Rating of the best interchangeable-lens cameras for 2020

Today, cameras with the ability to change the lens are in demand among fans of photography. It is easy to get confused in a fairly wide range of popular models, so this article has compiled a rating of the best interchangeable-lens cameras. The specificity of these devices lies in the absence of blocking of mirrors and an optical type viewfinder. The second advantage of these devices, which distinguishes them from the mirror "relatives" - compactness and lightness.

Which company is better

For an ardent lover of photography, the practicality of the model is one of the most important selection criteria. In the event that you have to "click" everything in the world, then figuring out which model is better to buy is quite easy. In any case, first of all, it is necessary to outline the budget and find a store where you can profitably buy the camera you like.

For beginners, devices from different manufacturers do not differ critically in terms of technological characteristics. Reliable cameras are produced by the best manufacturers:

• Canon.
• Fujifilm.
• Olympus.

So also less recognized companies:

• Panasonic.
• Samsung.
• Sony.

Some of the brands, the popularity of models of which skyrocketed last year, are rapidly losing their leadership positions today. In this regard, nowadays, few people buy productive Praktica, Kodak or Polaroid cameras. Small cameras from Casio, by the way, are no longer in demand either.

It is difficult to call non-core digital cameras from General Electric or Hewlett Packard a successful purchase, and inexpensive devices from Rekam and other manufacturers cannot even be compared with cameras integrated into a smartphone.

What to expect from affordable models

From gadgets of the middle price segment, you can expect excellent picture and video quality, an accurate digital viewfinder, reprogrammable keys and dials for controlling device parameters, as well as a large assortment of lenses for professional shooting, covering all important focus distances (from fisheye to superzoom).

The rest of the possibilities that are pleasant to find in the device are image stabilization integrated into the shell (in this case, it makes no sense for amateur photographers to worry about the presence of stabilization in the lens).

Also useful are auxiliary keys and dials (there are never many of them), an integrated unit with Wi-Fi for wireless connection, and a multitouch display for easy navigation through the menus.

It's good if the model comes with a swivel screen and a fairly practical shell so that you can carry it with you.

The cheapest interchangeable-lens cameras

This section contains the most affordable high quality models that have good functionality and have received the maximum number of praise from users.

Fujifilm X-E3 Body

The specificity of this camera lies in the increased number of functionalities compared to the X-T2 and X-Pro 2. The chip and sensor remain the same, but the manufacturer has managed to fit them into a cheaper housing, made in a minimalist style. The result is an ultra-compact and lightweight model without sacrificing picture quality.

The body of the camera is really overflowing with minimalism. The model comes on the market in 2 colors:

1. The black.
2. Silver.

The appearance of the camera refers to the rangefinder models, except that the small sag, made of rubberized material for better ergonomics, stands out from the general style. On the front there is a bayonet with a button for opening the lens.

The main menu is structured in a classic way for a company. On the left are the key menu categories, each of which is located on 1-3 screens. Viewing is end-to-end. In other words, after the end screen of the focus category comes the first screen of the subsequent heading.

The main menu items are located in the gallery.

The average price is 35,000 rubles.

• high quality photos in JPEG and RAW formats;
• fashionable design;
• practical viewfinder in use;
• determination of the focus point using the joystick;
• elegant dynamic coverage of the matrix.

• small autonomy.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit

Olympus is known for its own lenses (since it is one of the global leaders in the manufacture of endoscopes and microscopes) and waterproof cameras. The firm has implemented the best projects in this novelty, abandoning the manufacture of mirror-type devices.

Despite the fact that the design of the model is extremely similar to the well-known "Zenith", its "hardware" is very modern and completely "mirrorless", as evidenced by the presence of an electronic type in the viewfinder design.

The matrix does not have a high number of MPs (16.1 million effective), but it has a large size (crop factor 2), which guarantees a good image, even if you use whale optics on a Micro 4/3 connection. Among the advantages of the gadget, the presence of image stabilization, both software and optical, is distinguished.

The model is equipped with a rotating screen, which makes it possible to take stunning shots even from the most awkward positions. Instant autofocus is useful for offhand shooting, and the forced autofocus option is intuitive - just touch the multi-touch display.

The key disadvantage of the camera is the low-power battery, so you need to buy an additional battery to travel on vacation.

The average price is 33,000 rubles.

• effective stabilization makes it possible to take shots with impressive hand-held exposures;
• there is Wi-Fi;
• silent shutter.

• weak battery;
• ultra-sensitive face proximity scanner.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7

The GF line of devices is considered one of the most inexpensive in Panasonic. It is aimed at people who are just starting to master photographic skills. It is almost impossible to find a gadget with an interchangeable lens at a budget price, but the Lumix DMC-GF7 is quite economical in Russia.

