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 Sunday May 19, 2013.
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black)
The Canon 5900B100 PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP Compact Digital Camera, in black, is an ultra-slim camera with a powerful 20x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and 25mm Wide-Angle lens but that is only the beginning of its attractions. You will see detail you never thought possible through the huge zoom and wide-angle lens, while the camera’s 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor deliver the rich, clear low-light performance that is the hallmark of Canon’s HS SYSTEM. Full 1080p HD video in stereo is more beautiful than ever, with new high-resolution, high-speed processing. Sophisticated advancements include improved Smart AUTO that optimizes settings for 58 predefined shooting situations, Face ID that prioritizes pre-registered faces, and GPS for tracking and recording your shooting locations.Memory Card Type: SD, SDHC,SDXC.
What’s in the Box:
- PowerShot SX260HS Body
- Battery Pack NB-6L
- Battery Charger CB-2LY
- Wrist Strap WS-DC11
- USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
In a review entitled 20x Zoom Comparison - Sony HX20; Canon SX260; Panasonic ZS19 on September 27, 2012, Artemaria wrote: “I couldn’t decide between these three cameras (and their variants, the Sony HX30 and the Panasonic ZX20) because many of the reviews of each made the cameras sound very similar.So, I went out and bought (from merchants who accepted returns) one of each of these three cameras (I didn’t need WI-FI or GPS, so that’s how I settled on these less expensive variants).And then I took photos and videos in various conditions.I am not a professional photographer, and I didn’t do Imatest or any other specific tests on the images (you can read C/net for that), but this is an experience of a regular person who was taking pictures and videos with these three cameras side by side, which is a comparison that you do not often see.The bottom line is that these three cameras are very similar with a few minor differences, but those differences set them apart and may make you decide that you like one more than the other.Generally speaking, NONE of these cameras is a DSLR…Read more” Artemaria gave the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black) 3.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 742 reviews, the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.4 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Black)
PowerShot SX50 HS is world’s first 50x Optical Zoom lens in a compact digital camera, which goes all the way from a wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) to capture any shot you choose. The PowerShot SX50 HS features the Canon HS SYSTEM, a combination of a 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, achieves beautiful images up to ISO 6400. Video recording is available at 1080p Full HD and High Speed AF ensures you’ll capture all the action with faster focusing speed and reduced shooting lag time.What’s in the box: Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera, NB-10L Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for PowerShot SX40 HS, CB-2LC Battery Charger for NB-10L Battery for PowerShot SX40 HS, Neck Strap NS-DC11, Digital Camera Solution CD, Lens Cap with Strap and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
In a review entitled For what I bought it for, Its amazing. on October 2, 2012, Nathan Hobbs wrote: “I picked up on the SX50 to do wildlife identification with birds and other critters. I have spent many hours behind the lens of Canons EOS cameras including the Mark III and 5d2 with L grade telephoto glass but I needed something lightweight and compact to use when the weight of the DSLR system was not desirable.This camera is amazing for that task. I had looked at the SX30 and the SX40 in the past but for me testing them out at the stores the Autofocus just was not yet fast enough for me to be willing to work with. The SX50 changes that and has a very quick AF system that has already worked for me in a variety of situations for a sub 500 dollar point and shoot class camera I am extremely impressed with the AF system.The resolution at 1200mm has exceeded my expectations and can create print worthy sharp results throughout the entire length. To get that kind of focal length with a DSLR would require a seriousbudget destroying investment that would weigh a…Read more” Nathan Hobbs gave the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Black) 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 262 reviews, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS 12MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.6 STARS out of 5!
Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black)
16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor 42x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens 3-inch Ultra-high-resolution (921,000 Dot) LCD Full HD (1080p) Movies with Stereo Sound GPS record location information of your pictures and movies 3-inch TFT LCD display.Continuous Shooting Options: Best Shot Selector, Continuous H, Continuous H 60, Continuous H 120, Continuous L, Interval Timer, Multi-shot 16, Pre-shooting cache and Single.What’s in the box: Nikon Coolpix P510 Digital Camera (Black), EN-EL5 Lithium-Ion Battery (3.7v 1100mAh), Replacement EH-69P AC Adapter Charger, AN-CP21 Strap, UC-E6 USB Cable, EG-CP16 Nikon Audio/Video Cable, LC-CP24 Lens Cap and NikonView NX 2 Software.
