Fossil introduces two new Android Wear watches, various fitness trackers

Fossil has announced seven new fitness trackers and smartwatches that are designed with fashion in mind. The company has already released the Q Founder, its first Android Wear-powered smartwatch, and now it is back with the Q Marshal and Q Wander. These are designed to look more like a traditional timepiece instead of what we have seen other smartwatches look like. Both smartwatches will be priced starting at $275 and will come in two sizes, 44mm and 46mm.

As for the fitness trackers, Fossil has gone with a cylindrical-shaped tracker that comes in a variety of colors with different color bands. The trackers don’t have rechargeable batteries, and instead will require you to swap its coin cell battery every six months. Pricing for these new trackers starts at $95.

Fossil’s chief creative officer told Mashable:

“All our changes to date have been direct responses to customer feedback. We’ve learned so much from our initial launch in connected accessories and know technology is a major disruptor in many industries right now, including fashion. But to successfully merge the two, we believe you need to have the fashion design expertise and focus on it first.”

At this time, Fossil has not yet announced when these new watches and trackers will be made available for purchase.

I finally found a reason to use Android Wear

Android Wear lets me be distracted and pay attention all at the same time.

We recently had a company-wide summit outside of Atlanta, GA. You’ve probably seen pictures on social media of the fun stuff — imagine a boat filled with tech bloggers, an open bar and an Xbox — but a good portion of our days were spent in meetings trying to figure stuff out. Many of us have been to similar company retreats.

Of course, we couldn’t just drop everything else going on. Android stuff doesn’t stop happening just because people are busy doing other things. The skeleton crew at home did a wonderful job, and were lifesavers for the most part. But if you’re a slave to your inbox like I am, you know that you can never really get away.

Normally, I sit at a desk all day long and let the email flow and ding and flash tabs and otherwise let me know that a beast needs fed. When I’m not working, I just don’t care and never check anything (something everyone needs to try). But that wasn’t going to happen while AC was in Atlantis, and we actually had to pay attention to what was happening in front of us during the workday or run the risk of being left behind.

Enter my Huawei Watch and Android Wear.

About 15 minutes into our first presentation, I realized how easy it is to triage email from my wrist. Kevin Michaluk, Mobile Nations’ commander-in-chief, master of all things BlackBerry and quite the master of the whiteboard, was telling us about a bunch of mostly exciting new things and if I’m there with my face in a laptop or even a phone, I’m going to miss a good bit of it. And be that guy in the front row who wasn’t paying attention — never a good position to put yourself in during any company meeting where all the people who decide if you get a paycheck are in attendance. But I could take a look at my wrist when it buzzed at me, and swipe away what’s not important or pull out my phone for what was. It worked.

I’m still not all-in with wrist computing, and will never understand some people’s passion for that tiny screen (don’t even come at me with a keyboard or web browser unless you want to see how hard I can laugh), but my Huawei Watch actually helped and made things better for a few days in Atlanta. I’ll be sure to wear it the next time I need to be distracted by email while still paying attention.

Best compact cameras 2016: The best pocket cameras available to buy today

If you’re looking for the best compact cameras of 2016 then you’ve come to the right place. We will guide you through the hottest cameras to save you time when it comes to buying one from your local shop or online.

Compact cameras are plentiful. With new releases and updates flooding the market every few months it’s as much an assurance to know that the most up-to-date tech is out there as it is a hindrance to decide which one to pick. 

Run this question through your head: “Which compact camera is best for me?”. There are lots of ways to think through it – what do you want to use the camera for? Perhaps you want a versatile, all-rounder for a holiday or travel jaunt, a camera with a bonkers-long zoom for some extra curricular activities or spotting those lions and elephants on safari, a compact with a viewfinder built in, or that pro-spec DSLR alternative. There’s something out there for everyone. 

Here at Pocket-lint we’ve been cutting through the abundance of compact camera releases over recent years, including the creme de la creme of last year’s models which remain strong. We’ve broken our list of great cameras down into sub-headed categories to make things easier to digest. You name it, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll be regularly updating this feature with the latest and greatest compact cameras that we review in full – and only those we’ve seen and judged – so you can see where your money is best spent.

Best do-it-all compact camera

Pocket-lint

Panasonic Lumix TZ80

Panasonic’s TZ-series has long been a favourite and the Lumix TZ80 is its top-end do-it-all compact. It even has a built-in electronic viewfinder to the rear, which is helpful to see an image direct to the eye when sunlight makes the rear screen tough to see.

The TZ80’s premier feature is its 30x optical zoom lens, which encompasses wide-angle (24mm equivalent) for those group shots or can zoom right in (to a 720mm equivalent) to make far-away subjects appear large in the frame.

Add decent autofocus, excellent image stabilisation and a whole roster of other top features that show the TZ80’s aspirations to be a one-stop shop for all things. It’s higher-resolution than the earlier TZ70, however, so how that will affect image quality overall is up for debate.

What we’re particularly fond of in the TZ80 is that, finally, there’s a touchscreen for added ease of operation. Whoop.

PRICE: £359

PREVIEW: Panasonic Lumix TZ80 preview

Pocket power

When it comes to something small and pocketable, but where image quality needs to be a step above the conventional compact, there are various series on offer.

These tend to have shorter zoom lenses in order to retain best sharpness and clarity throughout the range while offering more advanced optical features such as wider maximum apertures for low-light shooting or creating that pro-looking, soft-focus background effect. 

Canon PowerShot G7 X / G7 X II

It had taken Canon a while to create compact camera with a 1-inch sensor size, the focus being on high-quality images – and now there are a bunch, from G9 X through to G1 X.

