Expert Camera Reviews

1. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi

The new Canon Rebel XTi has a 10.1-megapixel sensor, a 2.5 inch LCD screen, and a new dust cleaning system. The Rebel XTi works with a vast system of over 50 lenses and a wide array of accessories.

Features:

• 10.1 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor

• Built-in dust reduction system

• Large and bright 2.5″ LCD display

• 9-point Auto Focus system

• Can take 27 JPEG and 10 RAW shots in a row in burst mode

• New Picture Styles feature

See best price for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi on Amazon.com

2. Canon PowerShot A640

The Canon PowerShot A640 comes with lots of manual settings and at a reasonably low price tag, The PowerShot A640 with a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor and a pivoting 2.5 inch LCD screen looks quite smart and appealing. The A640 is loaded with features that should please more-advanced photographers. The camera offers full PASM controls, giving users the option of completely manual shooting. The camera uses a 35mm-to-140mm-equivalent lens, giving it a bit more zoom than standard 3X shooters.

Features:

• Megapixels - 10.0
• Optical Zoom - 4x
• LCD Size - 2.5 inch
• Audio Notes with still images
• DPOF and PictBridge Printing Capability
• Print/Share button for direct printing and image transfer

See best price for the Canon PowerShot A640 on Amazon.com.

3. Canon PowerShot S3 IS

The Canon Powershot S3 IS is an update to the very popular PowerShot S2 ultra zoom, Image stabilized camera. The S3 has a 12x optical zoom with image stabilization, flip and twist LCD viewfinder, tons of photographic control modes and advanced movie mode with stereo sound. There are also some new scene modes in the S3 which are, color accent and color swap.

Features:

• Megapixels - 6.0

• Optical Zoom - 12x

• LCD Size – 2.0”

• Optical Image stabilization

• High quality lens

• NTSC and PAL compatible

• Sound caption recording

See best price for the Canon PowerShot S3 IS on Amazon.com.

4. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

The Canon Digital Rebel XT offers more creative control than its predecessor and boasts of an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s Digic II processing engine. It is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers image quality you’d expect from a semi-professional model.

Features:

• 8.0 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor

• 1.8” LCD Display

• Digic II processing engine

• 18 - 55 mm, F3.5-5.6 EF-S lens

• NP-2LH Lithum-ion rechargeable battery pack

Click here to see best price for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT on Amazon.com.

5. Canon EOS-30D Digital

The Canon EOS 30D has a perfect price and features that include excellent image quality to become a favorite Digital SLR Camera for a lot of photographers. The EOS 30D shares many common features with its predecessor the 20D which include the same 8.2 MegaPixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC II Image processor, 5 frames per second fast continuous shooting mode, high precision 9 point Auto Focus system and a viewfinder.

Features:

• 8.2 effective megapixel CMOS sensor

• 2.5 inch LCD

• Spot metering options

• Improved shutter with a 100,000 life cycle

• Print/Share button

• Supports JPEG and RAW recording format

See best price for the Canon EOS-30D Digital on Amazon.com.

There is immense technological development these days. New and new devices are coming daily to improve comfort and efficiency of man’s work and to make him happy. One such device is the Digital Camera which has offered numerous unbelievable improvements in technology within the past decade. Cameras with video recording capability have moved from basic tube technology to CCD technology. After the arrival of CCD digital technology, digital photography has entered to new heights. The main advantage derived of CCD technology is sensitivity and resolution. The quality of photographs is highly satisfactory with the support of CCD technology.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed is another major enhancement in digital technology. The term shutter speed is the speed of opening and closing of the mechanical shutter of a digital camera which is needed to expose standard film for getting adequate amount of light while you capture an image with a digital camera. It is controlled electronically in the form of light. This automatic control reduces the manual interventions.

Wi-Fi

Another very useful technology integration in digital cameras is WiFi. Cameras using this technology can transfer photos directly to a computer or also print directly from a printer without the need to even plug your camera memory card into a computer or the printer at all.

Digital Zoom

Another remarkable development in digital technology these days is the digital zoom. Manufacturers introduced this feature with the main intention to replace lens. Digital zooming is nothing but taking an image and exploding a certain part or portion of the image. The image can be zoomed as much as possible to fill the screen.

Integration

Another latest technology in digital cameras is their integration with a number of other devices such as PDAs, Mobile phones, Black berry and laptops.

