The visual documentation of the daily life of ordinary people is not a fad rather it is a way of life. Just check Flickr and the massive archive of personal photographs taken by novice, enthusiasts, hobbyist and professional photographers alike. Never has the world been more visually amazing and connected as today where an English girl’s stunning countryside photos can be viewed by someone from Cape Town South Africa.

Digital cameras are part of our life the same way that mobile phones and Ipods have become essential gadgets. Choosing a camera is a huge decision as it will be your companion for everyday. The two things to consider in buying the perfect digital camera are quality of the photos and the usability factor. Remember that in photography you really have to invest in the equipment.

If you want to be better in photography here are three of the best high-end digital cameras that covers both quality and usability…

1.Nikon D3

The body of this camera is durable, a little bit heavy but gets amazing result. For MacBook users the Nikon D3 is especially linked. This digital SLR is especially great for who want to be serious about fashion and portraiture photography. The dynamic range is almost film like and the details of the Nikon D3 are impressive. There is an amazing low noise at hugh ISOs so you can use this at night.

2.Olympus EP1

The Olympus Pen is the wave of the future. The Olympus Pen looks like a classic romantic vintage camera with a sleek finish. The quality of the photos are amazing (though of course the Nikon D3 is still better) and it comes in a small body.

3.Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Professional photographers love their Canon and the Mark II tops the list. The Mark II has a full-fram CMOS sensor and has 21 megapixels which is perfect for landscape photography. Filmmakers will also like the Mark II’s HD video mode.

Check more best digital cameras in our list.

OLYMPUS SP-590 UZ DIGITAL CAMERA

Designed primarily for sports, outdoor and travel photography, the Olympus SP-590 UZ digital camera can produce high quality images with its 26x wide-angle optical zoom lens. This and features like the Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Smile Shutter make it an all-in-one digital camera. Taking panoramic photos is as easy as pressing the shutter button while scanning slowly across the landscape.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	12 Megapixels
Lens	4.6 – 119.6mm (26 – 676mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 14 Lenses in 11 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 3 ED Lenses
Viewfinder	Electronic View Finder with Dioptic Correction
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM II LCD 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene) Manual: 1/2000 sec – 15 sec Bulb: up to 8 min.
Memory	22 MB internal memory
Power Source	(4) AA Batteries, AC Adapter (C-7AC)
Dimensions	4.3″W x 3.5″H x 3.6″D (110.1mm x 89.7mm x 91.0mm)
Weight	15.3oz (435g) without batteries and memory card

OLYMPUS SP-565 UZ DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus SP-565 UZ is perfect for shooting moving subjects. Its 20x wide-angle zoom lens will make you feel like an experienced photographer because of its flexibility in function. You get to shoot as close to the subject as possible (telephoto) or capture as much as you want in a photo(wide-angle). It can even producing sharp and vivid photos in rapid sequence so you’re sure that you don’t miss out on the action.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.0 Megapixels
Lens	4.6 – 92 mm (26 – 520 mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 14 Lenses in 11 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 2 ED Lenses
Viewfinder	Electronic View Finder with Dioptic Correction
Display	2.5” (6.4cm) LCD, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64,100,200,400, 800,1600, 3200*, 6400* (equivalent) * 5 megapixels
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene) Manual: 1/2000 sec – 15 sec Bulb: up to 8 min.
Memory	48 MB internal memory
Power Source	4 AA Batteries, AC Adapter (C-7AU)
Dimensions	4.6″W x 3.3″H x 3.2″ D (116mm x 83.3mm x 80.8mm)
Weight	13.2oz (373g) without batteries and media card

OLYMPUS SP-570 UZ DIGITAL CAMERA

With its wide array of settings, the Olympus SP-570 UZ can be considered a DSLR putting on an act as a point-and-shoot camera. Powered by a high quality 20x optical zoom lens, this camera is function, form, and flexibility all packed into one small package. This camera can guarantee sharpness, vivid colours, and it even comes with a hot shoe attachment for additional flash when shooting with poor lighting conditions.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.0 Megapixels
Lens	4.60 – 92.0 mm (26 – 520 mm equivalent in 35mm photography), 14 Lenses in 11 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 2 ED Lenses
Viewfinder	Electronic View Finder with Dioptic Correction
Display	2.7” (6.9cm) HyperCrystal™ LCD, approx. 230,000 pixels, 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene) Manual: 1/2000 sec – 15 sec Bulb: up to 8 min.
Memory	45 MB internal memory
Power Source	4 AA Batteries, optional AC Adapter (C-7AU)
Dimensions	4.7″W x 3.3″H x 3.4″D (118mm x 84mm x 87.5mm)
Weight	15.7oz (445g) without batteries and memory card

For more news check our digital photography news section.

