Dave's Picks

Small and pocketable, the Canon A3300 makes getting quality photos easy... (more)

Small and pocketable, the Canon A3300 makes getting quality photos easy
The Canon A3300 doesn't look like the A-series cameras of old, but it's still attractive, simple, and inexpensive, maintaining the legendary image quality we've come to expect. With a 16 megapixel sensor, and a 5x zoom, the Canon A3300 delivers a lot more to the average snapshooter on a budget, because the zoom starts at 28mm and telescopes out to 140mm equivalent, perfect for most photographic situations. A stack of easy auto and scene modes allow users to explore the possibilities if they like, and capturing HD video is as easy as you please. More pocketable than past designs, the Canon A3300 is a lot of fun to use and easy to afford. Click here for more on the Canon PowerShot A3300! (minimize)

Great as a gift or for everyday shooting, the Canon 100 HS is a pleasure to use!... (more)

Great as a gift or for everyday shooting, the Canon 100 HS is a pleasure to use!
True to form, Canon doesn't skimp on its low-end ELPH digital cameras, and with the Canon 100 HS, they outdid themselves! The slim pocket camera offers a wide array of special features, including Handheld Night Scene, Full HD video, and HDMI output to name just a few. Its 28mm-equivalent wide angle lens is a treat, making the PowerShot 100 HS a great digital camera for travel and everyday carry. HS stands for High-Sensitivity, and the Canon 100 HS does well as the ISO rises, easily outputting an 11x14-inch print from ISO 100 to 800, which is quite impressive for any pocket digital camera. The Canon 100 HS is one of our top picks for a simple pocket camera, great for casual shooting, making it a superb gift! (minimize)

A long zoom, touchscreen digital camera that slips into a small pocket... (more)

A long zoom, touchscreen digital camera that slips into a small pocket
Designed to take on the smartphone, the Canon 510 HS includes a blend of features to attract the savvy photographer. First, this digital camera has a 12x zoom lens with an impressive range from 28-336mm equivalent. Next, the Canon 510 employs a touchscreen so users can do just about everything without pressing a single button. Though we had a little trouble with the touchscreen at first, an aha! moment struck us and we learned to simply press a little harder on the screen, since the Canon 510 HS uses a different technology for its touchscreen, probably on purpose. Click here to read our Canon 510 HS review! (minimize)

The long-zoom "everywhere" camera just got smaller... (more)

The long-zoom "everywhere" camera just got smaller
Iconic and capable at the same time, the PowerShot 520 HS represents quite an evolution in Canon's classic ELPH design. Duplicating the same diminutive shape and size as its spiritual predecessors, the Canon 520 offers a 12x zoom ranging from 28-336mm with optical image stabilization. Its 3-inch LCD has a higher resolution of 461K-dots, and its simple control set and intelligent exposure modes make getting good stills and videos easy. Click here for our review of the Canon 520 HS! (minimize)

PowerShot flagship stronger than ever after all these years... (more)

PowerShot flagship stronger than ever after all these years
As the longest running line in digital camera history, the G-series has produced its finest camera yet: the Canon PowerShot G12. Though more of a refinement of the G11, the Canon G12 sports a 10-megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom ranging from 28-140mm equivalents, and a 2.8-inch swiveling LCD. That LCD is no slouch, either, with 461,000 dots and excellent color. A new electronic level function helps ensure straighter horizons, and a new set of aspect ratio gives you greater control over image shape. 720p HD movie mode is also new to the Canon G12, now with stereo sound as well. And a special HDR Scene mode makes shooting high-dynamic range images pretty easy so long as you shoot them with a tripod. High ISO performance is very good, actually besting the Canon S95, and overall performance is about what we'd expect, making the Canon G12 an excellent all-purpose camera, even if it's not quite shirt or pants pocketable. Click here for more on the Canon G12, one of the best digital cameras you can buy! (minimize)

A major step forward for Canon's flagship premium compact... (more)

