The 6 best digital cameras of the moment: the best all-rounder, the best-value digital camera, the best budget option, the best choice if money is no object.
Updated: May 17, 2013 3:14 PM
By Renaud Labracherie / Morgane Alzieu / Arthur Azoulay / Bruno Labarbere
Translated by: Catherine Barraclough

Editor's choice

Sony Alpha 77 award
Overview - Full review 5/5
User Score 5/5 (8) Post a review

Sony Alpha 77

With the best EVF we've seen yet, a high-end build and weather-proof finish, customisable controls and a swivel screen, the Sony Alpha 77 is an impressive piece of kit. Although its 24-Megapixel sensor isn't the most sensitive, it boasts the highest resolution in the consumer market right now. In fact, the Alpha 77 dominates the competition in almost every field. It has an excellent continuous shooting mode of up to 12 frames per second and the video mode has an effective autofocus—something you won't find in standard DSLRs. The 16-50 mm kit lens is pretty good too.

Best of the rest

Experts and Pros

Nikon D600 award

Nikon D600
The sensor in this full frame SLR (24 x 36 mm) is twice as big as the APS-C sensors used in consumer SLRs. It brings a real and noticeable boost to image quality (sensitivity, depth of field). With the D600, Nikon has brought the full-frame SLR down to a slightly more accessible price point. It's a must-have for anyone looking to go full frame.

Overview - Full review 5/5
User Score 3/5 (7) Post a review

Top Value

Canon EOS 650D award

Canon EOS 650D
The EOS 650D is the latest in a long line of bestsellers, offering everything you'd expect from an entry-level SLR. It's affordable, easy to use and takes great-quality pictures. The swivel screen is handy for lining up shots and for video, but the 650D is a little less responsive than its predecessor.

Overview - Full review 5/5
User Score 5/5 (3) Post a review

Budget Option

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100
The D3100 entry-level SLR boasts picture and video quality worthy of a high-end model. The camera body is, however, quite basic, and the optical viewfinder is a bit tight. Note that some second-hand lenses won't work with the autofocus.

Overview - Full review 4/5
User Score 4/5 (5) Post a review

Two alternatives

Affordable Weatherproofing

Pentax K-30
Overview - Full review 4/5
User Score 5/5 (5) Post a review

Pentax K-30
With its all-weather finish, 100% viewfinder and pair of settings wheels, the K-30 has loads of features you'd expect to see in a higher-end and more expensive model.

Expert-Level APS-C

Nikon D7000 award
Overview - Full review 5/5
User Score 5/5 (13) Post a review

Nikon D7000
The D7000 was used as a base for building the D600. The cameras have similar designs and control layouts but the APS-C sensor in the D7000 will be interesting for anyone working at long focal lengths.

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