Photography

2013 High-End Mirrorless Camera Comparison Guide

2013 High-End Mirrorless Camera Comparison Guide
Gizmag compares some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market
Gizmag compares some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market
View 20 Images
The most notable in terms of physical dimensions is the Sony Alpha 7 which somehow manages to squeeze a full frame sensor into a body which is smaller and than the Olympus OM-D E-M1
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The most notable in terms of physical dimensions is the Sony Alpha 7 which somehow manages to squeeze a full frame sensor into a body which is smaller and than the Olympus OM-D E-M1
The biggest and heaviest of the cameras are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX which are proportioned and look much like slim DSLRs
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The biggest and heaviest of the cameras are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX which are proportioned and look much like slim DSLRs
The size of sensors deployed here range from the 4/3-inch type (17.3 x 13 mm) ones in the Olympus and Panasonic, right up to the full frame (36 x 24 mm) monster lurking in the Sony A7
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The size of sensors deployed here range from the 4/3-inch type (17.3 x 13 mm) ones in the Olympus and Panasonic, right up to the full frame (36 x 24 mm) monster lurking in the Sony A7
In terms of megapixels, there are no ridiculously high or low examples here and all of the cameras fall in the 16 to 24 megapixel range
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In terms of megapixels, there are no ridiculously high or low examples here and all of the cameras fall in the 16 to 24 megapixel range
While most of our cameras use both contrast and phase detection autofocus systems - for a balance between speed and accuracy - the Panasonic GX7 just uses contrast AF
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While most of our cameras use both contrast and phase detection autofocus systems - for a balance between speed and accuracy - the Panasonic GX7 just uses contrast AF
The fastest mirrorless camera in our selection is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 which can churn out 10 frames per second for up to 50 RAW frames
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The fastest mirrorless camera in our selection is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 which can churn out 10 frames per second for up to 50 RAW frames
We've got similar numbers across the board with all of the cameras roughly covering the ISO 100 to 25,600 range, or equivalent
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We've got similar numbers across the board with all of the cameras roughly covering the ISO 100 to 25,600 range, or equivalent
The Olympus E-M1 and the Panasonic GX7 feature sensor shift stabilization, meaning you don't have to be using a stabilized lens to benefit from the reduced wobbles
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The Olympus E-M1 and the Panasonic GX7 feature sensor shift stabilization, meaning you don't have to be using a stabilized lens to benefit from the reduced wobbles
We're glad to report electronic viewfinders appear have become a must-have feature on high-end mirrorless cameras
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We're glad to report electronic viewfinders appear have become a must-have feature on high-end mirrorless cameras
The ginormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy NX can't fail to grab your attention
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The ginormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy NX can't fail to grab your attention
In addition to taking SD cards, the Samsung Galaxy NX has 16 GB of built-in memory
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In addition to taking SD cards, the Samsung Galaxy NX has 16 GB of built-in memory
All of the cameras can shoot JPEG and more post-production friendly RAW files
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All of the cameras can shoot JPEG and more post-production friendly RAW files
The latest generation of high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are up there with the best constructed cameras of recent years
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The latest generation of high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are up there with the best constructed cameras of recent years
All of the cameras we are comparing are capable of shooting Full HD 1080 video
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All of the cameras we are comparing are capable of shooting Full HD 1080 video
Wireless capabilities across the board mean being able to share images via Wi-Fi and in many cases even control the camera remotely
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Wireless capabilities across the board mean being able to share images via Wi-Fi and in many cases even control the camera remotely
You should get a minimum of 320 shots out of any of these cameras before having to worry about recharging your battery
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You should get a minimum of 320 shots out of any of these cameras before having to worry about recharging your battery
Unlike top of the range DSLRs, most of the featured cameras are available with a relatively inexpensive kit lens which can offer good value
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Unlike top of the range DSLRs, most of the featured cameras are available with a relatively inexpensive kit lens which can offer good value
The Sony Alpha 7, Samsung Galaxy NX and Fujifilm X-E2 each of the take lenses from their respective manufacturers while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount
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The Sony Alpha 7, Samsung Galaxy NX and Fujifilm X-E2 each of the take lenses from their respective manufacturers while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount
The Sony A7 which is the most expensive mirrorless camera in our line-up at $1,700
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The Sony A7 which is the most expensive mirrorless camera in our line-up at $1,700
Gizmag compares some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market
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Gizmag compares some of the best mirrorless cameras on the market
View gallery - 20 images

It's looking increasingly certain that interchangeable lens cameras have got a mirrorless future. In 2013 we've seen new models which can rival all but the very best of their mirrored counterparts in terms of features, build, and image quality. In this comparison guide we'll look at how the new breed of high-end mirrorless models stack up against each other.

