Unless it is your full time job, it’s almost impossible to keep up with the latest technology in digital cameras. New models are introduced almost daily. Each new model continues to push the state-of-the-art forward at an amazing speed.
And despite the fact that Apple has proven over the last decade that simple product lines are most effective, major camera manufacturers continue to push out a multitude of different models with incredibly confusing names. Is a D700 or a D7000 better? What about a D3 or a D3s or a D3x? How does that compare to a G12 or a 7D? Even most professional photographers can’t keep up with all of the new models.
To make things simple, we maintain a flow chart that helps you decide which camera to buy. Just follow the lines until you end up with a camera that fits your needs!
And after you pick out a camera, check out our follow-up guide on how to choose a flash for your digital camera.
To all the Camera Nazis: Since there are thousands of cameras on the market, we are only including the best, newest, and most popular models. No camera on this chart is a bad choice, but many perfectly fine cameras are not included. Don’t fret if your favorite camera isn’t on the list.
Entry level cameras:
Samsung SL30 – This is good if you can’t afford anything better. It will take better pictures than your cell phone, but that’s about it.
You could also just use your cell phone.
Pocket-sized cameras:
Canon PowerShot SD780 – This is the gold standard for a hip little camera that you can carry around in your pocket, purse, etc. It doesn’t do anything special, but it looks good and takes great photos. The videos aren’t too bad either for a little camera.
Canon PowerShot S95 – This is a step up from a basic point-and-shoot camera. It can capture RAW files which gives you better control over editing your images. This a great pocket camera for photo nerds. If you don’t know what RAW files are or don’t care, get the camera above.
Slightly bigger than pocket-sized cameras:
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS – This is a point-and-shoot camera with a massive zoom range, often referred to as a “super-zoom.” This allows you to photograph in almost any situation with a small-ish camera. It even has image stabilization built-in which is great when you are using the full zoom. This would be a great fit for a nature enthusiast or anyone else who wants to get close to the action. It also has 720p HD video with image stabilization, which is a nice touch.
Canon PowerShot G12 – This is as close as you can get to a “real” camera in the body of a point-and-shoot camera. It has everything from the ability to shoot RAW files to a built-in HDR shooting mode. Most people who buy this camera are photo nerds who want a smaller camera to use on-the-go when they can’t carry their full-sized camera. This is also a great camera for anyone who wants to start experimenting with more advanced photography but doesn’t want to buy a giant camera.
Hipster cameras:
Olympus PEN E-P2 – This camera tries to give you much of the same capabilities of a full-sized SLR camera in cool looking and smaller retro-styled body. However, this camera isn’t really any cheaper than a regular SLR and the lenses it uses are only compatible with a very limited range of similar cameras. This is a niche product that you should only invest in if you really need a small camera with interchangeable lenses (or if you are Kevin Spacey).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 – This camera is similar to the Olympus PEN models. It’s a similar size and uses the same types of lenses. While it doesn’t have quite the hip looks of the PEN, many people consider it a better camera. If you like this camera but want something with more features, look into the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2.
Basic SLR cameras:
Canon Rebel T2i – The Rebel series from Canon have for years been the standard entry-level SLR camera line. The Rebel T2i continues the tradition of fantastic cameras under 1k. This camera takes great images in most situations and has very nice video capabilities, including full 1080p video with selectable frame rate. This is a great choice for a budding photographer or anyone who owns Canon lenses. It replaced the Canon Rebel T1i which only supported 720p video.
Nikon D90 – This is the nicest digital still camera you can get under 1k. This is a great choice, especially if you own Nikon lenses. However, the 1080p video capabilities of the Canon Rebel T2i outshine it. If you are concerned about shooting video along with photos, the Rebel T2i may be a better choice.
Lower-Mid Range DSLR cameras:
Canon 60D – The Canon 60D fits in-between the “semi-pro” Canon 7D and the entry level Canon Rebel T2i. It’s a great choice that should be able to handle anything short of high-end pro work. However, the Nikon D7000 offers more features for about the same price.
Nikon D7000 – The Nikon D7000 sets a new bar for price and performance. While it does cost $1200, it has the features of a camera that costs much more. It is an excellent choice for both still pictures and video. If you can’t afford the price, consider the older but still excellent Nikon D90.
Mid-range SLR cameras:
Canon 7D – This is a fantastic mid-range SLR camera. You can use this for any type of photography. If you have Canon lenses or are interested in video, this is an easy choice. While the Nikon model supports video as well, the Canon implementation is generally considered a little better.
Nikon D300s – This is a very solid camera. Like the Canon, this will work for just about anything. However, the newer Nikon D7000 is almost as nice and has a lower price. Instead of buying the Nikon D300s, consider the D7000 or consider waiting until Nikon updates this model.
High-end SLR cameras:
Canon 5D Mark II – Unless you are a full-time professional photographer, this is about the nicest camera you will ever need. Even then, many professionals use this camera instead of the 1D because it’s a little smaller. With a full-frame sensor, this can handle anything you throw at it. If you have the money, buy it. The only exception would be if you already have a large collection of Nikon lenses or are a sports photographer and need very fast burst shooting capabilities.
