Dave's Picks

Innovative AF system makes this DSLR a videographer's dream come true -- at an affordable price... (more)

Innovative AF system makes this DSLR a videographer's dream come true -- at an affordable price
The long-awaited Canon 70D comes packed with a groundbreaking new technology -- Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system -- that provides on-chip phase detection autofocus at every single pixel. That means a DSLR can finally record video with full-time continuous AF that's truly camcorder-like, with smooth racking and exceptional subject tracking. And Live View AF feels almost as fast as traditional viewfinder shooting. The 70D also gets an upgrade to 20.2 megapixels of resolution, as well as compelling Wi-Fi features that include remote image capture with full exposure controls. The camera may not wow enthusiasts looking for significantly better still image quality, but the 70D marks a serious step up for photographers wanting pro-level video performance and quality. Check out our in-depth Canon 70D review for all the details, or buy one now from IR affiliates Adorama or B&H! (minimize)

A bargain mirrorless camera for Canon DSLR owners and beginners... (more)

A bargain mirrorless camera for Canon DSLR owners and beginners
Thanks to a recent firmware update that improves its autofocusing speed, the 18-megapixel, APS-C-sensored Canon EOS M is a much better mirrorless camera now than it was when announced a year ago. Today, it's also much cheaper and stands as a relative bargain to its close cousins, the Rebel T4i and T5i DSLRs, delivering similar (good!) image quality in a much more compact package. The EOS M also possesses some serious video skills, including the ability to record Full HD (1080p) movies and to change aperture, shutter speed and more while filming in manual mode. Though it has its flaws, the camera could be a good investment for Canon DSLR owners wanting a smaller second body -- and who can mount their existing lenses using an accessory adapter -- as well as for beginners wanting to step up from a point-and-shoot. Read our in-depth Canon EOS M review to find out if this mirrorless model is right for you! (minimize)

Canon's new entry-level Rebel adds the latest must-have features, yet still manages an even lower pricetag... (more)

Canon's new entry-level Rebel adds the latest must-have features, yet still manages an even lower pricetag
A little under three years ago, we reviewed Canon's Rebel XS SLR, and while we found some quirks that might lead enthusiasts to look elsewhere, we felt it to be a pretty well-rounded design, when the entry-level pricetag was factored into the equation. Although the Rebel XS is still available at a discount until the remaining stock is sold through, the Canon T3 is essentially a replacement for that camera, and as such marks the new entry-level point to the company's SLR lineup. On paper, it's an interesting design, with a mixture of significant upgrades in some areas, and features that have been pared back in others. Based around a newer 12-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 offers up a very worthwhile expansion in its upper sensitivity limit, which now tops out at a useful ISO 6,400 equivalent. It also adds two more focus points, and switches to Canon's clever dual-layer iFCL metering chip, which takes account of color information when determining exposure variables. Canon has also slightly increased the T3's LCD display size, added high definition video capture capability, and updated the kit lens to provide an even more effective stabilization system. With a pricetag some $100 below that of its predecessor at launch, though, something had to give. While the Canon T3 has a new optical viewfinder, it actually has just slightly lower magnification and a significantly tighter dioptric correction range than that of its predecessor. Burst shooting speed is also towards the lower end of the range, compared to its main competitors--and that's in JPEG mode. Switch to RAW or RAW+JPEG shooting, and the burst speed and depth is low indeed. In addition, Canon has removed the mechanical portion of its EOS Integrated Cleaning System, leaving the T3 reliant solely on antistatic coatings and software mapping to combat the adverse effects of dust on image quality. To find out whether one hand gave more than the other took away--and whether the Rebel T3's aggressive pricing makes it easy to overlook the occasional shortcoming--you'll want to read our Canon T3 review. (minimize)

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 no-nonsense pocket camera with an 8x zoom that's fun to shoot... (more)

