Some buy one for the price, some for a particular feature or its exemplary performance in a particular field of photography, but there are great cameras that offer quality as well as value and 2009 was a stellar year for the market.
Top manufacturers had to adapt to the financial climate, so a few spare pennies could – and to this day still can – go quite a long way. Investing in a sturdy camera with an intuitive interface, good features and decent lifespan couldn’t come at a better time.
We’ve compiled a wide-ranging list taking some of the decision making out of the process and have appealed to a range of criteria including budget, performance, looks and the overall package.
So here is the digitalcameras.co.uk list of best cameras in 2009 to suit your wallet or purse, needs, photographic expertise and social and physical pursuits.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7
The Lumix range of digital cameras is extremely popular with this model trumping both precursors and the competition alike thanks to its ability to record HD video at a 720p resolution. This inviting feature stands shoulder to shoulder with a high resolution 10MP still image capture and even fits in the pocket.
Best Price link – Amazon.co.uk £179.99
Sony CyberShot DSC-H7
This may seem like a serious photographers camera but the model is perfectly accessible for less experienced snappers. With 15x optical zoom thanks to the Karl Zeiss lens and a very moderate online price point it really looks and performs above its class.
Best Price link – Amazon.co.uk from £159
Canon Digital IXUS 100 IS
Another pocket beast that can record in HD, this device features a mega-impressive 12.1 MP image resolution. This is one sexy little model, in a light, slick, slim black case; market masters Canon have packed this one with 3x optical zoom and all the bells and whistles you’d expect.
Best Price link – Currys.co.uk £129
Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd
This is the fashionista’s camera coming in a range of different and outlandish colours but it’s not style over substance. With a 10 MP resolution, the fact this beaut is available for under £100 is a cheeky bonus.
Best Price – Pixmania.co.uk £79.98
Casio Exilim EX-Z29
This model is simple, no nonsense and another budget friendly morsel. This super-portable digital camera boasts a very-impressive 10.1 MP image taker.
Best Price link – Amazon.co.uk £69.99
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1
Highly regarded by critics and users alike, this is a slick but toned down Lumix model for people who live active lives. It still has a 12 MP sensor and wide angle capturing capability – it’s also available in quirky neon colours.
Best Price link – Amazon.co.uk £275
Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP
The only waterproof entry into our top 10, this camera is also low cost considering its outdoorsy ambitions and 10 MP resolution.
Best Price – Tesco.com £99.97
Samsung WB500
Samsung isn’t a prolific name in the digicam world but the brand has seriously added to their snapping cred with the WB500. This camera packs in a massive 10x optical zoom and 10 MP resolution to shake up the market and strike fear into the pedigree dogs.
Best Price link - GlobalElectricals.co.uk £119
Olympus SP-590 UZ
This camera couldn’t be left out of the list. With a massive, ambitious and high performance 26x zooming capability, this is a camera for serious photographers and ideal for taking pictures of sports events, nature or specialised industry shots. It’s so versatile you’ll wonder where that thing for getting studs out of horses’ hooves is.
Best Price link – Camerabox.co.uk £214.99
Olympus mju Tough 6000
You may have noticed we’ve leaned towards more tough little cameras for travel and leisure owing to the change in social trends and photography. Everyone uses Facebook, everyone likes to snap away and keep them for their records and not everyone needs a powerful zoomtastic beast to do so. This Olympus offering is light, fast and competitive … maybe even outstanding.
Best Price link – buyacamera.co.uk £129.99