Group test: what's the best compact camera?

5. Canon PowerShot G12

• Reviewed on: 24 November 10
• RRP: £434.34 inc VAT
• Rating:

The PowerShot G12 sports scene modes and custom colour modes, and it also includes an HDR mode. It's a very good camera overall, but its picture quality is not up to the standard of an interchangeable lens camera, nor a digital SLR (such as the great Canon EOS 60D). Its video quality also isn't great, but it's an improvement over the G11. However, its compact size, convenience and manual features make the PowerShot G12 an interesting proposition. Enthusiasts who are sick of changing lenses but still want a quick way to change exposure settings should consider it, as should travellers, due to its relatively small size and vast range of capabilities. Alternatively, the Canon PowerShot S95 can be considered if you want a small camera with manual features — it has the same sensor as the PowerShot G12, but a slightly different lens (f/2.0, 28-105mm).

4. Samsung MV800

• Reviewed on: 20 January 12
• RRP: £199 inc. VAT
• Rating:

Samsung has made video and photography across a range of modes extremely easy. Lack of Wi-Fi and an awkward self-portrait shutter release notwithstanding, this is well-executed point and shoot.

3. Nikon 1 J1

• Reviewed on: 1 February 12
• RRP: £400 inc VAT
• Rating:

With solid construction and attractive styling, plus a very appealing range of video shooting modes, the Nikon 1 J1 brings something new to the mirrorless compact camp. The camera itself is less convincing and we’d sooner take the lighter and simpler Olympus PEN Mini on a trip where photos were our main focus. 

 

2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20

• Reviewed on: 6 June 11
• RRP: £299 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 camera can produce clear and vibrant images, has a great zoom range, and it's absolutely feature-packed. We found a lot to like in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20, in particular the choice of AVCHD and Mpeg4 video capture modes. It's a decent, feature-laden camera, even without extras such as the intriguing 3D option. We were pleased to find Panasonic hasn't sacrificed any compositional versatility, but we think this camera's high price may put off those it is trying to convert.

1. Nikon Coolpix S9100

• Reviewed on: 8 June 11
• RRP: £250.4 inc VAT
• Rating:

Styled like a high-end enthusiasts’ compact, complete with natty pop-up flash and stereo microphones, the S9100 is nevertheless an accessible point and shoot. While we'd direct experienced photographers not requiring a large zoom to the Coolpix P300, results from the S9100 were better that expected. We could shoot at extreme telephoto setting and get pin-sharp results, while subtle corner softening at maximum wide angle is forgivable. Add a best-in-class focal range, and the Nikon’s a winner in our book.