Mar122018
GearBest Digital Cameras 2018

Your pockets have voted!

See, most reviews are designed by experts or Connoisseurs to deliver opinions on the best digital camera and photography products. It’s their opinions and preferences. Here we provide you with a new perspective on things. Compiling the data, here is whats at the top of the sale charts for digital cameras and our analysis of why.

Best Digital Camera Tips

Digital Camera 101: The Basics

Digital Camera 101: The Basics

How comfortable are you with technology? What’s your budget like? And what types of photos would you like to shoot? These factors will most certainly impact your camera choice. But no matter which camera you choose, there are certain “universal” features that affect its quality and performance.

Basics of digital cameras

Size

Does camera size matter? In a word, yes.

Pro-grade cameras include all sorts of hefty bells and whistles. Heavy yet delicate, these pieces are bothersome to lug around all day. We suggest you choose a camera that’s light enough to hold in your hand and compact enough to safely stash when not in use.

Basics of digital cameras

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create an image. Cameras generally sport enough megapixels (12 to 16) to render a sharp picture on a computer screen or paper printout.

The more megapixels, the larger the file size. This could affect your camera’s processing speed and how many images fit on your memory card. As such, a higher number of megapixels isn’t always the better choice.

Basics of digital cameras

Lens

Most consumer-level digital cameras sport zoom lenses, which allow you to focus at a range of lengths. A camera’s optical zoom spec addresses the ratio between the shortest and longest focal length. For example, a camera with a minimum focal length of 24mm and a maximum length of 288 has a 12x optical zoom. While some cameras boast incredible zoom specs, however, you probably don’t need more than 20x.

Some consumer-level cameras (and all professional cameras) have interchangeable lenses, giving you versatility in your photography. For example, wide-angle lenses are ideal for group shots, indoor photography, and selfies, and telephoto lenses lend themselves to amazing sports, wildlife, and portrait shots.

Basics of digital cameras

Aperture

A camera’s aperture is measured by its f-stop, referring to the size of the opening that lets in light. A “fast” lens — which is preferred — has a wider aperture, allowing you to shoot at faster shutter speeds in lower light. A fast lens is typically f2.8.

As aperture size increases, your depth of field (the sharpness in front of and behind your subject) decreases. Often used for portraits and macro shooting, a wide aperture furnishes better control over your depth of field, allowing you to create interesting effects by playing with focal points.

Basics of digital cameras

Sensor

A camera’s sensor affects the color depth and rendition of its images. Results vary from one digital camera to the next.

Bigger sensors typically yield better photo quality, but they cost more — and size is not the only factor to consider. How the image sensor reproduces color can vary. If you have a 16-megapixel camera with a low-quality sensor, your picture suffers (hello, grainy photos).

Cheap digital cameras often incorporate cheap sensors (such as APSC sensors). CCD sensors can vary; high-quality CCD sensors produce superior image quality and better noise control, but low-quality CCD sensors could be terrible for video. It’s important to remember that file size isn’t everything. We suggest you study reviews of your sensor and test in different light conditions to see if the camera produces vibrant color and sharp images.

Basics of digital cameras

Image stabilization

Anyone who’s ever tried to catch a photo op on the fly knows about blurry images and shaky video. A camera’s image stabilization feature adjusts shutter speed and ISO sensitivities to control for blur and produce better-looking photos and video. This feature is great for photographers who shoot in low-light environments. It’s also helpful for those with shaky hands.

Basics of digital cameras

Viewfinder

Whether you use your camera’s electronic viewfinder or lift the camera manually to your eye, you want a good coverage percentage. (Coverage measures the amount of your scene that appears in the viewfinder display.) Some viewfinders crop coverage, leaving you to guess what the full frame will look like. One hundred percent coverage is ideal.

Some viewfinders offer different focusing systems. For example, a tracking focus system moves the focal point to follow moving subjects. A toggling system allows you to change focus between subjects or between the foreground and background.

While electronic viewfinders (often located on the back of the camera) are handy for recording video, potential buyers should know that they might have a lower resolution and are often slow to update. This is especially true after a photo is taken, which means you might “see” the action after it’s happened, missing the moment.

