No product is all good or all bad. Sometimes a camera, for example, may have a great sensor but poor ergonomics. Sometimes a company may make great products but act tone deaf when it comes to customer relations. Some stress technology, some stress design. It takes all kinds, not just among people but apparently among photographic equipment companies as well.

As 2012 comes to a close it's fun if not also instructive to look at the companies and products that stood out this past year, both for being among the best and among the worst. If I happen to gore your particular favourite ox this time round, that's OK. Wait till next year's summary, when I'm bound to make new friends as well as enemies.

The Best of 2012

Nikon D800/E

There's no question that Nikon whacked the entire photographic industry upside the head when they launch the 36 Megapixel full-frame D800/E. Not only were the specs exciting, but the camera came out on time, it wasn't overpriced, and it delivered the goo...