Top 10 Digital Cameras

While searching for a new camera recently, I discovered an amazing website (dpreview.com) that thoroughly reviews and rates the latest camera models. With their guidance, I purchased a Canon EOS 30D and couldn't be happier. As Christmas approaches, many of you may be looking to buy or receive a digital camera. Here's a list of the top-rated cameras according to dpreview. There's a wide variety in types and prices, so there's something for everyone. After selecting your ideal camera, be sure to check out the Top 10 Tips for Better Photos.

10. Nikon D40 Starting at: $479.99

The Nikon D40 is a newly released, budget-friendly, compact digital SLR from Nikon. It’s a successor to the D50, but it comes at a significantly more affordable price and with a slightly different feature set. Perhaps the most exciting aspect is Nikon's decision to not chase higher megapixels (thankfully), and instead focus on creating a quality camera with a good viewfinder, minimal shutter lag, and extremely brief viewfinder blackout. While they’ve cut back on some 'less essential features' (for instance, exposure step adjustments), they've added some useful new features like customizable Auto ISO, which was first introduced with the D80.

Nearly one year after the release of the DMC-FZ7, Panasonic's well-loved compact super-zoom camera, its successor, the Lumix DMC-FZ8, was introduced. While the FZ7 marked a significant upgrade over the earlier FZ5, the FZ8 takes a more evolutionary approach. The body and operation are nearly identical, which is hardly a drawback considering the major improvements made in the FZ7, with the most notable additions being Raw shooting capabilities and a significantly improved electronic viewfinder. On the downside, the newer model pushes even more pixels onto a 1/2.5-inch sensor and uses the updated Venus III processor, which has had a somewhat mixed reception from both reviewers and users. Panasonic assures us that the Venus III has been adjusted for the new Lumix generation (likely in response to its less-than-ideal reviews), with better noise reduction and improved sensor performance, promising noticeably superior image output.

In the ever-evolving world of digital compacts, where everything is about 'bigger, better, faster,' the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd stands out as one of the rare cameras that will be remembered long after it’s gone (the closest thing this throwaway industry has to a ‘classic’). What makes this otherwise modest, blocky camera stand apart from the many others launched last year – and why it has earned a collection of industry awards – is simple: image quality, specifically its outstanding high ISO performance. The F31’s low-light abilities are attributed to a combination of smart technology (Super CCD and Real Photo Processor) and its contrary approach to specs, using a larger sensor with fewer pixels. The F31, surprisingly, also became quite a popular choice, defying the common belief that consumers only care about pixel counts. While it has its shortcomings, the F31 set the standard by which all compact cameras in the 6-8 megapixel range were measured. Its excellent battery life and fast performance were definitely contributing factors to its success.

Just under four months after the launch of the Nikon D40, we now have its updated version, the D40X. The D40X retains the same compact, lightweight body and user-friendly controls, with the only noticeable difference being the badge. Internally, Nikon has replaced the D40’s 6-megapixel CCD with a new 10-megapixel unit, resulting in a lower base ISO sensitivity of 100. This change also requires dual readout, as the continuous shooting frame rate has increased from 2.5 fps to 3.0 fps. With these new specs and features, the D40X seems to be aiming to dethrone the EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) from its top spot.

The Olympus E-400 was unveiled on September 14, 2006, just before the Photokina show in Cologne, Germany. At the time, there was a great deal of excitement surrounding this compact and lightweight camera, but many of our readers were disappointed when we learned that it wouldn't be available in North America. Fast forward six months, and the E-410 arrives as the solution. The Kodak CCD has been replaced by a Matsushita Live MOS Image Sensor, enabling Full Time Live-View on the LCD monitor, along with an upgraded image processor and several additional features. At last, an affordable, compact, lightweight 4/3 digital SLR is available to everyone, including those in North America.

Over the years, Canon’s A series of budget-friendly compact cameras has expanded to include nine models, evolving from simple ‘point and shoot’ entry-level cameras to fully-featured options for enthusiasts seeking a reasonable level of photographic control at an affordable price. In February, Canon introduced two new models to the lineup: the PowerShot A560 and A570 IS, both replacements for the A540 and the latest in a long line of models stretching back to the A75. These two cameras are nearly identical, with the A570 IS offering optical image stabilization as an additional feature (making it the most affordable A series camera to include this capability).

The EOS 40D is the sixth model in Canon’s ‘prosumer’ digital SLR line, which began in 2000 with the EOS D30, marking an impressive journey of advancement. While it’s been eighteen months since the release of the EOS 30D, the 40D may seem like a subtle update on the surface, but it’s packed with improvements that make it a superior choice. Naturally, we expect an increase in megapixels, and the 40D delivers with a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor. It also includes the same dust reduction system as the EOS 400D, using an ultrasonic platform that vibrates the low-pass filter. Other notable upgrades align the EOS 40D more closely with the EOS-1D series, including the adoption of the same page-by-page menu system, support for both RAW and sRAW (2.5 MP), a 14-bit A/D converter, cross-type AF points for F5.6 or faster lenses, a larger and brighter viewfinder, interchangeable focusing screens, a bigger 3.0″ LCD monitor, and an improved continuous shooting speed of 6.5 fps.

Prior to the release of the G7 last September, many had assumed that the advent of affordable digital SLRs had effectively rendered Canon’s ‘prosumer’ G series obsolete. However, just a year later, the G7 has made way for the G9, which is a modest update featuring a boost in megapixels from 10MP to 12MP, an increase in screen size from 2.5 to 3.0 inches, and – most notably, in response to feedback about the G7 – the reintroduction of raw shooting capabilities. Additional minor improvements include a more ergonomic grip and the inclusion of wireless flash support. All other features, such as the 6x stabilized zoom, flash hot shoe, classic all-metal construction, solid build, comprehensive feature set, and extensive manual controls, have been carried over from the G7.

Just before PMA in March 2007, Olympus introduced two new Four-Thirds system compact digital SLRs: the E-410 and the E-510, which serves as the successor to the highly regarded E-500. While the E-510 shares many similarities with the E-410, including the new (Matsushita) Live MOS Image Sensor that enables Full Time Live-View on the LCD screen and an updated TruePic image processor, it is a much more advanced tool with several notable additions. Among the key upgrades is a sensor-shift image stabilization system and more refined external controls, along with numerous other small feature enhancements.

Serving as the successor to the iconic Fujifilm F30/F31fd, which has reached near legendary status since its debut in 2006, the Fujifilm F50fd has some hefty expectations to live up to. If any digital compact camera can be considered a ‘classic’ in the fast-evolving world of digital cameras, the Fujifilm F30/F31fd would undoubtedly be at the top. While it wasn’t particularly stylish, feature-rich, or affordable, it delivered some of the best performance ever seen in a compact camera. It was far ahead of its competitors when it came to low-light and high ISO capabilities, proving that even small sensors can excel beyond ISO 400. This impressive low-light performance came from an intelligent combination of the Super CCD sensor and Real Photo Processor, along with Fujifilm’s decision to not chase the megapixel arms race. By limiting the F30/F31fd to 6 megapixels on a slightly larger-than-average sensor, Fujifilm made a unique move in prioritizing image quality over marketing numbers.

These reviews are provided by DPReview.com. If none of the listed cameras meet your needs, feel free to explore Amazon for other options that might be a better fit.