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Digital cameras

Digital camera buying guide

Last updated: November 2013

Getting started


What is a digital camera?



What are megapixels?

When you collect a million pixels, you have a megapixel. The number of megapixels tells you how many pixels the image file has. A camera that captures 8 million pixels, for example, is called an 8-megapixel camera. The number of megapixels a camera features can also help to determine the size photos you can print or the amount of cropping you can do. For example, a 6-megapixel camera may be enough for snapshots, but if you want to print poster-size images or crop heavily, 8 megapixels (or greater) is more suitable.

A 6-megapixel camera might be all you'll need because higher resolution doesn't necessarily produce better prints. Lenses and other factors affect quality too. But most cameras today have at least 10-megapixel sensors. The size of the sensor, and the size of each individual image sensor element, which corresponds to pixels, can affect photo quality. But remember, the number of megapixels alone doesn't determine the quality of a digital camera's images.

Types of digital cameras

Our Ratings are divided into two main categories: Basic cameras, which are simple point-and-shoots with just the features needed for routine shots, and advanced cameras, which are feature-laden cameras that include sophisticated point-and-shoot and models that let you change lenses. Note that all point-and-shoots, whether basic or advanced, include cameras with lenses built into the camera (that is, non-removable).

Our basic camera category is divided into four subcategories: subcompacts, rugged & waterproof models, compacts and superzooms.

Subcompacts fit in a pocket, are lightweight but generally have few manual controls. A few include nontelescoping zoom lenses, and others have zooms as high as 14x. Compacts are a bit larger, and often have more manual controls than subcompacts. They can also be among the most inexpensive cameras available.

Rugged & waterproof models claim to resist moisture and withstand falls. All have non-telescoping zoom lenses.

Superzooms offer 15x or greater zoom, with some recent models including optical zooms as great as 60x. Like compacts, superzooms often, though not always, include manual controls. They're also among the more expensive basic cameras.

Our advanced camera category is also divided into three subcategories: advanced point-and-shoots, SLR-like models and SLRs.

Advanced point-and-shoots have a nondetachable lens but differ from basic models because they have lots of manual controls, a hot shoe for an external flash, and support for RAW files. It's the lightest advanced type. SLR-like models have interchangeable lenses, but they lack a through-the-lens viewfinder. They're smaller and lighter than an SLR but are usually larger than a point-and-shoot. SLRs have the most features, with interchangeable lenses and the largest sensors for the best image quality in low light, and a through-the lens viewfinder. Controls are extensive. They're also the heaviest, most expensive cameras.

There are two new kinds of cameras that are becoming more common in the market place. First, more cameras, from inexpensive subcompacts to high-end SLRs, are including wireless features, which allow you to connect to Wi-Fi hot spots and to mobile devices and to upload your photos and video to social networking websites. Some also include NFC (near-field communication), which makes connecting to mobile device quick and easy.

Second, camera manufacturers are churning out more advanced cameras with full-frame sensors for around $2000 or less. These types of sensors, which are the size of one frame of 35mm film and significantly larger than sensors found in point-and-shoot digital cameras, allow the camera to handle a wider variety of lighting situations more accurately. They also limit the amount of visual noise that can distort and degrade an image. (Although we don't yet rate these models, we do plan to include them in our Ratings in the near future as prices continue to drop.)

Next steps



What you'll spend


  • For basic point-and-shoots (subcompacts, compacts, rugged & waterproof models, and superzooms), expect to spend $75 to $500.
  • For advanced point-and-shoots, expect to spend $350 to $1,100.
  • For SLR-likes, expect to spend $450 to $1,200.
  • For SLRs, expect to spend $500 to $2,000.



For more information



In our Ratings, we divide models into two main types: basic cameras, which are simple point-and-shoots with just the features needed for routine shots, and advanced cameras, which are feature-laden models that include sophisticated point-and-shoots and models that let you change lenses. These can be further divided into several subcategories.

Basic cameras


Mainstream compacts are too big for pockets but small enough for most handbags. Many are simple to use and best for everyday events such as family gatherings. Some don't have manual controls for exposure and composition, limiting you to the camera's assortment of preset scene modes, as with subcompacts.

Rugged & waterproof models

These models are claimed to resist moisture and withstand falls. All have non-telescoping lenses that range between 3x and 5x optical zoom. Most also include GPS features.


Among the many types of digital cameras, the most expansive category is subcompacts--small cameras that fit in a pocket, weigh a few ounces, and can be carried everywhere. Most don't have manual controls or viewfinders, but some include a variety of useful features, such as touch-screen LCDs. Some have zoom lenses as long as 14x.


Superzoom cameras are characterized by a very long zoom range--15x or greater, which is good for sports, travel, or nature shooting. They're generally bulkier and heavier than compacts and subcompacts. Some models have zooms as great as 60x.