Meet the cameras

The mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras we have decided to compare are:

The cameras in our line-up have prices starting at around US$1,000 for body-only versions, making them very much high-end models. They're designed for photography enthusiasts or professionals and have a build quality and features that these users demand. Obviously, there are cheaper alternatives out there, and if that's what you are after, you should keep an eye out for our upcoming mid-range mirrorless camera comparison guide.

Size

The most notable in terms of physical dimensions is the Sony Alpha 7 which somehow manages to squeeze a full frame sensor into a body which is smaller and than the Olympus OM-D E-M1
The most notable in terms of physical dimensions is the Sony Alpha 7 which somehow manages to squeeze a full frame sensor into a body which is smaller and than the Olympus OM-D E-M1

It's safe to say the cameras in our line up are not small by traditional mirrorless standards, especially if you think about something teeny-tiny like the Panasonic Lumix GM1. This is because most of them offer ergonomic features such as a hand grip along with physical access to manual controls and things like a built-in viewfinder.

The most notable in terms of physical dimensions is the Sony Alpha A7 which somehow manages to squeeze a full frame sensor into a body which is smaller than the Olympus OM-D E-M1. It's considerably smaller than DSLRs with equal sensor dimensions.

Weight

The biggest and heaviest of the cameras are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX which are proportioned and look much like slim DSLRs
The biggest and heaviest of the cameras are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX which are proportioned and look much like slim DSLRs

The biggest and heaviest of the cameras are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX, which are proportioned – and look much like – slim DSLRs. The Fujifilm X-E2 and Panasonic GX7 are more what you might expect from an enthusiast-focused mirrorless camera.

Sensor Size

The size of sensors deployed here range from the 4/3-inch type (17.3 x 13 mm) ones in the Olympus and Panasonic, right up to the full frame (36 x 24 mm) monster lurking in the Sony A7
The size of sensors deployed here range from the 4/3-inch type (17.3 x 13 mm) ones in the Olympus and Panasonic, right up to the full frame (36 x 24 mm) monster lurking in the Sony A7

The size of sensors in our selection of cameras range from the 4/3-inch type (17.3 x 13 mm) ones in the Olympus and Panasonic, right up to the full frame (36 x 24 mm) monster lurking in the Sony A7. Yes, bigger sensors are capable of producing better quality images, but they also require larger lenses and even 4/3-inch sensors are nowadays capable of producing some stunning images.

Megapixel Count

In terms of megapixels, there are no ridiculously high or low examples here and all of the cameras fall in the 16 to 24 megapixel range
In terms of megapixels, there are no ridiculously high or low examples here and all of the cameras fall in the 16 to 24 megapixel range

In terms of megapixels, there are no ridiculously high or low examples here and all of the cameras fall in the 16 to 24 megapixel range. This is more than enough for most people's use, without getting so large that files become unwieldy to manage. In fact this, along with price, is the reason we selected the Sony A7 over its A7R twin, which has a 36.4 megapixel count and no optical anti-aliasing filter, making it more of a niche tool.

It's also worth noting that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Fujifilm X-E2 also lack anti-aliasing filters which means they should be capable of capturing more detailed images than cameras with similar resolutions.

Autofocus

While most of our cameras use both contrast and phase detection autofocus systems - for a balance between speed and accuracy - the Panasonic GX7 just uses contrast AF
While most of our cameras use both contrast and phase detection autofocus systems - for a balance between speed and accuracy - the Panasonic GX7 just uses contrast AF

While most of our cameras use both contrast and phase detection autofocus systems for a balance between speed and accuracy, the Panasonic GX7 just uses contrast AF. Notably, the Sony A7 boasts 117 phase-detection AF points and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 has an almost as impressive 81.

The manufacturers behind each of these cameras boast about the speed of their respective device and while they might not keep up with the fastest DSLRs, they are certainly a lot faster than previous generations of mirrorless camera. Features such as continuous AF, tracking and face detection are also becoming the norm.

FPS Burst Rate

The fastest mirrorless camera in our selection is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 which can churn out 10 frames per second for up to 50 RAW frames
The fastest mirrorless camera in our selection is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 which can churn out 10 frames per second for up to 50 RAW frames

If you want to capture fast-moving action you need a camera capable of knocking out a series of images quickly. The fastest in our selection is the Olympus OM-D E-M1, which can churn out 10 frames per second for up to 50 RAW frames. Not far behind are the Samsung Galaxy NX and the Fujifilm X-E2 with respective 8.6 and 7 fps top speeds.

While the Panasonic GX7 has the joint slowest burst rate with the Sony A7 at 5 fps, it is capable of firing at 40 fps if you just want raw speed and don't mind the drawbacks of shooting with the electronic rather than the mechanical shutter.

