1. NIKON D3300
£390 WITH 18-55MM KIT LENS SENSOR: 24.2MP
The entry-level DSLR. A guide mode features information on screen. As with all DSLRs, the viewfinder is the primary point of use, delivering fairly snappy autofocus from the 11-point system. Use the rear screen, however, and autofocus is far slower. The large-scale DX-format sensor means quality images, although the lens can easily be bettered.
VERDICT: A sensible and affordable DSLR entry point, but viewfinder operation is a must.
RATING: 4/5
2. PANASONIC LUMIX GM1
£429 with 12-32mm collapsible lens sensor: 16MP
If small is the order of the day, nothing can beat this palm-sized mirrorless camera. The collapsible 12-32mm lens helps keep the size down. Use it like a point-and-shoot compact camera, pressing on the touchscreen to focus, with Pinpoint mode a favourite for crosshair levels of precision. The big downside is poor battery life. The newer Lumix GM5, complete with built-in electronic viewfinder, is also available, but the smaller GM1 is the choice option.
VERDICT: Slip into a large pocket and take everywhere, this mirrorless is small yet mighty.
RATING: 5/5
3. OLYMPUS PEN E-PL7
£499 with 14-42mm lens sensor: 16MP
Based on the 55-year-old series, the latest PEN takes classic design but adds a modern twist to the now mirrorless camera: its screen tilts 180-degrees for selfies. Performance isn’t left in the lurch for the sake of that feature, with a touchscreen and fast autofocus system, but a less immediate menu system than some rivals. It’s more plasticky than the top-end PEN E-P5, but still sells itself on style, with a variety of colour options available.
VERDICT: Not just for selfie fans, also for those seeking something different.
RATING: 4/5
4. SONY A6000
£549 with 16-50mm power zoom lens sensor: 24MP
Despite its boxy aesthetic, this crams in stacks of features, including an electronic viewfinder that’s a rarity in such a small-scale build.. A larger sensor than the Panasonic and Olympus models is a positive for image quality, although the 16-50mm lens – which is electronically powered, so can be used via the toggle around the shutter, much like a compact camera – is far from perfect where distortion and corner sharpness are concerned.
VERDICT: Not the best looks or menu usability, but delivers a full feature set, minus the bulk.
RATING: 4/5
5. FUJIFILM X-E2
£749 with 18-55mm lens sensor: 16MP
With an imaging sensor unlike the competition - the oddly named X-Trans CMOS II - Fujifilm is a step ahead when it comes to crisp and clear images. However, it’s not great for action shots, with the autofocus system lacking the same speed of its mirrorless competitors. But an eye-catching design, which is reassuringly sturdy thanks to magnesium die-cast top and front, make it the style connoisseur’s choice. It’s retro chic and all the better for it.
VERDICT: Top-notch built quality and great images justify the higher price.
RATING: 4/5
6. CANON EOS 70D
£999 with 18-125mm lens sensor: 20.2MP
Make no mistake, this a serious bit of kit. Viewfinder use is a given, providing speedy autofocus from the 19-point system for subjects stationary or moving. In DSLR terms it also offers one of the fastest screen-based autofocus systems, made better still by a touchscreen mounted on a vari-angle bracket to manoeuvre through multiple angles. Bigger and heavier than any contender in this round-up, enthusiasts seeking a sturdy, long-lasting all-rounder will be comfortable with that compromise.
VERDICT: It is big, but for action shots little else compares.
RATING: 5/5
