Cameras must have an overall score of 80% or more and at least 70% for image quality in auto mode to make it into this list. Cameras in the table with overall scores between 70–79% are still good performers and worth considering, particularly if they fit your budget.

The overall score is made up of: image quality – auto and manual (50%), ease of use (30%), movie quality (10%), and monitor/viewfinder (10%).

Cameras are set to full automatic function, including exposure, white balance and focus function, with the maximum resolution and image quality setting in JPEG.

Picture quality is evaluated after the photos are transferred to a PC.

We assess start-up speed, the menu system, controls and the insertion and removal of the storage cards.

Subjects in colourful clothes are shot at rest and in motion. The camera is on a tripod, with autofocus and auto white balance on, and footage alternates between pan and zoom.

Both monitor and viewfinder (if available) are considered.

Images are checked across varying distances for amount of light, evenness, flatness, distribution of light and whether the flash can automatically adapt to the distance from the subject.

'Tested model' refers to cameras that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to cameras that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

Recommended retail price, as provided by the manufacturer.

Refers to the level of zoom built into the lens. It's measured in millimeters (mm), because it refers to the physical distance between your camera's sensor and the point of convergence on the lens. The numbers, e.g. 24-70mm, indicate the maximum width and zoom available. This column only refers to optical zoom, which is lens components physically moving to increase or decrease magnification, like a telescope.

This is magnification calculated by dividing the longest zoom setting by the shortest zoom setting.

This is the manufacturer's stated minimum aperture range in f-stops, wide to telephoto.

Measured in seconds.

Measured in seconds.

Measurement required when buying lens filters.

Notes which lens brands and types are accepted by the camera by default. You may be able to mount additional lenses using a converter. These are typically sold separately.

The sensor converts light to a digital image. Different sensors have different effects on the picture as it's processed (e.g. colour, tone, hue, saturation). Though there are different brands and models, some competing camera manufacturers use the same sensors.

36mm x 24mm is the approximate size of a full-frame sensor.

Measured in megapixels, based on the effective resolution, using a standard that is generally accepted to provide a reasonable indication of the maximum number of pixels the camera uses to create an image.

For fixed-lens cameras the lens is retracted if possible.

Body only for system cameras.

Measured from camera off until the first frame is shot.

Shutter delay when the target is one metre from the camera. The camera is on, but focused at infinity.

Shutter delay with the target at 8.5m. The camera is on, but focused at infinity.

ISO relates to the camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the greater the sensitivity, and the less light required to produce a well-lit image in dark environments. However, high ISOs have more image noise (grain) and less accurate colours. Noise reduction tech in newer cameras can negate some of these problems.

Used to automatically alter photos beyond the exposure suggestion of the camera to make them brighter or darker. Often called exposure compensation. Measured in EV units, 1 EV equals one exposure stop (or steps). Negative range shows the number of stops the camera can go below the recommended exposure. Adjustment range in stops.

Used to automatically alter photos beyond the exposure suggestion of the camera to make them brighter or darker. Often called exposure compensation. Measured in EV units, 1 EV equals one exposure stop (or steps). Negative range shows the number of stops the camera can go below the recommended exposure. Adjustment range in stops.

Indicates the number of shots possible before the camera's buffer is full. Continuous shooting will stop at this point.

Maximum number of simultaneous photos the camera can take in continuous shooting mode.

These preset modes adjust camera settings (like ISO and shutter speed) for certain situations. Modes or icons you may see indicate settings for portrait shots, macro, landscape, low-light or party mode.

Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus at wide angles. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.

Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus at zoom angles. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.

Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus using macro mode. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.

Total number of active focus points available when shooting in auto-mode. Auto-focus does not allow you to select specific focus points.

Size of the screen on the rear of the camera.

Aspect ratio of the screen on the rear of the camera. Most are in 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen format.

Ability to raise, lower, swivel and adjust the screen on the back of the camera in various directions. Useful for reviewing images in bright environments and taking selfies. Vertical x horizontal, degrees.

There are two types of viewfinders. Optical (OVF) shows the environment through the lens by bouncing light off the camera's mirror. Electronic (EVF) is essentially a miniature version of the screen on the back of the camera. It usually includes similar features such as preview mode, which can show what the final image will look like based on ISO, aperture and more.

Adjustable viewfinder to accommodate various types of eyesight strength. This can be useful for shooting in focus without glasses.

Most cameras film in traditional 4:3, and 16:9 widescreen mode.