ISO Range

We've got similar numbers across the board with all of the cameras roughly covering the ISO 100 to 25,600 range, or equivalent
We've got similar numbers across the board with all of the cameras roughly covering the ISO 100 to 25,600 range, or equivalent

We've got similar numbers across the board with all of the cameras roughly covering the ISO 100 to 25,600 range, or equivalent. This means any of the cameras should be able to perform well even in lower light situations – though with its full frame sensor you can expect the Sony A7 to be the best in this regard.

Image Stabilization

The Olympus E-M1 and the Panasonic GX7 feature sensor shift stabilization, meaning you don't have to be using a stabilized lens to benefit from the reduced wobbles
The Olympus E-M1 and the Panasonic GX7 feature sensor shift stabilization, meaning you don't have to be using a stabilized lens to benefit from the reduced wobbles

Most of the cameras here rely on optical image stabilization, meaning it's the lenses that are responsible for removing the shakes as you shoot at slow shutter speeds or at long focal lengths.

However, the Olympus E-M1 and the Panasonic GX7 also feature sensor shift stabilization, meaning that you don't have to be using a stabilized lens to benefit from the reduced wobbles.

Viewfinder

We're glad to report electronic viewfinders appear have become a must-have feature on high-end mirrorless cameras
We're glad to report electronic viewfinders appear have become a must-have feature on high-end mirrorless cameras

For those who are averse to composing shots on a rear monitor, we're glad to report electronic viewfinders appear have become a must-have feature on high-end mirrorless cameras. Of those here, it's the one on the Panasonic GX7 which stands out, not only does it have the highest resolution, but it also tilts allowing it to be used in a variety of positions.

Monitor

The ginormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy NX can't fail to grab your attention
The ginormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy NX can't fail to grab your attention

We're also seeing more tilting and touchscreens on higher end models like those featured. But it's the ginormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy NX which can't fail to grab your attention.

Because the NX runs on Android Jellybean v4.2 and uses an interface similar to the Galaxy Camera rather than mostly physical controls, it can be used for things other than photography.

Storage Media

In addition to taking SD cards, the Samsung Galaxy NX has 16 GB of built-in memory
In addition to taking SD cards, the Samsung Galaxy NX has 16 GB of built-in memory

While all of the cameras take SD memory cards, and the Sony A7 can use any Memory Stick Duo cards you have around, it's again the Samsung Galaxy NX that is markedly different. In addition to taking SD cards, it has 16 GB of built-in memory.

File Type

All of the cameras can shoot JPEG and more post-production friendly RAW files
All of the cameras can shoot JPEG and more post-production friendly RAW files

As you would expect of high-end devices, all of the cameras can shoot JPEG and more post-production friendly RAW files.

Construction

The latest generation of high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are up there with the best constructed cameras of recent years
The latest generation of high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are up there with the best constructed cameras of recent years

The latest generation of high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are up there with the best constructed cameras of recent years. Most of the ones we picked feature a magnesium alloy body or plates, which makes them each feel solid and durable.

The most sturdy is probably the Olympus E-M1, which uses 60 gasket rings to be weatherproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof down to -10° C (14° F). But remember that although the camera is capable of surviving a downpour or being dropped in the snow, you'll want to make sure your lens is equally hardy.

Video Modes

All of the cameras we are comparing are capable of shooting Full HD 1080 video
All of the cameras we are comparing are capable of shooting Full HD 1080 video

All of the cameras we are comparing are capable of shooting Full HD 1080 video, though the Olympus E-M1 and the Samsung Galaxy NX can only do so at 30 fps rather than the 60 fps of the other devices. The Panasonic GX7 and the Sony A7 are both capable of 1080p 60/50 fps.

Wireless Capabilities

Wireless capabilities across the board mean being able to share images via Wi-Fi and in many cases even control the camera remotely
Wireless capabilities across the board mean being able to share images via Wi-Fi and in many cases even control the camera remotely

There are built-in wireless capabilities across the board with all of these cameras. This means being able to share images via Wi-Fi and, in many cases, even control the camera remotely with companion Android and iOS apps.

The Sony A7 and the Panasonic GX7 also boast NFC for easy pairing of devices. But the Samsung Galaxy NX comes out on top thanks to also having the option of 3G/4G connectivity. Pop a data-enabled SIM card in next to the battery and you can be sharing photos instantly from wherever you are.

Battery Life

You should get a minimum of 320 shots out of any of these cameras before having to worry about recharging your battery
You should get a minimum of 320 shots out of any of these cameras before having to worry about recharging your battery

You should get a minimum of 320 shots out of any of these cameras before having to worry about recharging the battery and the Samsung Galaxy NX is said to be good for around 440 shots … unless you've killed the battery playing Angry Birds.

