Best Digital Cameras of 2008

2008 has certainly been an interesting year with literally hundreds of new cameras released - the majority of them all feature the same boring specifications - a standard 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5" screen, and about 8 megapixels - but if you look closely you will find the gems - increasing numbers of cameras now feature a wide angle lens, optical image stabilisation, HD video recording, and extended optical zoom. The best example of this, and in our opinion, the best digital camera of 2008, is...

The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - it scores highly on all aspects, it offers 9 megapixels, a wide angle 10x optical zoom lens, a large 3" screen, a compact pocketable metal body, and optical image stabilisation, not only that but offers high definition video recording with optical zoom and image stabilisation. This would all be useless unless the camera backed this up with good image quality, and thankfully this camera provides that with good detail and great colour. If you had to buy only one camera this year, or indeed next, then the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 would be our choice.

Best Budget Digital Camera of 2008:

The Canon Powershot A590 IS - this 8mp camera has it all, great image quality, 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, plus manual controls for the budding photographer.

Best Compact Digital Camera of 2008:

The Olympus Mju Stylus 1030SW this 10 megapixel camera features a wide angle 3.6x optical zoom, a 2.7" LCD screen, it's waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof.

Best Ultra Zoom Digital Camera of 2008:

The Panasonic Lumix TZ5this 9 megapixel camera features a wide angle 10x optical zoom with image stabilisation, a 3" LCD screen, HD video recording with zoom, and a stylish metal body. It's packed with features and will fit in your pocket.

Best Digital SLR of 2008:

The Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi - a 12.2 megapixel update to the 400D Digital SLR - features 3.5fps shooting, live view shooting, 9 point AF, 3" screen, SD memory card support, and Canon's dust reduction system. the EOS 450D with 18-55mm IS kit is £433.

Best Camera Phone of 2008:

Already extremely popular, the Sony Ericsson Cybershot C905 takes 8 megapixel photos, features a real flash, and is available without breaking the bank, and whilst not as good at taking photos as a dedicated digital camera, the Sony C905 could make a useful second camera and shows that camera phones are catching up in quality and usability. Have a look at our sample photos.

Best Prototype of 2008:

Unfortunately this camera system won't be available till next year, but should revolutionise the digital camera market by providing an interchangeable lens camera with the dimensions of a serious compact camera! Of course I'm talking about the Olympus Micro Four Thirds Prototype.

Other great Digital Cameras of 2008:

For the lowest noise in a compact camera and great detail, the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd has to be commended - it takes great 12 megapixel photos, features a wide angle 5x optical zoom lens and has a compact metal body, if only it had full manual controls and a better menu system and it might have been featured above.

The Canon Powershot SX110 IS - a personal favourite of mine - features a more compact body (compared to the SX100 IS), 9 megapixel sensor, larger 3" screen, 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, Face Detection, Face Select & Track, Auto Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection, 20 shooting modes including Easy Mode, ISO 1600 and is one of the cheapest new Canon's with manual controls.

TestFreaks Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras 2008

TestFreaks have scored the Best Entry Level Digital SLR Cameras of 2008 - including the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi - a 12.2 megapixel update to the 400D - it features 3.5fps shooting, live view shooting, 9 point AF, 3" screen, SD memory card support, and Canon's dust reduction system. The 450D Body only is priced at £389, the EOS 450D with 18-55mm IS kit is £438.

"This time we’re taking a look at what the users and experts voted as the best digital cameras (Entry Level type DSLR cameras) in 2008. There’s no brand winner this year really, as it’s sort of one from everybody in the top five. We’ll start with number one this time, it’s kind of no surprise either, Canon makes some excellent cameras. The number one camera of 2008 is the Canon EOS Rebel XSI 450D - Average Expert 8,4 (41 experts) Average User 9.2 (915 users)"

Continue reading the Best Entry Level DSLRs of 2008 by TestFreaks

Nearly five years have come and gone since the Canon company introduced their very first truly affordable SLR, at the time, the EOS 300 D, or the digital rebel. During that time span, we’ve seen them come out with two more members of the family, the 350D and the 400 D cameras which naturally evolved into the EOS450D, todays model which features just about two times the pixel count of their original.

