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Top 10 Compact Cameras

These compact cameras fit easily into a pocket, but still offer lots of megapixels and low prices.

Alan Stafford

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PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

 BEST BUY!

1. Fujifilm FinePix F50fd

Bottom Line: Though it looks dull compared to some of the flasher models we tested, it has all the latest features and takes great shots.

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PCW Rating: 77.7PCW Rating: 77.7PCW Rating: 77.7

Last Rated: July 29, 2009

2. Casio Exilim EX-Z1080

Bottom Line: Small size, quick operation, and long battery life make this a great pocket camera. Comes in pink, blue, black, and silver.

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PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5

Last Rated: July 29, 2009

3. Canon PowerShot SD850 IS

Bottom Line: The SD850 IS performs similarly to the newer SD870 IS but has a smaller LCD, a lens that isn't as wide--and a better price.

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PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0

Last Rated: July 11, 2008

4. Pentax Optio M40

Bottom Line: Not the jazziest-looking camera, the M40 earned its chart spot with a sturdy body and a low price. Flash shots looked drab.

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PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2009

5. Canon Powershot SD950 IS

Bottom Line: It's very expensive for a pocket camera--and is too large for many pockets--but it's quite well made and performs admirably.

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PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2009

6. Olympus FE-280

Bottom Line: The lightest camera on the chart and one of the least expensive, the FE-280's images scored about average in our tests.

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PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0PCW Rating: 76.0

Last Rated: July 11, 2008

7. Panasonic DMC-FX100

Bottom Line: A close cousin to Panasonic's FX-55, the FX100 has higher resolution and a higher price, but a slightly smaller LCD.

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PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: July 29, 2009

8. Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55

Bottom Line: The FX55 has a superb 3-inch LCD, but the screen saps battery life, and images weren't as sharp as those of the FX100.

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PCW Rating: 74.2PCW Rating: 74.2PCW Rating: 74.2

Last Rated: July 29, 2009

9. Casio Casio Exilim EX-S880

Bottom Line: The EX-S880 costs $30 less than the EX-Z1080, but it has less resolution. Makes uploading video to YouTube nearly automatic.

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PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2009

10. Kodak Kodak EasyShare V1253

Bottom Line: You can shoot HD video on the V1253 and, with an optional HDTV docking station, display it on your television.

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