List of output formats available. This is important information as most editing programs, media players and websites only support certain video formats. Formats also have their own pros and cons, such as image quality and compression methods.

The maximum progressive frame rate possible in video mode. ns= not stated; na = not applicable.

These preset modes adjust camera settings (like ISO and shutter speed) for certain situations. Modes or icons you may see indicate settings for close-up shots, low-light and indoor events.

Does the camera record single channel (mono) or two-channel (stereo) audio when capturing video?

Cameras will only work with the memory cards listed for each model. Some models support multiple card types.

Some cameras come with a small amount of inbuilt memory that can store a handful of images. This is typically found on cheap, entry-level models.

List of ratios (e.g. 4:3, 16:9) that the camera can photograph in. Most cameras support multiple ratios.

Built-in, pop-up or external. Some will automatically pop up when the camera is in auto mode, while others require manual release even when in auto mode. All flash types can be turned off if required.

Cameras with removable batteries have a few advantages including the freedom to carry fully-charged backup batteries and the option to replace one when it permanently dies. The number of required batteries is shown in brackets.

A measure of how many photos you're likely to be able to take with freshly charged or new batteries. This is reported by the camera manufacturer and measured according to the international Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standard for digital camera battery testing.

Whether the camera comes with image editing software.

Whether the camera comes with video editing software.

Whether the camera comes with software that converts RAW images to other formats such as JPG or PNG.

Does the camera allow full manual control over all functions, like shutter speed, ISO and white balance?

Some models make claims for water or dust resistance.

Camera has an inbuilt GPS that can add location data to the photo.

Ability to control the camera using a remote USB device, or via software when tethered to a computer.

Does the camera include full manual control over white balance settings (excluding pre-sets)?

Keeps the shutter open for as long as you press the shutter button.

The camera will select the highest shutter speed possible in the conditions.

The camera will prioritise aperture over shutter speed in the conditions.

Can you take a photo by tapping the touch screen?

High Dynamic Range. Takes three photos of varying exposures, then combines them to produce an image with an increased colour range and luminosity.

The camera takes one photo at a specified interval for a given period (e.g. one shot per second for 20 minutes). These can be combined to make a time lapse video using special software.

A panorama (very wide image) is made by panning the camera across a scene. This is useful when shooting landscapes.

Either the lens elements or the sensor move to compensate for camera shake.

The camera increases ISO and fully opens the aperture to compensate for camera shake.

Some cameras project light for an inbuilt lamp to assist auto-focus mode in low-light environments.

Can the camera auto-focus correctly when the subject is tapped on the touchscreen?

Ability to override auto focus without turning off the feature completely. Brands often use slightly different terms for this such as full-time manual focus (FTM).

A feature that tells the camera to automatically detect, and focus on, faces. Some can also automatically fire the shutter when a face is detected.

Exposure based on a specific spot, also known as spot metering.

The camera can continually track and keep a moving subject in focus.

The camera automatically takes a number of photos at different focus distances then combines them to give a greater depth of field than you can achieve using aperture settings on a single shot. Also known as focus stacking. This is particularly useful in macro photography.

Does the screen on the back of the camera respond to touch input?

While the default exposure metering option for a basic camera in video mode generally determines the exposure for a whole scene, you can choose to be more precise and force the camera to follow a subject that you've chosen.

Can the camera film in slow motion?

Some cameras have an inbuilt speaker that activates during video playback.

Ability to tag photo, which can be a useful way of recording related information such as location or mood.

RAW is the digital version of a film negative. Shooting RAW gives you many more editing options in post processing.

Can simultaneously duplicate and process a single image in RAW and JPEG formats.

A setting that tells your camera to shoot with a low shutter speed while firing the flash. This can deliver interesting results – the flash can freeze the subject while the rest of the photo is blurred, or the flash can expose the subject while the slow shutter speed lets in different coloured ambient light from the surroundings, for example.

The ability to increase or decrease the brightness of the flash.

A slot on top of the camera that allows you to mount an external flash that can communicate with the camera. It can also be used as a mount point for battery-powered lights and microphones when filming.

Ports in addition to the hotshoe which support and power an external flash.

An inbuilt HDMI output, which is typically used for viewing photos or video on a large screen directly from the camera.

This gives you the ability to transfer files over a wireless network.

Can you charge the battery in the camera via USB?

Does the camera come with an external battery charger?

Whether a case is supplied for carrying a backup battery.

Whether the camera includes an optional strap for slinging it over your shoulder.