Although the G7 X – or more recent Mark II model, with its additions of enhanced tilt-angle screen and dual function lens control ring – doesn’t opt for the smaller scale of the Sony RX100 line – the fourth-generation model of which is further down the page – and there’s no viewfinder, there’s still a lot to enjoy about Canon’s take on the 1-inch market. Plus the price is within reach rather than super-high like Sony’s advanced offerings.

The G7 X is still one of our favourite PowerShot cameras to date: that large sensor is matched with a tilt-angle screen which is both touch-sensitive and selfie-capable, alongside a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens. That aperture is critical to this camera’s selection too, as the touchscreen-focused G9 X might sound more tempting, but its price is similar and its slower lens means it’s not a particularly sensible option.

The Canon G7 X is that sweet spot in the Canon series; one that takes good quality images and comes bundled into a pocketable, well-built body with customisable controls. Even if there is no viewfinder, the G7 X is one of the more notable G-series Canon cameras.

PRICE: around £370

FULL REVIEW: Canon PowerShot G7 X review

Best superzooms

When normal compacts just aren’t enough and you want to zoom in on those far-away subjects to make them appear large in the frame, a superzoom – sometimes called bridge camera – is just the ticket. Safari, bird spotting and so forth are well matched to a superzoom camera.

These models may not necessarily replace a DSLR camera in terms of ability and final image quality, but by employing small sensor sizes their respective lenses are also relatively compact and far more affordable compared to a pro-spec camera. Modern superzooms combine significant zoom lenses in reasonable body sizes with an abundance of tech that makes them very attractive prospects.

Pocket-lint

Panasonic Lumix FZ330

Typically as a zoom lens extends the amount of light it lets in dips, which potentially means image quality can suffer in low-light conditions. Not so with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 – its wide-angle 24mm lens extends all the way through to a 600mm equivalent, all the while maintaining a maximum f/2.8 aperture. And that’s been managed without significant impact to the model’s relatively trim scale. This f/2.8 aperture means more light can enter the camera which is ideal for faster exposures to capture action or to avoid using those less desirable higher ISO sensitivities.

As the replacement for 2012’s FZ200, the FZ330 adds a touchscreen and ups the ante in the viewfinder resolution stakes too. It’s still dependent on a 1/2.3in sensor size, however, so don’t expect complete and utter miracles in the image quality department – for that you’ll want a larger yet sensor, as found in something like the FZ1000 or Sony RX10 II (both featured below).

Unless a yet longer zoom is an essential to your needs then the FZ330 is our small-sensor top superzoom pick.

PRICE: around £449

PREVIEW: Panasonic Lumix FZ330 preview

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

Stepping things up a gear is the “premium superzoom” category, headed by the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000. It takes a 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0 lens and wraps it around a large 1-inch sensor for premium image quality. Many of the features are just as well as impressive as the top-spec Panasonic G-series interchangeable lens cameras, as is performance.

Although the Lumix FZ1000’s physical size and price tag will be a barrier for more casual users, those it will appeal to will find lots of value for money in its jumbo feature set. From 4K video, to silent operation, fast 12fps burst mode, through to the vari-angle LCD and built-in electronic viewfinder combination, decent autofocus and stacks of physical controls. There’s a lot on offer here.

Thing is, it’s a lot of money to fork out and calling it a “compact” camera is a stretch. But if you don’t want to be buying a system camera and want an all-in-one solution (which, admittedly, is a chunky beast) then this could be a viable solution. The longer lens and more accessible price point see it sit a step ahead of the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 II or Canon PowerShot G3 X.

PRICE: around £589

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 review

Pocket-lint

Panasonic Lumix TZ100

Now here’s an odd one out, as you can probably tell from looking at the TZ100’s small scale. Superzoom, you say? Well it kind of is, kind of isn’t. This pocketable camera combines a large 1-inch sensor, similar to that of the FZ1000 (above), but condenses the lens to a 10x optical zoom with a more limited aperture range.

Now while that combination doesn’t mean it’s a stand-out camera for shooting everything under the sun, if you’re after top quality and a decent zoom range then there’s not really anything else on the market just yet that can match – not at this pocketable scale, anyway. The exception, perhaps, is the Nikon DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6 (which we’re yet to see or test).

The TZ100 otherwise exists within its own world, leaving it almost untouched by any potential current competition. We love that it’s more pocketable than Canon’s closest equivalent, the G5 X, and having reviewed this Lumix feel the larger-sensor evolution makes more sense than the ever-extending maximum zoom options elsewhere in the TZ series. Just have ample expectations of what the lens can achieve due to its aperture limitations.

PRICE: around £529

PREVIEW: Panasonic Lumix TZ100 review

Best advanced / enthusiast compact camera

Here’s where compacts step up a gear. Whether it’s all the bells and whistles in the form of hands-on controls, a built-in viewfinder or a large sensor for optimum quality, there are all kinds of advanced compacts to suit different tastes. But these bigger wedges of camera are not only larger, they tend to demand a more considerable asking price too.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV

The Sony RX100 series has gone from strength to strength and in its fourth-generation format it’s a camera that, at this size, pretty much has it all.

It’s small scale enough to be pocketable, yet has a premium build, a pop-out built-in electronic viewfinder and stacks of features – not to mention great image quality and 4K movie capture from its 1-inch sensor.

You might think we’re mad for not including the more affordable original RX100 model, but the original doesn’t have a zoom lens quite as advanced. In the case of the Mark VI it’s all about the tilt-angle LCD screen, lens ring control and the newer, faster 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens. It’s a tour de force.

If pocketable is priority then this is hands-down the best option out there. But it’s far from cheap.

PRICE: around £759

FULL REVIEW: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV review

Panasonic Lumix LX100

The Panasonic LX100 is like the company’s (now aged) LX7 on steroids. It’s the first compact camera to feature a large Micro Four Thirds sensor – the same size you will find in top-of-the-line interchangeable lens models – for exceptional image quality. That’s a bigger sensor than the RX100 IV (above), delivering equal or better quality overall.

