Best camera 2014

Panasonic Lumix LF1

The LF1 is a camera with its heart in the right place, even if the viewfinder arguably isn't. But what's important here is that it actually has an electronic viewfinder built-in to aid shooting in brighter conditions. And for the asking price that will make this a camera worth buying for that reason alone.
The viewfinder isn't the largest nor best quality out there, but we're looking at a sub-£300 compact here. A compact that produces decent image quality, has a physical lens control ring, can capture raw files and is truly pocketable.
Given its small scale, the 28-200mm f/2.0-5.9 equivalent lens provides a wide-ranging zoom. The Lumix LF1 is lots of good ideas combined for an affordable price.
PRICE: £285 (at the time of writing)
FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix LF1 review

Panasonic Lumix TZ60

If you want more zoom than the LF1 (above) has to offer, then the Lumix TZ60 is a viable alternative. Although we find it a leftfield update of the TZ40 model, it's one of those new-wave cameras that crams a small electronic viewfinder into its build.
There's decent autofocus, good image quality, excellent image stabilisation and a whole roster of other top features that show the TZ60's aspirations to be a one-stop shop for all things. There's no touchscreen this time around, but if you're lifting the camera to your face then that would just become an irritation, not to mention an additional cost.
Given the TZ60's current affordable price point we can see the attraction for viewfinder seekers on a budget. If you're after a big zoom with big features then the Lumix TZ60's 30x zoom (24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 equivalent) scores big Brownie points.
PRICE: £349 (at the time of writing)
FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix TZZ60 review

Best superzooms

When normal compacts just aren't enough and you want to zoom in on those far-away subjects to make them appear large in the frame, a superzoom - sometimes called bridge camera - is just the ticket. Safari, bird spotting and so forth are well matched to a superzoom camera.
These models may not necessarily replace a DSLR camera in terms of ability and final image quality, but by employing compact sensor sizes their respective lenses are smaller and far more affordable than a pro-spec camera. Modern superzooms combine significant zoom lenses in reasonable body sizes with an abundance of tech that makes them very attractive prospects.

Panasonic Lumix FZ200

Typically as a zoom lens extends the amount of light it lets in dips, which potentially means image quality can suffer in low-light conditions. Not so with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 - its wide-angle 24mm lens extends all the way through to a 600mm equivalent, all the while maintaining a maximum f/2.8 aperture. And that's been managed without significant impact to the model's relatively trim scale.
This f/2.8 aperture means more light can enter the camera which is ideal for faster exposures to capture action or to avoid using those less desirable higher ISO sensitivities.
The FZ may not be brand new, but it's a well-proportioned superzoom that, unlike most of its competitors, focuses on advanced control and a bright constant aperture instead of four-figure zoom equivalents. Still, the 600mm maximum equivalent is more than significant, even if it's less than some competitors out there. 
Unless a yet longer zoom is an essential to your needs then this is our top pick. King of the superzooms? We reckon so. 
PRICE: £325 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix FZ200 review

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

The SX50 HS really does put the "super" in superzoom: its 24-1200mm equivalent lens is a whopper and, fortunately, is matched with top-notch image stabilisation to boot to ensure steady image preview even at the longest of focal lengths.
We love the camera's vari-angle LCD screen and how well it performs in bright conditions, while the fast autofocus is a step beyond its SX40 predecessor and the resulting image quality is impressive from such a camera. 
But it's how the SX50 HS performs as a whole that makes it such a cracker. There's plenty of bang for the budget which is more affordable than a DSLR body, so we can see the appeal.
The SX50 is the full package deal and delivers on the zoom front - its top-end 1200mm equivalent focal length is double that of the Panasonic FZ200. But it's not just big on zoom, it's big on image quality too and we still don't think there's another superzoom on the market today that can deliver the same clarity as this Canon. The SX50 is pushing the limits of what's possible from a compact camera and, for the most part, succeeding.
PRICE: £330 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Canon PowerShot SX50 HS review

Best advanced or enthusiast compact cameras

Here's where compacts step up a gear. Whether it's all the bells and whistles in the form of hands-on controls, a built-in viewfinder or a large sensor for optimum quality, there are all kinds of advanced compacts to suit different tastes.

