Best Digital Cameras

When looking for the best digital cameras, it's important to balance price considerations with the need for quality, durability and advanced photographic features. There is a selection of affordable digital cameras that are suited for both beginning and advanced photographers. Decide what features you need in a camera and then carefully compare the features for each one before making a decision.

1. Cannon ELPH 100 HS

This 12.1 megapixel camera has a 4x optical zoom.
This lightweight and affordable camera doesn't have many bells and whistles, - it simply takes a great photo. The wide LCD screen on the back will help catch the perfect shot every time.

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TXP

Ths12 megapixel camera comes with 4x optical zoom and adjustable shooting modes.
One of the lightest digital cameras around, the Sony Cyber-shot can be set to a number of different shooting modes, from low light to panoramic 3D. The camera is also equipped with 1080i HD video recording.

3. Nikon Coolpix S91000

This 12 megapixel camera has 18x optical zoom and in-camera editing capabilities.
The Nikon Coolpix S91000 has enough special features to keep advanced photographers happy but an easy enough interface that even novice photographers can walk away with a good shot. The macro mode lets you get crystal clear close-ups. The D-Light editing feature lets you instantly increase contrast on dark and grainy shots.

4. Cannon Powershot SX230 HS

This 12.1 megapixel camera has a 14x optical zoom and image stabilization feature.
This simple to use zoom camera eases the bane of every photographer - a shaky hand. The optical image stabilization feature helps you turn out clearer images while the zoom lens allows you to master both close-ups and panoramic image techniques.

5. Olympus XZ-1

If you're looking for a 10 megapixel camera, this one has a 4x optical zoom.
Olympus has a reputation for high end cameras, but this powerful compact camera is geared squarely at the point and shoot crowd.
Its optical viewfinder, hotshoe flash and fast lens make for highly focused images.
It is especially good in dim lighting, something less expensive cameras can't always pull off.

6. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

This 14 megapixel camera has a 24x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD.
The superzoom capabilities of this camera make you equally at home taking photos at your next birthday party or on a wildlife expedition.
Image quality holds at all levels of zoom, and the large, tilting LCD lens makes getting the perfect shot a breeze.
This camera also comes equipped with 1080i video capabilities.

7. Olympus PEN E-PL2

This is a 12.3 megapixel mirrorless camera.
Enjoy the ease of a compact digital camera with the power of a D-SLR.
The interchangeable lenses mean you get shots that are comparable to many D-SLR cameras on the market.
Thanks to the absence of a mirror, this camera is much less bulky than its D-SLR counterparts.
Great for on-the-go amateur photo enthusiasts.

8. Nikon D3100

This 14.2 megapixel D-SLR camera is an entry level D-SLR camera.
It's perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into more advanced, interchangeable lens photography.
The interface and design is easy for first time D-SLR users to navigate.
The image quality is comparable to that of more expensive cameras.

9. Pentax K-5

This 16.3 megapixel D-SLR camera is suitable for amateurs and professionals alike.
Image stabilization and rapid fire continuous shooting
This camera has 1080p HD video capabilities.
It's weatherproof, making it an ideal choice for nature photographers.

10. Canon EOS 5D Mk. II

A 21.1 megapixel professional level D-SLR camera for serious amateurs and professional photographers.
The 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is great, but what really sets this camera apart is its video capabilities.
The camera shoots full HD clips, using interchangeable lenses, in 1920 x 1080 resolution. This feature makes all of your other cameras, not to mention your video camera, obsolete.