What is a compact system camera (CSC)? Who and when should be used?

If you have heard about compact system cameras (CSCs) but do not fully understand this type of camera, then please refer to the article below to better understand what a compact system camera is and its advantages and disadvantages!

1. What is a compact system camera (CSC)?

CSC (Compact system cameras) is a type of camera with a structure and mechanism similar to a DSLR camera , but as compact as a compact camera.

CSC cameras are smaller than DSLRs and do not have a mirror box to reflect light into the optical viewfinder, but use live view on the LCD monitor.

2. How was the CSC camera born?

In 2008, Olympus and Panasonic announced cameras using the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor, used in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Olympus PEN E-P1 . This type of sensor is about the same size as the Four Thirds sensor in a DSLR, but the shorter lens-to-sensor distance makes for a smaller camera body and lens.

In 2010, Samsung released the NX10 , which uses a larger APS-C sensor than the MFT, the same APS-C sensor found in DSLR cameras. Various acronyms began to be used for the new system of the NX series cameras such as Hybrid or micro system camera (MSC), EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lens) to MILC ( Camera lens can replace mirror).

Next, when the NX gradually became popular , other companies also started to produce CSC like Sony with the NEX series of cameras typically the Sony NEX-5, Pentax with Pentax Q , Nikon with the Nikon V1 and J1. .

3. How CSC . works

The way CSC cameras work works on the same principle as DSLR technology : light enters the camera body and creates an image on the sensor. However, CSC cameras do not have a mirror system to reflect light into the optical viewfinder, instead images are viewed directly on the LCD monitor.

CSC cameras don’t have a mirror box so they don’t have a viewfinder , however because light travels to the sensor, the camera can copy that data source to a secondary LCD screen , known as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). . Some CSC models have an EVF, some don’t, and some have a port to allow the EVF to connect from the outside.

The weakness of CSC cameras compared to DSLRs is in the ability to autofocus and how to view live images . Some of the first batch of CSC cameras released can’t be compared to DSLRs in this technology.

However, the latest CSC model has a lot of improvements in sensors and focusing algorithms . By increasing the sensor output speed, CSC models like the Panasonic Lumix G3 have a sensor speed of up to 120 rpm which means a much faster contrast detection mechanism.

CSC technology has now significantly improved compared to DSLR in live view , overall, the latest versions of CSC are not too far behind DSLR, even Olympus claims the PEN E The company’s P3 has the world’s fastest autofocus.

4. Advantages and disadvantages of CSC . cameras

Advantage

Ignoring the problems encountered in the early stages, compact system cameras (CSCs) work really well today. Because the CSC does not have a mirror box, the machine can ignore mechanical movement, making the image capture speed significantly increased . Typically, the two Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N models have continuous shooting speeds of up to 10 frames per second.

Another advantage of CSC is its compact size , smaller lens, so it is easier to move than DSLR. The Micro Four Thirds system has a small sensor so the lens is smaller, while another manufacturer’s APS-C sensor has a larger lens but the image quality is closer to that of a DSLR.

Defect

The main disadvantage of CSC cameras is that the electronic viewfinders (EVFs) are not perfect. In low-light preview mode, images are blurred and noisy, and the size of the electronic viewfinder is often much smaller than an equivalent optical viewfinder.

The EVF is being improved day by day, a type of electronic viewfinder that allows 100% perfect images, but the technology is quite expensive and it will take some time to commercialize this type of glass. . The Sony Alpha A77 has an OLED electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3 million pixels which is an example of the improvement of the EVF.

One drawback of CSC is that the replacement lenses are not outstanding , although manufacturers are trying their best to launch a series of new lenses, they are still far behind DSLR lenses. .

CSC cameras come with an adapter for attaching DSLR lenses or other lenses like Lecia, but this replacement affects autofocus and lens operability.

5. When should a compact camera be used?

CSC cameras are suitable for different needs. Cameras using Micro Four Thirds sensors such as Panasonic and Olympus CSCs have slightly worse image quality than those using APS-C sensors, but their compact size is easy for you to carry with you. .

On the market today, CSC cameras are divided into 3 main lines: CSC replaces DSLR, mid-size and mini.

The CSC replacement DSLR camera has a large size , many control buttons and integrated electronic viewfinder, such as the two Samsung NX11 and Panasonic GH2. This is the type that has the image quality closest to DSLR, this type is suitable if you need good image quality without the inconvenience of being quite large and heavy.

The mid-size CSC is usually beautifully designed, stylish . These CSCs do not have a viewfinder, but you can attach the viewfinder via the “hot shoe”. Typical of this type is the Olympus PEN E-P3.

The image quality is good and the design is beautiful, so this is a model that many customers choose.

The mini CSC type completely removes the viewfinder, there are many mini models that don’t have a “hot shoe” so they look like a compact camera with an interchangeable lens.

The camera is very compact, but if you want you can add larger lenses like the Panasonic GF3, Olympus PEN E-PM1, Sony NEX-C3 and Samsung NX200. However, the machine is small , so the sensor is small and the image quality is only temporarily acceptable.

6. Some famous CSC camera brands

Panasonic – Japan

Not only famous in the market of electronics, household appliances, but Panasonic is also a camera manufacturer and Panasonic’s CSC line called Lumix uses a very famous Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Panasonic’s cameras are of good quality, beautiful designs and a wide range of products for you to choose from. Regarding the Panasonic CSC camera line, there are types such as Lumix GF3, Lumix G3, Lumix GF2, Lumix GH2,…

Olympus – Japan

Olympus is Japan’s largest manufacturer of optical and imaging equipment such as microscopes, binoculars, … especially cameras and lenses. Olympus CSC cameras use Micro Four Thirds sensors with the trade name Olympus Pen such as Olympus PEN E-P3, Olympus PEN E-PL3, Olympus PEN E-PM1,…

Samsung – South Korea

Samsung is a Korean multinational corporation headquartered in Seoul, although it has just entered the camera market, it has gained attention thanks to its many low-cost, high-quality models.

The commercial name of Samsung’s CSC series is NX , such as Samsung NX11, Samsung NX200, … using APS-C sensors and proprietary NX lenses.

Sony – Japan

Sony is world famous for its top-notch camera quality, Sony’s CSC series uses APS-C sensors, E-mount lenses and has NEX trade names such as the Sony NEX-7, Sony NEX-5N, Sony NEX-C3,…

Pentax – Japan

Talking about CSC, it is impossible not to mention Pentax, one of the largest optical and photographic equipment manufacturers in the world. Pentax’s CSC models use APS-C sensors, Q-mount lenses and most notably the Pentax Q, Pentax’s first CSC camera.

Hope the above article will help you in the process of finding a suitable camera!