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Nikon's new D4S DSLR improves speed and focusing, adds ISO settings up to 409,600
The Nikon D4S has been teased, displayed in a plastic case and now, it's official -- and we even got to play with it. There's a substantial list of what hasn't changed (the same 16.2-megapixel image size, to begin with), but if you're a high-level photographer already in possession of a D4 (or perhaps even a D3S), you'll be more interested in those differences. Firstly, while the sensor will offer the same sized images, but it's a newly developed piece of hardware, with a focus on better noise reduction. ISO now ranges from 100 - 25600, with its Hi4 setting cranking that up to a mind-boggling 409600. If you're currently handling a D4, you can also expect to see substantial noise reduction: the D4S' ISO 1600 will be comparable to the D4's ISO 800 setting. Nikon's new DSLR also delivers changes to to the auto-focus system for both photos and video. Behind the lens, there's improvements to both the tracking system and the algorithms that govern how the D4S focuses. A new Group AF mode tracks five separate points, meaning that a moving subject (and even a moving photographer) should pose less of a threat to crisp imaging. On video, (where you can now capture uncompressed 1080p resolution at 60 frames) tracking has been bumped up to 11 frames per second on full auto-focus and exposure. Hopefully fixing one of our major issues with the D4, the new model also comes with a more substantial battery pack, up from 2,000mAh to 2,500mAh. The new unit actually weighs more, but reductions on the D4S' body means it adds just seven ounces, total, over 2012's D4. Expect the camera to land on March 6th, and prepare your bank account for the hit: it's expected to retail for $6,500. We've got some early impressions and details on some minor hardware changes, including more substantial grips, right after the jump.
Canon's new Rebel T5 DSLR camera is unapologetically for beginners (hands-on)
If you're angling to upgrade from your smartphone or your point-and-shoot to something a little more serious, you're probably not going to jump for the top model out -- unless you have that kind of money. That's where Canon's new entry-level DLSR comes in, with 18-55mm kit lens, for $550. The EOS Rebel T5 boasts an 18-megapixel sensor, ISO levels from 100-12800 and all the controls you'd expect to find on Canon's understandably popular DSLR series. As the entry-level model, however, there's bound to be some drawbacks -- and there were few that we noticed during our short playtime at CP+ 2014. With 9-point autofocus, you can expect some sluggish focusing: many DSLRs have 20 times the number of focal points. Once the camera does latch onto a subject, you can expect DSLR-quality shots. The Rebel T5 also packs in a consecutive shooting mode, but at three frames per second (hold onto the shutter key while in the right mode, and it captures away), we were hoping for something more. Perhaps we've been spoiled by the leaps and bounds made by ILC cameras (including Canon's own) but the Rebel T5 is best seen as a gentle introduction to Canon's lens selection and those subsequent camera upgrades.
EOS Rebel T5 is Canon's cheapest DSLR, priced at $550 with 18-55mm lens
If you're on a tight budget and looking to buy a DSLR, we might suggest you consider a mirrorless camera instead. But if you're dead set on building out your EOS lens collection, Canon's Rebel T5 is at least a more capable choice than its predecessor, the 2011-era T3. This year's model includes an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4 processor, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800 and 1080/30p video capture. There's also a 9-point AF system and 3 frames-per-second continuous shooting -- generally not much to write home about, but as a starter cam it'll do just fine. The T3i will remain for sale, and can be had for $509 including a lens over at Amazon. The T5, for its part, is set to retail for $550 including an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, or $450 for the body only. Expect to see it in stores next month. Update: Canon has opted to not offer the T5 without a lens, so your only option is to purchase the kit for $550.
