Buying a new camera can be a daunting task, with young and casual photographers often seeking models that meet their specific needs. While you have DSLRs that offer a great full frame sensor at a reasonable price, there are many who prefer something portable and easy to carry around. In the past, we found models such as Canon IXUS or Fujifilm’s FinePix making rounds on Google searches. Today, we bring to you four more cameras that photographers are curious about.
Canon Powershot SX600
The Canon PowerShot SX600 is a compact camera equipped with a 1/2.3-inch 16MP sensor, DIGIC 4+ image processor, and an 18x optical zoom lens providing a 25-450mm focal range. There is also an ISO range of up to 3200, full HD video recording, Wi-Fi, and multiple creative modes. The camera is versatile, offering a large zoom range, as well as creative filters and smart shutter, which makes shooting easy. The size and price are two reasons why it is now gaining traction.
Panasonic Lumix GM5
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera featuring a 16MP sensor, 5fps burst mode, and a 1,165k-dot EVF touchscreen. There is a hot shoe for attaching a flash, a 921K-dot LCD, and it can record 1080p videos at 60fps. It is not surprising to see GM5 on the list, as the camera has been gaining traction in recent years. In fact, on eBay, the price can cost as much as $1,200 for certain color models. The GM5 also gives you the chance to work with different lenses, allowing photographers to grow their setup according to their needs.
Nikon Coolpix 3100
The Nikon Coolpix 3000 is a camera that dates back almost two decades, featuring a 1/2.7-inch 3MP CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom, as well as a 4x digital zoom. Featuring a 1.5-inch TFT LCD, the compact device offers auto mode, scene presets, exposure compensation, and best shot selection. Its popularity is due to its decent zoom range (38-115mm), macro abilities, and its beginner-friendliness. However, the CCD sensor could also contribute to its fame, as it is known to produce vivid colors.
Sony a3000
The Sony a3000 features an interchangeable lens, offering a 20.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch LCD. Other features include 1080p video recording, a 3.5fps burst rate, and an ISO range of up to 16,000. In our review, the camera was commended for its detailed RAW images, perfect color reproduction, and decent low-light capabilities. However, it also has some challenges, such as a blurry EVF, a noisy live view LCD, and occasionally, unreliable autofocus.
These cameras are over a decade old, but their continued demand indicates that camera trends are evolving. These little pockets prove that smaller sensor cameras have a space, no matter what the big players think.