Electronics
Digital cameras
Introduction
The ultimate guide! Independent test results and ratings for over 120 digital cameras.
Find the type of camera that best suits your needs, learn about the features to look for, and use our test results to compare ratings, price and features for 123 digital cameras.
Plus shopping advice, photography tips and more.
Models we tested
This report contains test results and recommendations for the following compact and SLR digital cameras:
Compact models
DSLR models
Checklist
Here are the features you need to consider when buying a digital camera.
Memory
A few cameras have a small amount of built-in memory, but in general you'll store most of your pictures on a removable memory card. A low-capacity card (often 1-2GB) is sometimes supplied with the camera. Most of the time this should be enough, but more GB could prove valuable if you're away from a computer for long periods and can't download your images – or if you plan to take a lot of photos at high resolution. Many people use 4-8GB cards.
There are 6 main formats: CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD), xD, MultiMedia, Smart Media, and Memory Stick. Most digital cameras are compatible with only one format, but the brands aren't proprietary.
Batteries
Most cameras have their own integrated (rechargeable) batteries and include a charger; others accept general-purpose AA batteries. We no longer test battery life as the majority of cameras scored 10 out of 10 in our 250-cycle test.
Zoom
The optical zoom physically moves the lens, giving a closer view with no loss of quality. The digital zoom just enlarges the pixels in the image. This will reduce quality and can produce a jagged or pixelated result if you zoom too close.
Digital SLR cameras (DSLRs), like the old film cameras, usually use focal length as a measure of zoom, such as a 28-70mm or 70-300mm zoom lens. Compact digital cameras usually use a zoom ratio such as 2x, 3x, 12x.
Can you compare them? Yes, there's a simple rule. For a DSLR lens you divide the largest focal length by the shortest. So for a Canon 55-200mm lens you would divide 200mm by 55mm to get 3.6x - the zoom ratio of the lens. A 100-400mm lens has a 4x zoom ratio and a 35mm-350mm lens has 10x zoom.
Monitor and viewfinder
- Brightness and contrast can be adjusted on many monitors – a handy feature if you're struggling to see it in bright sunlight, or a dark room.
- The monitor on most DSLRs is for reviewing images only – you can't use it for previewing a shot. This is where a good viewfinder is essential.
- Some people with a standard digital camera prefer to use the viewfinder instead of the monitor, if they're trying to save battery life (by turning the monitor off), or if the background light is too bright to see the monitor clearly.
- Some viewfinders have a "dioptre adjustment" (eye correction) feature – allowing short-sighted people to view the image without having to wear glasses.
Resolution
Most cameras let you choose between several resolution settings. A low-resolution shot will take less storage space than a high-resolution one – useful if you need lots of quick-reference images, rather than a smaller number of high-quality ones.
Megapixels
How many megapixels (MP) do you need? These are the number of pixels (dots), multiplied by a million, that the camera "sees". The bigger the number, the higher the resolution, and the better the image will look when you enlarge it. However, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Even a 3MP camera will produce good quality 4x6 inch prints.
- Enlargements up to 10x15 inches will look better with 4 or 5MP.
- There's virtually no visible difference in a 6x4 inch print between a 6MP and 10MP camera. Resolution over 5MP only becomes important if you're planning to enlarge your photos to poster-size or crop them hugely. If this is likely, look for a 7MP to 10MP camera. Otherwise, resolution is less important than sensors, lens quality, and other factors that affect photo quality.
| Megapixels | Image size (MB) | Print size (inches) |
| 3.9 | 1.2 | 10 x 12 |
| 4.9 | 1.4 | 10 x 15 |
| 6 | 1.6 | 12 x 18 |
| 7.1 | 1.8 | 16 x 20 |
| 8 | 1.9 | 18 x 24 |
| 10 | 2.2 | 20 x 30 |
| 12 | 2.5 | 24 x 36 |
Guide to the table
Image size: Average size of a jpeg file (best quality) taken at this resolution.
Print size: The print size you can enlarge to without a noticeable loss of quality.
Other features
Manual settings
The more manual setting options you have, the more you can do with the camera. Most will let you control file type, quality, focus, aperture and shutter speed. Look also for meter options: spot metering lets you set the exposure to one part of the image, field metering takes in the whole frame.