The device has a Live-MOS type matrix with a maximum resolution of 16 MP. The ISO range ranges from 100 to 25,600 units. There is no viewfinder, but there is a 3-inch liquid crystal LCD screen.

The mechanism is swivel, which will be appreciated by fans of selfies.

The limiting number of frames is 10 per second. The camera supports shooting formats 1: 1, 3: 2, 4: 3 and 16: 9. It is also possible to shoot video with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 px in MP4 and AVCHD formats. The battery capacity is enough for about 230 shots.

The camera supports popular flash drives (SD, SDXC, and SDHC). There are several interfaces, a tripod lock and the ability to control from a distance even from a computer.

The average price is 26,500 rubles.

• good integrated flash;
• the body is made of magnesium alloy;
• lightness;
• excellent detail and brightness of the photo;
• integrated Wi-Fi module and remote control capability;
• availability.

• not very powerful battery;
• no viewfinder;
• no jacks for connecting an external microphone or headphones;
• the case is scratched quickly.

Panasonic Lumix G5

The rating of the best is continued by the Panasonic camera. No more than 4 years ago, the first gadget of this series, the G1 model, saw the light. Then the capabilities of the camera were at a decent level, and the device itself became popular among beginners and advanced photographers.

The G3 was followed immediately by the G5, and the G4 was not released for superstitious reasons.

This camera is equipped with a Live MOS sensor, which is made according to the Micro Four Thirds standard. At the same time, the resolution of the photos reaches 4592x3448 px. The camera is equipped with an innovative generation Venus Engine 7 chip with Full HD, improved speed and functionality.

The multitouch screen has also been updated. With extreme resolution, the camera shooting speed reaches 6 fps, and various scene modes will become a convenient set of tools for every photographer. Filming and opening of videos is carried out in FHD format with a resolution of 1920x1080 px.

There are a large number of reviews on the Internet that are devoted to this model. Buyers pay due attention to its appearance: smooth lines, sophisticated style and balanced range of colors.

The shape of this model is made to meet the requirements of most owners. A significant cutout in the upper part makes it possible to comfortably cover the gadget, and the viewfinder, flash and many mechanical keys bring the device extremely close to the category of DSLRs.

The advantage of this model is its lightness (the weight of the camera is only 396 g) and practical dimensions - 119.9x83.2x70.8 mm. According to the owners' reviews, the functionality of the model is quite extensive and diverse. There are downsides, but they are not catastrophic.

The average price is 22,000 rubles.

• high assembly reliability;
• excellent functionality;
• ample opportunities to change the interface;
• excellent quality of rollers;
• impressive duration of work;
• the system has a wide range of "grow" lenses.

• active noise reduction when shooting in JPG format with standard configuration;
• low quality optics included in the kit;
• low speed of writing photos to the flash drive.

CANON EOS M10 KIT

Canon has not yet taken the lead in premium mirrorless devices, but this one is worth a look among inexpensive models. Small size and ease of use will appeal to amateur photographers. The device will easily take pride of place in a women's handbag and will not interfere there. Insufficient number of control elements compensates for the rotating multi-touch screen.

This mirrorless gadget has everything you need to learn the basics of photography, right down to manual shutter speed, aperture and RAW format settings.

The model will become a good solution for video shooting at the amateur level, and the ability to change optics only increases the number of creative ideas and the internal potential for profile growth. Among the shortcomings, buyers single out an uncomfortable grip, poorly thought out ergonomics and low-quality automatic focusing in low light.

One way or another, for such a price, these errors are easy to forgive. This model will be a good buy for beginners who dream of learning the basics of photographic art, but are not yet ready to buy oversized SLR devices.

The average price is 26,000 rubles.

• relatively practical and lightweight body;
• high assembly reliability;
• ease of management;
• rotary screen with gorgeous multitouch control;
• matrix made according to the APS-C standard, the resolution of which is 18 MP;
• many software modes and options;
• excellent quality photos and acceptable video;
• advanced proprietary DIGIC 6 chip;
• there is NFC and Wi-Fi;
• good optics like EF-M 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM from Canon, which supports optical stabilization and silent focus.

• uncomfortable grip;
• no hot shoe;
• small selection of lenses for Canon EF-M connection;
• functioning of the automatic focusing system in conditions of "poor light".

Interchangeable-lens models in the mid-price segment

Users who are ready to fork out for a high quality camera at a higher cost than the above should take a closer look at the following 5 mid-range cameras.

PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GH4 BODY

This model was the first mirrorless camera to record 4K footage. It was released in 2014, but even in 2020 it ranks first in the ranking of quality cameras.

