The best bargain: DSLRs and advanced compacts

It probably would not surprise anyone that "previous year" models would cost less than the current cameras. Obviously, the latest models are better. The question is: how much better. Personally I don't see much difference between let say Nikon D5100 and D5200 or between Olympus XZ-1 and XZ-2. Both modern DSLRs and advanced compacts represent a mature technology where most improvements over short time are marginal. Unless the latest gimmicks are compulsory, the previous year model would work just fine. personally I prefer the latest models but hey, it does not improve the quality of my images. The mirrorless system cameras do not fit into this scheme because it is a new technology, and the improvements are generally quite pronounced between old and new models. I would prefer Olympus E-PL5 over the previous models just because of sensor. Still, even the best current mirrorless cameras cannot match DSLR in autofocus speed. It may change in the future but right now mirrorless cameras either offer less than DSLRs or cost more, and advanced compact cameras are just more convenient in use.