Digital Camera Recommendations

Straight Talk recommends Canon PowerShot SX200 IS as Best Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $400.

2008-12-20T08:50:53-08:00

Overview

Sporting a class-leading 12x zoom lens that is bright and sharp, the Canon SX200 IS is a great camera for everyone in the family. The best in class reach is good for sports and offers closer views of your subjects. Its wide angle view is great for shooting landscapes. The camera produces very pleasing images with rich colors and fine details under a variety of lighting conditions. It also includes manual controls for more experienced photographers.

My Best In Class Pick

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

PowerShot SX200 IS is latest superzoom without an eye-level viewfinder from Canon. It offers a 12MP resolution sensor. The zoom range has been improved over its predecessor and the camera now is equipped with a sharp 12x super-zoom lens with wideer angle view. Despite such a big zoom range the lens gathers more light (wider aperture) at the tele-end of the zoom range than others in its class. That translates into more blur-free shots under a variety of condition throughout the zoom range.

The image quality is good with rich colors and fine details. Camera’s DIGIC IV processor does a good job at removing noise from High ISO images but at the cost of fine details. Nevertheless its high ISO images can still produce acceptable mid-sized prints (up to 8”x10” size).

Despite its small price tag, Canon has not skimped on features, and the camera offers full manual modes (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, etc.) for demanding users along with many scene modes, which pulls it ahead of the competition. There is an easy mode too where the camera automatically chooses the appropriate settings, depending upon the scene and the lighting.

It has an HD movie mode too. However optical zoom cannot be used during making movies.

The overall versatile feature set, good image quality under a variety of situations, and powerful zoom lens make it the best in class pick among value compacts.

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Canon SX200 IS has manual modes, more tele-reach, a brighter lens at maximum zoom setting. However if one mostly shoots in Auto mode then Panasonic ZS3 is better choice as it has better movie mode.

Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Much larger zoom range.

Pros

+
Good zoom range
+
wider aperture than competition at tele-end of zoom
+
Good image quality
+
Useful Aperture/Shutter priority & manual modes

Cons

-
Higher instances of color fringing around high contrast edges
-
Flash pops up automatically and can't be put down when camera is switched on

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

Best Price: $329
See It »
$329 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 12.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (59 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Canon PowerShot SX200 IS	2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	3 Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 59 reviews)	4.5 stars (from 68 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 35 reviews)
Price	$329 - $399	$399 - $399	$299 - $519
Size (W x H x D)	4.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.	3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
Sensor Size	6.0 x 4.5 mm	6.0 x 4.4 mm	7.8 x 5.8 mm
Effective Sensor Resolution	12.1 megapixels	10.1 megapixels	12.0 megapixels
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)	0.3 sec	-	0.5 - 0.6 sec
Max Shooting Speed (continuous)	1.0 frames/sec	-	0.5 frames/sec
Max Video Resolution	1080 x 720 pixels	1280 x 720 pixels	640 x 480 pixels
Max Video Frame Rate (max resolution)	30 frames/sec	60 frames/sec	30 frames/sec
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	28 mm	25 mm	28 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	336 mm	300 mm	140 mm
Optical Zoom	12.0x	12.0x	5.0x
Min Focus Distance (not macro)	19.7 in.	19.7 in.	17.7 in.
Min Focus Distance (macro)	0.0 in.	1.2 in.	2.0 in.
Max Aperture (wide-angle)	f/3.4	f/3.3	f/3.3
Max Aperture (tele-photo)	f/4.3	f/4.9	f/5.1
Max Usable ISO (subjective)	1600	1600	1600
Aperture Priority Mode Available	Yes	No	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	Yes	No	No
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Image Quality
Corner to corner sharpness	Very good	excellent	excellent
Quality of optics	good	excellent	excellent

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Pansonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is part of the highly successful TZ (Travel Zoom) series. It packs a versatile 12x zoom lens with a super wide angle view in a sturdy metal body.

Despite being so tightly packed, the lens retains its sharpness & produces little distortion across the zoom range which is commendable. The camera is a snappy performer and battery life is good making it great companion for travel. The camera also features a superb HD movie mode that supports using the optical zoom while recording movies (a rare feature among compacts).

