Top 10 Digital Cameras

Cameras on this chart range from full-featured, advanced units to light, easy-to-use models.

Tracey Capen

Tuesday, October 29, 2002, 01:00 AM PST

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	Rank	Name
Camera: under $500
	1	Olympus C-4000 Zoom • 4 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene, aperture, shutter, manual modes • Price when ranked: $499 Check latest prices Relatively inexpensive for an advanced camera, the C-4000 blends great image quality, manual exposure settings, and a long battery life. Menus can be confusing. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	2	Fujifilm FinePix 2800 Zoom • 2 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 6X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • Full automatic exposure only • Price when ranked: $329 Check latest prices The 2800 has a powerful optical zoom and long battery life; it takes pleasing shots, and its menus are easy to navigate. It's a bit bulky, though. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	3	Nikon Coolpix 2000 • 2 megapixels • 16MB CompactFlash • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene modes • Price when ranked: $249 Check latest prices This inexpensive, pared-down camera lacks an optical viewfinder, but intuitive buttons and menus make it easy for beginners to use. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

	4	Olympus D-550 Zoom • 3 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 2.8X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene modes • Price when ranked: $349 Check latest prices This bulky camera takes sharp, evenly exposed photos and adds a few extra features, such as the ability to take panorama shots. (Last Rated: August 21, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	5	HP Photosmart 720 • 3.18 megapixels • 16MB internal memory and Secure Digital media slot • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • Full automatic exposure only • Price when ranked: $329 Check latest prices Large, relatively heavy model lacks a macro mode, and the controls feel slow, but it takes nice-looking photos. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	6	Olympus C-720 Ultra Zoom • 3 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 8X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene, aperture, shutter, manual modes • Price when ranked: $499 Check latest prices The longest battery life we've seen and an 8X optical zoom are offset by the lack of a manual focus. Image quality could be better. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

	7	Canon PowerShot A200 • 2 megapixels • 8MB CompactFlash • Fixed wide-angle lens • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene modes • Price when ranked: $199 Check latest prices Light, compact, and inexpensive, the A200 is also light on features. There's no optical zoom, just a 4X digital zoom, and its image quality rated only Fair. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	8	Pentax Optio 430RS • 4 megapixels • 11MB internal memory and CompactFlash media slot • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Scene, manual modes • Price when ranked: $490 Check latest prices Exceptionally compact and inexpensive for a 4-megapixel camera, the 430RS has full manual exposure control and creates pleasing images. (Last Rated: October 21, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	9	Kodak EasyShare LS420 • 2.1 megapixels • 8MB internal • Fixed wide-angle lens • Video recording, audio recording • Full automatic exposure only • Price when ranked: $279 Check latest prices This light, stylish camera includes audio and video recording, but little beyond that; it has no optical zoom or exposure override controls, and our test images looked lackluster. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	10	Toshiba PDR-3310 • 3.2 megapixels • 16MB Secure Digital • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio recording • Aperture, shutter, manual modes • Price when ranked: $499 Check latest prices Pocket-size travel camera has a rugged aluminum body and takes soundless video. Image quality did not impress us, however. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

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Use the Check Boxes to see a Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall rating for point-and-shoot cameras is based on price (25 percent), picture quality (20 percent), ease of use (15 percent), features (20 percent), battery life (10 percent), and support (10 percent). Overall rating for advanced cameras is based on price (15 percent), picture quality (30 percent), ease of use (15 percent), features (20 percent), battery life (10 percent), and support (10 percent). For all ratings, higher is better. Data based on tests designed and conducted by the PC World Test Center. All rights reserved.