Top 10 Digital Cameras by Consumer Reviewers

Nikon D90 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-105mm Lens (12.3 Megapixel - 3" LCD - 5.8x Optical Zoom - 4288 x 2848 Image - 1280 x 720 Video - PictBridge)

872 Reviews

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	Price: $799.00
	Price: $709.95
	Price: $793.80
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Review: The Nikon D90 has proven itself worthy of its praise from experts and consumer reviewers. It brings out the best in every photo and provides detailed, bright and stunning images with its 12.3 effective megapixels, DX-format CMOS image sensor, dust reduction system and Active D-Lighting technology. With Live-view function, Face-detection and a 3-inch LCD monitor, you can easily focus on your subject, capture the image and appreciate its beauty. This SLR Camera can shoot at 4.5 frames a second and boasts a 0.15-second start-up time and a 65-millisecond shutter-release time lag that enable it to capture fast moving objects. The advanced scene modes lets you choose from Landscape, Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports and Close-up while Picture Control enables you to select from Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape. The D-Movie feature allows you to shoot videos in three formats: 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels and 1,280 x 720 pixels but if you're buying it to shoot 1080p high definition video, then you might need to look elsewhere because of its limited video capabilities. For the price, the lack of auto-focus mode can be quite disappointing and the live-view function could be further improved but for still images, the Nikon D90 is very impressive. Battery life is also not a main issue. It uses a Rechargeable Li-ion battery that has the ability to take up to 850 pictures on a single charge. Although it falls short on some features, it is still one of the best choices there is for digital SLRs and that it doesn't compromise image quality even in low-lit conditions. Overall, it is great for both work and play and it makes an excellent start for those who are looking for an upgrade from their point-and-shoot cameras.

Nikon D3100 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (14.2MP, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)

731 Reviews

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	Price: $449.99
	Price: $353.99
	Price: $446.95
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Review: For beginners and avid photographers who want to show their passion for photography, the entry-level Nikon D3100 has a full array of wonderful and worthwhile features that can put their skills to good use. Granted, it includes a 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens which is a good starter lens, and a 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor, paired with 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes that promise great shots in difficult conditions. The D3100's very lightweight body is not as rugged as more expensive cameras but is perfect for weekend adventurers and other types of photographers who are in serious need of a lighter camera to carry around and take amazing pictures with. You can record movies in Full 1080p HD format and with full-time autofocus. Continuous auto focus, on the other hand, is loud so you'd probably be better off with manual focusing. The camera's menu system and buttons are incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Nikon’s Guide Mode also ensures greater ease of use. A 3-inch monitor offers Live View shooting and video capture and a built-in pop-up flash assists in low-light situations. With its Split-second Shutter Response, you can capture spontaneous shots with ease. Now, you don't have to choose between picture quality and saving money. The Nikon D3100 delivers beautiful and crisp shots, frame after frame after frame, at a very affordable cost. The Scene Recognition System automatically chooses the best picture setting for optimum image quality. Active D-Lighting brings your pictures back to life by paying attention to the smallest details and In-camera Image Editing lets you enhance your photos the way you want it. The Nikon D3100 has an HDMI port for connecting the camera to your HDTV and enjoying picture/movie playback on the big screen. Among the things that it lacks are a wireless remote and an HDMI cable, as well as a bracketing option. These are not real deal breakers though as the D3100 makes up for it with its overall quality, plus a good number of important features including Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning and an EXPEED 2 image processor for unbeatable performance.

Nikon D7000 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-105mm Lens (16.2 Megapixel - 3" LCD - 5.8x Optical Zoom - Optical - 4928 x 3264 Image - 1920 x 1080 Video - QuickTime MOV - HDMI - PictBridge)

