Camera Advice and Guides
Consumer Guides
Best Extended Zoom Cameras
Somewhere between point-and-shoot territory and DSLRs, Extended Zoom cameras cater to users who want both sophistication and affordability. In addition to their long lenses, Extended Zoom cameras include a variety of features comparable to DSLRs and present a great option for users who have more than just a casual interest in digital cameras. Despite the multitude of features, Extended Zoom cameras are user-friendly, and you won't have to take out a second mortgage to finance your purchase.
Most Popular Point-and-Shoot
Point-and-shoot cameras are perfect for first-time users and casual photographers who want a camera that's both durable and reliable. While point-and-shoots are not as compact as pocket-sized cameras and do not have the fancy features of Digital SLRs, the sturdiness and the high image quality of these cameras will serve users well for any occasion. Ideal for travel, family events, or general snapshots, point-and-shoots are some of the most popular and best-reviewed cameras on the market. Here's a comparison of three of the most popular models:
Digital Cameras for Travel
Whether you're looking for a simple shooter, a rugged companion, or a high-end SLR, we've got something you can take along with you on your next vacation.
Great New Pocket Cameras
See the latest and greatest ultracompact digital cameras from Canon, Fuji, Pentax, Panasonic, and Sony! We'll give you our opinion and show you the best deals on these hot new models.
Why Shop Online? It's Cheaper!
We took a stroll down to our local big-box stores and compared the prices they offer to the prices you can get online. Far and away, online shopping for digital cameras was much cheaper.
What's New in Cameras
In this guide, we take a look at some of the year's biggest innovations in digital cameras. Manufacturer's have made great advances in megapixels, zoom, video, and image stabilization, and you should know what to look for.
Best Pocket Cameras
Check out the smallest, most portable ultracompact digital cameras for shoppers interested in convenience and style.
Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras
If you're a casual photographer looking for a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera that will allow you to quickly take high-quality photos of your friends and family, these are the cameras for you.
Best Digital SLRs
When photography isn't just something you do when you go on a trip, but the reason for the trip itself, you've become a serious photographer. These Digital SLRs are the best available, and will allow you to take the absolute best photos possible; just remember, they require a lot of attention.
Best Advanced Cameras
For photographers who need a little extra power, but want to avoid the cost and headaches associated with digital SLRs, these Extended Zoom cameras will do the trick. Plenty of advanced features at a fraction of the cost.
Buying Your First Digital Camera
If you're baffled by megapixels, stymied by the difference between optical and digital zoom, and generally unsure how to find the right camera for you or your loved ones, this simple, plain English guide should help make things a little easier. We've put together some straightforward tips on what to think about when browsing the vast and varied options available.
Family Digital Cameras
Digital cameras make taking and sharing family photographs fun and easy. From birthdays to barbecues, having a digital camera handy will ensure that you'll never again miss the memorable moments.
Digital Cameras at Work
The business applications of digital cameras are almost limitless. From teachers to real estate agents, any professional that needs to capture and share images can benefit from a digital camera.
10 Things You Need to Know
By Rich Knapp
Summer Vacation Cameras
Take a look at the best cameras for taking photos of your Summer fun.
Camera Reviews
Nikon L18 Review
Simple, Basic, Affordable
By Andrew SkinnerIf you're in the market for an inexpensive camera but don't want to get stuck with a piece of junk, the Nikon L18 might be a satisfying solution.
Nikon P80 Review
A Fine Camera, But Too Little Too Late?
Review By Michael Patrick BradyThe Nikon P80 would've been a superstar had it been released a year or two ago. Now, it seems like something of an also-ran, despite having an excellent long-range zoom and vivid, high quality photos.
Canon 450D Review
The New Digital Rebel: Exceptional, Impressive
Review By Michael Patrick Brady, EditorThe Canon 450D was a hotly anticipated new digital SLR, and we're pleased to find that it continues the long Digital Rebel tradition of superlative cameras that blend high-end performance with entry-level ease and comfort.