eBay Deals Blog: Smartphone cameras perceived as "good as DSLR"
eBay Deals Blog recently ran an online survey, having readers compare images taken by the Apple iPhone 5s, HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, Sony Xperia Z and a Canon 5D Mark II coupled with a Canon EF 24-70 lens without knowing which device took each photo. The blog made the results of that survey available to TUAW, and the results are surprising. The blog hired a professional photographer to take 10 controlled images, including different lighting conditions, landscape and portrait shots and macros. It then asked 1,000 readers to vote for the best result for each image. The iPhone 5s came out on top in three different photos, Samsung's Galaxy S4 in two and the HTC One and Xperia Z in one each. The DSLR, which sells for about US$2,800 without a lens, took the top photos in three situations, roughly tying the iPhone 5s.The conclusion from the survey? On the merit of the pictures alone, there surprisingly was no resounding victory for any party. While the Canon produced the most consistent high quality images, the iPhone ended up garnering the most votes overall for the images. Smartphone cameras continue to close the gap in how we take our photos. And for everyday use, the convenience of a smartphone smashes its heavier, more expensive counterparts. So unless you're looking to take professional-grade photos, hold your phone up proud and filter away. TUAW readers are invited to look at the eBay Deals Blog post and view the images for themselves. There's no doubt that smartphone cameras are getting better all the time. Last week, photography website DPReviews posted a comparison of the cameras in the iPhone 5s and Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphones against a number of classic DSLRs. While the bottom line of that post was that smartphone cameras still have a long way to go to even match current DSLRs, smartphones with cameras are outselling digital cameras 13 to 1, so chances are good that R&D by Apple and other companies will quickly fill that gap.
A first glimpse at Nikon's new flagship, the D4S
Nikon told us to expect a D4S preview at its CES booth, but this early look at the pro-grade model actually comes courtesy of our Engadget colleagues in Hong Kong. They spotted the DSLR at an official press event for the D3300, though it was encased in glass, which unfortunately prevented them from giving it a try and discovering if it was anything more than a prototype -- but, in any case, it at least suggests that Nikon is largely sticking to its tried and tested control layout. As for internals, the company is promising a new imaging engine and faster autofocus, but there's no word yet on the sensor -- we're hoping for an upgrade in that department too, what with the two-year-old D4's sensor having already appeared in a (slightly) cheaper model in Nikon's lineup.
Nikon previews pro-grade D4S camera with faster autofocusing
The D3300 isn't the only DSLR that Nikon will show at CES. The camera maker has revealed that it will preview its next-generation flagship camera, the D4S, at its booth on the show floor. While Nikon isn't saying much about the new pro cam's advantages over the D4, it's already talking up a new imaging engine that should deliver faster autofocusing -- no mean feat when the D4 is already quite nimble. It's still too early for any launch details, but you can be sure that we'll take a look at the D4S as soon as possible.
Nikon's D3300 DSLR captures detailed, filter-free photos for $650
Nikon started removing optical low-pass filters on pro DSLRs, where owners are more likely to notice the extra detail, but that emphasis on super-sharp photos has been moving rapidly downrange. Today, it's reaching the entry level through the new D3300. Although the camera shoots at the same 24 megapixels as its predecessor, its filter-free sensor should produce crisper-looking pictures without pushing would-be buyers to costlier models. It also gets the newer Expeed 4 engine and its matching improvements to battery life, performance and image quality. The D3300 is still stuck with 11-point autofocusing, and there's no built-in WiFi, but it captures at a more sensitive ISO 12,800 (versus the D3200's ISO 6,400). It's the first Nikon DSLR with an Easy Panorama mode, too. Should you be intrigued by the D3300's blend of high resolution and beginner features, you can pick it up in February for $650 paired with an equally new, more compact 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. Veteran Nikon fans can buy the stand-alone lens at the same time for $250.
Lomography's Petzval lens ships to Kickstarter backers, pre-order it now for $599
If you ordered one of Lomography's Petzval lenses on Kickstarter for as little as $300, you'd be forgiven for feeling a bit smug right now. First off, you may get it soon since the first 500 have now shipped, and secondly, it's put the brassy glass up for pre-order to new buyers for a considerably higher price of $599. The starter package does include extras on top of the lens and cap, though: a Petzval Art Lens book, seven standard aperture plates, four experimental plates and a leather pouch. If you've got a Canon EF or Nikon F camera, that'll let you take artsy shots with whirly bokeh and vignetting like the 1840 original, but with the sharpness of modern optics. Lomography said that pre-orders won't ship until May due to limited Russian production and a backlog of Kickstarter orders. If that and the new price don't dissuade you, however, you can grab one here.
