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2008 Select Awards
Digital CamerasCamera of the Year
From our first evening shots with the Nikon D700 we were smitten: even a long exposure with faint porch-light illumination came out beautifully lit, accurately colored and amazingly free of image noise. The full-frame 12.1-megapixel sensor that enables these extraordinary low-light results (and makes true wide-angle digital photography practical) was introduced in the $5000 professional D3 body in 2007, but this year's D700 delivers the same sensor, lightning-fast auto focus and superb image quality in a body that's 20% lighter and costs 40% less. Read our full review of the D700 on DigitalCameraInfo.com.
Part cool photo tool, part weird science experiment, Casio's Exilim EX-F1 lets civilians take both stills and video that were once only possible in a laboratory. The slow-motion video capabilities got lots of attention when the camera first arrived: shooting Mentos hitting Diet Pepsi at an astonishing 1200 frames per second is every YouTuber's dream come true. But our enthusiasm is rooted in the ability to shoot up to 60 frames per second at full 6-megapixel resolution. Whether you're trying to capture the winning kick at your child's soccer game or the perfect angle as a group of ducks swim slowly by, a simple press of the shutter gives you an array of images, with the perfect shot among them. Read our full review of the Casio Exilim EX-F1 on DigitalCameraInfo.com. Most Innovative Camera
A new digital camera format is quite a rarity, so when Olympus and Panasonic jointly announced the Micro Four Thirds standard in September, we were itching to find out if it actually improved the process of taking pictures. The promise: smaller interchangeable-lens cameras that eliminate the traditional SLR mirror mechanism and rely on Live View for both framing shots and auto focus. The proof: Panasonic's Lumix G1, the first Micro Four Thirds camera to hit the market. And while it's only marginally smaller than several existing digital SLRs, Panasonic's breakthrough is delivering a camera that makes Live View practical for day-to-day shooting, off the tripod and out in the fast-moving world. Unlike previous Live View implementations in SLR bodies, the G1 focuses nearly instantaneously, delivering point-and-shoot photo simplicity plus the flexilbilty of interchangeable lenses and a host of advanced imaging controls. Read our full review of the Panasonic Lumix G1 on DigitalCameraInfo.com.
With its amazing 60-frame-per-second still performance and slow motion video that can throttle down the action so radically that a single minute of recorded real-world action takes 40 minutes to play back, Casio opened our eyes to entirely new photographic possibilities with the EX-F1. Combining the goofy fun of chronicling exploding water balloons with the practical benefits of fast burst-mode still photo capture, this Casio lets you capture the fabled "one that got away" with fine photo quality and easy-to-use controls. Read our full review of the Casio Exilim EX-F1 on Digitalcamerainfo.com. Point and Shoot Camera
This is one sleek and handsome camera, a sophisticated slice of grown-up design that's built like a sport car, feels wonderful in your hands and, at just 0.8 inches thick, slips easily into a top shirt pocket or a tight pair of jeans. Unlike other touch-screen cameras we reviewed this year, the TL34HD interface works very well: the screen responds quickly and accurately, and there are still buttons available where buttons are the more logical controls. It was in the lab, though, that the 14,7-megapixel Samsung TL34HD won us over, with solid scores across the board and standout image noise, dynamic range and low-light results. The full-auto mode handled a variety of shooting conditions well, and built-in optical stabilization effectively countered the dreaded shaky-hands blur. Read our full review of the Samsung TL34HD on Digitalcamerainfo.com.
The EX-F1 is admittedly large for a point-and-shoot camera, at 5.03" x 3.13" x 5.1" (127.7 x 79.6 x 130.1 mm) and a substantial 23.67 oz. (671 g), but the extraordinary photographic opportunities it presents make it well worth carrying over your shoulder rather than in your pocket, in our opinion. You can shoot fast, at up to 60 full-resolution photos per second, shoot s-l-o-w, with amazing slow-motion video, and shoot from very far away, with the built-in 12x optical zoom lens. Read our full review of the Casio Exilim EX-F1 on Digitalcamerainfo.com. Prosumer SLR of the Year
For the prosumer looking for the wide-angle-friendly benefits of a full-frame image sensor, the Nikon 700 delivers superb performance at a price that's high but justified, especially when you realize that it's a near feature-for-feature match to the $5000 Nikon D3 professional model. The camera's most noteworthy feature is the incredibly low image noise found even at high ISO settings. This capability is, of course, invaluable in low-light situations, but also lets you crank up the ISO and boost the shutter speed when trying to capture fast action, without paying a penalty in diminished image quality. Nikon's 920,000-dot LCD is an ongoing pleasure, the auto focus system is unsurpassed, and while this is undeniably a big camera, it's beautifully balanced for fast handling. Read our full review of the Nikon D700 at Digitalcamerainfo.com.