Olympus 1030SW Review
A Rugged Little Traveler
Review By Andrew SkinnerThe Olympus 1030SW makes a lot of grand claims about its durability and ruggedness. Does it live up to the hype? Check out our hands-on review to see whether it survives.
Canon A470 Review
Gets The Job Done... Mostly
Review By Joseph B. KeoughThe Canon Powershot A470 is an affordable, diminutive shooter that will get the job done, but if you're looking for real power, you're in the wrong neighborhood. Check out our hands-on review and see if this camera fits your needs.
Kodak Z1085 IS Review
A Glimmer of Hope for a Struggling Brand
Review By James DeRuvoThe Z1085 IS gives consumers a reason to take a second look at the brand after a string of disappointing and poorly received cameras threatened to spoil Kodak's long-standing reputation for user-friendly products.
Olympus SP-570 UZ Review
Super Zoom Yields Superior Results
Review By Michael Patrick Brady, EditorAn impressive display of power and reach by the SP-570 UZ and its unparalleled 20x optical zoom may just put it at the top of the heap for advanced, extended zoom cameras. Plus, it's actually really easy to use.
Canon A580 Review
Affordable and Approachable
Review By Michael Patrick Brady, EditorThe Canon PowerShot A580 is a compact point-and-shoot camera aimed at entry-level and budget-minded consumers. Don't let the price fool you into thinking this camera isn't excellent; the A580 holds its own and is incredibly easy to operate.
Canon SD1100 IS Review
A Little Style, A Lot of Functionality
Review By Andrew SkinnerThe Canon Powershot SD1100 IS is the latest in the manufacturer's well-regarded line of stylish ultracompacts. Take a look at our hands on review and see what this little shooter can do.
Canon SD870 IS Review
See what we thought of Canon's all-new stylish ultracompact, the Canon Powershot SD870 IS. We've given it a once over so you can see how it performs.
Canon A720 IS Review
We were lucky enough to get our hands on a Canon Powershot A720 IS. Check out our up-close review of this user-friendly point-and-shoot digital camera.
Worst Digital Cameras Ever
An unbiased look at the worst digital cameras ever made, where they went wrong, and how consumers can avoid such products in the future.
Kodak V705/V610 Review
Despite innovative ideas, the V705 and V610 are doomed by poor joystick control and lack of image stabilization, respectively. Read on to see how we reached our conclusion in our hands-on review.
About Digital Camera HQ
Online vs. Bricks and Mortar
Take a look at the major differences between buying online and buying in a "bricks and mortar" store, and why the latter may not be as good as you think.
Other Guides
Best Camera Deals
You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a top-of-the-line digital camera. We've rounded up a selection of high-quality, well-reviewed, affordable digital cameras to prove that great digital camera deals can be found, and you can take great photos without spending too much money.
Canon SX10 IS Review
Canon finally gets its act together and releases a camera with 20x optical zoom. How does it stack up against the competition? And what kind of photographer should own such a thing? By Michael Patrick Brady, Editor
Micro Four Thirds Explained
Panasonic and Olympus have announced a bold new digital camera technology called Micro Four Thirds. What is it? And what does it mean for the future of digital photography?
Canon A2000 Review
Our reviewer is absolutely smitten with the Canon A2000. Read why she thinks it's the "best camera available for the price point" and can satisfy users of all types and skill levels. By Brenda Paro
Best Cutting-Edge Cameras
These cameras have all sorts of unique features that represent new ideas and innovations in digital cameras. Check out what these cutting-edge cameras can offer and see if it's the kind of thing that might suit you.
Canon E1 Review
The Canon Powershot E1 succeeds in pairing excellent image quality with stylish aesthetics, but has a few puzzling moments of clunkiness that make it a mixed bag overall. By Brenda Paro
Olympus E-520 Review
The Olympus E-520 is a capable and satisfying camera for novices and professionals alike.
