PhotographyBLOG - The Best Digital Cameras

The Best Digital Cameras

Last Updated April 30th 2013

We're constantly asked the questions "What is the best digital camera?", "Which camera should I buy?" and "I have X amount of money, what's the best digital camera in my price range?".

In an attempt to answer all of these questions and lighten the load on our inbox, we've launched this guide to the Best Digital Cameras (plus accessories and books), which represents what we currently think are the best cameras in each price category.

We look at all the different types of camera, from cheap digital compacts to the new breed of mirrorless compact system cameras and not forgetting the venerable DSLR.

Note that this guide will constantly be updated to reflect the ever-changing digital camera marketplace, so make sure to check back often.

Best Budget Digital Compact Cameras
	Canon PowerShot A4000 IS "We got a lot of pleasure from the little Canon PowerShot A4000 IS. It's a digital compact that works well as a day tripper camera - something to throw in a bag pocket or slip in a coat before setting out with the family." Read Review
	Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR "...the Fujifilm FinePix Z1000EXR manages the tricky task of marrying style and substance, with the new wi-fi options making it the perfect partner to your smartphone. Given the affordable price-teg, there's little to quibble about , earning the Z1000EXR our coveted Highly Recommended award." Read Review
	Nikon Coolpix S8200 "The Nikon Coolpix S8200 is Highly Recommended for point-and-shoot use in good light, which will more than satisfy most of the camera's target audience." Read Review
	Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR "...it's useful for people with kids that are running around doing funny stuff, and useful for anyone wanting to do a bit of sports photography thanks to the versatile zoom and modes that will get the best possible quality." Read Review
	Canon PowerShot SX160 IS "The Canon PowerShot SX160 is a low cost, big zoom point and shooter that will have an option or mode for pretty much anything that a photographer can throw at it." Read Review

Best Mid-range Digital Compact Cameras

	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V "The Sony CyberShot DSC-HX20V is a more capable and more refined version of our favourite travel-zoom camera from 2011, the HX9V, with a longer lens, higher resolution and extra features helping to maintain Sony's lead over the competition in this ultra-competitive part of the camera market." Read Review
	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 "Add in a touchscreen interface, built-in wi-fi connectivity and GPS, a 5-axis image stabilisation system, a fast burst mode, and high-resolution screen, all in a smaller and lighter package than its predecessor, and it's easy to understand why we like the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 even more than last year's model..." Read Review
	Canon Powershot S100 "The Canon PowerShot S100 may look a lot like its popular predecessor, but a brand new sensor, processor and lens combine to produce a more versatile, faster, better specified and more capable pocket camera that makes an ideal everyday shooter for DSLR and CSC owners." Read Review
	Canon PowerShot SX260 HS "Anyone looking for a pocket camera that can shoot high quality stills and video both near and far should seriously consider the exciting new Canon PowerShot SX260 HS." Read Review
	Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR "With a wealth of innovative features, shooting modes for every experience level, not to forget that amazing 30x zoom, the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 is one of the best super-zooms around and also a viable alternative to a DSLR camera." Read Review

Best High-end Digital Compact Cameras

	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 takes a clear shot at the popular Canon PowerShot S-series and in most ways clearly beats it, resulting in the best pocket camera that avid photographers can currently buy." Read Review
	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 "...that F/2.8 lens is a technical triumph that will make a real difference to your photography - hand-holding a camera at 600mm and getting sharp results and blurred backgrounds has never been so easy..." Read Review
	Fujifilm X100S "It may look almost identical to the original X100, but the new X100S includes so many improvements, particularly to its operational speed, that it definitely feels like shooting with an entirely new camera." Read Review
	Canon Powershot G1 X "So if you want an all-in-one fixed-lens camera that offers a tried and trusted user interface, excellent image quality, full HD video and a versatile screen, the Canon Powershot G1 X is easy to recommend." Read Review
	Fujifilm X20 "...for us the Fujifilm X20 delivers such a winning combination of old and new that offers so many important improvements over the original model that we can heartily recommend it for new and X10 users alike. Essential!" Read Review

Best Compact System Cameras

	Olympus OM-D E-M5 "The OM-D E-M5 is the best Olympus compact system camera to date, and also a strong contender for best compact system camera full stop. It delivers a compelling mix of classic looks, excellent image quality, an extensive feature set and immediate responsiveness..." Read Review
	Fujifilm X-E1 "Smaller, lighter and significantly cheaper than the X-Pro1, whilst offering the same outstanding and image quality and impeccable handling, there's certainly an awful lot to like about the new Fujifilm X-E1." Read Review
	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 "The Panasonic Lumix G5 is an accomplished mirrorless camera that upgrades its excellent predecessor in a number of significant ways in order to keep up with the fast-moving competition. A higher price tag means that it's not quite the bargain that the G3 was, but we can still highly recommend this realistic alternative to a bigger and bulkier DSLR." Read Review
	Sony NEX-7 "The Sony NEX-7 is a fantastic compact system camera that firmly delivers on its early promise, delivering a remarkably customisable camera that really can be configured to suit many different users." Read Review
	Samsung NX20 "The Samsung NX20 is a great photographic tool that offers a wealth of features, intuitive handling and excellent image quality, with built-in wi-fi connectivity the icing on the cake." Read Review