A major step forward for Canon's flagship premium compact
Canon's PowerShot G-series cameras were some of the first premium compact cameras to really grab the attention of the professional photographer and the amateur shooter alike. With the PowerShot G15, Canon takes a huge step forward by incorporating a fast 5x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture that ranges from f/1.8 at wide to f/2.8 at tele. The camera also boasts a 12-megapixel, 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor to produce sharper images and full 1080p HD video recording (finally). And at the heart of the Canon G15 resides a ton of advanced photographic controls, including RAW image capture. One significant downgrade from its predecessor, the G12, however, is Canon's decision to replace the articulating LCD monitor with a fixed one, ostensibly to slim the G15's dimensions. Click here for our final verdict on the Canon G15! (minimize)

Canon's premium pocket camera gets a better lens, higher resolution, and better video, plus GPS.... (more)

Canon's premium pocket camera gets a better lens, higher resolution, and better video, plus GPS.
Canon managed to pack more features into the PowerShot S100 while maintaining the same relative look and feel of their premium pocket digital camera. Higher resolution has lately come at a cost, but Canon raised both the resolution and still image quality while also raising video resolution. The result is a pocket camera that can shoot quality 1080p video while the camera both maintains focus and allows the user to zoom. They even snuck in a GPS and mapping software so you can see where you've been. There's a lot more to tell about the Canon S100, so click here to read our review. (minimize)

Pocket long zooms don't get much better than this... (more)

Pocket long zooms don't get much better than this
Canon takes a quality pocket long zoom and adds both a GPS radio and Full HD video for a more complete package. The resulting Canon PowerShot SX230 delivers good image quality and pretty nice video quality as well, while maintaining that impressive 14x, 28-392mm zoom lens. We found some minor trouble with chromatic aberration, unsurprising at this focal length, but otherwise enjoyed the Canon SX230, indoors and out. It'll make an excellent travel camera, thanks to the wide and long zoom, as well as the GPS to match your photos to a map, and it offers as much automation or manual control as you could want. Click here for our review of the Canon SX230 HS! (minimize)

High-quality travel zoom appeals to enthusiasts and novices alike... (more)

High-quality travel zoom appeals to enthusiasts and novices alike
There's nothing like a pocket travel zoom digital camera when you want to get creative shot on vacation. The PowerShot SX260 HS is Canon's best attempt yet at meeting the needs of both the point-and-shooter and the enthusiast photographer, regardless of the destination. Its 20x zoom has great optical quality, and combined with its 12-megapixel sensor the Canon SX260's image quality is good enough to output a 16 x 20-inch print! What with the built-in GPS, we wish it had a little better battery life, but overall the Canon SX260 is looking pretty good. Click here for our Canon SX260 HS review! (minimize)

Further refinement makes a great megazoom excellent... (more)

Further refinement makes a great megazoom excellent
While Canon's previous megazoom digital camera was a good performer, the PowerShot SX40 HS is a finely tuned upgrade. With the same startling 35x zoom ranging from 24-840mm equivalent, the Canon SX40 sports a new, lower-resolution sensor and a punchy DIGIC 5 processor, resulting in better low light performance and better corner sharpness overall, as well as reduced chromatic aberration. These changes effectively overcome the usual limitations of megazoom cameras, leaving behind only the fun. Click here for our Canon SX40 HS review, or just click here to start shopping for the Canon SX40 HS! (minimize)

Superzoom, super pictures, super simple to use... (more)

Superzoom, super pictures, super simple to use
Canon has outdone itself once again. Boasting a whopping 50x optical zoom range (24-1200mm equivalent) and excellent image quality for its class, the Canon SX50 may not only be the company's finest megazoom offering to date, but also the best megazoom we've ever tested. Improved image stabilization and advanced features such as RAW capture vault it over its predecessor, though it does suffer some of the same expected shortcomings, including poor low-light autofocus performance and fuzzy images at ISO 800 and above. Learn more by reading our in-depth Canon SX50 review here, or buy one right now! (minimize)

With dangerous good looks and serious skills, this enthusiast compact shoots to thrill... (more)

