Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III - £639 from jessops.com
One of the finest compact cameras your money will buy, this is the leader of the pocketable snapper campaign that puts smartphones most definitely back in their place. A 20MP sensor gives enough scope to operate decently in low level light situations, the build is premium and feels solid. It's not cheap but the results from this fine specimen speak for themselves.
Tough as nails
Nikon Coolpix AW130 - £279 from jessops.com
Available in an array of alternative hues, this rugged number is the adventurous type, waterproof to 30m, shockproof, able to withstand sub-freezing temperatures and all whilst maintaining an impressive feature list. A five times optical zoom is adequate and built-in flash is appreciated. With WiFi connectivity on-board, it makes sharing snaps a breeze.
Get connected
Samsung GC200 (White) WiFi GALAXY Camera 2 - £204.95 from simplyelectronics.net
This Android-powered camera allows you all the benefits of the multitude of camera apps that are available to enhance your snaps. This connected set also gives you a quick, easy and wireless-free way of sharing photos across social media and with friends in an instant. And with a quite superb 21x optical zoom lens popped on the front, it is about the best connected camera out there.
Stepping up
Canon PowerShot G7X - £479 from jessops.com
Taking compact cameras away from their point-and-shoot origins and up towards their bigger, sometimes taken more seriously, DSLR brethren is this Canon. Whilst this unit is a tad larger than the others, it packs a real punch in the features and image quality stakes, no doubt leaving some in the class above feeling threatened.
Retro styling
Fujifilm X30 - £329 from digitalrev.com
In this burgeoning category of compact, it is a real feat to stand out and the retro look of this X30 from Fuji is brave. Under the casing, it offers a superb electronic viewfinder, super-fast autofocus and twist-barrel lenses for quick twist zoom - a fun, all-round snapper.
Low budget
Canon IXUS 265 - from £99.95 at johnlewis.com
For sub £100, you'll get a top brand camera manufacturer stamp, 16MP sensor and a very decent 12x optical zoom, which is pretty impressive value for money. It's most certainly worth consideration as a low-cost replacement compact snapper or one for younger photographers to start out with.
App of the week
Theory Test - Free on iTunes and Google Play
Whilst there are several apps that aim to help you pass your Theory Test, this new one from miDrive is the only one to contain every question in the current theory test portfolio. The iOS and Android app is the first to introduce a social and gaming element to cramming, allowing users to test their knowledge by going head-to-head with other learner drivers from within the app.
Top 10 bestselling apps
1. Minecraft - Pocket Edition by Mojang
2. The Chase by Barnstorm Games
3. MONOPOLY by Electronic Arts
4. Tipping Point by Barnstorm Games
5. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic by Aspyr
6. Five Nights at Freddy's 3 by Scott Cawthon
7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City by Rockstar Games
8. Worms 3 by Team17 Digital Ltd
9. Plague Inc. by Miniclip.com
10. Terraria by 505 Games
Top 10 free apps
1. Crossy Road by Hispter Whale
2. Tube+ for YouTube by Apps for YouTube
3. PrinterShare Mobile Print by Dynamix USA, LLC
4. Candy Crush Saga by King
5. Spotify Music by Spotify
6. Musixmatch by musiXmatch
7. BBC iPlayer by Media Technologies Ltd
8. Prime Instant Video by Amazon.com
9. Farm Heroes Saga by King
10. FIFA 15 ULTIMATE TEAM by Electronic Arts
(Both charts courtesy of the Amazon Appstore)
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