Dave's Picks

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable... (more)

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable The Canon A2000 IS generally does a good job upholding the strong tradition of Canon's A-series cameras. Its 6x zoom lens shows very good optical quality, and its 10-megapixel sensor delivers plenty of detail at low ISOs. It does pretty well at high ISOs as well, as you can make 8x10 inch prints from its output up to about ISO 800, and ISO 1,600 images are usable at 4x6 inches. Important for family photography, the Canon A2000 IS also handles household incandescent lighting unusually well, producing very nice-looking images. The A2000 uses AA batteries, something many users look for in a camera, figuring they'll never be far from finding replacements when needed. Really, the Canon A2000IS has only a single defect, a slow flash recycle time. Still, there's no arguing with the high image quality, and the Canon A2000's ISO 800 setting ought to allow you to get good shots without a flash, making the Canon A2000 a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera.... (more)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera. The Canon SX110 IS manages to pack an optically stabilized 10x zoom lens into a relatively compact body, but its image quality still competes very well with that of full-sized long-zoom cameras. In high ISO shooting, it gives up a little ground to Canon's own SX10 IS, which uses a more powerful version of Canon's Digic processor, but the SX110 IS's more compact body is much easier to pack along on outings and trips. Its 9-megapixel sensor may sound modest at a time when some consumer models are sporting 14- and 15-megapixel chips, but trust us: The Canon SX110 IS captures more than enough detail for any size print you're likely to want to make. Auto white balance is excellent, making this a good camera for indoor shooting, as it's able to handle difficult household incandescent lighting. Highly versatile; offering anything from fully automatic to fully manual exposure, the Canon SX110IS would make a great family camera, as it can easily accommodate the interests of everyone from first-time beginners to experienced enthusiasts. See our Canon SX110IS review for full details, or use the link above to shop for the best price. A great all-around digicam! (minimize)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera!... (more)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera! We've been giving waterproof cameras somewhat short treatment around IR of late, because they've almost invariably been mediocre performers when it came to picture-taking. The Pentax W60 surprised us with its excellent image quality and performance, though, so we've sent it back into the lab for the full round of tests. The testing that we've done to date shows the Pentax W60 to be a waterproof (and freezeproof) camera that delivers excellent image quality or performance. Its pictures are sharp, with very good color, and good noise levels up to about ISO 800. It's also a very responsive camera, with shutter lag approaching that of entry-level SLR models, and continuous shooting speeds up to 5 frames/second, albeit at a reduced resolution of 5 megapixels (still plenty for 8x10 inch prints). If you're looking for the ultimate in a go-anywhere camera, the Pentax W60 deserves a closer look! (minimize)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm... (more)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm Canon's most refined entry into the pocket long-zoom digital camera category, the PowerShot SX200, features a gorgeous 12x zoom ranging from 28-336mm, but slips into a jacket pocket with ease. A big 3-inch LCD leaves no room for an optical viewfinder on the Canon SX200 but at this zoom range it would be woefully inaccurate anyway. Just packed with popular Canon features, the Canon SX200 also sports optical image stabilization, an HD movie mode, and face detection that can track your subjects around the screen even when they turn away from the camera. The usual stack of automatic modes graces the Canon SX200, but you'll be pleased to find Shutter and Aperture priority settings, as well as full Manual exposure modes. The Canon SX200 IS a good take-anywhere digital camera, great for the novice and enthusiast alike and is worth a closer look. Click here for our review of the Canon SX200 IS. (minimize)

A great companion digital camera with a 25-300mm zoom that fits in a pocket... (more)

A great companion digital camera with a 25-300mm zoom that fits in a pocket Panasonic practically created the pocket long-zoom digital camera category represented by the Lumix ZS3, and they continue to perfect it. Its 12x zoom and simple design will win you over right away, and the performance from its 10.1-megapixel sensor will make you want to take the Panasonic ZS3 along wherever you go. It's hard not to love a digital camera that takes you from a very wide 25mm out to 300mm, yet stashes in a medium-size pocket. Image stabilization makes the package even more compelling. Click here to read our Express Review of the Panasonic ZS3 to see how it measures up in image quality. (minimize)

A pretty good SLR at a pretty astonishingly low price!... (more)

A pretty good SLR at a pretty astonishingly low price! The Canon Rebel XS is a bargain 10-megapixel, image-stabilized digital SLR kit with impressive low-light performance and great optical quality. Though it's not made for enthusiasts, the Canon Rebel XS offers a lot to the consumer photographer, with a 2.5-inch LCD, a 7-point AF sensor, and a very good quality 18-55mm zoom lens with optical image stabilization. The Rebel XS is light, with a good grip and an interface that is easy to learn and use. Image quality is tuned for printing crisp images straight from the camera, and you can print even without a computer thanks to the Canon XS's built-in Print/Share button. While Canon left a lot of high-end features in the Rebel XS, like Live View and AutoLighting Optimizer, the frame rate isn't quite as fast as its sibling the Rebel XSi. Autofocus, though, is very fast, and the Canon XS's high ISO performance combines with the sharp, image-stabilized zoom lens to make a great camera for both indoor and outdoor photography. The Canon Rebel XS is a quality consumer digital SLR camera worth a closer look. Click here for our full Canon Rebel XS review! (minimize)

An affordable, pocketable, EASY digital camera from Sony... (more)