OLYMPUS FE-5010 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus FE-5010 is a digital camera that is small in size but not in features. It is equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens that will give you images with crisp quality and details every time. The Dual Image Stabilization feature will also take care of accidental camera shakes thus blurred photos are a thing of the past.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-3010 DIGITAL CAMERA

Designed with an all-metal case, the Olympus FE-3010 spells sophistication. It’s slim, light and will fit just right in the palm of your hands for easy handling. It has features like Face Detection and Pre-set Shooting Modes and is especially equipped with three Underwater modes.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-3000 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus FE-3000 is perfect to bring along with you for everyday use because of its compact design and effortless settings and features. It is equipped with the Advanced Face Detection feature that automatically tracks down up to 16 faces and corrects the exposure thus giving you beautifully done portraits.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-45 DIGITAL CAMERA

Powered by two AA batteries but still maintaining its compact size is one thing that’s remarkable about the Olympus FE-45 digital camera. It is equipped with the Intelligent Auto function and the Digital Image Stabilization feature fine-tunes the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed even more to ensure sharpness in every image.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-25 DIGITAL CAMERA

Packed with modern features that will allow even kids to take high quality photos, the Olympus FE-25 is the ideal carry around, no-frills digital camera. It is equipped with Advanced Face Detection, Intelligent Auto, and 16 Shooting Modes for maximum ease of use and results.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-370 DIGITAL CAMERA

Inside its super slim and all-metal body is a powerful image sensor that can translate up to 8 million effective pixels. The Olympus FE-370 allows you to get close to your subjects with its 5x optical zoom lens. Its Dual Image Stabilization feature looks out for unwanted motion blurs in photos.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-360 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus FE-360 can produce vivid photos and videos without complications. It is relatively small in size so you can bring it anywhere and the 20 pre-set shooting modes that it is equipped will allow you to photograph under any shooting condition.

Camera’s Specifications:

OLYMPUS FE-20 DIGITAL CAMERA

Powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, the Olympus FE-20 is perfect for the shutter-happy. Its compact size also allows you to fit it into your pockets with ease while waiting for the ideal moment to capture. The Digital Image Stabilization feature that comes with it makes it easier to take clear and sharp photos.

Camera’s Specifications:

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STYLUS TOUGH-8000 DIGITAL CAMERA

Designed to outlast extreme shooting conditions, the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 excels in durability and in image quality as well. Its sturdy metal body is specifically intended to handle accidental drops and bumps while shooting. It is also waterproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. With features like the Dual Image Stabilization, image sharpness is guaranteed.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	12 Megapixels
Lens	5.0 – 18.2mm (28 – 102mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	45MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.85″D (95mm x 61.7mm x 21.5mm)
Weight	6.4oz (182g) without batteries and memory card

STYLUS TOUGH-T6000 DIGITAL CAMERA

Branded as a shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof digital camera, this camera will take your shooting experience to a higher level. Equipped with a 3.6x wide zoom lens, high quality (in terms of sharpness and colour) images are delivered especially with the help of the Dual Image Stabilizer feature.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10 Megapixels
Lens	5.0 – 18.2mm (28 – 102mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	42MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.8″W x 2.5″H x 0.88″D (95.3mm x 63.4mm x 22.4mm)
Weight	5.3oz (149g) without batteries and memory card

STYLUS 1050 SW DIGITAL CAMERA

What makes the Olympus Stylus 1050 SW perfect for outdoors? It is designed to withstand shocks, bumps, and extreme temperature, and to add to that, it’s waterproof. It comes in a compact size so carrying it around isn’t a hassle. Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the Tap Control that makes it possible to operate some of the camera’s settings simply by tapping its top, back, and sides.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.1 Megapixels
Lens	56.7 – 20.1 mm (38 – 114 mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 3 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (equivalent)
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	41.6 MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.76″D, with lens cover: 0.9″ D (93mm x 62mm x 19.3mm, with lens cover: 22.6mm)
Weight	5.4 oz (152g) without battery and media card

STYLUS 1030 W DIGITAL CAMERA

With its capability to surpass even ice and water, the Olympus Stylus 1030 W is recommended to those who are constantly seeking for adventure. Its 3.6x wide-angle zoom lens works great on landscape and underwater photography as well as group and panoramic portraiture. Its 2.7” 2.7” HyperCrystal™ II LCD is designed to provide more precision in terms of the colours you see in your screen.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.1 Megapixels
Lens	5.0 – 18.2mm (28 – 102mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 2 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lenses
Display	2.7” (6.9cm) HyperCrystal™ II LCD, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (equivalent)
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.7MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.84″ D (93.6mm x 60.9mm x 21.3mm)
Weight	6.3oz (170g) without battery and media card

