Digital Camera Review

Sizing up reviews of digital cameras

This ConsumerSearch report covers mainstream digital cameras, from ultra-compact models to advanced enthusiast cameras. We also have separate reports on ultra-zoom digital cameras (optical zooms of 12x and greater) and cheap digital cameras (entry-level models that cost $200 or less). See our report on digital SLR cameras (DSLRs) for advanced, single-lens reflex digital cameras.

In general, reviewers agree that most digital cameras take decent snapshots, though low-light shots are often an issue with point-and-shoot models. And there are still wide variations in performance, including shutter lag and shot-to-shot time, which can determine whether you catch an image or miss it entirely while waiting for your camera to be ready. Every model covered in this report can shoot video, but quality varies there as well. A good number of these cameras have manual controls -- an increasingly common feature in point-and-shoots.

In 2009, a new breed of camera was born: pocket-sized cameras with interchangeable lenses. More advanced than a point-and-shoot, less bulky than a DSLR, these cameras (some of which are called Micro Four Thirds cameras) combine the best of both. They use mirrorless lenses that are smaller than DSLR lenses. Their image sensors are much bigger than that of pocket cameras, which makes for better photos, especially in low light. Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony make these types of cameras. See the Advanced Digital Cameras section of this report for more information on this camera type.

The best and most comprehensive digital camera reviews are at camera-enthusiast websites. Imaging-Resource.com, DigitalCameraInfo.com, DPReview.com, DCResource.com and Steves-Digicams.com all have exhaustive performance-based reviews, but they differ in presentation and attitude. Reviews at DCResource.com and Imaging-Resource.com are easiest to read, while Steves-Digicams.com, DigitalCameraInfo.com and DPReview.com are skewed to more technically savvy readers.

Computer and technology magazines and websites such as CNET, PCMag.com and Britain's TrustedReviews.com are also good places to read digital camera reviews. While these reports don't offer the depth of enthusiast websites, they are easier to read. ConsumerReports.org also reviews digital cameras, but conclusions are short and not very detailed.