The Best Digital Cameras of 2008 |
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See the top digital cameras of 2008 and chose one as a gift or for yourself. For each digital camera size, we selected the best overall model available this year, emphasizing on image quality above all else. Alternate choices are presented when a model in the same category shows a significantly different feature set while not drastically compromising image quality and performance. Top DSLR cameras are divided into a few categories due to huge price differences among them.
The digital cameras shown below are outstanding models in their respective categories. They are chosen for outstanding image quality, feature set, performance and value relative to cameras in the same category. If none of these models suit your needs, see our buying guide's model pages. |
Select a category below to jump to the chosen models. If you are not sure which category would suite you better, consult the Choosing Basics section of the buying guide.
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Making digital cameras this small requires compromises. Choosing among them means deciding which compromises we can accept. In return, we get a camera which can unobtrusively be taken anywhere and more photo opportunities. The most drastic compromises are found in ultra-compact digital cameras.
Top Pick
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 The Fuji Finepix F100fd combines a wide-angle 5X optical zoom lens, sensor-shift image stabilization, ultra-high ISO and a SuperCCD sensor with 12 megapixels.
The F100fd is the ultra-compact image quality champion with a truly exceptional performance at high-ISO, making it better in low light than any of its peers.
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Alternate Choice
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 The Olympus 1030SW may only be average in terms of image quality but by being the world's most robust camera it can take on any environment. This model is waterproof up to 10m (30') underwater, is shockproof against 2m (6') drops onto concrete,is freeze proof up to -10C (14F) and is crushproof against 200kg (440 lbs) of weight. There are no other digital cameras like this, in any category.
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Alternate Choice
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Compact digital cameras have plenty of features, yet are small enough not to require a dedicated camera bag. By their sizes, these cameras cannot sport the best lenses nor the most comfortable ergonomics. Leading compact cameras are generally well-rounded with nearly identical feature sets. This year though, we saw the appearing of the distinct models shown below as alternate choices.
Top Pick
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This camera is not only one of the best models in its class, it is also a great value due to its low price. With optical image stabilization, full-manual controls, unlimited continuous drive, it does more than most compact cameras. Add to that good image quality, fast speed and convenient use of AA batteries and you have a winning camera.
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Alternate Choice
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 The Canon Powershot SX100 represents the compromise it takes to include an ultra-zoom lens in a compact digital camera. All the features found in our top compact pick, the Powershot A590, are also found here. A stabilized 10X optical zoom lens (35-350mm) instead of the A590's 4X and an added control dial improve usability. The compromise is higher image noise and continuous drive so slow it does not count.
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Alternate Choice
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The Panasonic Lumix LX3 features a unique 24-60mm F2-2.8 lens with stabilization, a 3" LCD with 460K pixels, HD (720p) movie mode and full-manual controls. The lens' ultra-wide angle allows the capturing of images unique among such compact cameras. The bright aperture which is one stop or more brighter than any other compact camera still being produced makes up for high image noise by allowing the LX3 to shoot at one ISO stop less than the competition. It turns out this is exactly what Panasonic need to make up for its most persistent image quality problem.
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Large cameras are very capable. In addition to a complete feature-set, these cameras can be equipped with outstanding optics and ergonomically-designed bodies. Compared to DSLR cameras, large cameras provide WYSIWYG live-preview with relatively fast autofocus and are not
prone to sensor dust. Their only true limitation is having a fixed lens.
Top Pick
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The image quality from the Fuji Finepix S100FS is superb. Combining a high-sensitivity 11 megapixels sensor and a mechanical 14.3X stabilized optical zoom lens into a DSLR-sized ultra-zoom, this camera simulates various Fuji films and captures up to 400% more dynamic range. While not on par with modern DSLRs, this camera is a serious challenger considering its 28-400 F2.8-5.3 lens. Under most situations, the biggest advantage of a DSLR over the Fuji S100FS is speed.
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DSLR cameras top image quality, speed of operation and versatility. As
such, all DSLR cameras are great photographic tools. While you cannot go wrong
with any DSLR, some are better than others. Moving from a fixed-lens type of
camera, results from a DSLR cannot fail to impress. The most important differences between
DSLR cameras are features and lens choices. Note that all DSLR cameras have full
manual controls, custom white balance, various metering modes, high-ISO,
continuous drive and a flash hot-shoe.
Entry DSLR - Top Pick
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This entry-level DSLR is the most feature rich ever made. The Pentax K200D is the only such DSLR to be weatherproof and one of the rare ones to run on AA batteries. The K200D also features builtin stabilization, DOF-preview, spot metering and dust-reduction, all features which are not always seen on entry-level digital SLR cameras. It also has the largest and brightest viewfinder among its peers. The K200D does not feel entry-level other than having a few less buttons and only one control dial.
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Advanced DSLR - Top Pick (Tied)
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The Nikon D300 is a well-rounded robust digital camera with every feature short of built in stabilization. Its high-speed 6 FPS drive shoots up to 100 images. Its viewfinder is the best in its class with 100% coverage. Add a 3" LCD with 920K pixels, 51-point AF with 3D-tracking and you have an incredibly capable cropped-sensor DSLR.
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Advanced DSLR - Top Pick (Tied)
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The Pentax K20D is the most feature-rich DSLR to date. This durable camera is properly sealed against rain. Among DSLRs, the K20D has many almost unique features like TAv mode, Sensitivity-priority, WB-preview, Hyper-Program, dust-detection, LCD color adjustments. The K20D has brilliant usability features as well as superb ergonomics.
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Pro DSLR - Top Pick
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The Nikon D3 is the low-light champion. Up to the introduction of the Nikon D3, it was arguable that the best low-light photographs could be achieved using a wide aperture prime lens on a DSLR with builtin stabilization. The D3 does better by allowing clean results up to ISO 6400 which is ahead by 3 stops compared to stabilized bodies which renders void their advantages. Not only that, but low light photography at higher shutter-speeds makes it possible to shoot a starry sky without star-trails and without using a star-tracking tripod. Add a 100% coverage viewfinder, a 3" LCD with 920K pixels, 9 FPS continuous shooting and the D3 stakes it spot as the ultimate DSLR.
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