Shop for digital cameras

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: It can't match some of its competition in the features department, but the Sony Cyber-shot HX300 still packs a powerful zoom lens and plenty of point-and-shoot punch. Read review

Specs: High zoom, 20.4 megapixels, 50 x, 1/2.3", Exmor R CMOS, Optical (Steady Shot with 3-way Active Mode)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you simply must have the longest zoom in the room, the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS satisfies. Read review

Specs: Full body, 12.1 megapixels, 50 x, 1/2.3", BSI-CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.5 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: If you're searching for a long-zoom camera that falls in between a point-and-shoot and digital SLR experience, look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. Read review

Specs: Full body, 12.1 megapixels, 24 x, 1/2.3", MOS, Optical (POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews

The Bottom Line: A very good entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3100 delivers excellent photo quality in a body that's streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively unintimidating for the less advanced. Its only weakness is performance; though solid, it nevertheless lags behind the competition. Read review

Specs: SLR, 14.2 megapixels, 3 x, 27 - 82.5mm F/3.5, 15.4 x 23.1mm, CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.1 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though it's a perfectly fine entry-level camera, there are better options for the money than the Canon EOS Rebel T3. Read review

Specs: SLR, 12.2 megapixels, 3 x, 29 - 88mm F/3.5, 14.7 x 22mm, CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews

The Bottom Line: Though it doesn't rank first based on any individual aspect of the camera, the Nikon D5100 delivers a solid combination of image quality, performance, features, and design that puts it out in front if you're looking for a well-rounded option under $1,000. Read review

Specs: SLR, 16.2 megapixels, 3 x, 27 - 82.5mm F/3.5, 15.6 x 23.6mm, CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: A solid if unexceptional entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3200 should still please most folks looking for an upgrade from their point-and-shoots. Read review

Specs: DSLR, 24.2 megapixels, 3 x, 15.4 x 23.2mm, CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: More point-and-shoot than dSLR in terms of features and performance than some competing high-end megazooms, the Nikon Coolpix P520 is a very good camera for those after a big zoom range, better control over results, and fine picture quality. Read review

Specs: 18.1 megapixels, 42 x, 1/2.3", BSI-CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR's features and performance are well beyond those of your average point-and-shoot megazoom, making it a fine choice for enthusiasts and as a family camera. Read review

Specs: Full body, 16 megapixels, 42 x, 1/2", CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 25 reviews

The Bottom Line: Its feature set is basic even by entry-level standards, but the Nikon D3000 delivers the photo quality and performance you expect when stepping up to a dSLR, with an optional interface that's very beginner friendly. Read review

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 27 - 82.5mm F/3.5, 15.8 x 23.6mm, CCD, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix P510 is easy to recommend for its features, photos, and performance, but the usefulness of a 42x zoom lens is debatable. Read review

Specs: Full body, 16.1 megapixels, 42 x, 1/2.3", BSI-CMOS, Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 1 review

The Bottom Line: More point-and-shoot than dSLR in terms of features and performance than some competing high-end megazooms, the Nikon Coolpix P520 is a very good camera for those after a big zoom range, better control over results, and fine picture quality. Read review

Specs: 18.1 megapixels, 42 x, 1/2.3", BSI-CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 29 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a point-and-shoot camera with a 35x zoom lens. As long as you're not expecting much more than that, it's a very good megazoom. Read review

Specs: Full body, 14.1 megapixels, 35 x, 1/2.3", CCD, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: More point-and-shoot than dSLR in terms of features and performance than some competing high-end megazooms, the Nikon Coolpix P520 is a very good camera for those after a big zoom range, better control over results, and fine picture quality. Read review

Specs: 18.1 megapixels, 42 x, 1/2.3", BSI-CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 10 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is a solid megazoom, but its low-light photos need extra attention. Read review

Specs: Full body, 14.1 megapixels, 24 x, 25 - 600mm F/2.8, 1/2.33", CCD, Optical (POWER O.I.S.)

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 16 reviews

The Bottom Line: As long as you're willing to work with raw image files, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is one of the best full-size megazooms you can get. Read review

Specs: Full body, 14.1 megapixels, 24 x, 25 - 600mm F/2.8, 1/2.33", MOS, Optical (POWER O.I.S.)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 29 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR that doesn't really stand out in its very competitive field. Read review

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3.9 x, 15.8 x 23.6mm, Super HAD CCD, Optical (Super Steady Shot, CCD-shift mechanism)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 28 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 deserves consideration whether you're looking for an alternative to Canon and Nikon, you already own a selection of Maxxum AF lenses, or you're looking for your first digital SLR. Read review

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 15.8 x 23.6mm, CCD, Optical (Super Steady Shot, CCD-shift mechanism)

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers the responsiveness and image quality you'd expect from a semipro model. Read review

Specs: SLR, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 14.8 x 22.2mm, CMOS

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews

The Bottom Line: A top megazoom option, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS offers a 20x zoom lens and HD video, which you can't get in a similarly priced dSLR, and delivers more features and slightly better performance and photo quality than the cheaper SX10 IS. Read review

Specs: Full body, 10 megapixels, 20 x, 1/2.3", CMOS, Optical

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: 12.1 megapixels, 24 x, 1/2.3", MOS, Optical (POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode)

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a nice feature set, speedy performance, and great photo quality for the money. Read review

Specs: SLR, 12.3 megapixels, 15.8 x 23.6mm, CMOS

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: It's a great option if you have a shelf full of K-mount lenses and don't mind missing some action shots, but the Pentax K-01 isn't such a great option for a typical amateur photographer. Read review

Specs: 16.28 megapixels, 61mm F/2.8, 15.7 x 23.7mm, CMOS, Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Specs: SLR, 16.1 megapixels, 15.6 x 23.5mm, Exmor APS HD CMOS, Optical (SteadyShot INSIDE)

• CNET Editor rating:
  0.0 stars

  Overall score: 0.0 (0.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

Specs: Full body, 16 megapixels, 30 x, 24 - 720mm F/2.8, 1/2", BSI EXR CMOS, Optical (image sensor shift mechanism)