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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.
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Lori Grunin, senior editor
Editors' Top Cameras:
5-megapixel cameras |
6-megapixel cameras |
7-megapixel and higher cameras| Compact cameras | Ultracompact cameras | Budget cameras | Professional digital SLRs | Prosumer digital SLRsShopping by brand? According to CNET editors, here are this category's major players. Canon | Casio | Fujifilm | HP | Kodak | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony |
| Cameras | Editors' rating | Price | Summary |
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Canon PowerShot S80
Released: 08/30/2005 |
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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
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T30 (silver)
Released: 05/15/2006 |
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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
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Casio Exilim EX-Z850
Released: 03/06/2006 |
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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
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 (silver)
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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
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Casio Exilim EX-Z750
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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
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Canon PowerShot A620
Released: 08/30/2005 |
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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
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H5
Released: 06/09/2006 |
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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
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Canon PowerShot SD550
Released: 08/30/2005 |
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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
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Olympus Stylus 810
Released: 03/15/2006 |
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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
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Nikon Coolpix P3
Released: 02/27/2006 |
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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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