A new entrant in the world of digital camera is the compact system camera. This camera is also popularly known as the micro system camera. These cameras have become popular in the market due to their compact size and removable lenses. The compact system cameras, also known as hybrid cameras, are mainly designed to attract the audience who wish to upgrade themselves from a compact camera but do not like to go for a DSLR. With a smaller body and a smaller lens, they still have various features similar to that of a full size DSLR.
Major features of Compact System Camera
Some of the major features of Compact System Camera which makes it a must buy for many people are as follows:
Mode Dial:
Compact System Cameras are known for the mode dial option. With this option, you will be able to get easy access to PASM shooting modes. Apart from this, you will also be able to enjoy numerous scene modes. At times, however, you will find that these features might be omitted from the low range compact system cameras. In that case, you will be able to get the option of on-screen menus which you can easily use.
Hotshoe:
Another major feature of Compact System Camera is the hotshoe feature. This is a major feature which will enable an external flashgun to be easily fitted to the camera. Apart from this, if required, you can combine it with an accessory port easily. With the help of this port, you will be able to connect your camera with a miniature flash as well as other required accessories.
Viewfinder:
In the Compact System Camera, you will be able to get the option of built-in electronic viewfinder. It is this feature of the camera which creates the key difference between compact system camera and a mini-DSLR CSCs. You will be surprised to note that in some of these cameras, you will be able to attach an optional electronic viewfinder through the accessory port.
Hand Grip:
Compact System Cameras are known for the hand grip that they provide to its users. You will be able to easily wrap your fingers around the camera and get a good grip. The camera will not slip out of your hand. The holding will be completely secure. Most of the compact system cameras will provide you with this feature except a few of them.
Zoom Lens:
If you speak about the physical size of the lens, then you should note that these cameras have typically larger zoom lenses fitted to it compared to other regular compact cameras. However, you will even get compact system cameras with pancake prime lenses which are comparatively smaller and also lack the zooming versatility. This might make you feel that it is a backward step for these cameras.
LCD:
Most of the compact system cameras, which are affordably priced, are known to have a 3-inch LCD screen. These screens are available with a reasonable resolution of 460k pixels. You should note here that the LCD available with this camera is usually fixed. However, in some models, you will be able to get a useful tilt function or fully pivoting facility. This will make clicking snaps further more interesting. Moreover, you will be able to get interesting angles for clicking the images.
Four-way Pad:
The compact system camera comes with a four-way control pad which normally offers fast and easy access to various functions like white balance, metering mode, ISO and drive mode. Apart from this, you will also be able to get features like menu or OK confirmation button at the middle.
Movie Function:
The compact system camera has a lack of mirror system. This means, they are better suited for shooting a video. The view will be coming straight from the sensor easily. This is one of the major reasons which have given the DSLRs a run for their money in the HD video stakes.
Compact Styling:
In the Compact System Camera, you will find that the bulky penta-prism has been removed. In this camera, you will find that the flip-up mirror is used inside both traditional and digital SLR cameras. Apart from this, the designers of this camera have recently designed compact, smaller and lighter camera models. Some of these camera models are hardly bigger than the top-end compacts. Thus, it becomes extremely easier for travellers to carry this camera anywhere.
Larger Sensors which provide better Low-light Performance:
Compact system cameras are known for their larger sensors. In the recent times, most compact system cameras have the similar type of sensors which are found in the digital SLRs. Because of these large sensors, you will be able to get improved low light performance through these cameras. Apart from this, it will help you get better sensitivity in low-light. This will in turn help you capture finer details through your camera even in the low light. This feature attracts a lot of people in buying this type of camera.
Option of Changeable Lenses:
In this camera, you will be able to get the option of changeable lenses which will help you blur the background of your images like professional photographers do. Apart from this, you will also be able to get various creative options with the help of changeable lenses. You will be able to use various lenses in this camera such as the fisheyes, macro lenses, telephoto zooms, pancakes as well as primes. Apart from this, you will also be able to utilize the adaptors so you can make use of your system’s DSLR lenses.
Now that you know about the various features of the compact system cameras, it will encourage you to buy one! With so many features, you will be able to click professional level photographs with this camera. Various models of compact system cameras are available in the market. You can get information about them from http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras-dslm.html . Here you will also find the specifications of various compact system cameras which will help you decide the right one for yourself.