Buying Guide: Best Buys
A round-up of the AP testing team’s favourite and most highly rated kit, including both cameras and all kinds of accessories, across a wide range of price points
Olympus Tough TG 6 ● £370 ● www.olympus.co.uk
Olympus’s Tough compacts have habitually won our underwater camera group tests, and this latest model is still the best of its type. It’s waterproof to 15m, shockproof against a 2.4m drop, crushproof and freezeproof. The 25-100mm equivalent lens is paired with a 12MP sensor, and viewing is via a 3in LCD. This is also one of the few rugged cameras that can record raw les.
Panasonic LX100 II ● £729 ● www.panasonic.com/uk
A high-end compact for creative photography, the LX100 II is based around a 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 lens and a 17MP Four Thirds sensor that features a true multi aspect-ratio design. It also boasts a full range of traditional analogue control dials, and the corner-mounted view nder is complemented by touchscreen LCD.
★★★★
Reviewed 1 Sep 2018
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III ● £1,119 ● www.canon.co.uk
This unique zoom compact offers excellent image quality by employing the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor as several of Canon’s DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, along with a 24-72mm equivalent lens. A central view nder, fully articulated touchscreen and comprehensive external controls round off a superb little camera for enthusiast photographers.
★★★★★
Reviewed 3 Feb 2018
Sony RX100 VII ● £1,199 ● www.sony.co.uk
Sony has somehow crammed a 24-200mm equivalent zoom, pop-up electronic view nder, tilting screen, 20 fps shooting and 4K video recording into a body that you can slip into a jacket pocket. With the rm’s latest AF technology also on board, it’s without doubt the most accomplished pocket camera on the market.
★★★★
Reviewed 5 Oct 2019
Fuji lm X100V ● £1,300 ● www.fujifilm.eu/uk
Fuji lm’s charismatic range nder-styled compact employs a xed 23mm f/2 lens, APS-C sensor, traditional analogue controls and a unique hybrid optical / electronic view nder. In this latest version the lens has been redesigned for improved sharpness, and the back is now adorned with a tilting screen. It’s a truly gorgeous little camera.
★★★★★
Reviewed 25 April 2020
Sony RX10 IV ● £1,699 ● www.sony.co.uk
This sets a new standard for superzoom cameras, with a 24-600mm equivalent lens, 20MP 1in sensor, and 24 fps continuous shooting. Its SLR-shaped body hosts a large electronic view nder and a decent set of physical controls. It’s the best all-in-one camera for wildlife or travel photography that you can buy right now.
★★★★★
Reviewed 2 Dec 2017
Nikon D3500 ● £400 with 18-55mm VR ● www.nikon.co.uk
Nikon’s entry-level DSLR hits a sweet spot of capability versus affordability. It sports a 24MP APS-C sensor with a sensitivity range up to ISO 25,600, and can shoot at 5 frames per second. Its Guide Mode makes the camera easy to use for beginners, while full manual control is also available. ★★★★★ Reviewed
9 Feb 2019
Olympus OM D E M10 Mark IV ● £799 with 14-42mm lens ● www.olympus.co.uk
With a charismatic retro design, ne handling, highly effective in-body stabilisation and attractive JPEG output, Olympus has made a camera that’s more pleasant to use than its entry-level competitors. Its 20MP sensor delivers good results up to ISO 3200 at least, and its tilting screen can be set to face forwards beneath the camera. The 16MP Mark III is also still a great buy. ★★★★ Reviewed 26
Sep 2020
Canon EOS 250D ● £599 with 18-55mm IS lens ● www.canon.co.uk
One of the smallest DSLRs around, the EOS 250D strikes a great balance between portability and usability. It’s equipped with a novice-friendly Guided Mode, while Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS sensor provides excellent autofocus in live view. Image quality is very good, delivering vibrant colours and plenty of ne detail. ★★★★★ Reviewed
7 Sep 2019
Canon EOS M50 ● £649 with 15-45mm lens ● www.canon.co.uk
This likeable little camera is simple and approachable for novices, while offering plenty of manual control for enthusiasts. Its central electronic view nder is joined by a fully articulated touchscreen, and autofocus is fast and accurate. It’s capable of producing consistently ne images, which are easy to share thanks to well-designed smartphone connectivity. ★★★★ Reviewed
14 Apr 2018
Fuji lm X T30 ● £899 with 15-45mm lens ● www.fujifilm.eu/uk
This lovely little camera provides excellent performance, while preserving the charm and charisma of the X-series. It’s a great all-rounder, and handles exceptionally well thanks to an intuitive interface based around traditional analogue dials. Image quality is superb in both raw and JPEG, aided by Fuji lm’s peerless Film Simulation modes.
