From seeing in the dark to snapping adventures, these cameras take photography to the next level

KEEN to take your photography seriously this year? From DSLR cameras to those primed for adventure, there are plenty of options to help you.

KEEN to take your photography seriously this year? From DSLR cameras to those primed for adventure, there are plenty of options to help you.

Sony Alpha 7S

Sony / 4.5/5 / $2799 / sony.com.au

Sony Alpha 7S full-frame digital camera.

This camera is very close to having night vision. Sony’s Alpha 7S has a lowlight rating of 102,400 ISO that can be extended to an even more staggering 409,600 ISO. Naturally, photos are clearer at lower settings but this full-frame camera can capture images you might otherwise miss. The A7S also delivers 4K video recording, wi-fi and NFC connectivity for quick image sharing, and an OLED viewfinder, though its resolution is just 12.2 megapixels, or half of its big Alpha brothers.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon / 4/5 / $2579 / canon.com.au

Canon EOS 7D Mark II SLR camera

It’s been five years since Canon released the 7D, a sharpshooting enthusiast camera. Its follow-up boasts important upgrades including 65 autofocus points, a 20-megapixel sensor, a leap to 16,000 ISO, a built-in GPS chip, and an impressive shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second. The autofocus on this camera remains fast, and it can now record images to a CF or SD memory card. The evolutionary, second 7D doesn’t have as many upgrades as you might expect, however, and there’s no 4K video capture, wi-fi connection or touchscreen on this shooter.

Panasonic Lumix LX100

Panasonic / 4.5/5 / $1199 / panasonic.com.au

Panasonic Lumix LX100 digital camera.

The LX100 is a camera for pro photographers on a day off. All its important settings are within easy reach: a ring around the lens changes aperture down to f1.7, a switch changes image aspect, and two dials up top control shutter speed and exposure compensation. Added to this is a built-in electronic viewfinder, three customisable function buttons, wi-fi connectivity, and two buttons delivering quick access to photo filters and Intelligent Auto mode. Fresh photographers may not appreciate the 12.8-megapixel camera’s lack of scene modes, or lack of a moving touchscreen, but this shooter is otherwise a pleasure to use.

Nikon D3300

Nikon / 3.5/5 / $549 (body only) / www.nikon.com.au

Nikon D3300 digital camera.

Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR has features to appeal to those new to manual cameras, from an easy-to-read display showing settings, to a guide mode taking you through photo-taking steps. With 24.2-million pixels, it can shoot up to five frames per second, 60p high-definition videos, and it is a compact unit that fits neatly in your hands. Negative points include a lack of wi-fi connectivity, the 3-inch screen is neither touch-sensitive nor tiltable, and focusing in live view is slow.

Kaiser Baas 100x

Kaiser Baas / 3.5/5 / $199.95 / kaiserbaas.com

Kaiser Baas 100x action cam.

This second-generation action cam from Kaiser Bass has features to match its big-name competitors but at a budget price. It can shoot 5-megapixel stills, has a 2-inch LCD screen on its back, and comes with a wrist-worn remote control. Another advantage to the Kaiser Baas design is it is compatible with GoPro mounts. On the down side, it is bulkier than other action cams and only records video at full high-definition.