Advanced cameras

Advanced point-and-shoots



These cameras, which include Micro four-thirds models, accept interchangeable lenses, but they lack a through-the-lens viewfinder (in fact, some have no viewfinder). They're smaller and lighter than an SLR but usually larger than a point-and-shoot.


SLRs have the most features, with interchangeable lenses and the largest sensors for the best image quality in low light, and a through-the lens viewfinder. Controls are extensive. They're also the heaviest, most expensive cameras. Most SLRs are now able to capture HD-resolution video.



Exposure modes


Zoom lenses


One common feature of zoom lenses is that they generally protrude from the camera when you turn it on. But some subcompacts and a few compacts and superzooms have nontelescoping lenses. On larger compacts or superzooms, you might also find a manual focus ring similar to the one on an SLR lens, although manual focusing on a point-and-shoot works differently than that on an SLR.

Optical zooms are much better than digital zooms, which merely magnify the center of the frame without actually increasing picture detail. Almost all point-and-shoot digital cameras include zoom lenses. SLRs, which can use interchangeable lenses, often ship with a zoom lens, but also accept prime or nonzoom lenses.

Image stabilization



Face detection & ‘Smart Camera' features



In addition to being able to automatically set exposure, digital cameras automatically adjust the focus of the lens with autofocus features. But more advanced cameras include additional focusing functions. Be sure to look carefully at the types of additional features available on your camera, including manual focus. On SLRs, look for the number of AF points they have and what types of AF modes are available. SLRs include additional types of AF (often called dynamic AF) that groups focus points into a field to more accurately track moving subjects.

Shooting modes


Playback modes





LCD viewers/viewfinder

Although optical viewfinders were once ubiquitous on cameras, hardly any subcompacts or compacts include them anymore. The reason is that they've been replaced by larger, sharper color LCD viewers. Some are now as large as 3.5 inches. These displays are accurate in framing the actual image you get--better than most optical viewfinders--but they might be hard to see in bright sunlight. This live-view functionality, available in point-and-shoot for years, is also on nearly all SLRs, which have traditionally used the LCDs for only playing back or reviewing images. A camera with an optical and an LCD viewfinder is more versatile, especially when you shoot in bright light or need to conserve battery power. Also, select point-and-shoots and SLRs include swiveling displays, which are helpful for taking hard-to-reach shots. Some cameras, including a few Sony NEX models, use an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) electronic viewfinder. Unlike an LCD viewer, this type works without a backlight, so it can produce deeper blacks.



Image file formats


Memory cards





Basic point-and-shoots have been able to capture video for many years, but SLRs have only recently included this feature. Most cameras include HD-resolution video, although some still capture in standard definition, which may not look as sharp on an HDTV. Some models with HD video quality are good enough to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a separate camcorder. One convenient video feature many cameras now include is a dedicated video button, which lets you quickly record video when you're shooting still images. Also, if you're buying a basic or advanced point-and-shoot, check to see whether the camera can zoom while capturing video. Not all models can.

3D capability


Projecting point-and-shoots


Onscreen help

Some cameras, like some Sony NEX models, take hand-holding to the next level with onscreen tutorials. They're nicely designed, and the text is easy on the eyes, thanks to the 921,000-dot LCD. A graphic or sample photos illustrate the point. For example, a tutorial on how to position a subject for better composition uses text and actual photos to teach you how to do so. Tips cover basic shooting techniques as well as portraits, landscapes, close-ups, and action shots. Some cover unusual modes, such as Sony's Sweep Panorama and auto High Dynamic Range (HDR).




Canon arrow  |  Casio arrow  |  Fujifilm arrow  |  GE arrow  |  Kodak arrow  |  Leica arrow  |  Nikon arrow  |  Olympus arrow  |  Panasonic arrow  |  Pentax arrow  |  Samsung arrow  |  Sigma arrow  |  Sony arrow



Canon is the market leader in point-and-shoots, with an extensive line of models, which are known as PowerShots. Its budget line, the A series, is made up of compacts and subcompacts.  Canon's subcompacts are known as SD ELPHs. Its SX-series are mostly super zooms and come in various sizes and include smaller or larger feature sets. Canon has the D-series compact, which it claims are waterproof and shockproof. Its high-end series, the S and G lines, include special modes and manual features, such as the ability to shoot RAW files and to focus manually. The EOS Rebel series helped to define budget SLRs. Other SLRs include a host of pro and more-advanced consumer models, including models that have very large, full-frame sensors. Canon also offers a wider selection of lenses than most brands.


Casio produces point-and-shoots known as Exilims. Most are subcompacts, although Casio also makes higher-end, full-featured models that have longer zooms and more robust video capabilities. The company also offers the G-series, which it claims is waterproof and shockproof. Casio doesn't offer SLRs.


