Forge the best shots: 5 great compact cameras

Panasonic DMC-LX7

A versatile camera for beginners and pros alike. After all, the DMC-LX7 successfully combines a fast (f / 1.4-2.3 aperture) Leica lens and the proprietary Power OIS stabilization system. It works well for both photo and video shooting. The advantages also include the camera's rugged construction and drop protection (albeit not as reliable as special rugged cameras).

The photographer has a very advanced set of controls at hand. For example, the lens ring controls aperture, focus mode, and selects the aspect ratio of the photo. For those who are not ready to immediately delve into fine settings, the Intelligent Auto mode will help, which will automatically select the scene settings, prevent blurring and highlighting of the photo. By the way, the built-in electronic horizon level will help beginners not to make a mistake with the angle. The DMW-LVF2 Electronic Viewfinder (sold separately) connects to the dedicated accessory port on top of the LCD when needed. Also among the proprietary options are various types of filters and external flashes.

The advantages of high-quality optics can be used for video. The camera shoots Full HD video at high speed 60 fps, and HD video (720p) even at 120 fps. In reviews of this camera, photographers note the high quality of the resulting video and such pleasant things as sound recording with a stereo microphone, quiet autofocus operation and the ability to control exposure when shooting.

The owner of the DMC-LX7 will be pleased with the minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 s, macro shooting from 1 cm, continuous shooting at up to 11 frames / sec. Other interesting features include HDR and Time Lapse modes, easy handheld panorama shooting with subsequent auto-gluing in the camera. 70 MB of built-in memory, if necessary, can accommodate up to 16 photos in JPEG format with maximum quality. Also note that the presence of a built-in ND filter for shooting with a long shutter speed at an open aperture on a sunny day is almost a standard for cameras of this class.

The disadvantages of the camera are the lack of a remote shutter release and a rotary display. Reviewers note the good work of the focus mode on faces, the convenient inclusion of macro mode, the generally correct operation of exposure metering with various light sources, however, they point out that the exposure metre may be mistaken under incandescent lamps.

The Panasonic DMC-LX7 camera will be an excellent choice for the traveler and tourist, and also well suited for filming events, family and city scenes.

Canon PowerShot G16

Canon's classic high-end compact series.

With the advent of mirrorless cameras mirrorless cameras and compacts for demanding users from different manufacturers, the previously clear advantages of Canon's PowerShot G-series cameras are no longer so obvious. Opinions are divided among reviewers and enthusiasts, with some saying it has few differences from its predecessor, the G15, while others are happy with what Canon has to offer. PowerShot G16 innovations — Digic 6 processor, improved continuous shooting mode, faster autofocus and camera performance in general. At the same time, the camera contains weak points: a dull optical viewfinder without a proximity sensor, a non-rotatable and non-touch screen.

add-ons for filming Dynamic IS. As well as new modes of operation, such as Star Mode time-lapse night shooting, photo background blur, Focus Peaking tracking when focus manually, etc.

Built-in Wi-Fi, although a timely addition, does not allow you to organize a remote control the camera from a smartphone. There are complaints about the work of autofocus in poor lighting conditions, as well as an ambiguous attitude to the location of the exposure compensation wheel. Some users would be happy to see a touch screen on a model of this level.

Beginners can confidently purchase the G16, focus on the company's high standard of quality and positioning of this camera. For tech-savvy professionals, compare Canon to other models in our review to make the best choice.

Nikon Coolpix P7800

A tool for dreamy photographers who don't forget about portability.

Nikon Coolpix P7800 captivates with a swivel display to find interesting angles and comfortable shooting from almost any position. The camera with a solid rubberized body with a protrusion for a comfortable grip contains numerous controls, many of which, as well as their combinations, can be programmed for yourself. I am pleased with the possibility of remote control of the shutter release and control of external Nikon flashes. Wi-Fi and a GPS module are available as separately connected accessories.

Autofocus with the ability to track a moving object is also well implemented. The function of "guiding" a moving object does not work as we would like. Also, users have complaints about slow focus in poor lighting conditions and in macro mode. The white balance of the camera performs generally well, except for some cases of lighting using fluorescent lamps. Owners differ in their opinions on the speed of the interface, but users who are familiar with Pro-cameras are still recommended to try out the P7800 live before buying it. The camera records Full HD video at 30fps and 720p at 60fps. When shooting, the optical zoom (7.1x) is active, there is software wind noise reduction. The disadvantage is the lack of a dedicated key to start video recording, but there is an input for connecting an external microphone.

In Coolpix P7800, as in other cameras of this class, there is manual exposure compensation, however, automatic exposure works quite accurately even in difficult conditions, and correction is rarely required. The advantages include a macro mode from 2 cm, shooting HDR photos and panoramas and other nice little things.

The camera, positioned as a competitor to Canon PowerShot G series cameras, will be of particular interest to fans of the Nikon brand and users of cameras 7000th series.

Sony RX100

One of the best options for photographers who are looking for the most portable camera in addition to a DSLR.

To adjust to your own shooting style, you can use the programmable Fn button and the control ring on the lens. It has an assignable focus or iris control function. Conveniently, the camera is charged directly from USB, and the camera's optical SteadyShot stabilization system is active in photo and video mode. Also note macro shooting from a focal length of 5 cm, HDR modes and panorama shooting, electronic level. When shooting video, manual control is available, wind noise reduction, it is possible to take photos while recording.

The disadvantage for experienced people will be the lack of a connector for an external flash. However, the design of the built-in flash allows you to deploy it to the ceiling and thereby solve the problem. The camera's display, unfortunately, is not rotatable, but its quality is identical to that used in older model RX1. The disadvantages also include long turning on and off of the camera and slow zoom when shooting video. This shifts the scope of the device from a reportage camera towards a landscape camera.

The Sony DSC-RX100 is a model for enthusiasts who appreciate compact technology and high photo quality. The camera is also suitable for those who like to travel with a minimum of things, but who do not accept a smartphone as the main camera.

Olympus Stylus 1

A camera for the seasoned hobbyist — functional, comfortable and stylish.

The heart and motor of the Stylus 1 — Zuiko Digital lens with constant aperture over the entire range of focal lengths and 10x optical zoom. Paired with an image stabilizer and other components, they provide high quality photos and videos. And the camera's average battery life of 410 shots is one of the highest among compacts.

The Olympus' stylish look and shape of its individual elements are similar to classic cameras of the last century. The only thing that stands out is the automatic lens cover with characteristic petals (an elegant solution to the photographer's eternal problem). The advantages of the compact include an electronic viewfinder with a resolution higher than the main display, equipped with an eyecup and a proximity sensor.

The camera controls are typical for its class — both the multifunctional ring around the lens and programmable buttons are used for settings. The touch screen is useful, for example, for quickly selecting the focus area. Photo shooting can also be controlled from a smartphone via Wi-Fi, which also highlights the camera.

The reviews note the good performance of the automatic mode, fast speed in continuous shooting, confident autofocus in low light conditions, advanced bracketing settings for exposure. The shortcomings noted are the slow reloading of the built-in flash, slow autofocus and the lack of exposure control in video mode. Video is not the camera's forte, even though it has VGA and QVGA modes at higher frame rates.

The Stylus 1 is close to entry-level mirrorless and SLR cameras. The high optical zoom value and the constant aperture of the lens make it an attractive choice for photo travel and photo experiments, in the city and in nature. The only thing that can scare off enthusiasts is the immodest price.