The best cheapest hybrid cameras

These 'hybrid' mirrorless cameras have a large sensor to shot even in the dark - and interchangeable lenses.

These cameras provide good images even at dusk or indoors in a poorly lit room. Their compact size makes it easy to take them on a trip. Each camera manufacturer has an offer and we will compare the four most interesting devices currently on the market, in a price range between 350 and 500 dollars (another comparison is devoted to more expensive models).

Comparison of specs

* These data are not provided by the manufacturer and have to be extrapolated.

Sony A6000 (ILCE-6000)

We will not rely on the release date of the device to judge its possibilities. Although it was released three years after, the Canon is inferior to the A6000 on almost every level.
The weak point of Sony is the lack of touch screen. On the A5100 model, which has no viewfinder, the touch screen only serves to change the focus, but the A6000 model does not have it at all. To have both a viewfinder and a (partial) touch screen, we must switch to the A6400, more expensive, that is viewed in the next comparison.

For:

• Big APS-C sensor.
• Combined zoom up to 25x if you accept to downgrade to Full HD resolution. Without having the sharpness of an optical zoom.
• The A6000 is particularly effective when autofocusing, always fast and accurate.
• Total absence of noise on jpeg whatever the level of light.
• Focus peaking very efficient in manual focus mode.
• The illustration special effect is unique to Sony.

Against:

• No touch screen.
• Unstabilized videos, it's definitevely not a camera for video.

Canon EOS M200

This model seems intended for beginners, with a visible effort towards accessibility and ease of use. It is competing with the Sony A5100, also without a viewfinder nor dial mode selection. If you want the viewfinder, you should opt instead for the M50. With a pancake lens like the 22mm f/2, the M200 becomes the most compact hybrid on the market.

For:

• Giant sensor.
• Small size.
• Videos stabilized with the standard lens.
• Good ergonomics makes it easier to use (in auto mode).
• Give access to many lenses.

Against:

• No viewfinder.
• No zoom control on the body, you must use the ring on the lens.
• The kit lens does not retract when switching off the camera. It must be manually closed and manually deployed too.
• No digital zoom.
• Noise beyond 1600 ISO.
• Limited. No panorama for example.
• Out of auto mode, becomes more difficult to use without buttons on the body.

Panasonic GX80/GX85

As always Panasonic includes the latest technology in its device. It can take 3D photos, video in 4K, offers focus stacking.
It is a good camera for video. It has a companion with similar characteristics, the GX800, cheaper but without a viewfinder and no stabilization in body.
The GX80 is now replaced by the GX9 with a larger sensor and producing better images.

For:

• Viewfinder with a high resolution, so very accurate.
• 4K video.
• Stabilization in the body doubled by stabilization in the standard lens. Perfect for videos.
• Post focus and focus stacking (with a recent firmware version).

Against:

• Only 16 million pixels against 20 or 24 for the others. In 3:2 format, only 14 million!
• Noise starts at 800 ISO.
• The digital zoom is not a continuation of the optical zoom, but has a on/off command in the menu.
• Menu is hard to access with no tabs but long lists instead.
• Focus peaking is rarely visible.
• Stabilization is actually little beneficial with manual lenses without electronic as you have to enter the focal length each time the camera is started.
• The switch on/off is badly positioned under the mode dial, it is pushed by the finger when changing mode.

Panasonic G100

This device is compact but suffers from limitations to reduce the cost of manufacture, such as lack of sensor cleaning and stabilization. It is intended for vloggers who use a gimbal.

For:

• Compact and lightweight.
• Large viewfinder with high definition.
• Easier to start videos with a bigger button.
• Charging by USB.

Against:

• No stabilization in the body.
• No automatic cleaning of the sensor by vibration.
• No panorama mode

See also ...

• Cameras for quality images in 2020 The last generation.
• Canon EOS M50 and M6 II vs Sony A6400 vs Fujifilm X-T30.
• Fujifilm X-E3 vs X-T200 vs X-T30