Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1

The Olympus Pen series of cameras offer the interchangeable lenses of a digital SLR camera in a body that’s closer in size to a point-and-shoot.

The Pen Mini E-PM1 ($499) features a 12megapixel image sensor and 1080p HD video recording with stereo microphone for highquality audio capture. They’ll frame shots through a bright, 3-inch display and can apply one of six art filters to give images some creative pop. On-board Shadow Adjustment technology helps compensate for high-contrast environments where light and shadow collide.

The PM1 is among the first high-end digital cameras to include a 3D mode for shoot ing stills with greater depth. Available in purple, pink, brown, white, silver or black, the Pen Mini is just 1.3 inches thick and includes a 14- 42mm lens (3x magnification) and works with a growing family of ZUIKO Digital/Micro 4/3 lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, among others.

Sony NEX-3

Sony’s NEX-3 offers a similar design to the Pen – a slim body that’s still capable of swapping lenses. The NEX-3 delivers slightly lower resolution HD video recording (720p) but packs a few fea tures not found on the Pen, such as a Sweep Panorama mode for easily creating panoramic images. The NEX-3 also delivers a speedier burst mode of up to 7fps and a higher-resolution, 14-megapixel image sensor.

If they’re just learning the ropes of advanced photography, an on-screen guide delivers shooting tips to the camera’s large, 3-inch display. The display itself can tilt up to 45 degrees down and up to 80-degrees northward, providing flexibility to shoot from different angles.