Kit Lens

Unlike top of the range DSLRs, most of the featured cameras are available with a relatively inexpensive kit lens which can offer good value
Unlike top of the range DSLRs, most of the featured cameras are available with a relatively inexpensive kit lens which can offer good value

Unlike top of the range DSLRs, most of the featured cameras are available with a relatively inexpensive kit lens which can offer good value, especially if you don't already have a bag of compatible glass waiting to be used. The exception here is the Olympus, which is primarily available body-only, though can be found with a 12-40-mm F2.8 lens.

The kit lenses on offer cover a 35-mm-format equivalent focal length from 24-mm or 28-mm to somewhere between 70-mm and 85-mm. This makes them versatile enough to do the job whether you're into shooting landscapes or portraits. With the exception of the $1,000 Olympus 12-40-mm F2.8, all have a variable maximum aperture, the best being the Fuji 18-55-mm F2.8-F4.

While most of these lenses are not optically going to be up there with the absolute best glass available, many can add as little as $100 to the price, so they're often well worth considering.

Lens Mount

The Sony Alpha 7, Samsung Galaxy NX and Fujifilm X-E2 each of the take lenses from their respective manufacturers while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount
The Sony Alpha 7, Samsung Galaxy NX and Fujifilm X-E2 each of the take lenses from their respective manufacturers while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount

The Sony Alpha 7, Samsung Galaxy NX and Fujifilm X-E2 each take lenses from their respective manufacturers, while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount.

In addition to the dedicated lenses available, it's worth remembering that adapters are also available for older and other alternative lenses, though some features may not be available.

Price

The Sony A7 which is the most expensive mirrorless camera in our line-up at $1,700
The Sony A7 which is the most expensive mirrorless camera in our line-up at $1,700

Be warned, there are some big numbers here! While the Panasonic GX7 and the Fujifilm X-E2 would have not long ago been two of the most expensive mirrorless cameras on the market, the likes of the $1,400 Olympus E-M1 and the $1,600 Samsung Galaxy NX now make them look cheap by comparison.

However, at $1,700 it's the Sony A7 that is the most expensive mirrorless camera in our line-up. However, that's still cheaper than most comparable DSLRs … and its more expensive "R" variant twin. Again, it's worth considering the kit lens bundles if you are looking at a new camera as they often offer better value.

Wrap-up

After last year we knew mirrorless cameras were moving in the right direction. They were already a viable alternative to mid-range DSLRs, and not just for photographers who didn't want to be lugging around the extra weight. But we probably just didn't appreciate how quickly they would be rivaling DSLRs at the higher-end of the market.

When the Olympus OM-D E-M1 was announced in September, it looked like it was going to be the highlight mirrorless camera of the year. Then the Sony A7 came along with its full frame sensor … and an even smaller body. When you consider there's only a $300 price difference, the A7 is a very tempting package.

While these devices are our pick of the best and most interesting mirrorless cameras of the year, we'd find it slightly difficult to recommend the Samsung Galaxy NX to anyone but the most ardent early-adopter. Unless you absolutely must have an Android flavor to your interchangeable lens camera, there are better and (mostly) cheaper alternatives.

When selecting a new camera, comparing features and specs can only take you so far down the decision making path. We'd always advise prospective camera buyers get their hands on any potential purchases and see how they feel before handing over their hard-earned cash. Even things like image and video quality can be subjective, so it's worth comparing their output before making the decision.

Hopefully this guide has helped highlight which new mirrorless camera would be best for you. However, if the prices are a bit too much, keep an eye out for our upcoming mid-range mirrorless camera comparison, where we'll look at how you can get almost as much camera for far less money.

View gallery - 20 images
3 comments
3 comments
christopher
Yawn. GoPro's do upto 4K video. Nobody cares about 1080p - you can't shoot in the same format you want to output in, coz you loose the ability to crop and post-shooting compensate...
Light_Lab
I wish they would bring out an adult sized mirrorless camera not designed for kid size hands. After holding a few 4/3 cameras I have decided no one would take you seriously as a photographer if you were using one. You would find yourself saying, "Please stop laughing and just smile." When are camera manufacturers going to get off this smaller and smaller craze? Don't they realize the average age of their customers is going up not down? As far as I am concerned, until they bring out a mirrorless camera that I can securely hold, they can stick them all where the sun doesn't shine, actually it is getting to the point where that will be painless i{^_^}.
Geremy Stone
Quite an informative blog, many people claim themselves as a photographer without knowing the basics of a camera. Understanding camera lenses can help add more creative control to digital photography. Choosing the right lens for the task can become a complex trade-off between cost, size, weight, and lens speed and image quality. Especially when you are new to photography, knowledge of above written facts can be pretty useful. I always prefer hiring a professional photographer, as they have proper command on all the photography skills. To get that much of command you need persistence with professionalism or you can read the techniques and approaches by a pro photographer.