There’s heaps on offer too, with physical retro dials giving that chunky metal body plenty of personality. There’s an autofocus system that will see off a whole range of compact camera competitors, a fast 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 equivalent lens and brilliant electronic viewfinder. But no tilt-angle screen or touch-based sensitivity is a bit of a downer, as is an aperture priority slow shutter speed glitch.

The LX100 might be in for a hard ride if you’re after something pocketable though. It’s not “big big”, but doesn’t achieve a pocketable scale like the Sony RX100 IV. Saying that this is Panasonic laying the foundations of a great product, and one that we think is successful enough to cut the Canon G5 X line out of the picture. 

A few physical nips and tucks here and there, plus a couple of layout and features tweaks would see the LX100 be the perfect compact companion. But even as it stands, if the physical size doesn’t perturb you then it’s a camera with few peers. High-end compact cameras really don’t come much better – plus it’s way cheaper than the Sony RX100 IV.

PRICE: around £519

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix LX100 review

Best fixed-lens compact cameras

When money is no barrier and quality is everything, there’s a camera for that. DSLR sensor sizes in compact bodies and, typically, a fixed lens (no zoom) that’s matched up to its respective sensor for best possible image quality. Here’s where the compact goes pro – and these special specimens don’t just match DSLR quality, they often better it.

Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm has stormed the high-end compact market with the X-range, and the X100T keeps the bar high for the series.

The X100T isn’t going to be suitable for a huge audience as there’s no zoom and its retro aesthetic is a specialist thing in itself – but that, in some regard, is all part of what makes this high-end compact so appealing.

It’s not the model to pick if you’re into close-up macro shooting by any means, as wide apertures render soft images in such situations, but what really sells the X100T is the unique-to-Fuji hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder. And now that comes with a fantastic “electronic rangefinder” option for even more accurate manual focus.

That may all sound bonkers, but it’s not: think of a wider-than-100-per-cent optical viewfinder with all the bells and whistles of an electronic overlay and that’s what the X100T delivers. You can see beyond the frame’s edges to help capture the shot at that decisive moment.

Image quality from the fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens – that’s a 35mm equivalent when paired with the APS-C sensor – is so crisp from f/4.0 and below, in part thanks to Fujifilm’s own special colour array design and the fact there’s no low-pass filter to bypass light diffusion for heightened sharpness. It’s perfect for those candid street photography snaps.

PRICE: around £799

FULL REVIEW: Fujifilm X100T review

Pocket-lint

Fujifilm X70

As much as we’ve got a lot of love for the X100T, the smaller-scale Fujifilm X70 actually pips it in terms of preference for us. This 28mm (equivalent) fixed lens compact is like a more pocketable, wider-angle, slightly more consumer focused aid to the X100T.

First up, that complex (yet wonderful) viewfinder of the X100T isn’t to be found in the X70. There’s actually no viewfinder at all; instead it’s all about touchscreen controls and the screen can even flip around by 180-degrees if you’re selfie crazy. Not that we think that’ll be the most used feature of this camera.

What’s worth shouting about is the lens and sensor combination though: the 28mm equivalent with f/2.8 maximum aperture means it’ll be the wider-angle view many X100T owners have been looking for. Plus, with a 16.3-megapixel resolution, there’s still scope for 35mm and 50mm equivalents via an in-camera crop mode (without being driven into too low a resolution), which also show as 100 per cent scale in real-time on the rear screen.

Although we’d like a more detailed and faster autofocus system, and are in two minds about the lack of viewfinder, the X70 is otherwise a champion addition to the X-series. It’s really all about the image quality, which is why we suspect X100T fans and, to some degree, newcomers will be rushing out to buy this wide-angle wonder.

A fixed-lens compact is never going to be for the masses, though, but as there are so few quality wide-angle solutions out there the Fujifilm X70’s 28mm equivalent is a sure-fire route to success for a discerning audience. If you’re looking for something more flexible then the Panasonic LX100 (further up the page) is probably the route to go down, not that both models are distinctly comparable.

PRICE: around £549

PREVIEW: Fujifilm X70 review

Best full-frame compact camera

Pocket-lint

Leica Q

Originally it was the Sony RX1 which held this spot, as the original fixed-lens full-frame compact camera. Ok, so the Leica Q isn’t particularly “compact” and its £2,900 price tag certainly isn’t small, but its 28mm f/1.7 lens is so out-of-this-world that it has to take the crown.

It’s not a compact for everyone, of course, with that price tag indicating so. But its huge full-frame sensor, which is the same size as found in pro-spec DSLR cameras, is paired with a lens so sharp that its results are absolutely pro. Nope, there’s no zoom, but in-camera 35/50mm crop modes go some way to help.

There’s a built-in electronic viewfinder (a 3.86m-dot LCOS one, no less) which is wonderfully high resolution, but it ought to activate a little quicker for street work. Add surprisingly speedy autofocus, touchscreen control and a burly build – this is every bit the Leica for a new generation.

Sure, it’s not a mass market product, as is the case with any fixed-lens camera. But whether you’re a staunch Leica fan, or simply a photography fan, the Q is that rare Leica that will transcend users old and new. A rare yet wonderful thing indeed – and the winner of Best Camera in the 2015 Pocket-lint Awards

PRICE: around £2,900

FULL REVIEW: Leica Q review

US Army turns to phone app to prevent base attacks

Neighborhood watch apps aren’t just for civilian streets. The US Army has forged a deal with CloseWatch to use a mobile crime reporting app, iWatch Army, to prevent mass shootings and other crimes at over 20 domestic bases. The software forwards tips (based on the FBI’s own crime codes) to the appropriate unit in less than 8 seconds, or faster than a 911 call. It also has its own notifications, so you can get an alert if there’s a credible threat. While iWatch Army isn’t meant to replace emergency services, it could be crucial to catching terrorists before they’re ready to strike.

