Dave's Picks

The smallest DSLR we've ever reviewed still packs a punch... (more)

The smallest DSLR we've ever reviewed still packs a punch
Pairing the compact, lightweight body of a mirrorless camera with the performance and image quality of a digital SLR, the Canon SL1 DSLR provides, in many ways, the best of both worlds. And while it appears to be just a miniaturized version of the Rebel T5i, the SL1 proves to be much more than that, offering an advanced Hybrid CMOS II AF system that significantly improves Live View and Movie shooting. This small DSLR takes great still pictures and boasts impressive video skills, plus it comes kitted with the better-than-average EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens, which is sharp, smooth and virtually silent. Check out our in-depth Canon SL1 review for more details! (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)

An excellent wide-angle pocket digital camera... (more)

An excellent wide-angle pocket digital camera
Taking up the bottom position in the price category for quality slim pocket digital cameras, the Canon ELPH 300 HS has just what it takes to be a top seller. While it won't deliver the gigantic prints of CCD cameras of similar size, the Canon 300 HS pleases in other ways, packing a 24-120mm equivalent lens, a good quality 2.7-inch LCD, and Full HD video capability in a very slim package. Handheld NightScene mode further reveals the advantage of the Canon 300's CMOS image capture, combining three images into one for a smoother still than you'd normally expect at ISO 1,600. Though we had some trouble with soft corners, we thought the Canon 300's images were still good enough for most anyone's purposes as a pocket camera for recording the fun wherever you go. Click here for more on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS. (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)

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)

Large-sensor image quality in a compact, zoom body... (more)

Large-sensor image quality in a compact, zoom body
Every once in a while, a camera comes along which offers a genuinely different approach to its rivals. Some--like the first mirrorless models--go on to fundamentally change the market. Others aren't quite so successful. Either way, we welcome designs that think outside the box. The PowerShot G1 X is Canon's first large-sensor compact. Its announcement last Spring prompted much speculation: was this Canon's final answer to that blossoming mirrorless market, or a first tentative step towards its own mirrorless debut? The fixed-lens design and narrower-aspect ratio have allowed Canon to create a large-sensor PowerShot with a worthwhile size advantage over mirrorless models, and a night-and-day image quality advantage over small-sensor cameras. Like many first-gen products, the G1 X does show a few rough edges though. Will the advantages of its unusual design outweigh the drawbacks? For the verdict, read our Canon G1 X review! (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)

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)

Retro styling, lightweight design and stellar image quality... (more)

Retro styling, lightweight design and stellar image quality
The Fuji X-E1 may be the baby brother to Fujifilm's flagship X-Pro1, but in many ways is its equal. Most importantly, the two compact system cameras share the same impressive 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, which produces image quality superior to most APS-C-sensor-based digital SLRs, but in arguably more attractive camera body designs. The Fuji X-E1 is also significantly less expensive ($1,000 vs. $1,700 body only) than its older sibling, while boasting many of the same features, and its polycarbonate-and-magnesium build make it quite light and highly portable. Though its operational performance is a bit of a mixed bag with mediocre AF shutter lag and shot-to-shot times, the X-E1 shines when it comes to image quality. Photos were stellar, with lots of resolution and detail. The Fujifilm X-E1 also really stood out against the competition in low-light situations and higher ISOs. Find out more in our in-depth Fuji X-E1 review. (minimize)

A retro look, great features and stunning image quality make the Fujifilm X-Pro1 a real winner... (more)

A retro look, great features and stunning image quality make the Fujifilm X-Pro1 a real winner
Quality prime lenses and a tack-sharp sensor come together with a unique hybrid optical viewfinder to form the Fujfilm X-Pro1, a digital camera built exclusively for enthusiast photographers. The X-Pro1 really hits the nail on the head, driving deep into high-ISO territory with tack-sharp images. Its controls and feature set are also ideal for the target market, and its available lenses are reasonably priced, small, well-made, and light weight. We found it to be a terrific photographic tool, easy to control, and a joy to use. Click here for our review of the Fujfilm X-Pro1, or just take our word for it and shop for the Fujfilm X-Pro1 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)

With the Nikon Coolpix A, the large-sensor, fixed prime lens camera finally goes mainstream... (more)

