Can't Test Every Digital Camera Before You Buy One?
Check Out The Top Ten Digital Cameras based on Customer Review as of 04/01/11
You know those random items stores like to strategically place on and around the checkout line right before you're about to make your purchase so that your brain will have little time to think and just impulsively buy some piece of junk you end up throwing out when you get home anyway?
Check Out The Top Ten Digital Cameras based on Customer Review as of 04/01/11
You know those random items stores like to strategically place on and around the checkout line right before you're about to make your purchase so that your brain will have little time to think and just impulsively buy some piece of junk you end up throwing out when you get home anyway?
With such a wide selection of digital cameras on the market right now including the ones that get released every few weeks, it can be tricky to choose the best digital camera for you. And as bad as it might feel when you purchase that $4.99 issue of some trashy celeb magazine or that $2.29 miniature bottle of hand sanitizer for no apparent reason - imagine that magazine or that bottle costing you hundreds of dollars more - like perhaps, what a nice and new digital camera would cost you...
Most of us don't have the time to do the product research or testing we'd like to do before dishing big bucks for a cool, new gadget and let's face it, even if we do have the time, some of us are just impulsive shoppers even when it's for something relatively expensive.
But if you are looking to purchase your first digital camera or just replace/update your old one, it's important to make well-informed and educated decisions about what you're purchasing. So if you are a busy bee, lazy potato or simply trying to change your ways of careless spending, here is a list I gathered of the top 10 reviewed and rated digital cameras based on the 10 digital cameras with the overall highest customer rated percentages (out of 100) from the reputable digital photography review and rating website DPReview.com.
* = Digital Cameras Rating Tied
The Pentax K-5's compact, solid body, generally well thought-out ergonomics, comprehensive feature set and excellent image quality, in both still and movie modes make it one of the best APS-C DSLRs currently on the market.
Overall Rating: 83/100
2. Nikon D7000
The D7000 produces great image quality and feels very responsive in most shooting situations. It shines especially in low light. From a specification point of view a 16.3 MP resolution sensor, 6 frames per second continuous shooting, 1080p full HD video and an abundance of customization options place this camera firmly into the upper end of the mid-range segment of the market.
Overall Rating: 80/100
3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
The GH2 is the best G-series camera to date, and the improvements that Panasonic has made compared to the GH1 and G2, especially as regards AF performance and movie shooting, are meaningful and very welcome. We love the combination of physical control points and touch-screen operation, and ultimately, only murky JPEG output in low contrast environments lets the GH2 down.
Overall Rating: 79/100
* Canon EOS 60D
The 60D is probably best understood as a 'super Rebel' - it's a more comfortable, more flexible and faster-to-use version of Canon's justly popular entry-level DSLRs. The twin dial controls, better grip and bigger viewfinder will delight stills shooters while the articulated screen and movie control will please would-be videographers.
The E-5 isn't meant to appeal to the mass-market, and we suspect that it won't. However, as a flagship for the established Four Thirds system it succeeds brilliantly. The E-5 is capable of excellent results, and its tank-like body should take years of abuse. Unfortunately, comparably poor image quality at high ISO settings, and restricted dynamic range make it less competitive than it could be.
The XZ-1 combines simple direct controls with an excellent lens to create probably the best photographers' compact currently available. The output JPEGs are great and the balance of lens range, brightness and compactness make it a really appealing package, whether as an only camera or as a more pocketable backup for DSLR owners.
Overall Rating: 74/100
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Successor to the popular LX3, the LX5 brings a host of improvements and new features, including an excellent multi-aspect sensor, a slightly more versatile optical zoom range, and better ergonomics. It's not the fastest compact around, but it is a great camera for the enthusiast photographer or DSLR user who wants something a little smaller.
Overall rating: 73/100
** This Item is On Sale**
The G12 is an excellent compact camera, with a proven 10MP CCD sensor and effective ergonomics. Fans of 'hands-on' photography will love the big chunky dials, and the addition of a front control dial makes the G12 easier to get to grips with than its most recent predecessors. Our only significant concern is with the G12's uninspiring movie mode.
Overall Rating: 73/100
7. Nikon D3100
With the addition of video and live view, Nikon has given its entry-level DSLR all the features its predecessor seemed to be missing. The result is an excellent beginners camera that encourages the user to grow into it whatever their existing level of knowledge. However, it's not alone in offering this and, though it's a great DSLR, there are plenty of equally attractive mirrorless alternatives.
Overall rating: 72/100
The S95 is a subtle upgrade to its predecessor, but the improvements are worthwhile - refined ergonomics, a higher-resolution video mode and added customizability all make the S95 more appealing than the S90. Image quality is very high, and the small body-shell makes the S95 the most genuinely 'compact' camera in this sector of the market.
Overall rating: 72/100
A very competent upper entry-level camera that delivers decent image quality across the ISO range and at six frames per second comes with one of the fastest continuous shooting rates in its class. There's some stiff competition in the upper entry-level bracket of the market but the K-r is definitely worth a look.
Overall Rating: 71/100
If you frequently change your exposure settings or shoot a lot in low light you might want to try the E-PL2 out before you commit to a purchase but for everyone else the Olympus is a great combination of image quality and portability.
Overall Rating: 71/100
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
The GF2 sees Panasonic packing a lot of approachable creative control into a compact package, with one of the best-implemented touchscreens we've ever seen on a camera. It's fast and responsive with excellent raw image quality, but the jpeg output is disappointing.
Overall Rating: 70/100
Nikon's engineers have clearly been looking to Canon's G-series for inspiration, and the P7000's boxy build, and plethora of external controls put it closer to the Powershot G12 than any previous P-series compact. Ultimately, the P7000's excellent image quality, and functional ergonomics are let down by slow, glitchy operation and lack of responsiveness.
Overall Rating: 65/100
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