Following on from our annual reviewer's choice awards for 2010 we have put together a further 'special mention list'. Below is a list the models that were highly rated and came very close to the final award list. We still recommend any of these for your Christmas stockings as they all deliver great image quality and have all the bells and whistles we have come to expect from digital cameras these days. 

Special Mention DSLR
Nikon D700 (RRP $3,995)

Read the full review here

For many professional photographers, the full-frame DSLR is a must when wanting to get the best results for their clients. The D700 has been Nikon’s doorway into this category for a little while now and, due to popular demand, we’ve decide to take a close look at the warhorse that remains a staple in Nikon’s range for those wanting to graduate from the cropped sensor technology.

Being powered by a 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, the first and foremost talking point of the D700 has to be its high ISO performance. With usability up to 6400 if not 12800, the D700 is a class-leader when it comes to shooting in less than ideal lighting conditions.

The D700 remains one of the more versatile DSLR’s on the market and, with it outstanding high ISO shooting ability, delivers great image quality across a range of lighting conditions. With a peak shooting speed of 8fps, it’s a perfect match for photographer with the passion for sports and wildlife.

Special Mention Entry Level DSLR
Canon 550D (RRP $1,349)

Read the full review here

With its upper entry-level DSLR, the EOS 550D, Canon have set new standards in resolution with its 18 megapixel cropped sensor. Closely mimicking that found in its big brother, the 7D, the 550D has eclipsed resolutions that were thought possible, just a year or two ago, even from its professional full-frame cameras. Shooting in RAW, the 550D delivers detail that rivals camera double its price, and, in its class, has specifications that are unrivalled.

Another headline feature of the 550D is its extremely flexible HD movie mode. It includes a serviceable built-in microphone but Canon has included a port for an external microphone to serve those that are after a more professional audio reproduction. With options to record in 720p at both 50 and 60fps, or 1080p at 24, 25 or 30fps, the 550D delivers strong competition to, even, the more dedicated camcorders out there.

The metering system has also been inherited from the 7D. During evaluative metering, a 63-zone system is used. The results are very accurate with little need to use exposure compensation under most circumstances.

Canon has ticked off, pretty much, every must-have specification for an entry-level DSLR with the EOS 550D. Pushing megapixel detail to a new high while maintaining an ISO performance close to the best in its class.

Special Mention Micro Four Thirds
Panasonic Lumix GF1 (RRP $1,499)

Read the full review here

Panasonic have released a number of cameras in their G Series over the past couple of years. Each iteration added minor improvements that, many would say, should have been implemented in its predecessor. But this should, really, be forgiven for Panasonic ironing out the kinks in a previously untested technology.

Panasonic have fitted the Lumix GF1 with a 12.1-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor, and considering the size of the GF1 is, pretty much, identical to Canon’s advanced compact, the G11, the image quality delivered is quite amazing. To get the most out of the GF1, however, it has to be recommended that users shoot in its RAW capture mode which produced spectacular result.

To say that the Panasonic Lumix GF1 was a pleasure to use is something of an understatement. Fitted with the 20mm pancake lens, it is not only pocketable but delivers image quality of the highest order and the lens is fast enough to not require a major ISO boost even in dim lighting. Whether its used as a travelling companion, a scouting tool for those with an existing DSLR or simply for those wanting to make the jump from the compact market to a more thought-provoking photographic world, its hard not to recommend the GF1.

Special Mention Micro Four Thirds
Sony NEX-5 (RRP $999)

Read the full review here

This little Sony powerhouse completely denies its size and stature by hosting a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. On top of that, it's able to shoot full HD 1080i videos in AVCHD or MP4 format. Users can opt to shoot in either standard (3:2) or widescreen (16:9) format and a prompt autofocus system helps to track and capture all the action unfolding at a moment's notice in front of you.

An extensive ISO range of 200-12,800 is available and in a rarely noted breath of fresh air, Sony doesn't attempt to deny the unavoidable noise that will be present shooting way up at ISO 12,800, warning users that, “Image roughness becomes more apparent” at this setting. Fair enough and no surprises there however the honesty is certainly appreciated.

The NEX-5K's 3-inch widescreen format TFT TruBlack LCD provides a truly remarkable picture with some 921K-dots of resolution. It represents colour faithfully and offers one of the sharpest previews Buy-n-Shoot has even seen on a camera of this size.

An impressive seven frame per second 3D sweep panorama mode is also accessible and automatically (and promptly) stitches images together in camera for both horizontal or vertical panos in just a few clicks. Admittedly the user must have a steady hand in order to allow for accurate stitching and so some practice will be required for the best results but, particularly for those with a compatible Sony Bravia 3D TV, the practice will be well worth it.

Overall, this affordable interchangeable lens system camera is no doubt aimed primarily at enthusiasts looking to upgrade from the compact realm but aren't yet ready or willing to leap into expensive and often bulky DSLR territory. Sony suggests that professionals may also like to consider the NEX-5K as a compact back-up unit in their kit and given the solid standard of image quality.

Special Mention Compact
Samsung EX-1 (RRP $599)

Read the full review here

Both photography enthusiasts and DSLR users searching for a decent compact unit to add to their current kit read on because Samsung’s EX1 may very well be the camera you are looking for.

This neat but gutsy little unit is equipped with some 10-megapixels and a 24mm wide-angle lens that will ensure you’re able to capture ample amounts of the scenes you come across and create during your photography exploits.

Having an Amoled screen also means that regardless of the angle of tilt, the image preview remains clearly viewable and unaffected by the angle of light reflecting onto it. Fortunately, the LCD can also be folded inwards (as such) so the screen becomes protected against the camera body for safe storage, which will be particularly useful for those who travel and/or often have their camera in and out of multiple bags/pockets along the way where they would otherwise be vulnerable to scratches and general damage.

An in-built flash is located on the left of the EX1’s top and is swiftly released with the flick of a small nearby switch. The spring-loaded bulb is highly responsive to its release trigger and overall the fill flash appears to expose well. A hot shoe mount for an external flash unit is available for those who require or prefer greater power than the internal flash provides.

On the whole, the EX1 is a good quality camera that will find its particular niche in the market given that it is unlikely to suit all tastes - and nor has it been designed with blanket appeal in mind. It’s not simply an automated point-and-shooter but instead a good couple of levels beyond that where some knowledge and technical ability will quickly pay off.