Cameras: Researching & Buying

Where to Start

Before venturing out to buy a camera, it is important to consider the type of camera that will best fit your specific usage needs. Identifying these needs can be done by asking questions such as these:

  • How and where will the camera primarily be used?
  • Is the camera intended to serve a personal or professional purpose?
  • What price range is compatible with my budget?

Responding to these questions will give you a better idea of what you are looking for. For instance, you may find you don’t have any use for the complex features offered by advanced devices. As you research and shop for a camera, being aware of what you realistically need will allow you to easily eliminate those features and options you do not.

If after considering these questions you are still unsure about what type of camera is best for you, visit CNET’s Digital Camera Buying Guide to locate your particular user profile. Depending on the characteristics of the particular profile, the site offers customized tips on what to look for in order to find the right camera.

The Digital Photography Review (DPReview) is also a great resource that offers user review forums and extensive information on most camera products.

Camera Brands

There are a variety of brands available on today’s market. Here are some of the major producers of digital cameras:

  • Fujifilm: Primarily a producer of point-and-shoot digital cameras, the FinePix series is Fujifilm’s featured product line. A unique new feature offered by Fujifilm is Real 3D with which cameras are capable of producing 3D images viewable using custom 3D prints and frames.

  • Sony: With a broad range of camera types, including both compacts and SLRs, Sony is one of the brands with the most premium options, meaning many of its devices (not all) tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Unlike some other digital camera producers, Sony also offers cutting-edge features like touch-screen display frames and sleek body designs. The CyberShot camera is Sony’s most popular compact model.

  • Casio: The digital cameras produced by Casio tend to be much slimmer in size that those of most other brands. While other companies offer similarly sized compact models, Casio’s devices, especially its Elixim point-and-shoot, are often distinguished by their slim design style.

  • Samsung: If you are looking for some inexpensive camera options, Samsung’s primarily compact selection of cameras may have what you need. However, this brand also sells more innovative cameras; one of its higher-quality products is the NX-series featuring a camera that has SLR-like qualities but is comparable to a compact in size.

  • Canon: The PowerShot, a compact point-and-shoot model, is Canon’s most popular digital camera product. Canon also offers a range of higher-caliber cameras and a wide selection of camera parts (e.g., zoom lenses). Both Canon’s compact PowerShot and professional EOS 5D Mark II are ranked among CNET’s top five cameras on the market today.  

  • Nikon: The Coolpix series is Nikon’s primary point-and-shoot product line. Nikon is similar to Canon in that it offers an extensive selection of SLR cameras (of all calibers and prices), as well as a range of accessory options.

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