Cameras for Christmas: Part 2

The Conoisseur

Fujifilm X100

Explaining the benefits of the fuji x100 is relatively simple; with a large sensor and fixed focal length lens, the image quality goes uncompromised from optic to file. The innovative electronic/optical viewfinder is also something of a marvel, combining the best of both worlds.

Key Features

• 23mm fixed lens
• 12mp aps-c sensor 
• hybrid viewfinder
• full manual control

The Wildlife Watcher

Canon Powershot SX40 HS

Packing anything over a 10x optical zoom into a compact body is impressive, but a 35x optical zoom is nothing short of incredible. For those looking to capture the wildlife in their garden, or on walks, very few will be able to escape the 24-840mm stabilised zoom lens.

Key Features

35x optically stabilised zoom
eve viewfinder
14mp sensor 
hd video shooting

The Step-up User

Sony NEX-C3

Those wanting to trade up from a compact without wanting the bulk of a dslr need look no further than the sony nex-c3. With a tiny compact body and the ability to change lenses, not to mention hd video shooting and manual controls, those after a pocketable high-end shooter will be highly impressed.

Key Features

• 15MP APS-C sensor
• Manual controls 
• Interchangeable lenses
• HD video shooting

The Aspiring Professional

Nikon D5100

A DSLR is by no means a knee-jerk purchase to any whims to be a professional photographer, but those looking to start out would be hard pressed to find a better beginning point. The D5100 is light, simple to use and even teaches you how to take a decent shot, making you a better photographer along the way.

Key Features

• 12MP APS-C sensor
• Manual controls
• HD movie mode
• Flip out LCD screen

The Stylish Amateur 

Olympus E-PL3

Few camera ranges carry the same level of style and functionality than the olympus PENs. With a retro look and cutting-edge tech inside there's plenty to admire about this mini marvel, which takes a number of the better features of the larger e-p3 and packs it into a far smaller shell. 

Key Features

• 12mp sensor
• Manual control
• Removable lenses
• Quick af system

The Sports Shooter

Sony A77

Sony's SLT technology may sound like another techno-babble headache, but the end result is reasonably straightforward; faster burst shooting and an electronic viewfinder. With the ability to take 12 frames per second at 24mp means this camera doesn't just capture the action, it can freeze it.

Key Features

• 12fps burst mode
• OLED viewfinder
• 24.3mp sensor
• Full manual control

The Semi Pro

Nikon D700

There has to be some amount of compromise when putting a full-frame sensor into a transportable dslr body, and the d700 is it. Offering a stunning 12mp resolution from a 35mm negative-sized sensor means images are sharp and detailed, giving any aspiring professional all they need to start out. 

Key Features

• 12MP full frame sensor
• 5fps burst rate
• Weather sealed body
• Manual controls

The Music Video Maker

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

The release of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, one of the first DSLRs to successfully blend HD video shooting and professional stills quality, brought about a curious result; filmmakers bought it in huge numbers for the movie making, not the photography. For anyone wanting to break into indie film making this is the new industry standard.

Key Features

• 1080p video shooting
• 21mp full frame sensor
• Weather sealed body
• Manual controls

The Portrait Photographer

Nikon D3X

There are few current dslrs that can stand up to the end image quality of the Nikon D3X, mainly thanks to the 24mp full frame sensor, but also due to the fantastic build, image processing, control layout and variety of lenses on offer. If you're looking to create a business taking portraiture, this should be your dream camera.

Key Features

• 25mp full frame sensor
• Weather sealed body
• Full manual controls
• Wireless flash control