Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006

Five-megapixel cameras are slowly heading for technology limbo: they have more than you absolutely need for everyday snapshots but less than you want for large prints or enlargements of tiny details. Still, if you plan to retouch, crop, or otherwise edit your photos, a 5-megapixel model gives you some breathing space to let you get a good 8x10. These cameras vary wildly in their capabilities, design, and intent, so choose those that most closely match your shooting style. -- Lori Grunin, senior editor

Editors' Top Cameras:

5-megapixel cameras

5-megapixel cameras

Cameras	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Canon PowerShot S2 IS Released: 06/15/2005	7.7 Very good	$698	An excellent feature set and improved performance make the Canon PowerShot S2 IS megazoom camera even more attractive than its predecessor. Specs: Full body , 5 megapixels, 12 x, 1.8 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

HP Photosmart R817 Released: 08/15/2005	7.6 Very good	Email me when product is available	The compact HP Photosmart R817 combines some unusual photo-enhancement technologies with a strong feature set for both novices and experienced photographers. Specs: Compact , 5.1 megapixels, 5 x, 2 in LCD display , - Integrated

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 Released: 10/15/2005	7.4 Very good	$699	The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 takes quality stills and videos, if you can get past its awkward design. Specs: Compact , 5.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Fujifilm FinePix S5200 Released: 10/01/2005	7.4 Very good	$497	The Fujifilm FinePix S5200 is a well-designed, well-built camera with very good performance. It's a bit large, however, and artifacts in its photos may turn off some shooters. Specs: Full body , 5.1 megapixels, 10 x, 1.8 in LCD display , 16 MB - XD-Picture Card

Canon PowerShot A610 Released: 09/15/2005	7.4 Very good	$599	The Canon PowerShot A610 puts a great feature set in an affordable camera that produces above-average image quality, making it an excellent option for a wide variety of photographers. Specs: 5 megapixels, 4 x, 2 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Canon PowerShot SD450 Released: 09/15/2005	7.4 Very good	$689	Decent image quality and a well-rounded snapshot feature set make the high-performance ultracompact Canon PowerShot SD450 one of the better choices in the current Digital Elph lineup. Specs: Ultracompact , 5 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1 Released: 12/15/2004	7.4 Very good	Email me when product is available	If you're looking to buy a digital camera that takes decent movies, this is your best current option. Specs: Compact , 5.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 32 MB - Memory Stick Duo

Kodak EasyShare V570 Released: 01/03/2006	7.2 Very good	$648	The equivalent of a fixed-focal-length 23mm super-wide-angle lens coupled with a second, narrower 3X zoom gives the dual-lens ultracompact Kodak EasyShare V570 extra versatility, whether shooting indoors or creating three-shot panoramas. Specs: Ultracompact , 5 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S (silver) Released: 04/15/2005	7.2 Very good	$399	An SLR alternative with a stabilized 12X zoom lens that both enthusiasts and casual photographers can appreciate. Specs: Full body , 5 megapixels, 12 x, 1.8 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H1 Released: 06/15/2005	7.2 Very good	Email me when product is available	This is a capable megazoom camera that can hold its own against much of the competition. Specs: Full body , 5.1 megapixels, 12 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 32 MB - Integrated