Nikon made history this year by announcing the first SLR to shoot video. Frankly, we found this capability distinctly better than nothing, but no camcorder substitute. Everything else about the D90 though, earned our wholehearted applause, from strong image quality test results across the board to that beautiful Nikon LCD we've admired on pricier models, to extensive in-camera image editing capabilities that are both useful and fun to use. Read our full review of the Nikon D90 on Digitalcamerainfo.com. Consumer SLR Camera
There was a near-avalanche of new SLRs in the sub-$1000 sweet spot of the market this year, many of them strong contenders based on both price and performance, but when friends and family inevitably ask for recommendations, we find ourselves pointing them to the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. This 12.2-megapixel powerhouse produced fine color reproduction and image sharpness results in our lab tests, and the big 3-inch LCD (with Live View) and easy-to-use controls proved a treat while out shooting. Newbies will be well served by the spot-on full auto mode, and when it's time to delve deeper into precise photographic control, an intelligently designed menu system makes exploration inviting. What's more, you'll find the XSi selling at respectable discounters for under $700 complete with an 18-55mm image-stabilized lens, which is a terrific value. Read our full review of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi on Digitalcamerainfo.com.
Nikon enthusiasts had their own mid-range champion this year in the very compact D60, a svelte 26-ounce package with a handsome 2.5-inch screen. We've already praised Nikon for its extraordinary low-noise images in the top tier of its product line and, while the D60 certainly can't match those performance levels, it does carry on the family heritage, delivering exceptionally clean, clear images for its class. We were also impressed with the speed and handling of the Nikon D60: the sheer responsiveness of the camera makes shooting more exciting. Read our full review of the Nikon D60 at Digitalcamerainfo.com. Budget SLR of the Year
In a year when frugality has become a worldwide obsession, the Canon EOS Rebel XS delivers a potent combination of features and performance at a bargain price: while it was originally announced at $700, we've seen discounters selling the 10.1-megapixel XS below $500, complete with 18-55mm image-stabilized lens. For that non-princely sum you get a very capable camera indeed. The inevitable compromises from its big brother Rebel XSi are relatively minor: a 2.5 inch versus 3-inch LCD, slightly lower resolution and a somewhat less sophisticated auto focus system. The fundamentals remain the same, though, with strong image quality, an easy-to-use combination of button and menu controls and advanced features including Live View shooting and the option to shoot uncompressed RAW-format files for maximum editing freedom on our computer. Read our full review of the Canon Rebel XS on Digitalcamerainfo.com.
The Sony A200 isn't a flashy piece of gear, but there's something appealing in that. And while many cameras we test have their high points in some areas and distressing lows elsewhere, the A200 delivered respectable scores in every challenge, from color accuracy and image sharpness to low light photography, white balance and speedy performance. This is a nicely constructed camera that feels like quality gear in your hand. And unlike Canon and Nikon, Sony builds image stabilization right into the camera body (rather than requiring image-stabilized lenses), so you get the benefit of vibration reduction even with inexpensive add-on lenses. Read our full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 at Digitalcamerainfo.com.