The budget FinePix J and A series are the lowest priced. A step up is the F series cameras, which offer more advanced features. The Z series models are the subcompacts. Fujifilm claims that the XP series is waterproof.  The T series has a moderately long zoom in a small body. Some models in the super zoom S series are large and include long zoom lenses. The HS series has the longest zooms.  Select EXR models include special modes that let the sensor adapt to the subject you're shooting. The X series cameras include advanced point & shoot and SLR-like models. Fujifilm has a Real 3D W series of point-and-shoots, which captures 3D photographs for display on special 3D frames and prints.


General Imaging holds an exclusive licensing agreement with General Electric to produce cameras under the GE name. It has produced a variety of compacts and subcompacts, some of which are very inexpensive. GE doesn't offer SLRs.


Kodak's EasyShare line focuses on ease of use, as indicated by its brand tagline. The budget C series includes some of the least-expensive point-and-shoots available. The M series compacts and subcompacts offer slightly more sophisticated features in a more stylishly designed camera body. Most of the higher-end Z series models are super zooms. Kodak doesn't offer SLRs.


This innovative camera company produces cameras that serve a niche audience, mostly due to the cameras' high prices. Most of its cameras (D-LUX, C-LUX, and V-LUX series) are essentially the same models produced under the Panasonic brand, although the Leica versions are more expensive. Leica has a high-end, very expensive X-series point-and-shoot that includes a large APS-C sized sensor, similar to those found on SLRs, although it has a fixed lens instead of using interchangeable lenses. Leica's most celebrated line is its very expensive M series of digital rangefinder cameras, which has a small but very loyal following of photographers.


Nikon has a fairly extensive line of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras. Its subcompacts, compacts, and super zooms are divided into four series, the budget L, step-up S, high-end P series, and AW series, which Nikon claims is waterproof and shockproof. Nikon also has an innovative S series camera that includes a built-in projector that lets you beam images or video clips onto any surface. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. High-end SLRs include large, full-frame sensors, which offer better quality in low light.  Nikon also offers a new SLR-like series, the Nikon One, which has large sensors and accepts interchangeable lenses but has no through-the-lens viewfinder.


Olympus budget series compacts emphasize simple operation. High-end SP models have featured very long zooms.  Select "Tough" subcompacts claim to be water-resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and crushproof. Olympus has Pen series models that are based on micro four-thirds sensor technology. This type of camera combines key SLR features—a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses—with the smaller size and weight of a point-and-shoot. Olympus produces several E-series SLRs, and offers a wide range of lenses.


Every Panasonic Lumix, from pricey super zooms to budget models, has optical stabilization. Many models offer great value when they combine optical image stabilization with innovations such as intelligent ISO, which automatically raises the camera sensor's sensitivity when it detects motion, allowing faster shutter speed.  Panasonic has several G-series Lumix models that are based on micro four-thirds sensor technology. This type of camera combines key SLR features—a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses—with the smaller size and weight of a point-and-shoot. It has a G Series camera that accepts a 3D lens to shoot 3D video and photos and has one 3D subcompact with two lenses.


The company produces some innovative point-and-shoots, known as Optio cameras, especially its waterproof W series. The X series super zooms include models with relatively long zoom lenses. Pentax has had a long tradition of producing high-quality SLRs. Its most recent K series SLRs are competitively priced and include some unique features such as its High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature.  Pentax also offers a line of SLR lenses. Pentax also offers some SLR-like models.


Samsung has produced some very inexpensive compact digital cameras and some innovative models, including "dual view" cameras that have LCDs on the front and back of the camera body and several Wi-Fi models. The company has introduced some cameras similar to a micro four-thirds model, but with a larger, APS-C sensor.  The NX-series camera includes key SLR features, including interchangeable lenses, but has the small size and weight of a point-and-shoot.


This company is primarily a lens manufacturer, offering third-party lenses for most of the major SLR camera lines that are often less expensive than those from the SLR camera manufacturers. But it also produces select cameras, including an SD series SLR and several high-end DP series compacts, which capture images on uniquely designed Foveon sensors.


Sony offers innovations at relatively high prices. Cyber-shot compacts and subcompacts offer distinctions such as touch screens and sleek bodies. The W series are budget lines. High-end H series compacts, and premium T series subcompacts tend to be priced higher than other brands.  Sony has expanded its SLR Alpha series significantly and offers cameras for every advanced camera user and budget, including models that have very large, full-frame sensors and special features, such as a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. It also has a wide range of lenses. Its SLR-like NEX series models include key SLR features, such as interchangeable lenses, but will have the small size and weight of a point-and-shoot. Sony has 3D technology on select basic and advanced cameras but it is limited to its special panorama models.

Shopping tips

Beware the sales pitch



Shop by brand


Try it out


Keep your other cameras in mind


Forgo the extended warranty

Overall, digital cameras have been among the most reliable products in our subscriber surveys. About 4 percent of those bought from 2008 through 2012 have been repaired or had a serious problem. Yet in our latest survey, 60 percent of camera buyers were pitched an extended warranty in stores, and 16 percent of those bought one. We don't think it pays for most consumers.


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