Tried and tested: the best digital cameras for Christmas

We tried the best digital cameras on the market - and here is our technology editor’s top picks.

Sony Alpha 1

Hands down, one of the most powerful cameras ever released

$8899, sony.com.au

PROS

– Impressive speed and power

– Huge resolution and dynamic range

– Advanced autofocus saves photos

CONS

– High price

– Speed requires fast lens

– Average battery life

Using this camera is almost cheating at photography. Yes, you still need to recognise and frame images with the mirrorless, full-frame shooter, but it’s capable of capturing 30 photos per second, ensuring you record every tiny movement and at a resolution of 50 megapixels, meaning every detail is covered. The A1 will also automatically recognise and focus on you subject’s eyes, capture 8k video, and can operate silently so you don’t distract others. In short, it’s an overachiever.

Verdict: 5/5 stars

Leica Q2 Monochrom

Not for everyone but those who get it will long to get one

$9290, leica-store.com.au

PROS

– Unrivalled clarity

– Huge resolution

– Pure photography

CONS

– No colour whatsoever

– High price

– Huge files

Only Leica could make a camera that just captures black-and-white photos and make it so appealing. The Q2 Monochrom is designed to be a pure take on photography, harking back to its origins, and it arrives without a colour filter array. As a result, this 47-megapixel camera doesn’t interpret colours but captures tones exactly as they are, making it more capable in low light and able to produce the kind of clarity that will make you wonder if your eyesight improved. Colour cannot be added to photos later, making this a niche product, but one that is a joy to use.

Verdict: 4.5/5 stars

Fujifilm GFX 50S II

The camera to buy if your photos deserve to be poster-sized

$6499, fujifilm.com.au

PROS

– Huge sensor and detail

– Built-in stabilisation

– Film simulations

CONS

– High price

– Sluggish autofocus

– Not made for video

Photographers who believe size matters in image sensors should appreciate this fresh entry to Fujifilm’s medium format camera range. The GFX 50S II ‘only’ offers a 50-megapixel resolution but those pixels are larger than usual and capable of capturing stunning images even in low light. Importantly, this model also adds built-in image stabilisation, and comes in a 900g body that, while chunky, is surprisingly easy to handle. Its autofocus could be faster and it’s not designed for video, but it makes medium format photography more accessible.

Verdict: 4/5 stars

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The camera throwback also throws in a bit of new tech

$299, instax.com.au

PROS

– New spin on old tech

– Cute retro look

– Easy to print

CONS

– Limited resolution

– Delicate build

– $20 per film pack

This retro camera should appeal to two groups: people who grew up using photo filters, and people who remember the original Instamatic film cameras on which those filters were based. There are nods to both in this fun digital snapper that can take photos with 10 film effects and 10 digital lens options, and print the best out of its body using Instax film. It will also connect to Apple and Google smartphone apps to publish other photos you’ve prepared earlier and, while they’re not fine art quality, they fun to show off and share.

Verdict: 3/5 stars

Nikon Z fc

Retro styling for a thoroughly modern digital snapper

$1500, nikon.com.au

PROS

– Retro style with colour

– Quick settings with dials

– Handy hinged touchscreen

CONS

– Plastic body

– Slow autofocus

– Average kit lens

If this new camera looks familiar that’s because it’s based on the iconic Nikon FM2. This modern version is designed for a new, better connected audience, with a lighter body, hinged touchscreen, 20-megapixel sensor, and additions like eye-detecting autofocus. The new Nikon Z also adds extra dials to give quick access to ISO settings and exposure compensation, as well as a choice of six colours that aren’t black. Its body is too plasticky, sensor too small and focus too slow to appeal to purists but this camera has charm, a good price, and should appeal to enthusiasts.

Verdict: 4/5