Basics of digital cameras

Battery Life

The days of having to carry extra AA batteries is likely behind you, as most digital cameras use long-lasting lithium ion rechargeable battery packs. These packs are typically designed for your specific camera and include a charger. If you plan to tote your camera on long trips, check first to see how many shots the battery has been rated for. And remember that everything from using the flash to activating the viewfinder affects battery power.

Basics of digital cameras

Video

If you want to shoot video on vacation or upload files to YouTube, you shouldn’t need more than Full HD 1080/30p video. 4K video is quickly becoming the norm in digital cameras, but not all professional photographers consider it a necessity.

When shooting video, image stabilization and a quality microphone are also important. Sound quality contributes to a video’s success (or failure) just as much as image quality.

Basics of digital cameras

Other features

Do you want a camera with a splash-proof body? Burst mode? GPS? WiFi sharing capabilities?

Some of these features could be fun in certain situations, but they might be rarely used. It’s up to you to decide which features are deal-makers or deal-breakers. Be sure you’re not paying for more than you need.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you dive into the technical specs of digital cameras, consider why you want a camera in the first place. Are you hoping to capture candid family moments? Vacation memories? Wildlife or landscape scenery? Perhaps it’s a little of everything.

Your photography goals should shape your camera-buying decisions. To that end, we recommend you ask yourself the following questions.

FAQ

Will I be shooting fast-moving objects?

Animals, athletes, and young children: they all move quickly. To avoid fuzzy imagery, you need a camera with fast shutter speed.

Pro-level cameras have an almost immediate shutter lag time (the response time between when you click the button and when the camera’s shutter click). Digital cameras, on the other hand, tend to have a problematic lag. The longer the lag time, the more likely you are to miss a picture-perfect moment. Find out how fast a camera’s response is before you buy it. Less than one second is ideal.

Cameras that allow you to shoot several frames in a row (burst mode) can also help you capture life’s speedier moments.

FAQ

Do I want to capture beautiful landscapes with my camera?

If so, consider buying a lightweight, compact camera that travels well. For many landscape fanatics, a point-and-shoot with a built-in lens, waterproof capabilities, and a long battery life fits the bill.

FAQ

Will I be shooting mostly video?

If you’re planning to shoot lots of video, examine the camera’s video specs before buying. Full HD video is a must. Image stabilization, weight, and battery life also figure prominently into the equation.

1.Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera 

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The Canon EOS Rebel T6 digital camera is an entry-level DSLR targeted toward first-time ILC users and smartphone upgraders. Built around an 18MP APS-C sensor, the T6 offers Wi-Fi with NFC for easy photo sharing when you’re mobile. If this will be your first time purchasing a Pro level Camera then you’re going to be ecstatic over the image quality.

  • 18.0 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor; DIGIC 4+ Image Processor; 3.0″ 920k-Dot LCD Monitor
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps; 9-Point AF with Center Cross-Type Point
  • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to H: 12800) for shooting from bright light to low light. 3 fps Shooting; Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC; Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
  • High-performance Optical Viewfinder helps facilitate quick and accurate focusing by firmly framing and capturing the subject at hand.

Conclusion

There’s really nothing wrong with the Canon T6 digital camera. I love Canon cameras. Its fun and easy to shoot with. It produces nice clean images that can be easily shared thanks to built-in Wi-Fi. Light and easy on the shoulders and packing enough performance for most it’s easy to see why this is a TOP seller!

  • Control layout is simple
  • Lightweight camera
  • Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC = quick photo sharing
  • Very nice Images
  • Good battery

  • 18MP sensor can be better
  • Limited high ISO range
  • Slow live-view autofocus
  • No touch screen

2. Sony W800/S 20.1 MP Digital Camera

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Slipping this Sony Cyber-Shot digital camera into your pocket and enjoying your vacation is easy with this lightweight camera. Impressive images come from a  20.1-megapixel sensor that captures plenty of detail and produces good clarity. Built-in 5x optical and 10x digital zoom let you focus in on the fine detail. This camera comes with lots of other cool features.

