<p>The retro-styled X20 is superb, taking magnificent pictures with the minimum of effort but a full range of manual overrides. The 12-megapixel sensor is big and efficient, and because the resolution count isn't higher it means the pixels are bigger and more effective at accurately pulling light. The sensor offers great colour fidelity, excellent sharpness and low amounts of image noise. Unlike many compacts, there's an optical viewfinder, with a neat digital overlay that handily offers aperture and other information. The X20 is beautifully built, feels solid in the hand, is easy to use and full of great details. The on-off switch is located in the lens so you turn it on by rotating the lens, meaning you're more likely to keep track of the lens cover.</p><p>Sony HX50</p><p>This is the smallest and lightest camera with a 30x optical zoom enough to take a shot from the back of a concert hall or sports event. It handles well and the 20.4-megapixel camera runs for 400 shots between charges.</p><p>299; sony.co.uk</p><p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/camera-reviews/10531211/Last-minute-gift-guide-the-best-compact-and-DSLR-cameras.html">Keep reading...</a></p>