What Kind of Digital Camera is Best For Me?

 After you answer all questions discussed previously about the primary factors to consider before choosing a digital camera, narrow down your choices by understanding the different kinds of digital cameras:

Compact Digital Cameras

• Compact digital cameras are not only small, they are easy to use and offer fewer options to control, which means that this is less confusing. Despite its low cost, this kind of digital camera is capable of producing very good results. Let’s look at the basic features:
• Weighs around 4-10 ounces
• Great for point and shoot
• Fully automatic, which means that this kind of digital camera has no manual settings for aperture and shutter speed.
• You have options though when it comes to settings. Most compact digital cameras offer portrait, macro, snow, sports, landscape, low light, etc.
• You cannot change lenses.
• Slow shutter speed, which means that there’s a few seconds wait time between the time that you depress the shutter until the time that the picture is captured.
• Most compact digital cameras offer a modest zoom of a long focal point.
• You will also find a tiny flash for dark condition and pixel counts ranges from 2 megapixels to as high as 7 megapixels.

Advanced Digital Cameras

• Digital Cameras that are able to produce results to professional standards but lack the sturdiness, durability, and range of accessories are called advanced digital cameras. For an avid nonprofessional photographer, advanced digital cameras offer the best balance between quality and cost. This kind of digital camera is capable of most of the professional tasks while it is lighter, compact and full featured.
• Also called prosumer and bridged cameras
• This kind of digital cameras come in different sizes. This is definitely larger than compact cameras. Some of which looks like DSLR, but lighter. Usually weighs 10 to 20 ounces.
• The only difference between prosumer and DSLR is that prosumer cameras’ lens are fixed but it comes with good, quality zoom lenses.
• Since the lens is fixed, it ensures no dust get onto the sensor.
• Advanced digital cameras can be controlled manually, like DSLR. Some of which comes with attachments for close ups, telephoto filters, and external flashes.

DSLR Cameras (Digital Single Lens Reflex)

• DSLR cameras have imaging capabilities enough to sustain an experienced photographer to a professional level.
• By having this kind of digital camera, you will have the ability to change the lens based on your desired outcome.
• Although there are significantly smaller DSLR, most of which are larger and weighs more.
• This kind of digital camera has the ability to be operated manually to full extent which gives a learned photographer more control over all aspects in photography.
• Definitely costs more than compact and bridged cameras.

What Camera Should I Buy?

The answer to the question “What camera should I buy?” depends primarily on what you want to do with the images.  There are different kinds of digital cameras available, and before you learn the difference between each one of them to narrow down your choices, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much equipment do you wish to carry around?
• What size of digital camera are you willing to take with you?
• What is your understanding level when it comes to photography?
• Do you want more flexibility for creative purposes, or are you contented with simple snapshots?
• And lastly, how much money do you have at your disposal?

To help you decide on what camera should you buy, calculate your budget first, and then decide which features of digital cameras you cannot live without. Finally, prepare yourself to make some compromises.  You might want to consider that older models and secondhand digital cameras offer superb values as well.

When choosing a digital camera, don’t be overwhelmed by the enormous features it has. You are not expected to use all of them; those features were added for marketing purposes. And before purchasing a digital camera, ensure that the model you have chosen is comfortable in your hands-very small digital cameras can be awkward for people with large hands.

Another important consideration is the menu. Make sure that the menu is user friendly, easy enough for you to read, and not too complicated.

There was once a time when we classify digital cameras by their resolution or megapixel count. However, pixel count alone no longer determines how good or versatile a digital camera is. It makes more sense to look at the features and capabilities.

Once you have answered the questions above, narrow down your choices by understanding the different kinds of digital cameras on my next post. Cheers! J

Panasonic Lumix DMC FP7 Digital Camera

Price $ 209.99

Unflattering close ups and harsh lights no more from Panasonic  Lumix FP7. This digital camera adds eyeshadow, blush and lipstick to your images with a touch of a button.

Panasonic Lumix FP7 also comes in mirror finished slim design with no protruding lenses. A bit pricey, but with its unique features, it may be worth it.

Key Features of Panasonic Lumix DMC FP7 Digital Camera

• The LUMIX DMC-FP7 (16.1 megapixel) maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens with folded optics.

