Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Maybe this subject has already been discussed, but I couldn't located the discussion. If anybody knows where it is, please let me know.

In your (anyone's) opinion what is the best mirrorless camera currently available. Best meaning:

1) Size - small is best
2) Lenses available - wide is best
3) Quality of Photographs - best is best
4) Ergonomics & Features - easy to use is best
5) Price - Value received is best
6) Anything else that makes it best.

Thanks,

Tom G

edahlin

Hands down. the Olympus EM-1
Not the quality of the 645D but.....for prints to 13 x 19 is amazing
It continues to blow me away when used with their exceptional glass
offerings. The 45mm 1.8 and the 75mm 1.8 are two of the finest combinations I have ever used

And ....... they do NOT break the bank!

hb3 Loc: Texas

Best currently available is the Olympus OMD-EM1...

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

This is just my opinion:
1. For size-Sony NEX6.
2. Lenses-Olympus and Panasonic.
3. Quality of photographs-Olympus OMD E-M5, also Sony NEX6, and Fuji X100s.
4. Ergonomics & Features- Panasonic GX7 by far!
5. Price- Sony NEX6 lowest now, but that is close-out many places. Getting ready for a new camera between now and September.
6. A few more reviewers and "experts" favor the Olympus OMD E-M5, but some of them may be "paid" reviews.

I'm sure others will disagree, but that may help you to compile the general consensus.

--Beagleman

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I'll be happy to share my experience but do understand that those of us who respond are all going to tell you to buy whatever camera we have - the reason we have it is because we like it! And you probably can't go wrong, all the latest cameras are good. Here is a link to site I frequent, with lots of impartial information in the Reviews and Buying Guide sections, and lots of personal opinion info in the forum section. http://www.dpreview.com strongly advise you to check it out!And if possible, go to a camera shop (not a big box store which won't have some of the most cutting edge cameras from smaller companies) to see how a camera feels and responds before you buy. This isn't possible for me but its a good idea if there's one near you.

I have the Olympus EM5 and the EM1. Both are excellent and take better photos than my old DSLR. The are highly customizable and so portable. The EM5 is very small and light, and I can carry it in my purse easily or wear it on a sling strap all day without feeling burdened. I have an assortment of lenses, the Oly 12-50, 40-150, 75-300, & 45, also the Panasonic 20 and several High Grade Oly 43 lenses that work well with an adapter. I like and use them all for different reasons. The primes are tiny and make great walk around lenses. I got my daughter in law an Olympus EPM2 which is no bigger than a point and shoot and she gets great photos with it and the tiny 14-42 kit lens.

Glad to answer any questions you might have about these models.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here's some reading material on the EM1, etc.
http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/mirrorless/best_mirrorless_camera.shtml

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/124653-best-compact-system-cameras-2014-the-best-mirrorless-interchangeable-lens-cameras-available-to-buy-today

edahlin

I also have the EM5 and have just had it converted to
an IR conversion.

I love that camera as well, but would suggest anyone contemplating it's purchase consider getting the alternate
grip.

The EM-1 now has this built into the camera body.

Surprisingly I am finding using them both has reduced
the amount to time I reach for the 5D111.

Neither the 5 or the EM-1 are much for focus tracking
even though the EM-1 is greatly improved over the 5
But then again we are reminded there is no camera
that "does it all"

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

"Best" is highly subjective - and only you can decide what's best for you.

To bring some balance to the thread in light of the onslaught from the EM1 lovers, and if you are seriously considering a high quality mirrorless camera, then add the Fuji X-E2 to your list for consideration, and the "launched only hours ago" XT1.

"Best" (in my opinion) website for mirrorless is - http://www.sansmirror.com/

And here are a couple of "first looks" at the Fuji XT1 -

http://www.fujirumors.com/first-look-fujifilm-x-t1/

http://fujifilmblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/hands-on-with-the-fujifilm-x-t1/

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Olympus, Sony, Panasonic, and Fuji make the best ones in my opinion. Micro four thirds has a large line up of native mount lenses available (from Olympus, Panasonic, sigma) not to mention the ability to mount just about any older film lens with an adaptor. Sony and Fuji both have larger sensors.

Some of the higher end mirrorless cameras cost more than dslr's. I guess that's the price you pay for lightweight small gear. There is advantages and disadvantages to mirrorless.

What types of things do you shoot?

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Tom, if you can swing the price, THIS is one of the BEST cameras on the market:

http://www.popphoto.com/news/2013/11/2013-camera-year-sony-a7r

It is so good in fact, that Popular Photography named it "Camera of The Year" and labeled it a "Game Changer."

The ONLY camera that scores better is the Nikon D800E and it does that by only 1 point. ;)

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Ratings

Check it out....

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

In my opinion M4/3 is the best all around system at this time. Its not the best in any one category but over all its hard to beat.

The EM 1 has the best image quality in the group particularly if used with the best Olympus lenses. Its not the smallest or lightest and its the most expensive. The in camera stabilization is a big plus. The build quality is second to none, in any brand, although the body is relatively heavy.

Panasonic is also a good choice. Model for model their cameras and most lenses are less expensive than Olympus. Some Panasonic lenses are not rated as highly as Olympus equivalents but they correct some of the lens short comings in the camera which Olympus does not. The 100-300MM (200-600mm equivalent) is unbeatable for $400 on a Panasonic body. The lenses are stabilized rather than the body, except for the GX7.

Lenses are interchangeable between these brands and they have just about everything covered. Adaptors are available to use older lenses or other brands at the expense of functionality.

Now there are mirror less cameras that use larger sensors and have better image quality specs but they give up size and economy, particularly with lenses. One would notice the difference in IQ only when cropped or enlarged severely.

Suspect as electronic view finders improve the reflex mechanism will go away.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
And I do not even have any m4/3 lenses yet - still using adapter with 4/3 lenses!

Neubee Loc: Wisconsin

My wife had a Sony Nex6 and didn't overall like it. She
traded it in for a Nex7 and she enjoys that one..
For video, the Panasonic's are better..

JPL

I have been looking at mirrorless cameras too and have decided to go for a Nikon 1 J3.
If we compare that one to your criteria then

1. Size. Nikon 1 is smallest.
2. Lens availability, I think it is some 5-6 Nikon lenses made for Nikon 1 series and adapter to use older Nikon lenses. But I think very wide is lacking for this camera.
3. Quality of photograph, Nikon 1 has very small sensor, and that results in medium quality. It is much better then the worst and well behind the best.
4. It is said to be easy to use in many reviews.
5. Price is like a cheap dslr unless you hit a sale or special offer. (I am going for the J3 model because it has the most attractive price in the Nikon 1 series)
6. The Nikon 1 series has a reputation for having the fastest autofocus in mirrorless camera, much better than the Canon, Fujifilm X and Sony Nex series for example. And they offer various models f.x. the AW which is weather and waterproof and can be used when diving down to 40 meters if I remember it right without any special housing. Other models have rugged magnesium bodies. And those cameras have a crop factor of 2.7 making it interesting to use with the adapter and Nikon tele lenses for dslr. A 300 mm lens will be equal to 810 mm lens on this camera for example.

This is some of the reasons I am going to buy from this series.

My conclusion is that the Nikon 1 series is the best mirrorless you can get if you are NOT making very large prints or taking much pictures in extreme light.

exposeu Loc: Wenatchee, WA

I have been shooting with the Olympus epl-2 for about 3 years now and it is my travel/hiking camera. I also shoot Nikon d300/7000 and only use them for work. I am getting ready to purchase the OMD EM-5. Great cameras.

Randy