"In all, I was very impressed with the Canon EOS Rebel XSi and would wholeheartedly recommend it to someone looking for a good camera and lens combo in that price range. I came to know its inner and outer workings very quickly, thanks to a very smart design and layout. Options for more creative shooting were there if desired, but for the most part working in Program and delving into the Picture Styles for fun (even though that’s kind of moot when shooting raw) got me where I wanted to go." - Shutterbug

"The XSi, though, scores for its size. If you’re looking for a small, light camera that’s easy to pack, and that you’re more likely to carry, then the XSi is a better option than the EOS 40D, provided you can live without the features found in the latter." - MacWorld

"Canon has another hit. The Rebel XSi has just about everything you want from a semi-pro camera in a smaller package. It’s small, lighter than its predecessor, and has all the good stuff the competitors have, plus that legendary Canon image quality. Canon made minor but important improvements to the grip and controls, and kept all that was great about its predecessor." - Imaging Resource

At the number two spot we’ve got the Nikon D60 - Average Expert 8,0 (41 experts) Average User 9,3 (523 users) - Nikons D40 has some hallmark features that are also the base for the new D60 model, a good camera with some great features that are in a cost effective small package. Some of the things you can look for in the D-60 are the built in sensor, cleaning and filter and the very same features that made them a watchword in cameras, such as the Active D Lighting and the Color Matrix metering from their D3 and D300.

"The D60 is the latest refinement in Nikon’s entry-level DSLR range. It is one of the smallest DSLRs ever made and features a simple feature-set, not to confuse people getting their first DSLR. Although it cannot be compared with high-end Nikon cameras, the Nikon D60 features strong ergonomics and build quality for its price" - Neo camera

"The Nikon D60 is a worthwhile entry-level D-SLR with solid image quality, but its features don’t really make it stand out from the crowd" - PC magazine

Showing up in the number three spot we’ve got the Pentax K20D - Average Expert 8,6 (32 experts) Average User 9,3 (72 users) - The Pentax K20D has a single-lens reflex. It is the product of the collaboration between Samsung of Korea and Pentax Japan; the K20D is almost identical with the Samsung GX-20 with just a few differences. The Pentax K20D is the first DSLR that uses the image sensor that Samsung and Pentax created the CMOS image sensor. With a sensor that has a maximum resolution of 14.6 megapixel and a higher sensitivity of ISO 6400 that ensures high quality images.

"The K20D won’t disappoint. It stands head and shoulders above other DSLRs in its class and easily goes toe-to-toe with cameras costing much more." - MacLife

"The Pentax K20D could be seen as a K10D Mk2, a camera that attempts to move on while putting right the minor flaws in its predecessor. And in that respect, it’s a huge success. The K20D builds on the strengths of its forebear and corrects for the issue that plagued us most. It offers a great on-paper specification that is backed-up by a level of customization that allow you to tailor the camera to the way you want to shoot." - DP review

At number four we’ve got the Sony DSLR-A200 - Average Expert 7,9 (24 experts) Average User 9,3 (234 users) - Sony DSLR A200 is a relatively lighter and smaller model than the A100 which makes it easier to use. This camera measures 5.2 x 4.0 x 2.9 inches (131 x 99 x 71 millimeters) and weighs 22 ounces (625 grams) including the lens, battery, and memory card. It is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD monitor. The Sony A200’s 10.2 mega-pixel sensor helps to reduce noise and capture pictures with greater detail.

"The A200 is the second iteration of Sony’s entry-level DSLR, and I don’t know how good the first one was, but this one isn’t bad at all. There are some nice features present for an entry-level camera – notably dust reduction, in-camera stabilization, and the ability to use Sony and Minolta lenses. The A200 should be even more attractive since Sony recently dropped its MSRP with the 18-70 kit lens to $500 USD." - Digital Camera Review

"Sony’s SLR juggernaut got rolling early in 2008 with the Alpha A200, a simple, inexpensive, 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera that takes some pretty impressive pictures. There isn’t a whole lot to talk about in terms of new or revolutionary features, but that’s not a strike against it. Rather than starting a revolution, the Sony A200 refines what was a good camera — the A100 — making it better in several important areas. It now confidently competes favorably with" - Imaging Resource

Showing up as the number five top camera of 2008 is the: Olympus E-520 - Average Expert 8,1 (25 experts) Average User 9,2 (24 users) - The Olympus E-520’s Image Stabilization technology is built into the camera body to produce clear, sharp and blur-free images. This camera weighs just 7.5 ounces and measures 5.35×3.6-x2.68-inches. Its Autofocus Live View brings subject into sharp focus. Olympus E-520 offers users faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps).

