Digital cameras: How we test digital cameras
We test how well each digital camera records straight lines
Which? digital camera reviews: testing
To help you choose the best digital camera, we put each model through a series of meticulous tests. Our expert team design the tests to be both rigorous and repeatable, so that we know we’ve really put the products through their paces. For example, to test a digital camera’s image stabilisation feature, we put it on a vibrating platform and run it 900 times. We call this the ‘Shaking Hands test’.
Due to improvements in our digital camera testing procedures to account for new features and developments, please note that the scores for digital cameras tested in since 2010 are not perfectly comparable with models tested in previous years.
Digital camera image quality
When testing image quality on digital cameras, we measure resolution using a test chart and the camera at different settings (such as at wide angle setting, at telephoto setting, and so on.)
Colour reproduction, contrast, peak white and white balance are assessed using a range of digital camera settings on a combination of various practical pictures, stretching the cameras’ abilities, and a test chart.
We also measure light sensitivity, picture noise, vignetting and distortion. Focusing is measured while pointing the digital camera at a variety of objects, under different light conditions, and at various camera settings.
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Movie quality on digital cameras
We set the digital camera to take movies at a range of quality settings, and record movies of different scenes, including scenes of movement and those where the camera is placed on a tripod and panned across the scene.
Our test panel assess quality when played back on both a PC monitor and a television screen – see the Which? digital camera reviews to find the best digital cameras for taking movies.
We measure strength and distribution of the camera's flash
Digital camera flash
The intelligence of the digital camera's flash is measured – how well it automatically adjusts its brightness according to the scene photographed.
Flash quality is also assessed, taking a photograph at different distances from close-up to far-away. Flash strength, distribution and reflections are measured.
If flash is important to you when choosing the best digital camera, check out the Which? digital camera reviews to find one that scored highly.
Viewfinder and LCD monitor accuracy
Using a test chart, the accuracy of these is measured by comparing what the viewfinder and monitor see with the image the digital camera takes at both wide angle and telephoto settings.
Optical viewfinders are normally the least accurate, both in the vertical and the horizontal planes of the image.
Ease of use testing for digital cameras
The best digital cameras should not only take great pictures, but be easy to use too. Many of our digital camera ease-of-use tests are done by a five-person panel consisting of experienced photographers and beginners.
This shaker machine tests the camera's image stabilisation
We assess the quality of the digital camera's manual, resolution and usability of viewfinder and LCD monitor in different light conditions, memory card handling, ease of setting image quality, speed of camera (start-up time, time to ready for next picture, speed of burst mode) and manual focusing, among other things.
The digital camera's shutter delay is measured precisely using a sophisticated timing method. Battery life is measured using a consistent programme of zooming, photographing, reviewing and deleting.
Digital camera battery life
In our thorough testing of digital cameras, we usually test digital camera battery life using the original rechargeable battery packaged with each camera.
In the case of digital cameras which require the purchase of additional batteries, we test with high quality 2,600mAh capacity rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, as these represent a cheaper and environmentally-sound means for powering your digital camera.
Some digital cameras which give a superior battery life performance with non-rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries than our preferred rechargeable Ni-MH variety.
However, continually having to purchase new high-quality Li-ion batteries is an extremely expensive and wasteful means for powering a digital camera.
See our Which? reviews of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for more information on picking a Best Buy battery.
Digital camera total test scores
Once we have all our test results in, we evaluate the data to determine the total test score for each model.
Picture quality is the biggest component, making up 35% of the total test score.
Then comes ease of use, with 25%.
Flash, movie quality, the screenn and features each make up 10%.
Trial Which? today to find out which digital cameras we rated as Best Buys, or log in if you already have member access.