Picture These: 3-Megapixel Digital Cameras

New 3-megapixel digital cameras are just the ticket for businesses and professionals in need of 35mm-level image quality and maximum versatility. But with price tags ranging from $795 to $999, they're a bit expensive for family users.

The smart, stylish Canon PowerShot S20 offers big camera performance and image quality despite being small enough to slip easily into a pocket. It has a maximum resolution of 2048 by 1536 and a relatively low 2X optical zoom lens, and it comes with a proprietary rechargeable lithium ion battery. Though it ships with a 16MB Type I CompactFlash memory card, it accommodates Type II cards (such as IBM's 340MB Microdrive) that are capable of storing hundreds of shots.

You can operate the Canon with one hand, but the camera's complex menu structure and its use of icons to identify buttons may frustrate some users. Image quality is generally excellent, though we experienced occasional, inexplicable duds. The Canon is great for users who value compact design over extra features.

The Epson PhotoPC 3000Z is designed for photo buffs who want their digital camera to look, feel, operate, and capture images the way a 35mm film camera does. With interpolation, the Epson can deliver 2544 by 1904 resolution, enough to produce gorgeous 11-by-14-inch blow-ups in my tests. You can operate it in automatic, semimanual, or full-manual mode (including manual focus and user-selectable f-stops and shutter speeds). The PhotoPC 3000Z can handle Type I, but not Type II, CompactFlash cards. It's a quick-shooting camera, except in enhanced mode, where you have to wait 12 to 14 seconds between shots. If you can afford to fork over $999 for a digital camera, however, this is definitely the one to get.

Kodak's DC290 Zoom Digital Camera is a large camera suited for both novices and experienced users. The controls are clearly marked and conveniently placed. Kodak gets the details right, too, such as the no-slip body coating, the rubberized foot for standing the camera upright, and the protective flaps over camera ports. It's the only camera in this group with Digita, an English-language operating system that helps you select optimum settings. Unfortunately, however, the DC290 is not a true 3-megapixel: It boosts resolution to 2240 by 1500 pixels via interpolation. Pictures are sharp and colorful, but they lack the crispness and detail offered by true 3-megapixel models. But at $795 the price is right, and the Kodak is fun and very easy to use.

The Olympus C-3030 Zoom was designed for advanced amateurs who know (or can figure out) how to use its myriad features. It packs a crisp and contrasty 3X power zoom lens that--in conjunction with a maximum uncompressed resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels--produces remarkably detailed, colorful enlargements. The C-3030 Zoom offers just about every capability a shutterbug could want in a camera--excellent manual control (including a superb manual focus system), the option to capture video with sound, a wireless remote control, and more. Ultimately the Olympus may prove too complicated a camera for some users to operate successfully. But it's great for perfectionists who want the flexibility to coax the best images possible from their camera.

SUMMARY

Canon PowerShot S20 PRO: Compact; easy one-handed shooting; great stills; many features. CON: Complex control labels, low 2X optical zoom, no video or audio. VALUE: Great carry-along for on-the-go users who want a light, compact, stylish camera that fits in a pocket or purse. List price: $799 Canon USA 800/652-2666 www.cusa.canon.com

SUMMARY

Epson PhotoPC 3000Z PRO: Great pictures, supereasy to operate, hot shoe for extra flash. CON: Slow to recycle in enhanced mode, flash seems too brilliant in macro mode. VALUE: The camera to beat for photo enthusiasts. List price: $999 Epson America 800/463-7766 www.epson.com

SUMMARY

Kodak DC290 Zoom Digital Camera PRO: Traditional camera look and feel; custom scripting capability. CON: Not a true 3-megapixel unit, limited manual controls, exposures sometimes come out looking dark, no video or panorama capability. VALUE: Good for novices. List price: $795 Eastman Kodak 800/235-6325 www.kodak.com

SUMMARY

Olympus C-3030 Zoom PRO: Good handling, great versatility, top image quality. CON: Can be difficult to operate. VALUE: For advanced amateurs who want to use all the extras. List price: $999 Olympus America 800/622-6372 www.olympus.com/digital