The initial launch is modest given the size of the armed forces, but CloseWatch tells Reuters that further Army bases and the Air Force are already asking about using the app themselves. The ultimate goal is to make iWatch the go-to crime prevention tool for the US military and its allies. That’s a tall order, but it may be realistic in an era when many soldiers are more comfortable with sending text messages than making phone calls.

Via: Reuters

Source: CloseWatch (BusinessWire), iWatch Army

Fit up, look smart: MyZone adds apparel and new app

MyZone was one of the few companies at the Wearable Technology Show 2016 that actually announced something new. Following the launch of a women’s sports bra integrating MyZone’s effort-rewarding tech at CES 2016, it has used the London wearable show to introduce a men’s compression top.

Like the sports bra, the top features embedded heart electrodes that connect to a clip-on MyZone MZ-3 module, which measures the user’s heart rate and calories burned. This data is then transferred to the MyZone app via Bluetooth, enabling the user to analyse the information on a compatible device, whether that be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or GPS sports watch.

The men’s compression top will be available in red to begin with, followed by a range of colours and it will come in small, medium and large size offerings. It is manufactured from quick-drying, sweat-proof fabric and like other compression gear, it is designed to support muscles.

Alongside the new compression top, MyZone also announced a redesign of its app at the show. The new app is much cleaner and easier to understand than the current offering, delivering a more intuitive interface.

Pocket-lint

New features include automatic connectivity to the MZ-3 module when training begins and a home button to allow users to access their newsfeed, social connections, workout data and challenges from the main screen. The ability to stream music whilst working out, post pictures Instagram-style and chat privately with other MyZone users without coming out of the MyZone app has also been integrated.

Additionally, the app will offer one-tap access to a user’s MEP status, which refers to MyZone effort points, and details on how close they are to reaching their monthly goal.

MyZone has been around for a while, originating in premium gyms. It rewards effort no matter what level of fitness someone has or how they train, creating bespoke and responsive targets for each individual. A personal handicap is created based on a users maximum heart rate and MyZone’s game-based platform allows users to compete in cloud-based challenges as well as offer a social side. 

The MyZone app is free and the new iOS version will be available around the end of March 2016, while the Android version will launch around the beginning of April. The MyZone compression t-shirt costs £79.99 and is available now.

READ Our first experience with MyZone

Want a gareer in Game design? Get started with this ‘Pay What You Want’ course bundle

The video game industry earned twice as much revenue as the entire film industry last year, an astounding testament to the incredible advancements in gaming technologies.

If you’re ready to turn your gaming obsession into a legitimate career – or an exhilarating hobby, learn essential game development skills at a price of your own choosing with the Pay What You Want: Hardcore Game Dev Bundle, now available on Pocket-lint Deals.

From a crash course in Android Marshmallow development to a deep-dive on utilizing Phaser HTML5 framework & JavaScript technologies to build cross-platform games, you’ll receive comprehensive, top-level instruction to conquer every facet of the game design universe. Learn not only to utilize the Game Maker program, but also build a solid foundation from which to expand your general programming skills. Along the way you’ll add Corona SDK to your coding arsenal—a powerful platform that will expedite app development for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Kindle.

Soon you’ll be building your own games from scratch!

Courses include:

Build iPad, iPhone & OS X Games for SpriteKit in Swift
Game Developer Business & Legal Guide: Run an Indie Studio
iOS & OS X Game Development: From Start to Store in Swift
2048: Build Your First Complete Game with C# & Unity
Master Unity By Building 6 Fully-Featured Games from Scratch
The Complete HTML5 Mobile Game Development Course
Learn to Code in Game Maker Language
The Complete Android Marshmallow Development Course
Game Development Using Corona SDK with ASO & Ads
JavaScript Programming: Learn by Making a Mobile Game

By the time you work through the full bundle’s lesson offerings, you’ll have developed a hugely expanded skill set, with the ability to design the games you’ve always wanted to see in the world. Choose your own price and get started today.

With “Pay What You Want” bundles, you can get course 9 and 10 for as little as you want to pay. And if you beat the average price, you’ll get the complete bundle. With the Pay What You Want: Hardcore Game Dev Bundle, a portion of the profits will go to support Save The Children. So while you’re leveling up your skills and career potential, you’ll also support a good cause.

You could be playing Gears of War 4 earlier than you thought

Gears of War fans will get the chance to play the next chapter in the series in April.

An open multiplayer beta of Gears of War 4 will be available from 25 April for one week, long ahead of the games expected holiday season release date.

What’s more, an early access period for the beta will give some fans the chance to play it from 18 April.

To be eligible for the early access beta, all you have to do is play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or PC, through Windows 10, before 11 April. The open beta will be available to all Xbox Live Gold members.

Microsoft

Strangely, although the early access period for the beta is open to PC players of Ultimate Edition, they cannot actually play the beta on their machines. It will only be available to play on Xbox One. But as Phil Spencer told Pocket-lint a few weeks ago at the Xbox Spring Showcase in San Francisco, many Windows 10 gamers also have a console in the living room too.

Eligible players will be sent Gears 4 beta tokens from 11 April.

Hopefully, the beta will give a great impression of the first original Gears of War title that hasn’t been worked on by Epic Games. Instead, it is being developed entirely by Microsoft’s in-house studio, The Coilition, after the software giant acquired the licence in 2014.