Nikon D700 – Like the Canon 5D Mark II, this is “pro enough” for all but the most demanding jobs. It lacks the video features of the 5D and has a lower megapixel count, but it is still a fantastic camera and makes up for it in other ways. For example, the Nikon auto-focus and flash system is often considered superior to the Canon offerings. If you have the money, buy this camera. However, you may want to consider the Canon 5D if you already own Canon lenses or need video capabilities.
Pro-level SLR cameras:
Canon 1D Mark IV – This is the top of the Canon line. If you need this, you probably already know it. Buy it.
Nikon D3s – This is the top of the Nikon line. To make things more confusing, Nikon offers the D3 in three varieties – the D3, the D3s and the D3x. Unless you specifically need the super-high resolution of the D3x, most people consider the D3s to be the superior choice. Buy it.
Basic tips for buying a digital camera:
- The best prices (like those quoted here) are available at reputable online retailers like Amazon.com, Adorama, B&H, Midwest Photo Exchange, etc.
- Avoid fly-by-night internet dealers. These tend to have generic names and operate out of New York or California. They often advertise cameras at significantly prices lower than the reputable dealers. These are almost always scams that require you to buy lots of overpriced accessories before they will ship you anything. If you order just a camera, they will refuse to ship it to you or just keep your money.
- If you want in-person advice and long-term support, look for a local independent camera dealer in your area. Just keep in mind that they generally can’t match online prices because they have to pay for their store. But if you are going use a local store, buy there. Don’t be a jerk by wasting their time getting them to show you cameras and then ordering online from someone else.
- When you get it, shoot as much as possible and have fun!
Keep reading! Here are a few similar how-to guides you may also enjoy:
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Plus, at least Canon and Nikon have standard memory cards. Olympus and Fuji should really just give up on XD. And don’t even get me started on Sony and their formats >:C
In order to keep the comments from becoming unwieldy over time, I’m deleting comments with suggestions after I’m implement them. Thanks to:
Brian: Suggested the Nikon D700
Atarijedi: Suggested adding a super-zoom camera
Scott: Pointed out an error on the Canon 1D listing
Sean G: Pointed out an error on the Nikon D300s listing
Rob: Suggested the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 as an alternative to the PEN E-P1
Andrew: Pointed out an error on the Nikon D3s listing
Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming!
Hats off… JUST what I was looking for. All I can say is – God bless you!
My only addition is that if you’ve got friends shooting Nikon, then go Nikon, and if they’re shooting Canon, go Canon. Being able to borrow lenses is always nice
Would it be possible to work memory formats into the mix? I know that it is not as bad as it was a few years ago since most are standardized on SD Cards of some sort now, but there are still some things to consider with that. I love my Sony camera, but the Memory Stick stuff is a bit bothersome.
Dear friends…
I am planning to buy DSLR in couple of weeks..
I love to travel a lot… so my priority is traveling photography…. Also i like to experiment in all categories….
I ve three choices…..
1.nikon D90
2.canon rebel T1i(500D)
3.nikon D5000
I have read lot of reviews… I like to go with D90 but thinking of cost factor.. so help me to choose between 2 and 3…thank u.
I was wondering in which category Nikon D5000 fits… as it is currently on my wishlist. What do you think about it?
with reference to joe’s comment… don’t count of people lending lenses – those who own DSLRs are very protective of their equipment…
Also, this article should make some note of the fact that at the step when you are moving towards interchangeable lenses, the cost of the body really is a smaller factor in the long term – its the lenses
And yeah, a similar flowchart for lenses would be ideal… really…
I have a camera recommendation here but this is much more funny.
Absolutely brilliant!
My next camera is going to have a GPS inbuilt. I just noticed that snaps taken from my phone have this function, and it’s so cool to be able to see exactly where I was when I fired a shot.
My ultimate camera would have GPS, ultra wide lens and be dust/shower proof.
Absolutely brilliant! I don’t necessarily agree with all of your choices (or rather I think there should be some additional choices) but I would have no problem whatsoever sending this to the next person who asks me. Bookmarked!
Am currently going to school for photjournalism.
For those considering the D5000, skip it! I can’t tell you how many students here have told me they bought it, and i shake my head, and the next week they say they regret it. Go to Nikon’s website, and look at their “Pro, Pro-sumer, Consumer” camera listings. The D5000 is at the very bottom of that list as a consumer camera along with the d3000. Bah.
The D90 is the way to go! It’s what I own and will last me all 4 years of college. Also, remember, once you have that SLR body, the GLASS (ie Lenses) are what make the photo.
Awesome guide, thanks!! Can you please incorporate Nikon D7000 in the flow chart?
Great fun article with some real meat behind it. I was pleased to see the Canon EOS 5D II and the S90 in there. Maybe due for an update as the S95 is out. If only I could have waited 2 months for HD video!
Very good, really helpful!
Great flowchart, i am just buying camera and following the flow came to g12, however in real life i found the equal iq panasonic lx5 to be cheaper, lighter and more versatile than g12 plus a huge benefit from a 24mm f2 lens – plus the possibility of adding a really good viewfinder and wideangle lens
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_PowerShot_G12-vs-Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-LX5