Cameras for Christmas
2009

  Cameras in this review range from $99 to just under $700. We start at the low end with cameras incorporating an integrated lens, known as Point & Shoots, and follow with several entry level Digital SLRs. Our criterion is value for the money you'll spend, and we offer at the end of the piece a list of review sites that provide a professional hands-on evaluation of digital cameras, most having its own picks or favorites that you may want to consider. We'll also tell you why and where to buy used gear, and short treatise on megapixels and why they really don't matter.

Point & Shoot

 It's hard to find a camera at twice the price that will best the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8K, currently available for $99. With an 8 megapixel sensor and 5x zoom (32-160mm eq - expandable to 285mm eq at 3 megapixels) the LZ8 produces quality photos that can be printed to 8x10. The lens is stabilized and can be zoomed during video recording at a 16:9 aspect for display on wide screen monitors.

  If image quality, rather than video, is your primary concern you might want to spend another 40 bucks ($139) and buy the Canon A2000 IS. It's 10 megapixel sensor produces relatively cleaner images down to ISO 400 with a 6x zoom (36-216mm eq), and like the LZ8 offers full manual controls making it a fine choice for the beginning photographer. Canon's newest models, the A1100 IS with a 4x zoom (35-140mm eq) and the A2100 IS with the same 6x zoom as the A2000 IS have been upgraded to 12 megapixels with some added features, but best price on these models are $128 and $230 respectively. 

Further a Canon Hackers Develop Kit distribution is currently available for the A2000 IS for those who wish to expand it's capabilities without disabling the standard options provided by Canon. The short list includes saving RAW data from the sensor thus increasing the dynamic range of the image, as well as providing bracketing in Continuous mode, and adding function to the video capture. You'll find links to the CHDK Wiki and Forum at the above link as well as an explanation of RAW image capture and why it matters.

  One of the new cameras we really like is Canon's 12.1 megapixel D-10 ($275) with a 3x lens (35-105mm eq) - their entry in the current line up of waterproof cameras. It looks cool, takes very good pictures, and you can dive with it. That said, shooting through a porthole does have its disadvantages on dry land in that you're shooting through glass. Where the D-10 really shines - naturally - is under the waves. The competition doesn't come close - nuff said.

  Super zooms are difficult to assess in that what makes them attractive also creates image problems, yet this is the direction of the market in the consumer lines - more zoom to go with the more megapixels. While Canon tends to have a cleaner shot in terms of noise, Panasonic does a better job of cleaning up aberrations in the lens. So it depends on what you hate worse. The reason we choose the Panasonics, and the new model from Sony, over the Canon line reflects the value point of this review. Quite simply, when all the features are weighed and considered the Canon line up comes with a premium, and if I won't pay it I can't recommend that you do so. But you can also use the links at the end of the article to make your own decision.

  So our top recommendation for super zooms goes to Panasonic's new ZS1 at $215. Like its sibling the ZS3 it sports a 10 megapixel sensor and a 12X lens (25-300mm eq), but if you want High Definition video (1280 by 720 versus 848 by 480)  then opt for the ZS3 for $270. In either case you'll get good images to ISO 400 and a zoom that operates while filming - something that other cameras like Canon's SX200 IS lack - however, while zooming the focus tends to deteriorate momentarily as Gordon Laing of Camera Labs demonstrates. On the plus side, the ZS3 employs two video modes, the older Motion JPEG and the newer AVCHD format that produces better compression - almost half the space per minute of recording - with no limit beyond that of your memory card. The ZS3 also incorporates stereo mikes for high quality sound, and has a conveniently placed record button that can be actuated with a press of your thumb. Soccer moms will love it. 

 But if you're a zoom fanatic then you'll want to check out the Panasonic FZ35 sporting a 18X lens (27-486mm eq) with the option to crop the 12 megapixel sensor to 3 megapixels and take the zoom out to an incredible 950 mm eq. That will scope the eye of an eagle for $325. The FZ35 provides the same 720p video options as the ZS3, though it also exhibits the same problem with refocusing as the ZS3 when zooming.  Finally, if you're particular and do a lot of low light shooting you'll need to pick up some third party noise reduction software to clean up the shadows as the ISO increases beyond 200. Check out our latest Freeware article for software that will do just that, as well as other image editing programs, and utilities.

  If action shots and 1080p video is your priority check out the Sony DSC-HX1 which records 1080p movies (1440 by 1080) with excellent color and a 20x zoom (28-560mm eq) that stays focused when zoomed during video capture. Though its sensor is only 9.1 megapixels, image resolution is excellent, color and noise acceptable, and the lens is relatively bright thus offering the best low light capability in its class. Sony has also incorporated a 6 shot bracketing mode that combines the images in-camera to reduce motion blur in moving objects, and increased dynamic range in its Twilight Mode. Sony has also incorporated a panorama mode that allows you to depress the shutter and spin or pan around (depending on how serious you are) and the camera's software will stitch the images automatically. If that isn't enough the camera's face recognition software will actually measure the subject's smile and take the picture at a degree of "smiliness" that you set before taking the shot. Best price at this time is $420, and yet all things considered it's a best buy by comparison with its competitors.

