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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: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

 BEST BUY!

1. Fujifilm FinePix F50fd

Max. Megapixels: 12Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 35, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 105, Weight (ounces): 6.3, Media Slots: xD-Picture Card,

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: 77.3PCW Rating: 77.3PCW Rating: 77.3

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

2. Casio EX-Z1080

Max. Megapixels: 10.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114, Weight (ounces): 5.4, Media Slots: SD Card,

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

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $230 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.5PCW Rating: 76.5PCW Rating: 76.5

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

3. Canon Powershot SD850 IS

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 35, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 140, Weight (ounces): 6.7, Media Slots: SD Card,

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.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $300 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3

Last Rated: July 11, 2008

4. Pentax Optio M40

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 36, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 108, Weight (ounces): 4.6, Media Slots: SD Card,

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.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $200 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.4PCW Rating: 76.4PCW Rating: 76.4

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

5. Canon Powershot SD950 IS

Max. Megapixels: 12.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3.7X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 36, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 133, Weight (ounces): 6.7, Media Slots: SD Card,

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.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $400 Check Latest Prices

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

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

6. Olympus FE 280

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 36, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 108, Weight (ounces): 3.9, Media Slots: xD-Picture Card,

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.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $180 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.2PCW Rating: 76.2PCW Rating: 76.2

Last Rated: July 11, 2008

7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100

Max. Megapixels: 12.2Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3.6X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 100, Weight (ounces): 6.2, Media Slots: SD Card,

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

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $400 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 75.4PCW Rating: 75.4PCW Rating: 75.4

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55

Max. Megapixels: 8.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3.6X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 100, Weight (ounces): 5.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

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.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $350 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 74.9PCW Rating: 74.9PCW Rating: 74.9

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

9. Casio EX-S880

Max. Megapixels: 8.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114, Weight (ounces): 5.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

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

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $230 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3PCW Rating: 76.3

Last Rated: September 02, 2008

10. Kodak EasyShare V1253

Max. Megapixels: 12.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 37, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 111, Weight (ounces): 6.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

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

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $250 Check Latest Prices
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