Top rated digital cameras

Digital cameras get their top ratings from consumers like you.  They get their ratings based on the same type of criteria the you use to choose your new digital camera.  They are rated on features, ease of use and price.  Keep in mind that most often the people who rate digital cameras are employees of the manufacturer or professional photographers.  That is not a bad thing.  Both groups of people are going to be highly knowledgeable about the cameras and the reviews they give will have highly accurate data.  But just keep in mind that their criteria for rating camera may not be the same as yours.

So what is important to you in the camera you choose?  For me, I like to make sure the camera feels comfortable against my face, since that is how I take pictures, the old fashioned way with the viewfinder to my eye.  I know lots of people these days that don't use the viewfinder at all.  They always hold the camera out in front of them and frame their shot on the screen.  If this is how you take your shots you will want to make sure the screen is large enough to see and that it is clear when you look at a picture.  Here's a tip for you, take it outside in the sunlight and see how it performs.  Some LCD screens just don't perform well in sunlight and it's better to know that before you purchase.

How about the type of storage it uses?  If you don't have one of the newer 7 in 1 card readers on your computer, but one of the older type that only reads 1 or 2 types that might be a consideration for you.  I am sure this will not be a top priority for anyone, but in the end it may be a deciding factor.  If it is down to 2 cameras that you feel are equal but for one you would have to buy a new reader in addition to the camera?  It's just something to think about.

What about brands? There are cameras out there that have been powerhouses in the photography business for years.  The reason they are powerhouses is because they have been producing quality cameras on a consistent basis over a period of many years.  If you don't know much about cameras, it might keep you in your comfort range to go with a well known name.  They are not however, the only makers of quality digital cameras, or even the top rated digital cameras.  There are many makers of cameras who make fine products, and the advantage sometimes of going with an off brand is the reduction in price.  You are only paying for the camera, not for the brand name.

How about accessories?  Again, this choice is going to be dependent upon how you will be using the camera.  If you an amateur like me but you hope to get better in the future, you might want to do like I did, and buy a camera that I don't fully know how to use.  The reason I did this is so that I have an opportunity to learn more without having to go out an buy another camera.  In other words, like a young married couple buying a 3 bedroom house, I am planning for future expansion.

How about features?  Does it have manual controls?  Can you set the fstop?  Can you control shutter speed?  Do you even want to be able to do that?  Most top rated digital cameras will have user settings on them for portrait, landscape, macro, action and night shots.  If you are not looking for creative control, these settings will probably work very well for you, you just put the camera on the proper setting, and the camera will decide what to put the settings at and you will never have to worry about any of the manual controls.  The other settings are for people that like to experiment and get creative or for people that know what they are doing.

Have a look at some of the advertisers on this page.  Check out some photographer blogs.  Look at manufacturer websites.  There are even forums where you can interact with people who own the camera you are thinking about.  Do lots of research before you buy and make sure you get one that is perfect for you!  And come back often to see what else I have come up with to help you learn about the top rated digital cameras on the market today.