Best Professional SLR Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best Professional SLR Digital Camera


Nikon D300
12.3 megapixels
$1,770.78



A digital SLR for people who are serious about photography. Nikon's D300 is easily one of the finest digital SLR cameras on the market. Its 12.3-megapixel sensor delivers stunning images up to ISO 6,400, and its 14-bit A/D conversion means you can get better quality in your JPEG and RAW images with the Nikon D300. Out-of-the-box, the Nikon D300 will shoot six frames-per-second, and track a moving subject by combining data from its AF system with information from its metering system. The Nikon D300's big, bright viewfinder is easy to use and its LCD is gorgeous for both menu and photo viewing. Its Live View modes leave something to be desired, but they're nice to have nonetheless. The Nikon D300 feels solid, and is designed with the serious photographer in mind. In fact, being a serious photographer is a requirement with the D300, because there's a lot to learn, and no hand-holding mode to just let you shoot it like an instamatic. You have to think, you have to pay attention; and if you do, the D300 will reward you with terrific pictures.


Canon EOS 40D
10.1 megapixels
$1,211.28




The great just gets better: the 40D is a rock-solid choice among digital SLR cameras. In many ways the Canon EOS 40D seems a bit behind the market, coming late to the 10-megapixel game. But the image quality speaks for itself: Canon was right to wait until they could do it very well. Images captured from ISO 100 to 800 are essentially no-compromise when printed at 13x19 inches. Canon added a lot of new technology along the way, making the Canon 40D's spec sheet seem pretty flashy. But the camera itself is more about capturing great images for its owner than being the latest bit of bling around someone's neck. Its Live View mode doesn't just provide "gee whiz" flash, it actually helps you focus on that 3.0-inch LCD, and the 40D's new electronic first curtain cuts the noise of capture in Live View to half, great for low-impact wildlife photography. From its 6.5-frame-per-second continuous mode speed to its larger buffer and long list of custom functions, the Canon 40D is built with the intermediate to professional photographer in mind. Of course, it'll serve anyone who wants a reliable, well-built camera that will bring home great shots time after time.

Best Pocket Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best Pocket Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH
12.1 megapixels, 3.70x zoom
$366.56



A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality Canon's PowerShot SD950 IS is blessed with image stabilization, a longer zoom lens, and a stunning 12.1-megapixel sensor. We're not usually impressed with increased pixel counts, but Canon tweaked both optical and image quality to handle the higher resolution and output impressive 16x20-inch images from the Canon SD950 IS that frankly blew us away. A new 3.7x lens graces the Canon SD950 IS, offering just a little extra reach; the bright 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is excellent for framing and reviewing shots; and the overall design and layout of the Canon SD950 is user-friendly and hassle-free. If you're looking for a good, take-anywhere camera with great versatility, good color and tonality, and striking printed output, the Canon SD950 IS deserves a very close look.


Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200
12.0 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$284.51




A capable digital camera that's also small and pocket-friendly Sony's Cyber-shot W200 is among the few 12-megapixel pocket digital cameras on the market, and is of surprisingly good quality, consistent with the W-series. Though not as slim as the T-series, the Sony W200 is still quite small and pocket-friendly. The Sony W200's 2.5-inch LCD, 3x zoom, and lithium-ion battery are standard fare, but its Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization and face detection make it a good contender in the digital camera market regardless of size. Image quality was good, though the highest ISO of 3,200 was really not that usable except as a small Web image. Noise suppression prevents the Sony W200's ISO 100 output from achieving 13x19-inch prints, but 11x14's are good. For the size, the Sony W200 turns in a good performance.

Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH
7.1 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$177.25



The SD1000 is wonderfully simple, gorgeous to behold, and produces great images Canon's new PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH has a futuristic, yet retro look that is almost identical to the original, film-based ELPH, introduced back in May 1996. In addition to its compact size and eye-catching design, the 7-megapixel SD1000 has a standard 3x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, a 2.5-inch LCD, and an optical viewfinder. Exposure is automatic, and a new on-demand Auto ISO Shift feature bumps the light sensitivity up to a maximum of 800 with the push of a button. White balance options include auto, several presets, and custom (manual). The SD1000 utilizes Canon's DIGIC III processor and offers new face detection technology and in-camera red-eye correction. The Canon PowerShot SD1000 will instantly be usable for anyone already familiar with Canon compacts, and will only take a few minutes for everyone else to become quite comfortable.

