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

Canon is the market leader in point-and-shoots, with an extensive line of models, which are known as PowerShots. Its budget lines, the A- and E-series, are made up of compacts. Canon's subcompacts are known as SD ELPHs. Its SX-series are super zooms and come in various sizes and include smaller or larger feature sets. Canon recently introduced a new series, the D-series compacts, which are waterproof and shockproof. Its high-end series, the S and G lines, include special modes and manual features, such as the ability to shoot RAW files and to focus manually. The EOS Rebel series helped to define budget SLRs. Other SLRs include a host of pro and more-advanced consumer models, including models that have very large, full-frame sensors. Canon also offers a wider selection of lenses than most brands. Newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Casio

The company produces point-and-shoots known as Exilims. Most are ultra-slim subcompacts, although Casio also makes higher-end, full-featured models that have longer zooms and more robust video capabilities. The thinnest models are the S series camera, followed by the slightly thicker Z and H series. Its F series models include long zoom lenses, special burst modes, or both. Some models include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video. Casio doesn't offer SLRs.

Fujifilm

The budget FinePix J and A series are the lowest priced. A step-up is the F series cameras, which offer more advanced features. The Z series models are the subcompacts. FinePix models include practical features such as the ability to fire two quick shots, with and without flash. Most new models have a slot for xD cards and another for less-expensive SD. Some models in the super zoom S-series are large and include long zoom lenses. Select EXR models include special modes that let the sensor adapt to the subject you're shooting. Fujifilm also makes a waterproof WP-series subcompact and has recently developed a 3-D point-and-shoot. The expensive FinePix S Pro series SLRs target pro shooters, and the IS series of SLRs and point-and-shoots includes special models that are sensitive to ultraviolet and infrared light. Fujifilm doesn't offer lenses, but SLR models accept Nikon or compatible lenses from third-party manufacturers.

General Imaging (GE)

General Imaging holds an exclusive licensing agreement with General Electric to produce cameras under the GE name. 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, some of which are very inexpensive. GE doesn't offer super zooms or SLRs.

Kodak

Kodak's EasyShare line focuses on ease of use, as indicated by its brand tagline. The budget C series includes some of the least-expensive point-and-shoots available. The M-series compacts and subcompacts offer slightly more sophisticated features in a more stylishly designed camera body. Most of the higher-end Z-series models are super zooms. Some models include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video. 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. They have recently introduced a high-end, very expensive X-series point-and-shoot that includes a large APS-C sized sensor, like those found on SLRs, although it has a fixed lens instead of using interchangeable lenses. Leica's most celebrated line is its very expensive M-series of digital rangefinder cameras that have a small but very loyal following of photographers.

Nikon

Nikon has a fairly extensive line of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras. Its subcompacts, compacts and super zooms are divided into three series—a budget L, step-up S, and high-end P series. Nikon has recently introduced an innovative S-series camera, which includes a built-in projector that lets you beam images or video clips onto any surface. Like Canon's SLR lineup, Nikon's D series offers cameras for every SLR user and budget and a wide range of lenses. High-end SLRs include large, full-frame sensors, which offer better quality in low light. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Olympus

Budget FE series compacts have built-in help guides and emphasize simple operation. High-end SP models have featured very long zooms. Stylus models are mid-range compacts and subcompacts. Select "Tough" Stylus subcompacts are water-resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and crushproof. Although all point-and-shoots still use the slightly more expensive xD memory cards, newer models are compatible with less-expensive SD cards. Recently, Olympus has introduced a new Pen series model that, along with models from Panasonic, has broken new ground in the camera industry. Based on micro four-thirds sensor technology, this type of camera combines key SLR features—a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses—with the smaller size and weight of a point-and-shoot. Olympus produces several E-series SLRs, and offers a wide range of lenses. Its SLR-like series includes the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Panasonic

Every Panasonic Lumix, from the large FZ series of super zooms to the budget LS series, has optical stabilization. FX- and ZR-series subcompacts feature several modes and auto features; high-end LX models can capture photos in 16:9 aspect mode and shoot in RAW modes. They also recently introduced a TS-series compact that is waterproof and shockproof. 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. Recently, Panasonic has introduced several G-series Lumix models that, along with Olympus, have broken new ground in the camera industry. Based on micro four-thirds sensor technology, this type of camera combines key SLR features—a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses—with the smaller size and weight of a point-and-shoot. Panasonic also offers two L-series SLR bodies and some lenses. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLR-like models include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Pentax

The company produces some innovative point-and-shoots, known as Optio cameras, especially its waterproof W series. The X-series super zooms include models with relatively long zoom lenses. Pentax has had a long tradition of producing high-quality SLRs. Its most recent K series SLRs are competitively priced and include some unique features such as its High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. Pentax also offers a line of SLR lenses. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

Samsung

Samsung has produced some very inexpensive compact digital cameras and some innovative models, including "dual view" cameras that have LCDs on the front and back of the camera body. Some models include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video. Samsung offers a small line of GX SLRs, which are essentially rebranded Pentax K-series SLRs, and 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 and a high-end DP-series compact, both of which capture images on its uniquely designed Foveon sensor.

Sony

Sony offers innovations at relatively high prices. Cyber-shot compacts and subcompacts offer distinctions such as touch screens and sleek bodies. All Sony point-and-shoots use proprietary, and expensive, Memory Stick storage. The W and S series are budget lines. High-end H- and G-series compacts and premium T-series subcompacts tend to be priced higher than other brands. Sony has expanded its SLR Alpha series significantly and offers cameras for every SLR user and budget, including models that have very large, full-frame sensors and special features, such as a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. It also has a wide range of lenses to choose from. Some newer point-and-shoots and SLRs include the ability to shoot HD-resolution video, which is stored on the memory card along with the still-image files.

See also:

Digital picture frames

SLR lenses

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