When you're shopping for mirrorless dslr cameras, the first decision is usually not brand loyalty-it's deciding how much camera you need before you commit to a used body with a zoom lens. These two black used mirrorless cameras sit on very different parts of the price spectrum. The listed price gap is roughly $487. The lower-priced camera is a compact Olympus bundle with a 14-42mm lens, while the higher-priced one is a Sony with a 16-50mm lens and a more extensive feature set. Whether the extra outlay makes sense depends on how much video resolution, autofocus sophistication, and touchscreen control you'll actually use.
Quick verdict
If your priority is a low listed price, the Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 is an easy choice. It offers a lens, battery, and charger in one bundle at a listed price that keeps your initial outlay small. If your priority is higher-resolution video, a larger sensor, and touchscreen controls, the Sony Alpha a6400 is the one that delivers, though it comes with a much higher listed price.
Comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/14-42mm Lens Battery Charger | $149.99 | 14-42mm lens, battery charger, 1080p HD video, auto focus, tripod thread | |
| Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless 24.2MP 4K Digital Camera w/16-50mm Lens 100% Working | $637.00 | 24.2MP, internal 4K UHD video, touch screen, Wi-Fi, 16-50mm lens |
Where each wins
- Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 wins for anyone who wants to start with a mirrorless camera and lens without a large price commitment.
- Sony Alpha a6400 wins for anyone who needs the broader video and autofocus feature set that the higher price buys.
Product notes
Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/14-42mm Lens Battery Charger
At $149.99, the Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 is the lower-priced of the two options. The bundle includes a 14-42mm zoom lens, a battery, and a charger, so the listed price covers what you need to begin shooting right away. The feature list includes 1080p HD video recording, auto focus, interchangeable lenses, a tripod thread, and HDMI/USB connectivity. It's a black compact mirrorless camera with a lithium-ion battery. If you want to keep your initial outlay down and don't need UHD video, this is the practical pick. The limitation is video resolution: the listed video feature tops out at 1080p, so it won't match the Sony's 4K capability.
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless 24.2MP 4K Digital Camera w/16-50mm Lens 100% Working
The Sony Alpha a6400 is listed at $637.00, which makes it the more expensive option, but the feature set explains why. It has a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, a 16-50mm lens, internal UHD 4K video, S-Log3 and HLG, Real-Time Eye AF and Tracking, a tilting touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. It also lists a lithium-ion battery and black finish. If you want higher-resolution video and touchscreen focus, this is the camera to consider. The limitations are price and warranty: it costs $487.01 more than the Olympus, and it is listed without a manufacturer warranty. If a lower price is your primary concern, the Sony's advantage will matter less.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 if the lower listed price and included charger fit the way you want to start with mirrorless photography.
- Choose the Sony Alpha a6400 if you want the more advanced video and autofocus feature set in a used mirrorless body.
