Quantcast

Top 10 Digital Cameras, Point-and-Shoot

This month we tested several new stylish, pocketable cameras that offer decent picture quality.

Tracey Capen

Compare ProductsCheck boxes to
Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: November 24, 2004

1. Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera

4.0 megapixels, 8.3X optical zoom, 15 scene modes, 13.5MB internal memory plus SD Card slot, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $400

Bottom Line: Ideal for snapshots and travel, the moderate-size 4800 has an appealing price for a camera with an 8.3X optical zoom lens--the longest on the chart.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
Cyber-shot DSC-P150 Digital Camera PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: November 24, 2004

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P150 Digital Camera

7.2 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 9 scene modes, 32MB Memory Stick, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $450

Bottom Line: One of the smallest 7-megapixel cameras available, this pocketable model is especially quick to power up, and shutter lag is minimal.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
EasyShare DX7630 Digital Camera PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: May 27, 2004

3. kodak EasyShare DX7630 Digital Camera

6.1 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 16 scene modes, 32MB internal memory plus SD Card slot, 320 by 240 video with audio, Price when ranked: $350

Bottom Line: A dazzling 2.2-inch LCD and a solid selection of advanced controls (such as aperture- and shutter-priority) highlight this relatively small camera.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
Powershot S60 Digital Camera PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: August 27, 2004

4. Canon USA Powershot S60 Digital Camera

5.0 megapixels, 3.6X optical zoom, 5 scene modes, 32MB CompactFlash card, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $449

Bottom Line: Canon gave the S60 a wider-angle lens than most point-and-shoots have; the camera is fairly bulky, but you get lots of creative controls.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
Exilim EX-Z55 PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: November 24, 2004

5. Casio Exilim EX-Z55

5.0 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 23 scene modes, 9.3MB of internal memory plus SD Card slot, 320 by 240 video with audio, Price when ranked: $400

Bottom Line: Easily pocketable camera has a big 2.5-inch LCD and scene modes for all occasions; connects to a PC via an included docking station.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
C-60 Zoom PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: June 28, 2004

6. Olympus C-60 Zoom

6.1 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 6 scene modes, 32MB XD-Picture Card, 320 by 240 video with audio, Price when ranked: $350

Bottom Line: Powerful, fairly compact model has a fine selection of semiautomatic and full-manual exposure modes, but it could be easier to use.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
Photosmart R707 PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: May 27, 2004

7. HP Photosmart R707

5.1 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 10 scene modes, 32MB internal memory plus SD Card slot, 320 by 240 video with audio, Price when ranked: $300

Bottom Line: Simple-to-use compact camera has built-in help for novices, a few advanced controls for experienced shooters, and in-camera red-eye removal.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
FinePix E550 Digital Camera PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: October 08, 2004

8. Fuji FinePix E550 Digital Camera

6.3 megapixels, 4X optical zoom, 5 scene modes, 64MB XD-Picture Card, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $350

Bottom Line: Bulky camera with a 2-inch LCD has a broad array of controls, but some are a bit tricky to use. Price is low for a 6.3-megapixel model.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
Cyber-shot DSC-L1 Digital Camera (4.1MP, 2304x1728, 3x Opt, 16MB Memory Stick) PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: February 18, 2005

9. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1 Digital Camera (4.1MP, 2304x1728, 3x Opt, 16MB Memory Stick)

4.1 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, 7 scene modes, 16MB Memory Stick, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $279

Bottom Line: Compact, smartly designed model comes in four colors. Has no optical viewfinder, and the tiny joystick is a bit hard on the thumb.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices
PowerShot SD20 Garnet Digital Camera (5.4MP, 2592x1944, 32MB SD Card) PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: February 18, 2005

10. Canon USA PowerShot SD20 Garnet Digital Camera (5.4MP, 2592x1944, 32MB SD Card)

5.0 megapixels, Fixed 39mm lens, 5 scene modes, 32MB SD Card, 640 by 480 video with audio, Price when ranked: $310

Bottom Line: Stylish, ultracompact camera takes great shots and comes in various colors. You get no optical viewfinder, though, and the camera is pricey for a model without zoom.

Full ReviewTest ReportCheck latest prices
Check Latest Prices

To gauge picture quality, we take a series of shots, with and without flash, at 640 by 480 resolution and at the camera's highest resolution. We photograph a complex still life and a mannequin to see how well each camera captures details and subtle coloring such as skin tones. A panel of judges reviews the on-screen and printed photos and assigns image-quality scores; we then average those scores. Data based on tests designed and conducted by the PC World Test Center. All rights reserved.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

Today's Special Offers