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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Equipped with a twin zoom lens kit, effectively covering a 10.7x zoom range, the Nikon D40 delivers class-leading low light performance and fast response times to freeze that long jumper in flight. Its optical viewfinder makes it easier to follow fast-moving sports action. The camera also has an Auto Mode with lots of Scene Modes for easy operation by novice users.
My Best In Class Pick
Nikon D40 (with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses)
All these cameras offer an Auto Mode plus a lot of Scene Modes for novice users. Experienced photographers will find the Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority manual modes useful.
The Sony H9 lags behind the other three on image quality as it uses excessive compression (typical image size 2.2MB to Canon S5 IS’s 3.8MB), smearing out fine details from images, more so at higher ISOs. Additionally, its images suffer from more frequent fringing problems (i.e. unnatural purple/red halos around high contrast edges).
The Canon S5 IS has good performance, but like the Sony H9 it too suffers from fringing problems. (Refer to reviews at DPREVIEW, one of the top camera reviewing sites.)
The Panasonic FZ18 has tremendous reach (18x zoom) and has minimal distortion or fringing problems. The image quality is good especially if one shoots in RAW mode and converts them to JPGs using image-editing programs.
The Panasonic FZ18 is my top choice among non-DSLR cameras.
Nevertheless, the Nikon D40 is class apart with excellent performance (faster focusing & negligible shutter lag), an optical viewfinder, and much better image quality (especially at higher ISOs). Even ISO3200 setting yields usable images! With twin kit lens, it is a terrific value too.
Overall, the Nikon D40 is my “Top Pick”.
Where to buy
Nikon D40 (with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses)
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Best Price:
$599
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- $599 - $999 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 11.1x
- Image Stabilization: No
- Resolution: 6.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.3 sec
- Burst Speed: 2.5 fps
- Max ISO: 3200
- Easy to Use: No
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
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| Customer Rating |
(from 68 reviews)
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(from 185 reviews)
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(from 425 reviews)
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| Price | $599 - $999 | $750.00 | $549 - $815 |
| Size (W x H x D) | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in. | 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in | 4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in. |
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Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
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23.7 x 15.6 mm | 5.8 x 4.3 mm | 5.8 x 4.3 mm |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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6.1 megapixels | 8.1 million pixels | 8.0 megapixels |
| Shutter Lag Time (pre-focused) | 0.10 sec | 0.1 sec | 0.08 sec |
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Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)
This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
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0.3 sec | 0.5 sec | 0.5 sec |
| Power to First Shot Time | 0.4 sec | 1.7 sec | 1.7 sec |
| Continuous Shooting Speed (single shot mode) | - | 0.9 frames/sec | - |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 2.5 frames/sec | 2.0 frames/sec | 1.5 frames/sec |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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27 mm | 28-504 mm | 36 mm |
| Optical Zoom | 11.1x | 18.0x | 12.0x |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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No | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Assist Light Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.6 | f/4.2 | f/3.5 |
| Max ISO Setting | 3200 | 1600 | 1600 |
| Shutter Priority Mode Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Electronic | Electronic |
| Battery Life | 470 shots | 400 shots | 450 shots |
| High ISO performance | Excellent | Average (Raw mode helps) | Good |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
The latest superzoom from Panasonic, this camera packs class leading 18x zoom lens and 8.1 megapixel resolution sensor in a compact body. It has an Intelligent ISO Mode (auto-boosting the ISO to freeze action) and full manual control options (e.g. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Raw Mode, etc.) for additional versatility. The camera has an Image Stabilization feature to help avoid blurry pictures because of camera shake. The life of the proprietary batteries is approximately 400 shots/charge.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
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Best Price:
$750
See It »
Specifications
- Zoom: 18.0x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 8.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.4 - 0.5s
- Burst Speed: 3.0 fps
- Max ISO: 6400
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
This camera is the latest upgrade in Canon’s highly successful “S” series of super-zooms with a unique swivel LCD. It has an 8 megapixel resolution sensor and a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432mm on a 35mm camera). It has a Normal Continuous Shooting Mode in which it takes approximately 1.5 shots/sec and supports a live view on the LCD (good for action photography as one can follow the subject uninterrupted).The camera has an Image Stabilization feature and full manual control options. The battery life is approximately 450 shots/charge (using 4 AA-size NiMH batteries).
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
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Best Price:
$549
See It »
- $549 - $815 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 12.0x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 8.0MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 sec
- Burst Speed: 1.5 fps
- Max ISO: 1600
- Easy to Use: Yes
Sony Cybershot DSC-H9
This super zoom is the top-of-the-line camera from Sony. The camera has 8.1 megapixel resolution and 15x zoom lens (equivalent to 31-465mm on a 35mm camera). It also supports full manual modes (e.g. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, etc.). Sony quotes a battery (proprietary) life of 280 shots per change.
Where to buy
Sony Cybershot DSC-H9
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Best Price:
$899
See It »
Specifications
- Zoom: 15.0x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 8.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 - 1.0s
- Burst Speed: 2.0 fps
- Max ISO: 3200
- Easy to Use: Yes
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
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