In a review entitled Very pleased so far — exceptional camera on April 7, 2012, N. Simpson wrote: “This is the perfect compromise camera for me.I gave up my DSLR to my daughter who is a serious photographer.It was a great camera but more than I needed.This is light, full of features and takes great pictures.I’ve heard concerns about Nikon’s battery life, but so far I’ve had tons of pictures and video off a single charge.The picture quality looks terrific.The zoom is amazing.I usually don’t care as much about these things, but the red color is great.I doubt I’ll ever use the GPS feature.It is usually pretty obvious where I am when taking pictures.I highly recommend these extras.For $500 total you get an nice bundle.1. The 2 extra batteries plus the wall charger will be very handy — 2 Pack Battery And Charger Kit For Nikon P100 P500 P510 Digital Camera Includes 2 Extended (1100 Mah) Replacement Nikon EN-EL5 Batteries + AC/DC Rapid Charger + LCD Screen Protectors + ButterflyPhoto MicroFiber…Read more” N. Simpson gave the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 472 reviews, the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.6 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)
The Canon 6353B001 PowerShot SX500 IS 16MP Compact Digital Camera, in black, has a 24mm wide angle lens with an incredible 30x optical zoom. This is enough zoom power to shoot almost anything you could imagine, from wide angle expanses to ultra-telephoto close-ups. With the image quality of the 16MP CCD sensor and high-end performance from the DIGIC 4 image processor, whatever you can imagine will be reproduced in gorgeous colors, sharp focus and accurate exposure. The SX500 is that good. Quality is guaranteed. And so is speed. Autofocus speeds ensure you won’t miss a shot and enhanced Zoom Framing Assist enables focus tracking and capture while shooting in the super-telephoto ranges that the 30x zoom allows. Crisp 720p HD Video with stereo sound is activated with a simple touch of one dedicated button and can immediately be screened on your HDTV. Plus the SX500 has a 461,000 dot 3.0″ LCD display that can show off your handiwork with accurate colors and contrast.
In a review entitled What a great step up from my SX200IS on November 23, 2012, Mickey “Mike” wrote: “I don’t understand the other reviews, really? Are you people serious?!I LOVE this camera, when I first saw it was “to be released” I started getting exited, I need this camera, the zoom was (is) perfect, the price, eh, not outta sight. Finally the day came, It was available to order, I ordered, waiting, patiently for it to arrive in time for our Disneyland vacation. It arrived. I was sceptical, bigger that I was used to, smaller than I expected, would it live up to my 200? … Then the I took some test shots, garden pics, they looked beautiful!! So we were off to vacation, I took many, many pictures, day, night, motions, stills, portrait, landscapes, flowers, characters, all looked good but only able to see them on the camera. When I got home, I plugged the camera into my 55″ HD tv via the hdmi cable, started the slide show…..The moment of truth! Did I get my monies worth? Risking a $4000.00 vacation photo shoot of hundreds of pictures of my kids, the park,…Read more” Mickey “Mike” gave the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 127 reviews, the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.3 STARS out of 5!