Panasonic has improved their image processing technology over time, and the ZS3 uses their latest Venus Engine HD processor for the task. This image processor also helps in better compression of movie clips which now require less memory card space.
The unique multi-aspect sensor design results in efficient utilization of pixels while taking photos in various aspact ratios (4:3, 3:2 or 16:9).

But for the missing Manual modes (Aperture/Shutter priority, etc.) this camera would have been top overall choice in this category.

Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

More zoom and better movie mode.

Pros

+
Class leading 12x zoom with super wide angle view
+
Low distortion lens with good corner-to-corner sharpness
+
Sturdy metal body
+
Class leading LCD resolution (460K dots) that is great for framing and checking focus
+
Good image quality

Cons

-
Lacks useful Aperture/Shutter priority modes.

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Best Price: $399
See It »
$399 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Fotoguy's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (68 reviews)

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Excellent by CNET.com

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Fuji F series cameras are renowned for their super CCD sensors which produce less noisy images than others in class. Finepix F200EXR is the latest model which now support 5x zoom producing sharp images with minimal distortion throughout the zoom range. The lens also provides wide angle view, which is great for capturing landscapes and taking photos of family gatherings. The high ISO image quality is among the best in class. The camera now offers useful aperture & shutter priority modes too.

The compact size, rich feature set, good image quality and useful zoom range makes this camera an irresistible offering. If you can live with its smaller 5x zoom range (as compared to 12x zooms of Panasonic ZS3 & Canon SX200IS), then this camera will delight you with pleasant images.

It is great for travel too due to its ultra-compact size.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD880 IS

More zoom, availability of Aperture/Shutter priority modes. Better low light performance.

Pros

+
Good image quality
+
Low distortion lens with good corner-to-corner sharpness
+
Sturdy metal body
+
Class leading LCD resolution (460K dots) that is great for framing and checking focus
+
useful Aperture/Shutter priority modes.
+
Ultra-compact size

Cons

-
small zoom range

Where to buy

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Best Price: $299
See It »
$299 - $519 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 12.0MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (35 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS

The Canon PowerShot SD880 IS is the most affordable camera with the latest DGIC IV image processor in the Canon lineup. It has a sharp 4x optical zoom lens with wide angle view.

Due to DIGIC IV the high ISO images are cleaner than ever and without unpleasant noise reduction artifacts, resulting in good image quality under variety of situations.

Pros

+
Good image quality
+
Good corner-to-corner sharpness
+
Ultra-compact size

Cons

-
Small zoom range
-
Lack of manual modes

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS

Best Price: $379
See It »
$379 - $449 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 4.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 10.0MP

Want More Opinions? See:

TheDailyNathan's Recommendation, KenRockwell.com's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (255 reviews)

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Excellent by CNET.com

Katherine Gorman recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 as Best Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $350 with Video and High Definition (HD).

2009-06-15T13:44:03-07:00

Overview

With 10x optical zoom, a 9.1 megapixel sensor, HD video capabilities, an HDMI output, and zoom capability in video, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is the best digital camera for under $350. Whether you are taking family photos, recording an unbelievable concert, or documenting your travels, this compact camera will deliver amazing pictures and long lasting memories.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC- TZ5 features a 9.1 megapixel resolution sensor, 10x optical zoom, HD video recording capabilities, and 3 inch high resolution LCD. Because of its versatility and ability to produce high quality images in any situation, the Lumix DMC-TZ5 proves to be the best overall digital camera for under $350. The DMC-TZ5’s compact design, great image quality, and attractive price make this camera best-in-class.

The Lumix DMC- TZ5 features a 28mm wide angle Leica lens, which is great for photographing landscapes or large group photos, and an optical image stabilizer. Additionally, the DMC- TZ5 features 21 scene modes, including sports, food, party, and pet modes as well as a built- in flash with 5 modes and Red-eye Reduction. A nice feature of the DMC-TZ5 is the Intelligent Auto, which detects portions of the scene and automatically adjusts to the most suitable settings, making shooting as simple and easy as possible. The E.Z. zoom button, which is a new feature for the DMC-TZ5, allows the user to zoom directly to 10x and back to wide angle quickly.