CamcordersCamcorder of the Year
Last year this award was granted to the Canon HV20, an HDV camcorder with stunning video performance, excellent manual controls, and the best combination of special features. The Canon HF11 continues that tradition, shifting from tape to solid state memory while retaining the same superb performance and adding a few new tricks. Equipped with 32GB internal flash memory, capacity can be expanded through the use of SD and SDHC memory cards. The Canon HF11 also features 60i/30P/24P frame rates, expanding your options for low light shooting and flexing your aesthetic muscle. While no camcorder is perfect for everyone, the Canon HF11 offers so much, both for power users and point-and-shooters, that it will likely satisfy a great many. Read our full review of the Canon HF11 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Following hot on the heels of the Canon HF11, the Sony HDR-SR11 is very, very good camcorder in its own right, and perhaps even better suited than the Canon for certain users. The Cam Control dial located on the front of the body is a better option than the Sony touch screen, certainly, for making manual adjustments on the fly, and even better than Canon's joystick. However, the Canon HF11 offers a more expansive range of controls, including some useful color and sharpness adjustments. The Sony HDR-SR11's 60GB hard drive offers more recording space than the Canon HF11, and if that's not enough, you can upgrade to the HDR-SR12, which is identical but with a 120GB hard drive. Read our full review of the Sony HDR-SR11 at Camcorderinfo.com. Best Budget Camcorder
The explosion of the ultra-budget, ultra-compact camcorder market has only served to underscore the fact that the originator is still the leader. Pure Digital third generation, YouTube-ready camcorder, the Flip Mino, is the company's best yet. Priced at $179, camcorders do not get any smaller or easier to use. True, there are no manual controls, but that is exactly what a lot of people are looking for – no fuss, no muss. Hit the record button and forget it. The interface is dead simple and the process for uploading to YouTube is a cinch. Read our full review of the Pure Digital Flip Mino on Camcorderinfo.com.
The GZ-MG330 is JVC's entry-level hard drive camcorder, yet retains many of the features that make its step-up siblings popular, including a solid array of manual controls, great performance-for-price, and intriguing "Laser Touch"control. The MG330 is available in blue, pink, and silver. Read our full review of the GZ-MG330 here. Best Mid-range Camcorder
The Samsung SC-HMX20 is the strongest camcorder the company has ever released. Recording to SD and SDHC memory cards, the performance is outstanding, the interface is among the simplest in the market, and it looks dead sexy. The huge 1/1.8-inch sensor made for excellent low light results, and the swivel grip allows for some unique handling possibilities. Read our full review of the Samsung SC-HMX20 at Camcorderinfo.com
The Sony HDR-TG1 is an HD camcorder that takes on the ultra-compact size of the popular Pure Digital Flips, but throws in a full array of manual controls, and performance far, far above and beyond the Flip and its kin. When you consider it as a full-featured Sony HD camcorder, but smaller, its deal appeal is apparent. Read our full review of the Sony HDR-SR12 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Best High-end Camcorder
The Canon HF11 is powerful, full-featured HD camcorder that records AVCHD video to either 32GB internal flash memory or SD/SDHC memory cards. Canon has consistently produced the sharpest, most vivid video for a couple of years now, with Sony running a close second. The Canon HF11 offers a comprehensive set of manual controls, yet works well enough in auto mode that point-and-shooters can enjoy both the experience and the results. Ironically, Canon's big technical push for the HF11 – the first camcorder to record at the maximum 24Mbps bitrate– seemed to have little impact on video quality. The previous generation HF10 looked just as good. The HF11 offers double the internal memory, but if you own a few high capacity SD/SDHC memory cards, the HF10 is just as good. Read our full review of the Canon HF11 on Camcorderinfo.com.
The Sony HDR-SR11 is an all-around powerhouse camcorder. The performance was only a touch less superb than the Canon HF11, making all of their comparisons difficult to choose. The SR11, a 60GB hard drive camcorder, and its otherwise identical 120GB sibling HDR-SR12, offer better handling than the Canon. The Cam Control dial is almost like something you'd find on a pro model. However, we couldn't be swayed from the great color controls and 60i/30P/24P options on the Canon HF11. Read our full review of the Sony HDR-SR11 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Best DVD Camcorder
The HDR-UX20 is Sony's top of the line high definition DVD camcorder. Directed towards point-and-shooters who want the best possible image quality, the UX20 is incredibly flexible. There are three media choices: DVDs, MemoryStick Duo cards, or 8GB of internal memory. A decent set of manual controls are there if you want them, but the UX20's strength lies in its auto controls and multiple media choices. Read our full review of the HDR-UX20 on Camcorderinfo.com.
Best Hard Drive/Flash Memory Camcorder
The Canon HF11 records to 32GB internal flash memory, which is as large as many hard drives, but with the additional benefits from no moving parts – more shock and weather resistance, better battery efficiency, and faster access to data. If 32GB is not enough, it can be expanded easily with SD or SDHC memory cards. Of course, as we're mentioning several times in these awards, the Canon HF11 is also a fantastic camcorder. Read our full review of the Canon HF11 at Camcorderinfo.com.
