While there is much chatter about full-frame cameras and their capabilities, one often forgets that APS-C cameras, despite the smaller sensor, can also achieve a lot. For those who are looking to switch from their phones to cameras, we have some good news. The six models mentioned on the list are very much for grabs, and they offer images that are truly distinct from a mirrorless offering. Plus, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket either.
Ricoh GR II
Ricoh makes some exceptional compact cameras with APS-C sensors. The GR II is no different. The device has a 16MP sensor, an 18mm lens (28mm equivalent), and a 4fps burst rate. There is also full HD video recording, a 1.23M-dot LCD, and ISO up to 25,600. The camera produces fantastic images, has a great compact body, the JPEGs are exceptional, and the lens is great, too. This device won our Editor’s Choice Award, and as we said, “The JPEG image quality is so good that I’d probably never worry about doing a whole lot of editing to my RAW files.”
Pentax K-01
An adorable model that lacks a viewfinder, the Pentax K-01 is an APS-C camera featuring a 16MP sensor but no anti-alias filter. It has a 7fps burst rate, 1/8000sec of high shutter speed, ISO up to 25,600, and a 921,000-dot LCD. The camera is built well, is not too heavy, and the buttons are easily accessible. The menus are quite intuitive, the autofocus is quick, and it can even put the Leica X-10 to shame. Also, the image quality is good, and one can use it directly, without editing. For instance, the colors were vibrant, and objects popped and were rendered nicely.
Sony a580
The Sony a580 is an APS-C DSLR with a 16.2MP APS-C CMOS Exmor APS HD sensor, an ISO up to 25,600, and 15 AF points. It also has a shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds, a 921k-dot LCD, and a viewfinder with 0.80× magnification. The device performs wonderfully. It is built well, easy to hold and shoot with, and can withstand challenging environments. As we said in our review, “The a580 is a stellar choice for photographers across genres; wedding, sports, concert, street, event, etc. The camera sports stellar AF, an impressive burst capacity, crisp video, and solid performance at high ISOs, among other things.”
Fujifilm X70
The Fujifilm X70 is a compact camera that houses a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and a Fujinon 18.5mm f2.8 lens. The device has a 3.0-inch 1.04m-Dot tilting touchscreen LCD, can record full HD videos at 60fps, and has 77 AF points. There is also a high ISO of 51,200, and a burst rate of 8fps. The camera has the best ergonomics, great image quality, and plenty of film simulation filters. There is also good battery life, fast autofocus, and a nice lens that can render details well.
Nikon D7000
Nikon’s D7000 is a DSLR that is quite perfect in its own way. The device has a 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor, a shutter rated at 150,000 cycles, and a continuous shooting speed of 6fps. You also get a 921k-dot fixed LCD, full HD video recording, and 39 AF points. The camera has a great build and is sealed against dust and moisture. It also feels well in your hands, has fantastic image quality, and the autofocus is great, too.
Pentax K-5 IIs
The Pentax K-5 IIs is also a DSLR that comes with a 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 51,200 ISO, 4-axis shake reduction, and 11 AF points. There is also a shutter cycle rated at 100,000, a burst rate of 7fps, and a 921k-dot LCD. In hand, the camera feels good, has an excellent layout for buttons, is quite impressive with image quality, and can capture details even with high ISO. The files also help you get details in highlights and shadows.
