Top Rated Digital Cameras
UPDATE : Check out the Canon EOS Rebel T3i Black
If you are looking to buy one of the absolute top rated digital cameras and if money is no object then you basically should narrow your choice down to one of three camera makers to save yourself a lot of trouble.
The two big camera makers are of course Nikon and Canon, they have been the choice of many professionals for the last 50 or so years. The only digital 35mm camera maker that is even more highly regarded by professionals and knowledgeable amateurs is Leica.
If you are looking for the best digital cameras then you may as well stick to these three makers. 
The top rated Nikon camera (rated by Nikon that is) is the Nikon D3x, the main claim to excellence being the 24.5 effective megapixels. The D3x is designed for professional photographers, who need large image files. As a digital back costs many thousands of dollars more than the D3X, then the fact that the X version of the D3 costs twice as much as the original D3 may not be as outrageous as it sounds. Price around $7,400 for the body only.
Nikon D3X key features :-
Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels
Fast 14-bit A/D conversion incorporated onto the image sensor for high signal-to-noise ratio and low power consumption
Nikon’s EXPEED image-processing system, utilizing a supremely powerful CPU with 16-bit image processing
Near-instantaneous shutter release time lag of approx. 0.04 second (based on CIPA Guideline)*
5-frames-per-second continuous shooting in FX format and 7 fps in DX crop mode (up to 130 frames)*
51-point Multi-CAM3500FX autofocus system
Scene Recognition System for more accurate AF, AE, and AWB results
Active D-Lighting for complete control over highlight and shadow detail
Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape, Portrait and D2x Modes I, II and III are available free via download)
Live View mode for shooting handheld and with a tripod
Canon's top rated digital camera is the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III which weighs it at a modest 21.1 megapixels. The body will cost you just over $6,000
Canon EOS-1DS MK III
Superb image quality: entirely new 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame Canon CMOS Sensor, Highlight Tone Priority, and 14-bit A/D conversions for outstanding color tones.
Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processor for excellent image quality and processing speed.
Live View Function capabilities, displayed on the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor.
Outstanding durability thanks to a shutter durability-tested to 300,000 cycles, dust- and water-resistant design, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System.
Up to 5 fps, burst rate up to 12 consecutive RAW images or 56 full-resolution JPEGs, and compatible with newest UDMA high-speed CF cards.
Fast and precise AF system, with 19 high-precision, cross-type AF points with f/2.8 or faster lenses and 26 additional "Assist Points."
Compatible with wireless file transmitter WFT-E2A, extensive remote control accessories, and 15 different interchangeable Ec-series focus screens.
High-resolution (approx. 920k dots), 3-inch VGA-size LCD monitor with tempered glass
Durable, lightweight magnesium-alloy construction and comprehensive weather sealing against dust and moisture
Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge (based on CIPA Standards)**
Compatibility with the Nikon Total Imaging System
* In 12-bit A/D conversion mode ** Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode
Leica's Top Rated Digital Camera
Finally there is the Leica S2 SLR, which offers a very impressive 37.5 megapixels and you are basically getting a medium format camera in a 35mm body.
The price is also impressive, at around $23,000 just for the body (the lens for the Leica S2 is another $7,000). For more info. on the Leica S2 see here - Leica S2 DSLR
Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras
Great reviews on the Nikon D3X, Canon EOS 1DS Mark III and the Leica S2. One thing to consider with all these cameras is the size of the image sensors in the different cameras. Obviously there is a reason why one camera is $6-$8 thousand dollars and another one is $27 thousand dollars. There is certainly a difference in pixel count as well as other features. Take a closer look at digitalcameraratings.net to see where these cameras rate in comparing to other digital cameras on the market.
ReplyDeleteThankls for dropping by John - good luck with the site - obviously we like to think the Leica S2 is the price it is for a reason, not just Leica overcharging for stuff based ontheir reputation - but Nikon and Canon make some decent cameras too
ReplyDeleteThanks Digital Camera Reviews initially I was thinking of a Canon but via Nikon I have arrested at the Leica S2 which seems supreme. Well done.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon, I can't argue with your choice of the Leica S2 ! Canon and Nikon make good cameras to though and for slightly less money. But if I could afford it I would choose the Leica S2 too.
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