With the Nikon Coolpix A, the large-sensor, fixed prime lens camera finally goes mainstream
Nikon's Coolpix compact camera line finally has its first large-sensor model, thanks to the debut of the Nikon Coolpix A. It's the company's first entry into the burgeoning large-sensor, fixed prime lens market, and the category's first offering from a mainstream brand. As of its announcement it was also the smallest and lightest by a fair margin, and tied for the most affordable. While it's since been bested in those areas by the Ricoh GR, it's still a very compact camera, especially when you consider that it's packed in a large APS-C image sensor and a bright f/2.8 wide-angle lens. But is it just a niche model, or can the Coolpix A appeal to a broader demographic? And how does its image quality compare to interchangeable-lens models? Read our Nikon Coolpix A review, and find out! (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)

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)

Despite its smaller sensor, the Nikon V1 is part of a unique and capable photographic system... (more)

Despite its smaller sensor, the Nikon V1 is part of a unique and capable photographic system
Choosing a smaller sensor, the Nikon V1 didn't earn a lot to praise from the spec hounds at its introduction, but Nikon was aiming at a smaller system overall, including lenses. They certainly achieved that, while maintaining excellent image quality and including impressively fast autofocus speed. Though many were disappointed with the smaller sensor, our test results show the Nikon V1's image quality to be quite good for a 10-megapixel sensor, and optical quality is impressive too. Overall, the Nikon V1 makes a great compact system camera that stands up well against the premium pocket cameras it was designed to challenge. Click here for our Nikon V1 Review! (minimize)

Old and new come together in one high-quality digital camera... (more)

Old and new come together in one high-quality digital camera
Small and light, yet solid and weather-sealed, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a lot more capable than its size suggests. Image quality is noticeably improved from past Olympus offerings, rivaling that of APS-C SLRs, and its sensor-shift image stabilization system is the most advanced we've seen. Perhaps most importantly, though, the Olympus E-M5 is a whole lot of fun to use, and the ready availability of great glass adds to the party, making you want to get out and shoot. We also love the E-M5's nostalgic appearance, as well as how it feels and operates when we're out shooting. The whole experience is impressive. Click here for our Olympus E-M5 Review! (minimize)

'FAST' isn't just an acronym, when it comes to the Olympus P3's autofocus system... (more)

'FAST' isn't just an acronym, when it comes to the Olympus P3's autofocus system
Although it looks very similar to its previous PEN-series flagships externally, the Olympus PEN E-P3 includes several significant changes. Key among these is a new brand-new autofocus system, branded 'Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology', or FAST for short. Olympus showed supreme confidence in choosing the name, and it wasn't misplaced: the E-P3's AF performance actually rivals that of many SLRs. The P3 also includes a new touchscreen interface, and a built-in popup flash that addresses one of the main concerns with its predecessor. Tweaks in its imaging pipeline are more subtle, however; the sensor design seems little-changed from that used by its predecessor two years earlier. Are the improvements in other areas enough to compete in today's mirrorless camera market, given how competitive it's become? Read our Olympus PEN E-P3 review, and find out! (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)

Incredible image quality in an affordable, pint-sized package... (more)

Incredible image quality in an affordable, pint-sized package
The compact and lightweight Olympus E-PL5 inherits the exceptional 16-megapixel sensor from the groundbreaking OM-D E-M5, one of our all-time favorite compact system cameras. The image quality we saw from the speedy E-PL5 proved to be nothing less than stellar -- demonstrating accurate colors, an impressive dynamic range and tons of detail. Unfortunately you have to navigate through a maddening maze of menus to uncover the camera's full photographic potential, as well as deal with such limitations as poor AF motion tracking and run-of-the-mill (though Full 1080p HD) video quality. But considering that the Olympus E-PL5 produces images that rival those from much more expensive DSLRs and CSCs, the compromises may be only a small price to pay. Check out our Olympus E-PL5 review to find out if it's the perfect camera for you, or buy one here. (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 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)

Really fast autofocus in a compact body you won't leave at home... (more)

Really fast autofocus in a compact body you won't leave at home
Back in mid-2011, Panasonic launched its tiny Lumix GF3, nicely demonstrating the size advantage of mirrorless over SLR cameras. This year's Panasonic GF5 takes that design and swaps in an improved sensor, faster image processor, higher-resolution touch screen display, and a raft of other tweaks. Key among the changes for us has to be the Panasonic GF5's improved autofocus performance: the GF3 was already fairly fast by mirrorless camera standards, but the Panasonic Lumix GF5 goes a step further, besting many consumer DSLRs. Panasonic has also updated its touchscreen user interface, finally allowing almost overlay-free image framing and reducing distraction. Do these and other changes take a good consumer camera and make it great? And are the advantages of the GF5 enough for more experienced photographers to overlook the lack of a viewfinder and flash connectivity? Read our Panasonic GF5 review, and find out! (minimize)

