Top Compact Cameras

Canon PowerShot D10 Blue Digital Camera (12.1 Megapixel - 2.5" LCD - 3x Optical Zoom - 4000 x 3000 Image - 640 x 480 Video - PictBridge)

551 Reviews

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	Price: $249.95
	Price: $299.99
	Price: $254.95
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Pros: Waterproof, cold-resistant and shockproof, 12 megapixel image sensor, Shoots video
Cons: Performance is not much different from ordinary digital cameras, Lens shell causes distortion effects, No built-in speakers

The Canon Powershot D10 is the definitive digital camera if you are more of the rough-and-tumble type, as it combines impressive performance with a shell that can withstand conditions that will destroy other camera models. It goes without saying that the biggest selling point of this camera is its durability. Canon wrapped the Powershot D10 in a body that is waterproof up to 33 feet (10m) and withstands temperatures of a minimum of minus 10 Celsius and drops of up to four feet in height. Protective seals around every opening, even around the buttons, battery and memory card slot, ensure that nothing gets in. This camera can be considered as one for beach vacations, as you can snap pictures in, out and even underwater without worrying about possible damage caused by water, sand or salt. The body is made of a sturdy steel-aluminum alloy, which even goes around the lens and is sealed by a scratchproof cover. The flash is integrated at the top of the lens and the LCD screen that takes up almost the entirety of the back area is bright and vibrant, with 230,000 dots of resolution. A wrist strap that bolts on to one of the corner mounting ports is also included in the package and does hold the camera securely, but we recommend that you pick up the optional accessory kit that includes a lanyard with a carabiner clip, a soft case and interchangeable faceplates to replace the default turquoise blue that comes with the purchase. While the Powershot D10 is a tough adventure camera, it does offer quality images, thanks to its 12 megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD. The lens has 3X optical zoom and focal length of 35-105mm. It even shoots VGA resolution video (640X480) at 30FPS in H.264 MOV format. However, the design of the camera did not permit the inclusion of a speaker system, so you have to plug it into a computer or TV using the supplied cables to review video. Performance is more like ordinary point-and-shoot digital cameras, and there's not much control afforded to the user so it's probably better to leave it on auto mode. In particular, the lens shell creates a little distortion with macro close-up shots, but otherwise, it performs impressively. The shell of the Canon PowerShot D10, while easily its strongest feature, has a few disadvantages too. For one, it is quite thick, so it's not that easy to slip into a pocket. The curved areas of the shell may also make for a little clumsy handling, especially if you're wearing gloves. We would have wanted rubber grips to hold onto the camera more securely.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 White Digital Camera (10.1 Megapixel - 5.10 mm-19.20 mm - 3" LCD - 3.8x Optical Zoom - Optical - 3648 x 2736 Image - 1280 x 720 Video - QuickTime Motion JPEG - HDMI - PictBridge)

319 Reviews

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	Price: $402.44
	Price: $389.00
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Pros: High-speed performance, Quick autofocus, Excellent Image Quality, Great set of features, Lots of scene modes
Cons: Low built-in memory, No wrist strap, Lens cap needs to be redesigned, A little heavy

Most people would like to capture stunning pictures but are sometimes intimidated by heavy and professional cameras. Panasonic changes the way you see photography by releasing the Lumix DMC-LX5. It incorporates an all new Venus Engine FHD with Intelligent Resolution technology that offers high-speed performance together with enhanced sharpness and optimized picture quality. Aside from reducing start-up and shutter release time, the Sonic Speed AF system also ensures fast and sharp autofocus which make it ideal for shooting fast-paced sports. You can shoot a maximum of 5 standard and 3 fine images in burst mode. The f/2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens on this point-and-shoot camera ensures outstanding images in different lighting conditions. Its 5.0x Intelligent Zoom and 6.7x Extra Optical Zoom allow you to take a closer look at your subject and the Multi Aspect Ratios (16:9, 3:2, and 4:3) add to its versatility. With its 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD, you can easily view your captured images. The screen remains bright and easy to view even with reflective light. Unlike most cameras, it has more scene modes for both videos and stills. The scene modes for movies include portrait, self-portrait, low light mode, party, sunset, beach, aerial, soft skin, scenery, food, candlelight, high sensitivity and snow while the scene modes for photos consist of portrait, self-portrait, panorama assist, night portrait, food, candlelight, pet, high sensitivity, flash burst, fireworks, snow, soft skin, scenery, sports, night scenery, part, baby, sunset, high speed burst, starry sky, beach and aerial photo mode. There is a built-in flash for sharper images in low-light situations and manual functions such as Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and Manual Exposure Mode. Being PictBridge-compatible, you can send your photos straight to your printer and print them instantly. In addition to still images, it is also capable of HD video capture. There is a dedicated button for shooting movies and a Wind Cut function which delivers high-quality audio while recording. On the downside, there is no wrist strap and there are issues about the supplied lens cap. It is also heavier when compared to most point-and-shoot cameras and its 40MB built-in memory only lets you save up to 15 10-megapixel images or 36 3-megapixel images. However, the latter could be resolved by buying a memory card. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 allows you to create a slideshow and choose between 4 types of music: Natural, Urban, Slow and Swing. It comes bundled with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition for organizing files and making more creative slideshows. Latest technologies like Shake detection, Face Recognition, Face Detection, Motion detection and Scene and Light detection are also present in this full-featured camera.