HDMI Output

Some digital cameras feature HDMI output ports. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is useful to view photos on a high definition television.

Motion and Face Detection

The advantages of this feature could be found in recently manufactured digital cameras. This feature has the ability to point and detect motion within the range of the viewfinder. This feature can be activated or may be deactivated using the support of the controlling system on digital camera. This feature is very useful not only for detection of motion in an image but also for high lighting them within certain area of an image like faces.

Menu Driven Programmability

This is an admirable improvement in digital enhancement. With this feature, you can bring a whole lot of menus complete list of options on your screen by the single touch of a button. This option can be used to turn on or off the camera and also some other settings like:

• Indoor mode

• Automatic light control

• Outdoor mode

• Fluorescent lighting setup

• Red-eye reduction

These are some of the latest and useful enhancements being provided by manufacturers of top brand digital cameras which is surely going to improve your experience with cameras and digital photography.

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Today there are so many features that are placed in digital cameras that the first time buyers becomes overwhelmed and lightheaded, knowing not which model to go for. This factor also includes the buyers mind being diverted by the various advertisements and promotional campaigns being used to promote these cameras.

It’s important to look out for certain features before buying a digital camera. The initial requirements being to ask yourself a few questions or defining your photography needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

Your personal requirements:

• What do you want to shoot with your digital camera?

It is important to determine what kind of pictures you want to take with it. If you are a digital photography enthusiast, any digital camera will not just do.

• How much is your budget?

No matter what your needs and wants are, your financial resource will play a huge role in dictating the type of digital camera you can afford to buy.

• What other photography resources are available with you?

Along with a digital camera you need also to spend on other resources such as computer and printer to help you with your editing and printing needs. Apart from the printer, ink and paper, you might also need additional memory cards for your camera to transfer them to the computer.

Technical requirements:

• Resolution

Your greatest technical requirement before you buy a digital camera would be to check its resolution so that its capable of producing high quality photo images. The number of megapixels in a digital camera determines the resolution. The more the number of megapixels, the higher the resolution which can make photos to be enlarged without losing image quality.

• Built-in memory

Digital cameras need memory cards for picture storage. Its important to make sure that the camera you are looking to buy does not only have a limited built-in memory but also have a card slot for external and additional memory.

• Look and feel

It is essential for you to feel comfortable holding your digital camera while shooting. So, again before you buy a digital camera, its good to test and check if you are comfortable holding it, using it, the location of the buttons and the whether you feel comfortable using the viewfinder.

• Battery life

Digital cameras use up batteries faster than regular cameras and their batteries are expensive. So the best option is to consider if the camera’s batteries are rechargeable.

• LCD

The LCD is a another special consideration you have to look into when you buy a digital camera. This small screen which is located at the back of the digital camera allows you to preview the pictures you take but also consumes a lot of battery power.

• Special features

Special features like Wi-fi compatibility, PictBridge Compatibility, Zooming, HDMI or a diopter adjustment should also be considered if your require them. Other features such as remote control, tripods, in-built face detection, red-eye reduction can also be considered when you buy a digital camera.

With the above information that we have provided, it should be easy for you to figure out what you really need and want before you buy a digital camera.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K (on Amazon.com link in new window)

The best of the recent lot of point-and-shoot cameras which offer the beauty of wide-angle photography and are less expensive is the 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3K, which couples a 28mm wide-angle lens with built-in optical image stabilization, a wide three-inch LCD and a reasonable number of specialty modes.

To help stabilize your shots, the TZ3 offers three separate shooting modes, two of which utilize Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), along with a separate Intelligent ISO Control setting, which detects movement’s of the subject and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to decrease blur. The wide-angle, high-zoom camera performs well and takes acceptable shots, though it’s hardly perfect. Its higher resolution, wider lens, and larger screen make it better than its predecessor in nearly all categories.

