Our best camera Recommendations

Best Advanced Compact

Panasonic LUMIX TZ60 (called the ZS40 in USA) is our pick in this category.

Price around £250 [the TZ70 is out but you can still pick this one up at a good price]

This camera has an electronic viewfinder (albeit small one) which lets you frame the picture better and also helps when sunlight might interfere with the 3 inch LCD image.

30x zoom compact (equivalent to 25 mm – 750 mm) – a huge range with good image stabilisation (a necessity at the high end unless you have tripod).

18 megapixel sensor and support for RAW files.

As you expect with an advanced compact, youn get the PASM dial for being able to change aperture and shutter speed independently. You can try ourbeginners course if you want to find out how to use these effectively.

You can also take movies to HD standard.
Wi-Fi for on-the-spot sharing.

any negative points?

some reviewers mention that the lens cover seems flimsy so we recommend getting a case for extra protection.

buy or read reviews – the Panasonic Lumix TZ60 from Amazon

Best compact System Camera: Sony Alpha 7

Price around £1000 [the Alpha 7II is out see note below]

This has to be the best (in image quality) because it is currently the only Full Frame compact system camera. Imae quality depend smost on the size of the sensor itself and this is the biggest in a compact system interchangeable lens camera. If youn don’t know the difference between a DSLR and Compact System cameras see here

The Sony alpha comes in 3 flavours at different prices.

When you come to look at reviews for this camera there is a whole lot of technology thrown at you: it is all impressive. Bionz processor so many megapixels etc etc. The technology is good; it is a Sony and they are good at technical inovation. We like the high resolution electronic viewfinder a lot.

There are other versions of this camera – the Alpha 7R and 7S which are more expensive. The 7R has bigger megapixels and the 7S dedicateds teh sensor more towards getting better ISO at low light. Unless you take nearlyn all your photos in low light we recomend the basic model because the extra megapixels of the 7r dont’ maen that much in end image quality.

Wi-Fi and NFC functionality
variable angle LCD
the camera is smaller than a DSLR – less weight and bulk to carry.

any negatives ?

no built -in flash means you have to buy a separate unit.

tip: buy an extra battery since battery life is not as long as a DSLR.

buy or read reviews – the Sony Alpha 7 from Amazon

note: the Sony Alpha 7 II is out – it comes in one flavour instead of 3. The sensor size is the same – advantages are faster focusing and a few general improvements – The Alpha 7 is still a good bet and cheaper although the different flavours make it very confusing. Best to do some research if you are interested in this camera range.

Dpreview looks at Alpha 7 II