Best advanced compact cameras

Sometimes, a compact camera is more suited to the job than a big, hefty SLR.

You might already own an SLR, but would like the convenience of a smaller camera. On the other hand, you might just be getting into photography and want a camera that will grow with you as your skills improve. Here are some of the most competent compacts for advanced photographers and anyone looking for a little more control.

All of the cameras listed below have manual controls, allowing you to set exposure accordingly. Although they don't have the flexibility of interchangeable lenses like their SLR cousins, some have extra goodies, like hotshoes.

Others have huge zooms and an array of extra accessories, like teleconverters, to add a more professional shooting feel.

If you're a fan of shooting video, all of these cameras are very capable recorders, able to capture in full HD. It's also worth checking for the ability to add an external microphone as an optional extra if better audio quality is important to you.