{"id":4696,"date":"2013-12-03T18:03:50","date_gmt":"2013-12-03T23:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/?p=4696"},"modified":"2014-03-17T13:50:40","modified_gmt":"2014-03-17T18:50:40","slug":"best-digital-cameras-of-2013-including-2009-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/?p=4696","title":{"rendered":"Best Digital Cameras of 2013 (Including 2009 – 2012)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Canon 5DMark III camera. Canon EF 17-40 mm f\/4 lens. Really Right Stuiff L-Bracket.<\/p><\/div>\n

It’s that time of year. The holiday season is here and I am getting the usual questions about which digital cameras I recommend. The camera lists below will point you to the highest rated models. There is also some information and advice on choosing a camera. The lists will be updated throughout the holiday season as new, highly rated cameras become available. (Originally posted Nov. 26, 2013. Updated Dec. 3, 2013.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Choosing a Camera
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before I get to the lists of top rated cameras, here is some information on picking a camera. Your first decision is to decide which of three broad categories of digital cameras is best for you.<\/p>\n

Not long ago, there were two broad classifications of digital cameras, the digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and fixed lens, point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras. Over the last few years a whole new category has grown up, interchangeable lens compact (ILC) cameras.<\/p>\n

\"Digital<\/a> Digital SLR (DSLR)<\/p>\n

DSLR<\/strong><\/p>\n

DSLR cameras have a reflex mirror that bounces light up through a pentaprism (or mirror box) and out through an optical viewfinder. This allows you to see through the viewfinder exaclty what the camera sees through the lens. When taking a photo, the mirror moves up out of the way (hence the name “reflex”) so the light can strike the digital sensor. One of the key advantages of a DSLR is the ability to change lenses. Most DSLRs give you a wide variety of lenses and accessories for tackling specialized photographic projects. No matter what you want to do, there is a lens or accessory to help you do it. As a group, DSLRs are also faster and more responsive than P&S cameras. DSLRs excel at fast action, high speed photography. They also give you “cleaner” images with less digital noise when shooting in low light at high ISO settings (more about ISO settings on the bottom third of this page<\/a>). The downside is most DSLRs are usually bigger, heavier, and more expensive than most P&S and ILC cameras.<\/p>\n

With so many <\/strong>DSLRs receiving high ratings, which camera should you choose? The answer usually comes down to lenses and systems. If you have a lens or set of lenses that you like, get a digital camera that will take your lenses.<\/p>\n

If you need certain specialized lenses, then pick a camera brand that has the lenses you need.<\/p>\n

If you need highly specialized equipment, you will want to go with a manufacturer that provides a wide range of specialized accessories.<\/p>\n

If you don’t have specialized needs, almost any high-rated camera from any manufacturer will work very well. Check the lists below and the reviews at DP Review<\/a> to narrow down your choices. Pick out several models and brands of cameras in your price range. Go to a well equipped camera store and try the cameras out to see how they feel and work in your hands. Narrow down your choices to your top two models, but don’t buy a camera just yet.<\/p>\n

Rent both of your favorite models (with a lens) for a week (one week with each, not both at the same time). Online camera and lens rentals have become quite reasonable. A week with each camera will tell you which one you most like to work with. And remember, you can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t go too far wrong with most any recent, high-rated DSLR.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> A typical all-in-one point and shoot digital camera.<\/p>\n

Point-and-Shoot (P&S)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Point-and-shoot cameras are usually smaller, lighter, and less expensive. They don’t have a reflex mirror and they have one, fixed (non-interchangeable) lens. They are perfect for people who want a convenient, all-in-one camera, with no need for a wide variety of lenses or accessories. If you want to push a button and let the camera do the rest (at least most of the time), a P&S is probably your best choice. Some P&S cameras give you a lot of manual controls for those occasions that you want to make the photographic decisions. The size variation is huge from smaller than a deck of cards to as big as a smaller DSLR. The right P&S fixed lens camera can give you convenience and simplicity when you want it, to a lot of controls if you need them. They vary widely in the focal length range their zoom lenses cover.<\/p>\n

\"Sony<\/a> Digital ILC Camera<\/p>\n

Interchangeable Lens Compacts (ILC)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hybrid, interchangeable lens compacts (ILC) have become available that mix some features of both the above types of cameras. For some photographers, they combine the best of both worlds. They are usually smaller and lighter than DSLRs, but they do take interchangeable lenses (although the selection of lenses is less than for a DSLR). They don’t have a movable “reflex” mirror or a pentaprism bump on top with an optical viewfinder, two of the reason they are smaller than a DSLR. Either there is no mirror at all or the mirror is fixed in place and some light passes through to the sensor and some is bounced up to the viewfinder. If you want more than a P&S, but don’t need everything a DSLR offers, a hybrid ILC camera may be just right for you.<\/p>\n