Nikon's $2,750 Df DSLR lets you shoot full-frame digital images like it's 1959 (hands-on)
Reincarnation is the new innovation -- the camera industry's latest salute to days gone by comes compliments of Nikon. The 16.2-megapixel Df blends a full-frame sensor and modern capabilities with a "timeless design." It may look like something you just dug out of your great grandfather's secret chest in the attic, but people on the other end of your images will assume those snappy shots are the product of a serious professional tool. And they'd be right -- even if pros prefer something more modern for their day jobs, the Df stands up extremely well on paper. In fact, it contains the same incredible sensor found on the flagship D4, along with the same level of weather proofing you'd get with the D800 -- all wrapped in a 710-gram (1.56-pound) body that feels great and is the lightest in Nikon's full-frame range. Other key specs also stand up to scrutiny: the Df has an EXPEED 3 processor, a 204,800 top ISO, 39 AF points, a 2,016-pixel 3D matrix metering system and 5.5 fps burst shooting. In addition to the 3.2-inch, 921k-dot LCD, you can also frame shots using the pro-grade, glass pentaprism viewfinder, which has virtually 100 percent coverage and also lets you remove the visible AF points when shooting in manual focus -- something a lot of photographers will do if they're using very old lenses. Speaking of which, the Df is compatible with not only current AF, AF-S, DX and AF-D lenses, but Ai and non-Ai Nikkor glass going all the way back to 1959, the year in which the manufacturer introduced its first F-series SLR. This compatibility comes with enhanced functionality courtesy of a new metering coupling lever on the bayonet mount. You also get a full array of dedicated dials, including EV, shutter speed and ISO, all of which have the same tactile gravitas you'd get on something like the 30-year-old Nikon F3. Additionally, Nikon is announcing a special edition 50mm f/1.8 lens, which is set to retail for $3,000 in a kit with the camera or $280 on its own. The Df will also be available individually in the US and ships later this month for $2,750.
Nikon's latest teaser for its retro DSLR shows the camera, however briefly (video)
Frustrated that Nikon's teaser videos for its retro full-frame DSLR have shown precious little of the camera you're supposed to be lusting after? You can relax now. In the company's fifth and final clip (after the break), there are a few fleeting glimpses of the design in question. The body carries a few traces of the F3 film camera's looks, including a mode dial with shutter speeds. Nikon is still mum on what's inside that vintage frame, although it has already said that it will reveal all on November 5th -- impatient photographers won't have to wait much longer.
Nikon hurt by falling DSLR prices, but still faring better than Canon
Nikon's finance department has been forced to revise its quarterly revenue forecast in a southerly direction due to the fact that entry-level DSLRs are selling for lower prices than it originally expected. One of the culprits is likely to be the D3200 shown above, which is currently going on Amazon for around $550 with a kit lens, or $150 below its list price. Looking to the future, the company also warns that sales of its Nikon 1 interchangeable lens cameras may shrink in 2014 due to "weak market conditions," despite the splash made by its recent ruggedized ILC, the Nikon AW1. The news isn't all bad, mind you, as the anticipated drops only add up to a few percentage points and Nikon says it's on course to make the same net profit it had previously projected -- a mostly stable outlook that struggling rival Canon can only dream of.
Nikon teases retro full-frame DSLR in new ad campaign
Nikon could be the latest camera company to turn out a retro-style DSLR in what appears to be a new "Pure Photography" ad campaign. In the first of five teaser videos, a photographer is seen snapping pics of the Scottish countryside. Though the camera is never seen, the audience can clearly hear the sound of that iconic shutter clicking, indicating that Nikon's latest might follow the footsteps of Fujifilm and Panasonic in going the retro route. Speculations abound that it'll be in the style of the old F3 film cameras, feature a full-frame FX sensor, an EVF/OVF hybrid viewfinder and will be one of a few Nikon cameras to not have video capabilities on board. Nikon Rumors goes a step further, stating that it'll be called the Nikon DF, and that the DF stands for "Digital Fusion." It also spotted what appears to be Nikon's 50mm f/1.8G lens in the video, which lends credence to the rumors. While we can't confirm such theories, camera buffs can take a peek at the teaser after the break to suss out any additional clues.
