Best Digital Camera
Our readers constantly ask us What is the Best Digital Camera for the money? With so many choices, it can be difficult to decide on the Best Digital Camera available on the market today. Not only do these digital cameras differ in price, but their styles and quality also vary greatly.
Thus, we have set out to find the 10 Best Digital Cameras based on quality, price, and functionality. Also, we factor in the digital camera reviews in formulating our list.
You will find that most of the cameras on the list of best digital cameras are compact, point and shoot digital cameras. This is because most of us want simplicity to accompany quality. Who wants a great digital camera that is too difficult to use? In this list, you will find the best compact digital cameras (or best point shoot cameras as they are sometimes called) that money can buy.
That said, many of you are what we call advanced amateur photographers and want a camera that provides a bit more control and greater quality. You will find some of the advanced amateur photographer cameras on the list as well (many over 14MP) as more and more people realize that advanced photography does not have to be technically challenging.
Since technology moves rapidly, we do too! We update our list of the 10 Best Digital Cameras for you everyday so that you can always make the best, and latest purchasing decisions.
So, let’s get started with the list.
10 Best Digital Cameras
This list was updated on Saturday February 04, 2012.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
The Canon 5096B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Black 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom and 2.7 In. LCD Display has a slim profile that will not only make you stand out from the crowd, but it will also deliver incredibly brilliant still images and amazing 1080p HD videos. Once you turn on the camera, be prepared to be amazed at how much is packed into one of the slimmest point-and-shoot digital cameras on the market. So let your imagination run free and let the HS SYSTEM, 24mm 5x Optical Zoom and 12.1 Megapixels help you achieve great images everywhere.
In a review entitled Awesome Point and Shoot on March 14, 2011, Keith Corbin wrote: “This is a point and shoot class camera, if you understand that going in, you are going to be more than impressed with it. I’m going from an SD630 and hands down, this beats it. I even had an SX210IS and these images are on par with it, if not better. I had to return my SX210IS as it had issues with dust on the image sensor and I’ve been waiting for a new P&S class to come out. I bit the bullet on this, well, the black version Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Black) and what can I say - I am happy!300HS vs 500HS:There is a 500HS version of the camera, which is approx $50 more. To this point, the only differences I can tell are the LCD on the back as well as aperture priority and shutter priority, while the 300hs does not. The touch screen on the 500hs can also be used to…Read more” Keith Corbin gave the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 536 reviews, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.2 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue)
Canon’s 4925B001 PowerShot ELPH 100 HS Blue 12MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Zoom and 3.0 In. LCD Display is what you need to add that creative edge. Canon’s HS SYSTEM takes the frustration out of low light shooting. The system delivers clear, blur-free shots with the ambiance intact, and frees you from the sometimes unwanted effects of using the flash. Beautiful low light shots are possible at both low and high ISO speeds, and the dynamic range is expanded to retain maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas. It features Full 1080p HD video for exceptional quality and keeps footage stabilized with Dynamic IS.
In a review entitled The best pocket-sized Canon yet on March 25, 2011, Robert S. Tobias wrote: “BOTTOM LINE:With each generation, Canon makes the ELPH series easier to use and still get great results.Like it’s predecessors, this one fits easily into your pocket (or the case I recommend toward the end of this review).That point alone may make this the best camera you own; having a $5k DSLR doesn’t do you much good if you left it home because it wasn’t worth the effort to lug it along.However, unlike many other small cameras, this one does not sacrifice either features or quality.Well, it does give up on any reasonable manual control, things like setting shutter speed, lens aperture, ISO.What access you do have to that level of control is buried deep inside menus.It took Canon a while to realize that for most of us, if we wanted to fool with that kind of thing on a regular basis, we would be using a different camera.This camera is designed to leverage convenience over extreme control or nth degree quality.DETAILS:…Read more” Robert S. Tobias gave the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 209 reviews, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.2 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black)
Travel the world with the new PowerShot SX230 HS digital camera. It’s the first Canon PowerShot to come with GPS technology that’ll automatically tag your photos with time and locations. You can even view all the photos’ locations on a map by using special bundled software. And with amazing features, such as the HS SYSTEM, 12.1 Megapixels, 14x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom and 1080p Full HD Video, the stylish PowerShot SX230 HS is your essential traveling companion.Experience the Power.
