Top 10 cameras of 2008

The year is ending soon and what a ride it has been for digital imaging. Looking back, we saw how the resolution in point-and-shoots increased and the introduction of video-recording capabilities in dSLRs. But what we think is a more prominent trend in compact shooters this year is wide-angle optics, which we'll probably see more in cameras next year. There are some groundbreaking technologies, too, such as Fujifilm's 3D camera and the Micro Four Thirds Standard, which will reinvent the way we take pictures. In no particular order, here are 10 cameras which we feel have paved the path and set the standards for snappers to follow in 2009.

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	1.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1   Why we chose it The Micro Four Thirds Standard was announced in August by Olympus and Panasonic, with the latter soon introducing the world's first camera to utilize this system, the Lumix DMC-G1. By incorporating a dSLR's functions with compact shooters' operations, this snapper is attempting to change the perceptions of complex cameras. What about Olympus? The company told us we can expect its Micro Four Thirds offering next year. CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10 The good: Compact size; easy operation; 3-inch swiveling LCD; innovative Live View Finder; good image quality. The bad: dSLR-like styling hard to differentiate from other shooters; displays are laggy under dim lighting. The bottom line: Panasonic has set the benchmark for the Micro Four Thirds Standard with the G1, a very capable shooter for those who want to upgrade to a slightly more advanced camera from a point-and-shoot. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Canon EOS 5D Mark II   Why we chose it It's been three years since the full-frame EOS 5D was announced and its successor finally unveiled at Photokina in Germany his year. The resolution has been bumped up from 12 megapixels to 21 megapixels, but what rocked the industry was its full-HD (1,920 x 1,080-pixel) video recording. First take The Canon EOS 5D has been around for three years and shutterbugs have been eagerly anticipating its successor. The EOS 5D mark II was unveiled at Photokina in Germany to mixed reactions. While some photographers hailed the innovative full-HD (1,920 x 1080-pixel) video-recording function as the benchmark for other similar dSLRs to follow, critics had been skeptical of the minor upgrades such as the mildly improved burst mode. So how does the new EOS 5D stack up against its old man and the other kids on the block? Here are our thoughts. First take | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3       Why we chose it Possibly one of the hottest-selling pro-level point-and-shoots for 2008, the LX3 was a joy to use when we reviewed it. The feature-rich yet simple-to-use shooter has an ultra-wide 24mm lens. though it's a pity the optical zoom range measures only 2.5x. Nonetheless, it was awarded an Editors' Choice for its great images and intuitive controls. CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: High-resolution multi aspect ratio image capture; F2.0 optics; highly customizable modes which can be saved; large sensor delivers impressive image quality. The bad: Unable to capture full-resolution images in 16:9 format; use of lens cap may be an issue to some; bundled RAW image-processing software not up to the job. The bottom line: The LX3 is a good camera with an excellent feature set that positions it way beyond any conventional point-and-shoot on the retail shelves today. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Fujifilm 3D camera (prototype)   Why we chose it This shooter won't be out until 2009, but we've already had a quick hands-on with it. What is revolutionary about this camera is its dual lens system which captures two images simultaneously and combines them into a 3D picture file which can be viewed on the shooter's LCD, compatible 3D displays or even printed out with Fujifilm's modified Frontier system. First take Fujifilm unveiled its first 3D camera at Photokina in Germany earlier this year, and this revolutionary imaging product seems set to change the way we shoot, view and print photographs. While conventional digital cameras capture in two dimensions, the new 6-megapixel shooter uses two lens and the onboard Real Photo (RP) Processor 3D to combine a scene to present a three dimensional view. We had a quick hands-on with the shooter and here are our first impressions. Click here to read more about this new 3D technology. First take | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Canon PowerShot G10   Why we chose it This is Canon's first G-series camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens. Even though the G10 is quite different from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 in terms of specifications, these two shooters are often mentioned in the same breath. This pro-level snapper will be a good complement to dSLR users who want something light yet powerful. CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10 The good: Easily accessible settings on top deck; 28mm wide-angle lens; natural-looking colors in photographs; speedy performance. The bad: Heavy and a tad bulky; no major improvements to feature set from G9. The bottom line: The G10 is going to be tough competition for the Lumix and other pro-level point-and-shoots, but it boils down to the image quality which is subjective. The features have not changed much, though it should satisfy those looking for a compact shooter to complement their dSLR setup. Review | See full specs | Rate this