Best early 2000s digital camera

Discover the best early 2000s digital cameras that revolutionized photography with their advanced features and image quality. Explore iconic models like the Canon PowerShot G5, Nikon Coolpix 5700, and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717, and learn why they are still beloved by photographers today.
Top Rated
Canon PowerShot G3 4MP Camera
Amazon.com
Canon PowerShot G3 4MP Camera
Hot Pick
Renewed OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS C-5050 Camera
Amazon.com
Renewed OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS C-5050 Camera

As a photography enthusiast, the early 2000s were an exciting time for me. The digital camera market was rapidly evolving, and new models were being introduced with innovative features. One of the standout cameras from that era was the Canon PowerShot G series, known for its exceptional image quality and versatile shooting options.

I remember vividly how the Nikon Coolpix series revolutionized the compact camera market with its sleek design and user-friendly interface. The Coolpix cameras were compact yet powerful, making them a popular choice among amateur photographers and professionals alike.

Another iconic camera from the early 2000s was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717, famous for its unique rotating lens design and impressive low-light performance. This camera was a game-changer in terms of design and functionality, setting a new standard for digital photography at the time.

My Experience with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717

When I got my hands on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717, I was blown away by its impressive features and sleek design. The camera’s 5-megapixel sensor and Carl Zeiss lens delivered stunning image quality, capturing every detail with remarkable clarity and sharpness. The unique rotating lens design allowed me to capture shots from various angles, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts like me.

Top Rated
Canon PowerShot G3 4MP Camera
Compact camera with powerful optical zoom
This versatile digital camera features a 4MP sensor and 4x optical zoom for stunning images and flexibility. Perfect for both casual photography and special occasions.
Amazon price updated: June 26, 2025 8:53 pm

One of the standout features of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717 was its innovative NightShot mode, which enabled me to take clear, noise-free photos in low-light conditions. The camera’s fast autofocus and responsive controls made it easy to capture fast-moving subjects with precision, ensuring that I never missed a moment. The built-in flash and hot shoe mount provided additional flexibility for creative lighting options, allowing me to experiment with different techniques and styles.

  • The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717
  • 5-megapixel sensor and Carl Zeiss lens
  • Rotating lens design
  • NightShot mode for low-light photography
  • Fast autofocus and responsive controls
  • Built-in flash and hot shoe mount

Exploring the Canon PowerShot G3

When it comes to early 2000s digital cameras, the Canon PowerShot G3 stands out as a reliable and versatile option. I had the opportunity to get my hands on this camera and was impressed by its features and performance.

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One of the standout features of the Canon PowerShot G3 is its 4-megapixel sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images. The camera also boasts a 4x optical zoom lens, allowing you to capture a wide range of subjects with ease.

  • Design: The Canon PowerShot G3 has a sturdy build quality and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle during photography sessions.
  • Controls: The manual controls on the camera are intuitive and easy to use, giving you the flexibility to adjust settings according to your preferences.
  • Performance: The Canon PowerShot G3 performs well in various lighting conditions, producing vibrant colours and accurate exposures.

Nikon Coolpix 4500

When it comes to early 2000s digital cameras, the Nikon Coolpix 4500 stands out as a powerful and versatile option. I was impressed by its 4-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivered sharp and detailed images.

The Coolpix 4500 featured a swiveling lens design, allowing for creative shooting angles and easy framing. I particularly enjoyed the camera’s macro mode, which enabled me to capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

  • The camera’s 4x optical zoom lens provided flexibility in framing shots
  • The rotating LCD screen made it convenient to compose shots from various angles
  • The Coolpix 4500’s robust build quality gave me confidence in its durability

My Experience with the Olympus C-5050 Zoom

Back in the early 2000s, I got my hands on the Olympus C-5050 Zoom digital camera, and it completely changed the way I captured images. This camera was a game-changer for me because of its advanced features and compact design.

One of the standout features of the Olympus C-5050 Zoom was its 5-megapixel sensor, which allowed me to capture high-resolution images with incredible detail. The camera also had a bright f/1.8 lens, which performed exceptionally well in low-light conditions, making it perfect for capturing stunning night shots.

