Digital cameras are used to instantly capture an image. To do this, they use a semiconductor to receive light, process it electronically and produce the image using pixels, or very small colored dots.http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/digital/digital-camera1.htm Once the image has been created, it can be shared through email, social networks or printed out for framing using a photo printer. Digital cameras provide an array of settings designed to effectively capture images in motion, low light, close up or other potentially challenging environments.

Digital cameras will vary in price according to size, resolution and other imaging features. Basic models can be found online for as low as $5. This type of camera may not offer zoom or video capabilities and provides only a basic quality image without any enhancements or optional settings.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-reviews/?tag=mncol;srt&sort=lowPrice9+asc Cameras that provide the ability to take photos at night such as the Sony Cybershot with its Handheld Twilight technology or Kodak brand digital cameras that have optional printer docking stations and online sharing software, will be more costly. http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-EasyShare-Printer-Dock-Plus/dp/B0002Y4WV2Many digital cameras are available in ultra compact models that make them more portable and less bulky for traveling. The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS is one of the smallest models available weighing only 4.2 oz. and measuring 3.5 inches wide. http://digital-cameras.toptenreviews.com/compact/

When shopping for digital cameras, there are many options and features to choose from. This tutorial illustrates some of the features that should be considered before making a purchase. These are intended to ensure that the camera purchased is best suited for the needs of the shopper. Size, battery life, memory and megapixels are only a few examples of features that should examined before making a purchase.

The Canon Powershot S90 is an ultra compact digital camera. Weighing approximately 6.2 oz and measuring 3.1 inches wide, it is portable and functional with features such as 4x digital zoom and 10 megapixels.http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/308946/review/powershot_s90.html#specs The camera features settings to use for taking pictures in different environments such as the beach, indoors, low light, fireworks and even underwater. Users can also create special effects pictures by using the settings to vary the colors that the image is presented in such as black and white or color swapping. The estimated retail price for the Powershot S90 is $399.99.http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_s90

Ratings

• Macworld: 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/308946/review/powershot_s90.html
• CNET: 4 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=rnav
• DP Photo Journal: 4 out of 5 starshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-s90-reviews-sample-photos-user-manual/

Price

$336.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Canon+Powershot+S90&x=13&y=13

Reviews

• " You know that when you walk out the door with the S90 in your pocket, you’re prepared to make great photographs." - Macworldhttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/308946/review/powershot_s90.html

• " the Canon PowerShot S90 is an excellent compact camera for advanced amateurs." - CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s90/4505-6501_7-33765880.html?tag=rnav

• " the S90 is “Essential” for consumers who simply want the best compact available." - NeutralDayhttp://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-s90-reviews-sample-photos-user-manual/

The Sony CyberShot DSC-WX1 features a new technology which allows users to capture quality photos is low light environments. Using the Handheld Twilight option, the camera takes six photos in succession, then overlays each of them to produce a higher quality image. Other features include 5x digital zoom and extended battery life. Almost 400 photos can be taken on a single charge of the battery. The Sony measures approximately 3.56 inches wide, 2.03 inches tall and weighs 5.3 ounces.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4507-6501_7-33763789.html?tag=mncolBtm;rnavThe suggested retail price of the Cybershot DSC-WX1 is $279.99.http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665953687

Ratings

• Macworld: 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/309130/review/cybershot_dscwx1.html#review
• CNET: 4 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html
• PC Photo Journal: 4 out of 5 starshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/sony-wx1-reviews-sample-photos/

Price

$244.77 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Sony+Cyber-shot+DSC-WX1+&x=10&y=18

Reviews

• "As a complete package, there isn’t much that the Cyber-Shot DSC-WX1 doesn’t offer" - BuyNShoothttp://www.dphotojournal.com/sony-wx1-reviews-sample-photos/
• " the WX1 is capable of delivering fast performance and some very good photos" - CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4505-6501_7-33763789.html
• "very stylish camera that takes excellent photos in dark settings, and its unique in-camera modes make it a great all-purpose pocket camera." - Macworldhttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/309130/review/cybershot_dscwx1.html#review