STYLUS 850 W DIGITAL CAMERA

Aside from its sleek form and robust build, the Olympus Stylus 850 W has a lot more to offer. Producing high quality photos with about 8 million effective pixels, this camera can also vouch for its performance. Armed with the Face Detection feature, portraiture has never been this easy since the tracker directs itself automatically to your subject’s face and adjusts the camera’s settings for maximum sharpness and colour quality.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	8.0 Megapixels
Lens	6.7 – 20.1 mm (38 – 114 mm equivalent in 35mm photography), 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 3 Aspherical Lenses
Display	2.5” (6.4cm) HyperCrystal™ LCD, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.8MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.84″ D (93.6mm x 60.9mm x 21.3mm)
Weight	4.8oz (136g) without battery and media card

STYLUS 790 W DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus Stylus 790 W is handy so you can literally bring it everywhere. As part of the Stylus Tough series, it is expected to take a beating and take high quality photos every time. Its  Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot features take care of various shooting and lighting conditions. The LED Illuminator attachment located at the front ensures proper lighting when shooting in macro mode.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	7.1 Megapixels
Lens	6.7 – 20.1 mm (38 – 114 mm equivalent in 35mm photography), 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 3 Aspherical Lenses
Display	2.5” (6.4cm) HyperCrystal™ LCD, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (equivalent)
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.7MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.84″ D (93.6mm x 60.9mm x 21.3mm)
Weight	4.8oz (136g) without battery and media card

Check more best digital cameras here.

OLYMPUS STYLUS-9000 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus Stylus-9000 digital camera is a small camera that is equipped with a relatively big zoom. It may be small but it doesn’t come out short in terms of performance. Equipped with a 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens and features like Face Detection with Shadow Adjustment and In-Camera Panorama, this camera is not like any other compact digital cameras in the market.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	12 Megapixels
Lens	5.0 – 50.0mm (28 – 280mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 5 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	45MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA3)
Dimensions	3.8″W x 2.4″H x 1.2″D (96mm x 60mm x 31mm)
Weight	6.5oz (185g) without batteries and memory card

OLYMPUS STYLUS-7000 DIGITAL CAMERA

It may exude sophistication but the Olympus Stylus-7000 is not intimidating at all even to first time users. Appreciated for its sleek form and smooth finish, its features will give you more reasons to like it. Equipped with the Dual Image Stabilization, there is a very slim chance that you’d end up with blurry photos as this feature minimizes the effects of camera shakes.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	12 Megapixels
Lens	6.6 – 46.2mm (37 – 260mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	3.0″ (7.6cm) HyperCrystalTM II LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, High Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/4 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	16MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1/CB-MA3)
Dimensions	3.8″W x 2.2″H x 1.0″D (96.4mm x 55.9mm x 25.3mm)
Weight	4.7oz (132g) without batteries and memory card

OLYMPUS STYLUS-550 WP DIGITAL CAMERA

Olympus offers the Stylus-550 WP to those who’ve always wanted to take underwater photos. It is designed to perform at its best even when water is involved. Now you can have more fun outdoors without having to worry about your camera. Its Perfect Fix function allows easy editing while viewing in the playback mode.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10 Megapixels
Lens	6.7 – 20.1mm (38 – 114mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 3 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
ISO	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.8 MB internal memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1/CB-MA3)
Dimensions	3.7″W x 2.4″H x 0.85″D (93.6 mm x 61.7 mm x 21.5 mm)
Weight	4.5oz (127g) without batteries and memory card
Waterproof	Yes

OLYMPUS STYLUS 1040 DIGITAL CAMERA

Elegant and slim are most apt to describe the Olympus Stylus 1040. Its form may easily catch your eyes but its features are as impressive. When the Smile Shot feature recognizes a smiling face in a crowd, the camera’s shutter button instinctively turns off three times. It fits perfectly in your pockets so you can carry it around anytime without inconvenience.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10 Megapixels
Lens	6.7 – 20.1 mm (38 – 114 mm equivalent in 35mm photography) 10 Lenses in 8 Groups, 3 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	2.7” (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM LCD, approx. 230,000 dots, 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200* (equivalent) *3 megapixels
Shutter Speed	1/1000 sec. –1/4 sec.
Removable Media Card	xD-Picture Card™ (1GB, 2GB), microSD (MASD-1 is required)
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.5″W x 2.2″H x 0.65″ D, with lens cover: 0.8″ (89mm x 55.5mm x 16.5mm, with lens cover: 20.3mm)
Weight	3.8oz (108g) without batteries and media card