Hot Pick
Renewed OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS C-5050 Camera
High-resolution prints up to poster size
The Olympus Camedia C-5050 offers exceptional image quality with 5MP resolution and advanced zoom capabilities, making it ideal for capturing memorable moments.
Amazon price updated: June 26, 2025 8:53 pm
  • The camera’s manual controls allowed me to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and white balance, giving me full creative control over my shots.
  • The rotating LCD screen made it easy to compose shots from various angles, while the optical viewfinder provided a traditional shooting experience.
  • I also appreciated the camera’s fast autofocus system, which ensured that I could capture sharp images quickly and accurately.
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Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom: My Go-To Early 2000s Digital Camera

Back in the early 2000s, I discovered the Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom, a compact and versatile digital camera that quickly became my go-to choice for capturing memories. The camera’s innovative Super CCD sensor technology and 6x optical zoom lens allowed me to take high-quality photos with vibrant colours and sharp details.

One of the standout features of the Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom was its ability to capture images with low noise levels, even in low-light conditions. The camera’s manual controls and customizable settings gave me the flexibility to experiment with different shooting modes and adjust the exposure to suit my creative vision. I particularly enjoyed the camera’s macro mode, which allowed me to capture stunning close-up shots with impressive clarity and detail.

  • The Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom offered a range of advanced features for its time, including a tilting LCD screen, high-speed continuous shooting mode, and compatibility with external flash units. It was a reliable and user-friendly camera that delivered consistently excellent results, making it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts.

Exploring the Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi

During the early 2000s, I had the privilege of using the Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi digital camera. This camera was a game-changer in the world of digital photography, offering advanced features and excellent image quality for its time.

One of the standout features of the Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi was its 5-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivered sharp and detailed images. The camera also had a powerful 7x optical zoom lens, allowing me to capture a wide range of subjects with ease.

  • Fast Performance: The DiMAGE 7Hi boasted impressive performance, with a fast startup time and minimal shutter lag. This made it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments and action shots.
  • Versatile Shooting Modes: The camera offered a variety of shooting modes, including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority, giving me full control over my photography.
  • Articulating LCD Screen: The camera featured a unique articulating LCD screen that could be tilted and swiveled, making it easy to compose shots from different angles.

Conclusion

The Pentax Optio 550 was a standout digital camera in the early 2000s, offering impressive features and capabilities for its time. With a 5-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and a compact design, it was a popular choice among photography enthusiasts looking for a versatile and reliable camera.

Although it may not have had all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the Optio 550 delivered excellent image quality and performance, making it a great option for capturing precious moments and creating lasting memories. Its user-friendly interface and robust build quality further added to its appeal, making it a solid choice for amateur and professional photographers alike.

  • Pros:
    • Good image quality
    • Compact and portable
    • User-friendly interface
    • Reliable performance
  • Cons:
    • Limited manual control options
    • No image stabilization
    • Small LCD screen

Best early 2000s digital camera

Top Rated

Canon PowerShot G3 4MP Camera

Compact camera with powerful optical zoom
$107.72
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 26, 2025 8:53 pm

Features

Part Number 8120A001
Model SP-10U0
Warranty 1 Year Limited
Color Gray
Size Medium Size
This versatile digital camera features a 4MP sensor and 4x optical zoom for stunning images and flexibility. Perfect for both casual photography and special occasions.






Hot Pick

Renewed OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS C-5050 Camera

High-resolution prints up to poster size
$179.90
PRIMEPRIME
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 26, 2025 8:53 pm

Features

Part Number 225355-cr
Model C-5050
Warranty 90 days limited warranty
Color Black
Size SLR Size
The Olympus Camedia C-5050 offers exceptional image quality with 5MP resolution and advanced zoom capabilities, making it ideal for capturing memorable moments.





































Q&A:

What was the best early 2000s digital camera?

The Canon PowerShot G2 was considered one of the best digital cameras of the early 2000s due to its excellent image quality and advanced features.

Which early 2000s digital camera was popular among professionals?

The Nikon D1 was a popular choice among professional photographers in the early 2000s for its robust build quality and excellent image quality.

Was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717 a popular digital camera in the early 2000s?

Yes, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717 was highly regarded for its innovative design, Carl Zeiss lens, and excellent low-light performance.

What made the Olympus C-5050 Zoom a standout digital camera in the early 2000s?

The Olympus C-5050 Zoom stood out for its high-resolution images, versatile manual controls, and durable build quality.

Did the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro receive positive reviews in the early 2000s?

Yes, the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro was praised for its excellent image quality, dynamic range, and compatibility with Nikon lenses.

John Holguin
John Holguin

Certified travel aficionado. Proud webaholic. Passionate writer. Zombie fanatic.

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