Phone Smart

Even if weve got some qualms with the A99 as a standalone stills camera, when it comes to movie capture its Sonys single lens translucent (SLT) technology - which, we confess, means this isnt technically a DSLR - that make for exceptional fast and quiet autofocus.

Theres a silent control wheel to the front of the camera for live adjustment during recording, while the full-frame sensor is spot on for blurred-background effects and creating those pro-looking 1080p shots.

All this can be witnessed in real time on the rear LCD screen without any cost to autofocus ability which, because of the SLT design, is just as fast as when using the camera through its electronic viewfinder - and thats also possible when capturing video.

Other cameras throw plenty at the movie front too - theres rarely a DSLR model that doesnt have plenty to offer in this department - but the Sonys got stacks of good stuff on offer. A sure winner.

PRICE: £1,798 (body only)