An affordable, pocketable, EASY digital camera from Sony The entry-level model of their W-series digital cameras, the Sony W220 is a camera that grew on me the more I used it. I'm no fan of Sony's menu system, but once you're used to it, works well enough. When it comes to picture-taking, the Sony W220 does just fine. Like a lot of digital cameras today, the W220 is a result of the megapixel race: 12 megapixels in a consumer digital camera is just silly. Fortunately, at reasonable print sizes, output from the Sony W220 looks quite nice, despite the tiny pixels. Its "Easy" mode also delivers what many consumers want most in a camera: True "point & shoot" operation, able to capture good-looking shots under a wide range of conditions, with zero user input to determine settings, modes, etc. This makes the DSC-W220 a great digital camera for novices. The Sony W220 has its share of foibles (softness and chromatic aberration in the corners of the frame, for one), but at the end of the day, it proved itself well able to handle a lot of what the typical consumer will throw at it. Click the price link above to shop for the best price on a Cyber-shot W220, or check out our Sony W220 review for more details! (minimize)

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable... (more)

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable The Canon A2000 IS generally does a good job upholding the strong tradition of Canon's A-series cameras. Its 6x zoom lens shows very good optical quality, and its 10-megapixel sensor delivers plenty of detail at low ISOs. It does pretty well at high ISOs as well, as you can make 8x10 inch prints from its output up to about ISO 800, and ISO 1,600 images are usable at 4x6 inches. Important for family photography, the Canon A2000 IS also handles household incandescent lighting unusually well, producing very nice-looking images. The A2000 uses AA batteries, something many users look for in a camera, figuring they'll never be far from finding replacements when needed. Really, the Canon A2000IS has only a single defect, a slow flash recycle time. Still, there's no arguing with the high image quality, and the Canon A2000's ISO 800 setting ought to allow you to get good shots without a flash, making the Canon A2000 a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

A playful point-and-shoot digital camera that also performs... (more)

A playful point-and-shoot digital camera that also performs Cute, small, and fun, the Canon PowerShot E1 brings intelligent, automatic simplicity to a, dare-we-say, adorable little digital camera body. It's small and attractive, but it's not all about the looks. The PowerShot E1 captures clean, high-quality images with great color and exposure, boasting useful automatic tools such as Face Detection and a variety of pre-programmed scene modes. With its 4x zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and 10-megapixel CCD, the PowerShot E1 can handle a range of conditions with ease. See our Express Review of the Canon PowerShot E1 for more. (minimize)

Excellent image quality and greater versatility than any other Nikon digital SLR... (more)

Excellent image quality and greater versatility than any other Nikon digital SLR Including the same excellent 12.3-megapixel sensor as the D300 and D90, the Nikon D5000 has nothing to apologize for in the image quality department, yet has even more to recommend it. The HD Movie mode stands out as a key feature, offering the ability to use many unique lenses, like wide angle and long telephoto optics, in movie recording for interesting effects. The Nikon D5000's kit lens has optical Vibration Reduction for more stable videos and stills, and a new articulating LCD screen tilts and rotates, allowing you to shoot from overhead, down low, or even around corners. The Nikon D5000's shutter mechanism is rated at 100,000 shots, as well, a first for a consumer digital SLR, so it's durable enough for the most avid photographer. The exposure system can be as simple or complex as you like, with a wide array of options, and Nikon didn't skimp on the editing features, either, offering quite a few post-processing tools to overlay images, add soft-focus, fix perspective problems, and even add a fisheye effect to your images. The Nikon D5000 is a whole lot of digital SLR, and a whole lot of fun. Click here to read the full review of the Nikon D5000! (minimize)

A playful point-and-shoot digital camera that also performs... (more)

A playful point-and-shoot digital camera that also performs Cute, small, and fun, the Canon PowerShot E1 brings intelligent, automatic simplicity to a, dare-we-say, adorable little digital camera body. It's small and attractive, but it's not all about the looks. The PowerShot E1 captures clean, high-quality images with great color and exposure, boasting useful automatic tools such as Face Detection and a variety of pre-programmed scene modes. With its 4x zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and 10-megapixel CCD, the PowerShot E1 can handle a range of conditions with ease. See our Express Review of the Canon PowerShot E1 for more. (minimize)

Unique slim touchscreen with WiFi offers large storage, impressive connectivity... (more)

Unique slim touchscreen with WiFi offers large storage, impressive connectivity Few WiFi digital cameras have everything we like to see in terms of image quality, usability, and functionality, but the Sony Cyber-shot G3 was a pleasant surprise. Slide the body open and you're wowed by the slick Sony engineering as the two shells click into their open position. On comes the wide, 3.5-inch LCD, displaying 921,000 dots, for smooth image framing and even smoother image playback. The Sony G3's onscreen buttons will have you navigating the G3 in no time; even uploading your images wirelessly from your digital camera to the service or computer of your choice. As for storage, you get 4GB built in, enough room to carry tons of images that you've shot over the years, syncing them from your computer into the Sony G3, making it a mobile photo viewer as well. Its 10.1-megapixel imager allows output of detailed 11x14-inch prints at the lower ISO settings, and even ISO 400 images are good at 8x10. Other features include a 4x optical zoom, sensitivity from ISO 80 to 3,200, Face detection, and Intelligent scene recognition. Using the Sony G3 is quite an experience. Click here for our review of the Sony Cyber-shot G3 for more on the finest WiFi digital camera we've seen to date. (minimize)

First ELPH with full Manual mode delivers excellent prints... (more)

First ELPH with full Manual mode delivers excellent prints The 900-series of the Canon ELPH digital cameras is usually pretty deluxe, and the Canon SD990 doesn't disappoint. In addition to the Canon SD990's 14.7-megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD, and 3.7x lens, this curvy little digital camera has a full Manual exposure mode that should pique the interest of photographers wanting a little more control. Image stabilization is of course standard on the Canon SD990, as is face detection, intelligent auto, and intelligent contrast, but a new Quick Shot mode primes the camera to capture action when used with the optical viewfinder. Though it's small, the Canon SD990's images can be printed at up to 16x20 inches with good detail, thanks to the high-resolution sensor. Lens flare is a minor problem with the Canon SD990, especially in daylight shots, so prepare to limit print sizes to 8x10 to avoid a slight glow around bright objects, but other than that, the Canon SD990 is an impressive photographic tool, full of interesting twists. Click here for our Express Review of the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS. (minimize)

Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price... (more)

Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price Canon has been adding something special to each of their new digital SLRs, something that sets the camera apart from the pack. This time, the something special is the HD movie mode in the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Capable of capturing 1080p movies, the new camera opens up a whole world of video opportunities for those with a selection of Canon full-frame lenses -- from capturing extreme wide angles to isolating subjects with long telephoto, the 5D Mark II is truly a video artist's tool. Of course, the 5D Mark II also has the goods for the more traditional still photographer, offering a 21.1-megapixel sensor, a tuned version of the sensor in the Canon 1Ds Mark III. Now the 5D Mark II's sensor has significantly better high ISO performance, able to produce nearly noise-free images up to ISO 6,400. If you can handle a little noise, you can even reach out to 25,600. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II's new high resolution LCD delivers a fine 640x480 image for better focus checking and a great image in Live View mode. The whole package comes in below the price of competing full-frame digital SLRs, at $2,699. Click here to read our full review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. (minimize)

Nikon's D3x is the ultimate picture-taking machine, with the highest image quality we've ever measured.... (more)

Nikon's D3x is the ultimate picture-taking machine, with the highest image quality we've ever measured. The Nikon D3x produces the highest image quality of any camera we've tested to date. Its combination of resolution, color fidelity, and noise performance puts it at the very top of its class. Not only does the Nikon D3x sport an amazing 24.5 megapixels of resolution, it manages to wring more detail out of those pixels (particularly in its NEF-format RAW files) than anything else out there. The D3x also offers surprising speed, capable of 5 frames/second at full resolution, and up to 7.5 frames/second in its 10.5 megapixel DX crop mode. And then there's build quality: The D3x is built like the proverbial tank; capable of handling most anything a busy pro might care to dish out to it. The high-end SLR market often seems like a perpetual game of leapfrog, but for now, the Nikon D3x sits at the top of the heap, as the ultimate digital SLR. Calling it a five-star Dave's Pick is the highest praise we have to offer, but in the case of the D3x, that seems hardly enough... (minimize)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch... (more)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch With a design and features that will attract a wide array of photographers, the Nikon D700 is the first full-frame digital SLR camera to break the $3,000 barrier at its introduction. Based on the popular Nikon D300, the Nikon D700's controls are poised for quick activation, with commonly used functions out in plain sight, rather than buried in a menu. The Nikon D700's full-frame sensor is essentially identical to the Nikon D3's, so image quality is superb, and high-ISO performance is unprecedented, ranging from 100 to 25,600. A large, high-resolution LCD screen serves up images that are sharper than normal, and menus likewise appear razor-sharp. Special features adorn the Nikon D700, including a 51-point autofocus system, Active D-Lighting image processing, Lateral chromatic aberration correction, Vignette control, and AF Fine-tune capability; all making the camera extremely adaptable. Nikon's latest offering is a great digital SLR camera to build a system around. Click here for our review of the full-frame Nikon D700 (minimize)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market... (more)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market Almost in a category by itself, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera really impressed us. With a 10-megapixel imager, a high quality Leica lens, and a high-resolution 3-inch wide-screen LCD, the Panasonic LX3 was built to deliver high image quality in a small package. Gone are the noise problems of the LX2, and detail is lush. A full range of capture modes graces the LX3 -- auto and manual -- plus a hot shoe, manual AF and aspect ratio controls, and the little digital camera even shoots RAW. The Panasonic LX3's color was natural, and impressive printed results tell the rest of the story. The Panasonic LX3's price is competitive, too, more than an inexpensive digicam, but less than a digital SLR. Click here to see why the Panasonic LX3 has put my piggy bank on the endangered species list. (minimize)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line!... (more)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line! The Canon G10 is an impressive photographic tool for the discriminating enthusiast. The switch to a wider-angle lens than the G9 makes the G10 more useful for more types of photography, yet the 140mm end still gets in reasonably close for tighter compositions. Optical quality is good, with only moderate softening in the corners, and image quality is also impressive, with good color control and low noise at most ISO settings, exemplified by the ISO 800 shots that are usable printed at 11x14. Autofocus performance isn't on par with SLRs, but action photography isn't what the Canon G10 is about; it's quality photography in a small package. Its small, solid body, analog ISO control, optical image stabilization, and tons of features tuned for the enthusiast photographer tell of the Canon G10's purpose. A close look at the Canon G10's images makes it clear that the Canon G10 meets the enthusiast's standard and is easily worthy of a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm... (more)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm Canon's most refined entry into the pocket long-zoom digital camera category, the PowerShot SX200, features a gorgeous 12x zoom ranging from 28-336mm, but slips into a jacket pocket with ease. A big 3-inch LCD leaves no room for an optical viewfinder on the Canon SX200 but at this zoom range it would be woefully inaccurate anyway. Just packed with popular Canon features, the Canon SX200 also sports optical image stabilization, an HD movie mode, and face detection that can track your subjects around the screen even when they turn away from the camera. The usual stack of automatic modes graces the Canon SX200, but you'll be pleased to find Shutter and Aperture priority settings, as well as full Manual exposure modes. The Canon SX200 IS a good take-anywhere digital camera, great for the novice and enthusiast alike and is worth a closer look. Click here for our review of the Canon SX200 IS. (minimize)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features!... (more)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features! Nikon rocked the DSLR world when they introduced their D90 SLR early this Fall, the first SLR that can record movies. Its video capabilities won't replace dedicated camcorders, but will provide welcome relief for photographers tired of carrying along a pocket digicam just for taking "video snapshots". Its movie recording is only one of the many exceptional features the Nikon D90 has to offer. It also incorporates the chromatic aberration correction capability first introduced in the D3 and D300 high-end models. This feature works regardless of the brand lens you're using, so the D90 promises to improve the quality of most any lens you use it with. Speaking of lenses, the Nikon D90 ships with one of the nicest kit lenses we've seen yet, a 18-105mm VR (vibration reduction, Nikon's name for Image Stabilization) model that delivers very good sharpness, and (thanks to the aforementioned CA-reduction capability of the camera) very little chromatic aberration. The Nikon D90 brings much, much more to the table, though, far more than we can go into here. If you're in the market for a high-end prosumer digital SLR camera, the Nikon D90 deserves to be near the top of your list for consideration. Read our Nikon D90 review for all the details! (minimize)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200... (more)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200 Many features stand out to make the Canon EOS 50D a great digital SLR camera. What will really catch and hold users is the impressive image quality they'll get from the Canon 50D across the standard ISO range of 100 to 3,200. The Canon 50D's new gapless microlenses allow greater light gathering ability, making for surprisingly detailed images, even at ISO 800 and 1,600. The Canon 50D's 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion doesn't slow the frame rate down, either, as the camera clicks along at 6.3 frames per second. UDMA support gives the Canon 50D the ability to write to the card at 45MB per second, with support for future cards that will allow writing at up to 133MB per second, making followup shots with the 50D quite fast. The addition of face detection gives the Canon 50D the most complete set of Live View features in an EOS camera, and other operational enhancements make the Canon 50D both easy to work with and provide more depth to explore than ever before. Canon offers more than one kit lens with the 50D, and one is definitely better than the other. Click here to read our full review of the Canon EOS 50D for more! (minimize)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm... (more)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm Canon's most refined entry into the pocket long-zoom digital camera category, the PowerShot SX200, features a gorgeous 12x zoom ranging from 28-336mm, but slips into a jacket pocket with ease. A big 3-inch LCD leaves no room for an optical viewfinder on the Canon SX200 but at this zoom range it would be woefully inaccurate anyway. Just packed with popular Canon features, the Canon SX200 also sports optical image stabilization, an HD movie mode, and face detection that can track your subjects around the screen even when they turn away from the camera. The usual stack of automatic modes graces the Canon SX200, but you'll be pleased to find Shutter and Aperture priority settings, as well as full Manual exposure modes. The Canon SX200 IS a good take-anywhere digital camera, great for the novice and enthusiast alike and is worth a closer look. Click here for our review of the Canon SX200 IS. (minimize)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera!... (more)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera! We've been giving waterproof cameras somewhat short treatment around IR of late, because they've almost invariably been mediocre performers when it came to picture-taking. The Pentax W60 surprised us with its excellent image quality and performance, though, so we've sent it back into the lab for the full round of tests. The testing that we've done to date shows the Pentax W60 to be a waterproof (and freezeproof) camera that delivers excellent image quality or performance. Its pictures are sharp, with very good color, and good noise levels up to about ISO 800. It's also a very responsive camera, with shutter lag approaching that of entry-level SLR models, and continuous shooting speeds up to 5 frames/second, albeit at a reduced resolution of 5 megapixels (still plenty for 8x10 inch prints). If you're looking for the ultimate in a go-anywhere camera, the Pentax W60 deserves a closer look! (minimize)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm... (more)

