Digital cameras

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What's behind our digital camera Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 207 models in digital cameras to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Note: We've recently changed the way we test cameras. Some models may have different scores than what was previously shown. Overall score is based mainly on image quality, ease of use, versatility, LCD-panel quality, and flash and video quality.
Megapixels
Megapixels is the number of pixels, in millions, on the sensor.
Weight
Weight is with battery, memory card, and strap.
Image quality
Combines several tests, including regular photos, low-light photos, and flash photos as well as color tests, among others.
Flash photos
Flash photos tests the quality of the built-in flash's light output and evenness of illumination.
Video quality
Video quality mostly reflects footage shot in regular and low light, with audio quality and macro (close-up) capability also considered.
Ease of use
Ease of use is our evaluation of the camera's controls, manual, response time and focusing.
LCD quality
LCD quality is a judgment of images viewed under a number of lighting conditions.
Widest angle
The lower the number for widest angle, the broader the vista the camera can capture.
Battery life
Battery life is as the manufacturer states.

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Recommended digital cameras

Recommended digital cameras are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended digital cameras

Digital camera buying guide

To find the digital camera that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy digital cameras in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

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As the digital-camera market matures, consumers are benefiting from more and better choices in camera size and capability. Before you make your buying decision, you should consider whether you need a small, lightweight digital camera for family snapshots or one that takes more ambitious photos suitable for enlarging and framing. If you're looking for information about digital cameras, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ digital camera reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our digital camera buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and digital camera reviews to help you choose the best digital camera for your needs. Note: We've recently changed the way we test cameras. Some models may have different scores than what was previously shown.

Ratings & recommended digital cameras

Point & shoot digital cameras (134)

The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models stand out for their combination of price and performance, or other reasons noted. All models offer good or very good overall performance and image quality. Most get 200 to 350 shots per battery charge (none got fewer than 100) and have 2½ inches or so of LCD screen. For some, we note successors that we haven't yet tested.

Digital SLR cameras (73)

Most models were fine overall performers. Image-quality scores aren't comparable with those of point-and-shoots because the two types are factored differently. Based on data from our latest subscriber survey, Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon, Sony, and Nikon have been very reliable SLR brands for the past few years. The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models consider factors such as price and availability.

Digital camera buying guide

Buying a digital camera can be disorienting. There are hundreds of cameras available at many different types of retail outlets (online and in traditional stores), with prices ranging from $75 to several thousand dollars. Some cameras are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Others are large and can weigh up to two pounds. Some are easy to use. Others look like you need an engineering degree to operate them. And almost all are advertised with abbreviations that can be cryptic and confusing for the novice. In this digital camera guide, we aim to help you overcome some of this confusion.

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