Buyer's Guide: The Best Hybrid Cameras

Hybrid cameras couldn't be a more diverse bunch of snappers. One of Sony's NEX models, for example, has a sensor with 12 times the surface area of the small-format sensor used in the Pentax Q! As well as compacts with interchangeable lenses, we'll also be including compacts with fixed lenses but large-format sensors in this buyer's guide. Although these two kinds of camera are clearly very different, expert compacts with fixed lenses can make an interesting and often overlooked alternative to interchangeable lens models. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for a hybrid camera:

- Sensor. From 1/2.3" to APS, sensors of all shapes and sizes crop up in hybrid cameras. Resolutions vary too, ranging from 10 Megapixels to 24 Megapixels! While some models have performances on par with regular point-and-shoots, others can rival SLRs—so while in some models noise starts to degrade picture quality 800 ISO, others give impeccable results up to 3200 ISO.

- Size. This is the main advantage of a hybrid compact over traditional interchangeable lens cameras like SLRs. However, while some models are scarcely any larger than a standard compact, even with a lens attached, others are the size and weight of an entry-level SLR.

- Viewfinder. Some hybrid cameras have an electronic viewfinder, but thankfully these are usually sharper, more precise and more comfortable to use than the EVFs typically found in bridge cameras. With some mirrorless cameras you can add an optional external viewfinder, but with others, there's no viewfinder at all.

- Responsiveness. Most interchangeable lens compacts start up quickly and have autofocus systems that work as speedily as those found in SLRs. They don't do quite as good a job with moving subjects, however, and the autofocus in less effective in video mode too.

- Video. Most models offer 1080 HD video. Mirrorless cameras with large sensors even let you adjust the depth of field like in a movie camera.

With these factors in mind, here's our pick of the best interchangeable lens compacts out there right now.

Editor's Choice

The best compromise between camera size and sensor size has got to be Sony's sleek NEX-5N. As well as its original design and handling, excellent build and finish, and customisable controls, the NEX-5N offers top-notch performance in both photo and video mode. Its not perfect, however, and one of the most annoying things about this camera is that there's no built-in flash. A separate flash accessory is supplied as standard, but it can be a bit of pain to attach. We also found the shutter to be a bit noisy and the 18-55 mm kit lens isn't up to much.

Two Alternatives

Best of the Rest

Here are a few more of our favourites.