Digital Cameras

Canon SX1 IS

MSRP $599.99 Released April, 2009

Pros

20x optical zoom
manual control option for the aperture and shutter
1080p video recording

Cons

no external microphone input
grainy in low light
Lens cap falls off easily, no tether

ProSCORE
9 reviews

83

Nikon D90

MSRP $999.95 Released August, 2008

Pros

uses standard SD cards
large display of high quality (920,000-dot color LCD monitor with 170-degree wide-angle viewing)
very fast (0.15ms start-up, 65ms shooting lag, up to 4.5 frames per second)

Cons

no continuous autofocus for video recording
Restricted to record only 5 minutes of HD video and 20 minutes of regular video
Bundled Software very limited compared to what one gets with a Canon

ProSCORE
4 reviews

81

Canon PowerShot G11

MSRP $499.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

optical image stabilization
RAW format support
large 2.8" tilt/swivel display with respectable resolution (461k dots)

Cons

no HD video mode
same form factor as previous cameras in the series - slightly heavy and large
cost

ProSCORE
4 reviews

73

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

MSRP $1,499.95 Released June, 2009

Pros

auto-focus can be used while recording video
stereo microphone for video recording
1080p video with silent auto-focus - does not interfere with sound recording (but requires special lenses)

Cons

only 1080p24. 1080p30 or 1080p60 would be nicer
double the price of the standard DMC-G1
no improvement over the DMC-G1 if video is unimportant

ProSCORE
7 reviews

81

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290

MSRP $249.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

records video in 720p high definition
3" LCD display
affordable price

Cons

utilizes less common, slightly more expensive and less capacious MS Duo flash storage
you can NOT ZOOM while shooting video
no docking cradle, memory or a case provided with the camera

ProSCORE
9 reviews

60

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i

MSRP $799.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

utilizes easy to find, capacious and affordable SD/SDHC cards
large 3" LCD with 920k dots
720p video recording at 30fps, or 1080p at 20fps

Cons

no auto-focus for video
no external microphone input
1080p at 20fps only

ProSCORE
6 reviews

55

Nikon D3000

MSRP $599.95 Released August, 2009

Pros

large 3" display
utilizes easy to find, affordable and capacious SD/SDHC storage
11-point autofocus, vastly superior to the D40/D60

Cons

display pixel count is the same as the much smaller display on the D40/D60 (230k)
not a very big upgrade over the previous generation models
no video mode

ProSCORE
4 reviews

76

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

MSRP $899.95 Released October, 2009

Pros

records video in 720p high definition (whereas the G1 doesn't record video at all)
3" display with respectable 460k pixels
slick aesthetic

Cons

no built in viewfinder
no Leica lenses yet for micro four thirds
higher price than the already compact Micro Four Thirds DMC-G1 it is based on

ProSCORE
3 reviews

81

Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1

MSRP $600.00 Released October, 2009

Pros

good build quality
dual CCD sensors allow for recording 3D video and images
possibly the first of a revolutionary step in photography

Cons

high price
lower resolution video (640x480px)
Stereo only works in landscape

ProSCORE
2 reviews

58

Pentax K-x

MSRP $649.95 Released September, 2009

Pros

auto picture mode - automatically selects the best preset mode for the photo you're trying to take, ideal for newbies
HDR shooting mode
can store images in RAW format

Cons

viewfinder doesn't show selected auto-focus points
crazier coloured bodies will be Japan only
runs on AA batteries

ProSCORE
2 reviews

86

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

MSRP $379.99 Released August, 2009

Pros

18x optical zoom; very high
extended battery life of approximately 470 pictures
improved optical image stabilization (supposedly 2x better than the previous generation)

Cons

big for a point-and-shoot
User Interface sometimes poor - mystery descriptions like "Mode1 / Mode2" for stabilization, short on explanatory text which could help.
Full operating instructions only supplied on CD, not in print.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

87

Pentax K-7

MSRP $1,299.95 Released May, 2009

Pros

ruggedized - fully sealed body
quiet shutter
quality construction

Cons

video is manual focus only - difficult to change focus, pan or zoom
not many current options for super-fast tele lenses
noise begins to get noticeable at lower ISO levels than competing options

ProSCORE
2 reviews

87

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500/FX520

MSRP $400.00 Released May, 2008

Pros

Touch screen
Very good object tracking
Adjustable noise reduction (but can't be turned off)

