Best Digital Cameras of 2013

This ultra-compact uses a larger-than-usual 12 MP sensor which delivers improved image quality over its modern peers. The Canon S120
Canon Powershot S120 features an ultra-wide-angle 5X optical zoom lens equivalent to 24-120mm with an bright F/1.8 aperture at the wide end. This lets it gather 2 to 4 times more light than other ultra-compacts and gives it an unrivaled lead in low-light performance.

This digital camera is also the most ergonomic ultra-compact. Its dual control-dials give it efficient access to its full manual-controls. Framing is via a sharp 3" LCD with 460K pixels and yet it manages to squeeze-in built-in WiFi too.

The impressive Fujifilm Finepix F900 EXR
Fujifilm Finepix F900 EXR brings back Phase-Detect AF to the compact F-series where this technology started. This cameras features a unique 16 megapixels EXR CMOS II sensor that delivers a class-leading dynamic-range and comparatively low image-noise while also incorporating ultra-fast AF at the sensor-level.

Its 20X ultra-wide-angle optical zoom lens has built-in stabilization, reaching 500mm in a camera that closes down to a mere 1.5" thick. It sports advanced features with full manual-controls, 1080p HD video capture, ultra-fast 11 FPS continuous drive and WiFi.

The Fujifilm X-S1
Fujifilm X-S1 is an advanced ultra-zoom and the only weather-sealed model ever made. It is equipped with an ultra-wide-angle 26X optical zoom with a fantastic mechanical zoom which is infinitely precise, very fast and completely quiet.

This ultra-zoom is very feature-rich with full manual-controls, including a fly-by-wire focus, digital level, high-speed drive, 1080p HD video capture and Fuji's EXR technology which delivers stellar dynamic-range and relatively low image noise.

The X-S1 is fast and responsive with great image quality for its class. It is durably built and ergonomic. It includes an ultra-sharp 1.4 MP EVF, large 3" LCD and hot-shoe.

The Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100S features the a latest generation 16 megapixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor. This incredible sensor offers ultra-high image-quality with low-noise and critical sharpness due to its lack of anti-alias filter. It is also not prone to moire because the special arrangement of its color-filter-array. The II version of the sensor adds built-in Phase-Detect AF which improves performance and makes AF with the X-series comparable to top-end mirrorless cameras.

The Fuji X100S follows the runaway success of its predecessor and includes the same unique hybrid viewfinder that instantly switches between EVF and OVF mode, plus a high number of direct mechanical controls.

The catch is that the compact size of the X100S, despite having a DSLR-sized sensor, it is fixed 23mm F/2 lens. That lens is incredibly sharp but offers a fixed angle-of-view which is restrictive and not suitable for all photographic subjects. See the Fuji 100S full-review for details.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 II
Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 II is barely larger than an ultra-compact, yet it fits a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor, improved with 40% more sensitivity over the RX100. The bright 3.6X wide-angle optical zoom lens retracts in the camera to make it 1½" slim when powered off.

The RX100 II boasts full manual-controls, including manual-focus, and dual control-dials plus a mode-dial to efficiently access its features. New to the II version is a multi-interface hot-shoe which accepts an optional EVF.

Even with its high megapixels count, it can shoot continuous at 10 FPS and capture full 1080p HD video at 60 FPS. Framing is done via an ultra-sharp 1.2 megapixels 3" LCD.

Fuji started at the top of mirrorless cameras with the Fujifilm X-Pro1
Fujifilm X-Pro1 and has been moving down by reusing sensors designed for their high-end models. The X-M1 uses the same stunning 16 megapixels X-Trans CMOS II sensor as the X100S above and all but one of their mirrorless offerings.

It delivers class-leading image-quality and speedy Phase-Detect autofocus in a compact body. Still, unlike most entry-level units, the X-M1 offers dual control-dials and a traditional mode-dial. Its compact body lacks room for a viewfinder which is typical for this level of camera.

The Fuji X-M1 manages to exceed the image quality of most cropped-sensor DSLRs and produces sharp images with very low noise and superb colors.

The Fujifilm X-E2
Fujifilm X-E2 is the ultimate mirrorless from Fuji. It offers the latest generation 16 megapixels X-Trans CMOS II sensor paired with a fast EXR II processor.

As described above, this sensor delivers ultra-sharp images without an anti-alias filter and a fast Phase-Detect AF system, making it highly usable for moving subjects.

