Nikon 1 AW1

Touted as the world's first real rugged mirrorless camera, the Nikon 1 AW1 can go underwater to a depth of 15m, survive being dropped from a height of 2m and being exposed to temperatures as low as minus 10 deg C.

The 14.2-megapixel camera has a 3-inch LCD screen, GPS receiver, electronic compass and altimeter. Nikon's latest Expeed 3A image processor enables it to shoot as many as 15 frames per second with autofocusing.

Olympus OM-D E-M1

It looks like a regular DSLR, but the 16.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera is lighter and faster than most DSLRs. Its dual autofocusing system consists of 81 contrast-detection autofocus (AF) points and 37 on-chip phase-detection AF points, which allow faster autofocusing performance on even small objects in a wide area. It is also resistant to dust and water.

Olympus PEN E-P5

After almost two years, Olympus' PEN mirrorless flagship finally gets an upgrade with the E-P5. It retains the rangefinder-like retro look of its predecessor, E-P3, but with a tiltable LCD screen that has better resolution than the E-P3's fixed display.

Its new 2 x 2 Dial Control system provides superb handling with top, front and rear dials, plus a rear function lever to switch between two settings.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

Panasonic's latest mirrorless camera, the GM1, is about the same size as its prosumer cousin, the LX 7, and is slightly smaller than a playing card.

Minus its lens, but with memory card and battery installed, it weighs an astonishingly light 204g.

Despite this, the GM1 features the same 16-megapixel Live MOS image sensor and Venus image processing engine as Panasonic's flagship mirrorless camera, the GX7, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Serious photographers prefer to compose images with a viewfinder instead of a screen. The GX7's built-in tiltable high-resolution electronic viewfinder allows you to do just that and discreetly, too, which is great for street photography.

Its intuitive controls allow you to quickly change settings and concentrate on framing the ideal image. Its magnesium alloy body is not only strong, but also looks cool and sleek with its rangefinder styling.