Cons

No zoom during video shooting
MJPEG instead of H.264 video compression
No optical viewfinder

ProSCORE
2 reviews

65

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

MSRP $2,699.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

21MP CMOS sensor
1080p HD movie recording
Wide range ISO setting (100-6400)

Cons

HD Video capture up to 4GB per clip
expensive
1080p30 is nice, but 1080p60 would be better

ProSCORE
13 reviews

72

Sony Alpha 850

MSRP $1,999.99 Released September, 2009

Pros

large full frame 24.6 megapixel sensor
in body image stabilization
HDMI output

Cons

no video mode
no onboard flash
slow 3fps continuous shooting

ProSCORE
3 reviews

62

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

MSRP $349.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

12x optical zoom
records video in 720p
available in black, blue or red

Cons

Slow continuous shooting mode (less than 1 frame per second)
Mono sound recording
No optical zoom while recording video

ProSCORE
4 reviews

71

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

MSRP $800.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

More superior LiveView implementation compared to competition (has to be proven yet)
Articulating screen combined with Live View allows for easier over-the-heads and ground-level shots
In-camera image stabilization allows for using of non-stabilized lenses, by thus lowering the cost of ownership

Cons

Kit lens is lower quality then the competition
Noise at higher ISOs
accessories can be expensive

ProSCORE
8 reviews

76

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi

MSRP $799.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor
Live View Function
New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor

Cons

no video features
Live View Function will drain battery quicker.
Small DSLR camera body for those with big hands or long fingers.

ProSCORE
7 reviews

84

Nikon D80

MSRP $999.00 Released December, 2006

Pros

Fits any Nikon SLR Lens
Large feature set
Highly customizable

Cons

Slower top shutter speed than D70 - tops out at 1/4000 s
Slower flash sync than D70 - 1/200 s vs. 1/500 s
Bulky, even for a DSLR

ProSCORE
9 reviews

83

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

MSRP $249.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

great image quality
uses a standard USB cable
easy to use

Cons

uses AA batteries instead of a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack
does not record video in high definition (VGA only)
no optical zoom in movie mode

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20

MSRP $279.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

10x optical zoom
shoots high definition 720p video with sound
10.1 megapixels

Cons

supports Memory Stick Duo cards only - more expensive and harder to find than other types
lacks wide-angle zoom
USB port is located on the bottom of the camera

ProSCORE
6 reviews

78

Samsung SL620

MSRP $199.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

affordable price
large 3" display
video is sharp and clear

Cons

basic point and shoot
proprietary USB port / cable
what you see in the viewfinder is not exactly what is taken in the photos

ProSCORE
2 reviews

50

Polaroid T737

MSRP $180.00 Released --

Pros

Inexpensive camera
Large 3.0" LCD screen relative to its overall size
Useful panoramic mode

Cons

Only fair image quality
Slow shutter lag - 1.5 sec.
Long next shot delay - 5 sec.

ProSCORE
9 reviews

35

Kodak EasyShare M1033

MSRP $159.95 Released January, 2001

Pros

Nice image quality
USB charging capability
Decent HD video

Cons

Slow shot-to-shot response time
Known issue with power button not responding; workaround (pop battery out & in) only works sometimes
Known issue with false High Temperature error causing shutdown; workaround (take a photo immediately upon powering on) only works sometimes

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Canon PowerShot G10

MSRP $499.99 Released October, 2008

Pros

includes advanced manual controls for the aspiring professional/hobbyist
quality 3" LCD display with good resolution (461k dots)
Optical stabilisation

Cons

Slow continuous shooting (1.3 fps)
doesn't take video in high definition (VGA & 30fps only)
Noise Profile At High ISOs (above 400)

ProSCORE
8 reviews

79

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350

MSRP $800.00 Released March, 2008

Pros

Features live view LCD viewfinder with dedicated sensor
Competitively priced
Extremely high resolution sensor @ 14.2 megapixels

Cons

poor kit lens
uses CF cards - most cameras in this segment have moved to smaller, cheaper alternatives
slow 2.5 FPS continuous shooting

ProSCORE
8 reviews

73

Nikon D5000

MSRP $849.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

includes a mini-HDMI port for displaying images on HDTVs (no included cable)
720p video recording at 24fps
2.7-inch articulating LCD

Cons

no autofocusing while recording video in HD
low resolution display (230K vs the 920K on the D90)
not all that much more affordable than the D90

