The best mirrorless cameras for under $1,000

The interchangeable lens camera category encompasses a variety of capabilities and designs. You have the familiar DSLRs, large-body models that use a reflex mirror to allow the use of an optical viewfinder through the lens. Then there's Sony's SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) models, which incorporate the same phase-detection autofocus system as DSLRs, but with a fixed mirror that requires the use of a viewfinder. electronic (EVF) rather than optical. And then there are mirrorless models, which typically use contrast-detect autofocus and, if they have a viewfinder, it's an EVF. Although they are sometimes Called "compact system cameras", not all of them are compact; in fact, only a handful could really be classified as such.

Mirrorless models cover a lot of ground. For example, there are compact models designed for people who are dissatisfied with the image quality and performance of point-and-shoot models and are looking for more. Then there are the models for advanced shooters who want the speed and photo quality of a DSLR without the bulk. And there are a host of models that slide along the continuum between the two.

That's not to say the rest of the ILC crowd isn't up to snuff; although some have weak aspects, such as slow performances or overly large bodies, there doesn't seem to be any real ones. losers among the whole field. You can find some good options on our list of

best interchangeable lens cameras

.There's a truckload of mainstream models I haven't reviewed yet, including the Olympus

E-PL5 PEN

and

E-PM2 PEN

;Pentax is tiny

Q7

;the Nikon 1

D3

and

V2

;the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 and

GF6

;Sony

NEX-3N

;and the Samsung

NX300

,

NX20

, and

NX2000

-- and of course the still to be shipped

Galaxy NX

.Phew! In addition, the field is heating up for the most expensive models, such as Fujifilm

X-Pro1

and

X-E1

, Sony (hopefully replaced soon)

Alpha NEX-7,

and the

Olympus OM-D E-M5

and

E-P5

.

So with that distinction in mind, here are some of my favorite models under $1000 - with lens - without mirror.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Alpha NEX-6

Now priced comfortably under $1,000 to around $800, the NEX-6 is my pick for best overall model and Editors' Choice in this category, and better than many competing DSLRs. It's fast, comprehensive and well-designed, although it has since ceded the crown for best photo quality in this category to the Fujifilm X-M1.

Read the full Sony Alpha NEX-6 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Fujifilm X-M1

It's not the fastest, and the video quality is lacking, but the X-M1 offers the best photo image quality for under $1,000. It's also one of the most attractive cameras around. category, and doesn't skimp on features, with a tilting LCD screen and Wi-Fi (although Fujifilm's connectivity implementation was rather weak at the time of testing).

X-E1

offers a more retro/analog shooting experience - and the same strengths and weaknesses - with a lot more photographer-focused controls and an electronic viewfinder, but because it also comes with a better lens, the price of the kit is greater than $1,000.

Read the full Fujifilm X-M1 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Olympus E-PL3

If you want the cheapest model that will still give you the performance and photo quality of a worthwhile upgrade from a point-and-shoot, the E-PL3 is a great choice. not quite the best in any particular aspect, but it offers a combination of photo quality, performance, features and design that should appeal to many shooters looking for something better than their instant camera or camera phone current camera, and although it's relatively old, that means the price is much easier to swallow than some of the newer and more advanced cameras. Ditto for the latest generation

Sony Alpha NEX-F3

, which comes in an extremely close second; equipped with a zoom, it's larger than the E-PL3, and the selection of E-mount compatible lenses is smaller than that of the Micro Four Thirds.

Read the full Olympus E-PL3 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Alpha NEX-5R

For the most suitable model for shooting video at a reasonable price, the NEX-5R gets my vote. It's a slightly better camera than my last choice for this purpose, the

NEX-5N

, although it has similar video quality so if you are price sensitive I think you will be just as happy with the cheaper model. For either I suggest you consider the

16-50mm f3.5-5.6 retractable zoom

lens if you are shooting with anything other than a prime lens.

Read the full Sony Alpha NEX-5R review.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our list of

best compact cameras

,

best DSLRs

, or the

best cameras

globally

.