• As a result of advanced noise refuction system, beautiful images with minimal noise can be reproduced all the way up to ISO1600 high sensitivity at full resolution for beautiful night shots or dimly lit indoor shots.

• Panasonic Lumix LUMIX FP7 digital camera features two new iA functions AF Tracking and Intelligent Exposure. AF Tracking locks onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves, while the Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. The automatic backlight compensation function activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight.

• Once the AF subject is selected by touch control, it continues to track the subject even if it moves until you press the shutter.

• This digital camera has MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)which compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake.

• The Intelligent ISO Control function in Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 made possible by the Venus Engine VI detects subject movement and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the movement and light conditions.

• The Face Detection AF/AE function detects faces and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure settings.

• When this digital camera is in iA Mode, the Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the Scene Mode to one of Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait, Night Scenery or Sunset.

• The Intelligent Exposure function of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7  increases the exposure only in under-exposed areas by detecting the brightness level part-by-part in the image. If the background includes the sky, which tends to be easily washed out, the camera automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed to keep the setting slightly under-exposed to prevent wash-out while brightening the darkened area by increasing the ISO only in that area.

• Uploading automatically starts by simply following the guidance. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for movies. You can join these social networking services without having to install any special software. It's easy to share photos and movies on the spot, which means that your friends don't have to wait for you to come back home to see them.

• LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to the shooting conditions.

• Take photos even when you don't have an SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card  on hand. This digital camera has built-in memory whichholds up to approx. 70MB of image data, which you can later copy to an SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card or computer.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC LX5K Digital Camera

Price $ 499.99

In movie recording, this digital camera goes further than simply recording HD movies. Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital compact cameras, Panasonic DMC-LX5 also features a Creative Movie mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.

If you want to learn, if you want to grow as a photographer or even an advanced snap shooter, the Panasonic LX5 is a great choice. If you already own an SLR and want to have something smaller that does a little more than the average pocket camera, and has a fast, worthy optic, this digital camera is one of the better choices.

Key Features of Panasonic LX5 Digital Camera

·         Panasonic DMC-LX5 is fully re-designed in the lens, the CCD and the image processing engine together with other improvements and upgrades.

·         This digital camera has 1/1.63-inch 10.1-megapixel High Sensitivity CCD with Wider Dynamic Range which results to a high resolution, noise-less pictures even in high sensitivity recording and richly reproduced gradation in highly contrasted situations with the exquisitely wide dynamic range.

·         In addition to Motion JPEG images, Panasonic DMC-LX5 digital camera can record high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite.

Panasonic DMC TS3D Digital Camera

Price $ 369.99

This digital camera is shockproof, waterproof, dustproof and freeze proof. It is designed with the capability to record high-definition movie in AVCHD format. Featuring a 28mm wide-angle lens, this versatile digital camera lets you capture your moments no matter what the intended shooting terrain is. Swim along with tropical fish and capture shots of beautiful coral reefs, or take recordings of your friends around a camp fire.

The Panasonic DMC-TS3 digital camera is an extremely versatile camera that you can take with you wherever the action calls.

At first you may think that it is a very expensive camera but wait until you start using it. The DMC-TS3D is a good camera that you can have. As long you don't play fool with it, the TS3D is a camera to last a long time.

Key Features of Panasonic  DMC TS3D Digital Camera 

·         Water Proof, shock proof, dust proof, and freeze proof.

·         This digital camera has Location Information Indicator, the GPS function gives you real-time information of the place when taking photos. The images with the location names are automatically stored in the virtual folder alphabetically in the camera allowing quick reach.

·         Panasonic  DMC-TS3 digital camera has 4 active outdoor Scene Modes Sports, Snow, Beach & Snorkeling, and Underwater that can be selected easily and quickly by the menu, ensuring that you don't miss sudden shooting opportunities.

·         Panasonic  DMC-TS3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens* with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-128mm). The folded optics shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit.

·         The 28mm wide-angle lens* lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective, even from short distances.

·         4.6x Optical Zoom / 6x Intelligent Zoom / 9.1x Extra Optical Zoom.

·         This digital camera’s newly added 3D Photo Mode produces a 3D image in the camera. The image-processing method used by LUMIX records beautiful images with less distortion or visible image links.