A no-nonsense pocket camera with an 8x zoom that's fun to shoot
We tend to review more enthusiast digital cameras than easy pocket designs, but every once in a while we get a simple digital camera that inspires our creativity despite its lack of controls. The Canon PowerShot 310 HS struck a particular chord with its 8x zoom and nice, big high-res LCD, and reasonable set of Canon Scene modes. We found it a lot of fun to use, and its simplicity actually encouraged our creativity! Click here to see what was so special about the Canon 310 HS! (minimize)

A good quality pocket camera with a very wide angle lens... (more)

A good quality pocket camera with a very wide angle lens
When you think of quality pocket digital cameras, the Canon S95 and G12 are top of the list. But don't ignore the Canon 500 HS, an ELPH with a wider lens than either of those cameras, and a noticeably more pocketable shape. Its major unique feature is its touchscreen, which dominates the back of the camera, much like the screen of a smartphone. Its Full HD video capture, Handheld NightScene, and High Speed Burst modes number among the standout features, but enthusiasts will be drawn to the Canon 500's Aperture and Shutter priority modes, which offer a little more control than the average point and shoot. Click here for more on the Canon PowerShot 500 HS! (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)

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)

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)

Nikon's smallest digital SLR to support Full HD video serves up good image quality... (more)

Nikon's smallest digital SLR to support Full HD video serves up good image quality
Small and easy to bring along, the Nikon D3100 is a superb upgrade for anyone interested in digital SLR quality photographs. Its 14.2-megapixel sensor gives the Nikon D3100 a little more resolution than most other Nikon digital SLR cameras, and image quality is excellent, even as light levels drop and ISO is forced to rise. Though still low in price, the Nikon D3100 also captures 1080p Full HD video, while a good many digital cameras are still limited to 720p HD. Furthermore, the Nikon D3100 is one of the first digital SLRs able to focus while recording a video, which can come in handy. For novice users, the Nikon D3100 also includes a Guide mode to help users capture better images and learn a bit about photography on the way. It's a great digital camera for the money, with excellent image quality. Click here for more on the Nikon D3100 digital SLR! (minimize)

Another great family SLR from Nikon... (more)

Another great family SLR from Nikon
Affordable and easy to use, the Nikon D3200 really doesn't disappoint, providing a small body, improved controls, and a remarkably high-resolution 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. We found it capable and pleasantly quiet to shoot, and it's still easy to recommend to novice or advanced amateur alike. We wish the lens stood up a little better to the high-resolution sensor, but we think most family photographers will be quite happy with both camera and lens. Click here for our review of the Nikon D3200! (minimize)

Nikon's latest consumer SLR combines great image quality and a versatile side-mounted tilt/swivel display... (more)

Nikon's latest consumer SLR combines great image quality and a versatile side-mounted tilt/swivel display
Back in 2009, we reviewed Nikon's D5000 consumer SLR, the company's first SLR to include an articulated LCD display. While we loved its image quality and much of its feature set, the bottom-mounted tilt/swivel mechanism seemed like something of a missed opportunity. The followup Nikon D5100 switches to a more versatile side-mounted mechanism that's useful not only for framing shots over your head or low to the ground, but also for self-portraits with the camera on a tripod or convenient level surface--something of an important use case for a consumer camera. Nikon has also brought the D5100's imaging pipeline up to date, and that's good news, because it's based around the same 16.2 megapixel image sensor and image processing algorithms used in the popular D7000 prosumer SLR, bringing much the same image quality to a significantly more affordable camera. The D5100 also brings in-camera high dynamic range imaging to a Nikon SLR for the first time, and expands upon Nikon's selection of in-camera filter effects, applicable either pre- or post-capture. Of these, perhaps the most interesting is a Night Vision mode that allows sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 102,400 equivalent, so long as you're willing to forgo shooting in color. Otherwise, the D5100 provides ISO sensitivities to 25,600 equivalent. Other notable features include a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000 second, with a rated shutter life of 100,000 cycles, Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering and 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensors, and Full HD (1,080p) movie capture capability. For more on this interesting consumer camera, read our Nikon D5100 review. (minimize)

Nikon's J1 answers the demand for a truly compact system camera, and does it with style... (more)