ProSCORE
5 reviews

64

Olympus FE-26

MSRP $89.99 Released August, 2009

Pros

Good macro and super macro mode.
Photos are 314 dpi

Cons

No sound while recording video
Even new batteries on my camera last for 30 - 40 pictures, not using flash

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

MSRP $900.00 Released February, 2005

Pros

high quality pictures
relatively small size for a SLR is great for travel
nearly instantaneous turn-on/wake-up times (0.2s)

Cons

small size means it won't fit everyone's hand
small LCD screen
supplied lens is very basic

ProSCORE
5 reviews

69

Casio Exilim EX-Z85

MSRP $179.00 Released October, 2008

Pros

affordable cost
compact and light
solid build

Cons

not the best quality photos
basic point and shoot camera
3x optical zoom

ProSCORE
4 reviews

57

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

MSRP $799.00 Released November, 2008

Pros

adapter ring is available to mount full four third lenses to the body of the G1
two micro four third lenses are available (F3.5-5.6, 14 - 45 mm and F4.0-5.6, 45 - 200 mm) with three more in the works (F4.0 / 7 - 14 mm, F1.7 / 20 mm, and F4.0-5.6 / 14 - 140 mm)
smaller and lighter than full DSLR cameras

Cons

no high definition video capture mode
fairly expensive with full DSLR cameras always dropping in price
adapter for four third lenses does not include auto-focus

ProSCORE
4 reviews

58

Canon D10

MSRP $330.00 Released May, 2009

Pros

durable - shock resistant, waterproof and freeze proof
can be used up to 33 feet underwater
easy to use

Cons

expensive
strange looking
not that durable - it is easy to meet or exceed the extremes

ProSCORE
2 reviews

63

Fujifilm FinePix Z30

MSRP $179.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

compact
full featured
interior zoom mechanics means less chance of failure
dedicated switches for functions minimizes number of menus the user must navagate
5 different options for the color conscious

Cons

limited zoom range (x3 optical)

ProSCORE
1 review

86

Fujifilm FinePix S9600

MSRP -- Released March, 2007

Pros

Good color reproduction
Using standard AA size batteries, no charger/adaptor required

Cons

image stabilization is poor
slow startup
slow image capture process

ProSCORE
1 review

29

Olympus FE-20

MSRP $129.99 Released January, 2008

Pros

affordable price
nice size preview screen that makes it easy to see your shot
facial recognition

Cons

3x optical zoom
poor video recording resolution
limited image stabilization

ProSCORE
3 reviews

52

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

MSRP $399.99 Released September, 2009

Canon's PowerShot SX20 is a higher-end point-and-shoot camera (non-DSLR) that offers a range of features, and is targeted at experienced amateur photographers. It has a 20x optical zoom capability with optical image stabilization, and an AUTO mode that can select from 22 different preset shooting modes (or these can be user-selected). The overall photo...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Canon SD780 IS

MSRP $280.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

attractive
easy to fit into a pocket
small and light (115g)

Cons

3x optical zoom
utilizes an older Canon UI
black model is hard to see markings on body

ProSCORE
3 reviews

73

Canon EOS 7D

MSRP $1,699.00 Released October, 2009

Pros

8fps continuous shooting
full 1080p video at 30fps, 720p at 60fps
1.0x optical viewfinder with 100% coverage
large 18MP sensor
large high definition 3" display (920k dots)

Cons

18MP sensor falls short of full frame

ProSCORE
3 reviews

90

Pentax K2000

MSRP $500.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

inexpensive for an entry level digital SLR
quality construction
compatible with every K mount lens ever made
in-body optical image stabalization
relatively compact for a aps-sized digital SLR

Cons

not as many new lens options as the competitors

ProSCORE
1 review

86

Vivitar ViviCam 8025

MSRP $82.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

uses affordable, capacious and easy to find SD/SDHC storage
affordable price
inexpensive,light weight,easy to use,rechargeable lithium battery,nice pictures for the price

Cons

3x optical zoom
no mic so no sound with video,it does not have optical zoom
looks cheap

ProSCORE
4 reviews

45

Pentax K10D

MSRP $699.00 Released September, 2006

Pros

excellent build quality
fully sealed body
compatible with every K mount lens ever made
excellent image quality

Cons

capabilities surpassed by more recent models

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Nikon D200

MSRP $1,700.00 Released November, 2005

Pros

A solid dependable semi-pro camera
Compatible with every Nikon lens ever made since the 1970s