·         Panasonic DMC-TS3 digital camera has recording capability of full HD 1920 x 1080 movies in AVCHD format*1. The AVCHD format features almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with conventional Motion JPEG.

KODAK EASYSHARE M23 Digital Camera

Price $ 99.95

The hot little camera from Kodak with a big thing for sharing. Three simple steps are all it takes to share your world—from your craziest shot of the gang to your most epic travel adventures. Just press the Share button and choose where you want to share. Once you connect to your PC, your beautiful high-resolution pictures will automatically upload to e-mail and KODAK PULSE Digital Frame or KODAK Gallery, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, YouTube, FLICKR, ORKUT, YANDEX, and KAIXIN001 sites.

Key Features of Kodak Easyshare M23 Digital Camera

·         Kodak’s Share button makes sharing your pictures and videos as simple as 1, 2, 3.

·         Small, pocketable, and colorful.

·         This digital camera makes stunning prints up to 30 x 40 in.

·         5X wide optical zoom brings even far away details into crisp focus.

·         Kodak Easyshare M23 reduce blur caused by subject movement or fast-action situations to deliver clearer, sharper pictures.

·          Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature automatically identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for a great picture in just about any environment.

·         This digital camera automatically recognizes up to 20 pre-tagged faces so you can easily locate and share them later.

·         Enjoy video print options including 9-up prints, plus view and share single frames.

·         View your pictures in high definition on an HDTV or other HD devices.

·         You can use this digital camera to get great shots time after time with multiple scene modes, including auto, sport, portrait, snow, fireworks, and backlight.

KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera

Price $199.95 +

The world's thinnest 5X optical zoom digital camera. It has been built with so much style that you'll want to bring it wherever you go.

You will be able to tag photos using this digital camera, and upload straight to your computer, take pictures while you are driving (not recommended though), and so much more. The pictures come out so clear and precise. You can  actually take Kodak Easyshare M590 digital camara with you everywhere in case you see something that catches your eye. Perfect for bloggers.

Key Features of KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera

·         With the Share button and Kodak's Share button app, sharing your pictures is amazingly simple.

·         The world's thinnest 5X optical zoom digital camera.

·         14 MP means you can make stunning prints up to 30 × 40 in.

·         Kodak Easyshare M590 digital camera has 2.7 in. bright LCD.

·         Become a better photographer with a smarter camera. Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature automatically identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for a great picture in just about any environment.

·         This digital camera automatically recognizes up to 20 pre-tagged faces so you can easily locate and share them later

·         True HD quality: capture stunning pictures and video in brilliant detail.

·         Face detection.

·         Record continuous HD video (1280 × 720) at 30 fps and VGA video (640 × 480) at 30 fps

·         Turn your pictures into a creative multimedia slideshow right on your camera.

·         Kodak Easyshare M590 digital camera captures details in low-light conditions and fast-action situations with high ISO (up to 6400).

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 699.95 +

The D3100 takes excellent images on automatic with the kit lens. Composition is much easier with a proper viewfinder and the larger sensor makes obtaining shallow depth of field simple.

You would want to purchase Nikon D3100 for its size and weight, but this digital camera has its flaws. You will not be pleased with auto focus, or burst speed. I find making changes in the menus can be tedious. Some reviews also mentioned that there were several times when camera locks up, and the only way to fix it was to remove battery and replace it back.

Nikon D3100 feels great in my hands and nice to use. The ergonomics are perfect. I tested the D5100 and the D90 as well as all the Canon Rebels, and I would say that the D3100 felt the best.

To check how to use  Nikon D3100, download a copy of Nikon D3100 User  Manual. This user manual is from Nikon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera

With Nikon D3100’s 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor, this camera delivers beautiful photographs and prints well beyond 20 x 30 inches.

Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound lets you record cinematic-quality movies in Full 1080p HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels).

Featuring Nikon’s Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance helping you take better pictures every step of the way.

This digital camera has fast 11-point Autofocus System delivers razor-sharp pictures.

3-in. monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture.

Nikon D3100 has built-in HDMI port that lets you connect directly to your HDTV using an optional HDMI cable

Control Image and Movie Playback with most HDTV remote controls

This digital camera has 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes Just set the Mode dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.

Picture Control lets you choose from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape to apply a personal look and feel to your pictures.

