Best Interchangeable Lens Compact System Cameras - 2012

Samsung isn't the most obvious brand for a compact digital camera, but the Samsung NX200 deserves a mention. 

This interchangeable lens camera has a 20.3 Megapixels APS-C CMOS Sensor. (Even the new 2012 models we are seeing are 16 MP.)

You can choose from a range of reasonably priced Samsung NX lenses to get just the right shot. 

The Samsung NX200 is definitely worth a look if you are looking for a high-end compact system camera. 

Olympus have been active in defining the new interchangeable lens camera category and have good cameras at a range of price points. 

Their current top of the range camera is the Olympus PEN E-P3. With a 12.3 MP CMOS Sensor this won't take the largest photos you'll find with a compact system camera, but what it does do, it does with quality. 

This is a gorgeous camera with a 3-inch OLED touchscreen. 

I've included the Nikon 1 V1 here as it will be a popular choice for fans of the Nikon brand. This is a high quality camera which helps you move from point-and-shoot to gradually taking more control over your photos. 

The 10.1 MP Sensor is smaller than many, but most people will find it adequate for high-end amateur use. 

If you're looking for an 16 MP CMOS sensor for taking large pictures and an all round good quality compact system camera then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is an excellent choice. 

Panasonic has removed some of the non-essential features from this camera to keep the cost down and created an interchangeable lens camera that offers great value for money. 

This camera is much smaller that a typical DSLR but has professional styling to look the part. 

The Sony Nex-5 interchangeable lens camera offers a big 14.2 MP camera in a slim stylish frame. 

This camera looks very different to a typical DSLR and different from a point-and-shoot as well. People will ask you about this camera.

The Sony Nex-5 gets excellent reviews and is a popular choice. 

If you're looking for a really small and light interchangeable lens camera then take a look at the Pentax Q. 

It really is tiny for a compact system camera! The dimensions are: 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches. Yes, that's really small. It even fits a built-in flash into that space. Or course you do need a lens as well. 

But this camera isn't a gimmick, it has a big 12.4 MP sensor and is high quality very portable option.  Great if you need to travel light and look stylish. 

It comes in traditional black, but I love the white version.