Make late-night bathroom trips gentle on the eyes with the IllumiBowl Light

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re clinging to sleep like the last drops of water on a desert journey – but when nature calls, blasting your eyes with the overhead light in the bathroom is an inevitable annoyance.

That is, unless you have the IllumiBowl Toilet Night Light to gently guide your path. The gentle, motion-activated light comes in your choice of colors, for only £12.01 ($16.99) for a limited time on Pocket-lint Deals.

Featured on the hit series Shark Tank, the IllumiBowl apparatus is a palm-sized device that suction cups to the outside rim of your bowl, and then directs its LED color-changing magic inside. The light is motion-activated, so it turns on and off automatically, saving energy and germ-concern.

Each IllumiBowl has 8 light colors and a number of patterned illuminations to choose from, bringing some aesthetic variety to your restroom. With children in the home, IllumiBowl is a no-brainer, making those nighttime trips to the toilet a fear-free, fun-lit experience.

Enjoy gentle bathroom lighting with an IllumiBowl Toilet Night Light, now 15 per cent off for a limited time from Pocket-lint Deals.

Best compact system cameras 2016: The best mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras available to buy today

You’re looking to buy a compact system camera (CSC) but don’t know what to go for? Perhaps the term alone confounds: we’ve seen plenty of naming conventions being thrown around of late, from simple “mirrorless” through to terms such as “digital single lens mirrorless (DSLM)”.

Whatever you choose to call them, we’re not going to get hung up about it. You’re probably interested in such cameras because they offer image quality well above that from a compact camera and the ability to change between lenses to obtain different views on to the world. It’s that creative control in a small package that’s of interest.

Compact system cameras are, as that name suggests, a whole camera system that, in many respects, are comparable to their DSLR camera equivalents. The key difference is that there’s no mirror box in the build and, therefore, in most cases, they’re smaller. Some have electronic viewfinders, others just a rear screen for preview so you can use them like an enlarged digital compact.

In this best-of feature, we round up the best mirrorless system cameras of 2016 to suit all tastes and abilities. Whether that’s based on budget for a first time buy, or a larger chunk of cash for a second model, we’ve got the goods for beginners or aspiring pros. Whether that’s a point-and-shoot solution, or an all-in-one solution with viewfinder, there’s an option for everyone.

Whatever your level, we’ll guide you through the hottest products available – and only models that we’ve seen to assure their quality – to save you time when it comes to working out what the best options are for your needs. We’ll be regularly updating this feature to keep it up to date with the latest and greatest models.

A quick lesson in lenses

Lens mount

First thing’s first: cameras don’t work in a one-size-fits-all way. Brands like to keep their own heritage and, as such, manufacturers tend to have individual lens mounts.

The exception is Micro Four Thirds which is supported by Panasonic Lumix G, both Olympus Pen and Olympus OM-D models and now the Kodak PixPro S-1. Elsewhere there are a whole host of considerations, each tied to their respective manufacturers: it’s E-mount for Sony Alpha (formerly NEX), XF-mount for Fujifilm, NX-mount for Samsung NX (and specifically the smaller NX-M mount for the NX Mini; although Samsung has withdrawn from the UK market now), 1-mount for the Nikon 1-series, EF-M for Canon EOS M, and Q-mount for Pentax Q.

Each of those companies also makes or had made DSLR cameras, so don’t fall into the trap of buying a lens just because the manufacturer name matches up. It’s the mount that’s key.

Focal length equivalent

Each lens will have a “mm” marking on it, such as 12-24mm, to convey the angle of view it will deliver. The lower the number the wider the angle of view, so more will “fit in” to a scene.

It’s a bit more complex than that as different camera systems have different sensor sizes that give different focal length equivalents, but stick to that rough rule above and you’ll have an approximate bearing on what you’re getting. If you want to know more, bring it up in the comments below and people can help you grasp what means what. 

Best first / budget buy

You know you’re interested in a system camera. You want something small, but something that you can grow with. You want to pick a system that you’ll stick with; one that’s established and reliable. There are different options from all the brands, so it’s a hard call. Increasingly manufacturers are focusing more on the higher-value segment of the market, so fewer budget options are appearing.

You could option the Nikon 1 series as it’s super small and super fast, but has among the smallest of sensor sizes and compromises image quality in low-light. All possible conclusions but, for us, the best size to quality balance – and the camp with the largest number of available lenses – goes to Micro Four Thirds models made by Panasonic and Olympus.

Panasonic Lumix GF7

The Lumix GF7 ticks both the pocketable and budget boxes. Pop a small lens on the front and you can literally fit it into a bag or pocket and barely notice it.

It doesn’t scrimp on the quality front either, despite its affordable price point. The GF7 produces decent quality images from its 16-megapixel sensor, has very fast autofocus, easy auto or manual shooting modes, and an LCD screen that can flip all the way up to face forward for selfies. If you’re looking for more pro features, however, such as a viewfinder and/or hotshoe for one/or a flash then look elsewhere.

If you’re looking for an affordable system camera, Panasonic offers many unbeatable features, especially at this price point. Although some territories have seen a GF8 replacement model, that won’t be coming to the UK – so the GF7 is an end-of-the-line product and, therefore, a bit of a bargain. Leave Panasonic to focus on the higher-value section of the market, which might act as an excuse to springboard yourself to a more advanced camera later down.

PRICE: around £319

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix GF7 review

Best affordable built-in viewfinder solution

It’s got the rear screen for compact-like use, but there’s also a built-in viewfinder in tow too. Usually that means spending mega bucks, but there are some more affordable alternatives out there.

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Panasonic Lumix GX8

The Lumix GX8 is bursting with features, including a built-in tilt-angle electronic viewfinder, vari-angle LCD screen, and an autofocus system that takes on the Fujifilm X-T1/X-T10 and wins. But its four-figure asking price (with a lens) also makes it expensive – it’s a different beast compared to its GX7 predecessor.