The advantages of the camera, most likely, will be appreciated not by photographers, but by videographers (a lot of manual configurations, surprisingly high bitrate and shooting in 4K format). Interchangeable lenses allow you to unleash your creativity and start creative experiments, while innovative electronics ensure high quality final videos and photos.

The image detail is comparable to professional camcorders.

The average price is 60,000 rubles.

• comfort of use and ergonomics, as in mirror devices;
• incredibly high reliability of assembly - magnesium alloy body with dust and moisture protection;
• excellent picture quality and functionality at high ISO as for Micro Four Thirds format;
• a chic range of dynamics for this segment, which has been significantly improved when compared to its predecessors;
• fast auto focus;
• minimum shutter lag;
• instant burst speed (12 shots per second in full frame resolution);
• excellent buffer depth for JPEG format;
• deep buffer for RAW format;
• Lots of functions for image processing: noise reduction, brightness, contrast, etc.

• functionality at high ISO settings is not so good when compared to APS-C devices - picture quality suddenly drops from ISO 3,200 and more;
• auto white balance and incandescent lamp mode produce too soft results in rooms with artificial lighting;
• slow buffer clearing from RAW files;
• the burst speed decreases when using autofocus, but still 7 frames per second is an excellent indicator;
• one connector for a flash drive;
• The visual defect of the rolling shutter is felt in 4K videos at 24 and 30 FPS recording speeds.

Fujifilm X-T20

This model continues the top best interchangeable lens cameras of 2020. This gadget has a 24MP APS-C format CMOS III sensor from X-Trans. The device will delight users with an advanced auto focus mode when shooting moving objects.

The specificity of the "fotik" lies in the OLED type viewfinder with a gorgeous resolution. There are front and front control dials, as well as a serial flash with a shooting speed of 14 frames per second.

It is possible to take pictures from a tablet or phone by controlling the device via Wi-Fi.

The average price is 56,000 rubles.

• high quality photos;
• amazing optics system;
• appearance of the "classic" type;
• recording videos in 4K format.

• the image stabilizer is not integrated into the shell;
• no ISO configuration wheel.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80

This is a rather bulky and heavyweight mirrorless gadget.The weight of 453 grams is due to the presence of moisture protection, but if you use the proper optics, then there is no point in worrying about shooting even in a downpour.

Like other system devices from Panasonic, this model is equipped with a 4/3 format matrix. It is 2 times smaller than a 35 mm photographic film frame. Because of this, the sensor is equipped with only a 16 MP resolution, but a place for an optical stabilizer has been allocated under the body. There is a swivel multi-touch screen on the back.

The model is "not afraid" of the bright sun, as it comes with an electronic viewfinder that consists of 2.36 million pixels.

This "fotik" really makes high-quality videos, since it supports shooting in modern 4K format. The image in this mode is displayed on the phone in real time, because the developers have not forgotten about the Wi-Fi block either. In burst mode, the gadget “clicks” only 9 shots, but such a burst can last for a long time - the limit for RAW is 45, and for JPEG is 300 frames.

The camera may not meet the expectations of the owners of fast lenses. The fact is that the shutter here opens at 1/4000 s.

The average price is 75,000 rubles.

• comfortable multi-touch screen;
• excellent viewfinder;
• excellent auto focus with contrast;
• it is possible to shoot in 4K format;
• the body is made of metal and protected from moisture;
• there is an optical type image stabilizer;
• availability of shooting options such as "time lapse" and 3D.

• weak battery;
• insufficient speed exposure;
• modest matrix size;
• color noir may occur when shooting in JPEG format.

Canon EOS M5

Of all the mirrorless devices, this gadget is the most similar to an analogue of a DSLR. The look is made in the best Canon brand tradition: smooth folds, no sharp edges, and a natural blend of glossy and matte colors.

The shape of the device is made according to the wishes of most photographers, so it is comfortable to grip it with one hand.

The multi-touch display of the model makes it possible to switch and designate the focus point, as well as use the functionality of the main menu. On it, CMOS can only be used to highlight a specific area of ​​the frame. This option prevents accidental activation of the sensor. The model has an effective resolution of 24.2 MP, which makes it possible to increase the detail of frames to an incredible degree.

Shooting speed - 7 fps. The digital format of the clips is MP4, which many experts attributed to the shortcomings of this model, since all innovative cameras of this year traditionally record videos in 4K or FHD format.

The average price is 57,000 rubles.

