Group test: what's the best compact camera?

5. Pentax K-01 review

• Reviewed on: 2 November 12
• RRP: £480 inc VAT
• Rating:

We found the Pentax K-01 camera to provide excellent images but its boxy design and uncomfortable weight lets it down when set against other compact mirrorless cameras. The K-mount, while handy if you already own compatible lenses, ultimately leads to its downfall as it necessitates a larger camera. If you're in the market for a camera with the capability of DSLR quality but without the bulk, there may be better options for you.

4. Sony Alpha NEX-5

• Reviewed on: 18 November 10
• RRP: £528.65 inc VAT
• Rating:

The Sony NEX-5 is a superb all-rounder - a real enthusiasts camera with delicious picture quality, and a camera that’s compact and lightweight enough for easy carrying. It makes picture-taking a joy, and can also be enjoyed by less experienced snappers and still get professional-looking results.

3. Canon EOS 600D

• Reviewed on: 11 November 11
• RRP: £603.23 inc VAT
• Rating:

We have only a few reservations stopping us from wholeheartedly recommending the Canon EOS 600D for amateur photographers. Its buttons take a while to get the hang of (and we think a more logical layout would make them friendlier), and the menu system can be labyrinthine at times. It's an excellent choice for shooting in automatic mode, though, and the photos and video it produces are definitely impressive given its entry-level positioning in Canon's camera line-up.

2. Nikon D5100

• Reviewed on: 11 November 11
• RRP: £658 inc. VAT
• Rating:

The Nikon D5100 is a solid option for photographers looking for a highly-capable yet (fairly) user-friendly sub-£700 DSLR. The D5100 delivers an excellent feature set and image quality that rivals or exceeds the competition.

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

• Reviewed on: 21 February 13
• RRP: £599.99
• Rating:

This is a great model to choose if you're after a small-ish camera that can take different lenses. Importantly, it has the ability to capture very clear images, and it's quite user friendly overall.