Best Mom Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best Mom Digital Camera


Nikon D40
6.1 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$494.78




A surprisingly excellent SLR that will take the market by storm We've been pleasantly surprised with the Nikon D40's excellent performance in low light and its simple grace as a day-to-day shooter. The Nikon D40 is a natural fit in most hands. Its controls are where they should be for easy use, and the D40 is a well-behaved guest at parties with its soft shutter sound. A big, bright LCD is great for reviewing photos from a wide variety of angles. The Nikon D40's low light performance at ISO 1,600 is startling, even without noise reduction turned on. It's so good that we don't really feel like we're pushing the D40 until we jump into ISO 3,200. The Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition -- even those with higher resolution -- with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It's tough to ask for more. The Nikon D40 lives up to our expectations, and even exceeds them. See the full review for more on the superb Nikon D40. The Nikon D40 is one great camera!


Canon PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH
12.1 megapixels, 3.70x zoom
$366.56



A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality Canon's PowerShot SD950 IS is blessed with image stabilization, a longer zoom lens, and a stunning 12.1-megapixel sensor. We're not usually impressed with increased pixel counts, but Canon tweaked both optical and image quality to handle the higher resolution and output impressive 16x20-inch images from the Canon SD950 IS that frankly blew us away. A new 3.7x lens graces the Canon SD950 IS, offering just a little extra reach; the bright 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is excellent for framing and reviewing shots; and the overall design and layout of the Canon SD950 is user-friendly and hassle-free. If you're looking for a good, take-anywhere camera with great versatility, good color and tonality, and striking printed output, the Canon SD950 IS deserves a very close look.


Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH
7.1 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$177.25



The SD1000 is wonderfully simple, gorgeous to behold, and produces great images Canon's new PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH has a futuristic, yet retro look that is almost identical to the original, film-based ELPH, introduced back in May 1996. In addition to its compact size and eye-catching design, the 7-megapixel SD1000 has a standard 3x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, a 2.5-inch LCD, and an optical viewfinder. Exposure is automatic, and a new on-demand Auto ISO Shift feature bumps the light sensitivity up to a maximum of 800 with the push of a button. White balance options include auto, several presets, and custom (manual). The SD1000 utilizes Canon's DIGIC III processor and offers new face detection technology and in-camera red-eye correction. The Canon PowerShot SD1000 will instantly be usable for anyone already familiar with Canon compacts, and will only take a few minutes for everyone else to become quite comfortable.

Best Budget Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best Budget Digital Camera


Canon PowerShot A570 IS
7.1 megapixels, 4.00x zoom
$152.67



Canon's A570IS: Affordable Image Stabilization and great pictures! The Canon A570 IS stands out for its usable ISO as high as 1600 and excellent image stabilization so useful you'll always want it active. Considering you get that for just $50 over the price of the quite similar A560, it's a bargain, too. Digital zoom was a bit of a disappointment on this 7.1-megapixel digital camera, but otherwise the DIGIC III image processor provided above average performance yielding some wonderfully natural shots in a variety of settings. From the optical viewfinder to the manual modes, whenever we looked for a feature a photographer would appreciate, we found it on the Canon A570 IS. There isn't the huge LCD (with no room for a viewfinder) or extravagant zoom range (with big compromises in optical quality) or any of the frills (frames, in-camera presentations) of many less capable digicams. But if you want a compact digicam that can take pictures like a real camera, you won't go wrong with this solid player


Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd
6.3 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$138.98



The Fuji Z5fd looks great at a party and brings the best moments home The Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd is an ultracompact digital camera with style, one that brings some unique features to the table. Including fast face detection that works before and after capture, intelligent flash that considers focus distance, and natural light shooting with a flash backup, the Fuji Z5fd has just what you need from a small, take-everywhere snapshooter. And it looks good at a party. Even better, the Fuji Z5fd is a lot of fun to shoot with. Part of the fun is that those unique features are not just useful, but easy to use; and the sliding lens cover makes powering the Fujifilm Z5fd on as easy as turning it off, protecting it well enough to slide back into a pocket or bag. The Fuji Z5 has the usual problems of chromatic aberration at wide angle, as well as trouble at high ISO, but those are standard fare with a camera of this size. Overall, the lens test results for the Fuji Z5fd are quite good, as are the printed results.


Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH
7.1 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$177.25




The SD1000 is wonderfully simple, gorgeous to behold, and produces great images Canon's new PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH has a futuristic, yet retro look that is almost identical to the original, film-based ELPH, introduced back in May 1996. In addition to its compact size and eye-catching design, the 7-megapixel SD1000 has a standard 3x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, a 2.5-inch LCD, and an optical viewfinder. Exposure is automatic, and a new on-demand Auto ISO Shift feature bumps the light sensitivity up to a maximum of 800 with the push of a button. White balance options include auto, several presets, and custom (manual). The SD1000 utilizes Canon's DIGIC III processor and offers new face detection technology and in-camera red-eye correction. The Canon PowerShot SD1000 will instantly be usable for anyone already familiar with Canon compacts, and will only take a few minutes for everyone else to become quite comfortable.

