Gallery: Buying Guide: Choosing a Camera
01buying-advice
Maybe you think the camera built into the back of your phone is all you need. You may be right. But you may also have loftier goals or higher standards. The Basics __Isn't My Phone Good Enough?__ Probably. It's there in your pocket already, and with all of the social sharing apps and filter apps for tricking out your pics, your smartphone's camera very well may be all you need. There are advantages to owning a "real" camera. They perform better in low light, they capture colors more accurately, and they are better at snapping action shots of moving subjects. But if you're just looking for a point-and-shoot to take pictures of your friends or your kids, we'd recommend you spend that same money elsewhere: Upgrade your smartphone to one with a better camera, like the iPhone 4S. __Compact Options__ Today's best pocket-sized point-and-shoots probably do everything you need -- they have the same sensors as entry-level DSLRs, and they allow for extensive manual adjustments. If you want to take the next step, look at a Compact System Camera, or CSC. These have small bodies, big sensors and detachable lenses. Like bigger pro cameras, CSCs let you screw on different lenses depending on what you need for the picture you're taking -- a macro lens, a zoom lens, a low-light lens -- giving you a level of versatility and performance that approaches pro DSLR without the bulk. One of the most popular types of Compact System Camera is called Micro Four Thirds, a new technology made by Olympus and Panasonic. Other manufacturers, like Sony and Nikon, are making their own cameras that operate much like Micro Four Thirds cameras. They also have small bodies and detachable lenses. __Video__ Any camera you're going to pick up this year should be able to shoot HD videos as well. Most cameras can do 1080p, but some less-expensive models can only shoot 720p -- your smartphone may be able to capture better video than that. Something else to pay attention to is file type. Make sure whatever software you're using to edit your videos (iMovie, Sony Vegas, etc) can handle the files your camera spits out. Buying advice Decide how much effort and money you want to sink into your hobby. If you want to take the best pictures in all conditions, even if it means carrying a bag full of gear, go for a DSLR. Be aware that DSLRs are pro machines -- they're costly ($1,000 and up) and require some knowledge to operate, so a book or some other instruction may be in order. If you want to take stellar photos but don't want all the bulk and hassle, consider a Compact System Camera with a detachable lens (around $800). These also have a learning curve, but they're easier for novices to figure out. If you'd rather keep things cheap and simple, there are plenty of great point-and-shoot cameras under $500. But first, think about whether or not you actually need one. If your phone's camera leaves you wanting, consider buying a better phone before spending the same money on a point-and-shoot camera. One final bit of wisdom: Buying a better camera will force you to learn more about photography, but buying a simpler camera will get you shooting now, and shooting more often. *Photo by Ariel Zambelich/Wired*
02olympus-pen-e-p3
Olympus PEN E-P3 ---------------- Its '60s-inspired retro styling sure is pretty, but the [Olympus PEN E-P3](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/olympus-pen3/) is a real shooter's camera, not just a designer's desktop paperweight. This Micro Four Thirds system camera is an easy-to-use, fast focuser and shooter, and if you want a compact system camera, this is the one we'd recommend. The PEN 3's standard kit lens is a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6. It's a very serviceable lens, but the Olympus primes are the real ticket if you're interested in sharp shooting -- pick up the 12mm f2 lens as well. Best Compact System Camera Olympus PEN E-P3 Around $900 [Olympus.com](http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1573) Other winning features: the cheetah-like autofocus, easily the fastest single-AF focusing system we've seen; a pop-up flash; and a tack-sharp 3-inch touchscreen OLED that instructs the camera to instantaneously focus and fire when you tap on an object on the screen. You lose a few features with MFT cameras -- most notably, a real viewfinder -- but the compact form factor and the 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor with excellent noise reduction and high-ISO tightness more than make up for the shortcomings. [Read Our Full Review](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/olympus-pen3/) __Rating: 8 out of 10__*Photo by Jackson Lynch/Wired*
03canon-powershot-s100