Cons

Obsoleted by the D300 and D300s

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Fujifilm FinePix S1500

MSRP $249.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

affordable price
12x optical zoom
uses AA batteries

Cons

does not record video in high definition
zoom is noisy during video recording
uses AA batteries

ProSCORE
3 reviews

68

Canon EOS Rebel XS

MSRP $699.99 Released June, 2003

Pros

affordable price - similar cameras would have been over $1000 only 2-3 years ago
RAW format support
comparable image to the more advanced XSi - indistinguishable

Cons

smaller screen, sensor and fewer AF points than the XSi
fully featured DSLR will not be as simple as other cameras in the price range
No video recording

ProSCORE
2 reviews

64

Samsung NV100HD

MSRP $329.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

can shoot video in 720p
huge 14.7MP CCD
great price:performance ratio

Cons

Flash is positioned in an awkward place preventing you from holding the camera using a pinch grip
Video is recorded in MP4 format that can be a nuisance to work with..need to convert first
have to pay extra for high definition (HDMI) dock output

ProSCORE
2 reviews

57

Samsung ES55

MSRP $129.99 Released May, 2009

Pros

Li-Ion battery
Very powerful flash

Cons

Screen with very small viewing angle (but what can you expect at this price?)

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Nikon D60

MSRP $650.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Compact and light
Great image quality
Active Dynamic Lighting preserves details very well

Cons

No automatic exposure bracketing.
1/200s flash sync is slower than D40.
I miss Liveview LCD.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

71

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150

MSRP $399.95 Released July, 2008

Pros

captures images in RAW format
shoots video in HD
expensive - but can now be found for much cheaper
compact

Cons

less than ideal 3.6x zoom
not very attractive

ProSCORE
3 reviews

86

Nikon D70s

MSRP $912.50 Released January, 2005

Pros

Size & weight, make it feel right. (D80/D90 is slightly smaller, I prefer the feel of the D70 over the newer models)
Two control dials, same control as pro model cameras. Very intuitive in full manual mode.
Works with ALL Nikon AF lenses. (has internal focus motor)

Cons

Tiny LCD Screen with low resolution
High sensor noise over ISO400
Does not Meter with MF Lenses (D200/D300 does)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

78

Nikon D3X

MSRP $7,999.95 Released December, 2008

Pros

Full frame sensor
dual CF cards with intelligent backup/copy/overflow options
High resolution 24.5 MP

Cons

doesn't offer HD video
extremely expensive
slower than the D3

ProSCORE
5 reviews

50

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

MSRP $500.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

Comfortable to Hold
10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD The A200's 'central organ' is a APS-C sized CCD chip with 10.2 million photosites.
Bionz Image Processor Like the A700 and A350, the A200 is powered by the Bionz imaging processor (although presumably it's not exactly the same one that was optimized for the A700's CMOS sensor).

Cons

Proprietary Flash Hot Shoe
High ISO noise
Not friendly to manual focus lens: No menu to tell the camera what is the focal lenght of a given lens and, thus, use Aperture Priority and Super Steady Shot.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

75

Ricoh GR Digital II

MSRP $500.00 Released November, 2008

Pros

features an easy to hold grip
includes RAW format support
great build quality

Cons

expensive
lacks image stabilization
no zoom

ProSCORE
2 reviews

84

Sony Cybershot DSC-T77

MSRP $299.95 Released September, 2008

Pros

Thin-profile (19/32") and lightweight (4.4 oz) for easy pocketability
Steel front cover covers and protects flash and lens - allowing you to throw it in your bag or pocket without worry
4x optical zoom is not bad considering the width of the camera

Cons

Harsh JPEG compression reduces 10.1 mps images to around 3.5 megabytes reducing picture quality
limited flash range
expensive and not as functional compared to larger, thicker cameras

ProSCORE
4 reviews

77

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi

MSRP $700.00 Released September, 2006

Pros

EOS Integrated Cleaning System to Reduce, Repel, and Remove dust from camera mechanisms
Improved and easier interface
Incredible improvements compared to the previous model (Canon EOS 350d)

Cons

No spot metering
No programmable Auto ISO

ProSCORE
9 reviews

87

Fujifilm FinePix J250

MSRP $199.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

lightweight and compact
a lot of settings for various environment conditions
optical and digital image stabilization

Cons

lost sharpness by using full zoom capacity
default evaluative metering mode is unreliable
dynamic range is poor

ProSCORE
2 reviews

71

Olympus Camedia C-4000

MSRP $410.00 Released --

Pros

Excellent picture quality. Gives more modern 8MP cameras a real run for their money
Connected to a computer via USB, the camera shows as a hard drive. No additional software needed to transfer pictures.
4AA batteries give a long period before replacement or recharge.