OLYMPUS STYLUS 1010 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus Stylus 1010 has adjustable settings that could be customized to meet any shooting requirements. It is equipped with a 2.7” HyperCrystal™ LCD and makes use of the Dual Image Stabilization feature, which is an effective solution for image blur.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.1 Megapixels
Lens	6.6 – 46.2 mm (37 – 260 mm equivalent in 35mm photography),9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	2.7″ (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM III LCD with Backlight Boost, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.7MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.9″W x 2.2″H x 0.99″ D (99mm x 56.3mm x 25.2mm)
Weight	4.8oz (135g) without battery and media card

OLYMPUS STYLUS 1020 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus Stylus 1020 digital camera is basically an updated version of its predecessor, the Stylus 1010. They both share the same form and features.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	10.1 Megapixels
Lens	6.6 – 46.2 mm (37 – 260 mm equivalent in 35mm photography),9 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses, 1 ED Lens
Display	2.7” (6.9cm) HyperCrystalTM II LCD, approx. 230,000 dots 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.7MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-50B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.9″W x 2.2″H x 0.99″ D (99mm x 56.3mm x 25.2mm)
Weight	4.8oz (135g) without battery and media card

OLYMPUS STYLUS 840 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Olympus Stylus 840 is something that the whole family will enjoy. It’s water resistant and very easy to use and handle making it ideal to carry around for everyday use. With its 5x optical zoom lens and Digital Image Stabilization feature, every photo is expected to turn out great.

Camera’s Specifications:

Effective Pixels	8.0 megapixels
Lens	6.4 – 32.0 mm (36 – 180 mm equivalent in 35mm photography), 8 Lenses in 6 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses
Display	2.7” (6.9cm) HyperCrystal™ LCD with Backlight Boost Button, approx. 230,000 pixels, 5 Steps Brightness Adjustment
ISO	Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec. –1/2 sec. (up to 4 sec. in Night Scene mode)
Memory	14.8MB Internal Memory
Power Source	Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), AC Adapter (D-7AC) with the optional DC Coupler (CB-MA1)
Dimensions	3.8” W x 2.2” H x 0.94” D (96.4mm x 56.5mm x 24mm)
Weight	4.6oz (130g) without battery and media card

Check more best digital cameras here.

It’s set up in table form to make comparisons easy. The 6 Key Features included in the table have been chosen because they have the most impact on the quality of your images. Here is a quick explanation of these features:

1. An aperture dictates how large or small an opening the camera allows for light to come in. Think of this as the eye’s iris. Smaller numbers indicate a large opening, and vice versa.
2. A shutter limits the light coming in by “cutting it off” as an eyelid would with the light entering the eye. A high shutter speed lets less light in; a low one lets in more. A high speed is needed for action shots.
3. The ISO indicates how sensitive the image sensor is to the light present— the higher the number the more sensitive the sensor. This is perfect for shooting low-light scenes, but the trade-off for this is that it also captures more noise (the graininess in photos that is not to be mistaken for pixelation).
4. Optical Zoom (not to be mistaken for Digital Zoom) refers to the ability of your camera’s lens to physically extend and magnify your subject.
5. Effective Sensor Resolution indicates the number of pixels embedded in each image. The higher the number, the better. This number affects the quality of prints (higher equals better) and the amount of cropping you can do during post-processing.

The Canon PowerShot D10, Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP, and Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 face-off:

GUIDE. GREEN: the best among the 3 models; YELLOW: both share the top spot;

The Facts, Translated:

The Canon PowerShot D10 is the latest model of the three, but at £163 it is not the most expensive. It is bulkier in size, and heavier in weight, but its more advanced aperture and shutter features should result to more decent photos. While the effective sensor resolution (the largest among the 3 at 12.1 megapixels) should result to better prints.

The Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP, from the look alone, is obviously targeted for teens. The same can be said for the price, which, at £80, is half the price of the other 2 models. Its underwater depth is just 10 feet, 3 times shallower than the other 2 models, and the minimum operating temperature (32°F) is nothing compared to the other 2 models’ 14°F limit— and it’s not shockproof. At 4.6 oz, it’s the lightest among the 3, setting the bar for ultracompact waterproof digital cameras.

The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 offers the farthest zoom span among the 3, though the difference is relative. It is the most expensive (among the 3) but the PowerShot is not far off, with just a £3 knockdown. Depth reach and temperature range is as far as the Powershot’s, and the effective sensor resolution (12.0mp) is definitely not far from Canon’s 12.1mp. But of course you didn’t need me to say that.

The Final Verdict

Looking at these facts, it’s safe to say that the Canon PowerShot D10 is the best bet among the 3 (and these are the best among all the waterproof cameras in the market). The PowerShot is like the better version of the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000, which came out 3 months after the Stylus was released. It may not be as cheap or as light as the Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP, but the quality is definitely better.

So if you’re all for quality, go for the Canon PowerShot D10. For a limited budget, go for the Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP.

Check more best digital cameras here.