Canon PowerShot S100 -------------------- Canon's PowerShot series of point-and-shoots have always impressed us. The latest flagship PowerShot, the [S100](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/11/canon-s100/), is the best yet, and it earns our highest recommendation in the point-and-shoot category. The lens is nice and fast at the wide end, down to f2. The zoom is better, now 24-120mm equivalent. It's got GPS, 1080p video capture and Canon's latest Digic V image processing chip. In our testing, the S100 handled every situation we threw at it beautifully. Autofocus is fast and it deals with low light gracefully. Best Point-and-Shoot Canon PowerShot S100 Around $430 [usa.canon.com](http://usa.Canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_g_series/powershot_s100) The only problem: you may not really need it. The S100, with all of its pro features like the ability to shoot RAW and adjust white balance, is not a point-and-shoot. It's a think-and-compose-and-tweak-and-fuss. For dedicated photographers, to have the level of power and control that the S100 offers in such a small form factor is thrilling. If you're that kind of photographer, the Canon S100 is still at the top of the heap. But if you're the sort of person who buys a camera to take quick shots of the kids when they're blowing out the candles on their birthday cake, you don't need a camera like the S100. In fact you probably don't need a camera at all. Those utility photos that used to be the realm of the cheap point-and-shoot rig are now completely the property of your cell phone. Don't talk yourself into buying a point and shoot -- spring for an iPhone instead. [Read Our Full Review](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/11/canon-s100/) __Rating: 8 out of 10__*Photo by Ariel Zambelich/Wired*
04sony-alpha-nex-5n
Sony Alpha NEX-5N ----------------- We're still waiting for Sony's flagship compact system camera, the NEX-7, to arrive. But even though it's taking its sweet time, we're not feeling too lonely -- we've got [Sony's NEX-5N](http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=NEX5NK/B) here to keep us company. __Compact System Camera__ Sony Alpha NEX-5N $700 [store.Sony.com](http://store.sony.com/)The Sony NEX-5N's camera's body is astonishingly small. It's pretty amazing that there's a 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor that can capture 1080p HD video squeezed in there. The autofocus, while not as nice as Olympus's, is decent enough. The NEX-5N ships with a 18-55mm kit lens, and the body can accept any of Sony's E-mount system lenses. There are several telephotos and wide-angle lenses to choose from. The user-friendly touchscreen, a full-auto mode, fun extra features like auto-HDR and sweep panorama mode, and in-camera tutorials also make it a good camera for novices stepping up from a point-and-shoot to some more serious business. We haven't given the $700 NEX-5N the full test yet, but we do have a full review of its little brother, the $650 [NEX-C3](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/nex-c3/).
05samsung-nx100
The 14-megapixel [Samsung NX100](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/06/pr_prosumercam_samsung/) may not be a digital SLR, but it does use a DSLR-worthy sensor. This mirrorless compact system camera is one of the best models to break away from the Micro Four Thirds imaging chip format and plug a competing APS-C CMOS sensor into a small body. Though the result isn't as petite as some other offerings, this is a pretty nifty looking compact, with a sleek, ergonomic body and impressive picture-taking abilities. __Compact System Camera__ Samsung NX100 $550 [Samsung.com](http://www.samsung.com/us/photography/digital-cameras/EV-NX100ZBABUS)The NX100 bears a passing resemblance to a classic rangefinder-style camera but feels thoroughly modern, with its sleek, polycarbonate curves. The big shutter button gives you the feeling you're shooting with a DSLR, though the autofocus is not nearly as responsive. The kit lens is a 20-50 mm (f/3.5-5.6), and it has a neat button near the bottom that lets you change key settings such as ISO, white balance, and exposure without taking your hand off the barrel. We'd recommend you also pick up one of Samsung's faster aperture lenses, such as the new 85mm f/1.4. [Read Our Full Review](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/06/pr_prosumercam_samsung/) __Rating: 6 out of 10__