With dangerous good looks and serious skills, this enthusiast compact shoots to thrill
Sleek, retro-styled and a little dangerous looking, the Fuji XF1 may just be the James Bond of enthusiast pocket cameras. With its compact size, quality build and luxurious feel, the XF1 just begs to be used. The slick 4x optical zoom lens (with a f/1.8 max aperture!) is of the manual variety, and when you twist it open, the camera turns on ready for action. The Fuji XF1 borrows the same 12-megapixel, 2/3-inch-type EXR CMOS sensor from the X10, as well as the unique EXR shooting modes that go with it that increase its low-light capabilities and dynamic range. Overall, it's a fast and fun shooter with a ton of customizability that should appeal to enthusiasts, while its good looks make it an object of desire for gadget geeks and fashionistas alike. Check out our Fuji XF1 review for in-depth details on its performance and image quality, or shop for one right now. (minimize)

Nikon does it again with the Coolpix P510!... (more)

Nikon does it again with the Coolpix P510!
Sometimes product categories are defined by one popular line, and the Nikon P510 continues the tradition of excellence in ultrazoom digital cameras, with a very wide, very long zoom lens and impressive print quality. With a zoom that ranges from 24 to 1,000mm equivalent, it has a tendency to make you see the world differently, allowing you to realize shots you hadn't before imagined. With great handling, a nice grip, an articulated LCD and built-in GPS, the Nikon P510 offers more than ever before. Click here for our Nikon Coolpix P510 review! (minimize)

Nikon's premium camera gets an upgrade that makes it shine... (more)

Nikon's premium camera gets an upgrade that makes it shine
Just a year after the Nikon P7000 hit the enthusiast digital camera market, Nikon replaced it with a slightly tweaked version that improves speed and performance, while maintaining the excellent optical and image quality. Nikon's fixes make a digital camera that's not just pleasant to shoot, but whose images are worth talking about. Its 28-200mm equivalent lens covers a greater range than its nearest competitor, and maintains pretty amazing image quality. A new articulated VGA LCD screen also makes the Nikon P7100 a little more versatile than its predecessor. We think it's a worthy upgrade. Click here for our Nikon P7100 review and get the whole story! (minimize)

Revamped flagship enthusiast digicam scores big on design and image quality... (more)

Revamped flagship enthusiast digicam scores big on design and image quality
It's taken three tries but Nikon has finally produced a flagship Coolpix camera that stacks up favorably to its top competitors, boasting an upgraded 12-megapixel sensor and a fast 7.1x zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.0. Nikon removed the optical viewfinder from the Coolpix P7700, but we actually see this as a plus, especially since the 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen is easy to view and allows you to compose in tight spots. Sans viewfinder, the Nikon P7700's design is more compact, comfy and classic than its predecessor. Ultimately, it comes down to image quality and the P7700 delivers sharp still images and Full HD videos -- with just a few quirks -- and produces large, high-quality prints at lower ISOs. Click here for our review of the Nikon P7700, or click this link to shop! (minimize)

Olympus refines the Pen series with a faster, simpler design... (more)

Olympus refines the Pen series with a faster, simpler design
Equipped with an improved lens and a more ergonomic body style, the Olympus Pen E-PL2 addresses several shortcomings of the previous model and refines the company's low-cost compact system camera design. The Olympus E-PL2's new lens design is smaller, lighter, and a little longer, with a more stable lens design and fast, silent autofocus. It even accepts accessory lenses. The E-PL2's 3-inch LCD is also higher resolution than any of the Pen predecessors, and the new Accessory Port 2 is compatible with more new gadgetry, including a bluetooth module that sends your pictures directly to a camera phone. Its 12-megapixel sensor still captures great images, and the Olympus E-PL2 tests faster than its predecessors. Click here for more on the Olympus Pen E-PL2! (minimize)

Surprisingly sophisticated step up from point-and-shoot cameras... (more)

Surprisingly sophisticated step up from point-and-shoot cameras
Like its big brother -- the PEN E-PL5 -- the Olympus E-PM2 captures stunning, detailed images, thanks to the 16-megapixel sensor it borrows from the top-rated Olympus E-M5. However, the E-PM2 is smaller, lighter and less expensive than the E-PL5, and it relies primarily on touchscreen controls that make it an ideal option for photographers transitioning from point-and-shoots into a compact, interchangeable-lens camera system. The lack of a physical Mode dial and dedicated settings buttons may be a turn off to some enthusiasts, however, the PEN E-PM2 still offers an impressive variety of advanced photographic capabilities that surpasses what some higher-end DSLRs and CSCs can offer. Though a little lacking in action AF and video recording performance, the Olympus E-PM2 mainly overcomes its limitations by delivering fantastic image quality at such an affordable price. Read our in-depth Olympus E-PM2 review for more details, or buy one here. (minimize)

