It’s hard to determine which cameras are the best, with so many on the market today. When you search for a camera you more than likely keep in mind factors such as costs, reliability and performance. The best cameras of 2011 have all these features and more along with making it possible for everyone to find a good deal, whether you’re the beginner or professional photographer.

Best Bang for the Professional Buck 2011

Nikon D7000

This camera is perfect for the professional photographer looking for quality. It’s a great camera for those looking for a point and shoot option that’s the best Nikon has to offer, at the present time. The Nikon D7000 isn’t for everyone. However, those who need a reliable combination of unbeatable prices, high-quality photos and a nice feature set, this camera is the one for you. Prices for the Nikon D 7000 run between $1,000 and $2,500 and will likely go lower once the street value starts to go down…

Canon EOS Rebel T3i

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i is a great find for under $1,000. Prices run between $750 and $900, making it a good option for those who need a quality camera for still shots. The awesome thing about the Canon EOS Rebel is that it delivers exceptional video service along with a producing a crisp image for photographers. Avoid shooting moving objects such as weather, kids, pets, concerts and sports games as in-motion objects are harder to capture with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i.

Best Budget Camera 2011

Canon PowerShot A1200

Snap awesome still pictures with the Canon PowerShot A1200. The camera offers purchasers excellent video and picture quality. It’s ideal for the price for of those of you who are budget minded. It sells for a price between $85 and $125. Aim to take picture of non-moving objects as this will give you the clearest shot. Photos of lightning, kids, dogs and trees blowing in the wind may not show up as clear on the Canon PowerShot A1200, according to cnet.com.

Kodak EasyShare M580

The Kodak EasyShare M580 delivers good photos for a fair price. The camera lists for between $114 and $131, making it an affordable option if you need one that fits in tiny spaces and offers multiple lens settings. This Kodak product also gives you the ability to share your photos through easy to use software that allows you to send photos to your family and others who you would like to show your pictures to. Once you work your way around the way this camera’s buttons are designed you will enjoy a great camera for a reasonable price.

Best Newbie Cameras 2011

Nikon D3100

The Nikon D3100 is a suitable choice for beginners because it provides you with a combination of easy-to-use buttons along with simple point and shoot options. The Nikon sells for between $500 and $1,000. The basic design and features on the camera help bring down the overall price compared to what you would pay for a camera with all the bells and whistles attached to it. One of few complaints seen attached to the Nikon D3100 involves a viewfinder that’s rather small and hard to find.

Canon Rebel XS

The Canon Rebel XS is a solid option for beginners because the camera gives quality shots with relatively easy-to-use features. The price range for this camera is between $450 and $600, at the time of press. With this camera you have a combination of light weight hold; it weighs in at 1 pound, 1.6 ounces, and good image performance. One of the downsides you may see with this camera is that it’s a bit onerous when you are trying to find the buttons and it lacks a spot meter.