Nikon D3100 digital camera has built-in pop-up flash for those times when there isn’t enough light

Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens with legendary NIKKOR optical quality and fast, accurate autofocus for vivid color, striking contrast and crisp detail and VR image stabilization to ensure the sharpest hand-held pictures and movies.

Compact and Lightweight Design Beautifully styled..

Split-second Shutter Response of this digital camera eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.

ISO sensitivity 100-3200, Nikon D3100 has expandable to ISO 12800 equivalent delivers exceptional results, even in the most challenging low-light situations.

Scene Auto Selector lets the D3100 decide the best mode to match the shooting situation when using Live View.

EXPEED 2 Nikon’s new image processing engine assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure, noise and speed.

This digital camera has Scene Recognition System in Live View which automatically optimizes exposure, autofocus, and white balance, allowing you to obtain beautiful photos without the hassle of making complicated camera adjustments yourself.

Active D-Lighting restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.

Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning uses an ultrasonic process and exclusive Airflow Control combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality shot after shot.

In-camera Image Editing allows creative freedom, without the need for a computer, offering easy editing functions.

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 899.95 +

The D90 has the flexibility to meet  white balance, and exposure expectations. The menus are extremely well organized and easy to navigate. The top-of-the-camera display is easy to read. The information displayed inside the viewfinder is well organized and configurable. The histogram displays are complete and easy to display.

If you plan to take pictures in rough conditions, (wet, dirty,dusty, extreme cold or heat), you should seriously consider moving further up the Nikon product line as the D90 body is not as tight nor as durable as the top-of-the-line models.

For great results in low light or for indoor situations, one really needs an additional flash.  You will need to use the SB-800 to take exceptional images from great distances as well as wonderful subtle portraits. Try the same with the pop-up and you will be disappointed. Low light without a flash is very good but image editing is usually required.

To check how to use Nikon D90, download a copy of Nikon D90 User Manual. This user manual is from Nikon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor: Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing technologies and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking image fidelity is assured.

World’s first digital SLR camera with an HD movie mode: Record exceptional 24fps movie clips with sound at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.

This digital camera has 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor: High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.

11-point AF system: Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.

Nikon D90 has 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System: Nikon's renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.

This digital camera has Auto Active D-Lighting: Selectable and Automatic, Active D-Lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrast situations in real time.

In-Camera Image Editing: Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.

Nikon D90 is capable of continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second: Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200: High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO setting.

This digital camera has built-in image sensor cleaning: Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor's optical low pass filter.

One-button Live View: Easy to use Live View activates access to 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.

Comprehensive exposure control: Five advanced scene modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

Nikon D90 has durable, high precision shutter: Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.

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Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 2,699.95 +

I recommended Nikon D700 to students and other professionals who wanted a multi-featured camera they could grow with. If you can't afford D3, buy D700 instead. Don't get me wrong, Nikon D3 is a wonderful full frame camera to have if you have the extra few thousand dollars to spend. D700 gives you the same quality as NikonD3 can offer, if you do not care too much on using high ISO. Since Nikon D700 is cheaper, you can invest in a nicer lens instead.

Being a full frame camera, D700 can provide exceptional image quality in low light conditions without seeing too much noise when using higher ISO. It is also great for landscape photography if attached to a wide angle lens and a good tripod.

To check how to use Nikon D700, download a copy of Nikon D700 User  Manual. This user manual is from Nikon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera

Nikon's original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Teamed with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED digital image processing, the D700 delivers breathtakingly rich image quality.

This digital camera is capable of continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second: Shoot at up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack.

Nikon D700 has two Live View shooting modes: Choose from hand-held or tripod modes to suit shooting requirements.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking: Exacting autofocus precision, plus three Dynamic AF modes.

This digital camera has 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Legendary Nikon exposure accuracy aided by an onboard database of over 30,000 images.

Nikon D700 has Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 9 customizable settings and 4 preset options allow fine tuning of image appearance preferences.

This digital camera has broad ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and incredibly low noise: Super low-noise performance from 200-6400 ISO, with the added versatility of Lo-1 (100 ISO) Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).

Three-Inch, super-density 921,000-dot VGA color monitor: High resolution with

170-degree wide-angle viewing, calibrated color and tempered-glass protection assure confident image review.

Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with extensive dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, the D700 merges pro D-SLR performance with expanded agility.

Nikon D700 digital SLR camera has dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System: Effective quad-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning minimizes image degrading dust particles.

Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System: SRS further extends auto-exposure intelligence while also advancing white-balance detection and autofocus performance.

Active D-Lighting with NEW Auto mode: Unique three-phase dynamic control to capture previously lost details in shadows and highlights while maintaining normalized contrast.

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Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 549.99 +

I really like the sports feature of this digital camera. It’s amazing how Rebel XS can capture every jump & dance move. The fact that it is very lightweight to carry around, may just be a good reason why you would want to purchase this camera.

One drawback was the lack of IR receiver for wireless remote shutter control, which is found on the next higher model.

If you don't need the video function, this camera is great for taking pictures. All the features were almost identical to Canon Rebel, so the learning curve is easy if you have owned one.

For its price, this digital camera will give you awesome pictures with the right lenses.

• To check how to use EOS Rebel XS, download a copy of Canon EOS Rebel XS User Manual here. This user manual is from Canon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital SLR Camera

Canon’s CMOS sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies first seen in Canon’s professional EOS-1D Mark III to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency.

EOS Rebel XS’s Auto Lighting Optimizer is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions.

This digital camera features a high-speed, wide area 7-point AF system. It can focus using One-Shot AF mode, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF and Manual.

EOS Rebel XS operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive.

The EOS Rebel XS has a bright 2.5-inch TFT LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170º. It’s perfect for Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO, Metering, AF Point selection and flash options.

Photographers who must change lenses in dusty environments will find the advanced Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System a tremendous time saver. Dust that settles on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration.

Measuring 4.96" x 3.8" x 2.4" and weighing in at under 16 oz., this digital camera is indeed the smallest digital Rebel ever produced. Its lightweight and compact design does not, however, leave out controls and displays one would expect from an EOS Digital camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 599.99 +

This digital camera is user-friendly. As soon as you open the box, you can easily identify most of the functions. The button-layout is comfortable and the menu is self-explanatory. There is just one minor issue that you might find which is when switching from LCD mode to Live View mode, its a bit close to the shooting option/self timer button. In some cases when taking night landscaping shots, one may accidentally hit the wrong button.

For those who have used XSi and T1i, Rebel T3 body construction is a little cheap when compared to any other SLR's in the market.

• To check how to use Rebel T3, download a copy of Canon Rebel T3 User Manual. This user manual is from Canon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera

Canon's CMOS sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency that were first seen with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model.

EOS Rebel T3 enables shooting from sunrise to sunset and helps ensure capture of the finest detail. With enhanced high-sensitivity optimization, subjects can be captured clearly and easily at high shutter speeds without flash, with minimized blur and noise.

This digital camera’s expanded repertoire of technologies includes shooting video in brilliantly clear, exactingly sharp high definition for playback on your HDTV! Shooting at 1280 x 720 at 30 (29.97) or 25 frames per second, HD video can be taken immediately through the EOS Rebel T3 camera's intuitive operation and layout.

EOS Rebel T3 has a high-precision, 9-point AF system utilizing a high-precision, f/5.6 cross-type center point.

This digital camera features Canon's newest Dual-layer sensor, with 63 zones. By measuring not only the amount of light, but also taking into account color and luminosity, this new system delivers a very high level of accuracy for better results every time.

EOS Rebel T3 operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive. With instant startup times, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS Rebel T3 is one of the fastest cameras available today.

Rebel T3 has a huge, bright 2.7-inch TFT (thin film transistor) LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170°.

The EOS Rebel T3 DSLR's Quick Control screen gives you instant access to the most common settings, all in one place! It's a great way to quickly confirm or change settings while you're shooting. The Quick Control screen is particularly useful when you're shooting from a tripod or monopod.

This digital camera demystifies great photography by including an in-camera Feature Guide. Appearing on the camera's LCD, the Feature Guide displays a simple description or advice for the respective function.

EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera

Price $ 649.99 +

This digital camera is excellent for the entry-level photographer. It can deliver awesome results but you have to read and learn to use all the features it has, which is extensive.

There are few good things about this digital camera, and a few flaws. One not so good feature is its ISO maxes out at 1600, has only 9 focus points.