P&S and ILC Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a group, ILC <\/strong>and fixed lens cameras <\/strong>are hugely different in terms of functionality and feature set. Some are almost as big as a DSLR, others are shirt pocket tiny. Some have lenses with a fairly limited focal length range. Others have a very long zoom lens range so you can zoom in on your child or grandchild at a sporting event, even if they are on the far end of the ball field. If you want a “carry anywhere” shirt pocket camera, your choice will be very different than if you want to photograph wildlife at a distance with a camera that has a long range zoom lens. Decide on what you want a camera to do and then read some full reviews at DP Review<\/a> before you make your final camera choice. It wouldn’t hurt to look at the cameras on your short list at a local camera store. Don’t get talked into getting a camera you haven’t thoroughly checked out ahead of time at DP Review.<\/p>\n

Camera Ratings<\/strong><\/p>\n

DP Review is my favorite camera rating site. They have been doing this for a long time. For a long time I have recommended the purchase of a camera that receives one of DP Reviews two highest ratings. Under the old system, the highest rating was “Highly Recommended”. Under the new system which began this year, the two highest ratings are the Gold Award, and the silver Award. DP Review also began giving cameras an overall percentage score, but the scores are only comparable within the same class of cameras. Don’t compare the score of a P&S fix lens camera with the score for a DSLR.<\/p>\n

The cameras listed below received a Gold or Silver Award from DP Review under the new system or a “Highly Recommended” rating under the old system. I also included the overall percentage score.<\/p>\n

Cameras are listed back through 2009 since there are some excellent camera models came out prior to 2012 are still available on the new and used market. An example is the excellent Canon 7D which came out in 2009 and it is still part of the current Canon line up.<\/p>\n

Buying These Cameras Online<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can find all of the more recent camera models listed below at my photography store (powered by Amazon.com) which you can find here<\/a> at my Web site, and here<\/a> as a stand alone site. Just look in the “Canon Camera Gear” and “Nikon Camera Gear” sections for Canon and Nikon DSLRS as well in the “Highest Rated” sections. Your order, purchase, and delivery at my photography store are handled by Amazon.com’s safe and efficient system, and you are protected by Amazon’s excellent guarantee and return policies.<\/p>\n

THE LISTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Best Digital SLR Cameras – 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon EOS 70D – 83% – Gold
\nCanon EOS Rebel SL1 (100D) – 78% – Gold
\nCanon EOS Rebel T5i (700D) – 76% – Silver
\nPentax K-5 IIs – 81% – Gold
\nPentax K-5 II – 80% – Gold
\nNikon D5200 – 79% – Silver
\nNikon D7100 – 85% – Gold
\nCanon EOS 6D – 83% – Silver
\nSony SLT-A99 – 84% – Gold<\/p>\n

The Best Hybrid Interchangeable Lens (ILC) Cameras – 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 – 79% – Silver
\nOlympus OM-D E-M1 – 84% – Gold
\nOlympus PEN E-P5 – 78% – Silver
\nFujifilm X-M1 – 77% – Gold
\nOlympus PEN E-PM2 – 77% – Silver
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 – 79% – Gold
\nSony Alpha NEX-6 – 78% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens (P&S) Cameras – 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II – 79% – Silver
\nFujifilm X100S – 81% – Gold
\nNikon Coolpix AW110 (underwater) – 73% – Silver
\nPentax MX-1 – 74% – Silver
\nOlympus Tough TG-2 iHS (underwater) – 72% – Silver
\nRicoh GR – 79% – Gold
\nNikon Coolpix A – 75% – Silver
\nNikon Coolpix P7700 – 75% – Silver
\nFujifilm X20 – 77% – Silver
\nFujifilm X-E1 – 79% – Gold
\nSony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 – 79% – Gold
\nCanon PowerShot G15 – 76% – Gold<\/p>\n

Cameras to watch that will likely be highly rated<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nikon Df<\/strong>
\nNikon D5300
\nCanon PowerShot G16<\/strong>
\nNikon D610<\/strong>
\nSony Alpha A7 \/ A7R<\/strong>
\nCanon EOS 1D X
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Best Digital SLR Cameras – 2012
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony SLT-A99 – 84% – Gold
\nNikon D600 – 87% – Gold
\nPentax K-30 – 78% – Silver
\nCanon EOS Rebel 4Ti – 77% – Silver
\nNikon D3200 – 73% – Silver
\nNikon D800 – 82% – Gold
\nNikon D800E – 84% – Gold
\nCanon EOS 5D Mark III – 82% – Gold<\/p>\n

The Best Hybrid Interchangeable Lens (ILC) Cameras – 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony SLT-A57 – 78% – Gold
\nSony Alpha Nex-F3 – 74% – Silver
\nSamsung NX210 – 78% – Silver
\nFujifilm X-Pro1 – 79% – Silver
\nOlympus OM-D E-M5 – 80% – Gold
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 – 77% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens (P&S) Cameras – 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Canon PowerShot G15 – 76% – Gold
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 – 80%- Gold
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 – 75% – Silver
\nSony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 – 78% – Silver
\nFujifilm X10 – 76% – Silver
\nNikon Coolpix P510 – 75% – Silver
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 – 76% – Silver
\nCanon PowerShot G1 X – 76% – Silver<\/p>\n

