What is the best digital camera on the market right now?

Question

Just curious because i'm going to get one and i'm not really quite sure which one is the best for me. Thanks!

I am looking for a compact camera....not an slr type camera..

Answer 1

Rather than name a single camera make (and I am a Canon guy so I would always say Canon!) I would suggest you look at some basics first and answer sme questions:

1. What are you most likely to shoot?
a. People/People events
b. Nature - Large Mamals
c. Nature - Small mamals
d. Nature - Birds
e. Nature - Insects
f. Scenery
g. Sports events

If the most of the pictures are for (a) and (f), you will do fine with a camera that has 4 megapixels or more and an optical zoom f 3x to 5x.

If you want the above and (b), you can look for a camera that has 10x or 12x optical zoom Some cameras cme with image stabilization (they may call it by other name - Nikon calls it VR)

If you want the above and (c) or (d), you need to get a SLR with a zoom lens with a max zoom of at least 300 to 400mm.

If you want (e), ensure that the Macro feature exists in the camera.

Ensure that the camera can handle at least 2 (I would prefer 4) GB memory cards so you can shoot many many pictures.

Answer 2

Rustom T's answer is excellent, but I would add the following points:

Not all optical zooms are created equal. 3x to 5x optical zoom is indeed a very good all-around range for taking most of the pictures that the average consumer will take, including close-up portraits of people's faces. Not all lenses start their zoom at the same spot, though. My Kodak DX7440 has a 4x optical zoom, from 33-132 mm. It is a mid-range consumer camera considered to have a slightly "wider" zoom range than most cameras that were in its price range. That means it is better at taking pictures such as group shots. Most cameras that I've seen recently that are not 10x, 12x, et cetera, have a starting zoom of 38mm or similar. Don't be cowed by this fact, as you can usually accomplish the same effect of a wider angle zoom by simply stepping back a few paces. But do be aware of it.

You should also pay some attention to the "aperture" at which the camera takes its pictures, namely at the farthest reaches of the zoom. Aperture is a measure of how much light is being let into the camera when the picture is taken.

Why is it important? Cameras with long zoom lenses are very alluring, and when you read the fine-print, you read something like "33-132mm, F2.8-4.8." The first number, 2.8, after the zoom is the aperture - the amount of light let into the camera when I shoot a wide-angle picture. The second number, 4.8, means that a LOT less (1/8th, for the record) light will be let in when I shoot a picture at full zoom. That's a lot less light, which means the picture will be darker or blurrier. The longer the zoom, the less light let in, and the more you will want a camera with a feature called image stabilization.

With a more professional camera, you can alter these settings, of course, but it depends on what you are looking for. Subjectively, I would say the best digital SLRs on the market, those with adjustable lenses, are made by Canon or Nikon. They have the largest lens collection that you can choose from. The best prosumer cameras are made by either Canon or Panasonic. Both offer super-zoom models, with image stabilization to compensate for the blurriness inherent in pictures taken at long zoom levels. Canon also has extremely small, sleek models called the PowerShot S-series, with very nice, sharp zoom lenses, considering their size, but in most Canon models, the on-screen menus are very important and it's hard to make quick changes until you become familiar with the camera. I love the quality of the pictures they take, but I bought a Kodak because it was, in my opinion, easier to use and change the settings.

There is no "best digital camera." There is only what is best for you - what matches the features you need, a menu system that is intuitive to you, and helps you to take pictures you will be proud of. My suggestion would be to go to a major electronics store or camera shop. The salesmen/women should ask questions like what kind of cameras you've used before, what kind of pictures you're going to take, not just how many megapixels you want or whether they can bundle a printer with that.

Answer 3

For a compact camera- probably the Canon SD700IS, although there are a load of competitors that are so close it doesn't matter. But, they've just announced the SD800IS that will be released shortly. The advantage of the new one is that it's got a 28mm wide angle lens. Not so easy to build, as I wasn't crazy about the lens on the cannon S80. Hopefully they'll do better this time.

If you're not interested in spending over $400 for a compact camera- try the Panasonics (FX01/FX07) or the Fuji's F30/F20- they're both really terrific as well.

Answer 4

look on the Pentax decision. I have 2, and extremely overjoyed with them. seek for a digital camera with a chargeable battery, and a media card slot, sd/mmc, memory stik, compact flash etc. also, carry some cigarette papers with you to adhere over the flash at the same time as takin flash photos. It diffuses the flash. The flash must be extremely harsh on digital cameras. solid luck.........

Answer 5

Always been a Canon man, got the PowerShot. Maybe this can help you in making a decision, just click on the link: http://philip.greenspun.com/photography/best-digital-camera

Answer 6

I have had 2 different models of the Canon Digital Elf and I love both of them.

Answer 7

the nikon coolpix 5700 or something like that, its the closest you can get to a digital SLR without paying the extra couple of hundred

Answer 8

check this out:
http://dpreview.com/