Olympus’ first mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras were inspired by the company’s popular PEN 35mm compact cameras of the 1960s.

Fujifilm made a real splash in 2011 with the X100, a little gem with a great design, a unique hybrid viewfinder, a big APS-C image sensor and a built-in wide-angle lens.

The replacement for Panasonic’s GF3 entry-level "pocket" Micro Four Thirds model, the new GF5 improves on its predecessor in a number of ways, including a higher-resolution LCD, higher ISO capability, more effects filters, an improved grip and additional video capabilities with a built-in stereo microphone.

The first large-sensor interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera was Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G1, introduced in 2008.

Panasonic’s premium "flat"-style mirrorless model, the GX1 features a handsome, comfortable body and ergonomic controls.

Pentax does mirrorless a bit differently. After introducing the smallest interchangeable-lens mirrorless model (with the smallest image sensor) in the Q, they followed up with the largest mirrorless model without a built-in eye-level EVF in the K-01.

Samsung’s mirrorless cameras all feature big APS-C image sensors and are available in "mini-DSLR" and "flat" form factors.

The middle model in Samsung’s Wi-Fi NX lineup, the NX210 offers the same 20.3-megapixel image sensor, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and shooting features as its siblings.

The most compact member of Samsung’s current NX family, the NX1000 shares the 20.3-megapixel image sensor and built-in Wi-Fi capability of the NX20 and NX210, but measures just 4.5×2.5×1.5 inches and weighs just 7.8 ounces.

Canon’s long-anticipated mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera finally materialized in Summer 2012.

There’s no question that mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras are increasingly popular—more mirrorless models were introduced last year than traditional DSLRs.

For many years, the two most popular types of digital cameras have been compact models and digital SLRs. Each offers advantages over the other.