Best Digital Cameras of 2015

Sony perfected their formula over four generations, introducing the exceptional RX100 IV
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 IV in 2015. This digital camera squeezes a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor, bright 3X optical zoom lens and even a high-resolution EVF into a very compact body.

The Sony RX100 IV is an outstanding electronic, optical and mechanical achievement. The newly designed stacked 20 MP sensor offers ultra-high-speed read-out to capture 4K Ultra-HD and full 1080p HD video with frame-rates up to 1000 FPS. Full-resolution images can be captured at 16 FPS with a hybrid shutter capable of a top 1/32000s speed.

A Vario-Sonnar T* lens by Zeiss offers a flexible 24-70mm range with an ultra-bright F/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture yet retracts almost entirely in the camera body. From the top of the RX100 IV a mid-sized 0.39" EVF with 2.4 MP pops up. Plus, the back of this digital camera offers a 1.2" MP titling LCD.

High image-quality, class-leading speed and an almost pocket-size body makes the Sony Cybershot RX100 IV one of the most compelling digital cameras on the market.

With the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100, Panasonic launched the most outstanding new digital camera. Technically launched at the end of 2014, the LX100 made its way into our digital camera reviews in 2015, delivering the best perfect balance of versatility and performance from a fixed-lens camera.

This premium compact captures 12 megapixels images at multiple aspect-ratio4:3, 3:2 & 16:9. without loss of resolution or viewing-angle, using a 16 MP Four-Thirds sensor slightly cropped to a 2.2X FLM. Its ultra-bright 24-75mm F/1.7-2.8 optical zoom lens therefore always allows for ultra-wide coverage.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 offers extensive controls, including dual control-dials and plenty of buttons. It features a built-in large 2.8 MP EVF and 3" LCD with 920K pixels. The LCD is fixed for extra durability and avoid problems of many modern digital cameras, particularly those with an EVF, by not being touch-sensitive.

The Nikon Coolpix P900
Nikon Coolpix P900 leads ultra-zooms by a huge margin with an unprecedented 83X optical zoom, equivalent to a 24-2000mm range. Its lens is optically stabilized and paired with a 16 megapixels high-speed CMOS sensor which delivers cleaner output than previous-generation 1/2.3" sensors.

This prosumer digital camera offers a truly rich feature-set, including several which are rarely seen among ultra-zoom such as Time-Lapse Video, Interval Timer, GPS and WiFi. Plenty of manual-controls are available along with dual control-dials and a high number of controls. It has a large 3" and a tiny 0.2" EVF with decent 920K pixels resolution and Eye-Start sensor.

The new compromise this year is that a two ultra-zooms, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and Canon Powershot G3 X
Canon Powershot G3 X, are now equipped with much larger 1" CMOS sensors to step up image-quality, albeit with much shorter optical zooms. These also put more demands on the lens which is why the P900 produces sharper output than the FZ1000.

The Fujifilm X-T10
Fujifilm X-T10 is one of the most satisfying surprises of 2015. Launched as a slimmed down version of the fantastic X-T1 reviewed here
Fujifilm X-T1, the new X-T10 provides streamlined controls in a smaller body. It notably loses an ISO dial and weather-sealing compared to the Fuji flagship mirrorless yet delivers class-leading image-quality and impressive performance.

The X-T10 offers the latest generation 16 megapixels X-Trans CMOS II sensor paired with a fast EXR II processor. This sensor delivers ultra-sharp images without an anti-alias filter and a fast Phase-Detect AF system which works very will in good light.

This mirrorless features an ultra-sharp EVF with an essential Eye-Start sensor that greatly helps with usability and precise framing. The view is sharp enough to focus manually with great precision.

The Pentax K-S2
Pentax K-S2 is a 20 megapixels APS-C DSLR which produces high-quality images. While being the size and price of an entry-level model, the K-S2 provides more professional features than its peers. This includes a 100% coverage viewfinder, a weather-sealed body, dual control-dials, built-in Shake Reduction and Automatic Horizon Correction.

Having the 100% coverage viewfinder and horizon correction improves photography by freeing the photographers from worries. The dual control-dials allow to operate the camera more efficiently while the weatherproof construction lets the K-50 be used in adverse weather With the use of a weather-sealed lens..

Its sensor produces images with low noise, good dynamic range and natural image colors. This is also among faster models in its class with a top shutter-speed of 1/6000s and 5.5 FPS drive mode.