To begin with, what exactly is a Compact System Camera (CSC)? A compact system camera is a
cross between a Digital SLR and a point-and-shoot camera. They also have
interchangeable lenses but unlike a traditional SLR they have no internal
mirror. This makes them a lot smaller in size but maintains the image quality
of a crop-frame DSLR. This camera type is a good alternative to a full-size
DSLR kit due to the high quality results housed within a much smaller and
lighter set up. All the major manufacturers have released at least one CSC model
- Canon have the EOS M, Nikon have the 1-Series and Fujifilm have the X-Series.
Panasonic and Olympus both use the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) standard which
enables these two companies' lenses to be interchangeable.
 |
| Fujifilm XE-1 |
We find two main purchases of compact system cameras with the
first being the point-and-shoot upgrader who are looking to step-up to a better
camera system with potentially much better results. The second is the DSLR
owner who seeks similar image quality as their current kit but in a smaller
form factor and without the added bulk.
Advantages over full-frame DSLR
cameras -
Smaller (more discrete), lighter and a shorter flange focal
distance allows almost any lens ever made to be adapted to a CSC body. This
allows you to adapt all your existing lenses to many CSC bodies. Greater
depth of field can be achieved due to smaller sensor size but shallow depth of
field can be harder to achieve.
Disadvantages over full-frame DSLR cameras -
The sensor size is 35% smaller than an APS-C sensor (with the
exception of the Canon EOS M series which utilizes an APS-C sensor) and 75%
smaller than a full-frame camera. Generally, a digital SLR is easier to
keep clean due to the mirror and shutter mechanisms offering basic dust
protection.
 |
| Sony NEX-6 |
More and more people are discovering the advantages of a smaller
system that still has all the functionality of a DSLR system. The weight advantage
means it’s a breeze for photographers to travel with a full focal range of
lenses and still be able to comfortably lift their camera bag. The lens selection is really starting to grow to a point where a
lot of focal lengths and lens types found in a DSLR range are now available to
the CSC photographer without compromise on quality. Fujifilm have
released a 14mm X-Series lens which is an excellent piece of glass while
the Panasonic 25mm Leica lens is arguably one of the best lenses available
in the CSC category. The focal lengths available range from 14mm wide all the
way up to 600mm in 35mm equivalents.
 |
| Metabones Nikon F to Sony E-mount Adapter |
Additionally, this doesn't include all the lenses that can be
adapted to the CSC format via a range of third party adapters that are fast becoming
more widely available. This is great news as it means you’re now able to
mount a majority of old lenses you may have in storage (such as any old Nikon
or Canon FD lenses) to your new compact camera. Bear in mind that the focal
multiplier for CSC systems vary from 1.6x to 2x depending on which system you
adopt. Therefore your old 50mm lens could potentially become a 75mm or even 100mm
in focal length!
Lenses such as the Nikkor D-Series are popular due to its manual
aperture ring and functions. If a manual aperture ring is absent, the lens will
still function but will remain locked to the aperture’s setting when unattached
to a body. E.g. Canon EF lenses will always remain at their widest aperture.
 |
| Olympus OM-D E5 |
The compact system camera is definitely here to stay. It's
not for everyone but it does fill a void in the market for a high quality yet
compact camera with interchangeable lenses and is becoming quite regular for amateurs
and even advanced enthusiasts to sell their DSLR kit in order to set themselves
up with a compact camera that is easier to use and more convenient to carry.
Drop in to one of our stores and check out our range of compact
system cameras including the three listed below to see if it’s the right move for you!