Rebel XSi does not have a video, although it may not matter for some, but for casual photographers, videos can come in handy. The good news is, there is not a whole lot of noise at ISO 1600. Also, 3.4 fps is not bad for a camera considering its price. Thos digital camera does pretty well in low-light situations. The focus on the kit-lens is pretty fast and the controls are pretty simple.

Key Features of EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera

Canon's CMOS sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency that were first seen with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model.

EOS Rebel XSi operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive. With instant startup times, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS Rebel XSi is one of the fastest cameras available today. It can shoot up to 3.5 frames per second, in bursts of 53 JPEGs or 6 RAW files

This digital camera has a huge, bright 3.0-inch TFT LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170°. It's perfect for Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO, Metering, AF Point selection and flash options. And the maximum brightness of the EOS Rebel XSi LCD monitor is about 30% greater than its predecessor, which is a big benefit when you're using the camera in bright sunlight.

EOS Rebel XSi has a high-precision 9-point wide area AF sensor for fast, accurate focus even in dim lighting

.

This digital camera's 35-zone evaluative metering system with improved white balance analyzes light based on each zone in the viewing area, enabling the camera to choose the overall best exposure for the entire scene. It now features a spot meter, which reads a tiny area (about 4%) of the picture for extremely precise metering. It also provides Center-weighted average metering and partial metering for accurate exposure no matter the situation.

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera

Price $1,099.00 +

This digital SLR digital camera’s high ISO quality is outstanding and does as claimed, represent at least a full stop improvement over any Canon camera before it. It is very similar to the 40D in all controls, so it's completely easy to switch from one to the other. The motor drive is fast enough for action. Live view is so much better than 40D, Tripod is still a must but that is expected. Brighter screen is a plus in any landscape work.

I have to say that I prefer EOS 50D to the 7-D or even the 5D MkII. From what I heard,  50D produces comparably less shadow noise than either digital cameras, and the RAW files are quite flexible beyond what you would have expected. I've read that some people mentioned about getting the magenta cast on the photo, and colors are flat. But considering we have a lot of photo editing software now, those can be corrected at the post production. One review that I can’t afford to neglect was when EOS 50D is used to shoot outdoor in a sunny day, highlights are blown out pretty badly, especially in light color objects. Even though Highlight Tone Priority function comes handy in those situations, they were pretty ugly noticeable which you won’t get comparing to 20D.

• To check how to use EOS 50D, download a copy of Canon EOS 50D User Manual. This user manual is from Canon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Features of Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera

• EOS 50D features a newly-designed 15.1-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor which is capable of recording up to 4752 x 3168 pixels with full 14-bit A/D conversion for extremely fine tonal gradation.

• This digital camera operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive. With instant start-up times, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS 50D is one of the fastest cameras available today. It can shoot up to 6.3 fps, in bursts of up to 90 JPEGs (using an UDMA CF card), 60 JPEGs (using a CF card) consecutively or 16 RAW files.

• EOS 50D features a bright, high resolution, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor with 920,000 (dots/VGA) pixels and a broad viewing angle of 160° horizontally and vertically. It offers a brighter and more detailed display than the EOS 40D.

• This digital camera features Canon's most advanced Live View shooting thanks to the number of focusing modes available including Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection Live mode.

• Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera has a high-precision 9-point wide area AF that uses cross-type points at f-stops of f/5.6 or faster, enabling the camera to focus faster, more accurately, and in difficult lighting situations. AF sensitivity is a stunning EV-0.5 to EV18.

• Canon's exclusive Lens Peripheral Illumination setting takes into account any light falloff in the corners of the frame and corrects it, making for a perfectly exposed image.

• This digital camera’s Self Cleaning Sensor Unit eliminates stray dust that enters the camera when changing a lens or when out in the field.

• The EOS 50D has a new Creative Auto mode and a quick control screen that helps novice users narrow the gap between fully automatic and manual control.

This digital camera includes a new HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output device that enables high definition display of your photographs on any HDTV with HDMI ports.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S Digital SLR Camera

Price  $ 749.99 +

I had the opportunity to give this camera a quick test a few days ago and comparing to 50D, which is a similar camera, I would go for EOS T1i which has high definition video which you will not find on 50D.  The major advantage of 50D is well within the price range. For anyone moving on to becoming professional, this camera will do anything you need to do. A great camera with very advanced features.