The Coolpix L20 digital camera by Nikon offers novice users the basic features of digital photography such as image stabilization to reduce blur in pictures and 10 megapixel image quality. Powered by 2 AA batteries, this adds a bit of size to the camera as it measures approximately 3.8 inches wide, 2.4 inches tall and more depth at 1.2 inches compared to other digital camera models which use a rechargeable lithium battery.http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/57102/overview/coolpix_l20.html#specs The estimated retail price for the Coolpix L20 is $129.95http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/53788/review/coolpix_l20.html

Ratings

• Macworld: 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/57102/overview/coolpix_l20.html#review
• CNET: 3.5 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-l20-deep/4505-6501_7-33517677.html
• PC Photo Journal: 4 out of 5 starshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/nikon-coolpix-l20-review-samples-user-manual/

Price

$139.99 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Nikon+Coolpix+L20&x=17&y=18

Reviews

• "the COOLPIX L20 delivers on its goal of taking good-looking photos with the absolute minimum of fuss" - CameraLabshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/nikon-coolpix-l20-review-samples-user-manual/
• " Good battery life ; Performs well and fairly fast ; Easy to use" - alaTesthttp://alatest.com/apps/reviews/20979673/-1/?ref=http://alatest.com/expert-reviews/digital-compact-camera-reviews/nikon-coolpix-l20/pe3-69732606,147/
• " Coolpix L20 as a great option for beginners and night-on-the-town photographers." - PCworldhttp://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/53788/review/coolpix_l20.html

The Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is a compact model digital camera, measuring slightly larger that its ultra compact counter parts. It weighs 6.3 oz. and measures 3.9 inches wide. The camera features 10 megapixels in resolution and a 4x digital zoom. It also features video recording capabilities and a variety of settings for shooting photos in bright or low light environments. It offers expandable memory in addition to the 47 MB that it provides in internal memory. http://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/309100/overview/finepix_f70exr.html

Ratings

• Macworld: 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/309100/overview/finepix_f70exr.html
• CNET: 3.5 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/fujifilm-finepix-f70exr/4505-6501_7-33765446.html?tag=rnav
• PC Photo Journal: 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/fujifilm-f70exr-review-sample-photos-user-manual/

Price

$189.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Fujifilm+FinePix+F70EXR&x=12&y=20

Reviews

• "A compact megazoom with a lot to offer, the Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is very good for its class" - CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/fujifilm-finepix-f70exr/4505-6501_7-33765446.html?tag=rnav
• "Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is a stunningly versatile camera, a pocket-sized superzoom that can take superb pictures" - TrustedReviewshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/fujifilm-f70exr-review-sample-photos-user-manual/
• "It isn't often that you encounter such a tiny camera that aspires to be so much more." - Macworldhttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/309100/overview/finepix_f70exr.html

The Powershot A1100 point and shoot camera by Canon features a 12 megapixel image with 4x digital zoom. The camera weighs 7.1 oz. with the additional bulk due to the AA battery power it operates on. Close up shots can be taken from as close as 1 1/2 inches while retaining quality using the camera's macro mode. It features 128 MB of internal memory and has the capability for expandable memory using an SD card.http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a1100-is/4507-6501_7-33528998.html?tag=mncolBtm;rnav The suggested retail price is $149.99.http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_a1100_is

Ratings

• Macworld: 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/55488/overview/powershot_a1100_is.html#review
• CNET: 3.5 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a1100-is/4505-6501_7-33528998.html?tag=rnav
• PC Photo Journal: 3.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-a1100-review-sample-images-user-manual/

Price

$212.50 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Canon+Powershot+A1100+IS&x=13&y=18

Reviews

• "the Canon Powershot A1100 IS adds a number of improvements to an already attractively designed camera," - PhotographyBloghttp://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-a1100-review-sample-images-user-manual/
• " the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS provides a good point-and-shoot experience with great pictures as a result." - CNEThttp://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a1100-is/4505-6501_7-33528998.html?tag=rnav
• "If you’re looking for a good entry-level camera, you should consider the A1100." - Macworldhttp://www.macworld.com/reviews/product/55488/overview/powershot_a1100_is.html#review

• Best Digital Camera
• Best Digital SLR Camera
• Best Ultra Zoom Digital Camera
• Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera
• Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Video
• Best Beginner Point and Shoot Digital Camera
• Best 10MP - 13MP Digital Camera
• Best Digital Compact Camera for Wildlife, Sports and Action Photography
• Best Digital Camera Overall
• Best Budget Digital SLR (dSLR)