Best Digital Cameras of 2015
Introduction
The digital camera market is reshaping to adapt to new market conditions. Every year since 2012, fewer digital cameras were introduced with 2015 getting only 65 new models, down from 85 in 2014 which is a staggering 24% drop. Compare that to 2012 with 146 models launched. As fewer new cameras enter the market, manufacturers have been working to create more distinct offerings and introduce new categories.
Here we present the best new digital cameras of 2015. While several models improved image-quality and performance over previous years, many of the Best Digital Cameras of 2014 remain the best this year too. Luckily, most are still current and available from major retailers:
- Best Ultra-Compact: Fujifilm XQ1
Fujifilm XQ1 and a nearly identical Fujifilm X-Q2
Fujifilm X-Q2 actually launched in 2015 for some markets. - Best Travel-Zoom: Fujifilm Finepix F1000 EXR
Fujifilm Finepix F1000 EXR which has limited availability, while the Olympus Stylus SH-2
Olympus Stylus SH-2 shows the most promise among new Travel-Zooms of 2015. - Best Entry-Level Mirrorless: Fujifilm X-M1
Fujifilm X-M1. Launched in 2013 and still current. - Best Advanced DSLR: Unbeaten yet sadly discontinued, the Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 IIs remains the top performing cropped-sensor DSLR to date. The Pentax K-3 II
Pentax K-3 II provides an even greater feature-set while taking a slight drop in image-quality at high-ISO. - Best Professional DSLR: The top-notch Nikon D4S
Nikon D4S remains unchallenged with the Nikon D810
Nikon D810 delivering awesome performance at a lower price-point.
Fuji stands out among manufacturers by having significantly cut down on its introduction of new cameras while allowing many to evolve with major new features and performance improvements via firmware upgrades. Pentax introduced the fewest models of any manufacturer yet still emphasizes models which deliver more features and tougher construction than the competition.
Understandably, ultra-compact cameras have had the least new models with only 8 launches in 2015. These cameras face pressure from constantly-improving cellular phones despite keeping a notable lead in ergonomics and performance. This forced manufacturers to concentrate on compact digital cameras with larger sensors for better image-quality and travel-zooms which offer far more versatility.
Without further ado then, here we present the best digital cameras of 2015. Each winning camera is chosen as the best-in-class in its respective category. Emphasis for selection is on image quality above all else. All models below are chosen for outstanding image quality, feature set and performance relative to cameras in the same category. If you are not sure which category would suite you better, consult the Choosing Basics section of the buying guide.
Compact
Compact digital cameras previously occupied the smallest market-segment, unable to surpass image-quality of ultra-compacts without matching their convenience of portability. This changed slowly with the introduction of brighter optics. Sony took this to the next level by adding a relatively large 1" sensor in their Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 which they launched in 2012.
Best Compact 2015
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 IV
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.
What you will like |
---|
High image-quality |
Ultra-Bright maximum aperture |
Extremely fast shutter and drive |
Smallest 4K Ultra-HD camera |
Incredible popup EVF |
What you may not like |
Limited zoom reach |
Autofocus speed slower than peers |
Control-Dials not used optimally |
Pricey for a compact |
Short battery-life |
Premium
Premium compacts are digital cameras with an extensive feature set in a relatively compact body. They rarely fit in a pocket but neither do other cameras with the same feature set. Sensor-size has been getting bigger among premium compacts, delivering very good image quality.
Premium cameras have shown strong growth with new models from every manufacturer. This category easily is the most difficult to assess because each model offers such different compromises.
The similar price of premium compacts and mirrorless digital cameras is causing some dilemma. Mirrorless cameras are clearly more versatile yet that brings the hassle of changing lenses and sensor dust, which not everyone is willing to deal with. On the hand, premium compacts deliver an all-in-one camera with outstanding image quality.
Best Premium Compact 2015
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
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.
What you will like |
---|
Excellent image-quality |
Bright maximum aperture |
Very good sharpness |
Multiple aspect-ratio sensor |
Compact with 4K Ultra-HD |
Excellent EVF sharpness |
Superb build quality |
What you may not like |
Short zoom reach |
Color and White-Balance accuracy issues |
EVF and LCD not Exposure-Priority |
Expensive among premium cameras |
Larger than competitors |
Ultra-Zoom
While the megapixels race stumbled a little as they pushed beyond 12 megapixels, the optical zoom race picked up again with several cameras taking overtaking the previous champion. These new ultra-zooms with huge optical zoom are extremely convenient and provide otherwise impossible versatility in a single fixed-lens design, often with an advanced feature-set and DSLR-like ergonomics.
Best Ultra-Zoom 2015
Nikon Coolpix P900
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.
What you will like |
---|
Unmatched 24-2000mm optical zoom |
Smooth usable output until ISO 1600 |
Sharpness consistent across frame |
Extremely effective image stabilization |
Dual control-dials and zoom controllers |
What you may not like |
Slight image softness starts at base ISO |
Details smudged from ISO 800+ |
Inadequate Color and WB accuracy |
Dim telephoto aperture noticeably slows AF |
EVF and LCD not Exposure-Priority |
Tiny low-contrast EVF |
Mirrorless
Mirrorless are the fastest growing type of digital camera. They have matured over the last few years and many models now offer professional features and usability with image quality and performance which matches closely that of DSLRs. Lens lineups have considerably expanded with ultra-wide to medium telephoto being well covered, plus a few specialty lenses.
Best Mirrorless 2015
Fujifilm X-T10
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.
What you will like |
---|
Extremely low image noise |
Excellent sharpness |
Superb dynamic-range |
Great color accuracy |
Excellent EVF |
Plenty of direct controls |
Superb build quality |
What you may not like |
Slow autofocus in low-light |
Not Exposure-Priority |
No direct ISO control |
Soft control-dial detents |
DSLR
Entry-Level DSLR cameras use the same large sensor as advanced models to give equally impressive image quality while remaining much faster than the majority of digital cameras, including mirrorless models. These cameras are often choice models for high image quality at a low cost, particularly for shooting moving subjects.
Best Entry-Level DSLR 2015
Pentax K-S2
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.
What you will like |
---|
Great image quality |
Reliable metering |
Quite fast and responsive |
Built-in Shake Reduction |
Automatic Horizon Correction |
100% Coverage viewfinder |
Weather-sealed body |
Excellent ergonomics and controls |
What you may not like |
Autofocus speed below average |
Rotating screen makes it less sturdy than predecessors and is no longer freezeproof |
Comparatively short battery-life |
Comparatively limited lens lineup |
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