Top Studio Camera: Nikon D1X
Top Safari/Sport Camera: Nikon D1H
Top Entry-level SLR: Canon D30
Top Non-interchangeable lens Camera: Sony DSC-F707
Top Compact Camera: Canon Powershot G2
Top Ultracompact Camera: Canon Powershot S40
Nikon D1X: Top studio camera.
The Nikon D1X and Kodak DCS 760 are the two options in this category, each having outstanding resolution, and both competing for the same users invested in Nikon's F-mount lenses. Both cameras have their advantages, and the extra size and sensor noise of the Kodak DCS 760 might be manageable in a studio environment. Nevertheless, the D1X is more manageable regardless of how controlled your environment is. Its noise control is better across the board, allowing you to push ISO if your subject mandates it.
Nikon D1H: Top safari/sports camera.
The Nikon D1 won last year based on its environmental sealing and speed. The D1H is the same camera, only faster. As long as you do not need the connectivity options offered by Kodak's DCS 620x the D1H is the clear choice.
Canon D30: Top entry-level SLR.
The entry-level SLR market is much the same as it was at this time last year, leaving the Canon D30 as the winner by default. Look for some significant competition from F-mount cameras soon.
Sony DSC-F707: Top non-interchangeable lens camera
Sony has made some top-notch digital cameras, but has not released anything that has stolen thunder from its competitors. Sony also insists on using its own proprietary memory format which may make some consumers hesitant to switch either to or from a Sony system. Despite these shortcomings, we've made the DSC-F707 our top non-SLR for 2001 through its excellent resolution, 5x optical zoom (38mm-190mm equivalent), and at $1,000 you can replace your XD and compact flash cards and still save money over its main competitors, the Olympus E-20 and Minolta DiMAGE 7.
Canon Powershot G2: Top compact camera.
The Powershot G2, recently released, succeeds the Powrshot G1 as our pick as best compact camera. It is basically a bridge camera shrunk down to a compact body, complete with a hot-shoe for an external flash, full manual control, and 10-bit raw capture. The optical viewfinder is limited to 84% of the capture frame, but the LCD will provide 100% coverage. The 34mm-102mm (equivalent) lens and 4MP sensor provide excellent resolution.
Canon Powershot S40: Top ultracompact camera.
The Powershot S40 can be viewed as a more compact version of the compact-category-winner Powershot G2. The Powershot S40, while still a sturdy 323g, is a clear winner on image quality of this category. It loses the external flash support of its bigger sibling, infrared remote, and ts lens is a little slower on the long side. At $800, there are a few cheaper and smaller options; but none that offer the same quality as the Powershot S40.