Brands

These are the major camera brands. Most have several product lines. If you don't see a model in our Ratings (available to subscribers), these profiles can help you learn about the manufacturer's lineup. (Listed in alphabetic order).

Canon

Compacts are known as PowerShots. The moderately priced PowerShot A series is less likely than the S, SX, TX, and G lines to have features such as image stabilization. (G models use proprietary batteries; most other Canon compacts use AAs.) Canon's subcompacts are known as SD ELPHs. The Digital Rebel series helped define budget SLRs, and their most recent, the $799 (body only; $899 with lens), 12 megapixel Rebel XSi, includes live view functionality and an image-stabilized kit lens. Other SLRs include a host of pro and more-advanced consumer models. Canon also offers a wider selection of lenses than most brands.

Casio

Produces ultra-slim subcompacts, although the company occasionally introduces a higher-end, full-featured model that has a longer zoom and more robust video capabilities. The thinnest Exilims are the S series camera, followed by the slightly thicker Z series. The V series compact has longer zoom lenses than most compacts have. Casio’s most recent high-end camera is the $1,000, 6-megapixel Exilim Pro EX-F1. The company claims that this 12x optical super zoom has an incredibly fast and flexible 60-fps burst mode and true HD quality video (1080i). Casio doesn’t offer SLRs.

Fujifilm

The budget FinePix J series is the lowest priced. A step up is the F series, which offers more advanced features. The Z series are the subcompacts. FinePix models include face detection, high ISO capabilities, and practical features such as the ability to fire two quick shots, with and without flash. Most new models have a slot for expensive xD cards and another for less expensive SD. Certain models in the super-zoom S series are large, like one of its most recent introductions, the $800, 11 megapixel S100FS, which includes a 14x optical zoom lens. The pricey FinePix S Pro series SLRs target pro shooters. Fujifilm doesn't offer lenses, but SLR models accept Nikon or compatible lenses from third-party manufacturers.

General Imaging (GE)

Although a well-known brand in other markets, GE is still somewhat new to the digital camera market. It has produced a variety of compacts and subcompacts, but only a few models have innovative features, such as on-board GPS or touch screens. Some are also very inexpensive. GE doesn’t offer super-zooms or SLRs.

HP

Photosmart compacts, which range from the budget E and M series to the advanced R series, have a very narrow range of technical specifications. Some of the more innovative features offered in this line recently include a slimming feature, blemish removal, and pet red-eye removal. Most zooms are close to 3x; no model features image stabilization. Many models offer practical guides, including tips, in their menu interface for novices. HP doesn't offer SLRs.

Kodak

Kodak’s EasyShare line focuses on ease of use, as indicated by its brand tagline and features such as Smart Scene mode, which automatically selects specialty modes. The budget C series includes some of the least expensive compacts available. Higher-end Z-, P-, and newer M-series compacts have longer zooms and more sophisticated features. The V series of subcompacts offers some of the most unusual point-and-shoot features, including Bluetooth wireless and innovative dual-lens/dual-sensor designs. Kodak doesn't offer SLRs.

Leica

This innovative camera company produces cameras that serve a niche audience, mostly due to their high prices. Most of their cameras (D-LUX, C-LUX and V-LUX series) are essentially the same models produced under the Panasonic brand, although the Leica versions are more expensive. Its Digilux series is essentially the same as Panasonic’s SLR series as well. Leica’s most expensive and unique digital camera, the $5,500, 10 megapixel Leica M8, is one of the few digital rangefinder cameras available and has a small, but very loyal following of photographers.

Nikon

Coolpix compacts and subcompacts are divided into three series--a budget L, step-up S, and high-end P. Nikon has introduced more of these models with wireless features than any other company. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. Nikon's SLR bodies are typically less expensive than Canon's. Recently, Nikon introduced its latest entry level SLR, the $699, 10 megapixel D60, which includes an image-stabilized kit lens.

Olympus

Budget FE series compacts have built-in help guides and emphasize simple operation. Olympus recently offered some groundbreaking technologies in point-and-shoot lines and Evolt SLRs. High-end SP compacts have featured very long zooms. Select Stylus subcompacts have been water-resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and crushproof. All point-and-shoots use the slightly more expensive xD memory cards. Evolt SLRs were the first with live-preview LCDs. Olympus offers a reasonable range of lenses.

Panasonic

Every Panasonic Lumix, from the large FZ series of super-zooms to the budget LZ and LS series, has optical stabilization. FX-series subcompacts feature several modes and auto features; high-end LX can capture photos in 16:9 aspect mode, while the TZ-series compacts are super-zooms. Lumix cameras offer great value when they combine optical image stabilization with innovations such as intelligent ISO, which automatically raises the camera sensor's sensitivity when it detects motion, allowing faster shutter speed. Panasonic has been among the more reliable point-and-shoot brands. Panasonic offers two L-series SLR bodies and some lenses.

Pentax

The company produces some innovative point-and-shoots, known as Optio cameras, especially in its W and Z series. The W series includes compacts that are waterproof and can be taken underwater. The Z series includes models with relatively long zoom lenses, although not quite as long as a super-zoom. Its other product lines—V, S, M, A, and E series—have similar features and form factors, which make them hard to distinguish from one another. Pentax has had a long tradition of producing high-quality SLRs. Their most recent K series SLRs, some of which run on AA batteries, are also competitively priced, most well under $1,000.  Pentax also offers a line of SLR lenses.

Samsung

Samsung has produced some very inexpensive compact digital cameras. Its pricier subcompact NV series includes an innovative navigation interface. The GX series SLRs are essentially rebranded Pentax K-series SLRs. Samsung offers a limited selection of lenses.

Sigma

This company is primarily a lens manufacturer, offering third-party lenses for most of the major SLR camera lines that are often less expensive than those from the SLR camera manufacturers. But they also produce select cameras, including an SD series SLR, one of the only SLRs with a Foveon sensor. It has also recently introduced a high-end compact, the $799, 14 megapixel DP1, which includes the same Foveon sensor included in their SLRs and claims image quality to be close to SLR quality.

Sony

Sony offers innovations at relatively high prices. Cyber-shot compacts and subcompacts offer distinctions such as touch screens and sleek bodies. In recent tests, Sonys have beaten most brands in shutter lag and next-shot delay, two common complaints. All Sony point-and-shoots use proprietary, and pricey, Memory Stick storage. The W and S series are budget lines. High-end H- and G-series compacts and premium N- and T-series subcompacts tend to be pricier than other brands. Although a relative newcomer to SLRs, Sony has been expanding its SLR Alpha series and offers several bodies and a reasonable range of lenses.

See also:

Digital picture frames

SLR lenses

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