Optimized for stills and video, the Panasonic GH2 is a surprisingly capable camera... (more)

Optimized for stills and video, the Panasonic GH2 is a surprisingly capable camera
Though most of today's digital SLRs and CSCs can do video, only a few are made for video, among them the Panasonic GH2, whose sensor and autofocus system are tuned for both stills and video. Capable of capturing 16-megapixel stills and 1080i HD video, the Panasonic GH2 has a faster sensor and a Venus Engine FHD processor, both tuned for recording video at a faster bit rate than the GH1. Autofocus for stills is blazing fast, especially for a contrast-detect system, easily rivaling SLRs in speed, and that speed is useful in the Panasonic GH2's video recording as well, as one of the few hybrid cameras that can autofocus during recording. With both an articulating, touch-sensitive LCD and a superb Electronic Viewfinder, the Panasonic GH2 offers a little more than most compact system cameras, but it's also a little larger than most, coming close in size to a small consumer SLR. Stereo recording and a high ISO of 12,800 round out the package. Panasonic's selection of excellent lenses, as well as those from other Micro Four Thirds vendors, assures a good selection of available optics, including a special 3D lens which we also try. Click here for more on the Panasonic GH2! (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)

Pentax's latest consumer SLR keeps its predecessor's great noise performance, while correcting its biggest bugbears... (more)

Pentax's latest consumer SLR keeps its predecessor's great noise performance, while correcting its biggest bugbears
When we reviewed Pentax's K-x consumer SLR last year, we were wowed by its rich feature set and impressive noise performance, but questioned the wisdom of several design choices likely made in the interests of achieving its affordable price tag. With the debut of its followup Pentax K-r, the company has shown that it was listening by answering our biggest criticisms of the earlier model. Key among the changes are the addition of autofocus point indicators in the viewfinder, and a redesigned body with pleasingly retro styling that accommodates a larger, significantly higher resolution LCD panel. A handy increase in burst shooting performance to almost six frames per second ensures that Pentax retains the title of fastest entry-level digital SLR. There's also an interesting new dual power-source design that follows popular demand with a proprietary lithium-ion pack, but--unlike every other SLR manufacturer--still caters to those who prefer AA batteries without a bulky external grip, courtesy of an in-body adapter. Although there are numerous more subtle changes throughout, the 12.4 megapixel K-r is largely similar to its predecessor in other respects, with in-body image stabilization, an 11-point autofocus system, 1/6,000 second top shutter speed, and high-definition 720p video capture capability. A generous selection of creative features such as in-camera HDR, a cross-processing function, numerous pre- and post-capture digital filters, and the ability to develop raw files in-camera combine to make the Pentax K-r particularly well-suited to right-brain types who don't want to spend time fiddling around with post-processing on a computer. Were all this offered at the same pricetag as its predecessor, the Pentax K-r would've been a sure thing, but therein lies the rub: Pentax has also increased its pricing by almost a quarter over that of the K-x. Having specifically called for many of its added features, we went into our review of the Pentax K-r with a certain feeling of having made a rod for our own back. To find out if we stayed resolute in our desire for the changes--added cost notwithstanding--read our full review of Pentax's latest consumer SLR. (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)

With an excellent prime lens and uncommonly trim body, the affordable Ricoh GR bats above its price tag... (more)

With an excellent prime lens and uncommonly trim body, the affordable Ricoh GR bats above its price tag
With the Ricoh GR, the benchmark for smallest APS-C camera has been reset. In the process, Nikon's Coolpix A has been put on warning. Like that camera, the Ricoh GR pairs a bright, wide 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 optic and a 16-megapixel imager similar to those of the popular Pentax K-5 II and Nikon D7000. And just as in the Coolpix, the Ricoh GR forgoes a low-pass filter in the quest for ultimate resolution (and at the risk of moire). On paper, there's little to separate the two, but we took the challenge to heart, shooting them side-by-side. Which will triumph? Read our Ricoh GR review, and find out! (minimize)

Though it's only a small part of an excellent smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S II's digital camera is replete with options, and captures a good image!... (more)

Though it's only a small part of an excellent smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S II's digital camera is replete with options, and captures a good image!
With an 8-megapixel digital camera, the Samsung Galaxy S II makes an interesting choice if you're looking for a phone that can double as a daily-carry digital camera. The Galaxy S II has a pretty good quality 30mm equivalent lens, and a set of options that rivals a dedicated pocket camera when it comes to exposure, white balance, scene settings, and even capturing panoramic images. Video quality isn't bad either, able to capture up to Full HD video. Click here for our Samsung Galaxy S II Camera review! (minimize)

