Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006
 
Lori Grunin, senior editor
  Want to go digital and still have some cash left over to pay the rent? All of these cameras are widely available for less than $300, and they're not the subpar bargain models of yesteryear either. -- 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
 
Budget cameras
Cameras Editors' rating Price Summary
Canon PowerShot A610
Released: 09/15/2005
7.4 out of 10 7.4
Very good
 
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
 

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S600
Released: 12/06/2005
7.0 out of 10 7.0
Very good
 
Solid high-ISO performance and a relatively wide-angle view are among the features that make the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S600 a versatile budget-priced 6-megapixel camera for casual snapshooters.
Specs: Compact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2 in LCD display , 30 MB - Integrated
 

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W50 (silver)
Released: 02/13/2006
6.8 out of 10 6.8
Good
 
It's not very flexible, and it's not for low light shots, but the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W50 is still a solid ultracompact camera.
Specs: Ultracompact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W30 (silver)
Released: 02/15/2006
6.8 out of 10 6.8
Good
 
Want an ultracompact that doesn't sacrifice image quality? This little gem may meet your needs. But don't count on the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W30's ISO 1,000 sensitivity.
Specs: Ultracompact , 6 megapixels, 3 x, 2 in LCD display
 

Canon PowerShot A530
Released: 03/07/2006
6.8 out of 10 6.8
Good
 
The Canon PowerShot A530 is a solid budget camera that could use a shot of adrenaline.
Specs: Compact , 5 megapixels, 4 x, 1.8 in LCD display
 

Canon PowerShot A520
Released: 03/15/2005
6.8 out of 10 6.8
Good
 
Strong image quality and a good mixture of manual and automated exposure controls make the Canon PowerShot A520 a low-cost option for snapshooters and enthusiasts alike.
Specs: Compact , 4 megapixels, 4 x, 1.8 in LCD display , 16 MB - MultiMediaCard
 

 
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