★★★★★ Reviewed 18 May 2019
Panasonic Lumix G9 ● £999 ● www.panasonic.com/uk
Easily the nest stills camera Panasonic has ever produced, the G9 backs up its sturdy construction with a winning combination of high-speed shooting, fast focusing and effective in-body stabilisation. Boasting a control layout as complete as most pro-level DSLRs, it’s an extremely versatile camera that’s capable of dealing with any subject. ★★★★ Reviewed
27 Jan 2018
Nikon Z 50 ● £969 with 16-50mm lens ● www.nikon.co.uk
Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless model produces ne images and is a delight to use. The excellent view nder and responsive touchscreen enhance the enjoyable shooting experience, and with 11 fps shooting and responsive autofocus, the Z 50 rarely feels out of its depth. It’s a marvellous little camera that offers great value for money. ★★★★★ Reviewed
18 Jan 2020
Olympus OM D E M5 Mark III ● £1,049 ● www.olympus.co.uk
This small, fully featured and weathersealed mirrorless camera is both a pleasure to use, and capable of great results. Its petite body nds space for an extensive complement of controls, along with class-leading 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, yet weighs in at just 414g. On-chip phase detection enables fast, decisive autofocus. ★★★★★ Reviewed
11 Jan 2020
Fuji lm X T4 ● £1,549 ● www.fujifilm.eu/uk
Fuji lm has built on its outstanding X-T3 by adding in-body image stabilisation and a vari-angle screen. With high speed, impressive resolution and sophisticated autofocus, the X-T4 is the nest APS-C mirrorless camera yet, and a great choice for both demanding professionals and keen enthusiasts who would like to build a smaller, lighter system. ★★★★★ Reviewed
11 July 2020
Nikon Z 6 ● £1,549 ● www.nikon.co.uk
This remarkably versatile full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a 24.5MP sensor, 273-point phase detection AF system and fast 12fps burst shooting. Users will be bowled over by the excellent electronic view nder, as well as the quality of the images produced. Existing Nikon SLR owners can use their F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter. ★★★★★ Reviewed
12 Jan 2019
Sony Alpha 7 III ● £1,749 ● www.sony.co.uk
Sony’s enthusiast-focused full-frame mirrorless model is a remarkable allrounder that’s packed full of high-end features. Its 24MP sensor is supported by fast, responsive autofocus, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, 10 frames per second shooting and 4K video recording. Handling and battery life are notably improved over its predecessor, too. ★★★★★ Reviewed
5 May 2018
Nikon D780 ● £2,199 ● www.nikon.co.uk
The long-awaited successor to the D750 shows that there’s life in the DSLR yet. It’s superbly built with extensive weather sealing, handles brilliantly, and gives excellent results in any conditions. It’ll provide top-level service to photographers who want to keep using their F-mount lenses and still prefer an optical view nder. ★★★★★ Reviewed
4 Apr 2020
Nikon Z 7 ● £2,499 ● www.nikon.co.uk
Nikon’s Z 7 debut full-frame mirrorless model is staggeringly accomplished, and one of the best cameras ever made. Its 45.7MP sensor provides stunning image quality, backed up by 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and fast, accurate autofocus. The view nder is superb, and F-mount SLR lenses can be used via the
FTZ adapter.
★★★★★
Nikon D850 ● £2,499 ● www.nikon.co.uk
This brilliant professional all-rounder provides a winning combination of high resolution and speed. Its 45.7MP sensor produces ne results at high ISOs, and the autofocus is incredibly responsive and accurate. Build quality and handling should satisfy the most demanding of users. It’s an absolutely sensational camera capable of tackling any type of subject. ★★★★★ Reviewed
21 Oct 2017
Canon EOS R6 ● £2,499 ● www.canon.co.uk
With this powerhouse all-rounder, Canon has nally got full-frame mirrorless absolutely right for stills photographers. It handles brilliantly, its subject-tracking autofocus is incredible, image quality is superb in both raw and JPEG, and the addition of in-body IS is transformative. It also works brilliantly with adapted EF-mount DSLR lenses. ★★★★★ Reviewed
10 Oct 2020
Sony Alpha 7R IV ● £3,499 ● www.sony.co.uk
With its 61MP sensor, the A7R IV takes full-frame image quality to new heights, without compromising on speed or dynamic range. It’s as accomplished when shooting sports or wildlife as it is for landscapes or portraits. With an excellent view nder and effective in-body stabilisation, it’s the most capable all-rounder you can currently buy. ★★★★★ Reviewed
12 Oct 2019
Leica M10 Monochrom ● £7,400 ● uk.leica-camera.com
Within its own specialist niche, this monochrome-only manual-focus range nder is almost perfect. Its build quality is stunning, and the pared-back design allows you to immerse yourself completely in the process of taking pictures. Most importantly, the 40.9MP sensor produces fantastic results, reaching a new pinnacle in black & white image quality. ★★★★★ Reviewed
22 Feb 2020
Fuji lm GFX100 ● £9,999 ● www.fujifilm.eu/uk
The world’s rst truly practical super-high resolution camera employs a 102MP medium-format sensor. On-chip phase detection provides rapid autofocus, while in-body image stabilisation allows the camera to be used with con dence handheld. For photographers who need to shoot in the
eld without compromising on image quality, there’s nothing else like it.