Strengths:
• Extremely fast and responsive with an excellent startup time
• Wide powerful lens with little distortion
• Mega Optical Image Stabilization
• Sharp Leica lens, producing crisp pictures with accurate color
• Large LCD screen with 230,000 pixels resolution
• Very good battery life

Weaknesses:
• No manual exposure controls
• No stop motion movie mode
• Large and heavy
• Tiny buttons

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 8.2
Optical Zoom – 10x
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – 2 ft – 14 ft
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, storage MMC, SD, SDHC Card Slot, USB 2.0 support, 4x Digital Zoom, Dual Image display in playback, 12.7 MB Internal Memory

Summary:
Its higher resolution, wider lens, and larger screen make it better than its predecessor in nearly all categories. Unfortunately, it misses one of its predecessors most fun shooting modes, and it keeps some minor image issues which need to be improved. Overall, the DMC-TZ3K offers a lot of value for the money and easily trumps amongst other super zooms on size.

The Sony Cyber Shot DSC – W80 priced at around $250 is a midrange model in Sony’s W-series line of compact cameras. It has a number of step up features from other lower end models including image stabilization, a faster image processor, face detection, and component video output. The Sony Cyber-shot W80 incorporates a 7.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.5 inch wide LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35 - 105mm

The Cyber-shot W80 includes Sony’s new face detection technology, capable of detecting up to eight faces simultaneously. The Sony Cybershot W80 supports PictBridge for direct printing without the need of having a computer. Another good feature which has been included on the DSC W80 is you can view a high definition slide shows with MP3 music support.

Strengths:
• In-camera red eye reduction
• High ISO 3200 settings that give faster shutter speeds
• Performs well in low light conditions
• Face detection
• Good continuous shooting mode features

Weaknesses:
• Noisy at ISO settings of 800 and higher
• Small buttons which are awkward to use

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 5.4
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, PictBridge Support, Memory Stick Duo flash memory support, VGA movie mode, Slide show with MP3 music support

Summary:
The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W80 is currently the king of the Cyber-shot W-series. Although its the most expensive camera in the series but this factor is overlooked by the impressive features that have been packed into the camera. Its solid picture quality, fast speed and good features like face detection and red eye reduction make it a great choice for a small and reliable snapshot camera.

The Nikon D300 is a new digital SLR camera that is on the brink of once again transforming photography for professionals. This 12.3 megapixel Camera features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. The D300 with the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to 9 fps at full FX-format resolution is truly fits to be deemed as the world’s fastest Digital SLR camera in its class.

A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 which includes a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0 inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display with Live View Mode, Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including picture control settings, support for the new WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu and HDMI Video output support.

Strengths:
• Excellent startup time
• Large 3.0 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting modes
• Built-in face detection technology
• First Nikon DSLR to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for dust removal
• Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction
• Very good battery life

Weaknesses:
• Noisy with the increase in resolution
• No movie mode

Specifications:
Megapixels – 12.3
Weight(oz) – 29.1
Optical Zoom – n/a
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – No
Batter Type – Nikon Battery EN-EL3e and Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 6400, storage UDMA compact flash I/II , USB 2.0 support, Face recognition, Self-cleaning sensor unit, Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction, Optional shooting info display on main LCD

Summary:
Nikon’s D300 with some very promising features like Live View, high resolution display, WiFi, and self-cleaning sensor unit is a superb camera with a sleek design. The D300’s new features will surely be welcomed by existing D200 owners and also by those looking to upgrade to a serious digital SLR. If noise is kept under control with the increase in resolution, the D300 should be a strong competitor against other models of the same class even at a higher price.

The HP Photosmart M627 includes a 7 megapixel CCD imager and an HP-branded 3x optical zoom lens. The presence of an 8x digital zoom will help you crop in on subjects even more tightly. For framing images, there is a 2.5 inch LCD display unit. Images are stored in 16MB of internal memory or on SD/MM Cards. Some other HP M627 features include in-camera red-eye removal and HP Design Gallery with artistic effects, borders and colors.

Pros:

• High 7 megapixels resolution compared to similar priced cameras
• HP real life technologies like in-camera red-eye removal and design gallery

Cons:

• No optical viewfinder
• ISO sensitivity only up to 400 and noisy at ISO 100

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.0
Weight (oz.) – 5.9
Optical Zoom – 3.0x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – AA (x2)
Special features – 16MB onboard memory with SD/MMC card slot, PictBridge compatible, USB 1.1 PC connectivity, Auto ISO

Summary:
In view of its relatively inexpensive price, and packed with HP real life technologies, this digital camera has good features for the money and is targeted for the entry level users.