Nikon D5300 is the company's first DSLR with built-in WiFi, ships this month for $800 (hands-on)
Nikon's been peddling a variety of wireless adapters throughout the last few DSLR refresh cycles. Little dongles like the $50 WU-1a enable WiFi connectivity for photographers who really need it, but it's hardly an elegant solution. Now, we finally have a Nikon digital SLR with 802.11 built in. It's a mid-range model, the D5300, designed for consumers looking for an everyday interchangeable-lens camera with good performance and solid image quality. This camera replaces the D5200, adding a new 24.2-megapixel sensor without an optical low-pass filter, an EXPEED 4 processor for 1080/60p video and 5 fps stills and boosted battery life, letting you capture about 700 shots per charge, compared to 500 with the previous model. For current D5200 owners, the addition of WiFi is the most appealing feature here. You can pair with Nikon's Wireless Mobile Utility app for Android and iOS, letting you shoot from a smartphone or tablet and transfer images as well. Despite the addition, the camera's weight has been reduced to 530 grams (1.17 pounds), from 555 with the D5200. There's a 25,600 top ISO, a larger 3.2-inch 1.04M-dot articulating display, built-in GPS and a more defined grip. The D5300 is expected to hit stores later this month in black, red and grey for $1,400 with an 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens or $800 body-only. The camera and lens were comfortable to hold during our quick demo, but Nikon reps didn't permit us to power the DSLR, so we can't speak to performance. We did, however, manage to snag some body shots -- you'll find those in the gallery just below.
Nikon's full-frame D610 DSLR is a minor step up from the D600, we go hands-on
It's been just over a year since Nikon announced the D600. The company's compact full-frame camera delivered a ton of power for $2,100, and it's still a top option for photographers looking for a new DSLR. Still, for one reason or another, Nikon's figured it's time to refresh its high-end body, with the nearly identical D610. There's still a 24.3-megapixel FX sensor, an EXPEED 3 processor, a 25,600 top ISO, dual SD card slot, 39-point autofocus and a 921k-dot 3.2-inch LCD. The improvements, while relatively minor for most users, may be fairly significant for certain professionals. The most appealing addition is a quiet continuous mode. After activating it by selecting Qc on the mode sub dial, you'll be able to shoot at up to 3 fps with limited mechanical noise. Additionally, the traditional continuous mode has been boosted from 5.5 fps to 6. There are minor white balance improvements with the D610, too, enabling improved skin tone reproduction when shooting in artificial light. We spent a few minutes with the D610 body, but Nikon reps didn't permit us to power on the unit. Unfortunately that means we were unable to evaluate the new quiet continuous mode -- pros that plan to shoot with this setting regularly, be it at a wedding or on a movie set, should definitely test Qc out in a store before ordering this slightly tweaked model. The housing and control placement is identical here, with the exception of the Qc offering on the sub mode dial. You also have an identical set of ports available -- there's still no built-in WiFi, so if you have a $60 WU-1b wireless adapter hanging around, you'll be able to use it to get connected here, too. The Nikon D610 will be available later this month for $2,000 (body only), $2,600 with a 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lens, $3,050 with a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens or $3,250 with the 24-85, a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, WU-1b, a bag and a 32GB SD card.
Pentax K-3 DSLR boasts web-based remote shooting, antialiasing control
Pentax has focused most of its recent attention on entry-level photographers, but it's showing some renewed devotion to serious shutterbugs by launching the K-3. The new 24-megapixel DSLR supports a new WiFi-equipped SDHC card, FLU, that gives owners remote control of the camera through any device with a web browser. They'll also have more control over the shots themselves: a new antialiasing toggle lets users pick between smoothness and raw detail without having to switch cameras. An updated 27-point autofocus system and 8.3 fps burst shooting are also welcome upgrades over the K-5 II. The K-3 ships this November for $1,300 body-only, or $1,700 bundled with an 18-135mm lens; a 16GB FLU card will be available at the same time for $100.
