Best cameras for enthusiasts Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The Lumix produces excellent photos and video; it has an expansive feature set to satisfy snapshooters and enthusiasts; it offers a lot of direct access to important settings and has a fantastic electronic viewfinder. The plastic body and large lens makes it feel a bit off-balance. Controls and shooting options might be intimidating. The bottom line: With excellent photo and video quality and a deep feature set, it is the perfect mix if you want DSLR-like controls and better than point-and-shoot performance with the convenience of a single fixed lens. The bottom line: With really good photo and video quality, a great set of features and generally class-leading performance, the Panasonic is probably one of our favorite compact cameras ever. The camera tends to clip bright highlights more than we typically see, and the slippery body lacks a grip. [...] the lack of a manually triggered macro mode might put off some fans of close-up photography. The bottom line: The Sony’s looks, speed, flexibility and photo quality make it a great choice for enthusiasts who can afford the price. The redesigned grip may not be comfortable for people with large hands, and Nikon really needs to update its Wi-Fi app. The bottom line: Lightweight and compact with everything the family photographer needs, the Nikon maintains its position as a great general-purpose DSLR. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com.