In a review entitled Only for serious picture takers on April 5, 2011, Toua Yang wrote: “Pros:[1] Very advance camera in a small package. Has a lot of the features of the Canon DSLRs. [2] You can edit the pictures within the camera (color, cropping, filters) [3] HD video recording is awesome. [4] 14X zoom plus 56X digital zoom. [5] GPS [6] Trigger shooting with smile or wink [7] Mini HDMI out put [8] Many modes to choose from. Tv, Av, M, P, Portrait, Landscape…just to name a few [9] Adjustable shutter up to 1/3200 [10] Adjustable ISO from 100-3200 [11] HS and IS makes this thing worth the money [12] Menus are easy to navigate (because its similar to the Canon DSLRs) [13] The mode selector dial goes all the way around without stopping. [14] Too many to list…Cons:[1] Get your finger off the flash. The location of the flash takes a little to get used to [2] Battery life is terrible [3] I have big hands so it’s hard for me to grip it…Read more” Toua Yang gave the Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 252 reviews, the Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.1 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot S100 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
PowerShot FS100 Digital Camera (Black)
In a review entitled Best Truly Pocketable Camera on November 4, 2011, Sheraz A. Choudhary wrote: “I owned five Powershot S Series (s30,s50,s60,s80,s90) cameras prior to purchasing the s100.I took close to 100,000 photos with my s90 in the two years that I owned it.I am a semi-professional photographer that owns multiple Canon EOS DSLR cameras with L lenses.First off,I don’t think it’s fair to compare the s100 to DSLRs, APS-C, Four Thirds cameras.These large sensor cameras are in another class and even my really old Canon 10D with 6MPs will at low ISO have better image quality than the s100.If you don’t mind a larger camera that is not pocketable and are willing to spend more, the s100 is not the best camera for you.For example, the Sony NEX-5N will give superior results to the s100 in nearly all situations.The s90, s95 and now s100 are all unique in that the are truly pocketable–all the competitors are too large for pant pockets (Panasonic LX5, Olympus XZ-1, FujiFilm X10).Some of these cameras are quite good and all of them provide faster…Read more” Sheraz A. Choudhary gave the Canon PowerShot S100 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 66 reviews, the Canon PowerShot S100 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 3.7 STARS out of 5!
Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD.
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS 12.1 Megapixel Bridge Camera - Black 5251B001 31.
What’s in the Box: PowerShot SX40 HS Body, Battery Pack NB-10L, Battery Charger CB-2LC, Lens Cap, Case for Hot Shoe Cap, Neck Strap NS-DC11, Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM.
In a review entitled So Far So Good. Not Perfect, But What Is?. 4.5 Stars on November 6, 2011, Ethan A. Winning “ewin64″ wrote: “Nov. 3, 2011 and Jan. 13, 2012 - [Please see posted photos here and web site from my first days' and most recent shootings. A picture is worth a thousand words.] I will do a complete review as the weather clears and I can take some photos in various light conditions. So far, it has performed well enough, but there is a learning curve from the SX20 which allowed greater latitude in overriding what the camera “wants to do.”It may take a month before I can review the camera adequately, so I have uploaded some photos that I took on the first day, and I must say that they’re pretty good. However, there were only 8 out of 51 taken. …And then it started to rain. Please note that I am not new to the Canon line or (nature) photography: I have had the A620, S3, S5, SX10, SX20, and now the SX40. (I returned the SX30 which was a terrible disappointment.) And I’ve been taking pictures for over 60 years. So, unless you really get to know the camera - and even then - you may or may not…Read more” Ethan A. Winning “ewin64″ gave the Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD. 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 117 reviews, the Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD., one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.5 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD
Canon’s 4345B001 PowerShot SX130 IS 12.1 MP Compact Digital Camera is the perfect companion to all your good times. Now you can capture every detail of special moments in crisp, stunning 720p HD even while using the high-powered 12x wide-angle optical zoom. You’ll record in stereo sound, then play back your videos instantly on you computer. The SX130 IS all about creativity, with fun new scene modes like Miniature Effect for Movies, and Fisheye Effect for artistically distorted stills. While you’re having fun creating, the camera’s Smart Flash Exposure and advanced Smart AUTO systems are ensuring that every image is the best it can be. Add the DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 12.1 megapixels and Optical Image Stabilizer, and you’ve got the ideal camera for making the good times last.