Cons

Quite large
Quite heavy compared with more recent offerings
Small LCD screen

ProSCORE
2 reviews

50

Nikon Coolpix S70

MSRP $399.95 Released August, 2009

The Nikon Coolpix S70 is a compact 12.1 digital camera with a 5x zoom NIKKOR lens and a touch control screen. It features a 3.5" OLED touch screen which Clear Color display that gives a more intuitive and smooth operation than typical button operated cameras. Shooting touch controls include touch shutter and scene effect...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD

MSRP $299.95 Released October, 2008

Pros

15x optical zoom
runs on 4 AA batteries (easy to find and buy/recharge)
extremely inexpensive (the cost of a regular P&S camera)
easy to use for non-professionals (a good learning camera)

Cons

sub-par menu layout
noisy 2.7" screen with a low 230k pixels

ProSCORE
3 reviews

89

Fuji FinePix A345

MSRP $200.00 Released January, 2005

Pros

Handles 2 GB XD Memory Card.
Configuration is a snap.
USB Interface for connecting to the computer.

Cons

Although XD cards are standard, a more common card would be much better.
Does occasionally have focus issues.
Flash sometimes operates when it is not needed.

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000

MSRP $299.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

waterproof
simplified tap input
available in 4 colours

Cons

controls take a lot of getting used to
cannot zoom while filming a video
overly bright exposure

ProSCORE
3 reviews

53

Nikon D3s

MSRP $5,199.95 Releases November, 2009

Pros

excellent low-light performance
D3 body - ergonomic and durable
small button-interface tweaks have made the device a lot more user friendly than previous D3-based models

Cons

relatively low resolution 12.1MP sensor
video mode just isn't that great - motion JPEG format, no 1080p mode
high price

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Leica D-LUX 4

MSRP -- Released September, 2008

Pros

RAW file format support
quality pro accessories
sharp and fast lens

Cons

considerably more expensive than the last generation product
Noisy sensor
Virtually the same as the Panasonic LX-3

ProSCORE
3 reviews

58

Sony Cybershot DSC-T500

MSRP $399.99 Released September, 2008

Pros

Large 3.5" touch-screen LCD
Includes 16:9 photo mode, optimized for widescreen displays
Records HD video; 720p using MPEG4 AVC/H.264 @ 30 fps

Cons

Lower res LCD than the T700; 230k vs. 921k...however, it's the same as the T77
Uses Sony Memory Stick only
You must use the dock to connect to TV or computer; no direct connection from camera

ProSCORE
4 reviews

43

Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP

MSRP $199.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

SDHC card slot - for use with large capacity, easy to find and inexpensive memory cards
waterproof
available in black, pink or orange

Cons

shoots video in standard definition
standard point & shoot
extremely bright neon colour options only

ProSCORE
1 review

67

Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

MSRP $387.50 Released --

Pros

Uses SD cards so can film and take as many picture and videos as you want.
Can turn screen, so you can still see what your filming, while facing camera.
Folds away, so you can carry around with you easily.
Great for pictures and videos.
The camera lasted me a few years, was good.

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100

MSRP $800.00 Released July, 2006

Pros

10.2 megapixels
Includes image stabilization
Has an anti-dust system

Cons

Noisy Shutter
Noisy image above ISO400
Unable to write to more than 2500 files (using 16GB CF, error msg shows after 2500+ images on flash card)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

71

Nikon D40

MSRP $500.00 Released December, 2006

Pros

Compact and light
Great image quality
Write times are fast

Cons

No external focus pin
Can't customize exposure steps
Not the Canon Rebel

ProSCORE
8 reviews

79

Samsung TL34HD

MSRP $329.95 Released October, 2008

Pros

huge 14.7MP CCD
great price:performance ratio
Uses more standard and cheaper SDHC memory cards

Cons

Video is recorded in MP4 format that can be a nuisance to work with..need to convert first
odd design and colours
have to pay extra for high definition (HDMI) dock output

ProSCORE
2 reviews

57