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Which? helps you buy the best digital camera for you
For the best digital camera to take fantastic pictures, you can trust Which? to give you advice on what to consider, including camera types and features.
Video guide to buying a digital camera
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Not sure whether to buy a compact digital camera or a digital SLR? Confused about which features you need? The Which? video guide to buying a digital camera is packed with expert advice on choosing the best camera to suit your needs.
Choosing the best digital camera
Who should buy an SLR digital camera?
If you’re keen to have manual control over your photos and you want the best possible picture quality, there’s no substitute for an SLR digital camera.
Digital SLRs can produce detailed, colourful, sharp pictures, particularly with a high-quality lens attached. However, they tend to be bulky, and often don’t come cheap. Which? has reviews of the best digital SLRs to help you pick the right one for your needs and budget.
What is a compact system camera?
If you don't fancy the bulkiness of a DSLR, then a compact system camera is a great alternative.
Compact system cameras have large image sensors, like a DSLR, for top image quality, and they also allow you to change lenses. However, their bodies are smaller and lighter, making them more portable. See our reviews of compact system cameras and Digital SLRs to see how the two camera types compare.
Bridge cameras explained
Another alternative to a DSLR or compact system camera is a bridge camera.
These advanced models don't allow you to change lenses, but they have plenty of manual controls to allow you to get better shots than you would with a small point-and-shoot camera. Some superzoom bridge cameras have huge lenses of up to 35x optical zoom.
How to buy the best digital camera
Whether you’re after a simple compact digital camera, a more advanced model with extra features or even a digital SLR, there’s a huge number of cameras to choose from.
We can help you pick the right model for your needs and budget, and give you the lowdown on the key features to look out for. Our reviews found big differences between the best and worst digital cameras and SLRs, so check the Which? ratings before you buy.
Watch out for slow digital cameras that could make you miss your shot
Which? tests have found that with some digital cameras, the photo is taken more than a second after you press the shutter release – making it easy to miss that special moment.
You won’t be able to tell something like that in the shop, which is why Which? digital camera tests recreate real-life situations to help you buy with confidence. We’ve tested more than 285 digital cameras and over 40 SLRs to bring you the best. Look out for a camera that’s rated highly for shutter delay to make sure you don’t miss your shot.
I'm looking for the best digital camera – how many megapixels do I need?
Many of the more expensive digital cameras offer a high resolution, measured in megapixels (Mp). You may be surprised to know that for a top-quality 6x4-inch print, all you need is a digital camera with 2.2Mp. Most cameras these days have at least 8Mp.
However, a high resolution is not enough to guarantee great pictures. The Which? digital camera and SLR reviews rate each camera for image quality, so look for one that scores four stars or more in this category if you want top-notch photos.
- Compare digital cameras by megapixel count and Which? ratings
- Compare Which? ratings for SLR digital cameras
How reliable is my Nikon, Canon or Panasonic digital camera?
When you’re looking for the best digital camera, you’ll want one that lasts, which is where the Which? reliability ratings can help.
We ask thousands of digital camera owners about their experiences to find the brands that are least likely to let you down. So you can compare the reliability of cameras from Panasonic, Nikon, Sony, Canon and more. We also reveal the top three reasons why digital cameras break down.
Which? tests more thoroughly than any other organisation
Which? puts each digital camera and SLR through a series of thorough, independent tests to bring you the best digital camera for your needs.
Photographers of varying abilities trial our cameras in the field
As well as a rigorous barrage of technical tests, digital cameras are tested by real photographers ranging from professionals to beginners. We also think creatively about measuring results – for instance, to see how a digital camera’s built-in image stabilisation copes with wobbly hands, we use a special camera shaker machine.
