Fujifilm X100S

It may look like its predecessor, the X100, but it is stuffed with major upgrades. These upgrades include a new 16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II APS-C image sensor that includes on-chip phase-detection autofocusing elements, a faster EXR II image processor and a higher resolution hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. In addition, many bugs in its predecessor have been rectified in this retro rangefinder-style digital compact camera with a fixed 35mm lens for smoother operation.

Olympus OM-D E-M1

This 16.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera sports a dual autofocusing system with 81 contrast detection autofocus (AF) points and 37 on-chip phase-detection AF points for better tracking performance and faster AF during both still-image and video capture.

Its magnesium alloy body has special weather-resistant sealing to withstand dust and water splashes.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Panasonic's flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera has something the competition does not have.

It has an in-built tiltable electronic viewfinder (EVF), which means never having to buy or lose an external EVF. A magnesium alloy frame ensures sturdiness and durability, while its multitude of buttons and controls are heaven-sent for photography buffs.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

The successor to last year's Editor's Choice for Best Compact Prosumer is now in the running for the best overall camera.

Despite its diminutive size, it sports a new back-illuminated 20.2-megapixel 1-inch Exmor R CMOS image sensor, which is bigger than those in most prosumer compact cameras.

Also, it now has a hot shoe that allows you to mount an electronic viewfinder to compose your images.

Sony a7R

You know last year was the year of mirrorless cameras when there is a full-frame image sensor found in the Sony Alpha a7R. About the same size as the OM-D E-M1, this mirrorless camera sports a stunning 37.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS image sensor without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF).

This filter is used to reduce moire, or wavy patterns, at the expense of image sharpness.

Without the OLPF, the images it produces are wonderful, with sharp rendition of pixels.