Although you cannot expect to replace a stand alone HD camcorder, this camera still delivers remarkable 720p video quality. The DMC-TZ5 records QuickTime Motion JPEG movies, with a 2GB maximum or about 22 minutes of HD video and 56 minutes of VGA. The DMC-TZ5 is capable of zooming during video, which is helpful and practical, while many any other cameras do not incorporate this feature. The HDMI output allows for direct viewing of pictures and video on an HDTV screen. The video recording is a great feature if you enjoy documenting spur of the moment occurrences or simply making Youtube videos. The microphone is placed on the top left of the camera and can easily be covered by when holding the camera, so it is important when recording video to be especially aware of this.

Recently, Panasonic released an updated version of Lumix DMC-TZ5 in the Lumix DMC- ZS3 (Available from April 2009.) The DMC-ZS3’s key update is the induction of the AVCHD Lite format for HD video recording. The DMC- TZ5 utilizes the Motion JPEG format, which makes larger files that could quickly fill up a memory card, compared to the AVCHD Lite. Most digital camcorders that shoot in high definition use AVCHD. AVCHD Lite is the adapted format for digital cameras. The only other addition to the DMC-ZS3 is a second microphone. The DMC-ZS3 sells for $399.99. The small changes in the new DMC-ZS3 are not worth the extra money compared to the DMC-TZ5, in my opinion.

The DMC- TZ5 remains the best overall camera for under $350 with its compact size, great performance, extensive features, and affordable price.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

Although the Powershot SX200 IS has a greater 12x optical zoom and is equipped with Full Manual Exposure mode, if you compare the Powershot SX200 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC- TZ5, the DMC-TZ5 is a greater value, with a slightly less bulky design. The DMC-TZ5 features the ability to zoom on HD video, which the SX200 does not, and can handle just about anything you can think of for a point and shoot camera.

Pros

+
HD video recording
+
HDMI output
+
Ability to zoom in video recording
+
10x optical zoom
+
Optical image stabilization
+
28mm wide angle lens

Cons

-
Poorly placed microphone
-
Images can be blurred momentarily when zooming during video

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

Best Price: $270
See It »
$270 - $389 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 10.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 9.1MP
HD Video Available: Yes
Video Available: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

Fotoguy's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (482 reviews)

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5	2 Canon PowerShot SX200 IS	3 Canon PowerShot SD960 IS
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 482 reviews)	4.5 stars (from 59 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 25 reviews)
Price	$270 - $389	$329 - $399	$269 - $457
Size (W x H x D)	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.4 in.	4.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.	3.9 x 2.1 x 0.9 in.
Weight (without batteries)	7.5 oz	7.8 oz	5.1 oz
HD Video Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video Zoom Available (while recording)	Yes	No	No
Optical Zoom	10.0x	12.0x	4.0x
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available	No	Yes	No
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.	3.0 in.	2.8 in.
Battery Life	300 shots	280 shots	200 shots

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

The Canon Powershot SX200 IS incorporates a 12x optical zoom that cannot be beat. This is a great feature for zooming in on far away landmarks while traveling.

The SX200 overall provides a great 720p video quality, though it does lack the ability to zoom while recording video. With a wide angle lens and an easy to use interface this camera is perfect for quick, high quality photos.

The drawbacks in this camera lie in a steeper price compared to the Lumix TZ5, as well as the pop out flash, which opens when the camera is started, which many find makes the camera difficult to hold.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

The Powershot SX200 IS packs a powerful 12x optical zoom and incorporates a full manual exposure mode. However, if you are looking for a more simple, compact, and easy to use all- purpose camera, still equipped with HD video capabilites, the Canon Powershot SD960 IS is a great option.

Pros

+
12x optical zoom
+
12 megapixels
+
HD video recording
+
HDMI output
+
Full manual exposure mode
+
Optical image stabilizer
+
28mm wide angle lens

Cons

-
Pop out flash
-
Bulky
-
No zoom capability on video

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

Best Price: $329
See It »
$329 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 12.1MP
HD Video Available: Yes
Video Available: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

Straight Talk's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (59 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

The Powershot SD960 IS features a lightweight, compact design, that is very desirable for everyday usage. If you do not feel a super zoom camera is essential for you, this camera proves to be great overall. It easily slips into a pocket and records HD quality video, which can be viewed directly on an HDTV via the HDMI output. This camera features a wide angle lens and the Face Self-Timer, which are both great for taking group photos. When activated, the Face Self- Timer mode detects the number of faces in the frame and waits until an additional face, that of the person setting up the camera, appears in the frame before taking the photo.

