Every year, a wide variety of new digital cameras hit the market. While many of them prove to be duds, a small percentage turn out to be excellent. Because 2009 was no exception, we thought it would be helpful to compile a list of the year’s best digital cameras. Our list contains a mix of DSLR cameras and point and point and shoot cameras. Our list also covers a wide spectrum of prices, so regardless of your budget, you should be able to use our list to find the perfect new camera:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
How does a camera secure the number one spot on our list of the best digital cameras of 2009? To begin with, this point and shoot digital camera features 10.1 megapixels, 12x optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD. While it isn’t a DSLR camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 performs quite quickly under a wide variety of conditions. In addition to capturing photographs, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 also offers 720p AVCHD video. Best of all, you can purchase this top rated digital camera online for less than $350.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (blue)
To the surprise of many, this is not a DSLR camera. Instead, this point and shoot digital camera features 12.1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD. The reason that a point and shoot digital camera ranked so highly on our list is because the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 offers a top notch set of features for an extremely reasonable price. For less than $200, you can get all of the features and level of performance from the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 that would cost several hundred dollars more from any other digital camera.
Nikon D90 (with 18-105mm lens)
This well-known DSLR camera features 12.3 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD. The features that landed the Nikon D90 in our top three of 2009 are the solid construction of its body, the speed and image quality offered by this camera, as well as its ability to capture high quality video. While it’s not cheap, most Nikon D90 owners will agree that it’s well worth its online price tag of $1,150.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm lens)
This DSLR camera features 12.2 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a CMOS sensor. Although the next Canon camera on this list has more megapixels than this model, the reason the Canon EOS Rebel XSi is ranked higher is because of its speed and the quality of the images that it produces. The online retailers who are selling this camera seem to be split between offering it for $560 or $650.
Canon EOS Rebel T1i (with 18-55mm IS lens)
This DSLR camera features 15.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The Canon EOS Rebel T1i weighs 1.2 pounds, and offers a feature called My Menu, which makes it simple to access the settings you use the most frequently. Although online retailers are selling this camera at a variety of prices, the majority of the prices fall between $770 and $800.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20
This point and shoot digital camera features 10.1 megapixels, 10x optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD. In addition to its high quality design, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 has the ability to shoot videos in 720p HD-quality. Online retailers are currently selling this camera for $250 to $280.
Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens)
This DSLR camera features 12.3 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a CMOS sensor. The Nikon D5000 separated itself from many other cameras in 2009 thanks to its fast performance and top notch photo quality. Depending on the retailer, this camera can can be purchased online for $700 to $750.
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
This point and shoot digital camera features 12 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD. The main feature that sets the apart from other point and shoot digital cameras is its Super CCD EXR sensor, which is designed to enhance the camera’s perfomance in low-light conditions, as well as providing dynamic range improvement. Most online retailers are currently selling this camera for slightly less than $300.
Canon Rebel XS (with 18-55mm lens)
This DSLR camera features 10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a CMOS sensor. The Canon Rebel XS weighs just over one pound, and comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This camera can be purchased online for just under $500.
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS
This point and shoot digital camera features 12.1 megapixels, 12x optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD. The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS weighs slightly less than nine ounces, and has the ability to shoot video in addition to regular photos. This camera can be purchased online for as little as $277.
