5 Best Digital Cameras in the US - May 2021

The camera's weight will depend on the type and size of camera. Compact cameras are usually the lightest while digital SLRs will be heavier. Also consider the number and weight of lenses to take when using a SLR.

The lower the camera weight, the easier it will be to carry around and it will also reduce your hand luggage weight when flying.

The resolution of the images a digital camera produces is measured in megapixels (MP). One megapixel is equal to 1 million pixels and is a result of the pixel width multiplied by the pixel height of the image. While a higher image resolution generally results in sharper images, only a relatively low megapixel count is required when printing the image at a small size or to display it on a computer screen.

A sensor with more megapixels will be able to capture more detailed photos and the image will appear sharper. Images with more megapixels can also be printed at a larger size.

Optical sensor size is one of the most important factors affecting the image quality produced by a digital camera. Compact digital cameras have smaller optical sensors due to the reduced space available in the camera body. Digital SLRs and Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) have large optical sensors to achieve maximum image quality.

A larger optical sensor produces better quality photographs. A 4/3" sensor size has a 2x crop factor compared to 35mm film, while a 1/4" sensor size is significantly smaller and will result in lower quality images.

The camera's weight will depend on the type and size of camera. Compact cameras are usually the lightest while digital SLRs will be heavier. Also consider the number and weight of lenses to take when using a SLR.

The lower the camera weight, the easier it will be to carry around and it will also reduce your hand luggage weight when flying.

The resolution of the images a digital camera produces is measured in megapixels (MP). One megapixel is equal to 1 million pixels and is a result of the pixel width multiplied by the pixel height of the image. While a higher image resolution generally results in sharper images, only a relatively low megapixel count is required when printing the image at a small size or to display it on a computer screen.

A sensor with more megapixels will be able to capture more detailed photos and the image will appear sharper. Images with more megapixels can also be printed at a larger size.

Optical sensor size is one of the most important factors affecting the image quality produced by a digital camera. Compact digital cameras have smaller optical sensors due to the reduced space available in the camera body. Digital SLRs and Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) have large optical sensors to achieve maximum image quality.

A larger optical sensor produces better quality photographs. A 4/3" sensor size has a 2x crop factor compared to 35mm film, while a 1/4" sensor size is significantly smaller and will result in lower quality images.

ISO sensitivity denotes the sensitivity of your camera to available light. Modifying the sensitivity causes the camera to gather more or less light when forming an image. Higher sensitivity gathers more light, which means can lead to a sharper image in low-light conditions. However it may also lead to increased 'noise', meaning the ISO level must be carefully modified to get the best shot.

A higher maximum ISO sensitivity will allow you to take photos in lower light levels without using flash.

The camera's weight will depend on the type and size of camera. Compact cameras are usually the lightest while digital SLRs will be heavier. Also consider the number and weight of lenses to take when using a SLR.

The lower the camera weight, the easier it will be to carry around and it will also reduce your hand luggage weight when flying.

Image resolution refers to the amount of pixels that make up an photo taken on a digital camera. It is measured as the width x the height of the image - so a 1280 x 720 resolution camera can take a photo that is 1280 pixels wide and 720 pixels tall.

Higher image resolutions mean that the photos are comprised of more pixels, which translate to more detailed and higher quality photos. Also, because they are larger photos, they can be displayed on larger screens or printed out at vastly increased sizes without losing detail.

Waterproof compacts or tough / rugged compacts allow you to take shots in all sorts of weather conditions and even take your camera snorkelling with you. Make sure to check the depth the camera can be used to if you intend to use it underwater at greater depths of for extended periods of time.

Waterproof compacts or tough / rugged compacts allow you to take shots in all sorts of weather conditions and even take your camera snorkelling with you.