Switchable-Lens Compacts (SLCs)

DSLR-Type Models

The Incredibly Shrinking DSLR Continues to Evolve Into a Category with Multiple-Market Appeal

While no marketing guru we know of is dismissing the upmarket potential of digital SLRs—the most highly developed camera on the planet—it’s clear that interchangeable-lens compact cameras without optical viewfinders have carved out a viable and expanding market niche.

By dispensing with the bulky mirror box, flipping mirror mechanism and optical eye-level prism that are hallmarks of traditional single-lens reflex cameras and DSLRs, manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and Olympus have created an intriguing breed of fetchingly compact, lightweight cameras—all with large (Four Thirds or APS-C format) high-resolution sensors, switchable lenses and full feature sets. Specific models provide such goodies as big, tilting LCD and AMOLED screens, touch screens, built-in GPS, Full HD video capture with AF, on-screen help guides and auto HDR (high dynamic range). 

Who do switchable-lens cameras (SLC) appeal to? Everyone from serious enthusiasts who want SLR performance in a classic rangefinder-size package to beginners who don’t want to outgrow their starter camera and travelers who demand high performance and flexibility in a portable, lightweight form factor. Women shooters are especially attracted to SLCs as easy-to-carry, more fashionable alternatives to larger DSLRs. Others see them as an entry point into the world of interchangeable-lens photography. Many serious enthusiasts choose an SLC as a stylish addition to their prized DSLR system—a more casual camera to take shopping, on a hike, business trip or family gathering. Indeed, many pros use these high-performance cameras for street or travel photography when they’re not on assignment.

The SLCs included in our roundup all have distinct personalities. The svelte Samsung NX100 looks like a classic rangefinder camera and has no built-in flash, while its stablemate, the NX11, has a DSLR-like form factor and a built-in flash. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus Pen E-PL2 look more like traditional rangefinder cameras than DSLRs, and both use the Micro Four Thirds lens mount and have Four Thirds-format image sensors.

What all the cameras detailed in this article have in common is interchangeable lenses—the signature feature that sets them apart from the plethora of ultrazoom and short-zoom point-and-shoot cameras.

Whether they’re stepping stones, parallel systems or an end in themselves is up to the individual consumer, but for dealers SLCs represent a great opportunity: because of their broad-spectrum appeal, relatively high unit price in the $500 to $800 range and the ability to generate lens and accessory sales, selling an SLC is much like selling a DSLR. The fact that these cameras and their lenses are considerably lighter and smaller means they’re also the “light meal” you can suggest to customers who don’t want a “full-course DSLR dinner.” These days we can all use another robust and profitable revenue stream, and SLCs may well be that ticket.

Guide to Switchable-Lens Compact Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The smallest, lightest member of the Panasonic Micro Compact G series has a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD with 460,000-dot resolution, a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor and a maximum burst rate of 3.2 frames per sec (fps). It also shoots Full HD video at 1080p. Other features: intelligent scene selector in iA (intelligent auto) mode; built-in dust reduction; a built-in flash; mega OIS (optical image stabilization) shake reduction; intelligent D-range control; 17 scene modes; and eight preset effects in my color mode. Add a Panasonic G 12.5 f/12 3D Micro 4/3 lens and it shoots real 3D images! It comes in black, silver, red and white versions. $599.95 with 14–42mm lens. panasonic.com

Sony Alpha NEX-5. This elegant switchable-lens compact with a magnesium front panel features a 14.2MP APS-C sensor, captures RAW and JPEG image files as well as 1080p HD video, shoots bursts to 7 fps and incorporates a 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot LCD that tilts downward 45º and upward 80º. One of the smallest in its class, it provides unique features like sweep panorama, handheld twilight mode, auto HDR capture, DRO optimizer and ISO settings to 12,800. It accepts Sony A-mount DSLR lenses with an adapter as well as its own line of optics. $649.99 with 18–55mm lens.

The Sony NEX-3, which adds a red body choice to the NEX-5’s black and silver, has the same basic features but lacks the magnesium body cladding and shoots HD movies at 720p. $549.99 with 18–55mm lens. sony.com

Olympus Pen E-PL2. The classic rangefinder-style E-PL2 is the latest addition to the Olympus Pen line of ingenious interchangeable-lens compacts. It has a 12.3MP Live MOS image sensor, three in-body image stabilization modes, 22 scene-select modes, ISO settings to 6400, and can shoot 720p HD video. Its Micro Four Thirds lens mount accepts a variety of lenses, including (with an adapter) lenses for larger Four Thirds format DSLRs. It also features in-camera editing, six art filters that work while recording video, iA auto mode, Advanced Shadow Adjustment technology and live guide image manipulation. Its accessory port accepts the Bluetooth PenPal to send pictures to smartphones as well as converter lenses and a macro arm light. It’s offered in black, silver, red and white. $599.99 with a 14–42mm lens.

The sister Pen E-PL1, in black, blue and champagne versions, has roughly the same basic features in a more traditional body style, and ISO settings top out at 3200. $499.99 with 14–42mm lens. olympusamerica.com

Samsung NX100. This sleek, mirrorless 14.6MP beauty features a bright 3.0-inch AMOLED display, APS-C format sensor with ISOs to 6400 in expansion mode, 720p HD video capture and Samsung’s i-Function lens that lets users make frequently used settings like ISO, aperture, shutter speed, EV and WB at the press of a button from the lens. Other features: auto scene-selecting i-scene mode; 10-, 15- or 30-fps burst capability; dust reduction; picture effects; and optional EVF and GPS. Like the companion NX11, it uses the Samsung NX mount and comes in black or brown. $549.95 with 20–50mm iFunction lens.

The Samsung NX11, an upgraded version of the original NX10 that’s compatible with i-Function lenses and has a modified grip, provides a feature set virtually identical to the top-selling NX100 but adds a built-in pop-up TTL auto smart flash. $649.99 with 18–55mm lens. samsung.com