Take control of your DSLR with the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle and app
Back in 2011, Haje Jan Kamps came up with a fascinating idea for a Kickstarter -- the Triggertrap. The idea was to create an interface that would go between a digital SLR camera (DSLR) and a smartphone, with an app on the smartphone to control activation of the shutter on your DSLR. The Kickstarter project was a success, and the Triggertrap is a reality. I had an opportunity to test a Triggertrap and the app with my Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR and found it to be a well-designed and implemented product. Design The Triggertrap uses a combination of a dongle that attaches to the headphone port of your iPhone and an adapter cable that plugs into the dongle on one end and the camera on the other. The two-part design is quite smart; not only does it provide electrical isolation between your smartphone and camera, but the dongle is always the same -- it's just the adapter cable that changes depending on your DSLR. Triggertrap works with most DSLRs (there are over 300 supported camera models), and the company provides a comprehensive list of which cable works with a particular camera. In the case of my camera, I was advised to get the MD-E3, which included both the mobile dongle and adapter cable. The price of the kit was only US$31.24. Additional adapter cables are available for my camera are only $10.57, and a second mobile dongle is just $26.43. How does Triggertrap work to control your camera? It does it sending high-frequency sound pulses from the audio port of your iPhone or iPad to a corresponding remote control port on your camera. In most cases, the camera's autofocus must be turned off, and for some of the Triggertrap modes you'll want to put the camera into Bulb mode. The final piece of the puzzle is the Triggertrap app. It's free, and it provides a number of different ways of triggering your DSLR's shutter: Simple Cable Release: acts like a mechanical cable release would -- tap a button on the app screen, and it takes a photo. Press and Hold: this is a long-exposure mode. The button is tapped and held, and the shutter stays open as long as your finger is on the button. Take it off, and the shutter closes. Press and Lock: another long-exposure mode. Tap the button to start the exposure, tap it again to stop the exposure. Timelapse: select an interval between shots and tap the button to begin shooting, tap it again to stop shooting. TimeWarp: It's a timelapse photograph, but the interval between shots gets shorter towards the end, giving the timelapse series the illusion of speeding up. DistanceLapse: camera is triggered to take an image every time it moves a certain distance (useful if taking time-lapse images of a driving trip). Star Trail: takes a number of exposures of a particular duration with a time gap between them. Bramping: "bulb-ramping", taking a large number of exposures over a long period of time, starting the exposures at one duration and ending at another duration. But wait, there's more! There are two sensors modes: Sound sensor: uses a sound to trigger the camera; for example, a clap or whistle will trigger. Vibration sensor: triggers the camera with a vibration or earthquake (!) and two long-exposure HDR modes: LE HDR: takes multiple long exposures with an EV (exposure value) change each time. LE HDR Timelapse: timelapse of multiple LE HDR images. And there's more! Wi-Fi Slave mode: Use another device on a Wi-Fi network to trigger the DSLR connected directly to the Triggertrap. If all of those different modes confuse you, there is a troubleshooting guide, a "setting up Wi-Fi" guide, and even an introduction to the Triggertrap team in the app. The app is done in bright red and white colors in an iOS 7-friendly style, and also includes a button for buying a dongle and adapter cable from your iPhone! Functionality I didn't have the time (or patience) to test all of the different Triggertrap modes, but I did connect it up to my Canon DSLR to try most of the simple modes. Initially I was having some issues, but then I followed the directions and turned the volume on the iPhone all the way up. That did the trick, and the Triggertrap followed my instructions perfectly the rest of the time. I'm absolutely amazed that the Triggertrap team has created such a compatible and powerful tool for photographers that costs so little and does so much. The world of photography often seems to be filled with overpriced single-tasker devices that work with only one model of camera, while the Triggertrap leverages the power of the iPhone to provide a tool that can handle just about any DSLR on the market. There's a pretty amazing Flickr group that highlights the work that has been done using the features of the Triggertrap, so I suggest taking a look at some of the photos to see just what you can do with this device. Conclusion Between the low-cost open source hardware (there's an Arduino version available as well) and the power of the free app, Triggertrap has created an affordable photography tool that should be in the equipment bag of every professional and dedicated amateur photographer. Pros Insanely affordable Compatible with most contemporary DSLRs A wide variation of exposure triggering methods are available through the app App is stable, well-written, and iOS 7-friendly Ability to trigger the Triggertrap remotely via Wi-Fi makes up for the relatively short cable Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Any DSLR and smartphone owner who wants the ability to experiment with a wide range of bulb exposure and timelapse modes
