For aspiring photographers looking to step up their game from a point-and-shoot camera or smartphone, there have been a number of exciting new options released in recent weeks. Whether you want to take the leap to your first DSLR, opt for a more evolved point-and-shoot, or go with something in between — this summer delivers something for everyone.

Panasonic announced its new Lumix G5 this month, the latest single-lens mirrorless camera in its popular G series of micro four-thirds cameras. Following up on the G3 from last year, Panasonic has skipped the G4 designation — perhaps due to the superstition surrounding the number 4 in Japan and some other Asian countries (because the words for both "four" and "death" sound the same). But just looking at the G5's body tells you that the company is making a break from the dainty G3, opting for a large hand-grip this time yet still retaining a lightweight body.

The optical viewfinder is also back (the G3 departed from earlier G-series models by ditching it). A 3-inch rotating LCD touchscreen on the back acts as an electronic viewfinder with full-area touch autofocus and a full field of view. It has the handy ability to flip outwards and tilt for those times when you want to shoot from low to the ground or from high overhead.