  • MP Super HAD CCD sensor for beautifully detailed images
  • Sony Lens w/ 5x Optical Zoom and 360 sweep panorama
  • Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization
  • Capture your videos in 720p HD Movie mode
  • Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode.
  • Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP sensor
  • Sony Lens with F3.2 (W) – 6.4 (T) Maximum Aperture
  • Focal length: f=4.6-23 mm
  • 5x Optical Zoom
  • Maximum Continuous Shooting Speed: 0.52 fps (for up to 100 shots)

Conclusion

A top selling point and shoot camera, it holds the Number two spot on Amazon. The easy-to-use automated features make it user-friendly and that’s what most people are looking for in an affordable package. If you’re looking to play with settings this camera isn’t so great.

  • Image Stabilzation
  • Face Detection Focusing
  • 20MP High-Resolution Sensor
  • 125g Light-weight Body
  • 26mm Wide Angle Lens

  • No WIFI
  • Not Much Fine-Tuning Options
  • No Touch Screen
  • Small  Low-Resolution LCD Screen ( 2.7″)
  • Slow Lens at Certain Points

3. Fujifilm X-T2

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Fujifilm’s flagship mirrorless digital camera. A huge leap forward, the autofocus system found in the X-T2  tracks moving subjects easily, while the sophistication and customization options are impressive. Add in 8 frames per second burst shooting, a clever double-hinged rear display, bright EVF, Fujifilm’s  24.3MP X Trans III CMOS sensor & body-mounted controls & you’re left with one of the best cameras available.

  • 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor reduces moiré and false colors to improve image quality and X-Processor Pro engine increases response times, achieves faster AF, lower noise and better color
  • Dust and moisture-resistant body with approximately 63 points of weather sealing; Freeze resistance to 14 Degree Fahrenheit
  • High-precision 0.48-inch, 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder featuring a magnification of 0.77x and Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005sec
  • Full HD and 4K 3840×2160 30P/25P/24P shooting (Using a card with the UHS Speed Class 3 or higher)
  • Tempered glass 1.04 million dot high-precision 3″ tilting LCD monitor with three-directional tilt

Conclusion

 The Fujifilm X-T2 is a fast-shooting mirrorless camera that doesn’t disappoint. When it comes to imaging, video, or build quality this is a winner. Huge 4K Resolution Video, huge 24MP pictures, and WIFI make this piece an awesome pick that easy to use thanks to itsincredible autofocus system.

  • 24MP APS-C X-Trans III image sensor.
  • 8fps shooting rate with focus tracking.
  • Dual-hinged tilting rear display.
  • Superb handling.
  • 4K video capture.
  • Wi-Fi.

  • No Touch Screen.
  • No in-camera flash.
  • Omits in-body stabilization.

4. Nikon D3300 w/ AF-P DX 18-55mm VR Digital SLR

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The D3300, Nikon’s entry level camera, is positioned as the beginner-friendly DSLR. This digital camera uses a powerful 24MP APS-C sensor for great pictures. The D3300 comes with a fixed 3.0-inch LCD and no built-in Wi-Fi. 1080/60p video recording, a higher ISO range up to 12800 means good quality video can be shot.

  • 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
  • 5 frames per second continuous shooting
  • 11 AF points with 3D tracking
  • ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
  • 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots; Lens Compatibility at a Glance***AF-S Lens Required for Autofocus ; Optical Zoom 3x

Conclusion

The Nikon D3300 succeeds in being a great beginner’s DSLR. With a good point-and-shoot mode and easy to access controls the D3300 is a fine choice. Lacks WIFI.

  • 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, best in class
  • Light, balanced body
  • Smooth 1080/60p HD video
  • Rear command dial makes shooting in P, A and S modes easy
  • Excellent battery life – CIPA rated 700 shots

  • Difficult to Reach Advanced features.
  • Can’t change aperture while live view is engaged
  • Auto mode continues to use very slow shutter speeds with flash turned off
  • Slow auto focus in live view

5. Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

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Whether you’re shooting weddings, landscapes, portraits, action or wildlife, the D850 digital camera won’t leave you wanting. The D850 is a brilliant DSLR, and perhaps the most well-rounded camera we’ve ever tested.