A delightful, versatile digital camera with a long zoom and plenty of charm Canon's most refined entry into the pocket long-zoom digital camera category, the PowerShot SX200, features a gorgeous 12x zoom ranging from 28-336mm, but slips into a jacket pocket with ease. A big 3-inch LCD leaves no room for an optical viewfinder on the Canon SX200 but at this zoom range it would be woefully inaccurate anyway. Just packed with popular Canon features, the Canon SX200 also sports optical image stabilization, an HD movie mode, and face detection that can track your subjects around the screen even when they turn away from the camera. The usual stack of automatic modes graces the Canon SX200, but you'll be pleased to find Shutter and Aperture priority settings, as well as full Manual exposure modes. The Canon SX200 IS a good take-anywhere digital camera, great for the novice and enthusiast alike and is worth a closer look. Click here for our review of the Canon SX200 IS. (minimize)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market... (more)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market Almost in a category by itself, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera really impressed us. With a 10-megapixel imager, a high quality Leica lens, and a high-resolution 3-inch wide-screen LCD, the Panasonic LX3 was built to deliver high image quality in a small package. Gone are the noise problems of the LX2, and detail is lush. A full range of capture modes graces the LX3 -- auto and manual -- plus a hot shoe, manual AF and aspect ratio controls, and the little digital camera even shoots RAW. The Panasonic LX3's color was natural, and impressive printed results tell the rest of the story. The Panasonic LX3's price is competitive, too, more than an inexpensive digicam, but less than a digital SLR. Click here to see why the Panasonic LX3 has put my piggy bank on the endangered species list. (minimize)

Rugged never looked so good... (more)

Rugged never looked so good Finding a good quality waterproof digital camera is one thing, but finding a waterproof digital camera that takes great pictures like the Panasonic TS1, that's another. Most waterproof digital cameras lean heavily on their rugged capabilities to attract users, but the Panasonic Lumix TS1 delivers better quality images thanks to its 12.1-megapixel sensor, excellent 4.6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. The quality is so high, in fact, that we're pretty sure Panasonic is doing special post-processing in the TS1 to nearly eliminate chromatic aberration and other forms of distortion. That translates into better image quality from center to corner, despite the 28mm wide-angle lens, supporting some pretty big prints. We haven't seen a better rugged digital camera than the Panasonic TS1. Click here to read our Express Review of the Panasonic TS1. (minimize)

