Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006

Though 5 megapixels is generally more than enough for most snapshot photographers, the inevitable tide of increasing resolution has pushed those models into the low end of the market, making 6 megapixels the new mainstream. With 20 percent more pixels, though, you'll have more leeway for cropping and enlarging your prints, which comes in handy if you take a really good shot--or a really bad one.
-- Lori Grunin, senior editor

Editors' Top Cameras:

5-megapixel cameras |

6-megapixel cameras

6-megapixel cameras

Cameras	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Released: 05/15/2006	7.7 Very good	$799	A very well-executed megazoom camera, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS reminds you why dSLRs still have competition for photo enthusiasts' hearts. Specs: Full body , 6 megapixels, 12 x, 2 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Canon PowerShot SD700 IS Released: 03/15/2006	7.8 Very good	$699	The Canon PowerShot SD700 IS has practically everything you could want in a compact camera, though you might think the price tag a bit steep. Specs: Compact , 6 megapixels, 4 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Canon PowerShot SD600 Released: 03/07/2006	7.8 Very good	$549	Despite its no-frills feature set, the Canon PowerShot SD600 delivers quality photos and strong performance in a small package. Specs: Ultracompact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Canon PowerShot A700 Released: 03/07/2006	7.6 Very good	$399	The Canon PowerShot A700's useful 6X zoom range, decent image quality, almost-acceptable ISO 800 performance, and full manual controls will catch the attention of photo enthusiasts and snapshooters. Specs: Compact , 6 megapixels, 6 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - MultiMediaCard

Canon PowerShot SD630 Released: 02/21/2006	7.6 Very good	$599	The Canon PowerShot SD630 shoehorns a relatively broad set of features, solid performance, and great image quality into an attractive ultracompact package. Specs: Ultracompact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 3 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card

Canon PowerShot A540 Released: 03/07/2006	7.6 Very good	$239	Solid image quality plus manual and automated exposure controls make the Canon PowerShot A540 a nice low-cost option for snapshooters and photo enthusiasts. Specs: Compact , 6 megapixels, 4 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - MultiMediaCard

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T9 Released: 01/15/2006	7.6 Very good	$599	Sony's new Cyber Shot DSC-T9 is a beautiful, highly pocketable camera that's fast and easy to use and has good image quality, to boot. Specs: Ultracompact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 58 MB

Kodak EasyShare V610 Released: 05/07/2006	7.4 Very good	$9	As one of the only pocketable cameras with a 10X zoom lens, the Kodak EasyShare V610 is on the cutting edge of design; we just wish the image quality were better. Specs: 6 megapixels, 10 , 2.8 in LCD display

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2	7.2 Very good	Email me when product is available	The megazoom Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2's long, image-stabilized lens should have the soccer moms drooling--as long as they stick to the lower ISO speeds. Specs: Full body , 6 megapixels, 12 x, 2 in LCD display , 32 MB - Integrated

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7K (black) Released: 02/21/2006	7.2 Very good	Email me when product is available	The Panasonic DMC-FZ7 is a solid megazoom alternative for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Specs: Full body , 6 megapixels, 12 x, 2.5 in LCD display , 16 MB - SD Memory Card