Cameras to watch that will likely be highly rated<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon EOS 1D X
\nCanon EOS 6D
\nCanon Powershot S110
\nNikon D5200<\/p>\n

The Best Underwater P&S Cameras – 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 – 72% – Gold
\nSony Cyber-shot TX10 – 71% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Digital SLR Cameras – 2011
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony A580 – 75% – Silver
\nNikon D5100 – 76% – Silver
\nCanon Rebel T3i – 77% – Silver
\nNikon D3100 – 72% – Silver
\nPentax K-5 – 83% – Gold
\nNikon D7000 – 80% – Silver
\nCanon EOS 60D – 79% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Hybrid Interchangeable Lens (ILC) Cameras – 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony NEX-7 – 81% – Gold
\nSony SLT-A65 – 78% – Gold
\nOlympus Pen E-PM1 – 71% – Silver
\nSony SLT-A77 – 81% – Silver
\nSony NEX-5N – 79% – Gold
\nSony SLT-A35 – 73% – Silver
\nOlympus PEN E-PL3 – 72% – Silver
\nSony NEX-C3 – 74% – Silver
\nOlympus PEN E-P3 – 74% – Silver
\nPanasonic DMC-G3 – 75% – Silver
\nPanasonic DMC-GH2 – 79% – Silver
\nOlympus PEN E-PL2 – 71% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens (P&S) Cameras – 2011
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon S100 – 72% – Silver
\nPanasonic DMC-TS3 (waterproof) – 72% – Gold
\nSony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 (waterproof) – 71% – Silver
\nFujifilm FinePix X100 – 75% – Silver
\nOlympus XZ-1 – 74% – Gold
\nCanon G12 – 73% – Gold
\nCanon S95 – 72% – Silver
\nPanasonic DMC-LX5 – 73% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Digital SLR Cameras – 2010
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nikon D7000 – 80% – Silver
\nCanon EOS 60D – 79% – Silver
\nCanon Rebel T2i – 77% – Gold
\nCanon EOS 1D Mark IV – 89% – Gold
\nNikon D3S – 89% – Gold
\nNikon D3100 – 72% – Silver
\nNikon D3000 – 72% – Highly Recommended
\nNikon D300S – 82% – Highly Recommended
\nCanon 7D – 84% – Highly Recommended<\/p>\n

The Best Hybrid Interchangeable Lens Cameras – 2010
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sony SLT Alpha A55 – 76% – Gold
\nPanasonic DMC-G2 – 72% – Silver
\nSony NEX-5 – 71% – Silver
\nSony NEX-3 – 70% Silver
\nSony E-PL1 – 69% – Silver
\nOlympus E-P2 – 69% – Silver<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens Cameras – 2010
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon G12 – 73% – Gold
\nCanon S95 – 72% – Silver
\nPanasonic DMC-LX5 – 73% – Silver
\nCanon SD 4000 IS – 74% – Gold
\nSamsung TL500 – 73% – Silver
\nPanasonic FZ35 – 75% – Gold
\nCanon SX20 IS – 73% – Gold
\nNikon P100 – 70% – Silver
\nCasio EX-FH 100 – 72% – Gold
\nSamsung HZ35W – 72% – Gold
\nCanon S90 – 75% – Silver
\nCanon G11 – Highly Recommended<\/p>\n

The Best Digital SLR Cameras – 2009<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
\nCanon EOS 7D
\nCanon Digital Rebel T1i
\nNikon D3X
\nNikon D300S
\nNikon D5000
\nOlympus E-620
\nOlympus E-30
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-G1
\nPentax K-7<\/p>\n

The Best Hybrid Cameras – 2009<\/strong><\/p>\n

Olympus Pen E-P1, 12.3 megapixels, interchangeable lenses
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, 12.1 megapixels, interchangeable lenses<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens Cameras – 2009<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS
\nCanon PowerShot SX110 IS
\nCanon PowerShot SX10IS
\nFujifilm FinePix F100fd
\nFujifilm FinePix F200 EXR
\nPanasonic Lumix FZ28
\nPanasonic Lumix LX3
\nPanasonic Lumix TZ5
\nPanasonic Lumix ZS1
\nPanasonic Lumix ZS3<\/p>\n

The Best Fixed Lens Underwater Cameras – 2009
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canon Powershot D10, 12.1 mp, 3x zoom lens
\nPanasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, 12.1 mp, 4.6x zoom<\/p>\n

(Original written Dec 3, 2013. Updated March 6, 2014.)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s that time of year. The holiday season is here and I am getting the usual questions about which digital cameras I recommend. The camera lists below will point you to the highest rated models. There is also some information … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cameras","category-general","category-photo-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4696"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4745,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4696\/revisions\/4745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog.jimdoty.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}