I have not seen a lot of negative reviews about this digital camera, so if you have one, feel  free to write down your comments below.

• To check how to use Rebel T1i, download a copy of Canon EOS Rebel T1i User Manual here. This user manual is from Canon USA support group and you must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Features of Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S Digital SLR Camera

• Canon's CMOS sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies as used by Canon's professional cameras to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency. Rebel T1i APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format).

• This digital camera shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition. By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1i's mode dial, the camera's 3.0-inch LCD lights up, and it's ready to go. Shooting is at a frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480 and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording.

• It has a Live View Function which you can enjoy nearly every camera function available in normal shooting, all with the convenience of composing on the camera's brilliant 3.0-inch LCD monitor.

• Canon EOS Rebel T1i digital SLR camera has a 3.0-inch high resolution LCD monitor that features 920,000 dots/VGA for far more detail than previous Rebel-series LCDs. It's the same screen found on professional models such as the EOS 5D Mark II.

• EOS Rebel T1i's Auto Lighting Optimizer is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene while ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It's available in shooting modes including P, Tv, and Av.

• This digital camera features a greatly expanded ISO range that makes shooting possible in situations previously impossible without flash. With an expanded setting to ISO 3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800), along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor's improved noise-reduction technology, possibilities are endless.

EOS Rebel T1i is especially built for beginners looking to expand their photographic horizons. This digital camera offers Creative Auto mode. While basic settings are based on full automatic operation, shooting guides on the LCD screen enable you to make corrections based on simple to follow guidelines. In essence, with Creative Auto mode, you can learn about photography while taking stunning photographs.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i EF-S Digital SLR Camera

EOS Rebel T2i is fairly new as of this writing. Checking on Canon’s website, it appears that they haven’t release their suggested retail price. And you won’t find a lot of reviews yet over the Internet.  But anyway, let’s see what this digital camera has to offer compared to their series of Rebels.

• To check how to use Rebel T2i, download a copy of Canon EOS Rebel T2i User Manual here from Canon USA support group. You must have Adobe Reader to read the full text.

Key Features of Canon Rebel T2i 

• Canon EOS Rebel T2i has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops. This first-class sensor features many of the same new technologies as used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light-gathering efficiency. Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format).

• With an ISO rating up to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor's improved noise-reduction technology, possibilities are endless. Combine Canon EOS Rebel T2i with one of their EF or EF-S lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer and the shooting possibilities for both movies and stills expand even further.

• This digital camera is designed for the evolving, tech-savvy user, the EOS Rebel T2i features HD Video capture technologies – manual exposure control for more creative control. By shooting video with the EOS Rebel T2i, photographers as well as filmmakers can take advantage of the creative features native to SLR cameras.

• Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital SLR camera features Canon's newest Dual-layer sensor, with 63 zones. By measuring not only the amount of light, but also taking into account color and luminosity, this new system delivers a very high level of accuracy for better results every time.

• The EOS Rebel T2i has a high-resolution 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor that features 1.04 million dots/VGA for spectacular detail. It also has the same aspect ratio (3:2) as the camera's sensor, making for clear and easy Live View composition.

• This digital camera refined button layout includes a dedicated button that directs the camera immediately to the Quick Control screen, where it's simple to navigate among any number of settings, including ISO.

• Without the need to navigate through a bunch of menus, this digital camera transitions effortlessly between still and movie mode. By pressing the Live View/Movie button, a situation that had required menu access with other cameras, still images can change to a movie shoot and vice versa. It’s literally as simple as the press of a button.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i digital camera can shoot up to 3.7 frames per second (fps) for up to approximately 6 consecutive RAW files or approximately 34 full-resolution JPEGs. Shooting at speeds of up to 1/4000 sec., the EOS Rebel T2i can capture even rapidly-unfolding scenes with ease.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 Digital Camera

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 realizes all the features you want from a bulky digital SLR interchangeable lens camera, only it accomplishes this in an ultra compact point-and-shoot camera body about as wide and tall as a typical smart phone yet is lightweight and simple to master. This remarkable reduction in size and weight is due to Panasonic’s advancements in new mirror-free camera technology, and large DSLR format sensors that are more compatible with a new class of compact Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System lenses. This new class of Compact System Cameras (CSC) offers a weight and compactness not seen in traditional digital SLR cameras, yielding greater portability and creative control. The DMC-GF3s image quality comes from a large DSLR-sized 12.1-megapixel sensor and newly advanced image processing technologies.