Pros

+
HD video recording
+
HDMI output
+
Portable and lightweight
+
Face Detection self-timer
+
28mm wide angle lens
+
Optical image stabilizer

Cons

-
Only 4x digital zoom
-
Controls on the round dial are not clearly labeled
-
No zoom capability on video

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

Best Price: $269
See It »
$269 - $457 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 4.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 12.1MP
HD Video Available: Yes
Video Available: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (25 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Good by CNET.com

Fotoguy recommends Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS as Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $200.

2009-05-12T16:04:58-07:00

Overview

The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH is an inexpensive–without being cheap–auto-only (with some manual overrides) ultra compact with all the features you need and none of the ones you don’t. Its very small size, good build quality, 3X zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, ten megapixel sensor and sharp, well saturated images makes it the ultimate, carry-everywhere, fit-in-your-pocket, supersnapshot camera. Plus, for the fashion conscious, it comes in six, attractive colors.

My Best In Class Pick

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

The Canon Powershot SD1200 continues the ELPH tradition of a small, moderately priced, easy-to-use, durable, point-n-shoot camera that produces excellent images. It appears to be a replacement as well as an incremental upgrade to the popular SD770, which debuted in March 2008, with apparently the same 10 megapixel sensor, same 6.2-18.6mm f/2.8-4.9 (35-105mm equiv.) 3X zoom lens, optical viewfinder and feature set.

Major improvements include the new DIGIC 4 image processor, Smart AUTO that intelligently determines the proper camera settings based on eighteen predefined shooting situations, and LiveView. As with all upgrades, some of the less useful or used features have been eliminated. The time lapse and compact video modes of the 770 are gone leaving only the 640x480 and 320x240 formats, both at 30 fps, and from the still Shooting Modes: Color Accent, Color Swap, Camera M, and Stitch Assist modes are gone as well.

The SD1200’s image quality seems to be improved over its predecessor’s (due to the new DIGIC 4 processor, I’m sure) with less noise, improved sharpness and better color contributing to better prints right out of the camera, which the camera seems designed by default for. But like all small sensor ultra compacts, even the SD1200, image noise will always be a problem. It’s the nature of the beast. So, for best results, shoot at the lowest ISO possible, 80 or 100 preferably, and use 1600 or 3200 only for emergencies, but otherwise avoid them.

Overall, the SD1200 has more good than bad. The major caveats being the small LCD and, believe it or not, the small size, which can be a problem: too easy to get a finger (or two) in front of the lens or flash. But the small size (and light weight) is an advantage as well, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag for carrying all the time. So, if you want a no muss, no fuss camera for your snapshots, then the Powershot SD1200 Digital ELPH is highly recommended.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

The slightly higher priced Powershot SD780 IS Digital ELPH is essentially the same as the SD1200 feature-wise, but has the added advantage of a 12.1 megapixel image sensor, slightly shorter 33-100mm (equiv.) f/3.2-5.8 3X zoom lens, 720p HD video and LiveView. However, it lacks an optical viewfinder.

Pros

+
Price
+
In-the-lens image stabilization
+
DIGIC 4 image processor
+
Face detection
+
Smart AUTO
+
Optical viewfinder
+
LiveView
+
Build quality
+
Battery life

Cons

-
Small LCD
-
Size
-
No HD video

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

Best Price: $181
See It »
$181 - $315 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 3.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: No
Resolution: 10.0MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (59 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS	2 Canon PowerShot SD780 IS
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 59 reviews)	4.5 stars (from 78 reviews)
Price	$181 - $315	$207 - $349
Effective Sensor Resolution	10.0 megapixels	12.1 megapixels
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	35mm	33mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	105mm	100mm
Max Aperture (wide-angle)	2.8	3.2
Max Aperture (tele-photo)	4.9	5.8
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (lens shift)	Optical (lens shift)
Min ISO Setting	80	80
Max ISO Setting	1600	1600
Viewfinder Type	Optical (tunnel)	None
LCD Screen Size	2.5 inches	2.5 inches
LCD Screen Resolution	230,000 pixels	230,00 pixels
Max Video Resolution	640x480 pixels	1280x720 pixels
Body Material	metal	metal
Size (W x H x D)	3.4 x 2.2 x 0.9 in.	3.4 x 2.2 x 0.7 in.
Weight (with batteries)	4.2 oz.	5.6 oz.
Battery Life	300 shots	300 shots