Same serious lens but new serious upgrades for serious photographers... (more)

Same serious lens but new serious upgrades for serious photographers
With the Olympus XZ-2, the company upgrades its top-of-the-line enthusiast compact camera with a new 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, but thankfully keeps its predecessor's fast and bright f/1.8-2.5 iZUIKO 4x zoom lens. We found the pairing of these features helps the XZ-2 produce great images for its class, especially at low ISOs. Add in a new 3-inch articulating LCD touchscreen, fast-and-accurate autofocus, a nifty dual-purpose front control ring, and a ton of advanced photographic features such as PASM controls and RAW capture, and the Olympus XZ-2 makes for a near-ideal, albeit pricey, everyday or back-up camera for serious photographers. Find out more in our in-depth Olympus XZ-2 review or buy one now! (minimize)

A great quality lens and smart design make the XZ-1 a choice premium digital camera... (more)

A great quality lens and smart design make the XZ-1 a choice premium digital camera
Long a pioneer in quality small cameras, Olympus has finally entered one of the more popular categories among digital cameras with the Olympus XZ-1. Competing with the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5, which also have 10-megapixel sensors and wide-to-mid-range zooms, the Olympus XZ-1 merges ideas from both into a premium pocket digital camera with a very special lens. The XZ-1 is not only special because it has a 28-112mm, f/1.8 lens, which is 1/3 stop faster than its rivals, it is the first time Olympus has branded a lens with the Zuiko name. Our tests show that it's not just window dressing: This i.Zuiko lens has impressive corner sharpness, especially at wide-angle, besting its rivals. It sports an OLED display, and the ability to add the excellent VF-2 electronic viewfinder made for the Olympus Pen cameras. Sensor image quality is quite good from ISO 100 to 400, but noise suppression starts to soften detail from 800 and up a little more than its rivals. That doesn't take away from the potential of the XZ-1 for all manner of photography, though, as it still produces better results optically than other cameras in its price range. It's an impressive first offering in the premium pocket digital camera market. Click here for more on the Olympus XZ-1! (minimize)

A superzoom camera with a super bright lens... (more)

A superzoom camera with a super bright lens
Panasonic pumped some new excitement into its acclaimed superzoom line when it paired a Leica-branded f2/.8 lens with the Panasonic FZ200. That's a constant f/2.8 max aperture across the entire 24x optical zoom range, which is a rarity among long zooms these days and -- teamed with the camera's excellent AF system -- it proved to perform well in low-light and high shutter speed situations. There's a lot more to like about the FZ200, including a 12 fps, high-res burst mode and Full HD 1080p video recording (at up to 60 fps!). And advanced photographic controls such as manual exposure and focusing, as well as RAW image capture, mean it's a viable alternative for enthusiasts wanting a lightweight, everyday alternative to a heavy, bulky DSLR with multiple zoom lenses (at least in good light), and a serious step up for beginners wanting more zoom range. The FZ200's relatively small sensor does force some compromises on image quality (like almost every other camera in its class), but the camera's convenience and versatility make it one of the best superzooms on the market. Read our Panasonic FZ200 review for more details, or buy one here. (minimize)

A new benchmark in compact system cameras... (more)

A new benchmark in compact system cameras
Panasonic has updated their G-series line of compact system cameras, and the new G3 looks like a real winner. We've had hands-on with a beta sample of the new model, and it's impressed us greatly with its handling and image quality. In fact, image noise seems very much on par with that from the larger APS-C size sensors used in full-size DSLRs. The new G3 is noticeably more compact than the G2 that it replaces, and Panasonic also appears to have further improved shutter lag: In field tests, everyone remarked on how fast its shutter response was. The design incorporates a new 16-megapixel image sensor, and the same high-speed Venus Engine FHD image processor as previously featured in the more expensive GH2 model. Other improvements since the earlier camera include a picture-in-picture Manual Focus Assist function, pinpoint focus mode, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) movie capture, and two separate Intelligent Auto operating modes that offer varying degrees of user control. Read our Panasonic G3 review for all the details! (minimize)