  Canon, to great fanfare, resurrected the S-series with the S90 using the same new sensor that they use in their G-11 bridge, and it has some compelling features. Nonetheless I find it difficult to jump on the S90 bandwagon. Yes it has a nice bright lens (f2.0) with an almost 4X zoom (28-105mm eq), but it's $400. For some it may be the perfect pocket camera, and then there's some snob appeal to go with that, but it's too pricey for the average consumer, and advanced amateurs looking for a point and shoot would do better with the G11, priced at $450, with a 5x zoom (28-140mm eq) that's marginally sharper. Other advantages of the G-11 include an articulated LCD that rotates 270 degrees, and better ergonomics. But video on both cameras just plain sucks.

Digital Single Lens Reflex

  The fact is, for a little more money you can step up to a entry level DSLR, and if you're serious about photography there's really no other choice. The advantage is that you get a much larger sensor with almost no noise at lower ISOs (100-400) and controlled noise at higher levels (800-1600).  Then there's the ability attach a variety of standard lenses and get creative. The fact that the consumer DSLRs employ a cropped sensor for imaging means that the standard kit lens lens that comes in the package, generally in the range of 18-55mm (Canon, Nikon & Pentax) will telephoto to approximately 28 - 88 mm. That's not a bad range, but it also means that you'll be shooting through the central portion of a standard 35mm lens which is naturally the sweet spot. Read: 3rd Party lenses are tack sharp while costing less $$$.

  Let's start with the Nikon D3000 for $500. It's an entry level SLR with an okay lens to get you started, and a 10 MP sensor that produces great images. It's Handy Guide Mode makes it a great camera for beginners, and in playback mode you can retouch your photos. What it doesn't have is Live View so you'll be framing your shots through the optical viewfinder, and frankly it won't be long before you'll want to upgrade to a better lens. It's big brother, the D5000 adds some useful features including a flip out screen, 720p video, 12.3 megapixel sensor, automatic correction of chromatic aberration, and increased dynamic range for $634 with the standard 18-55mm lens. 

  It's competition comes in three flavors from Canon. The  Rebel XS, with a10 megapixel sensor, now being closed out for $500, lacks some of the more professional features found in the Canon XSi, 12.2 megapixels ($560) but the JPEG image quality is excellent- in fact, slightly better than Nikon and the Pentax model below. All the Canon models offer Live View - a real plus for manual focus shots - and their newest offering, the Rebel X1i ($695) has1080p video. However, the 18-55 IS lens that works well on the XS and XSi doesn't do justice to the 15 megapixel sensor in the T1i, and you may be better off buying the body and shopping for a lens with better resolution.  But none of the Rebels really come up to the build quality and ergonomics of the Nikons, and frankly I find Canon's naming of these cameras a bit frustrating considering that they are also designated in other markets outside the USA as the 1000D (XS), 450D (XSi) and 500D (T1i).

  The Pentax K-m with 10.2 megapixels is now offered with the standard 18-55mm lens for $435, and you can add a second lens, the 50-200mm, to the kit for $540. There is one caveat to this bargain: Pentax's  JPEG engine doesn't produce the best image quality when compared to Canon and Nikon, yet I can recommend this model to serious amateurs with budget constraints who wish to shoot in RAW format and develop their images. Pentax also uses an image stabilization system within the camera so lenses are less expensive than Canon's IS and Nikon's VR lenses while achieving the same result, and employs a help system similar to Nikon for beginners.

  Their newest offering is the K-x with 12.4 megapixels for $549 with the 18-55mm lens, and $649 if you add the 55-200mm. Some of the added features are Digital Filters that mimic the over the lens types without the concomitant loss of light, HDR which brings out the shadows without blowing the highlights, D Lighting for night photography, and Multi Exposure which combines two images in the same file. Aside from the bells and whistles, image quality has improved over the K-m with noise free images down to ISO 800, and decent at ISO 1600, though comparative tests against Nikon and Canon, etc., were not available. That said, most hobbyists would do well to consider the K series as it offers excellent build quality and value.