Canon PowerShot G12 Black Digital Camera (10 Megapixel - 6.10 mm-30.50 mm - 2.8" LCD - 5x Optical Zoom - Optical - 3648 x 2736 Image - 1280 x 720 Video - QuickTime MOV, MPEG-4 - HDMI - PictBridge)

235 Reviews

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	Price: $489.95
	Price: $499.99
	Price: $499.00
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Pros: SLR-level features and performance, Equipment enhancements are available
Cons: Big and bulky for a compact camera

The Canon PowerShot series of high-end compact digital cameras have always been a well-reviewed line of photo equipment. While not exactly matching the technological sophistication of the manufacturer's digital SLRs, Canon PowerShots do have enough features to satisfy users who are looking for better alternatives to ordinary digital point-and-shoots. The PowerShot G12 continues on the tradition set by earlier models with yet another quality camera with likewise outstanding features. As mentioned, the hardware is decidedly high-end: A combination of a 10-megapixel CCD capable of 5x optical and 4x digital zoom, plus a combined 20x zoom and Canon's own DIGIC 4 image processor makes for a highly-sensitive camera that produces clear, sharp and impressive image results without blurring, even in low light conditions. Working alongside the hardware is the Canon Hybrid Image Stabilization system that automatically corrects blurring from camera shake using input from an angular sensor and an accelerometer to produce clear, steady images even from shaky or uneven shooting. The G12 features a swing-out, articulated LCD viewfinder measuring 2.8 inches diagonal with 461000 DPI screen resolution that has excellent color and contrast even when viewed from different angles due to Vari-angle qualities. For composition purists, it also has an optical viewfinder on top of the LCD. It has the ability to shoot in 720p HD video for quick video clip captures and display them on a separate device using an HDMI port. The body of the PowerShot G12 is dominated at the front by a lens attachment with aperture and speed control dials similar to those found on actual SLR cameras. The features and performance of the camera can also be enhanced using Canon's own extensive line of accessories like flash attachments and even waterproof cases. The G12 has ace performance ratings with outputs actually comparable to those made by digital SLR cameras, mainly because of a wide range of shooting modes present in the model. The availability of such shooting modes like sports, fireworks and even underwater (possible through the camera's optional waterproof case) makes the product a more affordable and practical alternative to expensive SLRs.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 Black Digital Camera (16.2 Megapixel - 4.40 mm-17.70 mm - 3" Touchscreen LCD - 4x Optical Zoom - Electronic, Optical IS - 4608 x 3456 Image - 1920 x 1080 Video - MP4 - HDMI)

256 Reviews

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	Price: $309.99
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Pros: Slim and stylish profile, Shoots high definition video, Easy to use
Cons: No manual picture control, LCD screen needs fine-tuning, Slow startup time