Nikon COOLPIX S9200 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
Power and portability blend perfectly into the Nikon COOLPIX S9200. This digital camera features 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS, 18x wide-angle optical zoom lens, VR image stabilization, Full HD (1080p) video, 3.0-inch LCD, Easy Panorama Mode, 7 fps shooting, Backlight HDR Mode, ISO sensitivity up to 3200, Smart Portrait System, and more! What’s in the box? MH-65 Battery Charger; AN-CP19 Strap, UC-E6 USB Cable, EG-CP16 Audio Video Cable, EN-EL12 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, EH-69P AC Adapter/Charger, Nikon View NX 2 CD-ROM
In a review entitled Great little Nikon on April 19, 2012, Fodder wrote: “Being a happy user of Nikon dSLR’s and also my camera of choice for most stuff, there are still certain benefits in a good compact. My last compact being an olympus, which was a very disappointing experience. All the nikons I have owned in the past have always had a good build quality so that’s what swung it for this one. When I purchased this camera it was brand new to the market so there was limited reviews but mostly positive. The Lumix zs20 nearly got my money as it is also a fantastic compact with similar spec but i’m a sucker for the nikon brand so I took the plunge. First impressions were that it is smaller then I expected, which is a good thing to me as that is the point of a compact right. The build quality seems good as do the ergonomics. Have taken a few hundred shots with it and am very impressed. Low light shots are particularly good with very low noise. The 18 x zoom is silent, quick and very smooth with decent optics, my only complaint being that at the maximum reaches…Read more” Fodder gave the Nikon COOLPIX S9200 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 407 reviews, the Nikon COOLPIX S9200 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 3.9 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full HD Video Recording (Black)
The Canon 6039B001 PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1MP Compact Digital Camera, in black, is slim and curvy and a natural fit for your hand. Easy operation and reliable high-quality performance are reason enough to carry it everywhere, but you will also love the quality of the camera’s sophisticated modern design. The matte finish projects your taste and style like a fashion accessory, but the PowerShot ELPH 110 HS has its serious side too. A 16.1 Megapixel high-sensitivity sensor plus Canon’s DIGIC 5 Image Processor deliver impeccable image quality and high-performance features never before possible. Experience the Face ID feature that recognizes and optimizes images of your friends and family, Intelligent IS that creates sharp, steady shots in a wide variety of situations, and stunning Full HD Video. Smart AUTO lives up to its name, letting you shoot anywhere, anytime as the mood strikes, confident that the camera will automatically make your images the best they can be.Memory Card Type: SD, SDHC and SDXC.
In a review entitled Stunning Pictures on April 27, 2012, P. McWhorter wrote: “In preparing for a trip to a remote area of East Africa, I needed a camera that would fit in my pocket. I have a nice Canon Rebel with all the lenses, but the fear was that if I packed that in my luggage it would be stolen, and it is too bulky to fit in my very limited carry on bag. I purchased the Canon Powershot in the hopes that it would take reasonable pictures. My expectations were that it would not do as well as what I had come to expect with my full size Canon.The bottom line was that I was blown away with the picture quality and functionality of the camera. I was shocked at the brilliance, contrast and sharpness of the images. I took several thousand pictures on the trip and did not get one bad shot.Also due to limited space in my carry on bag, I was not able to take a separate video camcorder. I was pleasantly surprised with the video and sound quality from this small unit.Very rarely have I been as pleased with a product as I am with this…Read more” P. McWhorter gave the Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full HD Video Recording (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 563 reviews, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full HD Video Recording (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.3 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot A2300 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)
The Canon 6191B100 PowerShot A2300 16MP Compact Digital Camera, in black, is simple and stylish. This chic compact camera is packed with advancements that make it easy to get a great shot every time. Smart AUTO recognizes 32 predefined shooting situations then automatically picks the proper camera settings for you. Saving memories in breathtakingly realistic 720p HD is as easy as pressing the dedicated movie button. You will see extraordinary resolution and fast performance with the 16.0 Megapixel Image Sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and capture more dynamic, exciting images with the 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens. Digital IS greatly reduces blur by recognizing the main subject and applying the best camera shake correction. Easy quality that is easily affordable. That’s the PowerShot A2300 digital camera.
In a review entitled Great camera for quick snaps on June 29, 2012, D. M. Kemp wrote: “We’ve had this camera now for a few weeks and have come to really like it.It is so thin and lightweight that it can easily be carried in a pocket, purse, or backpack.Compared to the size of today’s smartphones, this is actually smaller than some.The pictures are decent.I find some of the interior pictures are a bit grainy, even with the flash.The flash is plenty bright - so no issues there.Switching to low light mode made all the difference.This quick change off the menu function made for clear crisp pictures.Outdoor pictures are really outstanding.Super clear and crisp.Sometimes it has problems figuring out what to focus on.However, when a face appears, it is really pretty good at identifying it and focusing on it.One of my favorite features is the rechargable lithium ion battery.I hate having to deal with batteries.However, it is a bit of an annoyance to get it charged as it requires the battery to be ejected from the camera…Read more” D. M. Kemp gave the Canon PowerShot A2300 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 616 reviews, the Canon PowerShot A2300 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.2 STARS out of 5!
