The Best Cameras of 2012
Cameras that are actually shipping and that I have reviewed and used extensively.
Each of these make the cut by doing something really, really well.
Sony RX100
This is the best small (really small) compact camera I have ever used. Perfect fill flash, beautiful color, lovely lens bokeh. Not nearly as sharp across the frame as its 20 megapixel sensor would suggest, but exceptionally pleasing images. About $648, reviewed in Guide to Mirrorless.
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Mid-sized interchangeable lens camera offering outstanding image quality for the serious shooter willing to use ETTR techniques in RAW, and excellent image quality even without taking too much care.
Best-shooting camera for “active” video I have ever used (superb image stabilization)— nothing can touch it for my mountain bike videos. About $949, reviewed in Guide to Mirrorless.
Sigma DP1 / DP2 Merrill
Larger than the Sony RX100, smaller than the Olympus E-M5, and offering stunning per-pixel sharpness superior due to its true-color sensor (14.75 megapixel finished images). Ergonomics very well thought out for shooting, and with much simpler menus than the stupefying ones in the Olympus E-M5 or Sony RX100.
Fixed 28mm or 45mm (equivalent) lenses, both of which are excellent, the 45mm particularly so (DP2 Merrill). About $849, reviewed in Guide to Mirrorless.
Nikon D800E/D800E
World’s best DSLR for image quality in late 2012. Some user interface flaws, but the image quality rocks.
About $3000, reviewed in DAP.