764 Reviews

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	Price: $999.95
	Price: $996.95
	Price: $929.95
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Review: At first glance, the Nikon D7000's exterior may seem similar to its predecessor (Nikon D90) but upon taking a closer look, you will see that instead of the lightweight construction, it now has a magnesium alloy body. While it makes the camera heavier, it also makes it more robust and adaptive to different weather conditions. Aside from the rugged construction, it also offers a resolution jump from 12.3 megapixels to 16.2 megapixels and improved features like a new AF system and an EXPEED 2 image processor that not only enhances image quality but also provides faster performance. With its Ultra-fast Start-Up time of 0.13 sec and continuous shooting of up to 6 frames per second, you'll never miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot. This full-featured DSLR camera is capable of Full HD video capture. It is embedded with a mic and has Double SD Card Slots that are compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. There are 6 picture controls which include Standard, Neutral, Monochrome, Vivid, Portrait and Landscape and different scene modes like Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait, Landscape, Child and Sports. The expandable Dynamic ISO range provides optimum results in low-light conditions while the built-in Speedlight flash with i-TTL comes to the rescue in extremely dark situations. Thanks to its support for HDMI, you can enjoy instant playback straight from your HDTV. Battery life is remarkable as it allows you to shoot up to 850 shots. You can even purchase an optional MB-D11 multi-power pack for longer photo sessions. With regards to ease of use, it is user friendly. It provides easy menu navigation and the buttons are also well-placed. Features found on the d90 like the high resolution 3-inch LCD display and Active D-Lighting are still present on the Nikon D7000. However, at this price point, it is a little disappointing that it does not have a built in GPS. The Optical Viewfinder is also not as good as competing models. On the contrary, its exceptional low light performance along with its almost-perfect attributes opens up a list of creative possibilities for both beginners and professionals. The truth is, if not for the higher price tag, it will probably attract the interest of every photographer.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (18MP, 3.1x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)

693 Reviews

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	Price: $736.84
	Price: $654.00
	Price: $654.00
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Review: While its weight and design is similar to its predecessor, Canon's EOS Rebel T2i delivers unparalleled picture quality along with improved video capabilities. It utilizes an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor which offer superb delineation and excellent color reproduction. It also has a 64-zone dual-layer metering sensor which provides ideal exposures in almost any lighting situation. This DSLR camera sports a 3-inch, anti-reflective LCD display for easy viewing. It even has an HDMI output which lets you view your stills and videos on your HDTV. The control layout is very much the same with the t1i, the only difference is that it now has a Live View/Movie button which enables easy transition from still to movie mode and a Quick Control button which makes changing settings a lot easier to do. One of its big step-up features is its ability to shoot full HD 1080p videos at 24 frames per second. It also allows you to record videos in various sizes including 1280 x 720 and 640 x 480. On a side note, you may need an SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card due to the fact that the files are too large. The EOS Rebel T2i is compatible with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses. Although it doesn't have a wireless flash and its viewfinder needs improvement, its weight and rubberized body give you more control when holding the camera and it boasts a shooting speed of up to 1/4000 sec. which makes it ideal for capturing fast-paced sports. It is also equipped with a built-in microphone and a jack for attaching an external microphone. Overall, it provides an affordable way to begin your journey in DSLR photography and it produces professional looking images on par with higher-priced cameras.

Canon EOS 60D Black SLR Digital Camera - Body Only (18 Megapixel - 3" LCD - 5184 x 3456 Image - 1920 x 1080 Video - MPEG-4 - HDMI - PictBridge)

663 Reviews

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	Price: $619.99
	Price: $559.99
	Price: See Site
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Review: The Canon EOS 60D is not only designed for still photography but also for videographers. In addition to the pentaprism viewfinder which offers more coverage and better magnification, it also sports a Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View swivel LCD that gives you the freedom to shoot from any angle. It can handle various resolutions starting from 1920 x 1080 Full HD video to 1280 x 720 or SD/VGA at 640 x 480. Video clips are saved as MOV files and it also features manual exposure control for greater control and creativity. The 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor produces images with intricate detail and the ISO settings, expandable up to 12800, provide great shots and exposure even in bright or dark environments. The 60D can capture up to 5.3 frames per second and convert RAW images into JPEG files. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor delivers faster speed and greater performance and the camera also has a 63-zone Dual-layer sensor and a 9-point AF system. Battery life is longer and it utilizes SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards, instead of the usual CF cards. This can be an advantage due to the fact that it is cheap but it can also be a disadvantage for those who have a lot of CF cards lying around their home or office. Aside from being slightly pricier compared to Canon's T series cameras, the 60D has no lens micro-adjustment. It is a downgrade, especially upon considering that the 50D has this particular feature. While it doesn't affect the shots taken, those who need this might want to get their lens calibrated. The screen can also be a fingerprint- or dust-magnet so constant cleaning using the camera cloth is required or a screen protector might be a better choice. This camera is compatible with PictBridge printers and can be used alongside Canon's EF & EF-S Lenses. Although it has a built-in pop-up flash, the Canon Speedlite 430EX is also a great add-on for those who want the versatility of having a rotating and tilting flash head. Instead of the Magnesium alloy body found on other cameras, it has a polycarbonate on aluminum chassis which makes it more lightweight at around 675 g or 23.8 oz. The Canon EOS 60D can also be bought with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens or body only.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (12.2 Megapixel - 2.7" LCD - 3.1x Optical Zoom - Optical - 4272 x 2848 Image - PictBridge)

