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Olymp us PEN-F

Here’s a fabulous, retro-modern CSC featuring an all-new 20MP sensor that goes up to 50MP in high-resshot mode. There’s a 2.36-million-dot OL ED electronic viewfinder, five-axis image stabilisation and shooting at 10fps – all in a compact shell.

Can on PowerShot G5 X

In that zone between pocketsized compacts and full-sized DSLRs sits the stunning PowerShot G5 X. It features a great lens, a 20MP one-inch sensor and an electronic viewfinder to make creating images in bright light a doddle.

FujiFilm X70

Probably the prettiest camera in this year’s shortlist, this little Fujifilm comes packed with excellence. Its high-quality APS-C format sensor ensures great photos, while traditional exposure controls enable expert image manipulation.

Nikon D500

Nikon’s D500 is a semi-pro APS-C camera that majors on providing top-end features at a high-street price. The 20MP, 4K-shooting device offers superb low-light performance, top-notch 153-point autofocus, and 10fps burst. One to make Canon sweat.

Sony A7R II

Sony has made photography one of its specialist areas – primarily on mobile – but now it’s throwing its weight into the CSC sector. The A7R II ’s 42MP sensor wins any stats battle, and its still-image and video performance is unparalleled.

Panas onic TZ70

Panasonic has been making great pocket cameras for ages, and the TZ70 is no different. It has a versatile 30x Leica zoom lens with five-axis image stabilisation, an electronic viewfinder, Wi-Fi and manual controls: this is a top snapper and no mistake.