Mid-compact mid-reflex enclosures are mutants.

Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Olympus have emerged a new class of cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Between compact and SLR, new chassis gradually replacing hybrid models or "bridge". They offer a picture quality comparable to the SLR, but without complex settings or their size. Their size and their grip similar to that of CDs, but we can change their goal. These intermediate devices are equipped with a sensor similar to that of an SLR, but have no mirror. Result: the housing is more compact and thinner. And it has the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Major drawback on small models, the weight and length of the lens from the housing unit unbalance ... Another annoyance: in the absence of mirrors, one no longer has an optical viewfinder. They must put the screen on the back of the device or a small video screen embedded in an eyepiece.

Professional quality service to the demanding amateur:
Who are they? For photo enthusiasts who want change but are reluctant to purchase a SLR, say manufacturers. They give more freedom to choose the shutter speed and the amount of incoming light in order to play on the depth of field or blur spun. They also reassure their automatic settings that can focus only on the framing and shooting. Some models even offer a true manual that displays explanations of each transaction on the back screen. In short, the professional serving the demanding amateur ...

High price:
The fact is that by dint of wanting to simplify, manufacturers sometimes make things more complicated. Less buttons, of course, but it means more features for the same button: as display mode, the wheel can be used to navigate menus or to move from one image to another, but also to zoom or select a new mode of shooting to disable the flash. And to "help" the user manufacturers saturate the screen information. Finally, without being true SLR, the price is still very high, sometimes more than a basic reflex. However, the analyst firm promise a bright future for this equipment category. While it is sold less than 10,000 copies in France last year, GfK expects more than 50,000 units will be sold in 2010. Selection.

Samsung NX10: a miniature SLR :

His case has'm compact, it contains the lines of an SLR. However weighs much lighter (400 g). Its sensor is 14.6 megapixels. Equipped with a removable flash, the NX10 Samsung only accepts optical. It records video in 720p but in mono and has no input for external microphone. In automatic mode, it can choose the scene mode appropriate to the shooting. At the rear a good sized AMOLED screen (3 inches) very bright. Beginners will probably confused by the profusion of buttons and the lack of explanation on the screen for various settings.
€ 699 with 18-55mm lens. 


Sony Nex-5: Full HD, panoramic and 3D:

It is the smallest and lightest device with interchangeable lenses. And yet, it has a 14.2 megapixel sensor, image stabilizer and filmed videos in true HD (1080 i). Simply pressing a dedicated button starts recording. More surprising: it takes photos in widescreen when scans the scene and can even capture images in 3D! Tilt the screen displays help and advice of shots. The flash comes standard is fixed on the claw, but the optical viewfinder is an option (180 €). Several targets are available, and an adapter to install other optical Sony. € 650 with 18-55mm lens. 


Olympus Pen E-PL1: Simplicity is paid:

Sensor Micro four thirds of 12 megapixels, mechanical stabilization and recording videos in 720 per Easy to use, this model is for lovers who do not want to fuss with the settings. If fitted as standard with a retractable flash, it must become an optional electronic viewfinder (€ 300). Optionally also, a waterproof case for shooting underwater to 40 meters ... at a price identical to the camera (600 €). € 599 with 14-42mm lens. 



Panasonic Lumix G2: The touch screen and more:

Successor of G1, this newcomer to keep an aspect of SLR model with a 12.1 megapixel sensor. It records video in 720p (60 frames per second) in mono, but has a jack for external microphone. Its viewfinder is hinged touch, which makes navigating menus and allows for the development on a subject by pointing the finger. Its sensitivity reaches ISO 64000 and its automatic mode ensures iA amount of settings for those who want to simplify their lives. € 699 with 14-42mm lens.