Best Buys: our top camera recommendations for the holiday season - all reviewed and rated!
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Compacts |
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Premium compacts |
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Budget DSLRs |
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Mid-range DSLRs |
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Semi-pro DSLRs |
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19th November 2009: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 - budget compact review
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 is a stylish and affordable compact with 12.1 Megapixels, a 4x optically-stabilised zoom lens and 2.7in screen. The W220 also features Scene Recognition in Auto and Sony's Smile Shutter mode which actually waits for your subject to smile before taking the photo. It represents good value for the money and since release has become a best-seller, but is up against a tough rival in Canon's IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS. We pitched both head-to-head to see which is the best buy in our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 review.
16th November 2009: Canon PowerShot G11 - full review
Canon's PowerShot G11 is the latest in the company's flagship G-series, designed to satisfy demanding photographers who want a powerful compact or a pocketable backup to a DSLR. The latest G11 reduces its resolution for the first time in an attempt to deliver lower noise levels than its predecessor and features a new Low Light mode with a maximum sensitivity of 12,800 ISO. Canon's also equipped the G11 with a fully-articulated screen. In our full review we've tested all the new features along with paying particular attention to the low light capabilities of the G11, especially compared to other top-end compacts. Find out which is the ideal compact for enthusiasts in our Canon PowerShot G11 review!
12th November 2009: Canon IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS - review
The Canon IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS is a small, stylish and affordable compact camera with 10 Megapixels and a 3x optically-stabilised zoom. Despite the tiny dimensions, Canon's managed to squeeze both a 2.5in screen and an optical viewfinder into the camera, the latter allowing you to greatly extend the battery life. Slightly smaller than a pack of cards, the IXUS 95 IS / SD1200 IS is certainly very pocketable, but can it deliver the goods in practice? Find out whether this is the ideal budget camera for the holidays in our Canon IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS review.
8th November 2009: Canon EOS 7D - full review / NEW HD video tour!
Canon's EOS 7D is the company's latest semi-pro DSLR, but rather than replacing an existing model, it slots between the existing EOS 50D and 5D Mark II. It may not feature the Mark II's full-frame sensor, but enjoys numerous enhancements across the board, including 8fps continuous shooting, a new 19-point AF system, a viewfinder with 100% coverage and on-demand graphics, along with the choice of HD movie resolutions and frame rates. It's one of Canon's most ambitious DSLRs to date and we've been testing it for several weeks alongside the 50D, 5D Mark II and Nikon D300s. Find out how all four compare in our Canon EOS 7D review, and check out its highlights in our HD video tour!
4th November 2009: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 - budget super-zoom review
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H20 is the company's latest budget super-zoom camera. It packs 10 Megapixels and a 10x zoom into a compact and affordable package. It also features 720p HD video, smile and scene detection, along with manual control. In a market increasingly packed with super-zoom cameras, the H20 boasts a big lens at a low price and has already become a best-seller, but it now faces a tough rival in Canon's PowerShot SX120 IS. Find out which is the best budget super-zoom in our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 review!
1st November 2009: Olympus E-P1 - full review / HD video compilation
The Olympus E-P1 is a compact camera with a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable lenses. It's the first Olympus camera to employ the Micro Four Thirds standard the company jointly developed with Panasonic. Unlike the modern style of Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds models though, Olympus has adopted the unashamedly retro-styling of its classic PEN film camera range. In our Olympus E-P1 review we'll compare its quality against a leading compact and DSLR, check out its HD movie mode and ultimately see whether it can deliver the dream of DSLR-quality in a pocketable compact form factor.
1st November 2009: Camera Labs Assignment - vote for your favourite entry!
It's the first of a new month which means it's time to vote for your favourite entry in October's Assignment! Don't forget to check out the new theme for November!
25th October 2009: Nikon D3000 - full review / HD video tour
The D3000 is Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR, featuring 10.2 Megapixels and an easy-to-use control system aimed at beginners. The D3000 inherits the sensor and body of the earlier D60, but increases the screen size to 3in and grabs the impressive 11-point auto-focus system of the higher-end D5000 and D90; it even features their handy viewfinder guidelines. It's a solid budget DSLR, but up against Canon's EOS 1000D / Rebel XS and Sony's Alpha A230. In our full review of the D3000 we've directly compared the design, build and image quality of all three models, to help you make the right choice. So if you're shopping for a budget DSLR, check out our Nikon D3000 review and HD video tour!