Shortcomings are few and far between, but there are some niggles: the absence of a drive mode dial does seem odd, especially as an on-board flash has been sacrificed; some minor layout foibles could be improved, such as the placement of the top thumb dial’s function button; continuous autofocus still has its issues; and the battery life fails to impress.

But let’s not skip the positives. This camera boasts the best image quality we’ve seen from any Micro Four Thirds camera to date – some larger sensor competitors, such as the Fujifilm X-E2S might still pip it though – plus it’s a a pleasure to use and boasts plenty of pro-spec features.

PRICE: around £699 body-only

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix GX8 review

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Fujifilm X-T10

Retro done right, that was our sentiment about the X-T10, the cut-price little brother to the X-T1 (which did feature in our list until recently, but, in some respects, the X-Pro2 has pushed it overboard).

Its combination of retro design, quality construction, top notch image quality and decent general performance make it a great all-rounder.

To find shortcomings with the X-T10 only really shows face in the autofocus and so-so battery life departments. Its autofocus system can’t claim top prize in its field, lagging behind the likes of the Panasonic Lumix GX8, and without touchscreen or more complex focus options. But for the right photography that’s not going to be a nail-in-coffin deal-breaker.

PRICE: around £449 body-only

FULL REVIEW: Fujifilm XT-10 review

Best image quality mirrorless camera

Another hotly contested category, and one that’s likely to shift as new cameras continue to launch with new innovations. Typically larger sensors produce better quality images, assuming they’re paired with decent optics and the megapixel count isn’t too high.

Sensor size order drifts upwards from 1/2.3-inch Pentax Q, to 1-inch Nikon 1, the 2x crop factor of Micro Four Thirds, the 1.6x APS-C format of Canon’s EOS M, then the slightly larger 1.5x APS-C formats of Fujifilm and Sony. At the very top there’s the full-frame models from Sony – and we wouldn’t be surprised if other manufacturers follow suit in the future too.

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Fujifilm X-E2 / X-E2S

If you’re after a CSC that’s all about image quality then look little further than Fujifilm. Unlike most conventional sensors, Fujifilm has done away with the low-pass filter which leads to sharper results and the Japanese company has also implemented a unique colour filter array that you won’t find outside of this brand. It’s all very complex, but all very clever. All you really need to know is that results are top notch.

We also love the hands-on layout of the build, and both retro style and retro approach to taking pictures thanks to physical aperture dials on the XF lenses.

If you’re an action photographer then don’t kid yourself, this camera won’t be suitable. But if you’re after a camera that successfully marries the old school of thought with the new in a visually striking package then there’s a lot to love in the Fujifilm X-E2.

Got a bit more cash and want the very latest? Then the recently announced X-E2S tweaks the design and ups the viewfinder resolution to 2.36m-dots.

PRICE: around £399 body-only (X-E2S is around £599)

FULL REVIEW: Fujifilm X-E2

Best enthusiast mirrorless camera

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Although image quality and autofocus ability aren’t giant leaps ahead compared to the first-generation E-M5 model, the Mark II shows that OM-D has landed. It’s a good-looking, classy performer that takes the original’s concept and elevates it to a higher level.

With features such as High Res Shot and LiveComp, Olympus puts its own stamp on its Micro Four Thirds line. And with a great viewfinder and improved 5-axis stabilisation system, the OM-D E-M5 II secures its place as one of the best compact system cameras out there for enthusiasts.

However, it’s not quite perfect. Battery life could be better, low-light image quality finds natural limitations, the menu system can feel overly complex, while new design features such as the rotational thumbwheels can be knocked out of place all too easily. There’s also no 4K video, unlike some competitors such as the Panasonic Lumix GH4.

PRICE: around £769 body only

FULL REVIEW: Olympus OM-D E-M5 II review

 

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Olympus Pen-F

We’re going out on a limb here, because while the Pen-F might not be the class-leading camera in every single department (let’s not forget the E-M5 II above), just take a look at this stylish-like-the-60s camera. It’s a beaut, incredibly built and alluring to those with discerning tastes. Deciding between Panasonic GX8 and Fujifilm X-T1 just had a spanner thrown in the works.

At £999 body-only the Pen-F certainly is not cheap, but with features such as 5-axis image stabilisation that its competitors can’t offer, plus a built-in electronic viewfinder that easily matches them, Olympus sure is firmly on the compact system camera map this release.

There’s even a quick-access dial on the very front of the camera for quick adjustment of four creative functions: Mono, Art Filters, Colour Profile and Color Creator. Talk about doing something different, that’s what Olympus is going for here.

PRICE: around £999 body-only

PREVIEW: Olympus Pen-F preview

Best viewfinder in a mirrorless camera

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Fujifilm X-Pro2

The X-Pro2’s tweaks and tinkers forge a far more accomplished camera than the original X-Pro1 for the modern professional. It’s faster, better to use and those small details make all the difference.

Sure, it’s a quirky camera, but that’s kind of what we loved about the X-Pro back in 2011. The X-Pro2 stands out from the crowd with its complex “advanced hybrid multi viewfinder” (that’s what Fujifilm likes to call it), making for a camera experience that’s positively retro, but positively professional. Think rangefinder-like use thanks to a corner-positioned digital rangefinder overlay screen (as found in the X100T) which can show a 2.5x or 6.0x magnification of the active focus point for precision manual focus, ensuring correct focus for close-up shooting.

We’d still like to see a vari-angle touchscreen rather than fixed panel only, but given that the X-Pro2 seems to be looking inwards to its existing pro user base rather than outwards to newcomers, we suspect the target audience will see the appeal.