523 Reviews

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	Price: $599.99
	Price: $378.00
	Price: $499.00
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Review: The Canon EOS Rebel T3 makes a great entry-point into DSLR photography.Although its body only weighs 17.4 oz. or 495g, it is feature packed and incredibly easy to use. A Live View Function permits easy, manual focusing and the 2.7-inch TFT LCD monitor boasts 99% coverage and 170-degree viewing angle, aside from being 30% brighter to provide a crisp and clear view regardless of lighting conditions. With the 12.2 Megapixel APS-C Size CMOS Sensor, 9-point AF system and great range of ISO settings (ISO 400, 800, 1600, 3200, or 6400), you're sure to get sharp, vivid and breathtaking shots, even in tricky lighting situations. Different picture styles like Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome are likewise offered to enhance creativity.With the Canon EOS Rebel T3, you get a Maximum Burst Speed rated at 830 JPEG shots and 5 RAW shots. In addition to capturing 3.0 fps for JPEGs or 2.0 fps for RAW files, it can shoot HD videos (1280 x 720 resolution) at 30 or 25 fps with great quality.The Rebel T3 comes with an 18-55mm Lens. Moreover, if you're planning to expand the range of shots your camera's capable of capturing, you'll be glad to know that it is compatible with Canon's EF and EF-S Lenses. You can also use it together with an External Canon Speedlite in case you prefer that instead of the built-in pop-up flash. Storage-wise, while most Canon cameras utilize CF cards, this one uses SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards and Eye-Fi SD cards only. Battery life is great. You can capture approximately 800 shots when using the viewfinder, 240 shots on Live View mode and a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes of video per charge. In terms of ease of use, it includes adequate instructions and even has an in-camera Feature Guide which gives a quick description of each feature and makes the controls easy to master.The overall build of the Canon EOS Rebel T3 may be a bit on the lightweight side, which may not appeal to more experienced lensmen, but if you'd like a good starter DSLR kit but are not willing to spend too much, then the T3 is probably one of your best choices.

Nikon D5100 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens (16.2MP, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)

653 Reviews

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	Price: $599.99
	Price: $596.95
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Review: While marketed as a midway camera between the smaller but more beginner-friendly Nikon D3100 and the heftier and more advanced Nikon D7000, the Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Kit comes with, surprisingly enough, an EXPEED 2 image processor and a 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 X 15.6 mm, identical to the D7000's own sensor. In fact, this model can be considered as a very slight downgrade from the former, as it appears that they trimmed down some of the features just to justify the lesser price. This does not affect the image quality of pictures shot with this camera though, as they are outstanding. The wide ISO range (100-6400) combined with the rapid-fire, 4 FPS shutter allow for more shots with virtually no blur and more importantly, less noise. It has an optical viewfinder, but the LCD display is another area that the D5100 is ahead of the 7000. While both models have the same size of screen (3 inches and 921,000 dots), the Vari-Angle display on the D5100 is articulated, giving more room to explore different shooting angles. Shift into Live View mode and start recording high-definition video, with a maximum of 30 frames a second at 1080p, in H.264 MOV format. The control dial at the top of the camera gives easy access to adjustments. It also incorporates a number of effects in its operating system for quick but easy photo manipulation. We especially liked the High Dynamic Range that automatically creates an image from two separate exposures, which is perfect for high-contrast scenes, while functions such as Selective Color, Night Vision and Color Sketch will surely appeal to photo artists. Now, for the limitations. As we have said before, the Nikon D5100 is, almost exactly like the D7000 with a few features turned down for pricing. For example, the D7000 has the upper hand in continuous shooting with 7 Fps compared to the 4 Fps of the D5100. It also has the capacity to hold an extra SDXC memory card. Battery life of the D5100 is considerably shorter than that of the D7000. It could be said, though, that this model is, more or less, a budget DSLR, although a very powerful one. Considering the features, in addition to the fact that it comes with an 18-55mm 3x Zoom lens, the Nikon D5100 makes a compelling pick for a DSLR camera.

