What is the Best Digital Camera?

So what is the best digital camera on the consumer market? The answer is probably the Hasselblad H3D-39. The 39 indicates that it is a 39 mega pixel camera and if you trip down to your local camera dealer you probably won't find one. If you did find one you probably would not want to spend the amount of money that they would be asking for the camera!

So much for what is the best camera, what is the best camera for you? Once again the answer is not as difficult as you might think.

The first question you have to ask yourself is how will I use my new camera? Compact cameras are great for slipping into your pocket or handbag and they do generally take much better pictures than your average phone camera. If you simply want a camera to take happy snaps at parties and when you go on holiday there is a wide range of compact cameras to meet you needs.

If you are thinking about taking up photography seriously and want a camera that will take shots in all lighting conditions then you may want to consider going down the DSLR route. Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras, or DSLRs, are becoming increasingly popular and big manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Samsung, Sony and Olympus have keenly priced entry level models. DSLR cameras have larger sensors compared to compact cameras making them less susceptible to noise. They also allow you to change the lens to cope with different shooting conditions. DSLRs are the preferred choice of professional photographers.

Bridge cameras are almost the same as a DSLR in look and feel except for having a non interchangeable lens. Usually they have a slightly smaller sensor than a DSLR and they also usually come with a large zoom range making them a favourite with bird watchers and nature lovers. Fuji and Panasonic have the most popular range of bridge cameras.

Once you have decided on what type of camera is best for you the next step is decide on the price you want to pay. After that it's time to go bargain hunting.

If you stick with the big camera names I've quoted in this article you won't go far wrong. Also if you look for a year old model, you can often pick one up a camera with as much as 30% off the initial price. Web sites like dpreview and Steve's cameras contain all the latest reviews. If you are still uncertain what model to buy, select a few you think you might like, and then go read the comments and look at the pictures on the forums at dpreview.

Bill Morrison is a keen amateur photographer and recommends http://www.digicamuser.com as a good resource for anyone interested in digital photography.

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100

     Nikon's D3100 is the company's latest entry-level DSLR and the successor to the best-selling D3000. It builds-upon that model's friendly operation and brings it right up to date with higher resolution images, Live View and HD movie capabilities. Indeed it's arguably now the best-featured entry-level DSLR and will appeal equally to beginners along with enthusiasts on a tighter budget. 

     The new 14 Megapixel sensor records noticeably finer details than 10 Megapixel models, while noise levels are kept in check at high sensitivities – indeed as you'll see in our results pages, the D3100 performed similarly to the pricier Canon EOS 550D / T2i, at least when both were equipped with their kit lenses.

     The presence of Live View and HD movies may not make much difference to DSLR traditionalists, but they're essential features in today's market. Live View finally allows Nikon's entry-level DSLR to compose with its screen and offer features like face detection and subject tracking, while the HD movie mode boasts both 720p and 1080p, along with an attempt at autofocusing while filming.

Full Article click here

Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

The Canon EOS 60D is a mid-range DSLR featuring 18 Megapixels, HD video and a fully-articulated screen. Announced in August 2010, it's the official replacement for the EOS 50D, but Canon's repositioned the new model from the semi-pro status of its predecessor into a new mid-range category for the company. As such the EOS 60D sits in-between the upper entry-level EOS 550D / T2i and the semi-pro EOS 7D, allowing it to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range DSLRs like the D90 and D7000. This repositioning has caused some heartache for existing xxD owners who were waiting for a semi-pro upgrade from models like the EOS 40D and EOS 50D. While EOS 60D offers several key enhancements over these models, the repositioning has also seen a number of 'downgrades', most notably concerning the body construction and removal of certain specialist features.
So while Canon officially describes the EOS 60D as the successor to the EOS 50D, we'd say the most sensible path for xxD owners who want an upgrade in every respect is to go for the existing EOS 7D instead – it may be a year older than the 60D, but remains a great camera with a price that improves the longer it's been out; see our Canon EOS 7D review for more details. As for the new EOS 60D, it's the ideal choice for someone wanting a step-up from an entry-level DSLR without the expense, weight or complication of a traditional semi-pro model. Think of it as a souped-up EOS xxxD / Rebel and it makes much more sense – and once again this repositioning finally gives Canon a DSLR to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range models rather than slotting-in above or below.

