DPReview Best Camera of 2012 reader poll winners

DPReview.com reader poll finishes with unexpected win

By Travis Ball

During the last 10 days of 2012, leading camera review site Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) ran a poll asking readers to choose the best camera of 2012 from a list of 14.  With a number of heavyweights on the list, the surprising winner wasn’t a dSLR, but the mirrorless power house that is the Olympus OM-D EM-5.

Here are top three winners as of of 10:30am PST

To see the latest poll results, visit DpReview poll results

This wasn’t really a surprise to the Underwater Photography Guide staff, or to Bluewater Photo’s store manager Kelli Dickinson who has been shooting with the OM-D E-M5 since its release.  According to Kelli, "In the category of mirrorless cameras, the OM-D EM-5 has more dSLR-like controls, much more customization available through the menu system, and a really high quality 5-axis image stabilization system. The sensor is awesome, comparable to many current dSLR sensors."

We've seen many underwater photographers who have previosly enjoyed the live view of older Olympus dSLRs move into the Olympus OM-D, along with compact shooters who want to use a top of the line camera underwater without the bulk of a dSLR.

Seeing as how the cameras that took 2^nd through 4^th place are all DSLRs, the Olympus OM-D EM-5 is a steal at less than half the price when you consider the lens systems you’ll be adding to the respective bodies.  Toss in the Nauticam OM-D underwater housing and it’s clear to see that the OM-D is a bargain for the budget-conscious, intermediate or advanced underwater photographer looking at what kind of new system to purchase.

The excellent Nikon D800 is in second place, not surprising since this full-frame body has great ergonomics, a stunning 36-megapixel sensor and amazing auto-focus.

About the Author

A photographer for 12 years, Travis Ball is a travel blogger and underwater photographer who recently finished 30 straight months of travel.  He believes everyone should enrich their lives with travel, adventure, and new experiences.  His photography and writing can also be seen at his blog FlashpackerHQ.com

Further Reading

• Olympus OM-D EM-5 Camera Review

• Nauticam OM-D Housing

• Olympus 60mm Macro Lens

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!