If you've ever owned or used a ruggedized digital camera, you would know that the process of making the camera waterproof and shockproof comes at the price of its appearance. Such cameras are solidly built, with rubber seals around every button, in addition to being considerably heavier and clunkier in order to withstand environmental extremes that would destroy ordinary digital point-and-shoots. However, the Sony CyberShot DSC-TX10 Digital Camera defies this common convention. Take it on your next trip outdoors and it will work in water up to 5 meters deep (16 feet), freeze-proof to temperatures of minus 10 Celsius (14 degrees F) and even survive drops from a height of five feet - and the best thing is, its slim and stylish construction completely looks like an ordinary digital camera so it doesn't look out of place for casual nights out with friends and family. The CyberShot TX10 uses a 16.2 Megapixel EXMOR R CMOS sensor coupled with a 25mm Carl Zeiss Lens with 4X optical zoom. It only measures an astounding quarter of an inch, actually .71" thick, making it sleek and very easy to slip into your pocket. This camera does not have many buttons aside from the power and shutter release, a video record and playback button and a zoom control nub, most of the relevant controls are displayed on a 3.0" resistive touchscreen interface at the back of the unit. The very simplified control scheme makes it highly regarded when it comes to ease of use. However, it is purely automatic and does not offer any form of manual exposure control. In terms of performance, the TX10 could be compared to similar models from other manufacturers. Overall photo quality on both the display screen and final prints seem to be exceptional, including low-light shooting. It shoots 1080i video at 60 frames a second while taking still images at the same time. With the option to save it in either MPEG or AVCHD formats, it is perfect for high-definition video displays. It is likewise capable of shooting 3D images, which is great if you own an HDTV capable of showing 3D content. On the other hand, the Sony CyberShot TX10 could use a little more improvement in a few key areas. For example, its startup time from switch-on to shooting mode feels a bit sluggish. It also feels as though the camera has been pared down too much, especially when it comes to the sliding front cover. What we'd like to see are a few ridges for our fingers to grip onto in place of the nearly-flat surface. Dirt and sand may also get in between the sliding hinges and cause scratches on the surfaces. Finally and most importantly, the sensitivity of the LCD screen could use some fine-tuning considering that the bulk of the controls of this camera are on it, it has the tendency to shift from hypersensitivity to inaccuracy while in use.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70/L Blue Digital Camera (16.1 MP, 10x Opt, SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/PRO HG-Duo Card Slot)

112 Reviews

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	Price: $212.33
	Price: $199.97
	Price: $179.99
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Pros: Great for beginners, Excellent Auto Mode, Shoots 720p HD video, Sweep Panorama feature
Cons: Slow shutter speed, No optical viewfinder

While the idea would be nice, not everyone has the inclination or the budget to buy high-end camera equipment. After all, the ability to take a great picture isn't exactly sole territory of expensive professional gear. Take for instance Sony's Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 Digital Camera. It has its share of the bells and whistles, but not so much as to push the price to astronomical levels. For example, the sensor on this unit is a 1/2.3" Super HAD CCD with a 16.4 Megapixel rating. The 25mm lens has a maximum optical zoom of 10X, an aperture range of F/3.5-5.5 and ISO sensitivity of between ISO 100 to 3200. Lastly, its LCD display measures 3 inches, with around 230,000 pixels. All those figures are just numbers though, especially to people who just want to know if this camera can take a good picture. Well, for the record, it does and with the help of a few functions, your photos may even look better. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer kicks in the camera's built-in gyro sensor that quickly adjusts the lens to help cut down on motion blur from unsteady grips. The motion detection function ups the shutter speed in order to capture split-second movements, meaning there will be no more blur at dance recitals or sporting events. If you're more the type to keep things as quick and painless as possible, then the Cyber-Shot H70's Intelligent Auto feature will become your new best friend, as it automatically analyzes the scene and the subjects being photographed, and configures camera's settings accordingly for excellent image quality. In essence, all the guesswork is done away with, leaving you to simply press the shutter release button and get your picture. Some post-process tools included in the camera software even allow you to perform minor adjustments like red-eye correction and even unsharp masking. Of course, Sony being what it is, made the Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 capable of shooting 720p high-definition video clips. The camera's active mode makes sure that all your video is perfectly smooth (30 FPS shooting) and stable. The last, and most notable feature that this camera has, is the inclusion of the sweep panorama which is great for scene photography. This function shoots images in sequence and automatically composites them to form a panoramic image. On a less positive note, the shutter speed takes less of a priority with this model, so you kind of have to be a little quick on the draw, so to speak. This is more obvious when the camera adapts to a different environment. Fortunately, this can be remedied by going into manual mode and adjusting the settings. Also, zooming in on subjects too much will produce some noise in your final picture and the lack of an optical viewfinder may complicate shooting images in bright locations as the LCD display may be hard to see.