There may also be pre-set options for different types of scenes, such as "Beach/Snow" (low exposure), "Landscape" (long focal distance) and "Fireworks" (slow shutter speed).
Shutter delay
Photography is about capturing the moment – and a photo isn't taken the instant you press the button. There's a time delay, known as shutter delay or shutter lag. That time delay can mean the difference between a prize-winning image or a photo destined for deletion.
Many compacts have a shutter delay of half a second or more, and this can increase if you're taking a number of quick shots in succession. DSLRs typically take photos much faster, because of their optical viewfinder and bigger electronic processor.
Macro
A macro setting allows you to take extreme close-ups. Most cameras have this, but the minimum focal distance differs, from about 1 to 20cm. Even without a macro setting, many cameras will be able to focus on objects quite close to the lens. Less than 10cm is good.
Movie function
Most compact cameras allow you to take short video clips with sound. Some models allow up to an hour of footage if you have a large memory card. The movie quality between digital cameras can range from very poor to rivalling modern digital camcorders. If this is important, check out our test scores for movie quality.
Flash
Red-eye reduction is present on almost all models. A few have an extra "hot shoe" or similar connection which allows you to attach an external (and more powerful) flash.
Portability
Look for a camera that is not too heavy and has a sturdy design. Fold-out screens can be flimsy, but also very useful. Cases/bags are not usually supplied, but can be bought separately.
Output options
Many models hook up to a television so you can view your photos or short films on the big screen. You may be able to play sound as well.
Tripod attachment
Always a useful feature if you're interested in anything more than casual snaps.
Image-editing software
Basic programs are sometimes supplied, although you may want to buy your own. Image editing is a lot of fun, and the only limit is your imagination.
Digital SLRs
For general and travel photography a good compact camera can produce excellent results. But for specialist portrait, landscape, sports and action photography, a digital SLR (DSLR) is worth considering.
Pros
The lens on a DSLR is interchangeable, and the camera may be sold with or without a lens. This means you can change the lens on the camera for shooting in different situations, such as wide-angle interior shots and sports photography.
DSLRs auto-focus significantly faster than compact cameras making them superior for shooting fast moving scenes such as kids' sports. Compacts normally reach 400 or 800 ISO speed, but most DSLRs will achieve 3200 ISO and beyond. This is a big advantage for shooting sports, action and in low-light conditions.
DSLRs have much larger sensors than compacts which affects their depth of field, meaning it's significantly easier to isolate the subject and defocus the background. This makes a huge difference for portrait photography.
Cons
DSLRs are bigger and heavier than compact digitals. Add a selection of lenses and other accessories and they become even less user-friendly for travel.
Most cameras come with one lens and if you want a new lens at a different focal length you can expect to spend between $350 and $2000. The first new lens for many people is a 55-200mm lens for shooting sports which costs about $380. Many DSLRs can be purchased as a 'twin-lens kit' which includes this lens at a discount.
Micro system cameras
Cameras based on this new interchangeable lens system don’t have the physical mirrors of DSLRs. They’re less bulky than DSLRs and have comparable image quality (in some models) and processing speeds. They lack optical viewfinders, though many have LCD viewfinders instead.
Most have smaller sensors than DSLRs which means low-light performance isn't as good.
Shopping advice
Once you've made a shortlist of models, try them out in a shop. Are they comfortable to hold? Are the screen and viewfinder convenient to use? Do you understand what all the buttons do?
Shop around and don't be afraid to bargain. Ask about extras such as a spare battery, battery charger, carry case, extra memory and tripod. Will the shop offer a discount if you buy these at the same time as the digital camera? Many traders will match the prices offered by other shops.
Include some online retailers when you go looking for prices, such as www.ascent.co.nz, www.photo.co.nz, and www.wps.net.nz.
PriceSpy and PriceMe are other useful websites to check prices, but bear in mind they include retailers which parallel-import cameras. If you are thinking of buying from a parallel-importer, be aware that it may be more difficult to get after-sales service if problems arise later. See our report on parallel importing for more advice.
Wherever you buy from, check the warranty conditions. Find out whether the retailer can get the model repaired in New Zealand, and how long they guarantee to hold spare parts.
If you buy a digital camera overseas, it's very important to ask for an international warranty (this may cost more). Otherwise you may find you have no protection if things go wrong back home.