• integrated electronic viewfinder;
• auto focus speed is comparable to SLR devices;
• excellent picture quality;
• working ISO parameters - up to 6 400;
• instant start;
• good burst shooting speed;
• inclined multitouch display;
• wide range of proprietary and supported lenses (via adapter);
• more powerful battery when compared to the EOS M and EOS M10;
• the configuration of the main options is located on the case;
• the ability to reprogram disks and keys.

• larger when compared to the EOS M3 and EOS M10;
• inclined display limited to lift up;
• there is no support for 4K format;
• the device is demanding on the high-speed capabilities of flash drives.

Sony A6000

This mirrorless type device was literally “shining with new things” and innovations. The key innovations are the 24MP scanner and the advanced combined autofocus system.

The model is very similar to the sixth and seventh NEX, although it is not made according to the "VIP" standards of the seventh "nex". In any case, this device at first glance weeds out doubts about the reliability of assembly and performance. Yes, it is not the smallest of interchangeable-lens system type digital cameras, but it is extremely stylish, practical and convenient.

With the small whale optics included in the kit, the user can easily carry the device in his jacket pocket. Like its predecessors, this one features a tilting LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) for comfortable framing.

To the delight of fans, the Sony brand has been able to achieve significant improvements in usability when compared to the same NEX. An innovative and efficient menu system was introduced and eventually the ability to save and activate custom parameters.

Easier access to several significant shooting options, including compensation, exposure and switching between manual and auto focus. Semi-professional and professional photographers with many years of experience will find that the comfort and ease of use of the new model is now quite comparable to most flagship cameras.

The average price is 50,000 rubles.

• incredible image quality for a device in this segment;
• good clarity of the picture in JPEG format at low light sensitivity (ISO);
• low noise at high ISO settings;
• chic dynamic range;
• APS-C format scanner with a resolution of 24 MP;
• ISO range ranges from 100-25600;
• instant combined automatic focusing Fast Hybrid AF;
• practical kit optics (16-50 mm).

• long start;
• soft angles when shot through the supplied optics in the wide-angle position;
• short focus distance in macro mode above average;
• aggressive software default color noise reduction;
• after noise suppression at high ISO in JPEG format, some areas of the picture look "too processed";
• weak integrated flash.

The best premium interchangeable-lens cameras

Most likely, professionals or very ardent admirers of photography will want to buy a mirrorless camera with interchangeable optics from the premium segment. Cameras of this category have, in addition to advanced functionality and flexible parameters, also better components.

Canon EOS R Body

This model sets the modern quality standard. Having one of the fastest automatic focusing in its arsenal, it is also considered to be the first camera in the world that can focus in poor light conditions down to -6 exposure levels (-6 EV).

This model also stands out from the competition with its quiet photography, delivering incredible results every time. This camera delivers high-quality photos and videos, advanced features and support for a variety of EOS accessories, and improved ergonomics and responsiveness.

The modern RF mount is based on the existing EF mount and is therefore the result of painstaking research by Canon's developers, who have developed a stunning system with a 20mm working distance and an extensive 54mm locking diameter.

The new lock is equipped with a 12-pin connection for improved lens-to-camera coupling and improved power transfer. All this made it possible to modernize the optical appearance of the lenses and achieve a higher picture quality.

The average price is 141,000 rubles.

• automatic focusing;
• good ergonomics;
• availability of FV-mode;
• functions much better than any mirror model;
• focus is performed around the entire perimeter of the frame.

• lack of a wheel in the rear.

Sony Alpha ILCE-9M2 Body

This latest generation mirrorless model outperforms DSLRs when it comes to shooting speed. It is equipped with a 35 mm multilayer CMOS matrix, one of the advantages of which is the permanent memory, which significantly increases the speed of information reading.

The sensor has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels, high sensitivity (up to 204,800 ISO in advanced mode) and a backlight.The image processing algorithm supports new generation technologies, which made it possible to achieve the most natural gradation of tone and more stable auto white balance for burst photography.

The combination of a multi-layer full-frame CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 24.2 MP, as well as permanent memory and the latest generation BIONZ X graphics chip guarantees high image sensitivity up to ISO 5,120,018, improved dynamic range and support for out of the RAW signal (16 bit ), as well as 16-bit image processing.

The average price is 390,000 rubles.

• stable and fast automatic focusing;
• high image quality;
• excellent degree of protection;
• increased performance during burst photography with a mechanical shutter;
• advanced connectors for flash cards;
• excellent ergonomics.

• not the best weight distribution.

Fujifilm GFX 50R Body

High picture quality in this model was achieved by installing a medium format matrix with a resolution of 51.4 million pixels, as well as an ultra-fast X-Processor Pro graphics chip.

This camera houses a sensor that is approximately 1.7 times the size of a 35mm full-frame sensor.