The Fuji X-E2 features an ultra-sharp EVF with an essential Eye-Start sensor that greatly helps with usability and precise framing. The view is sharp enough to focus manually with great precision.

The excellent design of the X-E2 favors the use of direct mechanical controls which makes it quite efficient. Its relatively compact body feels extremely sturdy.

Olympus and Panasonic pioneered the mirrorless market with their Micro Four-Thirds format. With its lead, Micro Four-Thirds remains the most complete and extensive of all mirrorless formats with over 40 lenses from 5 different manufacturers.

While promising image-quality in a compact form, and delivering on that promise, the appearance of high-end models has been relatively slow. It took a few generations to improve autofocus speeds and the latest crop of mirrorless cameras feature ultra-fast Contrast-Detect and Phase-Detect AF systems which match that of many DSLRs.

This year, Olympus launched a truly professional mirrorless with the OM-D E-M1. Its 16 megapixels CMOS sensor delivers stunning image-quality. It offers 5-axis image-stabilization and a hybrid AF system. This weathersealed mirrorless camera is also freezeproof which makes it usable in adverse weather when paired with a weathersealed lens.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1
Olympus OM-D E-M1 is very speedy. It offers 10 FPS continuous shooting with a deep buffer for up to 95 images. Its superb 2.4 megapixels EVF has 100% coverage at 0.7X magnification while refreshing fast enough to follow action.

This combination of image-quality and performance, plus a mature system, allow the E-M1 to easily take its place as a professional digital camera.

The Pentax K-50
Pentax K-50 is a 16 megapixels APS-C DSLR which produces images of exceptional quality. While being the size and price of an entry-level model, the K-50 provides more professional features than its peers. This includes a 100% coverage viewfinder, a weather-sealed body which is freezeproof to -10C (14F), dual control-dials, built-in Shake Reduction and Automatic Horizon Correction.

Having the 100% coverage viewfinder and horizon correction improves photography by freeing the photographers from worries. The dual control-dials allow to operate the camera more efficiently while the weatherproof construction lets the K-50 be used in adverse weather With the use of a weather-sealed lens..

Its sensor produces images with low noise, class-leading dynamic-range and natural image colors. This is also one of the fastest models in its class with a top shutter-speed of 1/6000s and 6 FPS drive mode.

The 16 megapixels sensor of the Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 IIs takes image-quality to the next level for APS-C DSLRs by removing the usual anti-alias filter and maximizing sharpness.

The Pentax K-5 IIs brings unprecedented level of image quality to cropped-sensor DSLRs, challenging even larger full-frame cameras on many fronts. Plus, its keeps all the fantastic and unique features of the K-5 including built-in stabilization, automatic horizon correction, 100% coverage viewfinder and the best weatherproof protection among ILCs.

This DSLR has an extended ISO range that reaches 51200, plus the most sensitive autofocus system on the market, a dual-axis digital-level, 7 FPS drive and full 1080p HD video recording. The K-5 IIs has the most efficient controls of any current digital camera and excellent ergonomics.

The Nikon D4
Nikon D4 embodies DSLRs like no other and takes the essential qualities of professional digital cameras to the extreme:

• Stellar low-light performance with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 204,800!
• Blazing-fast autofocus that works in low-light.
• Ultra-fast continuous drive up to 11 FPS.
• Solid and durable weatherproof construction.
• Choice of lenses among one of the industry's largest lineups.

This full-frame DSLR is literally and figurative a heavy-weight. Without a doubt, it delivers images of outstanding quality and top-notch performance. Its large body with integrated vertical grip puts a great number of controls at your finger-tips.

The Nikon D4 is extremely feature rich, including the requisite 100% coverage viewfinder and dual control-dials on both grips for this type of camera, plus full 1080p HD capture with uncompressed HDMI output, a built-in viewfinder shutter and an Ethernet port for remote control and image transfer. It is only lacking a built-in flash and freeze-proof construction.

The Nikon D800E
Nikon D800E is the highest-resolution DSLR on the market and it maximizes image sharpness by not having an anti-alias filter like its twin, the Nikon D800
Nikon D800.

The 36 megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor using in the D800E and D800 competes with Medium-Format digital cameras with similar resolution in most cases and actually better image noise and dynamic-range.

While physically smaller than the D4, the D800E is really a professional DSLR too. Its weather-sealed body includes a 100% coverage viewfinder with built-in shutter, dual control-dials and even a built-in flash.