The Best Compact System Cameras 2011: our top 5 CSCs

The Best Compact System Cameras 2011

A revelation started by Panasonic back in 2008, a Compact System Camera is a lot like a DSLR but with the mirror box stripped out. This makes it look and feel much like a compact camera but with a couple of crucial differences: the sensor is far larger for optimum image quality; and interchangeable lenses means you can select from a variety of different lens options.

Compact System Cameras have been known under many names, and the appearance of half-DSLR-half-compact means many call them ‘hybrid' or ‘mirrorless interchangeable' cameras.

There are a wide variety of Compact System Cameras on the market, so picking the best Compact System Camera will need some critical research. For example, the sensors in Sony's NEX-series and Samsung's NX-series are APS-C sized, much like those found in most DSLR cameras. Panasonic and Olympus, on the other hand, opt for a smaller sensor known as Micro Four Thirds that's interchangeable between those two brands. This provides a good balance of quality and a smaller body and lens size. Smaller still are Nikon 1 and Pentax Q systems that are both in the throes of development.

As there have been so many CSC releases throughout 2011 there're stacks of decent ones to choose from, and often for very different reasons. Here's our rundown of the 5 best Compact System Cameras 2011...

1. Sony NEX-C3

£419 with 18-55mm lens

Sony's NEX-C3 has a large APS-C sensor which means image quality is second to none, but telephoto focal lenses aren't drastically smaller than their DSLR equivalents.

But with that 16.1MP sensor, as found in the Nikon D7000, the NEX-C3 can create images way ahead of its rivals.

Couple this with the low price tag and improved control system since the previous NEX-3 and this latest budget Sony CSC is a real winner. 

Click to read our full Sony NEX-C3 review...

2. Panasonic Lumix G3

£489 with 14-42mm lens

The G3 is a small Compact System Camera that's neatly designed and rather DSLR-like thanks to its built-in electronic viewfinder.

Add to this a 3in, vari-angle touchscreen LCD and the G3's intuitive and immediate to control using the power of touch. But what's even more impressive is the super-fast autofocus system that speeds in to focus with great precision.

Compared to the original G1 a number of the control dials have vanished, but that's a small price to pay for a responsive, easy-to-use camera. Top stuff.

Click to read our full Panasonic Lumix G3 review...

3. Olympus PEN E-P3

£774 with 17mm prime lens 

While it's not the cheapest CSC out there, the Olympus PEN E-P3 doesn't half look wonderful. It's an elegant camera from top to bottom that doesn't try to copy compact nor DSLR - it's its own breed.

The E-P3 features a touchscreen OLED screen, fantastic styling, good image quality from the 12.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and what Olympus claims to be the world's fastest autofocus system. It's a bulging features list.

Click to read our full Olympus PEN E-P3 review...

4. Samsung NX11

£390 with 18-55mm lens

The affordable Samsung NX11 comes up trumps for its DSLR-like design, which means control buttons are available in abundance.

The latest i-Function lenses - that feature a function button on the lenses themselves for quick-accessing options - also come as part and parcel of this latest release. i-Fn gives Samsung's Compact System Camera its unique maker's mark if you like.

Despite a low price, this 14.6MP offering doesn't scrimp on the features. The NX11's 3in, 614k-dot OLED screen on the rear provides superior quality to LCD and there's a built-in electronic viewfinder too. 720p HD movies can also be captured, making the NX11 a serious CSC consideration - it'd even outperform a number of entry-level DSLRs.

Click to read our full Samsung NX11 review...

5. Panasonic Lumix GF3

£429 with 14-42mm lens

The Lumix GF3 epitomises what Compact System Cameras are all about, and most certainly focuses on the ‘compact' aspect.

The GF3 is positively tiny - not much bigger than an iPhone 4 - and is an ideal pocket pal for those that demand top image quality far beyond a compact camera. The lack of a viewfinder or hotshoe does have its limitations, but this camera's not all about off-camera flash and pro-spec control.

If you're looking for something with super-fast focusing, an intuitive touchscreen and a great 1080i movie mode then look no further - the GF3 has it all.

Click to read our full Panasonic Lumix GF3 review...