This sensor delivers high quality footage, excellent sensitivity settings and a wide range of color reproduction for users to capture incredible footage.

The appearance of the device is similar to rangefinder models, and the small thickness (46 mm) and lightness (the body weight is only 775 g) guarantee good portability. Made of high strength magnesium alloy, the housing has 64 seals to keep out moisture and dust.

The average price is 280,000 rubles.

• compactness;
• lightness;
• stylish design;
• high image quality;
• wide range of dynamics.

• slow auto focus speed.

Nikon Z7 Body

The sensor of this model is an improved analog of the board integrated into the D850 DSLR. By the way, the latter was developed by Nikon engineers directly for this device, the release of which was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the manufacturer.

This camera has 493 phase-detection autofocus sensors located right on the sensor.

The working coverage of the autofocus system (by light) - ranges from -1 to +19 EV in normal conditions, and in poor light - from -4 to +19 EV. The menu, in the tradition of Nikon, is consistent and well-organized.

As for autofocus, this model is one of the best and shares the palm with cameras in which APS-C and Micro 4: 3 sensors are installed.

The average price is 205,000 rubles.

• modern bayonet with a large inner diameter and a small flange;
• full-frame 47.5-megapixel CMOS sensor with back-illuminated light receiving cells;
• integrated 5-axis image stabilization;
• mixed (phase and contrast) automatic focusing with 493 phase sensors;
• innovative graphics chip Expeed 6;
• equivalent sensitivity from ISO 64 to 25,600 (up to ISO 102,400);
• frame rate limit is 9 per second (JPEG and RAW 12 bit);
• vertically mobile touch screen;
• electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3.69 MP;
• recording of clips in Ultra HD format at 30 FPS with a stream of 100 Mb / s.

• only 1 XQD flash card slot.

Leica M10

This camera will be a good purchase only for professional photographers. The device has practical dimensions and unique appearance. The gadget is equipped with a modern 24 MP full-frame matrix, which is capable of boasting incredible resolution, contrast and excellent dynamic range. The body of the device is made of magnesium alloy.There is an LCD screen, which is covered with a very resistant Gorilla Glass, which protects it from mechanical stress.

It is one of the most expensive innovative cameras in this segment.

The average price is 513,750 rubles.

• wide ISO range;
• improved viewfinder;
• there is a Wi-Fi block.

• no picture stabilization;
• poor dust protection.

Criterias of choice

If a user is ready to invest about 66,000 rubles in the purchase of a mirrorless camera, then the picture quality is likely to play a significant role for him. Still such a person, most likely, has already worked with a manual or semi-automatic shooting mode and is trying to find something that will not limit his creativity and will provide an opportunity to improve his own experience in the art of photography.

If the user is a beginner in the field of photographic art, who is sure that this will subsequently become his hobby for a long time, then 66,000 rubles is not such a large amount to contribute to a reliable and durable device, as well as optics that last longer than the body of the camera itself.

The user will also appreciate the improved functionality in the form of a viewfinder, special external controls and manual exposure configuration. In the event that a person is not convinced that he needs it or simply wants to easily shoot good shots, then it would be advisable to buy something more budgetary. For example, a mirrorless camera from the middle price segment or a practical camera at a cost of 33,000 rubles with interchangeable optics.

If the user wants to become the happy owner of a practical gadget, then it makes sense to take a closer look at the capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix G5. Despite the fact that the picture quality is inferior to the notorious Sony A6000, this is a good choice when compared to other devices. He has a wide range of optics "for growth" and rather small dimensions to carry with him, but do not miss the moment that the kit comes with a not very high-quality lens.

For about the same price, there is a CANON EOS M10 KIT device. The picture quality in it is significantly inferior to Sony A6000, but this device is equipped much better when compared with ordinary "soap dishes" for 13-15 thousand rubles. The model also stands out against the background of competitors with high-aperture and bright optics. It is a good choice for this segment, but the picture quality will certainly not be the best. If the user is a pro with many years of experience, who already has a mirror device in operation and is looking for a practical gadget as a replacement for a DSLR, then he should prepare for the fact that the latter often lack some of the usual options. In particular, this is reflected in the lack of control components.

Conclusion

Increasingly, manufacturers of system-type devices are trying their best to combine excellent picture quality and many options in a compact body. If you urgently need to get a decent camera, while owning an unlimited budget, then you should take a closer look at the first three positions of this rating from the premium segment, since none of the rivals can offer the same quality and capabilities at this price. By purchasing such a camera, the user will receive a clear high quality picture, good video recording and color rendering. The low noise floor at high ISO values, Wi-Fi blocks and an accurate viewfinder will also please.