  • Nikon-designed back-side illuminated (BSI) full-frame image sensor with no optical low-pass filter
  • 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
  • Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
  • 8K2 and 4K time-lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail
  • Tilting touchscreen, Focus Shift shooting mode, outstanding battery performance and much more
  • 4K Ultra HD video recording, slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p

Conclusion

 The best DSLR camera option sitting high on the sales charts. All reviewers agree and love this well-rounded camera. The Nikon D850 offers so much: Massive resolution, Super Sharp image quality, fast shooting, and quality manufacturing. It’s a favorite pro SLR. 

  • Full-frame 45.7MP image sensor.
  • 153-point autofocus system.
  • Large viewfinder.
  • Tilting, touch LCD.
  • Bluetooth & Wi-Fi.
  • Great Battery Life
  • 4K video.

  • Live View focusing speed behind rivals
  • SnapBridge still clunky
  • No built-in flash.

6. Canon PowerShot SX720 HS

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A small lens protrusion hides an absolutely massive 40x zoom lens with an aperture range of f/3.3-6.9 of this Canon camera. Behind the monster lens is a standard 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor. It’s not grabbing headlines today, but does well in bright light or when you’re shooting wide angle. The SX720 HS features in-body image stabilization, and it works getting your shots in bright light. This High-performance compact camera has the ability to connect to compatible digital devices using WIFI and NFC.

  • Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
  • 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light.
  • Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound.
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD (approx. 922,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle.

Conclusion

If you are looking to use that 40x zoom you might be disappointed by the blurry image quality. This camera sits high on the sales charts, which is interesting since a good amount of bad reviews exist for this model and we get it. But its current price reflects a better value with WiFi and NFC baked-in which enable you to move photos from your camera to your phone quickly.

  • Comfortable and Portable.
  • Casual Shooting is Sharp.
  • Snappy 6.3 shots per second.

  • Poor Image Quality in Full Zoom.
  • Not The Best Menu System.

7. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera Optical with 3-Inch LCD (ILCE7M3/B)

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The a7 III digital camera uses the same basic body as its R variant, which means it has the high-capacity Z battery, dual memory card slots, and touch LCD screen. It comes with a 24MP resolution sensor with a backlit CMOS design, on-chip autofocus, & 10fps capture.

  • Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed* Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor * Sony test conditions. Compare to the α7 II
  • 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
  • Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
  • 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
  • Eye-AF with AF-C; Direct AF point 4-way multi-selector; touch AF

Conclusion

The Sony a7 III digital camera brings higher-end options to its entry-level model, providing excellent autofocus, image quality, 4K video, & battery life. Sony Digital Cameras have been really taking market share.

  • 24MP full-frame BSI sensor.
  • 10fps with tracking & 5-axis stabilization.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • 4K HDR video.
  • Good Battery

  • Screen isnt a true vari-angle.
  • No in-body flash.
  • Accessory required for time-lapse.

8. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digitial Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD w/ 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens

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The Sony Alpha 6000 digital camera has lightning fast-focusing and the 24-megapixel APS-C sensor capture outstanding images. It also squeezes a sharp OLED EVF, a tilting display, and Wi-Fi into its compact case.

  • 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Focus Sensitivity Range :EV 0 to EV 20 (at ISO 100 equivalent with F2.8 lens attached)
  • ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 51200). Lens compatibility- Sony E-mount lenses
  • Hybrid AF with 179-point focal plane phase-detection and 25 contrast detect points
  • Up to 11 FPS continuous shooting
  • 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots
  • OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1.4 million dots

Conclusion

The Sony Alpha 6000 digital camera has near instantaneous focus and awesome shots hit at 11.1fps. Great image quality matches perfectly with the rest of the great features on this camera. We have very few quips with this model.

  • Lightning fast autofocus.
  • 11.1fps burst shooting with tracking focus.
  • Amazing high ISO image quality.
  • Crisp OLED EVF.
  • In-body flash & multi-function hot shoe.
  • Wi-Fi with NFC.
  • Downloadable camera apps.
  • 1080p60 video.

  • Slow start up.
  • Eye sensor sensitivity.
  • EVF runs some lag in very dim lighting.
  • No analog mic input.
  • Some apps require purchase.

9. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera w/ Image Stabilization and Smart AUTO Mode

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The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with an 8x optical zoom lens and 20-Megapixel CCD sensor. The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life. It also includes the Auto Zoom feature that automatically zooms in to frame subjects and keep them in focus.

