What is Mini DSLR?

Mini DSLR – A mirrorless interchangeable lens camera or electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens (EVIL), Micro, or Digital Interchangeable Lens system camera is an emerging class of digital cameras, intermediate between compact digital cameras and digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs). They are characterized by large sensors (the same size as entry-level DSLRs), no mirror, and interchangeable lenses, as the name suggests, and provide DSLR-quality pictures in a significantly smaller camera.

from Wikipedia

Advantages of MiniDSLR Cameras

• Micros combine many of the benefits of both compact cameras and DSLRs, in some respects being “the best of both worlds”.
• Compared to compact cameras, they offer a larger sensor (DSLR-size) and hence higher image quality, and generally include more features and controls.
• Compared to DSLRs, they are smaller (due to fewer parts), sturdier (due to fewer moving parts), and in principle cheaper, though As of 2010, current pricing is in some cases higher than entry-level DSLRs.
• Compact-style micros fitted with a thin “pancake” lens are pocketable, hence as portable as larger compact cameras, though when fitted with larger lenses they are less portable and not in general pocketable.
• Digital viewfinder can help the photographer to compose and check focus in low light situations. Digital viewfinder can also zoom in and this way help to check focus.
• A more far-reaching benefit is that eliminating the light box allows lenses to be closer to the sensor, allowing high-quality lenses to be made smaller, cheaper, and lighter, particularly for wide-angle lenses. However, current lens selection is limited and relatively expensive, compared with the very well-developed DSLR lens market.

Mini DSLR Models

1. Sony Alpha NEX-5

Sony Alpha NEX-5 Mirrorless

14.2 Mega Pixels, Full HD 1080/60i movies, astounding low-light pictures with ISO up to 12800, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch LCD. Additionally, this Alpha NEX-5 camera comes with an E-mount 18-55mm lens.

2. Sony Alpha NEX-3

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Mirrorless

14.2 Mega Pixels, 720p HD movies, Sweep panorama with 3D, ISO up to 12800, Capture fast-moving action with rapid burst shooting up to 7 frames per second (fixed AF). Choose the perfect lens to suit shooting conditions, just like a DSLR. Optional converter for A-mount DSLR lenses

3. Panasonic Lumix GF-1

Panasonic Lumix GF-1

4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor; clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity. Capture 1280 x 720 HD video in AVCHD Lite format for longer recording time. ISO up to 3200.

4. Panasonic Lumix G1

Panasonic Lumix G1

12.1-megapixel 4/3-type MOS sensor; world’s first Micro Four Thirds camera. Includes Lumix G Vario 14 – 45 mm F3.5 – F5.6 ASPH. Mega OIS lens. Live View Finder and bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD. New Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function; Face Detection and Intelligent Auto (iA) mode.

5. Olympus PEN EP-2

Olympus Pen EP-2

12.3-megapixel; Micro Four Thirds format. Includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko digital zoom lens and Electronic View Finder. 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function; Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) tracking system. Record HD video with high-quality audio; Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode. iEnhance to automatically adjust color and contrast for a more dramatic effect.

6. Olympus PEN EP-1

Olympus PEN EP-1

12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens digital camera; Micro Four Thirds format. Includes 17mm f/2.8 lens and Olympus optical viewfinder. In-body Image Stabilization; 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function. Record HD video with high-quality audio; in-camera creative features (for still images and video).

7. Olympus PEN EPL-1

Olympus PEN EP-L 1

12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens digital camera; Micro Four Thirds format. Includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens; features built-in flash. 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function; Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) tracking system. Capture HD video with high-quality audio; new “Direct Button” for easy recording.

8. Samsung NX10

Samsung NX-10

Never compromise when it comes to capturing life’s most precious moments. The Samsung NX10 offers an incredible 14.6 Megapixels and APS-C size CMOS sensor which delivers high-quality images and rich, natural color. It’s the perfect size to carry with you everywhere, but still packs powerful features like high definition recording and an AF function for fast action shots.