Canon EOS 7D Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 28-135mm Lens (18MP, CompactFlash Card Slot)

508 Reviews

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	Price: $1499.00
	Price: $1399.99
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Review: The Canon EOS 7D may be heavy for a Digital SLR camera, but it boasts a faster shooting speed along with an improved Auto Focus system. It can capture up to 8 frames per second and has a 19-point cross-type AF sensor that performs well even under poor lighting conditions. It also employs a Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, which when combined, produce vibrant and high-quality images.In contrast with competing models in this price range, the EOS 7D is ready to take on all challenges. The magnesium-alloy body can withstand outdoor- and heavy-use and the camera itself comes fully equipped with a Self Cleaning Sensor, a Wireless Flash Controller, and an HDMI output for viewing images on your HDTV. There are also 6 Picture Styles consisting of Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome and 3 Live View focusing modes which include Live mode, Quick mode and Face detection mode. In terms of operation, the EOS 7D's 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, combined with a Bright Intelligent Viewfinder which offers 100% coverage, makes it easy to use and see in varying lighting conditions. The Mode dial also enables you to quickly switch between shooting modes and the buttons are very intuitive. In fact, the only criticisms are the small size of some buttons which makes it a little uncomfortable to use and the absence of a quick auto focus in video mode. However, those are just minor problems since the camera does its job fairly well and it's a universal truth that a DSLR camera can't totally replace a dedicated camcorder. While it is aimed towards mid-level and professional photographers, Canon's EOS 7D makes a great starter DSLR camera. You can even purchase it with an 18-135mm or 28-135mm lens. Despite its shortcomings, it allows you to shoot full HD Videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution and it offers a great range of ISO settings which lets you capture crisp images even when you think it's not possible.

Canon PowerShot S100 Black Digital Camera (12.1 MP, 5x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot)

619 Reviews

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	Price: $289.95
	Price: $562.20
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Review: The Canon PowerShot S100 has a trick or two up its sleeve. There are no dramatic changes when compared to the S95 but it still packs a sheer amount of functionality. For starters, users can expect Full HD 1080p videos, a higher resolution, 12 MP, to be exact, a built-in GPS, better low light shots, longer zoom and faster shutter speed, all of which are not offered in the older S95. Shooting videos is as easy as it gets, having a dedicated movie button and allowing you to zoom in while shooting videos. You would think that for the price, it already supports next generation technologies like 3D and panorama but it doesn’t. Instead, it focuses on the strengths of the S95 and improves upon its weaknesses. It is definitely faster and it fully delivers in terms of image quality, giving steady and bright images. With the S100’s High-Speed Burst HQ, users can capture a maximum of up to 8 shots during continuous shooting. You also have complete control of your photos with the abundance of shooting modes available and even manual control. The S100 supports both RAW and JPEG and features a built-in GPS which makes sure that every trip is well documented. With regards to accessories, a wrist strap, a digital camera solution CD-ROM and a USB cable are already included. The S100 lacks support for external flashes and its battery life is pretty short, not ideal for all day shooting. We must admit that there’s nothing grand about the S100’s construction too, having no flip-out screen or even a touchscreen which most cameras in the same price range seem to have. It provides better grip though, a large screen and easy-to-use buttons. Canon also adds another color option, silver, in addition to the gorgeous-looking matte black. Both colors look very sleek, more geared towards serious individuals than the adventurous, fun seeking crowd. All in all, the Canon PowerShot S100 is a great everyday camera, priced a little higher than we’d expect it to be. Although not much has changed, it still delivers better pictures and a few upgraded features.