Nikon's J1 answers the demand for a truly compact system camera, and does it with style
Nikon bided its time before entering the compact system camera market, and when it finally did so, wasn't afraid to take a path untrodden. The Nikon J1 adopts a rather smaller sensor than its main rivals, but in doing so also offers a worthwhile savings in weight and size--not only for the camera body, but perhaps more importantly for its lenses. That's not the only attention-grabbing feature, either. An unusual hybrid AF system and a speedy new EXPEED processor make the J1 swift even by SLR standards, and all this in a body that looks less camera than fashion accessory. Inquiring minds must know, though: how does that smaller sensor fare against its system camera rivals, and does it offer enough advantage over enthusiast compacts? To find out, click here and read our Nikon J1 review. (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)

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)

A very small compact system camera that can slip into a medium-size pocket.... (more)

A very small compact system camera that can slip into a medium-size pocket.
Hailing from a camera line aimed squarely at enthusiasts, the Panasonic GF3 seems to be angling for consumers, a move that may alienate enthusiast fans. Its 12-megapixel sensor, 3-inch LCD, and touchscreen controls all fit into digicam-size space, yet it first ships with a non-zooming 14mm kit lens, so most consumers will want to wait for the zoom to ship later this month. Its pop-up flash takes the space where a hot shoe would live, and modes are changed via the touchscreen, rather than a physical dial. We found the Panasonic GF3 fun to use and a competent, comfortable companion whether moving about town or packing for a trip. Click here for more on the Panasonic GF3 digital camera! (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)

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)

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)

Full-frame image quality and a great lens in an astonishingly small package... (more)

Full-frame image quality and a great lens in an astonishingly small package
Full-frame sensors have always meant the highest image quality in handheld cameras, but they've also always meant big, bulky, heavy cameras. The Sony RX1 breaks this mold, though, and not just by a little bit. It's hard to convey just how small the Cyber-shot RX1 is without actually handing you one to hold yourself. It's not much bigger than some high-end digicams, and the same size or smaller than some models in Sony's excellent NEX line of Compact System Cameras when you include one of the kit lenses with the latter. The 24 megapixel full-frame sensor is the same as used in Sony's flagship A99 SLT camera, and it's paired with a 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss lens with T* optical coatings and superb corner to corner sharpness. The combined package is perfect for "street photography" aficionados, or anyone wanting ultimate optical and sensor quality in a super-portable, beautiful little camera. With an introductory price of $2,800, it clearly won't be the camera for everyone, but even at that price, we think it'll be one of Sony's most popular models. If you're looking for ultimate quality in a "pocket" camera, the Sony RX1 defines the state of the art. (minimize)

Sony RX100 takes the premium pocket camera crown!... (more)

Sony RX100 takes the premium pocket camera crown!
We were so impressed with the Sony RX100's specs, we had to rush and give it a complete review in a hurry to see if it truly measured up. We were not disappointed. The Sony RX100's 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel sensor, f/1.8, 3.6x lens, and small body combine to create a new pocket digital camera benchmark. Sony didn't skimp on special features for amateurs or enthusiasts, either. Click here to see our Sony RX100 review! (minimize)

Feature-packed yet stylish, the Sony TX200V goes anywhere you do -- even underwater... (more)

Feature-packed yet stylish, the Sony TX200V goes anywhere you do -- even underwater
There's a problem with feature-rich, life-proof digital cameras: they typically look like feature-rich, life-proof digital cameras, and are about as pocket-friendly as a brick. With the TX200V, Sony shows it's possible to make a camera jam-packed with worthwhile features, safe to use at the beach, in the pool, or on the slopes, and yet to give it a body that would be right at home on the catwalk. Inside, the Sony TX200V sports a high-res 18 megapixel sensor, a 5x Zeiss-branded zoom lens with SteadyShot stabilization, and even a GPS receiver for geotagging. On the rear panel, a large organic LED touch screen that's the main control method, with physical controls kept to the bare minimum. And the TX200V is no slouch, either: it shoots at ten fps, and can capture high-res stills during HD movie capture! On paper, plenty to love -- but how does this digital camera handle in the real world? Read our Sony TX200V review for the verdict! (minimize)