For each type of digital camera, the best overall model available was selected, with an emphasis on image quality above all else. The best digital cameras listed below are featured models in their respective categories. They are chosen for their excellent image quality, feature set, performance, and value relative to cameras in the same category.
Fuji Finepix F200 EXR
The Fuji Finepix F200 EXR combines a 5X wide-angle optical zoom lens, image stabilization, ultra-high ISO, and a 12-megapixel SuperCCD EXR sensor featuring a revolutionary design.
The image quality of this digital camera is so fantastic that it even surpasses almost all fixed lens cameras. This is clearly the low light and dynamic range champion in this category and by a wide margin at that.
Nikon Coolpix P7000
The Nikon Coolpix P7000 includes a rich feature set along with a 7X wide-angle optical zoom lens. Its image quality is excellent, surpassing even the previous champion when it comes to image noise. Exposure, metering, color, and white balance are also very reliable. A full set of manual controls makes it an ideal camera for creative photography when a large camera would not be practical.
The large buttons and dials covering the P7000 make it efficient to control in all exposure modes. Dual command dials mean manual exposure can be set without using buttons or a menu. The P7000 even includes a digital level and support for stereo sound while recording HD video through its internal microphone or using an external audio input.
Canon S95
The Canon S95 is a compact digital camera aimed at advanced users. It has full manual controls, an efficient interface with dual control wheels, and built-in stabilization.
While a look at the Canon S95’s ISO performance is nothing to write about, its savior is a bright F2 wide-angle lens, giving it a head start. Still, the Nikon P7000 is still superior in terms of image quality, but the S95 is noticeably smaller and even more efficient to use.
Fuji Finepix F300 EXR
The Fuji Finepix F300 EXR is the ultra-zoom version of the excellent F200 EXR. Instead, it packs a slightly smaller 12-megapixel sensor and an incredibly versatile 15X ultra-wide-angle optical zoom lens. High ISO and dynamic range performance is excellent, on par with its predecessor while offering more advanced functionality, including 720p HD video recording. The quality of the lens is truly impressive with some softness in the corners but virtually no distortion, vignetting, or chromatic aberration.
The extra ace of the Fuji Finepix F300 EXR is its hybrid autofocus system that allows you to use contrast detection or phase detection, giving you the ability to focus extremely quickly. In most circumstances with good lighting, this system works so well that only DSLRs can focus faster.
Sony Alpha SLT-A55
The Sony Alpha SLT-A55 is an introduction to the future of ILC. It features a 16-megapixel sensor behind a translucent mirror that gives you class-leading unique capabilities. Having a translucent mirror allows you to constantly focus and measure, even during exposure and particularly during video recording. The SLT-A55 can shoot continuously at 10 FPS and record video with full-time phase detection autofocus, promising to keep up with more action than any other SLD and even most DSLRs. Movies can be recorded in full HD video resolution of 1080p.
The tiny A55’s ergonomics are pretty good considering its size. The most comfortable aspect is its magnificent EVF with Eye-Start sensor. This EVF is exceptionally large, bright and very sharp with a resolution equivalent to 1.4 megapixels. Displays a true exposure-priority live view screen with 100% coverage and phase detection autofocus. The A55 is also the first ILC to have a built-in GPS.
Pentax Kx
This entry-level DSLR exceeds the limits of its class with continuous shooting of 4.7 FPS and a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000. It misses the weather sealing of the previous K200D, but it maintains the use of AA batteries and adds 720p HD video recording. It also has the largest viewer among its peers.
A new CMOS sensor design gives the Pentax Kx an ISO range of up to 12800, although the last two stops are quite noisy, it matches its peers in the ISO 100-3200 range.
Pentax K-5
The Pentax K-5’s new 16-megapixel sensor brings an unprecedented level of image quality to cropped sensor DSLRs, challenging even larger full-frame cameras on many fronts. Additionally, the K-5 maintains all the fantastic and unique features of the K-7, including built-in stabilization, automatic horizon correction, 100% coverage viewfinder, and the best weatherproof protection among ILCs.
This DSLR now features an extended ISO range reaching 51200 plus dual-axis digital level, 7 FPS continuous drive, and 1080p Full HD video recording in a standard 16: 9 aspect ratio.
Nikon d3s
The Nikon D3S is undoubtedly the low-light champion. By maintaining its 12 megapixel resolution, the D3S can continue to be used with a print size reduction of ISO 51200. Ultra-clean images up to ISO 6400 make this professional DSLR a must-have for event photographers who achieve fast shutter speeds. It’s fundamental. priority. Its fast continuous 9 FPS handling at full resolution and its fast 3D-tracking autofocus system reinforces the position of this digital camera for high-speed action.
As expected from a high-end model like this, this DSLR includes a 100% coverage viewfinder and seals to protect it from the elements. It can also record 720p HD video and has a digital level and two compact flash memory slots that can work to provide longer uninterrupted recording or backups on the go.