed by the build quality and the ergonomics of this camera. They say the camera is quick to start up, and has snappy performance, compared to its competition.

On the negative side, reviewers pointed out that the camera has no image stabilization, and the image quality is poor in ISO 1600 and above. The Lumix DMC-G2 is also not the most compact camera of its kind — it’s a bit heavier and larger than the Olympus PEN E-PL1.

The Lumix DMC-G2 is available at Amazon for $547.

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Camera

In response to the Micro Four Thirds cameras introduced by Panasonic and Olympus, Sony has created its own line of compact, lens interchangeable cameras. So far there are only two cameras in this line: the Sony Alpha NEX-3, and the Sony Alpha NEX5. These cameras use E-mount lenses, but other lenses can be used together with an adaptor.

The Sony Alpha NEX-3 is one of the highest rated cameras of its type, priced under $500, and directly competing with the two cameras we reviewed above. Sony’s Alpha NEX3 is even more compact that those cameras. Sony claims it’s the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera. The exact dimensions are: 117 x 63 x 33mm, and it weighs 297g (10.5 oz). Despite its size, this camera boasts a sensor that is 50% larger than the Micro Four Thirds format. This is a breakthrough unique to Sony, and reviewers say this improves image quality overall.

The NEXs don’t have a built-in flash, but come with an attachable external flash, which draws its power from the camera’s main battery.

One thing to note — the range of lenses available for this camera is quite limited at this time. You can use A-mount lenses (used by Sony’s Alpha DSLR cameras) by using a LA-EA1 adaptor. This is an optional accessory. The bundled 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 lens has a metal finish and is of excellent quality. However, you will need buy a compact lens if you don’t want to obliterate the camera’s slim profile (see photo above). You can buy this camera with a 16mm lens bundled with it.

The Sony Alpha NEX-5 is very similar to NEX-3, the only important difference is the that NEX-5 supports 1080 HD video recording. It sells for $699 from Amazon.

The Sony Alpha NEX-3 is available from Amazon for $499. The 16mm version is available here.

The post The Most Portable Interchangeable Lens Cameras appeared first on Reactual.

These cameras are also perfect for the beginner with many featuring on-board user guides to show the way.

We surveyed reviews on Consumer Reports, CNET, Digital Photography Review, and PC Magazine as well as user reviews from Amazon. Here is the round-up for the top rated SLR cameras under $700:

Nikon D3100 SLR Camera ($669)

Pros:

• Very good image quality, especially in low light; 14.2 megapixels
• User-friendly for beginners, yet versatile for advanced users

Cons:

• A little slow compared to competition
• Auto focus in live view mode is sluggish

Top Review Sources:

• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 179 reviews
• Consumer Reports: Overall score 70 out of 100; Very good image quality, ease of use, and versatility
• DP Review: Overall score- 72%; highest marks for image quality and design

The Nikon D3100 is a top rated entry level SLR camera. With an on-board guide to walk you through functions, the D3100 would be a good choice for first time SLR camera buyers. It also uses handy in-camera editing. Reviewers rave about the low light image quality. It’s exceptional through ISO 800 and usable up to ISO 3200. Where it’s lacking is in speed compared to its competitors. The Nikon D3100 comes with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor zoom lens and a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The Nikon D3100 SLR camera is available on Amazon.

Canon Rebel XS SLR Camera ($539)

Pros:

• Superior image quality
• Reasonably-priced SLR
• User-friendly controls features a “My Menu” for customized use
• Excellent noise profile

Cons:

• No spot meter

Top Review Sources:

• CNET: Very good, 3.5 out of 5 stars; “Excellent photo quality for its class”
• DP Review: “Highly recommended”
• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 306 customer reviews

The Canon Rebel XS is a step below the Canon Rebel XSi, offering a basic set of features in an affordable SLR camera. While reviews generally call into question the design of the camera in terms of ergonomics and a difficult viewfinder, the Canon Rebel XS consistently produces high quality photos using a 10.1 megapixel sensor. It comes with an extensive software package, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger and is compatible with all Canon lenses. The Canon Rebel XS is a solid choice if you’re interested in a dependable camera for picture quality.

The Canon Rebel XS is sold on Amazon.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 SLR-Like ($500)

Pros:

• Electronic viewfinder
• Swivel touch screen LCD display
• Ergonomic design; smaller than a traditional SLR
• Fast and accurate auto focus

Cons:

• Not as good in low light or high ISO as SLRs
• Not as much control as an SLR

Top Review Sources:

• Consumer Reports: Their highest rated SLR-like camera with a 75 out of 100, they love the viewfinder
• DP Review: 72% overall score: “Good for anyone wanting SLR quality and compact camera ease of use”
• Amazon: Average 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 33 customer reviews

Called a four thirds camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 falls into the SLR-like category of advanced digital cameras. Because it doesn’t have a mirror lens, it is not considered an SLR. Yet it acts and feels like an SLR due to the ability to use interchangeable lenses as well as a large image sensor for SLR-quality photos. Panasonic was the first company to bring this type of camera to market and the G-2 is an upgraded version of their previous models being one of the top rated cameras of it’s kind. Those looking for the full array of manual controls from an SLR will want to look elsewhere, but for those wanting SLR quality pictures from a camera they can still keep in their pocket, then the Panasonic is a versatile option.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is available on Amazon in blue, red, and black.

Pentax K-x SLR Camera ($559)

Pros:

• Excellent image quality, especially in low light
• Fast auto focus
• Uses 4 AA batteries- some may prefer for replacement while traveling

Cons:

• Image stabilization is somewhat inconsistent
• No auto focus points in viewfinder

Top Review Sources:

The Pentax K-x SLR is available on Amazon in black, white, and red.

Nikon D3000 SLR Camera ($538)

The Nikon D3000 is available on Amazon.

The post The Top Rated SLR Cameras Under $700 appeared first on Reactual.