• Mode Access via Touch-Enabled LCD or Mode Thumb Wheel

This digital camera provides a traditional DSLR-like experience without the need for complicated external mode dials, yet provides intuitive and quick access to common modes like Program, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Manual via a touch-enabled LCD that operates much like a smart phone.

• Built-in Flash

Because of Panasonic Lumix 6400 ISO, the DMC-GF3 shoots well under low light even without a flash. But there are times when a flash provides desired enhancements. So, like most digital SLR cameras, the DMC-GF3 provides a built-in pop-up flash for added light during low-light shooting.

• Lens Options and 3D Capture

LUMIX G Series Compact System Cameras utilize the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System lens mount. MFT offers greater size and weight reduction in the lens without compromising lens performance and clarity

• Dust Reduction System

As with many interchangeable lens cameras, dust on the sensor reduces image clarity. To eliminate this potential, Panasonic Lumix  DMC-GF3 digital camera has a Dust Reduction System that uses a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

• HD Video Capture

The LUMIX DMC-GF3 also shoots 1080/60i High Definition video using the AVCHD format (sensor output 30 fps).

• Faster, Accurate Pinpoint Focusing

Contrast Detection Auto Focus technology used in point-and-shoot and new mirrorless Compact System Cameras now approaches the speeds that were once only available from traditional professional-level Digital SLR cameras.

• Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus (iA, iA+)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 digital camera has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably in both photo and video recording modes with iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus.

• Color and Effects

Using the LUMIX Photo Style Mode, popular color effects can be achieved.

• Venus Engine FHD

The new LUMIX Venus Engine FHD offers vastly improved compensation for electronic noise under low light and shadows where higher ISOs typically add grain to the image. Circuitry on the large digital SLR camera sized 12.1-megapixel sensor further reduces low-noise signal problems at the pixel level and at the amplifier circuit level. As a result, higher ISOs with much lower noise can be achieved. This means faster action-stopping shutter speeds in low light, and a maximum achievable ISO of 6400.

Kodak Easyshare Sport Digital Camera

Price $ 69.95 +

Take pictures while snorkeling, and you will be amazed about this digital camera’s technology. Compare with the disposable one, this is recommended, especially for outdoor activities.

Some reviews indicated that it is impossible to take acceptable photos using the zoom function and others also mentioned the inconvenience of requiring a software to extract the pictures from the camera. It was suggested that there should be a driver that one can load into the computer to be able to recognize the camera in Windows Explorer and just treat the camera as another external memory device. And some of them also commented about the battery that dries up so quickly. 

Considering all factors, I would say Kodak Easyshare Sport Digital Camera can be as good as it can get : )

Features of Kodak Easyshare Sport Digital Camera

• The world’s only cameras with 3-step sharing. Kodak’s Share button makes sharing your pictures and videos as simple as 1, 2, 3.
• Waterproof, dustproof, and worry proof
• This digital camera has 12 MP to make stunning prints up to 30 X 40 in.
• Kodak Easyshare sport has 2.4 in. bright LCD and an amazing HD quality pictures
• Shoot video with ease.

Record life in motion up to 10 ft underwater with continuous VGA video

Features include audio capture and on-camera editing

Enjoy video print options including 9-up prints, plus view and share single frames

• Face detection

KODAK EASYSHARE Software

The complete solution for transferring, online sharing, e-mailing, organizing, editing, and creative printing of your pictures.

With Kodak Easyshare Sport digital camera, you can organize your pictures with your own tags, star ratings, and date and time stamps, then use the search feature to quickly find any picture in your collection

Edit your pictures with ease—select from a variety of simple tools that reduce red-eye, improve lighting, remove wrinkles and blemishes, and add text

This digital camera create photo projects online or at home—choose from hundreds of templates and designs to create album pages, cards, invitations and much more

Manually upload to KODAK Gallery, YouTube, FACEBOOK, FLICKR, TWITTER, ORKUT, YANDEX, and KAIXIN001 sites[10], plus e-mail and KODAK PULSE Digital Frame