Digital Camera Recommendations
When it comes to selecting a digital camera there are many options that are available. This guide will help you choose the right camera for your needs and also show you the best places to find deals on digital cameras. Our digital camera recommendations will help you decide which camera is best for you.
Top Rated Digital Cameras
The cameras below have been consistent best sellers for a long period of time (at the time of this writing). We have listed the top selling digital slr, point and shoot, and portable digital camcorders for video. This will give you an idea of the range of digital cameras that you can buy. Read the 'choosing the best digital camera' section below for more information on how to pick the right one for your needs. You can click on the links below to get more information for each top rated camera and check for the best price.
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera
12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Auto focus and framing rate
EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards
Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera
10.0-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for prints up to 13 x 19 inches
3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen
DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology; Face Detection Self-timer
Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings
Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus
Flip UltraHD Camcorder
Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on
Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
Choosing the Best Digital Camera For You
First you should ask yourself what type of digital photography you are going to be doing. For basic photography including hobbies, shots of your kids or pets, etc, that do not need to be printed at the highest resolutions we recommend a point and shoot camera. These type of cameras are ultra portable and have auto zoom and other features that make taking a photo simple. The quality of photos that you can take with point and shoot cameras is average, but probably good enough for everyday photos. Point and shoot cameras are also cheap compared to more professional slr digital cameras. Keep in mind that most point and shoot digital cameras do not have a lens so zooming is limited. Many of the newer models also do not include a viewfinder, so taking pictures outdoors can be tough since you have to rely on the LCD screen to see that you are taking. Sunlight can make this a chore at times. The prices on simple point and shoot cameras usually start around $100.
If you want to to step up to some more advanced features then a digital SLR camera is probably the right choice. The technology on these cameras has gotten better over time to the point of replacing standard film photography for most professionals. Some advanced features on digital slr cameras allow for poster size and quality prints. Large LCD displays, variable zoom lenses that can be changed out, and built in image processing are just some of the features you can expect when you buy one. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Sony all make mid to high level digital slr cameras for hobbyists to photo professionals alike. Expect to pay on average $500 and up for a quality digital SLR camera.
If you need video but want the convenience and portability of a small camera then you should consider one of the Flip camcorders. These small but powerful video cameras have a wealth of features packed into a small body. Since their introduction to the market, flip camcorders have consistently been rated #1 when it comes to sales and customer satisfaction. You will pay $150 and up for a flip camcorder.
Where to Buy Digital Cameras
If you've been following along with our digital camera recommendations you realize that there are many options available when it comes to purchasing a camera. You can watch your local sale ads and hope for a good price but the real deals on are the Web. There are a few specialty camera stores that focus on digital cameras and can bring you the best prices because of the volume that they sell. Here are the three top digital camera stores we recommend to find the absolute lowest price on the camera that you are looking for:
- Amazon
Amazon has one of the largest selection of digital cameras on the Web. Their prices are competitive with many shipping options available.
- RitzCamera
RitzCamera is the place to go for professionals and hobbyists alike. They offer free shipping and no sales tax on qualifying digital camera purchases.
- BeachCamera
BeachCamera offers a huge selection of professional digital cameras at great prices. They also offer free shipping on many purchases.
- The Flip Store
Buy Flip cameras directly from the Flip Store. The Flip camcorder is the sleekest and most lightweight digital camera for video that you can buy.
