The Best Cameras In The Uk

With smartphone cameras advancing every year, buying a dedicated camera is becoming something that takes a bit more consideration than it ever did before. If you’re finding that your phone camera doesn’t suffice, you’ll want to make sure that any compact camera you buy is going to give you better results, whether that’s through better quality photos, better battery life, better durability or better video capabilities. And if you’re opting for a DSLR to take your photographs to the next level, you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on your new camera, and whether there’s a compact, compact system camera or a bridge camera that offers a better alternative. If you already know what type of camera you’re looking for, you can skip ahead to our list of the best cameras you can buy. If you need more advice before you buy, we’ve got some tips about features to look out for and the different types of cameras that are available.

Best cameras 2017: Is your smartphone good enough?

They say that the best camera is often the one that’s with you, which is why many people now choose to use their phone as their main camera. Phone cameras are getting better and better, so it’s something that’s worth thinking about if you own a flagship smartphone. You can find out more about smartphone cameras and which of the phones available now are the best phones to use for photography in our round-up of the best phone cameras.

Best cameras 2017: What is a compact camera?

Compact cameras are the place to start if you’re looking for a bump in quality compared with your smartphone’s camera offerings at a low price. Sometimes referred to as ‘point-and-shoot’ cameras, they’re usually small (hence their name), and simple to use. Some compact cameras can offer built-in WiFi that’ll let you share your photos quickly and easily to your phone or tablet to share with friends and family on social media.

Best cameras 2017: What is a bridge camera?

If you’re looking for something that offers slightly higher quality photos and a better zoom, you might want to consider a bridge camera. Like compact cameras, you can’t change the lens on a bridge camera, but their larger build can often make them look a lot like a DSLR. You might want a bridge camera if you’re going on a particularly special holiday like a safari when the subjects of your photos will be far away. Bridge cameras also tend to offer image stabilisation for sharper photos, as well as a viewfinder to help you better frame your shot, something that can be tricky when using a camera’s digital display.

Best cameras 2017: What is a compact system camera (CSC)?

Things start to get a bit more complicated when we begin to move into the realm of CSCs and DSLRs. Compact System Cameras offer more control over your photographs, and they also offer the ability to swap lenses, much like a DSLR, but those features come in a much smaller body ideal for portability. CSC cameras tend to be quite pricey, and you’ll have to pay extra if you’re looking to use additional lenses too.

Best cameras 2017: What is a DSLR?

DSLRs, which stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, tend to be the camera type of choice for serious photographers and professionals. With a DSLR you’ll have full manual control over your photos, the ability to change lenses with a huge range of options for different photography types, mounts for accessories such as a flash and more. While you’re likely to get excellent results from a DSLR, they’re not for everyone. They can be heavy and it can be annoying having to carry around additional lenses, plus they take a bit of practice to master. If you’re looking for a new camera to take with you on holiday this might not be the right choice, but if you’re considering taking up photography as a serious hobby or career, a DSLR is the camera for you.

Best cameras 2017: Most popular compact cameras

Also available from John Lewis and Tesco. It’s small and lightweight but manages to squeeze in a large 2.7in display, and comes in a choice of black or silver. Sensor: 20.1 megapixels | Digital zoom: 40x | Optical zoom: 5xVideo: 720p HD | Dimensions: 9.7 x 2.1 x 5.6 cm | Weight: 113gScreen: 2.7in | Extra features: Built-in filters, effects, low-light Party Mode and 360 degree panorama | GPS: No | WiFi: No

Next on the list is a rather bright and unusual-looking option called the Nikon Coolpix S33. This guy comes in eye-catching blue, yellow or pink, and is popular thanks to its robust, water-friendly design. You can use the Coolpix S33 to capture photos and videos under water, and in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It is also built to withstand drops of up to 1.5m. Sensor: 13.2 megapixels | Digital zoom: 4x | Optical zoom: 3xVideo: 1080p Full HD | Dimensions: 10.9 x 3.8 x 6.7 cm | Weight: 181g | Screen: 2.7in | Extra features: Built-in effects and filters | GPS: No | WiFi: No

Also available from Currys, Jessops and John Lewis. The third most popular compact camera is a more pricey option from Panasonic. The DMC-TZ60EB-K Lumix Compact Digital Camera offers a brilliant optical zoom, a big display, an impressive sensor and features such as GPS and WiFi, hence both its popularity and high price tag. Sensor: 18.1 megapixels | Digital zoom: 4x | Optical zoom: 30xVideo: 1080p Full HD | Dimensions: 11 x 3.4 x 6.4 cm | Weight: 214g | Screen: 3in | Extra features: Serial Shot Mode, effects, filters and auto exposure modes | GPS: Yes | WiFi: Yes

Best cameras 2016: Most popular bridge cameras

Available for under £100, this offers a good optical zoom at an affordable price point. It has a 3in screen and optical image stabilisation, but it downfall comes in the fact that it requires four AA batteries. Sensor: 20.2 megapixels | Digital zoom: 4x | Optical zoom: 28xVideo: 720p HD | Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 7.6 cm | Weight: 430g | Screen: 3in | Extra features: Intelligent scene mode | GPS: No | WiFi: No

Best cameras 2016: Most popular CSC cameras

The second most popular CSC is actually the ILCE5000L’s successor, but as it’s newer it comes in at a much higher price. The newer model adds fast hybrid auto focus, noise reduction, WiFi and NFC. Sensor: 24.3 megapixels | Lens Kit included: 16 – 50mm | Video: 1080p Full HD | Dimensions: 11 x 6.2 x 3.6 cm | Weight: 283g | Screen: 3in | Extra features: Tilting screen, high ISO of up to 25600, fast shutter speeds. | GPS: Yes | WiFi: Yes

Best cameras 2016: Most popular DSLR cameras

Also available from Currys. Next on the list of the most popular DSLRs is a more pricey option from Canon, but it is also newer and offers better specs than the 1200D. The EOS 700D has some stand-out features like continuous autofocus, up to 25600 ISO, rapid fire 5fps continuous shooting and a flipout touchscreen. Sensor: 18 megapixels | Lens Kit included: 18 – 55mm | Video: 1080p Full HD | Dimensions: 13.3 x 10 x 7.8 cm | Weight: 580g | Screen: 3in | Extra features: ISO up to 25600, 5 frames per second continuous shooting. | GPS: No | WiFi: No

Also available from Argos and John Lewis. If you’re set on a Nikon rather than a Canon, perhaps because you’ve already got Nikon lenses, the most popular option is the Nikon D3300. At under £325 it’s an ideal beginner’s SLR, complete with a 3in display and an 18 – 55mm lens kit to start you off. Customer reviews put the D3300 at more than four stars, and you’ll find similar verdicts from the rest of the web. Sensor: 24.2 megapixels | Lens Kit included: 18 – 55mm | Video: 1080p Full HD | Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.8 x 7.5 cm | Weight: 505g | Screen: 3in | Extra features: ISO up to 12800, 5 frames per second continuous shooting. | GPS: No | WiFi: No Ashleigh is Tech Advisor’s Head of Affiliate. Providing expert buying advice you can trust is her forte, helping you to find the most reputable consumer tech products and services, and ensuring you don’t spend a penny more than you should.

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