Canon PowerShot G15 12MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
The PowerShot G15 features a newly developed 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle, bright f/1.8(W) – f/2.8 (T) lens, Canon’s HS SYSTEM, plus upgraded video capture in 1080p Full HD with stereo sound. The PowerShot G12 brings EOS line features like the 12-bit multi aspect RAW+JPEG formatting into a compact camera.What’s in the box: Canon PowerShot G15 Digital Camera, NB-10L Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for PowerShot SX40 HS, CB-2LC Battery Charger for NB-10L Battery for PowerShot SX40 HS, NS-DC11 Neck Strap, Digital Camera Solution CD and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
In a review entitled An excellent camera on October 2, 2012, S. Vogt wrote: “The first thing I noticed when I took the G15 out of its box for the first time was its impressive build quality. Everything is tightly constructed and what feels like a tough mag alloy body. It’s not necessarily pocketable but is slightly smaller and thinner than the G12. One minor complaint, however, is that the handgrip up front seems shallower than on the G12 so at first it doesn’t feel as comfortable to grip. The battery is of a good size and the camera gets excellent battery life.The control layout on the back of the camera is the same as the G12 and G1X, generally straight-forward and logically placed. The menu system has not changed at all from previous models… so if you’re coming from the G12, you should be able to locate where everything is rather quickly. You have the function button for the most commonly accessed settings and the menu button for all other settings. The LCD on back, while sadly, not articulated like on the G12 is gorgeous…very bright and…Read more” S. Vogt gave the Canon PowerShot G15 12MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black) 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 149 reviews, the Canon PowerShot G15 12MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black), one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.6 STARS out of 5!
Sony DSC-RX100 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom
Exquisite image quality and creative freedom in a truly compact package. For razor-sharp images and pro-quality defocused backgrounds, the RX100 features a large, 1-Inch sensor and an ultra-bright Carl Zeiss/1.8 lens. It also features a handy control ring for easy access to aperture settings and more for total creative freedom.1-Year Limited Warranty.What’s in the box: Micro USB cable, Instruction Manual, Battery NP-BX1, Wrist Strap, AC Adapter AC-UD11 and Shoulder Strap Adapter. For more in depth look, check out the RX-100 brochure.
In a review entitled State of the art pocket camera on July 19, 2012, Michael McKee “mystic cowboy” wrote: “I ordered this from B&H the morning it was announced. Having it for a day and about 500 photos, I’m glad I bought it. After some very late night prints, I’m thrilled. Bottom line: the photo quality is great.Pros.SmallQuick to focus and quick between shotsExcellent lens with decent zoom rangeGood JPEGS and very good RAW filesNice controls and the front adjustment ring helpsWell builtExcellent manual controlsThe first pocket camera with good manual focusConsSony’s menu’s are a bit confusingSomewhat limited battery life, though par for the categoryNo manualSlow aperture at full zoomNo external batter chargerMake no mistake, this is as good as current technology allows for a pocketable camera. It’s about the same sizes as my Canon S95. It has a similar design, but IMO looks classier. Sony has made good use of the 20 megapixels. Low ISO files are excellent and as…Read more” Michael McKee “mystic cowboy” gave the Sony DSC-RX100 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 311 reviews, the Sony DSC-RX100 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.5 STARS out of 5!
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom - Black
Panasonic DMC-FZ200 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom - Black.What’s in the box: Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Digital Camera, Li-ion Battery Pack, Battery Charger, USB Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM, Lens Cap, Lens Cap String, Lens Hood and One Year Limited Warranty.
In a review entitled I am very impressed with this camera. on August 28, 2012, George Burke “padman” wrote: “I’ve only had it about 24 hours, but my first impressions are very favorable.I pre-ordered my Panasonic FZ200 from Amazon last week.Later I heard it was going to begin shipping on Monday, August 27th.To my pleasant surprise, the camera showed up yesterday, on Monday, August 27th.(Gotta love Amazon.)I played with the various controls and read the manual last night and spent a couple of hours shooting with it today.Some background:Both my wife and I are long time Canon DSLR photographers.I am in the printing business and have been using Photoshop since version 2.5 almost 20 years ago.We are serious amateurs, not professional photographers, but we know our way around digital cameras and the digital darkroom.We compete in various photo competitions all over the world.Either with electronic images or prints.Our maximum print size is 12″ x 18″.Except for action shots, we shoot RAW exclusively.We are both in our mid 70’s and lugging around our…Read more” George Burke “padman” gave the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom - Black 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Based on all 135 reviews, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 12.1 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 24x Optical Zoom - Black, one of the Best Digital Cameras, has achieved an average rating of 4.5 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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