5 Small Cameras With Big Performance That Cost Less Than You Think

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The Mirrorless age has delivered many fantastic cameras over the last decade or so. One fantastic quality that we appreciate so much is smaller camera sizes. You might think that these small cameras would be lacking under the hood, but you’d be wrong. Some brilliant small cameras on the market pack a massive punch when it comes to features and image quality. Some have the fastest autofocus systems in the world. A few have IBIS that beat the competition. All of them have incredibly impressive sensors. Perhaps one of the best things about these small cameras is their prices. After the break, we’ll share five small cameras that pack all the bells and whistles of their bigger-bodied camera cousins while costing much less.

Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III – Perfect for All Kinds of Weather

small cameras

In our review, we said:

“The EM5 Mark III’s autofocus is quick and accurate, the weather resistance is top-notch, and the image stabilization is arguably one of the best in the industry (having a smaller sensor helps). For the photographers happy to just shoot JPEGs, the wealth of built-in Art Filters will likely be all the editing they’ll ever need. Those preferring instead to shoot raw and finish their images during post-processing will find lots to love about the EM5 Mark III’s highly versatile raw files as well.”

Paul Ip – Former Reviews Editor

small cameras

Buy now: $899

Fujifilm X100V – An APS-C Powerhouse

small cameras

In our review, we said:

“The Fujifilm X100v is the closest thing that we have to a perfect point and shoot on the market. It has great autofocus capabilities, wonderful image quality, weather sealing, a revamped lens, and a simple interface. What more could you need?”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

small cameras

Buy now: $1,299

Sony a6100 – One of the Best for Action Photography

small cameras

In our review, we said:

“Sony claims that the Sony a6100 features the fastest autofocus system in the world and that the camera can find focus in just 0.02 seconds. I have to say that they may just be right. While the AF system is nowhere near as advanced as the systems found in the a7 III, a7r IV, or the a9 II, this little camera has seriously impressed me. Having autofocus as good as this in a camera that costs this little is unheard of.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $748

Captured with the Sony a6100

Pro Tip: These small cameras can go everywhere with you. If you want to learn how to get the most out of your new small cameras, and you want to level up your photography game, these guides will help you create gorgeous images.

Olympus Pen F – Perfect for Documentarians

small cameras

In our review, we said:

“The Olympus Pen f has a heck of a lot going for it. Amongst the good things: stellar autofocus in most situations, great high ISO output, pretty versatile RAW files, incredibly almost perfect ergonomics, a great EVF and LCD screen, and the list can go on. In many ways, it’s the almost perfect camera for many photographers.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

small cameras

Buy now: $899

Ricoh GR III – A Street Photographers Dream

small cameras

In our review, we said:

“One of the best things about the lens on the Ricoh GR III is the sharpness of the lens. It’s great even at f2.8. Combine this with the details that the sensor can render, and there is no reason to complain.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

small cameras

Buy now: $884