PRICE: around £1350 body-only

PREVIEW: Fujifilm X-Pro2 review

Best mirrorless camera for video

Video or movie capture has been going from strength to strength in mirrorless cameras, with many now very capable. Our current favourite is the Panasonic, but diehard videographers may call out the Sony A7S II as the top ranking model in this category (we haven’t reviewed it as yet).

Panasonic Lumix GH4

The Panasonic GH4 isn’t just a camera for video capture by any means, as this could easily fit into the “enthusiast” category above. But its ability to capture 4K at usable frame-rates and 1080p at beyond broadcast standard compression makes it a standout product. This is the model that sees the GH series finally land with a bang.

We’ve used the camera somewhat differently to a DSLR, but haven’t found it to limit our abilities at any turn. The sensor size has meant an easy-to-carry device with sufficient zoom from the 16-140mm lens, and the 2,360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder does a decent job too, even if it’s not as impressive as the Fujifilm X-T1 in this regard.

Image quality is roughly on par with its nearest competitors, although processing has been balanced towards sharpness which can sometimes reveal a lack of smooth gradation, with clusters of pixellated colours showing up in areas. That might have cost the GH4 its perfect score, but it’s the 4K movie mode that sees the GH4 land in a special place. It’s so far ahead of the competition in this regard that it’s currently untouchable. We’re sure plenty will all but ignore the stills shooting ability and buy a GH4 for its 4K capture capabilities.

It’s no longer so much “compact system vs DSLR”, it’s about which camera is best, and the GH4 ticks so many boxes it was one of the best cameras to arrive in 2014 – a legacy that continued in 2015 with advanced firmware updates and, in 2016, it’s still a hugely desirable camera.

PRICE: around £899 body only

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Lumix GH4 review

Best full-frame mirrorless camera

Sony Alpha A7 II

The Sony Alpha A7 II, the second in the full-frame series, offers a larger sensor than its competitors. That big point of interest doesn’t make it a huge camera though: it’s small in scale and, at under £1,000 for the body only, it’s the most affordable pathway into full-frame (the only other option, for now, is the massive Leica SL). There’s even on-board 5-axis image stabilisation.

However, we would like to see improved battery life – but grab a couple of spares (or the optional battery grip if you don’t mind the additional scale) and a prime lens and the A7 II is quite stunning. It’s a camera out there all on its own: not comparable to a full-frame DSLR for all things, but in some cases that’s a positive. It’s a different system, with a different ethos and, combined with the right gear, it’ll bring you one thing that’s the same as any other system worth its salt: glorious full-frame pictures.

There are also A7 S and R alternatives, for video and high-resolution points of interest, respectively, but they cost a chunk more than the standard model.

PRICE: around £850 body only

FULL REVIEW: Sony Alpha A7 II review

Now TV vs Sky+HD vs Sky Q: Which Sky package is right for you?

Sky announced its new entertainment service – Sky Q – at the end of November 2015. The service has now joined the broadcaster’s options, bringing a more fluid and seamless experience than the previous offering. The question is, is it the right choice for you?

There are three ways to get access to Sky’s content. The Now TV route, the Sky+HD route with a bundle that suits you or the Sky Q route, choosing either the standard option or the Silver offering. Sky will launch a UHD service later in the year and a new Now TV box, but at the moment, those are your three choices.

This feature explains the differences between Now TV, Sky+HD, Sky Q and Sky Q Silver to help you decide which Sky option best suits your needs. Read on to find out which Sky package is right for you.

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Now TV

Now TV is the cheapest way to access Sky’s content and it is aimed at those who are unable to have regular Sky, perhaps due to lack of satellite or budget. There is currently one box available but Sky has just announced a new Now TV box that will sit along side the existing model. Details of the new box are currently thin on the ground but it is thought it will offer UHD compatibility.

Now TV is an online streaming service that offers access to live TV channels, as well as on demand services. The current Now TV box itself costs a one-off £14.99 and you will need internet access so take that into account, but it is worth noting that Now TV is also available on Chromecast, PS4, PS3, YouView and others so you don’t need to buy a separate box if you have any of the compatible devices.

Rather than a yearly contract like Sky+HD, Now TV has what it calls Now TV Passes that allow you to pay monthly for services. There is an Entertainment Pass for £6.99 a month, a Movies Pass for £9.99 a month and three Sports Passes from £6.99 and you can choose the ones you want and when.

The Entertainment Pass delivers a month’s access to over 250 Sky Box Sets and 13 live channels that aren’t available on Freeview including Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, MTC and Comedy Central. Movies offers a month’s access to over 1000 movies on demand including up to 16 new Sky Movies premieres each month. Sports is split into a day pass for £6.99, a week pass for £10.99 and a month pass for £31.99, all of which offer access to the seven Sky Sports channels. You can add a pass and take it away on a month-by-month basis, so add movies just for December for example.

READ Now TV box review

Sky+HD

Sky+HD was the current Sky TV offering up until Sky Q launched, now making it the middle option. There are two Sky+HD boxes available – the standard 500GB box and the 2TB box – and there are several bundles available, all at various price points.

The TV bundles start at £20 a month and creep up to £75.75 a month, depending on which you choose. It goes without saying, the more you pay, the more channels you get but there are a number of standard features across all the bundles.

With each TV bundle, you get one standard Sky+HD box for free that will allow you to pause, rewind and record live TV. The box comes with built-in Wi-Fi and you’ll have access to plenty of Catch Up TV channels including BBC iPlayer, All 4 and ITV hub.

Users will also get the Sky Service app, Sky+ app and Sky Go, the latter of which allows you to watch Sky on up to two devices wherever you are over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. Other features include Sky Atlantic access with shows including Game of Thrones, and Smart Series Link that remembers the series you have recorded in the past for any future series.