This entry-level mirrorless is heavy on the features, not on the wallet... (more)

This entry-level mirrorless is heavy on the features, not on the wallet
Affordable is good: money saved on your next mirrorless camera means money to burn on lenses and accessories. The Samsung NX1000 compact system camera sets a new benchmark for NX-series affordability, but unlike some rivals, it's not been pared down to the bare minimum to achieve its $700 pricetag including kit lens. On the contrary, the Samsung NX1000 sports some features that aren't so common at this price point: built-in WiFi Direct wireless networking connectivity, i-Function control over camera settings from the lens, a dual-axis level gauge, and an external flash hot shoe. Not to mention Full HD high-definition video capture capability, complete with support for an optional external microphone -- and incredibly, you can plug your headphones into the mic to monitor audio levels! The Samsung NX1000, then, is a camera that offers a lot more than you'd expect for the price. If that's not worth a Dave's Pick, we don't know what is! Click here for more on the Samsung NX1000, or click this link to shop! (minimize)

Takes great shots and delivers them to social media too, straight from the camera... (more)

Takes great shots and delivers them to social media too, straight from the camera
With an SLR-like appearance and smooth styling, the 20.3-megapixel Samsung NX20 takes up the flagship position in the company's mirrorless lineup, offering interchangeable lenses and an electronic viewfinder. The new camera offers new possibilities with the inclusion of WiFi, complete with backup options, connectivity with smartphones, PCs and tablets, as well as direct hooks into popular social media websites. Image quality is quite good, but the camera has a little trouble with JPEG images at ISO 1,600 or above. We enjoyed shooting with it, as well as shooting via remote control from a tablet, so click here to see what we thought of the Samsung NX20! (minimize)

Samsung's NX200 makes some serious strides, improving both performance and image quality... (more)

Samsung's NX200 makes some serious strides, improving both performance and image quality
With a whole new look on the outside, the Samsung NX200 gets quite a few internal upgrades compared to its predecessor, not the least of which is its 20-megapixel sensor. Combined with a new lens design and a slick menu system, we found the Samsung NX200 a kick to use. We were most impressed with the improved image quality and faster autofocus, and a few of the special Smart Filters were interesting as well. Click here for our Samsung NX200 review! (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)

NEX features and image quality, with a user interface designed to seduce SLR-owners... (more)

NEX features and image quality, with a user interface designed to seduce SLR-owners
Sony's NEX cameras have earned a solid reputation for image quality, while at the same time delivering unique and truly useful features like Handheld Twilight and Sweep Panorama modes. The one obstacle for many enthusiast users has been the NEX series user interface. While the Tri-Navi interface on the NEX-7 is one of the best we've used, it's still different from those on most SLRs, and the novice-oriented interface on the lower-end models is just awkward. Deliberately designed to woo SLR users, the Sony NEX-6 offers a much more conventional UI design, with a traditional mode dial with a surrounding function dial, plus a combination 4-way/rotary control dial on the back and four other control buttons plus a dedicated movie button. The result is indeed a camera that will be more immediately familiar to SLR shooters, while maintaining the excellent image quality and unique features that have made the NEX line such a hit. If you've been considering a move to mirrorless, the Sony NEX-6 deserves to be on your (very) short list. (minimize)

Excellent image quality plus refined controls equal one superb camera.... (more)

Excellent image quality plus refined controls equal one superb camera.
Making quite a leap for compact system cameras both in terms of image quality and camera control, the Sony NEX-7 really impressed us. We used words like "astonishing" and "amazing" when describing image quality, both printed and onscreen, because the NEX-7's images are even sharper than the A77's. And for an APS-C sensor to approach the quality of the Nikon D3X, well, that is saying something. Its Tri-Navi interface takes the NEX-7's camera control beyond the extra dials we find on other enthusiast digital cameras: Just a single button allows the dials to jump from controlling exposure settings to focus, white balance, D-Range, and Creative Style settings. An excellent electronic viewfinder is tucked in the upper left corner, offering a really big view while keeping the top deck nice and flat, unlike most other designs. The result is a camera custom-built for photographers who want the most control combined with the best image quality. Isn't that what we've all been waiting for? Click here for our Sony NEX-7 review! (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)

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)

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)