18th October 2009: Canon PowerShot SX120 IS - budget super-zoom review
Canon's PowerShot SX120 IS is the company's latest budget super-zoom camera. It packs 10 Megapixels and a 10x optically stabilised zoom into a compact and affordable package. It also features Canon's latest scene detection for an easy like in auto, or the choice of full manual controls if you prefer. In a market increasingly packed with super-zoom cameras, the SX120 IS boasts a big lens at a low price, but is up against a tough rival in the form of Sony's Cyber-shot H20. Find out how the two models compare head-to-head in our Canon PowerShot SX120 IS review!
14th October 2009: Panasonic Lumix FT1 / TS1 - underwater camera review
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FT1 (or TS1 as it's known in North America) is the company's first digital camera which can operate underwater without the need for an optional housing. The FT1 / TS1 can survive depths of 3m, but water-resistance hasn't compromised its looks with a body that's slim and stylish. Panasonic's also managed to squeeze in a 4.6x zoom, HD video and an HDMI port. If you're looking for a compact you can take to the beach or pool without any worries, the FT1 / TS1 could be for you, but it's up against Canon's debut underwater-cam, the PowerShot D10 and established player Olympus with its TOUGH 8000. Find out which model's best for you in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 / TS1 review!
11th October 2009: Canon PowerShot D10 - underwater camera review
Canon's PowerShot D10 is the company's first underwater digital camera and it certainly looks the part with its bright colours and submarine styling. The D10 can operate at depths down to 10m, and is also dust and shock-proof. As such it's ideal whether you're into water-sports or simply want a camera that's protected from sand or splashes at the beach or pool. The big question is how well it handles both underwater and normal shots, and whether Canon can take-on established players like Olympus in this market. Find out in our Canon PowerShot D10 review where we compare it to key rivals and take it surfing and kayaking.
4th October 2009: Canon PowerShot SX20 IS - full review / HD video tour
Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS is the successor to one of the best-selling super-zoom cameras of the past 12 months, and if you thought the only thing missing from the earlier SX10 IS was HD video, then prepare to be excited! The new SX20 IS takes the body, 20x zoom and articulated screen of its predecessor and adds two extra Megapixels, 720p HD video, scene detection and an HDMI port. So a great camera just got even better, but Panasonic hasn't stood still with its latest super-zoom either. So find out how both rivals directly compare in features, performance, image and video quality in our Canon PowerShot SX20 IS review - and check out the highlights in our HD video tour!
27th September 2009: Nikon D300s - full review / HD video tour
Nikon's D300s is the company's latest semi-pro DSLR, which enhances the already highly capable D300 with dual memory card slots, HD movies featuring an external mic input and a boost in continuous shooting, along with handy Virtual Horizon and Quiet mode facilities. These build upon a camera which already featured tough build quality, superb ergonomics, a 3in VGA screen, viewfinder with 100% coverage and a quick 51-point AF system. In short, one of the most capable DSLRs has just got even better, but do the new features deliver the goods in practice, not to mention stand-up against brand new rivals like Canon's EOS 7D? Find out in our Nikon D300s review and see a demonstration of its latest features in our video tour!
20th September 2009: Panasonic Lumix FZ38 / 35 - full review / HD video tour
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 is the successor to one of the best super-zoom cameras of the past year. Panasonic's not messed too much with a winning formula and kept the earlier FZ28's lightweight body, 18x zoom and 2.7in screen, but the new model features improved stabilisation, quicker AF, and an HDMI port, along with stereo sound, exposure control and the choice of encoding for its 720p HD movie mode. So a great camera just got even better, but Canon's not stood still either with its arch rival, the PowerShot SX20 IS. Find out how both cameras compare in terms of features, handling, image and video quality in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 review!
30th August 2009: Best Buys - DSLR Accessory Guide
There's a huge range of accessories available for DSLRs, from bags to filters and tripods to straps, but some are poor quality and can let you down. So we've devoted our latest Buyer's Guide to seeking out the best accessories available today. We've tracked-down ten top accessories which have become firm favourites in the Cameralabs office. Each is a leader in its field and won't disappoint, and better still, most won't break the bank either. As such, they're also ideal for anyone who wants to buy an affordable gift for the photographer in their life. So if you're looking for quality accessories for your DSLR, check out our latest Buyer's Guide!
28th July 2009: Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i - Video Tour in HD / full review
Canon's EOS 500D - or Rebel T1i as it's known in North America - is the company's latest 'upper entry-level' DSLR and the successor to the popular EOS 450D / Rebel XSi. Following on from our earlier full review is our latest video tour in High Definition! In the 14 minute video you'll see a demonstration of the 500D / T1i's Live View, continuous shooting, HD movies and remote control software in action, along with a look around the camera's design and controls. So if you're after a step-up from an entry-level DSLR, check out our Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i video tour! And don't forget our full review also includes detailed results comparing the real-life performance of the 500D / T1i against the Nikon D5000 and Olympus E-620.
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