Though the big boys needn’t worry just yet, Panasonic’s Lumix GX1 is taking on the low- and mid-range DSLR market and winning. This Micro Four Thirds system camera (mirrorless, interchangeable lens digital cameras smaller than digital SLRs, but with a reduced sensor size and no optical viewfinder is rammed to the gunnels with features. The GX1 is a 16MP gem with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12,800 (basically, huge), which delivers exceptionally low-noise images. Other plus points? The build quality is top notch, the shutter speed is 60 frames per second, and it also has a superb auto-focusing speed of just 0.09 seconds. And it looks great. A no-brainer. From £500 panasonic.co.uk

Photograph by Martha Pavlidou