In a review entitled Amazing Straight From The Box on August 31, 2010, jenmt wrote: “I first heard about the SX130is on August 19th- the same day I had decided that my final purchase decision would be the SX120is. After reading a few reviews, it had me convinced that this would be worth waiting for. I received my SX130is late this morning- and have to say, right from the box it was just amazing. Every time in the past when purchasing a new camera, it takes some adjusting and “breaking in” before fully great-quality pictures come, but with this one, literally from the first shot it has been wonderful. The HD video also records wonderfuly, and the sound is great as well- even with using all of the 48x digital zoom! The one “downside” to the video mode is that the image doesn’t auto-focus as you zoom in, at times you have to re-focus using the shutter just as you normally would when taking a picture, but I personally didn’t find that too annoying once I figured it out. The miniature and fisheye modes are a blast to use, and the smart-shutter mode (takes the photo when a…Read more” jenmt gave the Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 316 reviews, the Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.0 STARS out of 5!
Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD
Canon’s 4342B001 PowerShot G12 10MP Compact Digital Camera is ready to impress the advanced amateurs who have always celebrated the G Series. The G12 is still loaded with powerful technologies that has made the G Series cameras so renowned, like the Canon HS SYSTEM, 2.8-inch Vari-angle Pure Color System LCD, and RAW + JPEG image modes. Now, this flagship camera paves the way with these new upgrades like 720p HD Video with stereo sound to get crystal clear footage, multiple aspect ratios, High Dynamic Range, Electronic Level, Tracking AF, a Front Dial and much more to give you even more creative control than before.
In a review entitled Feast your eyes on an upgraded G series digital camera! on October 5, 2010, Steven Brys “Koala Lover!” wrote: “First, let me say I own or have owned a G10, G11, and G12.I am not really sure why anyone expect the G12 to be a major upgrade to the G11.The title of this review is the first line of Canon’s marketing material on the Canon USA website….so this is what I personally expected, and Canon delivered, as far as I am concerned.I am not a professional, so my observations are from the viewpoint of an average guy with a serious camera addiction.I took photos side by side using my G10, G11, and G12 and I have to be honest, I could not tell much difference, though a slight nod would go to the newest camera.They are all great, however, and suit an average user like me perfectly.My tests were not scientific and not comprehensive - I have to work for a living after all.I am very pleased with the image quality, but is it a major upgrade from previous G series cameras, I do not think so.If I were forced to choose one, I would probably go for the G12 because the photos look slightly…Read more” Steven Brys “Koala Lover!” gave the Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 241 reviews, the Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.5 STARS out of 5!
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x NIKKOR ED Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
Advanced, Powerful, yet can go anywhere
The new Nikon COOLPIX S9100 is loaded with innovative Nikon technology, like a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that assures superb image quality in low-light conditions. Optimized with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED C2 processing engine, you’ll capture natural looking pictures with exceptional detail. You’ll also love composing images on the large three-inch Clear Color Display. This dazzling 921,000-dot, ultra-high resolution display that makes viewing photos and HD movies instantly gratifying.
Whether you’re people watching in Paris or waiting for just the right light to hit the Grand Canal in Venice, the COOLPIX S9100’s High-Speed Shooting feature captures five photos in approximately one second at full resolution. And Subject Tracking keeps the camera automatically focused on your moving subject. At 1.4 inches thin and 7.6 ounces in weight, the portable COOLPIX S9100 is the perfect travel companion, no matter where in the world you take it.
Create a scene and get the most out of every shot.
The world is brimming with creative shooting opportunities, and the COOLPIX S9100 has the advanced features to match. Choose one of 19 Scene Modes to assure optimized camera settings for specific scenes. Or, with Scene Auto Selector, the camera automatically selects the most appropriate mode from among seven choices for you. Plus, Nikon’s amazing Easy Panorama mode allows you to pan the camera in any direction as it automatically detects, combines and assembles your shots into one seamless panoramic image.
