Digital cameras: Best Buys 

There are hundreds of digital cameras to choose from, but how do you pick one when so many come with all the features you want – face recognition, image stabilisation and loads of megapixels? 

There’s actually a big difference between the best and worst digital cameras on the market. Digital compact cameras with slow shutters will leave you with blurred action shots, or miss the action completely, and more than a few cameras struggle to capture good shots indoors or reproduce colours accurately. At Which? our experts test hundreds of digital cameras every year, so you can get your hands on a Best Buy digital camera and avoid those that are in danger of missing the magic moments.

• Our testers take photos in bright and dark lighting conditions, with and without using the flash to find the cameras that take the best photos whether you're at home, on your holidays or partying the night away.

• We test the face detection on each camera to check it will keep your friends in focus even if they're at different distances from the lens. We also wobble the cameras while taking shots to see how effectively the image stabilisation will counter movement from your hands.

• Camera video functions are also put through their paces in different lighting conditions, to see how well a compact camera can capture video footage and audio.

More megapixels doesn't necessarily mean better pictures. Get past a camera's specification and find out which models we recommend for taking the best pictures with a £1 trial to Which?.

What makes a best buy digital camera?

Digital camera reviews you can trust

We test cameras from more than ten brands including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Samsung, Fujifilm, Pentax and Sony. We don't only test compact cameras either - superzoom models are also put through their paces with each digital camera undertaking a series of meticulous tests. 

As well as measuring image quality, colour and resolution, we simulate real life situations to see how the digital camera handles less-than-perfect situations. We test digital camera image stabilisation, taking pictures in low lighting and how fast the shutter speed is to make sure you don't miss the action.

Which? Best Buy digital cameras aren't just about the most expensive, feature-packed models. We also award Best Buys at lower price points so that it's easy to find the best digital camera within your budget.

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