The definitivemark of a photographer emerging from the ranks of casual shooters to become a real enthusiast may well be acquiring a camera that takes interchangeable lenses, an ILC for short. That’s because ILCs can surpass even long-range point-and-shoots in delivering the full range of visual perspectives, from fisheye to super-telephoto. And they let you mount wide-aperture lenses for expanded low-light capabilities and enhanced depth-of-field control; true macro lenses that can capture stunning life-size-on-sensor close-ups; and, by adding simple, inexpensive adapters, even classic 35mm SLR and rangefinder lenses for vintage retro effects.
Entry-level interchangeable-lens cameras aimed at today’s emerging enthusiasts include traditional DSLRs with optical viewfinders, and mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinder (EVFs). Excellent examples of both types are included in our “8 Greats” covered in detail below. Every camera in our carefully culled list offers an enticing combination of high performance and high value that can transform your picture taking experience and take it to the next level, and provide a platform for adding not only lenses and accessories but (dare we say it?) a more advanced model that takes the same lenses.
Nikon D3300: A thoughtfully upgraded successor to the much admired D3200, this popular, versatile DX-format (APS-C) DSLR has a 24.3 MP CMOS sensor coupled to an EXPEED 4 image processor that delivers hi-res images, impressive low-noise performance in in low light with sensitivity settings expandable to ISO 25600, excellent responsiveness with maximum burst rate of 5 fps, and full HD 1980p video capture at 60 fps. Other key features: 11-point AF with Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor for quick, accurate focusing, a 3.0-inch 921k-dot vari-angle wide-view LCD plus penta-mirror optical viewfinder, Active D-lighting for enhanced shadow and highlight control, and 8 selectable scene modes plus Scene Auto Selector mode. Picture Control settings allow in-camera adjustments of color and brightness, and an optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter provides Wi-Fi connectivity. Adorama price: $496.95 with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II zoom lens:
Pentax K-50: This handsome, ergonomically contoured classic DSLR delivers many of the features of the former top-of-the-line Pentax K-5 IIs at an enticingly moderate price. These include a 16.3 MP APS-C-format CMOS image sensor, Prime M Image Processing engine optimized for Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, advanced SAFOX IXi+ AF system, 77-segment metering, continuous bursts at up to 6 fps, a 3.0-inch wide-view, hi-res 921k-dot LCD, a bright 100% view optical pentaprism viewfinder, in-camera Shake Reduction system, ISOs from 100-51200 plus Auto, and a robust weather-sealed body. The K-50 uses rechargeable Li-ion or AA batteries to power all functions. Adorama price: $378.00 with Pentax DAL 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL zoom lens.
Canon EOS Rebel SL1: Canon’s fetchingly compact entry-level true DSLR combines an elegantly petite, form factor withmany of the key features found on higher-level broad-spectrum models (like the Rebel T5i). These include an 18 MP APS-C-format CMOS image sensor coupled to the latest DIGIC-5 image processor that delivers Full HD video capture with continuous AF at 30, 25, and 24 fps, ISO settings from 100-12800, expandable to 25600, Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, and a 4.0 fps full-res continuous burst rate. It also provides a 9-point Hybrid CMOS AF II autofocus system with contrast- and phase-detection sensors and a high-precision central cross sensor, a 3.0-inch Clear View II Touchscreen LCD, and Effect Shot mode that captures two images of the scene, one with and one without the special effect. Background Simulation makes it easy to achieve dramatic blurred or sharpened backgrounds, both of which can be previewed on the 1,040k-dot LCD. The SL1’s body measures only 4.6 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches and weighs a mere 13 ounces! Adorama price: With 18-55mm (28.8-85mm equivalent) Canon EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens: $499.00 in black or white.