The Sony HDR-SR11 is one of the best performing hard drive camcorder we've seen this year. If the 60GB capacity is not enough for you, try upgrading to the 120GB of space on the otherwise identical HDR-SR12. Both camcorders produce excellent video and offer some of the best handling around. Read our full review of the Sony HDR-SR11 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Best Tape Camcorder
The Canon HV30 is little more than last year's HV20 with a fresh coat of paint and the addition of 30P recording. But the HV20 won our 2007 Camcorder of the Year award, so why mess with success? The HV30 records video in the HDV format to MiniDV tapes, which are quickly disappearing from the scene in favor of flash memory and hard drive models. The HV30 is a good reason to consider tape: the video performance is outstanding, tapes are cheap and easily archived, and the $999 MSRP has dropped to nearly half that on the street. It's a great deal. Read our full review of the Canon HV30 on Camcorderinfo.com.
Like the Canon HV30, the Sony HDR-HC9 is minor upgrade from the previous year's model, in this case the Sony HDR-HC7. But also like the Canon, the progenitor was an excellent camcorder with little need for improvement. The HC9 offers outstanding video performance and a strong manual control set – more comprehensive than most Sonys, but sadly lacking the Cam Control dial found on the hard drive models that could have put it over the top. Read our full review of the Sony HDR-HC9 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Best Standard Definition Camcorder
The best standard definition camcorder requires a product that gives you the best bang for your buck. There are lots of good, fairly expensive standard definition camcorders, but with the price of HD dropping a little more each year, it's hard to justify the standard def purchase. The GZ-MG330 produced excellent video performance for its price range, and offers a fun and tantalizing "Laser Touch" control for menu interfacing. The low light performance was good, and the 30GB internal hard drive allows you to shoot an entire vacation's worth of memories without pausing.
The Samsung SC-MX20 is small, cheap, and slick, making it a great choice for consumers who want a lot of value for only a little green. The MX20 is not the best performing standard definition camcorder, but it compares well to other camcorders in its price range. Most importantly, it's the easiest full-featured camcorder to operate. The menu is laid out in a plain, understandable manner, yet it offers a range of controls and level of quality not attainable by ultra-compact "YouTube" camcorders like the Flip Mino. The MX20 also features a unique swivel grip, allowing for a multiple handling options. Read our full review of the Samsung SC-MX20 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Most Innovative Camcorder
The Flip Mino is Pure Digital's third-generation camcorder in the Flip series. This latest model is not so innovative in and of itself, but a whole year of reviewing clones and knock-offs made us realize how absolutely dominant and influential the Flip is. The Mino is the smallest and slickest flip ever, all the while retaining its remarkably simple interface – nary a manual control to be had. Kodak, RCA, and others have tried to steal the thunder, with some small successes, but none have matched the elegant simplicity that makes the Flip Mino king. Read our full review of the Pure Digital Flip Mino at Camcorderinfo.com.
The Nikon D90 broke down the last barrier between cameras and camcorders when it became the first DSLR still camera to record HD video. Granted, the resolution is limited to 1280 x 720, and our testing showed that the video quality left something to be desired, but Nikon D90 set a new expectation: just as current point-and-shoot cameras are expected to record video (either standard def or HD), soon DSLRs will be expected to record HD video. Already, Canon is ready to deliver the EOS 5D Mark II, which promises to be even better. Too bad for them that Nikon got there first. Read our full review of the Nikon D90 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Editor's Pick
We could not let the year pass without heaping accolades on the surprise hit, the high definition Samsung SC-HMX20. After years of producing decent but unremarkable camcorders, Samsung's 2008 top of the line model simply blew us away in our lab testing. The performance was nearly unbeatable in any kind of light, offering incredible sharpness, color, and sensitivity. It's also the coolest looking camcorder that has passed through our doors in a long time, with sexy curves and a damn useful swivel grip that allows for handling the likes of which no other camcorder can match. The SC-HMX20 is a great choice for beginners, as the menu and interface are much simpler than the standard full-feature camcorder. Well done, Samsung! Read our full review of the Samsung SC-HMX20 at Camcorderinfo.com.