★★★★★
Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 ● £239 ● www.billingham.co.uk
The latest model in this iconic line of British-made satchel-style bags includes some well-considered updates, such as a detachable shoulder strap. It’s impeccably constructed from premium materials to keep your kit protected, including Billingham’s signature triple-layer canvas that’s impermeable to water. It’s pricey, but will last for decades.
★★★★★ Reviewed 5 Oct 2019
Vanguard Veo Select 49 ● £119 ● www.vanguardworld.co.uk
This cleverly designed bag comes with both a backpack harness and a shoulder strap, and can be switched between the two carrying modes quickly and easily. There’s space for one or two cameras and 3-5 extra lenses, along with a separate compartment for a 15in laptop and a tablet. ★★★★★ Reviewed
6 Jul 2019
Gitzo Adventury 30L ● £209 ● www.gitzo.com/uk-en
This sizeable backpack will hold a pro-spec DSLR with a 70-200mm lens attached and a second body plus up to 4 lenses. An expandable roll top provides plenty of space for personal items, and the bag also boasts tablet and laptop compartments. It’s comfortable to carry fully loaded and offers
rst-class protection. ★★★★★
Reviewed 8 Sep 2018
Lowepro Photostream RL150 ● £139 ● www.lowepro.com/uk-en
This carry-on compatible roller case features an armoured exterior and a exible interior to protect your gear. It can hold one or two DSLRs with a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, plus up to eight additional lenses. The construction and materials are second to none, so it should survive years of use. ★★★★★
Reviewed
12 May 2018
Cullmann Rondo 460M RB8.5 ● £71 ● www.transcontinenta.co.uk/cullmann
If you want a fully featured tripod kit on a budget, this is a great choice. Four-section aluminium legs provide a maximum height of 160cm, while packing down to 43.5cm. It’s rated to support a 4kg load, weighs 1.46kg, and one leg can be combined with the centre column to form a monopod.
★★★★ Reviewed 21 Mar 2020
Sirui Traveller T 025SK with B 00B head ● £155 ● www.sirui.com
This fantastic travel tripod provides impressive stability given its diminutive dimensions. It folds down to just 32cm and weighs less than 1kg yet extends to 128cm thanks to its vesection carbon bre legs. The two-section centre column is removable to enable low-level shooting. It’ll support a surprisingly substantial load.
★★★★★ Reviewed 17 Nov 2018
Manfrotto 190 Go! MT190GOC4 ● £239 ● www.manfrotto.com/uk-en
With 4-section carbon bre legs that can each be set to four angles, this sturdy, versatile tripod achieves a maximum height of 147cm while folding down to 45cm, and weighs 1.35kg. But its party trick is a centre column that can be set horizontally for overhead or low-level shooting.
★★★★★ Reviewed 1 Jun 2019
Benro GD3WH ● £159 ● www.benroeu.com
This relatively lightweight and portable geared head employs an Arca Swiss type quick release. Three large control knobs, one for each axis of movement, drive the camera directly in the corresponding direction, allowing highly accurate setting of composition. With its sturdy magnesium alloy construction, it’s rated to support a 6kg load.
★★★★★ Reviewed 26 May 2018
Vanguard VEO 2S AM 264TR ● £99 ● www.vanguardworld.co.uk
This unusual monopod boasts an extended height of 1630mm, a folded height of 565mm and a maximum load capacity of 6kg. Three foldable legs at the base provide a tri-stand platform, and are linked to the four-section carbon bre leg via a ball joint that allows smooth panning and tilting motions. ★★★★★ Reviewed 30 May 2015