By Joseph Ben Keough
Best Digital SLRs
This year has seem some extraordinary advances in digital SLRs, namely the introduction of high-definition video to this class of cameras. For consumers looking to get into high-level photography or in search of the perfect gift for your camera-loving loved one, these five SLRs are the cream of the crop. There's a camera here for all skill levels, from the budding enthusiast to the consummate professional. Take a closer look at what makes them so special.
Best Extended Zoom Cameras
These extended zoom cameras make excellent gifts for budding photographers interested in gaining more experience with advanced techniques. They're not as complicated or as expensive as high-end dSLRs and require no interchangeable lenses. They offer long-range zooms, wide-angle lenses, and plenty of manual control so the shooter can have a say in how their photos look. Each of these cameras provides an excellent opportunity for someone to really step up one's game.
Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras
If you're looking for the perfect introductory camera for your mother, father, or child, or simply need an easy-to-use camera that just works for yourself, these point-and-shoot cameras will do the trick. Perfect for casual photographers who don't want to fuss with the details, the following cameras are designed to be straightforward and simply take great photos right out of the box, while still having some potential for growth should you be interested. These are perfect holiday gifts, ready to make memories for photographers of any skill level.
Best Ultracompacts
Cameras keep getting smaller and smaller while their feature sets get bigger and bigger. This year's batch of ultracompact cameras is pushing the envelope with more megapixels, more power, more of everything. If you're looking to find the perfect holiday gift for a loved one (or as a treat for yourself), these sleek beauties are sure to incite plenty of excited screaming once the gift wrap is torn away.
Panasonic FZ28 Review
An interesting extended zoom offering from Panasonic. See what we thought of it in our hands on review.
By Michael Patrick Brady
New Olympus Digital Cameras
Curious about what Olympus has up their sleeves? So were we:
Kodak V1273 Review
The Kodak V1273 might be a good camera if it didn't have so many problems. Find out what they are.
By Joseph Ben Keough
New Cameras: August 2008
Check out what's coming down the pike this fall. We've got all the latest announcements for new cameras that will be on store shelves in the coming months.
Panasonic S7 Review
It's small, but can it take good videos? After our hands-on test of the Panasonic S7, we're convinced that it's a great choice for consumers concerned about size and portability. By Michael Patrick Brady, Editor
Nikon P5100 Review
The Nikon P5100 is a sleek, well-designed camera, but despite its pleasant first impressions, it ultimately disappoints.
By Brenda Paro
Nikon S52c Review
Nikon's new S53c digital camera has Wi-Fi capabilities for sharing and transferring photos. Read our review to see if it really works.
By Michael Patrick Brady, Editor
Best Budget Digital Cameras
While many digital cameras attract users with fancy features and cool-sounding new "technology," sometimes the only thing the features augment is the price. However, there are cameras out there with sufficient capability without an exorbitant price. The following cameras are our top picks for the best cameras around $150.
What's New in Digital Cameras: Fall 2008
See what's exciting new features will be found in digital cameras this fall.
Canon SD790 IS Review
Lots of Control in a Small Package
By Brenda ParoThe Canon SD790 IS is small, but that doesn't mean it's not powerful. This camera has all the control you'll need in a comfortable, portable package.
Wireless Cameras
For photographers on the go, dealing with memory cards or internal hard-drives can be a nuisance. No one wants to miss a picture-perfect moment because the camera has run out of space! Luckily, camera manufacturers have slowly started to make the leap to wireless technology. Although this new technology is limited by the availability of Wi-Fi signals, it offers another option for users who wish to streamline the uploading process.
Panasonic TZ50 Review
An Able Wireless Performer
Review by Joseph Ben KeoughThe Panasonic TZ50 takes another stab at wireless transmission of photos over the Internet, directly from the camera. See how it fares when we test its impressive claims.
Kodak M1033 Review
Not So Fast, or So Good Either
Review by Brenda ParoThe M1033 can't break Kodak out of the funk they're trapped in. It's yet another disappointing offering from the once venerable manufacturer.