Cell PhonesCell Phone of the Year
The iPhone 3G is the second iteration of what was already a game-changing device, now bringing 3G and GPS to the table. The 2.0 firmware that arrived with the iPhone 3G also brought 3rd-party applications, of which there are now thousands, and Exchange Server syncing for business users. The iPhone 3G has the cleanest and most intuitive UI we've seen and it's a phenomenal device for listening to music and watching video. Add to that very good email and SMS capability and better-than-expected battery life for a 3G phone, and you have our Phone of the Year. Read our full review of the iPhone 3G at Wirelessinfo.com.
The runner up in this category is the Nokia E71. The E71 is a business user's dream with phenomenal messaging and organizer abilities. Its 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera took excellent still images and and video, and it's also a very good for music and video playback. The Symbian operating system it runs is highly-extensible, with no dearth of applications to do anything your little heart desires. Sold unlocked, it offers the greatest carrier flexibility for the globe-trotter, though at a higher cost for the phone itself as a result. Combine all of this with GPS and tethered modem capability, and you have a well-rounded device that would please even the most picky smartphone aficionado. Read our full review of the Nokia E71 at Wirelessinfo.com. Business Phone of the Year
The key things that business users need out of a phone are excellent messaging capabilities to stay on top of email, complete organizer capabilities to keep appointments, tasks, and notes in order, and good call quality with a battery that can last all day, and the Nokia E71 fits the bill perfectly in these respects. Its full QWERTY keyboard only enhances its abilities here as well. While a good camera and media playback features aren't usually on the list for business users, the E71 manages these quite well also, making it equally capable for business users off the clock and in need of entertainment. Read our full review of the Nokia E71 at Wirelessinfo.com.
Nokia really did smartphones well this year, as you can tell by the fact that they own this category. Like the E71, the E66 has superb messaging capabilities, and even packs in multimedia abilities beyond what the average business user will need. Also running the Symbian operating system, there's virtually no limit to what the E66 can do. It places behind the E71 here primarily because it lacks a full physical QWERTY keyboard, relying on a standard numeric keyboard to enter text instead that could slow down email response times a bit. Read our full review of the Nokia E66 at Wirelessinfo.com.
Media Phone of the Year
Entertainment on the go is becoming a key element in cell phone offerings, with many devices now doing double duty as digital music players as well as phones. Not all of them do it well, however, with poor battery life, unintuitive software, and tiny screens not suitable for pleasant video viewing. But the iPhone 3G escapes these pitfalls with it's large bright screen, marvelous iPod functionality, and decent battery life. The iPhone 3G is your best bet for consuming media while mobile. Read our full review of the iPhone 3G at Wirelessinfo.com.
The runner up in this category is the LG Chocolate 3. As a music-oriented phone, the Chocolate 3 has good music playback software and great external music controls that make it possible to adjust playback quickly and easily. And with a battery that can keep your tunes playing for hours upon hours, the Chocolate 3 makes for a compelling buy for the music lover. Its relatively small main screen doesn't make video viewing all that fun, pulling the Chocolate 3 into the runner up-spot in this category. Read our full review of the LG Chocolate 3 at Wirelessinfo.com.
Best Camera Phone
Most cell phones these days come with cameras, and while they aren't intended to replace a dedicated digital camera, they often become the default camera for most since a cell phone is the one device that is almost always on hand. Short of carrying around a dedicated camera all of the time, there are some cell phones that such a great job taking photos and video that they won't make you miss your camera. The Nokia N82 is one of them, with a 5-megapixel sensor and an auto-focus lens that out-performed every other cell phone camera we reviewed this year. With excellent resolution for both still images and video, a Xenon flash, and an easy-to-use camera interface photo album software, the Nokia N82 won't make you miss your digital camera at all, all while performing admirably as a cell phone with great organizer capabilities and good battery life. Read our full review of the Nokia N82 at Wirelessinfo.com.
The runner up in this category is the LG Dare. Intended as a direct competitor to the iPhone, the LG Dare came out swinging with a large touchscreen, 3G, and GPS. It didn't knock the iPhone off the top of the hill in our testing, but its 3.2-megapixel camera performed exceptionally well. It has an auto-focus lens, an LED flash, and some metering controls and image handling options not often found on cell phones. The LG Dare is another device that will not make sorry you left your digital camera home. Read our full review of the LG Dare at Wirelessinfo.com.
