A new camera can be a great investment.
There are dozens of camera manufacturers on the market, and most brands have dozens of models in their lineups. Choosing a camera in this milieu of options can be a challenge, but narrowing down your choice to a brand is a great first step. The majority of the camera market is dominated by just a few large brands, and these are the same companies that make the highest-quality cameras.
Canon
The largest manufacturer of digital cameras is also the one with the most diverse model lineup. Canon makes 20 percent of all still cameras sold in the United States, and for good reason. Most users find Canon cameras very user-friendly, and a large majority of professional photographers use Canon products as well.
Sony
Known for their cutting-edge features and sleek styling, Sony cameras are exclusive and consistently expensive. Sony was one of the first manufacturers to use touchscreens, and Sony lenses, made by Carl Zeiss, are famous for their quality. Overall, however, Sony cameras tend to produce lower-quality photos, especially in low light conditions, than less-expensive Canon models.
Kodak
Kodak was one of the first companies to begin selling digital cameras, but they have not kept up with the cutting-edge trends. Expect a well-made, affordable camera from Kodak, but these shooters will not have the advanced features you might find in a Sony. The lack of these features may be why Kodak saw a decrease in shipments of over 30 percent between 2005 to 2006. Nonetheless, Kodak is still the third largest camera manufacturer in the country thanks to their dependable quality and low prices.
Nikon
While in fourth place in terms of market share, Nikon consistently vies with Canon for the hearts of professional photographers. Few pros use any camera other than a Nikon or Canon, most likely because these two brands are the most renowned for photo quality. Nikon has a wide range of both SLR and point-and-shoot cameras. Nikon has recently introduced some advanced features like touchscreens on their cameras, but users have been dissatisfied with the usefulness and responsiveness of these components. If you're looking into a Nikon, stick to a basic shooter and expect it to take beautiful photos consistently.
Tags: advanced features, digital cameras, professional photographers, Sony cameras
