Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600

  Once upon a time you didn't give mirrorless cameras a second glance as a possible compact solution for your professional photography and video needs. But then you saw some amazing work only to find out it was done on one of those very cameras you've been browsing straight past.

Mirrorless cameras are also known as a Compact Camera System (CSC) and a MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable-lens Camera. They are not for everyone but it is absolutely worth your consideration. They are compact, light, high quality cameras that offer many of the same features as your 5D MKll.

If you're looking to get into the mirrorless game, a cheap CSC is a great place to start. It will give you an opportunity to understand what MILCs can provide. See first hand their advantages and limitations, all at a relatively low risk cost. If you find the mirrorless niche is right for you, there's plenty of room to grow, with some of the highest rated cameras on the market today being mirrorless.

Here's 6 mirrorless cameras under $600 to get you started

Nikon 1 J4 | $599.95

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600 Nikon j4 1 Cameraplex

 

  • 18.4MP CX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 4A Image Processor
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter
  • 3.0" 1,037k-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • Hybrid AF System
  • 20 fps Shooting with Full-Time AF
  • NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM Lens

Fujifilm X-M1 | $599.95

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600, Fujifilm XM1 Cameraplex

 

  • 16.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
  • ISO 200-6400 (expandable to to 12800 and 24600)
  • 1080/30fps HD video (.MOV/H.264)
  • 49-point AF
  • Up to 5.6 FPS continuous shooting
  • 3 inch tiltable LCD with 920,000 dots
  • Built-in flash with hot shoe
  • Built-in WiFi connectivity
  • Fujifilm X-Mount compatible
  • Raw, JPEG, and Raw+JPEG SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory

Olmpus E-PL7 | $599.00

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600, Olympus P EL7 Cameraplex

 

  • 16MP Live MOS Sensor
  • TruePic VII Image Processor
  • 3-Axis In-Body VCM Image Stabilization
  • 3" 1.04M-dot 180° Flip Touchscreen
  • 81-Point FAST AF with Small Target AF
  • Full HD Video Recording at 30 fps
  • Continuous Shooting at 8 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Samsung NX300 | $569.95

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600, nx300 Cameraplex

  • 20.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DRIMe IV Image Processor
  • 3.31" AMOLED Tilt Touch Screen Display
  • Full HD 1080p 60 fps Video Capture
  • Dual Channel Wi-Fi via SMART CAMERA App
  • Hybrid Auto Focus System
  • 3D Still & Video Capture Capability
  • Stylish Retro Design
  • Includes 18-55mm Lens

 

Panasonic GF6 | $329.00

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600, Panasonic GF 6 Cameraplex

 

  • 16MP Live MOS Sensor
  • Venus Engine Image Processor
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 3.0" 1040K-dot Touch Screen Tilt LCD
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC Technology
  • Full HD 1080 Video Capture
  • 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH./MEGA OIS Lens
  • Contrast AF and Light Speed AF System
  • Extended ISO Up to 25600
  • Intelligent Auto+ Mode and Scene Guide

Canon EOS M | $310.00

Getting Started with CSC: 6 Mirrorless Cameras Under $600, Canon EOS M CSC Cameraplex

  • New EF-M lens mount (optimized for APS-C sensor size)
  • 18MP APS-C 'Hybrid CMOS' sensor
  • Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
  • 14-bit DIGIC5 processor
  • ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
  • 4.3 fps continuous shooting, 3 fps with autofocus tracking
  • 1080p30 video recording, stereo sound (with 25p or 24p options)
  • External microphone socket and adjustable sound recording level
  • 1040k dot 3:2 touch-sensitive ClearView II LCD (capacitative type, multi-touch support)
  • Standard EOS hot-shoe for external flash (no built-in flash)