Best Beginner's Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best Beginner's Digital Camera


Canon PowerShot A570 IS
7.1 megapixels, 4.00x zoom
$152.67




Canon's A570IS: Affordable Image Stabilization and great pictures! The Canon A570 IS stands out for its usable ISO as high as 1600 and excellent image stabilization so useful you'll always want it active. Considering you get that for just $50 over the price of the quite similar A560, it's a bargain, too. Digital zoom was a bit of a disappointment on this 7.1-megapixel digital camera, but otherwise the DIGIC III image processor provided above average performance yielding some wonderfully natural shots in a variety of settings. From the optical viewfinder to the manual modes, whenever we looked for a feature a photographer would appreciate, we found it on the Canon A570 IS. There isn't the huge LCD (with no room for a viewfinder) or extravagant zoom range (with big compromises in optical quality) or any of the frills (frames, in-camera presentations) of many less capable digicams. But if you want a compact digicam that can take pictures like a real camera, you won't go wrong with this solid player


Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8
7.2 megapixels, 12.00x zoom
$257.24



Compact long zoom has quality where it counts The 7.2 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ8 may not have the longest zoom on the block, but its 12x image-stabilized optical zoom has more than enough range to meet most photographers' needs. And while the telephoto lens may be the driving force behind your interest in this digital camera, the FZ8 has a long list of features that are equally as enticing. Full manual controls and fine-tuning options will please advanced shooters while an easy-to-use Simple mode and 21 Scene modes allow snapshooters to start taking pictures right out of the box. It's the prints that really turned our heads. Logical and convenient controls, intuitive user interface and good performance combine to prove that, unlike a blind date that looks good on paper but disappoints over dinner, the FZ8 is a contender in the superzoom category


Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH
7.1 megapixels, 3.00x zoom
$177.25



The SD1000 is wonderfully simple, gorgeous to behold, and produces great images Canon's new PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH has a futuristic, yet retro look that is almost identical to the original, film-based ELPH, introduced back in May 1996. In addition to its compact size and eye-catching design, the 7-megapixel SD1000 has a standard 3x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, a 2.5-inch LCD, and an optical viewfinder. Exposure is automatic, and a new on-demand Auto ISO Shift feature bumps the light sensitivity up to a maximum of 800 with the push of a button. White balance options include auto, several presets, and custom (manual). The SD1000 utilizes Canon's DIGIC III processor and offers new face detection technology and in-camera red-eye correction. The Canon PowerShot SD1000 will instantly be usable for anyone already familiar with Canon compacts, and will only take a few minutes for everyone else to become quite comfortable

Best All Long Zoom Digital Camera

Imaging Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best All Long Zoom Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot S5 IS
8.0 megapixels, 12.00x zoom
$323.30




One of the best long zoom digital cameras on the market converts instantly to a digital camcorder The 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS digital camera is a moderate update to its very popular predecessor, the Canon S3 IS. The Canon S5 IS maintains many of the S3's strong points, including an image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens (36mm-432mm/35mm equivalent), a wide range of sophisticated features and a solid, digital-SLR-like design. The Canon S5 IS is slightly larger and heavier than the S3, and has been upgraded to include a high resolution, articulated 2.5-inch LCD, a hot shoe for adding an external flash, Face Detection, and a maximum ISO of 1,600. The Canon S5 IS can also serve as a camcorder with a single press of the Movie button. Technically a hybrid digital camera, the Canon S5 IS is capable of recording a movie of up to 4GB in size. There's still no RAW mode and the camera no longer features High Speed continuous shooting mode or an Intervalometer; but the more important questions revolve around the Canon S5's performance and image quality.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
8.1 megapixels, 18.00x zoom
$320.73





It's the Leica optics that push this long zoom digital camera to the top of the heap With its fine Leica lens, the Panasonic FZ18 digital camera really shines in the long zoom category, delivering amazing corner sharpness across its 28-504mm zoom range. Though the Panasonic FZ18 feels a little too light at first, you quickly come to appreciate its small, lightweight form for all the zoom value it offers in such a small package. We were disappointed in the high ISO performance, especially in tungsten lighting, but for daylight shooting the Panasonic FZ18 is the long zoom you want to have along. The Panasonic FZ18's optical image stabilization helps make up for the loss of high ISO quality, and face detect autofocus will help ensure you're locked onto the right target


Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
7.2 megapixels, 10.00x zoom
$227.57




A wide angle, stabilized long zoom lens makes the TZ3 shine With beauty from almost all angles, the most beautiful quality of the Panasonic TZ3 is the quality of its lens, and thus its images. We found the TZ3's controls to be a little less impressive, at least in terms of their look and feel; the good news is that they serve quite well, and the camera's menu and interface are easy to read and use in most lighting conditions. The Panasonic TZ3's optical image stabilization is handy to have, especially with its 10x zoom. Our favorite part of the TZ3's zoom, though, is its 28mm wide angle setting, essential for indoor, vacation, or landscape photography. The Panasonic TZ3's low barrel distortion lets you capture buildings and skylines without the significant bending of straight lines that we're used to seeing from most wide angle digital cameras. The Panasonic DMC-TZ3 is an impressive little long zoom digital camera

Best All Around Camera

Imaging-Resource Picks section. They're well known for their exhaustive testing of digital cameras. They investigate various aspects of each digital camera to help you pick the best one for your needs. But they know that sometimes you just want someone with experience to tell you which digital camera to buy. To serve that need, they've revamped their Picks to get straight to the point, listing your top digital camera choices by category.


Best All Around Camera


Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
10.2 megapixels, 4.00x zoom
$388.11




A widescreen digicam with broad appeal. The Panasonic Lumix LX2, like its predecessor the LX1, is clearly inspired by the surging popularity of widescreen (16:9) televisions. Employing a unique set of "triple-wide" features, the Lumix LX2 combines a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens, a 16:9 wide CCD, and a 16:9 wide LCD. If you're the type who likes to count pixels, the DMC-LX2 has a 10 megapixel CCD that uses the full resolution of the sensor when shooting at 16:9. The Panasonic LX2 now has a 2.8-inch LCD that lets you see the entire wide-angle shot on the screen without letterboxing. (The LX1 had a 2.5-inch display which letterboxed 16:9 shots.) Other improvements include Panasonic's new LSI Venus Engine III image processor which is designed to lower noise at higher ISOs, and a new Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) system which detects subject movement and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to suit the lighting conditions. Even without these changes, there a lot to talk about with the Lumix LX2 including many impressive manual options and Panasonic's tried-and-true MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)



Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH
8.0 megapixels, 3.80x zoom
$290.18



With its 28mm lens, the Canon SD870 IS would be a dream camera even without all its other impressive features For those who love photography, it's the Canon SD870 IS in particular that stands out among Canon's current digital ELPH pocket cameras. Sure, the Canon SD870 has a big 3-inch LCD screen, optical image stabilization, face detection, and high ISO; all the current "must-have" features are there. But the Canon SD870 IS is most appealing for its 28 - 105mm lens. Finding any digital camera with a wide angle view of the world is rare no matter what size camera you choose, but finding one that you can slip into your pocket: now that's a rare gem. Though the Canon SD870 IS exhibits a little more distortion than normal at wide angle than the 35mm lenses on most pocket digital cameras, it's more surprising how little corner softening there is. It seems to be pushed out to where it affects only the far corners, with the rest of the Canon SD870's image relatively sharp. To sweeten the deal the Canon SD870 IS's 8-megapixel sensor serves up images that print well at 11x14 inches from ISO 80 to 400; and even the ISO 1,600 images make a good 4x6. You'll find more of what you want from a digital camera in the Canon SD870 IS, a great pocket digital camera for people who know the value of a wide-angle lens, and don't mind a 3-inch LCD and image stabilization thrown into the mix.


Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3
8.0 megapixels, 10.00x zoom
$271.51





Packed with features, the Sony H3 has a fast shutter, a long zoom, and turns out great 13x19-inch prints Sony has developed a knack for packing a lot of high-end value in the entry-level model of each of their digital camera lines. In the long-zoom H-Series, the Sony H3 continues that trend with a 10x optical zoom, Advanced Sports mode, a Bionz processor, face detection technology, High ISO, Super SteadyShot, in-camera editing, and HD output signal. Gone is the electronic viewfinder found on the other H-series digital cameras, and the Sony H3's LCD has shrunk from 3.0 to 2.5 inches. That, along with a move to lithium-ion power from AA power, makes the Sony Cyber-shot H3 a much smaller camera. The real appeal of the Sony H3, though, is its image output quality: ISO 100 shots look great at 13x19, and even ISO 400 shots look good at 11x14. A good candidate as the enthusiast's second camera, the Sony H3's fast shutter, 10x zoom, and image stabilization make it a great digital camera for anyone looking for a little more quality in a small, long zoom package.