There's nothing micro about the performance of this compact, lightweight digital camera... (more)

There's nothing micro about the performance of this compact, lightweight digital camera
The Panasonic Lumix G5 takes the highlights from Panasonic's well-regarded G-series of Micro Four Thirds digital cameras and rolls them all into one package. The Lumix G5 feels better thought out than many entry-level DSLRs, including a touchscreen LCD monitor and speedy autofocus, at roughly the same price. Boasting better ergonomics and handling than the previous-model G3, the Panasonic G5 also boosts its video performance by adding Full HD recording at 60p, and a full-range of frame rates that make it perfect for serious photographers and videographers alike. If you want a compact, lightweight, easy-to-operate interchangeable lens camera with a 14-42mm lens that captures high-quality images at an eminently affordable price, then the 16-megapixel Panasonic G5 should place high on your short list. (minimize)

One step back, two steps forward: the Panasonic GX1 will please enthusiast photographers... (more)

One step back, two steps forward: the Panasonic GX1 will please enthusiast photographers
As a digital camera made expressly for enthusiasts, the Panasonic GX1 is a little larger than the smallest compact system cameras, but is still small enough to bring along easily. While the GX1 is in some ways a return to an older design, it still includes improvements in resolution and image quality. Its new touchscreen interface also manages to add a bit of utility as well; and an expanding list of compatible lenses make the Panasonic GX1 an appealing digital camera. Click here for more on the Panasonic GX1! (minimize)

A serious photographer's digital camera in a small package... (more)

A serious photographer's digital camera in a small package
Panasonic's deluxe pocket digital camera line has long been a favorite of photographers as a capable, small take-everywhere camera, when lugging their pro camera was too much to ask. Improved in several ways, the Panasonic LX7 digital camera is a joy to shoot. Key refinements that will appeal to photographers include a manual aperture ring, a manual focus toggle, and a faster, high quality lens. As we've come to expect from Lumix digital cameras, the LX7 also has rock-solid image stabilization, and the new level gauge helps straighten your horizons. Optical quality stands out as the major enhancement, which gave us the confidence to place key subjects in corners without worry that they'd be too soft. The new faster lens -- a full stop faster -- allows faster shutter speeds in low light, and delivers fairly nice bokeh as well. We enjoyed shooting with the Lumix LX7, and felt comfortable with it as our only digital camera on several outings. Click here to see our review of the Panasonic LX7, or just follow our shopping link to find the best price. (minimize)

Entry-level, versatile superzoom makes taking pictures fun and easy... (more)

Entry-level, versatile superzoom makes taking pictures fun and easy
Boasting a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 26x optical zoom lens, the Pentax X-5 offers family, travel and beginning photographers a serious-looking, but ultimately easy-to-use camera that can capture good photos at a long distance. The camera features a ton of preset modes and automated functions that make picture taking fun and simple. And the X-5's 22-580mm equivalent range can bring the action up nice and close. Though it may look and feel like a DSLR, the X-5 is clearly not geared for enthusiasts wanting advanced photographic capabilities or DSLR-like image quality. While the X-5 delivers crisp, detailed images in good light -- most likely where casual photographers would use it most -- it doesn't fare as well at higher ISOs and when shooting in dim or overcast conditions. It's also a slow camera to operate, especially for candid work. Still, at its price point and with its point-and-shoot lineage, the Pentax X-5 does a lot of things right, and ranks as one of the best entry-level superzoom models we've tested. Click here for our full Pentax X-5 review or go buy one now. (minimize)

A superfast (f/1.4) lens and advanced controls premium compact camera... (more)

A superfast (f/1.4) lens and advanced controls premium compact camera
Serious photographers are always looking for new options for a premium compact camera they can easily carry around with them in situations when it's too much hassle to lug a DSLR. The Samsung EX2F is a new entrant that stacks up well against many of the best cameras in its class, thanks in large part to its f/1.4 Schneider-Kreuznach lens that's among the fastest digicam lenses on the market. The 12-megapixel EX2F boasts advanced photographic controls, including the ability to shoot RAW files (which we highly recommend with this model), a 3-inch articulated AMOLED display and built-in WiFi that make it an all-around solid performer. We've got a few quibbles with it, namely inconsistent JPEG capture, but we think it's a good alternative to the usual suspects, especially if you shoot a lot in low lighting. Click here for our review of the Samsung EX2F, or click the link to shop! (minimize)