Olympus' OMD E-M1 flagship ILC arrives with new sensor, Four Thirds lens support for $1,399
Olympus has just announced its top-of-the-line OMD E-M1 camera that squeezes the ruggedness of its E-M5 predecessor into a smaller package, while adding some tempting new capabilities. There's a brand new 16.3-megapixel sensor, for starters, that dispenses with the optical low-pass filter of the previous model and uses the new TruePic VII image engine to kill artifacts, instead. Olympus claims that results in more resolution and sharpness, while also keeping noise and color fading to a minimum at high ISOs. Another big addition is the "Dual Fast" autofocus system that permits faster focusing and 6.5 fps shooting in continuous focus mode (10 fps with single AF). Also, you can now autofocus with non-native Four Thirds lenses using phase detection, and there's better support for Olympus' Zuiko lenses -- like the new M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 model shown above. Other features include 1080p/30fps video, an updated 2.36 million-dot EVF, a tweaked 5-axis image stabilizer and built-in WiFi. Though more compact than before, the new body has extra dials and switches, including a dedicated HDR button with two selectable modes (one or two stops above and below normal). On top of remaining dust- and waterproof, the E-M1 is now also freezeproof and guaranteed to function down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. As before, that'll let you take it into dusty, wet and now cold environments without fear of damaging sensitive optics or electronics. That aspect may have been the OMD E-M5's killer feature, and with numerous performance improvements and those classic good looks, the E-M1 may actually top its forerunner -- no mean feat. It'll arrive next month for $1,399 (body only).
Daily Roundup: HTC 8XT for Sprint, Windows 8.1 heads to manufacturers, Galaxy Gear, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Sony's DSLR-like Alpha A3000 mirrorless camera ships next month for $399 (hands-on video)
Sony's managed to duplicate mid-range DSLR functionality in its NEX series of mirrorless cameras, but while experienced photographers recognize the value of such a device, amateurs looking to step up from a point-and-shoot often opt for a full-size DSLR. The reason, according to Sony reps, is that these users simply assume that a larger camera with a familiar design offers better image quality and performance. So, to suit these misinformed customers, Sony's created a mirrorless camera that looks like a DSLR, but offers the feature set -- and price tag -- of an entry-level compact ILC. The company's first attempt at winning over this broad demographic is the Alpha A3000. Internally, it's very similar to the NEX-3N, featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and E-mount lens compatibility. There's a mode dial, Multi Interface Shoe, pop-up flash and an eye-level electronic viewfinder. It also ships with a black version of Sony's standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, all for the low, low price of $399. We spent a few minutes with the A3000, and while this model wouldn't be the best fit for photographers who understand the appeal of mirrorless cameras, it will likely appeal to the users Sony's aiming at here. It's a nice camera for sure, and a great value at $399 with a lens. While small and light for a DSLR, it feels bulky for a mirrorless camera, but that's kind of the point. It's a reasonable choice for shooting sports, with a 3.5 fps consecutive shooting mode, and it can snap 1080/24p video clips (with autofocus). There's a 0.5-inch color viewfinder that's adequate but not particularly fantastic, a 230k-dot 3-inch fixed LCD and Sony's typical NEX user interface for adjusting capture and WiFi settings. Finally, the company's also launching three new E-mount lenses, including a very nice 16-70mm f/4 fixed-aperture optic that's expected later this month for $999, a black version of last year's 50mm f/1.8 that'll ship this month for $299, and a power-zoom 18-105mm f/4 lens that's due in December for $599. The A3000, for is part, should hit stores beginning next week, but you can take a quick look right now in our hands-on video after the break.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: digital cameras
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! We predict plenty of campus parties in your near future, which is why we're tackling digital cameras today. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear. You don't need to pick up a dedicated shooter before you head off to college -- your smartphone can likely fill in until you're able to drop some serious cash on a model that'll last all four years. Still, you'd certainly be better off with a device that can capture memories at concerts, football games, in the dorm and at parties without hesitation. For that, you're going to want a camera with serious capabilities, and many don't come cheap. We've sorted our favorites based on model type -- there's something for everyone, and in every price range, too. A point-and-shoot will suit most students just fine, but photography and journalism majors will definitely want to step up to an interchangeable-lens camera, such as a compact mirrorless ILC or a full-size DSLR. Click through for our picks.