Sony Alpha a5100: This cool compact entry-level mirrorless from Sony provides many of the key features of the wildly successful a6000 at about $150 less. These include a 24.3MP APS—C-format Exmor HD CMOS sensor, an advanced Bionz X Image Processor, and a 3.0-inch 921.6k-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD that tilts up to 180-degrees upward, and a 1200-zone evaluative metering system. This E-mount beauty provides a maximum full-res burst rate of 6 fps, sensitivity settings to ISO 25600, and it’s able to capture full HD 1080p video at 60, 30, or 24 fps. Its Fast Hybrid AF system incorporates 179 phase-detection point and 25 contrast-detection points to deliver quick, accurate AF with a wide variety of subjects, and it has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC. There’s even Auto Object Framing that suggests an “ideal composition” option based on the camera’s algorithms. Adorama price: $548.00 with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Retractable Zoom Lens, in black or white.
Olympus Pen E-PL6: The latest iteration in this engaging series of mirrorless Micro Four Thirds-format compacts the elegantly minimalist E-PL6 features a 16MP Live MOS sensor coupled to an advanced TruPic VI image processor that delivers, impressive responsiveness, a full-res maximum burst rate of 8 fps, Full HD 1080p video capture, and sensitivity settings from ISO 100-25600. Sensor–shift VCM 3-axis image stabilization minimizes the effects of camera shake, and a FAST 35-point AF system with face/eye detect provides quick, precise AF with a wide variety of subjects. Other features: a 3.0-inch 614k-dot Touchscreen LCD that tilts 180 degrees for easy selfies and low-angle shots, built-in interval timer, electronic level gauge, and 12 special effects Art Filters. The included FL-LN1 external flash provides additional illumination when working in challenging conditions. Adorama price: $299.00 with M.Zuiko 14-42nn (28-85mmm equivalent) f/3.5-4.6 II R lens.
Samsung NX Mini: Featuring a metal body with gorgeous hyper-modern slim-line form factor and a new 20.5 MP 1-ich BSI CMOS sensor (with a 2.7X crop factor) at an attractive price point, this svelte new NX-M mount compact provides an impressive feature set, including a 3.0-inch 460.8k-dot 180-degree Tilting Touchscreen LCD, Full HD 1080p video capture at 60 fps, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC, and 6 fps RAW continuous shooting capability at full-res 20 MP. The Mini provides settings up to ISO 25600 in Extended Sensitivity mode, 35-point contrast-detect AF, and a Wink Shot mode for convenient self-portraits. It comes with 9mm and a NX-M 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6 (24.3-72.9mm equivalent) ED OIS zoom lens, a lens case, and Lightroom 5 software. Adorama special price: $389.95 in black or pink.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7: This engagingly compact broad-spectrum, entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera from Panasonic incorporates a 16 MP Live MOS sensor coupled to a high-performance Venus Engine image processor do deliver crisp low-noise images at sensitivity settings up to ISO 35600 and Full GS 10800 videos up to ISO 3200 in AVCHD and MP4 formats. Its contrast AF delivers sharp images at up to 5.8 fps using the camera’s mechanical shutter or at up to 39 fps when the camera’s electronic shutter is employed. Other key features: 3.0-omch 1040k-dot 180-degree Tilting Touch Screen LCD, built–in Wi-Fi with One-Button Connect, Face Shutter that lest you take a picture by waving at the camera, 3 Beauty Modes for flattering close-ups, dual shutter buttons, Intelligent Auto Mode, 22 Creative Control special effects modes, and Creative Panorama mode. Adorama price: $483.95 with 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens, case, and kit. Choice of colors.
Fujifilm X-A2: This sleek, stylish Fuji X-mount camera delivers a full complement of advanced features and capabilities at an attractive price point. These include a 16.3 MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor coupled to an advanced EXR processor that provides a maximum full-res burst rate of 5.6 fps, sensitivity settings to ISO 25600, Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, and impressive responsiveness, with a startup time of 0.5 sec, a shutter lag time of 0.05 sec, and a shooting interval time of 0.4 sec. Other features: a 175-degree tilting 3.0-inch 929k-dot LCD screen, a Q menu shortcut button for quick access to camera and exposure settings, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, Film Simulation modes, Eye, Auto Macro, and Multi-Target AF modes, in-lens Optical Image Stabilization for sharp handheld shots in low light, and a wide range of Advanced special effects filters and Scene Position settings. Adorama price: $549 with Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens, in black, white, or red.
