Five of the most advanced digital cameras in their field reviewed, from Leica’s Q to Panasonic’s hybrid

Digital cameras are getting more advanced and more specialised. Just how good is the $5900 Leica Q or Panasonic’s phone/camera hybrid? We can tell you.

Sophisticated ... Leica's Q Typ 116 camera features a full-frame sensor and 28mm f1.7 lens.

Digital cameras are growing in sophistication as makers encourage photographic enthusiasts to upgrade their equipment.

They’re also becoming more specialised, with high-end, full-frame, fixed-lens Leica cameras for semi-professionals, action cameras as small as a mini torch, and smartphone/camera hybrids.

Here are five models of all types reviewed.

Leica Q

Leica / 4.5/5 / $5900 / en.leica-camera.com

Sophisticated ... Leica's Q Typ 116 camera features a full-frame sensor and 28mm f1.7 lens.

Leica considers this $5900 camera “entry level” but any keen photographer would rightly exclaim at the sight of it. The Leica Q is a solidly built, 24-megapixel, full-frame camera small enough to travel with but advanced enough to achieve fine manual image control. Its fixed Summilux 28mm f1.7 lens is sublime, offers a macro mode, and delivers aperture and focal lens rings. Buttons are minimal and easy to navigate, and its menus deliver surprises including an intervalometer for time lapses and wi-fi connection for quick image transfers. It omits a built-in flash or grip, isn’t light at 640g, and won’t capture 4K video footage, but its image quality and focus speed is stunning. Add this one to your “want” list.

Canon EOS 760D

Canon / 3.5/5 / $1050 (body only) / canon.com.au

Digital SLR camera newcomers who aren’t ready to invest much more than $1000 in equipment may appreciate Canon’s latest addition. The 760D feels like a cheaper version of the two-year-old 70D but introduces features including a 24.2-megapixel sensor with 19-point hybrid autofocus, Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor, a new metering sensor, and NFC and wi-fi connections. The 760D also offers advantages over its 750D stablemate, including a Quick Control Dial and automatic viewfinder. Its plastic body and feature-set match its price — there is no 4K video or weather sealing here — but it offers an able introduction to advanced photography.

Panasonic Lumix CM1

Panasonic / 4/5 / $1399 / panasonic.com.au

Is it a phone or camera? Panasonic Lumix CM1 really is both devices. On one side is a 4.7-inch touchscreen delivering Google Android Lollipop software, a speaker for placing calls, and 4G connectivity. On the other side is a camera with an f2.8, 28mm wide-angle lens, LED flash, dedicated shutter button, and a one-inch sensor. It’s an attempt to create the perfect hybrid and it’s an admirable one. The CM1 is just 2.1cm thin, and its photos surpass that of a typical phone camera. On the downside, there’s no optical zoom, its flash and white balance setting can be troublesome, and it’s pricey.

Canon PowerShot SX610 HS

Canon / 4/5 / $300 / canon.com.au

Those who prefer a point-and-shoot but want more features than a smartphone camera should investigate this pocket-sized 20.2-megapixel camera. Its big drawcard is an 18x zoom equivalent to 25-405mm in films terms, with image stabilisation to keep things steady when it is fully extended. It shoots full high-definition video and burst mode takes seven shots per second. It has wi-fi and NFC to pair to a smartphone and an ISO range up to 3200. Those used to DSLR controls may find it fiddly but it has the features to make it a great pocket shooter.

Panasonic HX-A1 Action Cam

Panasonic / 4/5 / $299 / panasonic.com/au

Actions cams are getting smaller and simpler. Panasonic’s action camera looks like a small torch and at 45g is notably lighter, and cheaper, than the top models. It is waterproof, without a case, to 1.5m. It shoots full high-definition video and has wi-fi to transfer images to a phone. Along with its size, its night mode is a standout as it lets users shoot in almost total darkness with your own infra-red light source. Its big disadvantage is a disappointing battery life of just one hour and 15 mins recording time and, while there is an extendible battery that doubles that time, it also doubles the length of the unit.