Latest Rebel rivals more expensive digital SLRs, delivering superb image quality... (more)

Latest Rebel rivals more expensive digital SLRs, delivering superb image quality Combining the best from Canon's recent digital SLR innovations, the Rebel T1i is a compelling digital camera with a 15.1-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD, and an image-stabilized zoom lens. As a still camera, the Canon T1i has a lot going for it, including an ISO range extending from 100 to 12,800, a 3.4 frame-per-second frame rate, and contrast-detect autofocus in live view mode, for unprecedented ability to fine-tune focus right on the new 3-inch, 920,000-pixel LCD screen. As for image quality, the Canon T1i sets a new benchmark for digital SLR cameras priced less than $1,000, even rivaling more expensive digital SLRs like the Canon 50D and Nikon D90. But that's not all the Canon Rebel T1i has going for it, there's also a new Movie mode for capturing 720p HD video. Though it's important to note that the new mode won't be for everyone, anyone interested in exploring video with the wide range of lenses available for the EOS system will find an amazing bargain in the Canon T1i. Overall, the Canon T1i is a very well-rounded digital SLR camera, with plenty to offer amateur, intermediate, and professional photographers. Click here for our review of the Canon Rebel T1i. (minimize)

Excellent image quality and greater versatility than any other Nikon digital SLR... (more)

Excellent image quality and greater versatility than any other Nikon digital SLR Including the same excellent 12.3-megapixel sensor as the D300 and D90, the Nikon D5000 has nothing to apologize for in the image quality department, yet has even more to recommend it. The HD Movie mode stands out as a key feature, offering the ability to use many unique lenses, like wide angle and long telephoto optics, in movie recording for interesting effects. The Nikon D5000's kit lens has optical Vibration Reduction for more stable videos and stills, and a new articulating LCD screen tilts and rotates, allowing you to shoot from overhead, down low, or even around corners. The Nikon D5000's shutter mechanism is rated at 100,000 shots, as well, a first for a consumer digital SLR, so it's durable enough for the most avid photographer. The exposure system can be as simple or complex as you like, with a wide array of options, and Nikon didn't skimp on the editing features, either, offering quite a few post-processing tools to overlay images, add soft-focus, fix perspective problems, and even add a fisheye effect to your images. The Nikon D5000 is a whole lot of digital SLR, and a whole lot of fun. Click here to read the full review of the Nikon D5000! (minimize)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features!... (more)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features! Nikon rocked the DSLR world when they introduced their D90 SLR early this Fall, the first SLR that can record movies. Its video capabilities won't replace dedicated camcorders, but will provide welcome relief for photographers tired of carrying along a pocket digicam just for taking "video snapshots". Its movie recording is only one of the many exceptional features the Nikon D90 has to offer. It also incorporates the chromatic aberration correction capability first introduced in the D3 and D300 high-end models. This feature works regardless of the brand lens you're using, so the D90 promises to improve the quality of most any lens you use it with. Speaking of lenses, the Nikon D90 ships with one of the nicest kit lenses we've seen yet, a 18-105mm VR (vibration reduction, Nikon's name for Image Stabilization) model that delivers very good sharpness, and (thanks to the aforementioned CA-reduction capability of the camera) very little chromatic aberration. The Nikon D90 brings much, much more to the table, though, far more than we can go into here. If you're in the market for a high-end prosumer digital SLR camera, the Nikon D90 deserves to be near the top of your list for consideration. Read our Nikon D90 review for all the details! (minimize)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line!... (more)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line! The Canon G10 is an impressive photographic tool for the discriminating enthusiast. The switch to a wider-angle lens than the G9 makes the G10 more useful for more types of photography, yet the 140mm end still gets in reasonably close for tighter compositions. Optical quality is good, with only moderate softening in the corners, and image quality is also impressive, with good color control and low noise at most ISO settings, exemplified by the ISO 800 shots that are usable printed at 11x14. Autofocus performance isn't on par with SLRs, but action photography isn't what the Canon G10 is about; it's quality photography in a small package. Its small, solid body, analog ISO control, optical image stabilization, and tons of features tuned for the enthusiast photographer tell of the Canon G10's purpose. A close look at the Canon G10's images makes it clear that the Canon G10 meets the enthusiast's standard and is easily worthy of a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market... (more)

One of the finest premium enthusiast cameras on the market Almost in a category by itself, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera really impressed us. With a 10-megapixel imager, a high quality Leica lens, and a high-resolution 3-inch wide-screen LCD, the Panasonic LX3 was built to deliver high image quality in a small package. Gone are the noise problems of the LX2, and detail is lush. A full range of capture modes graces the LX3 -- auto and manual -- plus a hot shoe, manual AF and aspect ratio controls, and the little digital camera even shoots RAW. The Panasonic LX3's color was natural, and impressive printed results tell the rest of the story. The Panasonic LX3's price is competitive, too, more than an inexpensive digicam, but less than a digital SLR. Click here to see why the Panasonic LX3 has put my piggy bank on the endangered species list. (minimize)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera.... (more)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera. The Canon SX110 IS manages to pack an optically stabilized 10x zoom lens into a relatively compact body, but its image quality still competes very well with that of full-sized long-zoom cameras. In high ISO shooting, it gives up a little ground to Canon's own SX10 IS, which uses a more powerful version of Canon's Digic processor, but the SX110 IS's more compact body is much easier to pack along on outings and trips. Its 9-megapixel sensor may sound modest at a time when some consumer models are sporting 14- and 15-megapixel chips, but trust us: The Canon SX110 IS captures more than enough detail for any size print you're likely to want to make. Auto white balance is excellent, making this a good camera for indoor shooting, as it's able to handle difficult household incandescent lighting. Highly versatile; offering anything from fully automatic to fully manual exposure, the Canon SX110IS would make a great family camera, as it can easily accommodate the interests of everyone from first-time beginners to experienced enthusiasts. See our Canon SX110IS review for full details, or use the link above to shop for the best price. A great all-around digicam! (minimize)