Easy-to-use compact system camera gives beginners a terrific bang for their buck, and great images to boot... (more)

Easy-to-use compact system camera gives beginners a terrific bang for their buck, and great images to boot
For photographers looking to step-up from a point-and-shoot to an interchangeable lens system camera, the Sony NEX-3N does it as seamlessly as any entry-level model we've ever tested. It employs a simple but effective user interface, and even places a zoom lever right on the camera body. What's more, the NEX-3N takes great photos that rival those from higher-end mirrorless cameras, and even some DSLRs, thanks to its relatively large APS-C-sized sensor. While experienced photographers may focus on the camera's limitations, and might only consider it as a compact backup, beginning shooters will love how easy the NEX-3N is to use, how fun and fast it is to shoot with, and how much bang for the buck it delivers. Read our in-depth Sony NEX-3N review for more details or go buy one now! (minimize)

Sony's NEX-5N might borrow the NEX-5's styling, but don't let that fool you; there's a whole new book under this cover... (more)

Sony's NEX-5N might borrow the NEX-5's styling, but don't let that fool you; there's a whole new book under this cover
Sony made quite a splash with its aggressively-styled NEX-5 system camera back in mid-2010, and while the succeeding Sony NEX-5N digital camera is no longer the company's flagship system camera, it builds upon its predecessor with quite a selection of upgrades and new features. There's a new image sensor and processor that bring a wider sensitivity range and support for an electronic first-curtain shutter, gifting the NEX-5N with startlingly good shutter lag and burst-shooting performance. Sony has also revisited its accessory terminal design to add support for a new high-res electronic viewfinder, added a touch-screen interface that makes AF-point selection a breeze, and brought videographers fully manual exposure control. Is it time for first-gen NEX owners to consider an upgrade? Click here to read our Sony NEX-5N review, and find out. (minimize)

Sony's entry-level mirrorless camera frees you from behind-the-camera drudgery... (more)

Sony's entry-level mirrorless camera frees you from behind-the-camera drudgery
Are you the designated photographer for your family? If so, there's a good chance something is missing from your photo albums: you. Fulfilling the duties of family record-keeper means you spend almost all your time behind the lens, making an occasional appearance only for posed, tripod-mounted shots. The Sony NEX-F3 aims to solve the problem with an updated, tilting LCD panel that can now be seen from in front of the camera, putting you back into the family album. And that's not the only worthwhile update over Sony's previous entry-level mirrorless model. There's also a built-in popup flash that saves you from carrying an external strobe, and a restyled body with a much more prominent handgrip. As you'd expect of a NEX-series camera, the Sony F3 offers great image quality, despite a pricetag even the family photographer can justify. So... is it high time you upgraded your camera for a new NEX? Read our Sony NEX-F3 review, and find out! (minimize)

A great all-in-one imaging solution for travel photographers... (more)

A great all-in-one imaging solution for travel photographers
Superzooms are rather like the Swiss Army knives of the digital camera world. Where some cameras seem tuned for a specific task, superzooms like the Sony HX200V aim to cover every possibly shooting situation. All that zoom reach means compromises must be made. Done right, you get a great travel companion. Done wrong, no amount of zoom will help you. On paper, the Sony HX200V looks impressive: a 30x zoom lens, 18 megapixel sensor, tilting display, geotagging, and more. How does its real-world performance measure up? Read our Sony HX200V review and find out! (minimize)

A little camera that's "long" on quality features... (more)

A little camera that's "long" on quality features
The Sony HX30V is a rock-solid pocket camera that packs a lot of punch and features into a relatively small body, all at a fair price. Its long and versatile zoom range, fast autofocus, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and excellent Sony creative effects make it a great companion for travel and on-the-go shooting. Read our Sony HX30V review for all the details. (minimize)