It’s a common complaint: You want the photo quality of a dSLR but find you’re leaving the camera at home because it’s so large. A lot of the compromises you previously had to make are moot now. These models come with sensors the size of a high-end dSLR’s and performance that can rival a midrange dSLR and offer the same level of manual control over shutter speed, aperture, support for raw files and other creative features. Here are four of the best we’ve seen.
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Leica Q (Type 116)
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/leica-q/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Leica Q produces great photos and videos, sports a stellar lens and delivers surprisingly good performance.
The bad: There’s a lot of moire to clean up in the photos and a real grip would be nice for the money.
The cost: $4,250.00
The bottom line: A terrific, if expensive, full-frame compact, the Leica Q is worth every penny for landscape and street photographers.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Panasonic LX100 delivers really good photo and video quality, a great set of features, and class-leading performance.
The bad: It’s got a fixed LCD and the lens really needs a hood to minimize flare.
The cost: $601.69 to $799.99
The bottom line: With really good photo and video quality, a great set of features and generally class-leading performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is probably one of our favorite compact cameras ever. It’s not for the inexperienced, though.
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Fujifilm X70
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/fujifilm-x70/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Great photo quality for the money and a manual-friendly design are the Fujifilm X70’s high points.
The bad: It has slow autofocus and some annoying controls.
The cost: $699.00
The bottom line: It’s not for everyone. But if you’re a manual-control freak who views the world at a wide angle and won’t miss a viewfinder, the Fujifilm X70 is a great camera.
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Fujifilm XQ2
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/fujifilm-xq2/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: The Fujifilm XQ2 is an attractive advanced compact with a fast f1.8 maximum aperture and good low-light photo quality. It has a satisfying mix of manual and automatic shooting options and plenty of things with which to experiment. There’s ample direct control over settings given the camera’s small size.
The bad: The XQ2 has limited Wi-Fi functionality; no built-in neutral density filter; it’s essentially the same as its predecessor, the XQ1; and video quality is just OK.
The cost: $299.00 to $319.99
The bottom line: The Fujifilm QX2 doesn’t improve much on its predecessor, but with its larger image sensor, bright lens and fast performance even in low light, this stylish pocket camera is an excellent step-up from your smartphone or average point-and-shoot.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior Editor Joshua Goldman, Senior Editor Lori Grunin and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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