Best Budget Digital SLR Cameras

	Sony A37 "The Sony A37 is a compelling entry-level DSLR camera with features, still and video image quality, and overall performance that beat its main rivals." Read Review
	Nikon D3200 "...we can highly recommend the new Nikon D3200 as a great camera for beginners who want a little more oomph from their DLSR, and who are prepared to spend a little extra to get it." Read Review
	Pentax K-r "The Pentax K-r adds a few new features, most notably the 6fps burst shooting mode and expanded ISO range, to the proven user interface of the cheaper K-x and the high-resolution screen and illuminated AF system of the more expensive K-7, to create a compelling mid-range DSLR. It's also significantly cheaper than its main rivals." Read Review
	Nikon D5100 "The Nikon D5100 successfully bridges the gap between the beginner-friendly approach of the D3100 and the more complex D7000, with the latter's fantastic 16 megapixel sensor being the icing on the proverbial cake." Read Review
	Canon EOS 1100D "The EOS 1100D / T3 is a great entry-level DSLR camera that's well-suited to its beginner target audience. The combination of proven metering, auto-focus and processing systems with a sensible 12 megapixel sensor and simplified control layout is a winning one." Read Review

Best Mid-range Digital SLR Cameras

	Sony A65 "The Sony A65 represents a significant upgrade for Sony's mid-range DSLRs, offering a feature-set and performance that few other rivals can match. The new 24.3 megapixel sensor offers greatly increased resolution without impacting on low-light performance or operational speed..." Read Review
	Pentax K-30 "We've always had a soft spot for Pentax DSLRs and the new K-30 is no different, clearly building on the strengths of the more expensive K-5 model. This is an appealingly well-specified, intuitive, weatherproof and customisable DSLR with few real drawbacks." Read Review
	Nikon D7000 "The Nikon D7000 is a successful crossbreed of the cheaper D90 and the more expensive D300s, borrowing features from each model and adding enough new highlights to surpass them both in many ways." Read Review
	Canon EOS 600D "...the Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i cleverly occupies a position that's mid-way between the 550D and the 7D without being subjected to a price increase on launch. It's the most capable yet friendly Rebel yet, and easily worthy of our Highly Recommended award." Read Review
	Nikon D300s "the majority of D300 owners aren't likely to switch to the D300s unless they've been specifically waiting for one or more of the improvements it offers, but everyone else in the market for a capable and high-quality DSLR should seriously consider this camera..." Read Review

Best High-end Digital SLR Cameras

	Nikon D600 "If you think you can live with that and a few other limitations / omissions versus the D800; the smaller, lighter and cheaper Nikon D600 will serve you just as well as the more expensive model - and even give you faster frame rates and more manageable raw file sizes as an added bonus." Read Review
	Canon EOS 5D Mark III "The Canon EOS 5D Mark III builds on the success of its popular predecessor with a series of improvements that add up to a much better all-round camera for stills and video alike." Read Review
	Nikon D800 "...the Nikon D700 looks and handles closer to the D300 than D3, in terms of controls and layouts, whilst of course featuring the D3's full frame capture ability, but in a lighter and smaller design. As such it comes across as a kind of 'greatest hits' of Nikon DSLRs." Read Review
	Sony A77 "At a time when compact system cameras are the centre of attention, it's great to see some real innovation in the DSLR world, and for that innovation to result in a truly exceptional camera like the new Sony A77." Read Review
	Nikon D4 "Like its forebears, the Nikon D4 is an extremely well built and responsive camera that seems to react instantly to anything you throw at it." Read Review

Best Photography Accessories

	Epson Stylus Photo R3000 "The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 is a big step-up from the older R2880 model, if not in print quality then certainly in terms of design, features, connectivity and ease-of use." Read Review
	ColorMunki Photo "X-Rite has a real winner with the ColorMunki Photo. Combining monitor calibration with printer profiling at a reasonable price, the ColorMunki Photo should take care of all your color management needs." Read Review
	Epson P-7000 Multimedia Storage Viewer "The Epson P-7000 is a clear winner when it comes to portable storage devices. Battery life is good and would be more than enough to last the typical user a full day... this certainly isn't a cheap device, but the quality is first rate, and it beats the heck out of lugging a laptop for image storage." Read Review
	HP Photosmart B9180 "Overall, the HP B9180 is hard to beat. The image quality is first rate, and with the move to pigment inks the print life and media options are excellent." Read Review
	Wacom Cintiq 12wx "As a reviewer, I get to play with lots of fun products. Most of them go back at the end of the review without hesitation. The Wacom Cintiq 12wx is one of the rare items that comes through that has me digging out my wallet to buy." Read Review