Top 10 Digital SLRs

01 Olympus OM-D E-M5

£1150 (w/12-50mm lens) olympus.co.uk 12 June 2012

Stuff says 5 out of 5 stars

Astounding in almost every way, this sets the standard for compact system cameras

  1. 02

    Canon EOS 650D

    £700 (body only) 09 August 2012

    5 out of 5 stars

    A true powerhouse with a host of innovative tech inside it 

  2. 03

    Nikon D600

    £1955 (body only) 09 April 2013

    5 out of 5 stars

    A feature-packed full-framer that’s ready and willing for action

  3. 04

    Panasonic Lumix GX1

    £760 w/ 14-42mm lens 06 February 2012

    5 out of 5 stars

    This amazingly quick compact delivers in almost every aspect

  4. 05

    Sony NEX-7

    £1130 (w/18-55mm kit lens) 26 March 2012

    5 out of 5 stars

    Supreme picture quality and uncompromised DSLR-like control in a truly compact body

  5. 06

    Canon EOS 60D

    £1050 body only 28 February 2011

    5 out of 5 stars

    A mid-range DSLR that gets a gold star for both video and stills

  6. 07

    Sony Alpha SLT-A77

    £1660 (with lens) 24 April 2012

    5 out of 5 stars

    Sony's A77 is an enthusiast’s dream that can kick it with Canon and Nikon’s DSLR equivalents

  7. 08

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

    £930 (with 14-42mm X Vario lens) 14 September 2012

    5 out of 5 stars

    Fast focus and features for hardcore snappers combined with a dollop of user friendliness 

  8. 09

    Nikon D3200

    £560 (body only) 08 June 2012

    4 out of 5 stars

    An entry-level SLR with a truly pro-quality sensor, but the Nikon D3200's price may be too rich for beginners

Instant Expert

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Continuous shooting If you’re into action photography you’ll appreciate a camera that can fire off shots like a machine gun. The average is 3fps, but 6fps and above is ideal.
2. Live View/HD video The former allows you to frame shots using the SLR's display; the latter captures video at 720p or 1080p. 1080p is best; look for 24fps (or faster) framerates. 
3. Image stabilisation (IS) Anti-shake technology is built into more expensive lenses, but if you’re buying a load of extra ones you’ll ultimately save money if there’s an image stabiliser already built into your camera’s body.
4. Kit lens Most interchangeable lens cameras can be bought with a standard, or 'kit' lens, which is usually around 18-55mm (or 14-42mm on an Olympus or Panasonic). That's OK for starters, but you'll want more length to get closer to the main event with sports and action.