Best digital cameras of 2013: the Sony Alpha A7, Fujifilm X20 and Canon's EOS 100D

The Fujifilm X20

This was the year that the Compact System Camera became mainstream. Compact System Cameras, also called mirrorless, are cameras with the high-quality build, big sensor and interchangeable lenses found on a DSLR but without the mirrors that give that category its name and save size and weight into the bargain.

The standout is the brand-new Sony Alpha A7 with a sensor the size of a 35mm frame and a 24MP resolution. At £1299 for the body it’s not cheap, but it’s pretty amazing.

Sony Alpha A7

Advanced compacts also had a good year, including the 12MP Fujifilm X20 with its beautiful retro styling, powerful features and simple interface. It’s a real joy to use and delivers results effortlessly. Sony’s small HX50 is also impressive, squeezing a 30x zoom in and featuring a 20MP sensor.

Sony's HX50

If you really want a proper DSLR, Canon’s EOS 100D is the smallest and lightest around. It has an 18MP sensor and is very simple to use – a great step up from compact to advanced camera.

Canon EOS 100D