5 best new digital cameras from Canon, Nikon and more, whether you want a DSLR or an action cam

WHETHER your best ever photograph is underwater or poster-sized, these five new digital cameras can help you capture it.

Canon's new top-of-the-range mirrorless camera, the EOS M5, features a 24.2-megapixel image sensor and wireless connectivity for photo sharing.

CAMERAS come in so many different forms it can be hard to back just one.

From mirrorless to DSLR cameras, waterproof to superzoom, each snapper suits different photography styles.

We tested five of the latest shooters to help you decide how to capture the perfect image.

Canon EOS M5

4.5/5 / $1700 body / canon.com.au

Canon's EOS M5 mirrorless camera lets photographers use legacy lenses.

Canon’s compromise between advanced features and a compact size doesn’t feel like much of a compromise. Its new M Series camera is like an EOS 80D in a 427g body. Its 24-megapixel APS-C sensor features Dual Pixel technology for faster, better autofocus, its hinged touchscreen can be used to set the camera’s focus, and you can drag a finger on the screen to move it. It can also shoot seven photos per second, use older lenses with an adaptor, and easily transfer images to smartphones over wi-fi. It won’t capture 4K or slow-motion video, and it can be slow to write RAW files, but the EOS M5 shows Canon is serious about advanced compact cameras.

Nikon D5600

4/5 / $1000 / nikon.com.au

Nikon's new 24-megapixel DSLR camera is lightweight and adds SnapBridge for transferring photos to phones and tablets.

NIKON’S new mid-range DSLR camera is a pocket rocket. An update to the 18-month old D5500, this camera adds subtle refinements and nice-to-have features to an already accomplished, 24.2-megapixel shooter. The new additions include SnapBridge, which uses a Bluetooth connection to transfer photos to a smartphone, in-camera time-lapse video capture, and extra special effects, such as Super Vivid mode. The camera’s 3.2-inch touchscreen is hinged for tough shooting situations, and can also be used to direct its focus or change settings quickly, its body features a deep grip and weight of just 420g, while its light sensitivity reaches 25,600 ISO and performs well up to 6400. This camera is far from an overhaul, and lacks 4K video capture, but those in the market for a solid and user-friendly DSLR should appreciate it.

Olympus Pen E-PL8

4/5 / $900 (14-42mm lens) / olympus.com.au

The Olympus Pen E-PL8 features a white and tan leatherette exterior and is designed to appeal to bloggers and fashion-focused photographers.

The latest Pen camera is designed to appeal to fashionistas and it shows. The E-PL8 is covered in stylish white and tan leatherette with pale gold accents, and it’s also slim and light enough to slip into a handbag. The entry-level Pen camera is no slouch, though. It’s slightly faster than its predecessor, capturing 8.5 16-megapixel photos per second, it features in-body image stabilisation, can wirelessly transfer images to a smartphone, and its touchscreen flips 180 degrees so you can take selfies simply by touching it. It omits an electronic viewfinder, it’s slightly heavier than the E-PL7, and it doesn’t make huge additions to justify an upgrade, but this camera is quick, stylish, and capable.

Panasonic DMC-FZ2500

4/5 / $1699 / panasonic.com/au

The Panasonic DMC-FZ2500 has a 24-480mm zoom and advanced features.

This all-in-one camera with a 24-480mm Leica zoom offers all the convenience of a super zoom travel camera but with more advanced features than typical, including a built-in ND filter with four settings and a 1-inch 20.1 megapixel sensor plus video shooting features to match most dedicated camcorders. Action shots are a breeze with 4K Pre-burst Photo mode that takes 30 frames per second before and after you hit the shutter. It’s a solid, well-designed camera with a 3-inch touchscreen that tilts and swivels that will make some second guess their decision to buy a DSLR.

Nikon KeyMission 170

3.5/5 / $550 / nikon.com.au

The Nikon KeyMission is an action camera waterproof to 10m that can shoot 4k video and has a 8 megapixel camera.

Waterproof to 10m (40m with optional housing) and shockproof to 2m, this is Nikon’s alternative to those considering a GoPro Hero 5. It can shoot 4K at 30 frames per second, or if you switch to HD you can get 120fps for slow motion clips of epic moments. The name indicates the 170-degree view and it has a 1.5-inch LCD screen to frame your shots. The unit is compact and chunky and some will like the separate shutter buttons for photos and videos, but it’s disappointing the screen is not touch-sensitive, its sensor records just eight megapixels, and that it is limited to just the one field of view.