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The Fujifilm F31fd inherits its features from its predecessor, the award winning FinePix F30 camera. The Fuji FinePix F31fd is a stylish compact camera with an sharp Face Detection feature. The camera is built with a 6.3 megapixel CCD, 3x optical and 6x digital zoom and Picture Stabilisation mode, the Fuji FinePix F31fd gives a superb performance. At full resolution it has an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200. The camera also comes with some unique Fujifilm technologies such as Intelligent Flash

Strengths of the Fuji F31fd are:

• Built with Real Photo Processor II and new Super CCD HR VI
• Hardware-based Face Detection Technology built-in to the camera’s processor
• Fast response time to shots, 0.01 second shutter lag and 1.5 second start-up time
• Long-life battery which lasts for about 600 shots
• Aperture and shutter priority modes
• Very good response to low-light shooting conditions

Weaknesses are:

• 6.3 megapixel is very little compared to the 8 to 12 megapixels available
• Image qualities are not that sharp

Specifications:
Megapixels – 6.3
Weight (oz.) – 5.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2.0 to 21.3 ft
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable NP95 Lithium Ion
Special features – 26 MB built-in memory, xD card compatible, AVI Movie file format, USB 2.0 High Speed, Direct Printing compatible

Summary:
The combination of Fuji’s latest technologies, manual controls and easy functionality makes the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd a promising digital camera for novices and experts. It is a solid, low prices, all-round compact camera for general photography and low-light shooting conditions.

The Fuji Finepix A500 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It has some easy to use features to be found on most basic digital cameras. In terms of price the Finepix A500 finds itself towards the cheaper end of the market. Therefore this camera is likely to appeal to anyone who is on a budget shopping spree. Unfortunately, the camera’s low price comes at a cost in the form of a limited 3X zoom range, a tiny 1.8 inch LCD screen, no manual controls and just 4 scene modes. Beyond 320×240 pixels it has no burst capabilities at all.

Strengths of the A500:

Good quality lens with low distortion and decent sharpness
Simple and easy user interface
Auto white balance handles a wide range of lighting quite well
ISO settings in all modes

Drawbacks:

No Continuous shooting mode
Small, low-resolution LCD screen which is hard to use in daylight
Slow shot-to-shot and playback performance
Contrast is a little high, tends to lose details such as highlight and shadow

Specifications:
Megapixels – 5
Weight (oz.) – 6.0
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 1.8 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 2.0 to 10.2 ft
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – AA (x2)
Special features – Movie mode without sound, PictBridge and DPOF compatible, Macro lens settings, ISO from 100 to 400, Real image optical viewfinder

Summary:
If a low price camera to provide just basic image quality are your only demands, then the Fujifilm FinePix A500 might be the right choice for you. Priced in the $200 list, the A500 offers apparently a good shot for the buck with a solid 5.1-megapixel Super CCD HR image sensor, a 3x optical zoom, some basic scene modes, and the rich color image quality for which Fujifilm is well known.

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The Kodak EasyShare One is the first digital camera to integrate 802.11b wireless (WiFi) connectivity that allows people to share and print their images, lets you email pictures from the camera wirelessly. The camera has a 3X Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens, a huge 3-inch LCD display with touchscreen technology, a 4 Megapixel CCD and comes built-in with 256 MB of memory capable of storing 1500 photos internally. One can print up to 20 x 30″ these images displayed on the large 3″ high-resolution LCD Monitor.

Strengths of the Kodak EasyShare One are:

• WiFi connectivity for uploading images onto the Web wirelessly and send emails directly from the camera
• Print pictures wirelessly
• Excellent shutter response at wide angle settings
• Very large touch sensitivity LCD screen

Weaknesses are:

• Battery life gets drained due to the LCD screen and WiFi
• Flash extremely weak
• Very poor low light performance
• Very slow start-up and shot to shot speed

Specifications:
Megapixels – 4.0
Weight (oz.) – 7.9
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type - Rechargeable Lithium batteries
Special features – 256 MB built-in memory, Wi-Fi Connectivity, Built-in flash with red-eye reduction, 640 x 480 and 30 frames per seconds movies, The camera comes with 2 battery packs

Summary:
If your dreams are to have a camera with Wi-Fi connectivity, the Kodak EasyShare One is designed and indeed a camera for taking pictures easily and sharing them with fun. With a WiFi connection, there’s no need to wait to get home and share the photos. Photos can be printed, emailed and shared over wireless connection with utmost ease.

See current price on Amazon.com.