Best Cameras 2013

[tomos]

Imaging Resource's Best Camera of the Year is actually the starting point for a whole series of articles.
At the bottom of that page, there's a bunch of links:

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Some interesting reading (also at that link above) about about technological advances in video focusing and anti-aliasing (used to prevent moiré patterns).

A lot of the camera choices are expensive - but if you're looking for something with interchangeable lenses, their Best Value Cameras has a couple of interesting options for $300 to $500.

[rgdot]

Best entry level DSLR is

List Price: $779.95
Price: $579.95
You Save: $200.00 (26%)

at Amazon

Would be an expensive hobby  

[tomos]

Best entry level DSLR is
[..]
Price: $579.95
[..]
Would be an expensive hobby  

yep!
best camera was 2.5K or something like that

This one (below) sounds interesting for $300 - but yeah, that's a lot of money too. And really, anything with interchangeable lenses is overkill for most people. OTOH, if you're interesting in quality images, you'll have to pay a lot too for a decent compact camera. I got a nice compact one a couple of years ago for ~$200. Image quality is great but the camera still drives me mad at times it's so slow. But I still use it much more than my "interchangeable lens" camera...

Camera of Distinction, Outstanding Value: Canon EOS M

With kit prices starting around $300 and image quality similar to the Canon T5i, the Canon EOS M is a stellar value. Its metal body construction lends the camera a solid, substantial feel in the hand that belies the camera's budget price. The EOS M is a particularly good choice for Canon DSLR owners because a simple EF-mount adapter provides compatibility with the plethora of Canon glass. Although there are few lenses native to the new mount, the 22mm f/2 STM and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM lenses are both great options. The original list price of $800 was a little steep, but $300 is flat-out incredible for all the EOS M offers.