  • 8x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer helps you capture images with flexibility and ease
  • 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality
  • 720p HD video capabilities.Focusing Range:Normal: 2.0 in. – infinity (W), 4.3 ft. (1.3m) – infinity (T)
  • Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings based on predefined shooting situations
  • Digital IS helps reduce the effect of camera shake and subject movement
  • Scene Modes such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome provide creative freedom to capture your photos

Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera is a camera that does just about everything right for the regular person who is looking for a lightweight camera that does the job and isn’t cumbersome. Its gets the job done right for buyers and that is why it hangs in the top 10 best sellers on selling platforms like Amazon. 

  • Image Stabalization.
  • Face Detection Focusing.
  • 20MP High Resolution Sensor.
  • Light Weight.
  • 224mm Tele Lens.

  • No WIFI.
  • No HD Video.
  • Small Non-Touch Screen
  • Average Battery life.

10. Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera

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The Sony DSC-W800 Digital Camera is a compact and lightweight point and shoot 20.1 megapixels 1/2.3″ Super HAD CCD sensor a 5x optical zoom lens. A 2.7″ LCD 230k-dot monitor allows you clear view your photos and high-quality 720p HD videos while doing your ‘thing’.

  • MP Super HAD CCD sensor for beautifully detailed images
  • Sony Lens w/ 5x Optical Zoom and 360 sweep panorama
  • Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization
  • Capture your videos in 720p HD Movie mode
  • Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode.
  • Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP sensor
  • Sony Lens with F3.2 (W) – 6.4 (T) Maximum Aperture

Conclusion

 

  • Image Stabilization.
  • 26mm Wide Angle Lens.
  •  Face Detection Focusing.
  • 20.0MP – High-Resolution Sensor.
  • Panorama Shooting.
  • Light Weight.

  • No WIFI.
  • No Full HD Video (720p avail).
  • No Touch Screen.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

1. Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera with 3-Inch LCD

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Olympus cameras have enjoyed the top spot in many reviewers waterproof category. 4K video capture and 20fps Raw shooting are awesome. It’s the best rugged camera you can buy with lots of cool little features. Top Seller in the waterproof category.

  • New 12MP Hi-Speed Image Sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction
  • Bright F2.0 high-speed Lens. Video Recording format : MOV(MPEG-4AVC/H.264)
  • Dual Quad Core TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • Field sensor system with GPS, Manometer, Compass, and temperature sensors
  • Waterproof to 50 feet, F, Dustproof, Crushproof to 220 lbf, Shockproof from 7 feet, Freezeproof to 14 degrees, Anti-Fog lens

Conclusion

The Olympus Tough TG-5 digital camera is a go-anywhere camera with a fast lens, responsiveness, and 4K video. GPS & WIFI. A camera for the adventurer.

  • Tough, waterproof build.
  • Wide aperture lens.
  • Quick focus.
  • 20fps burst shooting.
  • 4K video.
  • GPS and Wi-Fi.

  • 460k-dot LCD.

2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera w/ 1 Inch Sensor and tilt LCD screen – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled

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  • 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel* CMOS sensor with Canon’s new DIGIC 7 Image Processor helps deliver exceptional image quality even in low light.
  • Features a bright f/1.8 (W) – f/2.8 (T), 4.2x (24-100mm), 9-blade iris diaphragm andBattery IS-equipped lens.
  • Capture impressively high resolution images with high-speed continuous shooting up to 8 fps in both RAW mode / JPEG mode.
  • Multi-angle capacitive 3.0″ touch panel LCD with a screen resolution of 1.04 million dots and tilt option of 180 Degree up and 45 Degree down.
  • Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video in MP4 format with stereo sound.

 

3. Nikon D3400 DSLR

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  • SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • No Optical Low-Pass Filter
  • Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting. Compatability information: C firmware v. 1.10 and later ( released August 31, 2016 )

Do you think we missed a HOT selling product? Help us set it right! Shoot us a message!

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Category: Gear

Author: Omry Gottlib

Omry’s passion & curiosity, coupled with his 13-year+ background in Business, provides a unique advantage for his work. He is ever driven to push the envelope.

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