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| DIGITAL CAMERA REVIEWS |
Welcome to Digital Camera Reviews, a part of infoSync Reviews. Here you'll find in-depth digital camera reviews ranging from DSLR cameras to point-and-shoot cameras. If you don't find what you're looking for here, please check out the following resources: Resource Center for Digital Cameras, Ask The Editors and Expert Guides.
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| Pentax K-7 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 The big bad Pentax K-7 has surfaced upon the infoSync shores, and we’re here to tell you that the tides of time have brought many impressive features and slightly improved image quality to the company’s current lineup of intermediate/semi-professional DSLRs. The K-7 was one of the most feature-rich DSLRs we’ve ever tested, with an interface that made shooting much more enjoyable than the average bear. We felt as though the well never ran dry when it came time to compose our shots, and we’re sure there are still a few untapped features lying within the K-7 that we just didn’t have time to discover during the course of our photographic adventure. RAW image quality was highly impressive, and we feel as though the K-7 is the company’s best representation of how a DSLR in this class should perform. The HD video mode still needs to be tweaked, but we managed to capture a few excellent clips to prove that Pentax is on the right track, and can only improve on models to come. In this price range, not many models offer the specified level of advanced control offered by the K-7, but we feel as though the camera met its match in the image quality department with the Nikon D5000, which is currently the budget DSLR to beat this year. If you want oodles of features and highly amenable lens compatibility, then the Pentax K-7 is waiting in the wings. We were big fans of the Pentax K-7, and are not looking forward to sending the camera back. Release: July 2009. Price: $1300.
Pros: Great overall RAW image quality. Packed to the brim with features. Excellent lens compatibility. Cushy handling and advanced interface made shooting a delight.
Cons: Inconsistent HD video quality. Menu graphics could use a little sprucing up. Certain features like HDR mode require more effort than expected.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 Panasonic has done it again—they've succeeded in creating a beast of the consumer persuasion. One that spits fire with a champion image performance. One that claws at the competition with a solid set of features. And best of all, a beast that decimates all in its path with a great HD video performance and the ability to zoom while recording. Yes, folks, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is definitely worth the extra 100 clams over the DMC-ZS1. Can it match the likes of the formidable Canon PowerShot SD970 IS? In some regards yes, and we actually think the Lumix DMC-ZS3 cranked out a better image performance in certain shooting environments. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 also gave the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR a run for its money, but we’d have to hand image quality over to the Finepix. Discerning shooters who are looking for a great performance compact will be torn between both models. However, there is the Lumix DMC-ZS3's 25mm wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom to consider. Panasonic packs a plethora into its top compact, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 should not be overlooked at any cost. Release: June 2009. Price: $400.
Pros: Great image quality. Impressive features and hardware. AVCHD Lite with zoom capability? Yummy!
Cons: Larger than most competitors. Clunky interface. We could have used some advanced manual controls.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 Panasonic's second attempt at a hybrid touch-screen style compact was not radical enough to warrant a parade in celebration. In fact, we couldn't even tell the difference between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 until we dove into the interface. Even there, we were greeted with the same menus and functionality, just a fresh set of graphics to shroud the obvious. The Lumix DMC-FX580 does have more megapixels and enhanced processing, but we experienced an image performance tantamount to the Lumix DMC-FX500's. If you want a performance compact that will rival a Canon PowerShot G10 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, we'd shoot for the Fujifilm Finepix F200EXR. Otherwise, the Lumix DMC-FX500 is still available online for much cheaper than its latest sibling. Release: June 2009. Price: $400.
Pros: Bountiful shooting features. Great Playback mode. 25mm wide-angle lens allowed us to fit more in our shots.
Cons: Inconsistent image quality. Touch-screen still has a few kinks to iron out. Minimal improvements upon Lumix DMC-FX500.
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| Nikon D5000 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 The Nikon D5000 proceeded to kick ass in every category we tested it in, so it was no mystery that this was the entry-level DSLR to beat for 2009 after our journey. We loved the D5000's advanced interface and external controls were plentiful. This is a DSLR that has a little something for every shooter, though the heavy artillery was there when we wanted to pull out the big guns. The flip-down LCD was a major help in tight shooting environments, though the camera was a bit bulky. Image quality was top notch, and even the Pentax K2000 couldn't keep up with the D5000 on that front. HD video recording was okay, but the D5000's overall RAW performance made us forget the camera was even capable of shooting video. The D5000 is also offered in two different lens kits available at B&H, so there's no excuse not to buy this camera. If you're serious about photography but can't justify the financial long jump to a D300, get this camera. If the Nikon D5000 is too much, then go for a Pentax K2000. That's the bottom line and we're sticking to it. Release: June 2009. Price: $730.
Pros: Great overall image quality. Excellent Interface. Oodles ‘o manual controls.
Cons: Mediocre HD video performance. Limited Shutter Speed. Heavy.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 It’s sexy, classy and highly portable. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 is one of those compacts that beckons the eyes with its simple, yet attractive architecture. But its looks might be its primary attribute. We found image quality to surpass many of its peers, but we ran into the same dastardly noise issue we had experienced with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The Lumix DMC-FX48’s interface was lacking and features were tuned for novices and amateurs. The kicker is that the DMC-FX580 is a $50 price hike, but listen to what you get: Full manual control, touch-screen hybrid, larger LCD and additional features. This is a steal in the camera industry, for most manufacturers will jack a model’s retail value up just for one simple upgrade like an LCD boost. Those seeking the best image quality will want to check out the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR or the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS. Release: June 2009. Price: $350.
Pros: Hot little number. Highly portable. Great auto mode.
Cons: Inconsistent image quality (noise). Skimpy interface. Limited features.
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