The 10 Best Cameras  Feb 2021

Choose a camera type based on your intended use of your camera. Cameras can be divided into a few main types: point-and-shoot (or digital) cameras, action cameras, compact system cameras (CSC), SLR cameras, instant cameras, and finally DSLR cameras. Each of these types offer a variety of options and functions to suite a host of needs. To make it easier for you, here are a list of camera types (and their uses) for you to compare:

Point-and-Shoot/Digital Cameras: These cameras come in many models and whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is a digital camera to suit any budget.

• Standard Digital Cameras: These are small, compact cameras that can easily fit into a pocket. Offering much better picture quality than a smartphone, they are a convenient choice to capture moments wherever you go. Standard cameras are an ideal choice for beginners or DSLR owners who are looking for a compact companion to their professional cameras, and are great for casual events, family holidays, and every day photos.
• Waterproof Digital Cameras: Looking for a camera to capture your next snorkeling trip or to take with you on a beach vacation without having to be super protective? Then a waterproof camera is just what you are looking for. Their exterior build is normally designed to handle several feet of water and can easily handle the elements out of the water.
• Shockproof/freezeproof Digital Cameras: These cameras can withstand the toughest elements, from extreme weather to muddy mountain terrain, and are designed to be able to handle accidental drops and freezing temperatures. These are an excellent choice for the adventurer who is looking to capture extreme moments.
• Low-Light Digital Cameras: These speciality cameras are designed to capture clear images in low light settings. With bigger image sensors, larger pixel sizes, and larger apertures, these are perfect for indoor pictures without needing a flash. Because they are more sensitive to light, they work well on overcast days, during dusk, at dawn, and indoors - just what a real estate agent may be looking for!
• Long-zoom Digital Cameras: These are cameras with an optical zoom of 10X or higher. The bigger the optical zoom is, the further away you can stand without losing picture quality and detail. These make for good travel cameras where you will be seeing sights that you can’t get close to, and their secure grip, fast shooting speeds, and quick response will make sure you never miss your shot.
• Premium Digital Cameras: Often including manual functions, these top of the line digital cameras offer many more functions, including larger apertures and the ability to shoot in RAW format for better photo editing. They also offer a host of add on options such as external flashes and lens adapters, allowing for much more creativity, and they are the perfect choice for photography enthusiasts.

Trail Cameras: Trail or game cameras are placed on trails to offer wilderness lovers and hunters a unique view of game in their natural habitat. Usually activated by movement, these cameras are designed to automatically take snapshots or videos of game quickly and quietly.

Action Cameras: With rugged, durable extras, action cameras can be mounted on bikes, helmets, and even surfboards. They can withstand the elements and almost any action activity while still bringing awesome quality shots and videos. A good choice for the adrenaline junkie or activity lover who wants to capture every adventure.

Compact System Cameras (CSC): Offering new technology, these modern cameras are often referred to as mirrorless cameras. They offer the function of full DSLR cameras in a small, compact digital camera size. The main difference between CSCs and premium digitals is that CSCs offer interchangeable lenses and therefore provide users with the full functions that a DSLR would. An ideal choice for professional photographers and serious hobbyists who want the full photography experience, in a smaller, more convenient size.

DSLR (Digital SLR) Cameras: DSLRs are for photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals, or beginners who are ready to take their photography to the next level. With the best specs, technology, and lens options, they are versatile and professional with full manual functions. Offering the best image quality, there are a host of models from entry level to professional to suit any budget and experience.

Instant/Polaroid Cameras: Instant cameras, after many years, are still a fun and popular camera choice. Using Polaroid film, pictures taken are instantly printed and developed by the photographer. A popular choice for homemade camera booths and functions like weddings or bar mitzvahs, these cameras allow you to give your guests a memory keepsake instantaneously.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their cool new stuff:

1. Accessories: Cameras that include things like tripods and extra lenses for DSLRs or cases for point and shoots are seen by their owners and good value purchases. When comparing costs of cameras, take into consideration the price of accessories that are included as these will add a lot of value to your purchase.
2. Picture Quality: Whether using digital for quick family shots or a professional DSLR for big shoots, picture quality is an important factor. Cameras that offer good clear images in all camera types are rated very high, while models with poor image quality have zero satisfaction. Choose a camera with a picture quality that meets your needs and you won’t be disappointed.
3. Battery Life: Battery life is a top talking point among reviewers. The longer the battery lasts, the more photos users can take before having to recharge. Cameras with great battery life are rated much higher.
4. Features: Cameras with features that suit the users’ photography levels and preferred camera type are rated much higher. Point and shoot cameras with intuitive displays and hints to help owners get the most out of the cameras, and wi-fi enabled cameras that allow for fast sharing with friends and family are both winning types that are rated high.

• The first thing to ask yourself is: What kind of pictures will I be taking? If you’ll be taking pictures of friends and family at events and get-togethers, consider a good quality digital camera. For awesome shots of your next sporting vacation, choose a waterproof camera for snorkeling or a shockproof one for hiking. A long-range zoom is great for travel without having to carry extra lenses. And to pursue a photography hobby, opt for a CSC or a DSLR.
• The next thing to consider is the size. Do you want something that can fit into your pocket, or a more substantial camera with more functions? Standard digital cameras tend to be smaller while DSLRs can be quite large, and CSCs are somewhere in the middle
• For instant sharing and videos, choose a camera with built-in wireless capabilities to make emailing and posting pictures without having to download first.
• To determine the picture quality of your perspective camera, megapixels should not be considered alone. The bigger the image sensor, the better the quality the photo will be and the more pixels it can accommodate.
• What will you do with the photos? For large printing and big editing jobs, don’t settle for less than a 20 megapixel camera.
• If you plan on shooting video, as well as taking those good quality stills, ops for a digital camera that offers 1080p HD or higher. This will ensure your videos will be clearer. If you will be shooting more videos than taking photos, why not opt for a camcorder.
• Any accessories, such as camera bags, rechargeable batteries, SD cards and tripods, that are included in the purchase will save you additional costs. Extra batteries are also worth buying, if not included in the purchase, as this will mean you will always have a charged back-up ready to go.
• Once you know what type of camera you want to buy, the next step will be to consider budget and function. Each type of camera has a variety of options, functions and models. We have dedicated lists for you to consult for each of the following types: Digital Cameras, Action Cameras, Trail Cameras, Instant cameras, DSLRs, and CSCs.

Canon: One of the top ranked camera manufacturers, Canon boasts approximately $36 billion in revenue and was one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2014

Nikon: Nikon specializes in digital imaging, precision optics, and photo imaging technology and its cameras are globally recognized as good quality performers.

Sony: A leader in electronics, Sony is ranked 87th on the 2012 list of Fortune Global 500 companies, and is known for quality gaming, entertainment, and imaging products.

Samsung: Samsung has grown into a global superpower over the course of its 70 year history. A leader in high-tech electronics and digital media, their cameras are well known for their innovative features and designs.