Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006
 
Lori Grunin, senior editor
  Photographers who want to make large prints (8x10 or larger) and capture lots of image detail need all the megapixels they can get. But that's not all these high-res models offer. Each of them has a distinctive feature set and design--and they're not all made with the same kind of shooter in mind. So before you invest in a high-res camera, take a look at our top picks to find out what sets each model apart from its peers--and which one will sync with your own photographic style. -- Lori Grunin, senior editor
 

Editors' Top Cameras:


Shopping by brand? According to CNET editors, here are this category's major players.
Canon  |  Casio  |  Fujifilm  |  HP  |  Kodak  |  Nikon  |  Olympus  |  Panasonic  |  Pentax  |  Samsung  |  Sony
 
7-megapixel and higher cameras
Cameras Editors' rating Price Summary
Canon PowerShot S80 Editors' Choice
Released: 08/30/2005
8.0 out of 10 8.0
Excellent
 
Aside from one or two very minor lens shortcomings, Canon's new flagship S-series model stands out in its class.
Specs: 8 megapixels, 3.6 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 32 MB - SD Memory Card
 

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 (silver)
Released: 05/15/2006
7.6 out of 10 7.6
Very good
 
Pocket-friendly and stylish, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 continues the T-series tradition of ease of use and image quality.
Specs: Ultracompact , 7.2 megapixels, 3 x, 3 in LCD display , 58 MB
 

Casio Exilim EX-Z850
Released: 03/06/2006
7.6 out of 10 7.6
Very good
 
With its broad feature set and tunable performance, the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is well suited for snapshooters and photo enthusiasts looking an ultracompact camera.
Specs: Ultracompact , 8.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 8.0 MB - Integrated
 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 (silver)

7.6 out of 10 7.6
Very good
 
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has a broad set of manual controls, image stabilization, and a wide lens and sensor crammed into a compact package.
Specs: 8.4 megapixels, 4 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 32 MB - SD Memory Card
 

Casio Exilim EX-Z750

7.6 out of 10 7.6
Very good
 
The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 marries form and function with a great design and satisfying manual controls.
Specs: Ultracompact , 7.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , - Integrated
 

Canon PowerShot A620
Released: 08/30/2005
7.4 out of 10 7.4
Very good
 
The Canon PowerShot A620's above-average feature set and great photo quality should make it as popular as the A95.
Specs: 7.1 megapixels, 4 x, 2 in LCD display , 32 MB - SD Memory Card
 

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H5
Released: 06/09/2006
7.2 out of 10 7.2
Very good
 
Advanced amateurs who find dSLRs too bulky will like the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H5's versatility but lament the noise at higher ISOs.
Specs: Full body , 7.2 megapixels, 12 x, 3 in LCD display , 32 MB - Integrated
 

Canon PowerShot SD550
Released: 08/30/2005
7.2 out of 10 7.2
Very good
 
The Canon PowerShot SD550 is a very well-designed, 7-megapixel snapshot camera. Just don't look for advanced controls.
Specs: Compact , 7.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 32 MB - SD Memory Card
 

Olympus Stylus 810
Released: 03/15/2006
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
$199-$399
from 2 stores
Check latest prices
 
If you can stand a bit of noise, the Olympus Stylus 810 can handle your low-light and high-speed shots. Unfortunately, the easily washed-out LCD limits its use in sunlight.
Specs: Ultracompact , 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 28.4 MB
 

Nikon Coolpix P3
Released: 02/27/2006
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
 
Like its older siblings, the P1 and P2, the Nikon Coolpix P3 has a limited Wi-Fi capability and excellent image quality. Better value and quicker performance can be found in the company's nonwireless offerings.
Specs: Compact , 8.1 megapixels, 3.5 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 23 MB
 

 
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