Digital Cameras: Reviews

Updated November 2011

Extensive research by ConsumerSearch editors revealed that advanced features such as manual controls and long optical zoom are being implemented into many $300 and $400 point-and-shoot cameras. To narrow down the field, we examined reviews from nearly two dozen sources that have reviewed hundreds of digital cameras each, and consulted with users, who provide long-term feedback.

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Best compact digital camera

Canon PowerShot S95

*Est. $330 Compare Prices

Experts say the Canon PowerShot S95 continues the company's tradition of offering the best blend of image quality and features for the price. It also offers lots of manual controls to give you room to grow and the ability… expandto shoot 720p HD video, a step up from its predecessor. This 10-megapixel camera has a 3.8x zoom lens with optical image stabilization, which compensates for unsteady hands. There's a vibrant 3-inch LCD, and image quality is top-notch even in low light. The S95 has an automatic mode for beginners, including intelligent contrast correction, face and motion-detection technology. Reviewers like the control ring around the lens, which you can use to tweak settings. The S95 also has a useful mode that simultaneously captures an image in both RAW and JPEG formats. Slow shooting speeds and short battery life are the two most common complaints. Experts also note that you can't use the S95's optical zoom while shooting video. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: CNET includes the Canon PowerShot S95 in its list of the five best digital cameras, the ones that "blow our socks off." In this full review, Lori Grunin finds fault with the slow shooting speed and short battery life, but she praises its "top-flight photos," loads of manual features and compact size.

PhotographyBlog.com: With an overall rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5), the Canon PowerShot S95 is one of PhotographyBlog.com's most highly recommended cameras.

DigitalCameraReview.com: After a comprehensive five-page review, Howard Creech concludes that the Canon PowerShot S95 "is an almost ideal general purpose digital camera" for both point-and-shooters and knowledgeable photographers.

TrustedReviews.com: The Canon PowerShot S95 wins TrustedReviews.com's 2010 award for best advanced compact digital camera.

PopPhoto.com: The Canon PowerShot S95 is one of a dozen "game-changing" photo products for 2010 honored by American Photo magazine.

Amazon.com: With an average of 4.5 stars (out of 5) with over 370 owner reviews posted, the Canon PowerShot S95 is one of the best-reviewed cameras at Amazon.com.

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Compact camera with advanced features

Canon PowerShot G12

*Est. $380 Compare Prices

For the most flexibility, reviewers recommend the Canon PowerShot G12, which delivers a huge range of manual controls for optimal creativity while still offering automatic settings for less experienced shooters. Critics… expandsay the new G12 keeps everything good from their previous favorite, the Canon PowerShot G11, and adds the ability to shoot 720p HD video. The G12 camera has a 10-megapixel resolution; image quality is first-rate, with gorgeous prints at lower ISO settings and low noise overall. You can also capture images in RAW mode for maximum editing flexibility. Its spectacular 2.8-inch, 461,000-pixel LCD display is fully articulated. At 12.4 ounces, the Canon G12 digital camera is a heavy camera with a steep price tag, and reviewers are annoyed that they can't use the G12's optical zoom while shooting video. If you're shopping for a basic camera, the Canon PowerShot G12 is probably overkill. A cheaper yet competent alternative is the Canon PowerShot S95 (*Est. $370). collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PhotographyBlog.com: Now with HD video and intuitive new control dials, the Canon PowerShot G12 earns 4.5 stars (out of 5) and a Highly Recommended rating here.

DCResource.com: As the closest thing to a DSLR in a compact size, the Canon PowerShot G12 earns a spot on Jeff Keller's list of top picks.

StevesDigicams.com: "The legend continues," Steves-Digicams.com says of the Canon PowerShot G12.

InfoSyncWorld.com: The Canon PowerShot G12 is "one of the best do-it-all cameras on the market," Mike Perlman concludes after a full test.

Amazon.com: Nearly 200 users have posted reviews for the Canon PowerShot G12 at Amazon.

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Buy from Amazon for $397.99
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Best compact camera with interchangeable lenses

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

*Est. $900 with kit lens Compare Prices

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is the flagship example of a new breed of pocket-sized cameras that allow you to change lenses just like a traditional digital SLR (single-lens reflex). The GH2 is a true hybrid… expandcamera/camcorder, experts say, shooting equally great 16-megapixel still photos and full HD video, with an impressive on-board stereo microphone and hookup for an external mic. It's packed with DSLR-like manual controls to please the most advanced photographers, and it still works well as a point-and-shoot. You can get it body-only (*Est. $900) or with a 14-42 mm kit lens (*Est. $975), or add an optional 3D lens (*Est. $795). With the 3x optical zoom, 14-140 mm kit lens (*Est. $1,400), the GH2 weighs in at 2 pounds. If you'd prefer a more portable camera, the Canon PowerShot G12 (*Est. $475) offers robust manual controls, but you can't swap its 5x optical zoom lens. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PC World: Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 may not be a "true DSLR," Tim Moynihan finds that it has enough features and options to be a viable alternative.

PhotographyBlog.com: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 receives 5 out of 5 stars for "delivering all the convenience and more of a compact camera shooting experience in a DSLR-like package." The GH2's high quality video is singled out as a significant improvement over the original Lumix DMC-GH1, but Goldstein says he is also impressed with a speedier autofocus and better still image quality, though he picks up noise at ISO 800.

TrustedReviews.com: Testers at TrustedReviews.com consider the highly versatile Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 "not just a jack but nearly a master of all" for those who "like the feel of a DSLR but not the attendant bulk." It earns a 9 out of 10 for high video quality, touch-screen and manual controls and exceptionally fast performance.

Camera Labs.com: Editors at CameraLabs.com say they are pleased with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2's improved still images, fast continuous shooting modes, accelerated continuous autofocus and new touch-screen controls, but they note that despite "excellent" video quality, it can't handle fast action photography as well as the Canon EOS 60D.

Amazon.com: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 rates well here, receiving 4 out of 5 stars for versatility and performance.

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Buy from Amazon for $899.99
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Best waterproof digital camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

*Est. $250 Compare Prices

Waterproof cameras offer the convenience of a point-and-shoot with a design that withstands the elements. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 is the best, most rugged camera in this class, critics say. It shoots underwater at… expanddepths of 12 meters and survives temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It's also dustproof and can endure drops up to 2 meters. It's pocket-friendly -- about 4 inches long and an inch thick. It shoots full HD video and its 12.1-megapixel sensor and 4.6x zoom lens deliver good photo quality in tests, although not quite on par with top-rated non-waterproof cameras. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: Joshua Goldman calls the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 "a worthy rugged point-and-shoot even if its photos and videos aren't the sharpest." While he says it's expensive, its robust features are worth it.

DigitalCameraInfo.com: It's more refined than the earlier Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2, but the TS3 actually suffers from softer fine detail than its predecessor, Liam McCabe says.

PhotographyBlog.com: With potentially useful features like GPS and full HD movie capture, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 (known as the FT3 in the U.K.) is a Recommended pick at this website.

Amazon.com: More than 180 customers have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 here, giving it an average score of 4 stars out of 5.

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