Best Budget Phone
Being on a budget doesn't mean you need to compromise on the quality of your cell phone - there are phones out there that perform pretty well and have a low price tag to boot. The Sony Ericsson Z750a is one of these phones, coming in a compact flip format with a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, music player software, and 3G data speeds. It performed solidly in almost every area, with decent battery life. It may not be sexy, but it's thoroughly functional and is priced right at $9.99 from AT&T (it was $49.99 at the time of our review). Read our full review of the Sony Ericsson Z750a at Wirelessinfo.com.
The runner up in this category is the Nokia 5310. The 5310 is an ultra-compact phone that can do double-duty as your digital music player, and it's got a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and comes with a full complement accessories out of the box, including stereo headphones and a memory card. It also performed solidly in our testing, with particularly good talk time and music playback battery life. All of this for just $49.99 from T-Mobile is a pretty good deal in our book. Read our full review of the Nokia 5310 at Wirelessinfo.com.
Most Innovative Phone
Google made a bit of a splash in the cell phone industry last year when they announced they would be creating an open-source smartphone platform, called Android. With well-established operating systems like Windows Mobile, Palm OS, and Symbian out there already, Android has its work cut out for it. The T-Mobile G1 was the first device on the market to use Android, and while not stunning or even particularly attractive in terms of hardware, the G1 has a lot of potential as Android matures and 3rd-party application availability continues to expand. We look forward to seeing Android mature and hope that it will spur innovation in the other existing smartphone platforms and urge manufacturers to develop new hardware to fully take advantage of it as well. Read our full review of the T-Mobile G1 at Wirelessinfo.com.
The runner up in this category is the iPhone 3G. When the first-generation iPhone was announced, many were surprised it didn't include some features already popular in other high-end smartphones, like 3G and GPS. Apple addressed those missing features with the iPhone 3G, adding two key elements to put the iPhone on par with popular offerings by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Blackberry. While the iPhone 3G isn't a complete re-design of the first iPhone, it's still one of the most "total package" cell phones we've seen with its intuitive interface, full-featured iPod functionality, and sleek hardware. The App Store made its debut earlier this year and it's been a phenomeonal success with literally thousands of 3rd-party applications already available - a list that grows each and every day, only increasing the potential and functionality of the iPhone 3G. Given all of this, you have our runner-up for Most Innovative Phone. Read our full review of the iPhone 3G at Wirelessinfo.com.
HeadphonesHeadphones of the Year
The Sennheiser MM50 iP headphones surprised us with their test results. As of this writing, they have the best audio quality out of any headphones we've reviewed. Additionally, these are great portable headphones due to their small size, good isolation and leakage control. The MM50 iPs are also great for cell phone or iPod users, because they also have an in-line microphone and a control button. These features will let you seamlessly answer a call or perform simple media controls easily. The real kicker, however, is they're priced at an absurdly inexpensive $100. One caveat, however: the Sennheiser MM50 iP headphones have a bit of an Achilles Heel around their plug. The cord isn't particularly robust, and can bend very sharply at the plug, which lends itself to rapid wear-and-tear damage. The easy fix for this is to reinforce the plug-cable junction in some way, such as with electrical tape. Even with this flaw, however, the MM50 iPs still manage to be a great buy for their price. To find out more about the Sennheiser MM50 iP headphones, take a look at our full review on Headphoneinfo.com.
We think the Denon AH-NC732s deserve runner-up because they're solid headphones, both when the active cancellation feature is on and when it's off. Since active-cancellers play back inverse soundwaves to cancel out incoming noise, they mess around with your audio quality by default. This isn't as much of an issue if you're in a loud environment, but typical active-cancellers offer subpar audio quality when the cancellation is switched off (if they let you switch it off at all). The Denon AH-NC732s show that, although active cancellation technology still loses to a set of ear plugs, it doesn't have to ruin audio quality. If you want to check out or in-depth review of the Denon AH-NC732s, click here.
Best Portable Headphones
The Shure SE420s have the full portability package. For starters, they can block out more sound than any other headphones we've reviewed. Since you'll probably want to hear more of your music and less of the morning bus, this is ideal. They also barely elicit a whisper, so no one else on your commute will be bothered in the slightest. These headphones, as in-ears, are also very portable due to their small size. Their cord is very short: it's the perfect length for reaching a media player in an arm band holster. If you don't like to wear your music on your sleeve, the headphones also come with an extension cord that will reach your front pocket. Finally, and most importantly for some, their $199.00 price is appropriate for what they offer. For more information, head over to HeadphoneInfo.com for our in-depth review.
