Today’s (camera) trigger-happy world has plenty of products to ensure that anyone can shoot professional-grade photography. We’ve got the top five best digital cameras so you can keep that shutter rolling no matter your budget or skills.
Canon Powershot SX280 HS
SLR devotees enjoy the Powershot’s manual settings, and a zoom lens with professional-grade capability. Automatic settings make it easy for novices to step up their photo game.
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Pros:
- 20x 25–50mm optical zoom lens
- Shoots in low light with up to 6400 ISO
- Anti-shake video stabilizer
- 1080p HD movie mode
- Wi-Fi and GPS enabled
- Creative effects mode alongside several other manual settings for more advanced photographers
Cons:
- Zoom lens on such a small body can feel unwieldy
- No internal memory
- Video drains battery life (shooting HD video is a 25-minute battery life)
- Consumers report software glitch in battery
Nikon D5200
The D5200 is a proper SLR with interchangeable lenses, and is a solid bridge between Nikon’s higher-end D600 model and simpler point-and-shoots.
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Pros:
- Shoots well in low-light
- Rotating screen for varied shot performance
- Super high-resolution shots for lightweight body
- 24.1 megapixels
- 3x optical zoom
- Detachable flash
Cons:
- Need AF-S lens to autofocus (can purchase package with lens)
- Certain manual controls cannot be reached from Live View mode
- No touch screen option
- Viewfinder displays only roughly 95 percent of field of view
Sony Cyber-shot DSC–RX100 II
Perhaps the highest-end point-and-shoot on the market, this Sony camera has changed the digital photography world. If you can afford the price tag, it’s our top choice.
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Pros:
- Carl Zeiss lens with 3.6x zoom (only pocket-sized camera model series with Zeiss lens on the market)
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing or connection to devices
- Can record on memory stick or SD card
- Manual modes for advanced photographers
- Video footage that rivals SLRs
Cons:
- Low-light ability is up for debate
- No touch screen option
Olympus Stylus TG–2 Tough
If you’re tough on equipment, this model was built for you. Of point-and-shoots, the TG–2 doesn’t necessarily make the best images — but it’s life-proof.
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Pros:
- Virtually indestructible: shockproof, waterproof, waterproof, dustproof (usable for underwater photos)
- GPS enabled
- Creative in-camera photo filters
- Interface is easy to use, menus are intuitive
Cons:
- Video function has noise pollution
- Video zoom isn’t easy to use
- Add-on lenses can be expensive (up to $110 each)
Nikon Coolpix S9700
An old standard in the point-and-shoot market, Nikon’s Coolpix series remains a top performer. With a 30x optical zoom and a dynamic zoom twice that, the Coolpix is known for being able to produce high-quality long-distance images.
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Pros:
- 30x optical zoom
- 60x Dynamic Fine Zoom
- GPS
- 1080p videos with stereo sound
- Wi-Fi capable (WARNING: this function affects battery life!)
Cons:
- Not a pocket-size camera
- Pop-up flash forces user to reframe image; isn’t durable