  Saving perhaps the Best for Last, the Olympus E-620 with 12.4 megapixels offers the most dynamic range of any camera tested by Digital Photography Review and starts at $585 with a 14-42mm lens, and adding the 40-150mm lens to the kit brings the price to $650. What I like is the photo quality, Live View, an articulated screen that rotates 270 degrees (like the Canon G-11), and sensor stabilization that avoids the cost of an image stabilized lens. The caveat is that the E-620 sensor is based on the Four-Thirds format like consumer models, and that reduces your choice of lenses - though adapters expand the field to Nikon and Leica M series lenses. Further the sensor crops at 2x (versus the 1.5x on Nikon, 1.6x on Canon and others) so that 14-42mm zooms out to 28mm at its widest setting. Of course that also means that the 40-150mm zoom is comparable to 300mm at maximum telephoto. Though it lacks video of any sort it's really a fine camera for amateur photographers and its build quality is outstanding. Check it out.

Used and Refurbished DSLRs

  Bargain shoppers should keep an eye on prices as they are falling, and even consider factory refurbished models in the DSLR category. Currently Adorama has on hand a Nikon D60 (10.2 megapixels) for $349 that can be paired with the 18-55mm VR and 55-200mm VR lenses for $650. Though only warranted for 90 days, most stores carry the option of a Mack Extended Warranty for only $40-70 - a good idea regardless of what camera you buy.

  I also watched a Canon 40D (10.2 megapixel) sell on eBay for just under $670 without a lens. Why would anyone buy a used camera like that for more money than a new Rebel? It's a semi-pro model that puts the build quality of the Rebels to shame while offering the same essential features (minus video), and that particular camera had only 3900 actuations on a shutter rated for 100,000. In another auction a new, in the box, 30D (8.2 megapixels) with the kit lens went for $440.

  Of course the last minute of an eBay auction can get pretty crazy, and my advice is to check out camera stores like Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, and UsedCameras for used and refurbished gear because they inspect and rate the condition of the camera, and might even buy or trade in the camera you already own. If nothing else you'll get an idea of the retail cost from a reputable dealer, and frankly a good many of the cameras on eBay are being sold by reputable dealers who provide a 90 day warranty, and offer the option to extend it.

  Finally, you may pay a bit more at a local shop, but then if you know the market you can always dicker. You can also hold the camera, take a few shots, and even rent it for a weekend with a selection of lenses. But even you buy elsewhere it's a good idea to get familiar with a local shop because even the pros rent equipment, and especially lenses which can cost $2000 or more.

Online Sources of Critical Reviews

  Increasingly it's become more difficult to find in-depth reviews of consumer cameras that perform tests using scientific methods and materials. Some "review" sites simply republish the PR release from the manufacturer, and others just take a few shots at a show. I'm always skeptical of review sites that find no fault because no camera is perfect. Possibly the worst "review" I've read in preparing this article not only gushed over the new Canon S90 but actually urged readers to hurry out and buy the camera before Canon ran out of them. Please...

  Now to be clear I don't do a hands on review of these cameras, and that's why I always list my sources. (This the third year for Cameras for Christmas) Further, each source provides a mix of studio and real life images that can be analyzed. Some reviews are more detailed in a technical sense, and others provide more of a user prospective, highlighting the joys and or frustrations of use in the field. With caveats, like available funds or intended usage, there's not one camera in this roundup that I wouldn't buy for myself.  And hopefully you'll find this piece useful if indeed you're shopping for Cameras for Christmas.

Mike Siesel   

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8K

Canon A2000 IS

Canon D-10 Waterproof

Panasonic Lumix ZS1

Panasonic Lumix FZ35

Sony HX1

Canon G-11

Nikon D5000 

Canon EOS Rebel XS

Pentaz K-m (K2000)

Olympus E-620

Why Megapixels Don't Count

  Think of it this way: Would you be more comfortable in a house or an efficiency apartment? That's the relative difference between the small sensors in consumer cameras and the larger ones in the DSLRs, and the reason consumer models generate more noise.

  Image noise conflicts with detail and color reproduction. It's not always noticeable in small prints and standard viewing resolution on your computer monitor. But more pixels sells more cameras, though Canon's G-11 has reversed the trend by dropping the pixel count from 14.7 megapixels in the G-10 to 10 megapixels in the G-11 - and to critical acclaim as the new sensor produces cleaner images, and yet can easily print at 13x19.

  In fact I regularly print photos taken 9 years ago with a 3.3 megapixel cameras that are sharp and clear at 8x10, sometimes more. My 6 & 8 megapixel images print at 12x18.

  The fact is, the rule of thumb for a good print is 200 pixels per inch or more - not the 300 dpi so often quoted.

  My "secret" is a program called Qimage which can upsize an image, match the resolution with my printer, and unerringly generate good prints. It's a good investment if you're going to print at home, especially with a large format printer (13x19 paper).

  So don't give in to pixel envy. Choose a camera that produces clean shots, and good color down to at least ISO 400. Give some thought as to how you'll be using the camera, and remember that there's no substitute for picking one up and taking a few shots.