With Night Landscape mode, capture high quality images at night. It shoots a series of consecutive shots and composes them into a single, brilliant image. Night Portrait mode takes outdoor portraits against bright backgrounds and combines multiple shots to capture the essence of night scenes. And, the COOLPIX S9100’s Backlighting HDR Mode automatically provides optimum exposures when
In a review entitled Excellent Camera on March 16, 2011, Michael wrote: “Now I’m no professional photographer, but I am picky about how my pictures look. I have a good eye, and can be very anal about details in my photos. I’ve seen this camera get some bad reviews lately, and I am really perplexed by this. I looked at lots of other cameras. some costing more and some less. This was by far the best point and shoot pocket-able mega zoom out there, I thought. I read some negative reviews about sluggish focus and blurred images from here and from Best Buy’s web site. I don’t know if a bad batch of cameras went out? I did have some focus issues right out of the box when I started using the camera; but after inspecting the camera I noticed a nice big greasy finger print right on the lens. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t from me, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it though. After cleaning the lens, I have had no focus issues. The only thing I can say about the focus is that when indoors, sometimes you need to take a step back and use more zoom to get focus lock, and…Read more” Michael gave the Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x NIKKOR ED Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 194 reviews, the Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x NIKKOR ED Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 3.2 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD
One look at Canon’s new PowerShot S95 will have you moving “upgrade my digital camera” to the top of your to-do list. The ultra-slim, ultra-intelligent S95 is loaded with all a serious photographer’s must-haves, including a bright f/2.0 wide-angle lens and professional-style control ring for intuitive manual control. Canon’s HS System is on board for spectacular performance and image quality in low light.And, new for a compact, the S95 incorporates Canon’s Hybrid IS for blur-free shooting even close-up. You’ll shoot stunning 720p HD video with stereo sound, then watch it immediately on your HDTV with the simple HDMI connection. If photography’s your passion, now is the perfect time to step up to PowerShot S95.
In a review entitled Excellent image quality, full controls and pocketable on September 9, 2010, Michael Sandman wrote: “If you’re looking for a pocketable camera that has reasonably high quality images, lets you control aperture, speed and focus and shoot in RAW format, this is it.I bought mine as an upgrade from a previous small but versatile camera, a Canon Powershot S70.The Powershot S95 was introduced in August 2010 as a slight upgrade to the S90, which was widely praised for its image quality and excellent interface but criticized for being hard to hold (”like a bar of soap in the shower”) and for having a control dial that turned too easily.The S95 fixes both problems and adds a couple of other features in a package that fits in the pocket of your jeans (if they’re not super tight).The case is metal, and although there are no finger grips on the body, it’s not slippery at all.It feels like it’s covered with super-fine sandpaper (like 1000 or 1500 grit, for those you who know what that feels like). The second major complaint about the S-90 was that the…Read more” Michael Sandman gave the Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 477 reviews, the Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.4 STARS out of 5!
Nikon Coolpix L100 10 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom
Expand your range with Nikon’s Coolpix L100, with 10.0 effective megapixels with an incredible 15x optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for stunning prints as large as 16×20 inches. The camera’s bright, 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD lets you compose and share your pictures with family and friends. And with Nikon’s new 4 Way VR Image Stabilization takes incredible pictures, incredibly easy. Nikon’s New Smart Portrait System, which automatically detects your subjects face, takes a picture when they smile and warns you if they blinked.
In a review entitled It DOES use a rechargeable battery! on June 17, 2009, boysinbooks wrote: “I thought I would emphasize the rechargeable battery since Nikon just added it recently and some reviewers were saying the L100 couldn’t use a rechargeable battery. It’s a NI-MH battery with recharger. Check the NIKON webpage for the L100 and you will see it listed under “optional accessories”. Personally, I don’t like rechargeables because they lose their charge over time and you have to remember to recharge them when you get ready to use your camera. I’d much rather just pop in a set of alkaline AA’s. Then battery cost is about a penny a pic. I can afford that.Here are the reasons I bought this camera. I use it to do stop-motion shooting in the woods using toy action figures, also on a copy stand to copy greaseboard drawings for animation, and just for general photo shooting. This camera helps because: (1) It has a flat bottom and with a triangular footprint which means it will not fall over when you set it down. No tripod needed. I put a flat piece of…Read more” boysinbooks gave the Nikon Coolpix L100 10 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 157 reviews, the Nikon Coolpix L100 10 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 3.8 STARS out of 5!
Best Digital Camera: Summary
The latest digital cameras are technology marvels. Their small size yet excellent quality allows us to bring our compact digital cameras wherever we go and take amazing pictures at the touch of a button.
Here, we have compiled our list of the Best Digital Cameras based on quality, price, and user feedback. We hope that you no longer need to ask What Is The Best Digital Camera For The Money? because the answer is right here. Tell your friends about this list of the 10 Best Digital Cameras by clicking the “sharethis” icon below.
Thanks for the visit and remember, when buying a new camera, always consult our list because we constantly update it with the latest best digital cameras!
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