See full review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a high-end compact camera aimed at enthusiasts. Announced in July 2010, exactly two years after the classic LX3, the new LX5 takes the same concept of packing a high-sensitivity sensor, bright and wide lens, flash hotshoe and a wealth of manual control into a small and light body. Note there wasn't an LX4, so the LX5 is the direct successor to the LX3. Externally, the LX5 shares essentially the same appearance as its predecessor, although the new model enjoys a more generous grip along with a handful of control tweaks. The hotshoe has also been raised to accommodate an accessory port which supports the optional electronic viewfinder first seen for the Lumix GF1.
The biggest difference concerns the lens, with Panasonic upgrading the basic 2.5x range of the LX3 to a broader 3.8x. Crucially the new LX5 maintains the wide 24mm equivalent coverage of its predecessor, along with its bright f2.0 aperture, but instead of topping-out at a modest 60mm, it zooms 50% longer to 90mm. While many lenses suffer from much slower apertures when zoomed-in, the LX5 boasts an impressive f3.3 at its longest focal length. Panasonic also claims to have improved the AF speed with its new Sonic Speed system boasting gains of up to 40% in certain conditions.
Internally there's been a number of enhancements. The CCD sensor remains 10 Megapixels, but Panasonic claims improved dynamic range, saturation and sensitivity. Alongside is a new Venus FHD processor which allows quicker startup times and image processing, along with extending the battery life by over one third – although this is in conjunction with a new battery pack.
The best quality movie mode remains 720p, but like most current Panasonic models, the existing Motion JPEG mode is now complemented by an AVCHD option which allows smaller files and longer recording times. The LX5's movie mode also now allows manual control over exposures along with optical zooming while filming – neither of which were possible on the LX3.
Other additions over the old model include an HDMI port, thumb wheel, 1:1 aspect ratio option and a play button instead of a switch, which means you can go directly from playback to shooting with a half-press of a shutter release.
The enhancements of the LX5 over its predecessor may not be revolutionary, but bring a popular classic up-to-date while addressing a number of concerns. The digital camera market has however moved-on significantly in the two years since the LX3, with a number of mirror-less compacts packing DSLR sensors and interchangeable lens mounts into small bodies, including Panasonic's own Lumix GF1. These may be pricier than the Lumix LX5, but many enthusiasts are willing to pay the extra for their performance and flexibility.
The question then is not only how well the LX5 performs against other small-sensor premium compacts, like Canon's PowerShot S95 and G12, but whether it's still relevant in today's market. Is there still room for a high-end enthusiast's compact with a small sensor and fixed lens? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 full review where we'll pitch it against both types of cameras to see how it measures-up. If you're shopping for a premium compact, you've come to the right place.

See full review

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS super-zoom review

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS super-zoom review

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a 14 Megapixel super-zoom with a 35x optically-stabilised zoom lens. Launched in September 2010 it replaces the hugely popular PowerShot SX20 IS. The most obvious enhancement is the extension of the zoom range from the SX20 IS's already impressive 20x to a whopping 35x. The PowerShot SX30 IS zoom extends through a 35mm equivalent of 24 – 840mm, spanning the range from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto.
The sensor resolution has been increased by 2 Megapixels and the new model is fitted with a slightly larger 2.7 inch articulated screen. Improved image stabilisation provides a claimed four and a half stops of compensation and Canon has abandoned AA cells in favour of a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery.
Scene detection, introduced in the SX20 IS, has been improved with the addition of new scenes and extended to movie shooting which also benefits from a new Dynamic IS mode. The SX30 IS retains fully manual control with PASM exposure modes and also benefits from some of the new scene modes that have been introduced in Canon's compact range, such as Fish-eye and Miniature.

The SX20 IS earned one of the top spots in the super-zoom market in the face of stiff competition from manufacturers like Panasonic. As you'd expect, they too have been busy introducing new models and we've pitched the PowerShot SX30 IS against two new super-zooms from its major rival, the Lumix FZ45 / FZ40 and the Lumix FZ100. Both share similar specifications with the SX30 IS and with each other. The Lumix FZ45 / FZ40 is a 14 Megapixel super-zoom with a 24x optical zoom and 3in screen which replaces the popular Lumix FZ38. The Lumix FZ100 is a premium version of the FZ45 / FZ40 with a 14 Megapixel CMOS sensor, a higher resolution flip-out screen, 1080p AVCHD video and fast continuous shooting.
Read our full review to see if the PowerShot SX30 IS, with it's phenomenal zoom reach and combination of advanced manual and easy-to-use auto modes, is the best choice for you.

See full review