The Etymotic Research 6isolators isolate almost as much sound as the Shure SE420s, are tiny, even for in-ear headphones, and offer great audio quality. This was a close race, so if you're researching the Shure SE420s you should give the 6isolators a look as well. Bargain hunters might prefer these because they're available for less. Also, if the Shure SE420s sometimes-mandatory extension cord bugs you, you will probably prefer the 6is. You can read our full review of the 6isolators on Headphoneinfo.com.
Best Home Headphones
The HD 555s offer an incredible listening experience for their price. You'll get absurdly low distortion, a dynamic frequency response, and good tracking for half (if not a third) the price of similar headphones. The HD 555s also come with a cord that's almost ten feet long, and ends in a 1/4-inch plug, which is perfect for hooking up to the high-end stereo across the room (there's also an 1/8-inch adapter). The HD 555s are also open-backed, which means, literally, that the back of the headphones aren't 100% covered by a plastic shield. While this means there isn't much of a barrier between your playback and anyone else in the room, it will give an open, airy quality to your music. For more information on the HD 555s, check out our full review.
The SE-A1000s excelled in all the same areas as the HD 555, only not quite as well, and they come at a slightly higher price point. The SE-A1000s have closed backs, which won't provide as open a soundstage, but the headphones' massive size will help create a sound that feels almost as all-encompassing. You can find out more about the Pioneer SE-A1000s in our full review on Headphoneinfo.com.
Best Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Denon AH-NC732s are a cut above the rest as active noise cancellers for a few reasons. First of all, they were able to block out more noise than any other active noise canceller, with the exception of the Creative Aurvana X-Fi headphones (which, incidentally, won runner-up). Secondly, they have the ability to switch their active cancellation on and off, or play back music without battery power. This is contrary to the first wave of active noise cancellers, which were an expensive pair of ear muffs when their batteries died. Hopefully the AH-NC732s will help establish this feature as the new norm. The Denon AH-NC732s are also more portable than the average on-ear headphones, with the ability to collapse in on themselves to take up less room. Lastly, the Denon AH-NC732 headphones are alone in their ability to offer relatively good audio quality when their active cancellation feature is on and impressively good quality when it's switched off. This quality does come at a bit of a price, about $300, but high cost is the unfortunate norm for active cancellation these days. To find out more about these headphones, read our full review on Headphoneinfo.com.
The Creative Aurvana X-Fi headphones don't offer as complete a package as the Denon AH-NC732s, but they do have slightly better active cancellation and a slightly lower price (mostly due to the Denons' more recent release date). In addition to blocking out slightly more noise, the heapdhones come with an interesting array of options as well. You can choose the noise cancellation curve you prefer, which is interesting, but more often than not you're better off letting the headphones decide for you. The headphones also let you apply a few filters to your music, which is a fun inclusion. Also, like the Denon AH-NC732s, the Aurvana X-Fis can turn their cancellation feature on and off and also play back music after your batteries have expired. Read our full review on Headphoneinfo.com.
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Here at Reviewed.com, we are serious about reviewing products. That's why we produce the Select Awards, our annual roundup of the best products we've reviewed in the areas covered by the web sites in the Reviewed.com family. Our awards this year pick the best digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones and headphones. In eachproduct category, we give awards to the top devices in a number of categories, including standard definition and high definition camcorders, SLR and point and shoot cameras, budget and media cell phones and portable and noise cancelling headphones. Read on for all of our awards, or you can jump to 
Nikon D700 – 
Panasonic Lumix G1 - 
Samsung TL34HD – 
Nikon D700 – 
Canon EOS Rebel XSi – 
Canon EOS Rebel XS – 
Canon HF11 – 
Pure Digital Flip Mino – 
Samsung SC-HMX20 – 
Canon HF11 – 
Sony HDR-UX20 – 
Canon HF11 – 
Canon HV30 – 
JVC Everio GZ-MG330 – 
Pure Digital Flip Mino – 
Samsung SC-HMX20 – 
iPhone 3G –
iPhone 3G –
Nokia N82 –
Sony Ericsson Z750a – 
T-Mobile G1 – 
Sennheiser MM50 iP – 
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Shure SE420 – 
Sennheiser HD 555 – 
Denon AH-NC732 – 
