Here is the summary of the camera that are on top:
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 — 16MP MFT, IBIS, EVF, flip screen, dual dials, fast AF; the best balance of size, handling, and IQ around ~$250. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Nikon 1 V3 — Modular, quick AF and bursts, 18.4MP 1″ sensor; versatile and fun despite a discontinued lens line. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Panasonic GF9 / GX850 / GX800 — 16MP MFT, 4K video, flip screen, strong AF; often a kit under $300—sell the kit lens to net <$250. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Fujifilm X-A1 — 16MP Bayer sensor with Fuji colors/film sims, flip screen, X-mount; no EVF or touch, AF okay. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Nikon 1 J5 — 20.8MP 1″ sensor, blazing bursts (20–60 fps), flip screen; microSD and limited lenses, annoying Wi-Fi button. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Sony NEX-C3 — 16MP APS-C, tilt screen, E-mount entry; clunky old menus, plasticky feel, average AF—but super cheap. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Canon EOS M2 — 18MP APS-C, touchscreen, Wi-Fi; Magic Lantern adds 1080p RAW; AF so-so and no tilt screen. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)
- Olympus E-PM1 — 12MP MFT, RAW, fast AF for age; dated UI, fixed screen, no grip, but ultra-budget friendly. (B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet DE, Foto Erhardt, WexUK, Fotokoch)