Happy snapping
We live in a world saturated with images. More photographs have been taken in the last five years than in the rest of the history of the medium put together. Capturing the moment is as easy as whipping out your smartphone – it’s not surprising that mobiles now account for more pictures than regular cameras.
But if you want to guarantee stunning results, you still need to invest in the hardware. Thankfully, professional-grade equipment is within reach of almost anyone, with price points being driven ever lower and smart technology helping to make complex DSLR cameras (digital single lens reflex, the type used by professional snappers) easy enough for even beginners to master. Here is our guide to the very best.
Best for: beginners
Nikon D3200
£514 (body only) at amazon.co.uk
The D3200 is an entry-level DSLR with an excellent in-camera guide to teach would-be photographers the basics and make sure you get the most from your new toy. It comes with specs you would expect to find on a more advanced model.
Best for: playboys
Leica S2-P Digital SLR
£20,405 (with lens) at cliftoncameras.co.uk
Even pros would wince at the cost of this Leica DSLR. The S2-P, though, is German engineering at its very best. It offers incredible picture quality as well as the classic elegant design that Leica has been renowned for since its early days as a microscope manufacturer.
Best for: professionals
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
£2,999 (body only) at jessops.com
If you’re a seasoned snapper, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is one of the most solid, all-round cameras on the market. It offers exceptional image quality and manually configurable settings to make sure you can adapt to any conceivable situation.
Best for: an alternative to DSLR
Olympus OM-D EM-5
£999 (body only) at ukdigital.co.uk
This Olympus camera lays claim to the world’s fastest auto-focus and the world’s first five axis image stabilisation system, making the argument that top photography doesn’t necessarily require a DSLR. It’s also a reasonably priced option.
Best for: those on a tight budget
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
£450 at ukdigitalcameras.co.uk
If you want the luxury of an interchangeable lens camera without the complexity (or price tag) of a DSLR, the Lumix GX1 is ideal. The 12.1 megapixel camera takes great pictures for a product in this class and will allow beginners to slowly try out more advanced features.
Best for: adventurers
Pentax K-7
£580 (body only) at slrhut.co.uk
If you’re the kind of photographer who likes to get stuck in, this could be the one for you. The weather resistant body is compact and light for a DSLR, making it easier to lug through difficult terrain than some of its rivals. It’s also as tough as a tank.
Best for: taking the next step up
Sony Alpha SLT-A77V
£1,039 (body only) at amazon.co.uk
A great all-rounder that’s as comfortable taking professional-grade pictures as it is on the beach. While it lacks the punch of the true heavyweights, at less than a third of the price, it’s a perfect camera for budding snappers ready to take a step up.