Photography tips
Get comfortable with your camera
Whether you've bought an ultra compact or advanced DSLR, knowing your camera is the only way to get the best out of it.
Even the simplest digital camera has multiple scene modes, adjustable auto-focus, and other options that will improve your photos. Do you know how to use these features? If not, you'll only be making use of a small part of your camera's capability.
It really is worth reading your new camera's manual. It's the fastest way to get familiar with all the camera's features. The manual will also explain the various presets – make sure you take test shots in every mode so you know exactly what they do.
Using the flash
Take the time to experiment with the manual flash settings. Try taking an outdoor photo in the shade of a tree or a building, with the flash on.
Similarly, try turning the flash off in some indoor settings – the flash doesn't always capture the mood of a scene as well as you'd like because it can saturate your subject with harsh light. Remember you have a digital camera with heaps of image-storage space, so don't be afraid to experiment with the different settings.
Rule of thirds
Composition is just as important as lighting – the human eye finds certain physical ratios more pleasing than others.
If you look at some of your favourite photos, you'll notice they rarely feature the subject right in the centre of the shot. Instead, they're usually arranged by what's called the rule of thirds.
When lining up a shot, imagine the display is criss-crossed with a grid like a game of tic-tac-toe. If you line up the main elements in your scene close to the grid lines themselves, you'll find that the final photograph looks much better (and more natural) than if you'd centred the shot.
White balance
Have you ever captured what you thought was a great shot ... but it ended up looking like it was taken with a blue or orange light shining on the subject?
Different light sources produce different kinds of "white" light. It's commonly measured in kelvin, a unit of temperature. Candlelight has a rating of about 1900 and appears more orange, whereas many flashes and fluorescent lights rate around 5500 and produce a bluer tinge. It may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but it can ruin the mood of an otherwise good photo.
Luckily, you can modify the white-balance settings on your camera. It'll have a number of presets, but try experimenting with different settings under distinctly different light conditions – you'll be surprised at the changes (as pictured).
Red eye
One of the most persistent and annoying problems is the dreaded red eye, well known for making your friends and family look like zombies.
Most modern cameras have a special flash setting that's designed to eliminate red eye by stuttering the flash and forcing the subject's pupils to contract. This doesn't always work, but most photo-editing software makes it easy to remove the red glow. For more information on photo-editing software, see below.
Get good software
Some cameras allow you to edit and adjust photos without a computer. But a good photo-editing program lets you correct lighting, colour balance, and contrast. It also lets you crop, flip, and magnify images – you can even chop people or objects out of a photo.
Photo-editing software can turn a poor photo into a masterpiece (see our test of photo editing programs to pick a good one).
Perspective
Before you take a picture, think about whether it would look better taken with the camera held horizontally (landscape) or vertically (portrait). A vertical shot of a tall tree emphasises its height. A horizontal shot of a landscape can give a feeling of breadth.
Consider also your subject's position (relative to you). If it's lower down, it may appear small and weak in the pic. Something that rises above you can look strong and powerful.
Close-ups
Here's where you use the camera's macro mode (usually indicated by a small flower).
Macro mode helps you to focus on close subjects like flowers or insects within about 30cm of the camera. This helps you show great detail in the final photo.
If your camera's a DSLR, make sure you've got a lens with good macro capabilities. You'll probably need something better than the lens that came with the camera.
Panning
The idea behind panning is to show a sharp and frozen image of a fast-moving subject like a bike or car against a blurry background. This creates a sense of action.
To try panning, set a slow shutter speed (around 1/15 of a second). Then follow the moving object through the viewfinder as it passes you, and continue to follow it during and after you press the shutter button.
If you're using auto focus, press the shutter button halfway to focus on a point around which your subject will pass. This will mean the moving object appears sharp in the photo.
Burst mode
Virtually all cameras have a "burst" mode – allowing you to take several shots, one immediately after the other, until you take your finger off the shutter button.
Burst mode is useful for getting still images from fast action, such as a sports game. All pictures taken in burst mode are stored on the memory card, so you can pick and choose which ones to keep.
Take lots of photos
Landscape and still-life photography is usually easy to get right first time. But when photographing people or moving objects it's easy to get your focus, framing and exposure wrong. It's terrible to realise when loading your photos on to a computer that you didn't catch one good image.
With a large memory card you can take lots of photos and have at least one great photo of that event.