Canon PowerShot G16

The G16 may be starting to look a little dated, particularly when you compare it to something like Sony's sleek RX100 II, but that doesn't stop the Canon remaining a top-notch snapper all round. When something's right, it's just right - and the G16 largely represents that.
Largely is the operative word though. It won't suit all photographers on account of its bulky size, but for those that it will, that 28-140mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture lens and fantastic image quality make it an undeniable winner.
Despite no vari-angle screen like some earlier G-series models, the G16 represents Canon's ability to refine and perfect the high-end compact. Yes it's fairly bulky, but the G16 delivers some of the best image quality of any compact, while that quality lens makes it a hugely attractive creative prospect. Shoot raw, shoot JPEG, share with Wi-Fi - it's all pro. And when it comes to build and functions you'd be hard-pressed to find any fault.
PRICE: £469 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Canon PowerShot G16 review

Sony Cyber-shot RX100

Why hello there. Beneath the RX100's rich black exterior is a 1-inch sensor - the same size sensor as you'd find in a Nikon 1-series compact system camera. Considering the RX100's relatively small size that's a whopper of a sensor.
Sony's gone in for the kill with this one, creating a high-resolution and high-quality compact thanks to the 20-megapixel sensor, which is balanced out with decent optical performance from the 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 equivalent lens. The maximum aperture does dip rather steeply when zoomed in, but that's the price to pay for a truly compact body with such a large sensor - we think it's an inventive play on the high-end compact concept, and one that will put creativity in plenty of palms.
What makes the RX100 perhaps most attractive is that the release of the Mark II model has brought the price right down. This original model may lack of any viewfinder or provisions, but if you've got the extra cash then see below for the RX100 II if that's an essential.
Time has been a blessing, as the RX100 remains as strong as it was on launch day but is now far more affordable. It's oh so good.
PRICE: £360 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 review

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II

Déjà vu? Almost. We had to put the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II into the top compacts list alongside the original model as, despite its similarities, this supped-up compact comes complete with a hotshoe for adding on an electronic viewfinder if you want - or can afford - it.
That's the main thing that'll throw people off the RX100 II's scent: the price. The original £649 recommended price certainly wasn't cheap, but with its brand new 1-inch sensor, tilt-angle LCD screen and wonderful-to-use rotational lens ring there's oh so much going for this camera.
We may have a fistful of niggles - no built-in neutral density (ND) filter, maximum aperture limitations, and its generalised focus area in low-light conditions - that hold the RX100 II back from perfection, but there's no getting around it: it's among the best compact cameras on the market today.
But to own this wonderful slice of compact camera pie you'll need to fork out the cash. Is it worth it? Just take a look at the excellent image quality and that will most likely make the decision for you.
PRICE: £530 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II review

Fujifilm X20

We've got a lot of praise for the Fujifilm X20. There's something charming about its retro cool style, the 2/3-inch sensor makes for cracking image quality and the 28-112mm equivalent zoom offers up an f/2.0-2.8 maximum aperture which is ideal for blurred background effects or shooting in low light.
The X20 rarely puts a foot wrong - it even comes complete with an optical viewfinder with a digital overlay which, despite its somewhat limited 85 per cent field-of-view, blows similar models such as the Canon G16 (further up the page) out of the water. Our one qualm is that there's no built-in neutral density (ND) filter, but that's about as much moaning as we can muster.
We've got a lot of love for the X20, in fact it's one of our favourite cameras ever.
PRICE: £350 (at time of writing)

FULL REVIEW: Fujifilm X20 review

Best luxury, large-sensor compact cameras

When money is no barrier and quality is everything, there's a camera for that. DSLR sensor sizes in compact bodies and, typically, a fixed lens (no zoom) that's matched up to its respective sensor for best possible image quality. Here's where the compact goes pro; these two special specimens don't just match DSLR quality, they often better it.

Sony Cyber-shot RX1

Sony's RX1 is a full-frame compact camera. In fact it's the world's first and - excluding Leica's rangefinder models - only full-frame compact (ignoring the sister RX1R, that is).
Now that won't necessarily mean much to many, except those in the know. In summary it means that the RX1 has a whopping great sensor at its core - the same size as traditional 35mm film negatives, no less - the kind that you'd find in super-pricey pro-spec DSLR camera. 
On the front of the RX1 is a fixed 35mm f/2.0 lens that doesn't compromise on quality, while the sensor is able to resolve wonderful image quality. But there's no compromise on price either: upon release the £2,500 recommended price tag saw the RX1 be among the priciest of compacts ever conceived.  
All that cash doesn't mean a ticket straight to compact heaven, however, as we've seen chromatic aberrations - those purple fringes around subject edges - in shots, while the autofocus is, well, it's just sluggish.
Sometimes you love something enough for the great things it does to ignore its shortcomings. That's what the Sony RX1 has done to us - while it's got shortcomings, to a select group of snappers this chunk of well-thought-out metal and glass will be a full-marks camera. It definitely feels special, and that's why it's made our list - because it's like the (Japanese) Ferrari of the compact camera world and unlike anything else you can buy today.
PRICE: £1,950 (at time of writing)