06panasonic-lumix-dmc-ts3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 ----------------------- Rugged cameras are great for outdoorsy types -- they're waterproof, shockproof, and they perform well in extreme heat and cold. So if you're knee deep in powder or head-high surf most weekends, check out the [Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3](http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/ts3_ft3/index.html) ($260). Best Rugged Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 Around $260 [Panasonic.net](http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/ts3_ft3/index.html) This rugged point-and-shoot is slim and easy to pocket. The 4x optical zoom (approximating 35-140mm) isn't lightning fast, but the 12.1-megapixel sensor captures crisp pics and excellent 1020p video. It's waterproof down to 40 feet, so you can take it surfing without worry, and it won't freeze up until the mercury drops to 14 degrees Farenheit, making it great for the slopes. The built-in GPS, compass and altimeter are good extras for travelers. One gripe: the lens is in the corner, not in the middle, so you have to shoot right-handed. *Photo: Spencer Higgins/Wired*
07canon-powershot-g12
Canon's been making powerful, petite models in its G-series line for over a decade now, with the 3.3-megapixel PowerShot G1 premiering way back in September 2000. With the G12, we only get a handful of technical advances over its predecessor, the (duh) G11, but they're enough to make a good camera even better. The abundance of external controls means there's no need to dig through menus to get creative. A control dial on the front above the hand grip lets you quickly change shutter speed and aperture with your forefinger. __Prosumer Camera__ Canon G12 Around $450 [usa.Canon.com](http://usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/pro_ps_digital_cameras/powershot_g12)The LCD screen is a flip-out, vari-angle display that helps you compose over-the-head or down-low shots. The G12 also has an optical viewfinder, but it's as tiny as a peephole. Other pro-worthy features: an exposure dial on top of the camera; the ability to record your images as JPEGs or RAW, or both at the same time; and a rugged, overall build that feels like it can take a pounding. The G12’s 5x (28-140mm equivalent) lens is also excellent. It has built-in optical image stabilization for steadying shaky shots and boasts a maximum aperture of f/2.8, adding to its low-light prowess. One weakness is video: it only shoots 720p, and optical zoom doesn't work in video mode. Still, at $450, it's a solid choice. [Read Our Full Review](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/02/canon-g12/) __Rating: 8 out of 10__*Photo: Dan Havlik/Wired.com*
08canon-eos-5d-mark-ii
Canon EOS 5D Mark II -------------------- The battle for the DSLR championship belt has mostly come down to Canon and Nikon in the last few years. Truth be told, it's mostly a matter of personal preference, as they are all excellent machines. __DSLR__ Canon EOS 5D Mark II Around $2,500 [usa.Canon.com](http://usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_ii)The tried-and-true workhorse of many a pro is the Canon 5D Mark II, a $2,500 beauty with a magnesium body, a full-frame 21-megapixel sensor and mighty Digic 4 processor. The wide ISO range with improved noise reduction means you can shoot in near darkness without the usual pointillist effects. The 5D will also sate your motion picture jones with lush 1080p video at 30 fps. Leveraging a full complement of large-aperture autofocus lenses, the resulting footage has a truly cinematic feel. Full manual control over video lets you micromanage every frame. And shifting from video to stills and back again is quick and seamless. It's also a good choice if you're making the jump up to DSLR territory. You'll find plenty of 5D devotees to bond with. A bit of guidance or some lens recommendations won't ever be far away. If you want to get into digital filmmaking but you don't have $3,000 to lay out, cast your eye toward [Canon's EOS Rebel T3i](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/11/ft_filmmaking/). It gathers full-size 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second with its 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and lets you monitor the action on a camcorder-style tilt/swivel screen. Just beware: The construction is mostly plastic, and some other corners were cut to get the price down to $900.
09nikon-d700
Nikon D700 ---------- If you want a Nikon that closely matches Canon's 5D Mark II, you should take a look at [Nikon's D700](http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25444/D700.html) ($2,700). __DSLR__ Nikon D700 Around $2,700 [NikonUsa.com](http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25444/D700.html)Nikon's pro-level shooter has a full-frame 12.1-megapixel sensor that performs very well at high ISOs, thanks to the large photo sites and Nikon's advanced noise reduction technology. Also, the 51-point autofocus is nice and fast (faster than Canon's). If you're in the market for something cheaper, [Nikon's D90](http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25446/D90.html), a 12.3-megapixel DSLR, is an excellent choice at $900 without any lenses. Or, if money is no object, step up to the D3X, Nikon's 24.5-megapixel beast. It only costs $8,000.
