Best Digital Cameras of 2009 (Advanced Models)

With thousands of camera models available in the market, it is often a daunting task choosing the perfect one. When it comes to digital cameras, there are many categories to choose from. There are point and shoot models, intermediate models, advanced models and professional models. When shopping for a camera, it would be useful to know what you are going to use the camera for.

The colorful slim and compact digital cameras are the most popular models today. They are the perfect models for those who like to take quick snaps on the go. They are considered intermediate models and usually come with a host of very useful functions. Nevertheless, even the best intermediate models cannot begin the match the features found on advance digital camera models. Advanced models are usually much bigger than basic models as they carry with them lots of semi-pro features that are needed to take professional quality images. In fact, most advanced consumer digital camera models today comes with tones of features previously only found in professional cameras. Here is a small list of some of the best advance consumer models found in the market today.

1. Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera - The Canon XSi model is currently one of the best selling advance/professional digital camera models in the market. This has mostly got to do with the reasonable price tag and the tones of features that comes with it. It comes with a 12.2 MP CMOS sensor and a 18-55mm lens. It also has a huge 3" LCD display that display crisp and clear visuals. For its size and the amount of features that comes with it, the Canon XSi is surprisingly light. It feels good on your palm and has a pretty good grip.

2. Canon Powershot G10 14.7MP Digital Camera - The Canon G10 is another hot-selling advance consumer model. Due to its size, it is considered a compact advance model. This little powerhouse has 14.7MP of resolution, a powerful 5x optical zoon and a 28mm wide-angle lens. It also has a large 3" LCD display that incorporates true-to-life color reproduction. It has a comprehensive manual mode that allows you to tweak the various features to shoot in a variety of conditions.

3. Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera - This is currently one of Nikon's best selling models. It comes with a 12.3 mp image censor and a 18-105 ED VR lens. It is also capable of capturing cinematic videos at 24 frames per second. It has a lighting speed shutter speed that is capable of taking up to 4.5 frames per second.

Get in Touch With Your Camera's Sensitive Side - The New IXUS

A night out with friends, your child's graduation, an amazing sunset, blowing out birthday candles - some of the most memorable moments in our lives happen practically in the dark - and unfortunately, it can be hard to get our cameras to cooperate. Taking pictures in low light situations with flash can often lead to washed out faces, red eyes and too dark backgrounds. Or if you try snapping photos without flash, you're left with shaky and blurry images that are virtually indiscernible.

Fortunately, Canon's created a camera that understands your needs, with a revolutionary high sensitivity system so you can take brilliant photos in low light situations - it's a camera with a real sensitive side.

Introducing the Canon IXUS 300 HS

The new IXUS 300 HS offers the latest technology in powerhouse digital cameras. It has a number of unique aperture and shutter controls to allow greater flexibility and control over your images.

Meanwhile, its high sensitivity combined with a bright f/2.0 lens lets in more light so you can take photos without flash even in dim lighting.

Other Features:

HD Video Capture Mode - so you can make the most of your HDTV. The camera also allows you to edit the colour settings for some unique video effects.
Advanced TruCapture Technology - combines Intelligent Auto for easy picture capture with an Image Stabiliser and Canon's exclusive DiG!C 4 Image Processor for brilliant true-to-life colours.
3.8x optical zoom with optical image stabilisation - to get up close to the action.
Super Slow Motion - capture HD movie in slow motion to heighten the drama and effect of the moment.
Fun scene modes - Miniature and Fish Eye modes let you can have fun and add some creative flair to your images
Large LCD screen - measuring 28mm, the wide angle wide screen offers crystal clear LCD picture so you can review your images and make sure you've got that keeper shot
10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor
Slim appealing design - the IXUS 300 HS has beautifully-crafted curves, texture and a modern look that appeals to a design-conscious user.

Digital Camera Sensitivity: ISO

Traditionally, ISO (which stands for the International Organization for Standardization) was the indication of the film's sensitivity to light. Today, ISO measures the sensitivity of the digital camera's image sensor. Pictures taken at lower ISO require good lighting but will produce images with the least amount of "noise" (which occurs when the image sensor captures a colour pixel incorrectly due to poor lighting conditions). Generally, using higher ISO settings also means faster shutter speeds.

With a high sensitivity image sensor, the IXUS 300 HS reduces the amount of noise at all ISO speeds and is one of the most advanced machines in the Canon IXUS range.

Choosing the right ISO settings

AUTO ISO - most digital cameras have the ability to automatically pick the best sensitivity for the present light conditions. Always a dependable option if you're unsure.
ISO 80 - great quality pictures but requires bright outdoor lighting; great for landscapes and outdoor portraits.
ISO 100 - requires bright lighting conditions, okay for a slightly overcast setting.
ISO 200 - good in cloudy conditions.
ISO 400 - the minimum for taking indoor photographs.
ISO 800 and up - for dim lighting conditions, these settings usually result in a considerable amount of noise in your images.

Nikon Cameras For Enthusiasts of Diverse Categories

Special moments captured and developed into pictures are handy when you wish to revive the moments that seem gone forever. Nikon cameras are immensely popular and have significantly evolved since they were first launched in 1948.

You don't have to be a pro or a technical wizard to freeze the most impressive moments. All you need to possess is an eye for detail, an artistic bend of mind and an easy to handle camera. Cameras from Nikon are ideally suited for all kinds of photographers like beginners, the aspiring but talented, average photographers or the truly gifted. Based on their specifications they may be used for both amateur and professional photography.

Camera for all enthusiasts:
The 'L' or Life Series of cameras stand for compact and technically advanced cameras that pack in cool features. Besides being an ideal family camera its user friendly features add to its versatility. L10, L11 and L12 are the latest in this series. They are renowned for their long battery life. What's more, these cameras are highly affordable making them an ideal buy.

The tech savvy aspirant:
If you are on the look out for a phone with advanced features, then the P series of cameras are ideal. Moreover, the COOLPIX range is stuffed with user friendly features like built-in GPS, Ethernet connection, wireless flash, and new Vista-compatible raw format.

The budding yet style conscious enthusiast:
If you are a budding photographer and style conscious at the same time; the S series are ideal for you. They have a stylish interface and slim exteriors which has made it a huge hit among youngsters and the female populace.

For the true-blue professional:
In technically competent gadgets like digital cameras, up gradation is inevitable. If you have been wondering if there are any proficient cameras for an expert, from the Nikon stables then the answer is yes. The D series offers a wide range of models that are best suited for professional photography. Interestingly, this series ranks the highest in customer satisfaction in Digital SLR cameras. Models such as the D200, D80, D40x and D40 are hugely popular. In addition to this, D300 and D3 digital SLR have also received a warm welcome from proficient photographers.

Nikon cameras have been associated with matchless technology, exquisite styling and a fan following that is truly inspiring. The most alluring aspect is the easy to handle features and affordability. Finding the best Nikon camera is easy, and of late, online marts are profuse with a wide gamut. Depending on your level of expertise, the purpose of procuring the camera and your budget, you may zero in on the ideal one. So wait no longer, choose the one that is best suited for you and get started.