"Bottom line - The Olympus E-520 is a welcomed addition to Olympus’ line of consumer level dSLRs. While they have included many new features that help increase the appeal of the, there hasn’t been any major changes over the E-510 from last year. Overall, I feel this is a well balanced dSLR model that is sure to offer pleasing results not matter who is behind the viewfinder."

Top 5 Pocket Zoom Cameras of 2008

1 - Panasonic TZ5	2 - Canon SX110 IS	3 - Ricoh R10

If you're looking for the best pocket zoom digital camera of 2008, then have a look at our Top 5 Pocket Zoom Digital cameras listed here - with numerous cameras to choose from you can find a unique camera for you - whether you're looking for a wide angle lens, high resolution, manual controls, optical image stabilisation or large screen. You get great image quality from these stylish pocket cameras and they would make an excellent choice for yourself or as a christmas gift. Click here for full details.

The Top 5 Pocket Zoom Digital Cameras of 2008:

1 - The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - available for £180 - this 9 megapixel camera features a wide angle 10x optical zoom with image stabilisation, a 3" LCD screen, HD video recording with zoom, and a stylish metal body. It's packed with features and will fit in your pocket.

2 - The Canon Powershot SX110 IS - available for £165 - this 9mp camera features a 10x optical zoom lens, image stabilisation, it takes great photos and is available in silver and black. It also has manual controls, and VGA video recording.

3 - The Ricoh R10 - available for £185 - is still one of the smallest cameras with a wide angle 7.1x optical zoom lens, 3" screen, and image stabilisation.

4 - The Canon Powershot A2000 IS - available for £151 - this 10 megapixel camera is compact, offers a 6x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, a large 3" screen, and can take great photos.

5 - The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - available for £229 - replaces the excellent FZ18 - and whilst a bit bulkier than the other cameras - offers an impressive 10.1MP sensor, wide angle 18x Optical Zoom lens with image stabilisation and a 2.7"

Top 5 Digital Cameras Under $100

Save Money With an Inexpensive Digital Camera
By Kyle Schurman

1. Canon PowerShot A470, $89-$99
Perhaps the best compliment that can be paid to a sub-$100 digital camera is that it doesn't look or perform like a cheap, budget digital camera. The PowerShot A470 from Canon is one of the best sub-$100 cameras around. The unit's 7.1 megapixels of resolution are plenty for most beginners, and the A470 has a 3.4X optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD. It's an interesting-looking digital camera, too, available in blue, red, orange, and gray. (If you want a Canon camera, but you have a little more money to spend, try learning more about the A480 or the A1100 IS.)

2. Fujifilm FinePix J10, $89-$99
The Finepix J10 budget digital camera from Fujifilm is available in two colors, silver and black. With 8.2 megapixels of resolution, the J10 should be able to make prints large enough to satisfy most beginning photographers. You'll find a 2.5-inch LCD and a 3X optical zoom lens with the J10, and its overall feature set is good for an inexpensive digital camera.



3. Kodak EasyShare C813, $79-$99
With 8.2 megapixels of resolution, the EasyShare C813 from Kodak offers plenty of resolution for most beginning photographers. The unit has a 2.4-inch LCD, limited video capabilities, and a 3X optical zoom lens, but, best of all, the C813 is very easy to use.




4. Kodak EasyShare C713, $75-$89
The C713 from Kodak is one of the least expensive point-and-shoot digital cameras you'll find from a major manufacturer. The C713 is available in three colors: Silver, pink, and white. It offers 7.0 megapixels of resolution, a 3X optical zoom lens, and a 2.4-inch LCD.




5. Samsung SL30, $79-$99
Look for the Samsung SL30 in pink, black, and silver, and this model measures just under 1 inch in thickness. It offers 10.2 megapixels of resolution, which should be plenty for a beginning photographer. To simplify things for beginners, the SL30 offers a "print shooting" mode, which makes it easy to make sure you're shooting at a resolution that's high enough for making quality prints. On the downside, the SL30 only has a 3X optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, both of which are baseline specifications. However, the SL30 has a lot of good features for a sub-$100 digital camera.