Summary: High-end compact with very similar specifications to existing rivals, including a 10-megapixel 1/1.63-inch sensor and an f1.8 4x zoom lens, plus HD movies.
Summary: The small sensor size puts the F550EXR at the limit of our definition of a 'high-end compact', but it does shoot RAW files and full HD movies, it has a 15x zoom, and Fujifilm's innovative EXR sensor.
- Launched: September 2010
- Type: Fixed lens hybrid
- Sensor size: 1/6.3-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 24-90mm equivalent f2-3.3
- Key features: Aspect ratio switch, Adobe Lightroom licence included
- Links: Product page
Summary: Leica-branded version of the Panasonic Lumix LX5. A good high-end compact with the extra cachet of the Leica brand/styling and an Adobe Lightroom 3 software licence included.
- Launched: September 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 28-140mm equivalent f2.8-4.5
- Key features: Articulating LCD, HDR mode
- Links: Press release | Product page
Summary: The G12 is Canon's top high-end compact, boasting a 5x wideangle zoom, SLR-style manual controls and rugged build. It replaces the G11, adding a standard HD movie mode.
- Launched: September 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10.4 megapixels
- Lens: 28-200mm equivalent f2.8-5.6
- Key features: 7.1x zoom range
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Nikon's high-end compact camera for people who want all the manual controls of a digital SLR or hybrid camera, but in a smaller body. Rivals include the Canon PowerShot G12 and Panasonic Lumix LX5.
- Launched: August 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 28-105mm equivalent f2.0-4.9
- Key features: Lens control ring
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: High-end compact camera just one step down from the PowerShot G12, but in many ways more appealing. It's a lot smaller, making it the perfect pocket camera for enthusiasts.
- Launched: July 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/6.3-inch
- Resolution: 10.1 megapixels
- Lens: 24-90mm equivalent f2.0-3.3
- Key features: Aspect ratio switch
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: One of the best high-end compact cameras for enthusiasts, the LX5 boasts a wider zoom range than its predecessor but keeps its small size, build quality and manual controls.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 24-72mm equivalent f1.8-2.4
- Key features: Articulating LCD
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The EX-1 is Samsung's attempt at a high-end compact designed for enthusiasts. It meets all the requirements, including full PASM exposure modes and the ability to shoot RAW files as well as JPEGs.
- Launched: August 2009
- Type: High end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 28mm equivalent f1.9
- Key features: Dynamic range double-shot mode, Auto, manual and snap focus modes, 1cm macro mode
- Links: Press release | Product page
Summary: A very high quality fixed-lens compact camera designed for pros and enthusiasts looking for pocketability and power combined. It has a magnesium alloy body, exceptionally well-designed external controls and a great lens.
- Launched: July 2008
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
- Lens: 3x 24-72mm equivalent f2.5-4.4
- Key features: 1cm macro mode, in-built distortion correction, optional EVF (shown)
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: High-end compact camera designed for enthusiasts rather than beginners. Often overlooked despite outstanding build quality, design and features.