Bargain digital cameras don't get better than this... (more)

Bargain digital cameras don't get better than this Small and inexpensive, the 7.1-megapixel Canon PowerShot A470 delivers good pictures and is easy to use in just about any situation. Its 3.4x zoom lens gives the PowerShot A470 digital camera a very slight edge over most pocket digital cameras. The Canon A470's 2.5-inch LCD is bright and sharp, and is even usable in direct sunlight. Capitalizing on Canon's Face Detection and Motion Detection technology, the Canon A470 offers a range of scene modes and creative tools to help you get the most out of portraits and scenery. Click here for more on the Canon PowerShot A470. (minimize)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm... (more)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm Though the minimalist tribute to the original Canon ELPH has faded, the Canon SD1100 IS is still an impressive digital camera that makes a few significant improvements to one of the most popular digital cameras in recent history: the Canon SD1000. Those improvements only add to the excellent image quality we found on the Canon SD1100's predecessor. Optical image stabilization is the most significant enhancement to the Canon SD1100, offering better performance indoors and at night, with greater assurance that you'll get the shot. The slightly higher resolution is quite welcome, and doesn't impact overall high ISO performance; in fact, it's slightly better than the SD1000, turning out quality 13x19-inch prints. We think the Canon SD1100 will again be incredibly popular, deservedly so. Click here for our review of the Canon PowerShot SD1100. (minimize)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera.... (more)

A study in versatility, the SX110 IS sports a long, image-stabilized zoom in a compact body. A great "family" camera. The Canon SX110 IS manages to pack an optically stabilized 10x zoom lens into a relatively compact body, but its image quality still competes very well with that of full-sized long-zoom cameras. In high ISO shooting, it gives up a little ground to Canon's own SX10 IS, which uses a more powerful version of Canon's Digic processor, but the SX110 IS's more compact body is much easier to pack along on outings and trips. Its 9-megapixel sensor may sound modest at a time when some consumer models are sporting 14- and 15-megapixel chips, but trust us: The Canon SX110 IS captures more than enough detail for any size print you're likely to want to make. Auto white balance is excellent, making this a good camera for indoor shooting, as it's able to handle difficult household incandescent lighting. Highly versatile; offering anything from fully automatic to fully manual exposure, the Canon SX110IS would make a great family camera, as it can easily accommodate the interests of everyone from first-time beginners to experienced enthusiasts. See our Canon SX110IS review for full details, or use the link above to shop for the best price. A great all-around digicam! (minimize)

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable... (more)

Canon's latest A-series delivers great images, and is well-built and reliable The Canon A2000 IS generally does a good job upholding the strong tradition of Canon's A-series cameras. Its 6x zoom lens shows very good optical quality, and its 10-megapixel sensor delivers plenty of detail at low ISOs. It does pretty well at high ISOs as well, as you can make 8x10 inch prints from its output up to about ISO 800, and ISO 1,600 images are usable at 4x6 inches. Important for family photography, the Canon A2000 IS also handles household incandescent lighting unusually well, producing very nice-looking images. The A2000 uses AA batteries, something many users look for in a camera, figuring they'll never be far from finding replacements when needed. Really, the Canon A2000IS has only a single defect, a slow flash recycle time. Still, there's no arguing with the high image quality, and the Canon A2000's ISO 800 setting ought to allow you to get good shots without a flash, making the Canon A2000 a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera!... (more)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera! We've been giving waterproof cameras somewhat short treatment around IR of late, because they've almost invariably been mediocre performers when it came to picture-taking. The Pentax W60 surprised us with its excellent image quality and performance, though, so we've sent it back into the lab for the full round of tests. The testing that we've done to date shows the Pentax W60 to be a waterproof (and freezeproof) camera that delivers excellent image quality or performance. Its pictures are sharp, with very good color, and good noise levels up to about ISO 800. It's also a very responsive camera, with shutter lag approaching that of entry-level SLR models, and continuous shooting speeds up to 5 frames/second, albeit at a reduced resolution of 5 megapixels (still plenty for 8x10 inch prints). If you're looking for the ultimate in a go-anywhere camera, the Pentax W60 deserves a closer look! (minimize)

Good quality, pocketable, 5x zoom digital camera with image stabilization built in... (more)

Good quality, pocketable, 5x zoom digital camera with image stabilization built in The Canon PowerShot SD890 IS doesn't compromise on focal length like some pocket digital cameras, giving you a fairly long zoom in a small package, equivalent to a 37-185mm lens. Optical image stabilization helps prevent blur due to camera motion, and the Canon SD890's intelligent scene recognition will even raise the ISO for a faster shutter speed when it detects subject motion. The Canon SD890 IS also has Face Detection with a new twist: the ability to track a subject's face even as it moves. Its good quality lens and and 10-megapixel sensor allow the Canon SD890 IS to produce images sufficient for printing at 13x19-inch sizes; and even ISO 800 can produce a decent 5x7-inch print. The Canon SD890 IS is a pretty well-rounded digital camera, and great to have along when you need a longer zoom in a small size. Click here for the review of the Canon PowerShot SD890 IS. (minimize)

A faster processor boosts high-ISO performance and overall responsiveness in this excellent long-zoom still/video hybrid camera!... (more)