The 1TB box will store an average of 185 hours of standard definition content and it will cost £199 per extra box. The 2TB box offers storage for up to 1180 hours of standard definition content but it’s a little pricier and it doesn’t come as standard, nor is the first box entirely free. The first 2TB box has an upfront cost of £49, while buying a second would cost £249.

When it comes to the different bundles, there aren’t great deal of extras when it comes to features as the price variation is about the channels offered instead. The Original Bundle, which is the £20 option, doesn’t offer access to over 300 Sky Box Sets like the other bundles do however.

The final option within Sky+HD is Multiscreen. This is where you pay an additional £11.25 per month on top of whichever bundle you have chosen to watch Sky in more than one room. The first Sky Multiscreen box is free and it will be the standard 1TB option again, but you will also get Sky Go Extra, which would normally cost £5 a month. Basically, if you pay for Sky Go Extra on top of your bundle but you don’t have Multiscreen, you’d only be paying an extra £6.25 per month for an extra box and the ability to watch Sky in bed.

Sky Go Extra allows you to download content and watch it offline, which you can do on up to four devices, including Xbox One now, rather than the two offered with Sky Go.

It is worth noting none of the bundles or boxes within Sky+HD support 4K or offer any 4K channels. You’ll need to look a little further down this feature to Sky Q Silver for that.

READ Sky 1TB set-top box review

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Sky Q

Sky Q is the latest and newest service from the broadcaster. Setup costs for Sky Q will start from £99 and packages will start at £42 a month with a minimum subscription of 18 months. To add Sky Movies to your bundle, you’ll need to pay an extra £17 a month, while Sky Sports will cost an extra £25.50 a month. Although if you want both movies and sports, you can add it to the standard Sky Q package for a combined total of £34.50 a month.

Like Sky+HD, there are two set-top boxes but there is more variation than just storage when it comes to the Sky Q service. In this section, we are focusing on Sky Q, while the next section will talk about Sky Q Silver.

Sky Q has eight tuners and 1TB of storage, which Sky claims will offer space to store up to 150 hours of recorded HD content. It is Full HD compatible and it allows users to simultaneously record three channels, while watching a fourth, and there is support for watching on one tablet and one Sky Q Mini box too.

The Sky Q Mini box connects to the main Sky Q box via Wi-Fi or Powerline networking and it allows you to view Sky content in other rooms. It is essentially the new Multiscreen, allowing you to view live or recorded content, as well as watch catch-up and on demand services in whichever room you have put a Mini box into, in addition to your main room. Along with watching in other rooms, you’ll also be able to pause and resume in another room, which is what Sky is calling Fluid Viewing.

A new app called Sky Q Sync will allow you to record a film or TV series and transfer the content to your tablet. It seems like this will be similar to what you can do with the current Sky Go Extra but everything will be more seamless.

Sky Q also comes with a more intelligent interface than you’ll find on Sky+HD or Now TV, with a more image-led service like you’d find on YouView. The home page has categories including Top Picks, Box Sets, Recordings, TV Guide on the left, with images on the right. There is also a section called My Q that brings in shows you didn’t get a chance to finish watching, the latest episode from one of your favourite series and other recommendations. Third Party apps will also be present in a side bar including VeVo and YouTube.

READ Sky Q review

Sky Q Silver

Sky Q Silver offers a similar experience to Sky Q when it comes to the user interface and features such as Fluid Viewing, but it has one main difference: Ultra HD TV compatibility. The Sky Q Silver set-top box is 4K-ready for when the Sky Ultra HD service launches later this year. The regular Sky Q box doesn’t offer this.

Sky Q Silver setup fees start from £99 and the monthly package at £54 a month for new customers. The same Sky Movies and Sky Sports costs apply as regular Sky Q and the same minimum 18-month subscription applies too.

There are 12 tuners inside the Sky Q Silver box and 2TB of storage, which should allow for up to 350 hours of recorded HD content. The Sky Q Silver box will enable users to record four channels simultaneously, while watching a fifth and it also supports two tablets and two Sky Q Mini boxes, with all devices capable of viewing different content at the same time.

In addition to all the features mentioned already, the Sky Q service, which includes both set-top boxes will come with a new touch remote that connects via Bluetooth so you can hide your Sky Q box out of sight. There is also something called the Sky Q Hub which is a new router for Sky Broadband that integrates Powerline networking, allowing you to use your mains wiring to connect your Sky Q devices together rather than using Wi-Fi. You can use Wi-Fi instead though.

Each Sky Q box can also act as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your Sky Broadband but as you might have guessed, you’ll need to make sure you have Sky Broadband for this to be an option. You don’t however need Sky as your internet provider for any of Sky’s TV services to work as standard, just for the hotspot feature.

Conclusion

So which Sky TV service is right for you? Well, this very much depends on your budget and whether you have access to a satellite dish because if you don’t, your only option is Now TV.

Now TV is great for anyone who wants access to Sky’s content including Box Sets but doesn’t have a huge amount of cash to splash. Ignoring the cost of internet, you could get Sky Entertainment and Sky Movies for £16.98 a month.

A similar package with Sky+HD would set you back £53 a month, but you do of course get the ability to pause and record live TV, along with a few more channels and other features.

Sky Q is the most exciting of all three services, as you might expect given that it is new, but it comes at a price. For the Entertainment and Movies like above on regular Sky Q, you’d be looking at £59 a month. For the same on Sky Q Silver, it would be £71 a month.

Sky Q looks like it will offer the most seamless and user friendly experience, allowing you to pick up and drop shows and movies as you move around your home and if you’re happy to pay the extra over Sky+HD then it’s likely to be the best option. If you want to be ready for 4K content however, then Sky Q Silver is your only option, or potentially the new Now TV box, but we will need to wait for more details on that to be sure.