Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 US$715
Our new favourite DSLR has a new hybrid CMOS sensor which enables continuous autofocus during video recording, a responsive touchscreen and 5fps burst shooting. Image quality from the 18MP sensor is excellent and focusing is super-quick. Brilliant.
Nikon D600 US$2,215 (body only)
Pro power has never come at such a reasonable price. A full-frame 24.3MP sensor combines with accurate 39-point autofocus for stunning results. Dual SD card slots, built-in flash and 5.5fps shooting speed complete a seriously powerful proposition.
Olympus PEN E-P3 US$1,300 (w/ 14-42mm lens)
You could get a great DSLR for this money, but while it would often do a better job, the E-P3 will always feel more special. Quality build and styling, lightning-fast focus and razor-sharp pics with a built-in flash and swappable Micro Four Thirds lenses.
Canon EOS 6D US$2,680 (body only)
Canon’s cheapest ever full-framer is an awesome little SLR with a few clever tricks up its lens. As well as an all-new 20.2MP sensor, it packs a GPS receiver for geotagging and Wi-Fi for direct uploading or remote control from an iPhone or Android device.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 US$710 (w/ 14-42mm lens)
This electronic viewfinder-sporting Micro Four Thirds camera has a 16MP sensor that takes better snaps and video than the Olympus E-P3, although the autofocus isn’t as quick and it’s bulkier. The Sony NEX-7 should soon give it stiff competition, though.
Canon 60D US$1,175 (body only)
The Canon 60D is a DSLR camera aimed at the serious amateur: a ruggedly built, featurestuffed snapper that counts full 1080p video among its charms. Pricey, yes, but the perfect camera for the Canon user looking to step up from the entry level.
Sony NEX-7 US$1,575 (with 18-55mm lens)
A host of manual photo and video controls are available via its gorgeously minimalist unmarked knobs, but it’s the exceptional quality of its 24.3MP images that really impresses. A pop-up flash and handy mic input top off the (admittedly pricey) package.
Panasonic DMC-G5 US$1,065 (w/14-42mm lens)
The G5 is the only snapper with the pace to keep up with the Olympus E-M5’s autofocus. Beginner-friendly controls, decent 16MP pics, touchscreen control and superb full HD 60fps AVCHD video recording all add up to a compelling package.
Nikon D3200 US$785 (body only)
Like its D3100 predecessor, the D3200 has an excellent photography-course-in-acamera Guide mode, but that’s no longer the star attraction. This entry-level DSLR has a very non-entry-level 24MP sensor that’s capable of truly professional results.
A host of manual photo and video controls are available via its gorgeously minimalist unmarked knobs, but it’s the exceptional quality of its 24.3MP images that really impresses. A pop-up flash and handy mic input top off the (admittedly pricey) package.
The G5 is the only snapper with the pace to keep up with the Olympus E-M5’s autofocus. Beginner-friendly controls, decent 16MP pics, touchscreen control and superb full HD 60fps AVCHD video recording all add up to a compelling package.
Like its D3100 predecessor, the D3200 has an excellent photography-course-in-acamera Guide mode, but that’s no longer the star attraction. This entry-level DSLR has a very non-entry-level 24MP sensor that’s capable of truly professional results.