A faster processor boosts high-ISO performance and overall responsiveness in this excellent long-zoom still/video hybrid camera! This series of long zoom PowerShots has a faithful band of happy users, and it looks like it's safe for that trend to continue with the Canon SX10 IS. Though the lens focal length has nearly doubled to 20x, optical quality remains solid, with unusually sharp corners and minimal barrel distortion. About the only notable problem is the bright chromatic aberration, but that accompanies most extreme long zooms like this. Image quality is outstanding, with excellent noise control even in incandescent light at ISO 800, likely thanks to the DIGIC 4 processor. The built-in Flash has good power for a long zoom digital camera, and the Canon SX10 has a flash hot shoe to allow use of Canon's excellent external flashes, like the new 430EX II. Printed results really tell the Canon SX10's story, with the camera's output capable of making high quality 13x19-inch prints with ease, and even ISO 1,600 shots make a decent 5x7. A relatively fast shutter lag result rounds out the story, and if you learn to prefocus, you can get a shutter lag of 0.08 second! Overall, you can't go wrong with the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, a great long zoom digital camera that's also capable of capturing video with stereo sound whenever the need strikes. It's a superb image-maker, and an easy Dave's Pick. (minimize)

A surprisingly excellent SLR that will take the market by storm... (more)

A surprisingly excellent SLR that will take the market by storm We've been pleasantly surprised with the Nikon D40's excellent performance in low light and its simple grace as a day-to-day shooter. The Nikon D40 is a natural fit in most hands. Its controls are where they should be for easy use, and the D40 is a well-behaved guest at parties with its soft shutter sound. A big, bright LCD is great for reviewing photos from a wide variety of angles. The Nikon D40's low light performance at ISO 1,600 is startling, even without noise reduction turned on. It's so good that we don't really feel like we're pushing the D40 until we jump into ISO 3,200. The Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition -- even those with higher resolution -- with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It's tough to ask for more. The Nikon D40 lives up to our expectations, and even exceeds them. See the full review for more on the superb Nikon D40. The Nikon D40 is one great camera! (minimize)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line!... (more)

Canon's latest G-series model is an impressive update to that fabled line! The Canon G10 is an impressive photographic tool for the discriminating enthusiast. The switch to a wider-angle lens than the G9 makes the G10 more useful for more types of photography, yet the 140mm end still gets in reasonably close for tighter compositions. Optical quality is good, with only moderate softening in the corners, and image quality is also impressive, with good color control and low noise at most ISO settings, exemplified by the ISO 800 shots that are usable printed at 11x14. Autofocus performance isn't on par with SLRs, but action photography isn't what the Canon G10 is about; it's quality photography in a small package. Its small, solid body, analog ISO control, optical image stabilization, and tons of features tuned for the enthusiast photographer tell of the Canon G10's purpose. A close look at the Canon G10's images makes it clear that the Canon G10 meets the enthusiast's standard and is easily worthy of a Dave's Pick. (minimize)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch... (more)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch With a design and features that will attract a wide array of photographers, the Nikon D700 is the first full-frame digital SLR camera to break the $3,000 barrier at its introduction. Based on the popular Nikon D300, the Nikon D700's controls are poised for quick activation, with commonly used functions out in plain sight, rather than buried in a menu. The Nikon D700's full-frame sensor is essentially identical to the Nikon D3's, so image quality is superb, and high-ISO performance is unprecedented, ranging from 100 to 25,600. A large, high-resolution LCD screen serves up images that are sharper than normal, and menus likewise appear razor-sharp. Special features adorn the Nikon D700, including a 51-point autofocus system, Active D-Lighting image processing, Lateral chromatic aberration correction, Vignette control, and AF Fine-tune capability; all making the camera extremely adaptable. Nikon's latest offering is a great digital SLR camera to build a system around. Click here for our review of the full-frame Nikon D700 (minimize)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features!... (more)

Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features! Nikon rocked the DSLR world when they introduced their D90 SLR early this Fall, the first SLR that can record movies. Its video capabilities won't replace dedicated camcorders, but will provide welcome relief for photographers tired of carrying along a pocket digicam just for taking "video snapshots". Its movie recording is only one of the many exceptional features the Nikon D90 has to offer. It also incorporates the chromatic aberration correction capability first introduced in the D3 and D300 high-end models. This feature works regardless of the brand lens you're using, so the D90 promises to improve the quality of most any lens you use it with. Speaking of lenses, the Nikon D90 ships with one of the nicest kit lenses we've seen yet, a 18-105mm VR (vibration reduction, Nikon's name for Image Stabilization) model that delivers very good sharpness, and (thanks to the aforementioned CA-reduction capability of the camera) very little chromatic aberration. The Nikon D90 brings much, much more to the table, though, far more than we can go into here. If you're in the market for a high-end prosumer digital SLR camera, the Nikon D90 deserves to be near the top of your list for consideration. Read our Nikon D90 review for all the details! (minimize)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200... (more)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200 Many features stand out to make the Canon EOS 50D a great digital SLR camera. What will really catch and hold users is the impressive image quality they'll get from the Canon 50D across the standard ISO range of 100 to 3,200. The Canon 50D's new gapless microlenses allow greater light gathering ability, making for surprisingly detailed images, even at ISO 800 and 1,600. The Canon 50D's 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion doesn't slow the frame rate down, either, as the camera clicks along at 6.3 frames per second. UDMA support gives the Canon 50D the ability to write to the card at 45MB per second, with support for future cards that will allow writing at up to 133MB per second, making followup shots with the 50D quite fast. The addition of face detection gives the Canon 50D the most complete set of Live View features in an EOS camera, and other operational enhancements make the Canon 50D both easy to work with and provide more depth to explore than ever before. Canon offers more than one kit lens with the 50D, and one is definitely better than the other. Click here to read our full review of the Canon EOS 50D for more! (minimize)

Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price... (more)

Astonishing image quality even at high ISOs, and the bonus of video capture, all for a relatively reasonable price Canon has been adding something special to each of their new digital SLRs, something that sets the camera apart from the pack. This time, the something special is the HD movie mode in the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Capable of capturing 1080p movies, the new camera opens up a whole world of video opportunities for those with a selection of Canon full-frame lenses -- from capturing extreme wide angles to isolating subjects with long telephoto, the 5D Mark II is truly a video artist's tool. Of course, the 5D Mark II also has the goods for the more traditional still photographer, offering a 21.1-megapixel sensor, a tuned version of the sensor in the Canon 1Ds Mark III. Now the 5D Mark II's sensor has significantly better high ISO performance, able to produce nearly noise-free images up to ISO 6,400. If you can handle a little noise, you can even reach out to 25,600. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II's new high resolution LCD delivers a fine 640x480 image for better focus checking and a great image in Live View mode. The whole package comes in below the price of competing full-frame digital SLRs, at $2,699. Click here to read our full review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. (minimize)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch... (more)

The price of full-frame digital SLR excellence just went down a notch With a design and features that will attract a wide array of photographers, the Nikon D700 is the first full-frame digital SLR camera to break the $3,000 barrier at its introduction. Based on the popular Nikon D300, the Nikon D700's controls are poised for quick activation, with commonly used functions out in plain sight, rather than buried in a menu. The Nikon D700's full-frame sensor is essentially identical to the Nikon D3's, so image quality is superb, and high-ISO performance is unprecedented, ranging from 100 to 25,600. A large, high-resolution LCD screen serves up images that are sharper than normal, and menus likewise appear razor-sharp. Special features adorn the Nikon D700, including a 51-point autofocus system, Active D-Lighting image processing, Lateral chromatic aberration correction, Vignette control, and AF Fine-tune capability; all making the camera extremely adaptable. Nikon's latest offering is a great digital SLR camera to build a system around. Click here for our review of the full-frame Nikon D700 (minimize)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200... (more)

Good build, great speed, and excellent image quality from ISO 100 to 3,200 Many features stand out to make the Canon EOS 50D a great digital SLR camera. What will really catch and hold users is the impressive image quality they'll get from the Canon 50D across the standard ISO range of 100 to 3,200. The Canon 50D's new gapless microlenses allow greater light gathering ability, making for surprisingly detailed images, even at ISO 800 and 1,600. The Canon 50D's 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion doesn't slow the frame rate down, either, as the camera clicks along at 6.3 frames per second. UDMA support gives the Canon 50D the ability to write to the card at 45MB per second, with support for future cards that will allow writing at up to 133MB per second, making followup shots with the 50D quite fast. The addition of face detection gives the Canon 50D the most complete set of Live View features in an EOS camera, and other operational enhancements make the Canon 50D both easy to work with and provide more depth to explore than ever before. Canon offers more than one kit lens with the 50D, and one is definitely better than the other. Click here to read our full review of the Canon EOS 50D for more! (minimize)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera!... (more)

FINALLY! A waterproof camera that's also a great camera! We've been giving waterproof cameras somewhat short treatment around IR of late, because they've almost invariably been mediocre performers when it came to picture-taking. The Pentax W60 surprised us with its excellent image quality and performance, though, so we've sent it back into the lab for the full round of tests. The testing that we've done to date shows the Pentax W60 to be a waterproof (and freezeproof) camera that delivers excellent image quality or performance. Its pictures are sharp, with very good color, and good noise levels up to about ISO 800. It's also a very responsive camera, with shutter lag approaching that of entry-level SLR models, and continuous shooting speeds up to 5 frames/second, albeit at a reduced resolution of 5 megapixels (still plenty for 8x10 inch prints). If you're looking for the ultimate in a go-anywhere camera, the Pentax W60 deserves a closer look! (minimize)

When "tough" is what you need, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 really delivers... (more)

When "tough" is what you need, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 really delivers Olympus pioneered the "tough" concept in digital cameras, so it's no surprise that the Olympus Stylus 8000 leads all others in the field, in at least one of its specifications against each competitor. Waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, crushproof to 220 lbs, and freezeproof to 14 degrees F, the Olympus 8000 is the go-to camera for the ultimate in ruggedness. In our tests, it also did better than most when it came to image quality, and senior editor Shawn found it plenty responsive when shooting with it in the field as well. Add to that image quality that verges on good enough to be your daily "carry camera," and we think Olympus has a real winner. (We've found that any tough/waterproof camera makes trade-offs in image quality relative to the best dry-land models, but the Olympus 8000 forces fewer such compromises than many.) If built-like-a-block-of-metal toughness is what you need, the Olympus Tough 8000 is "tough" to beat. Read our Olympus 8000 review for all the details. (minimize)

Rugged never looked so good... (more)

Rugged never looked so good Finding a good quality waterproof digital camera is one thing, but finding a waterproof digital camera that takes great pictures like the Panasonic TS1, that's another. Most waterproof digital cameras lean heavily on their rugged capabilities to attract users, but the Panasonic Lumix TS1 delivers better quality images thanks to its 12.1-megapixel sensor, excellent 4.6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. The quality is so high, in fact, that we're pretty sure Panasonic is doing special post-processing in the TS1 to nearly eliminate chromatic aberration and other forms of distortion. That translates into better image quality from center to corner, despite the 28mm wide-angle lens, supporting some pretty big prints. We haven't seen a better rugged digital camera than the Panasonic TS1. Click here to read our Express Review of the Panasonic TS1. (minimize)