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

With a 12.1 megapixel image sensor, almost distortion free 5.9-17.9mm f/3.2-5.8 3X zoom (33-100mm equiv.) lens with built-in optical image stabilization, quick autofocus with Face Detection, sharp, well saturated images; 720p HD video, and LiveView, you won’t mind not having an optical viewfinder.

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

Best Price: $207
See It »
$207 - $349 Compare Prices »

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (78 reviews)

Fotoguy recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 as Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Overall Under $700.

2009-05-06T15:23:35-07:00

Overview

Although a little pricey, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 offers a lot in a pocket-sized package. From its excellent Leica zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, Intelligent Multi-metering that really works, Auto scene recognition, and 720p HD video, you’ll get sharp, low noise, well-exposed pictures with minimal effort.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, the latest incarnation of the LX series, has been greatly improved over previous models. The venerable Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens of the earlier LXs has been replaced with the newly designed and much superior DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-12.8mm (24-60mm equiv) f2.0-2.8 Aspherical 2.5X zoom. And with a totally redesigned 10.1 megapixel image sensor, the LX3 produces exceptional, low noise images that are virtually distortion free and sharp corner to corner at all focal lengths. Quite an accomplishment for a small sensor point-n-shoot.

With a host of features like twenty-three scene modes, eight focusing modes, five white balance settings, plus 2 manuals; ISOs from 80 to 6400, shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/2000th, Intelligent Multiple auto-exposure, aperture/shutter priority as well as full manual, and five video modes, including 720p HD, there will be few situations that the LX3 can’t capture usable images. And if point-n-shoots never quite had a lens quite wide enough for you, this one does. For if the equivalent 24mm isn’t enough, there’s an accessory 18mm lens attachment.

Learning from the previous two LX models, Panasonic has succeeded with the Lumix DMC-LX3 in producing a durable, quality built, full-featured, point-n-shoot that is suitable for either beginner or advanced user.

As an aside: The more expensive Leica D-Lux 4 is exactly the same camera, but with the Leica logo and added Face Recognition and Follow autofocus. It, however, produces the same high quality, low noise images as the LX3.

Pros

+
Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
+
In-the-lens image stabilization
+
RAW mode
+
720p HD video
+
Full Manual operation
+
Extreme wide angle accessory lens
+
3" Hi-res 460,000 pixel LCD
+
Hot Shoe
+
Build quality

Cons

-
Price
-
Max 60mm (35mm equivalent) focal length

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Best Price: $548
See It »
$548 - $749 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 2.5x
Wide-Angle Lens: 24mm (46% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP
Easy to Use: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

TheDailyNathan's Recommendation, Straight Talk's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (95 reviews)

Website Reviews (2 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 95 reviews)
Price	$548 - $749
Effective Sensor Resolution	10.1 megapixels
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	24 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	60 mm
Max Aperture (wide-angle)	f/2.0
Max Aperture (tele-photo)	f/2.8
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (lens shift)
Manual Focus Available	Yes
Min ISO Setting	80
Max ISO Setting	6400
Aperture Priority Mode Available	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	Yes
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available	Yes
Face Detection Available	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (external, optional)
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	460,000 pixels
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720 pixels
Size (W x H x D)	4.3 x 2.3 x 1.1 in.
Weight (with batteries)	9.3 oz
Battery Life	380 shots

Fotoguy recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 as Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $300.

2009-05-03T15:09:27-07:00

Overview

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 ultra-compact offers a lot in a little package for a reasonable price. From its excellent Leica zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, Intelligent Multi-metering that really works, Auto scene recognition, and 720p HD video, you’ll get sharp, well-exposed pictures with little effort. And isn’t that what an auto-camera is supposed to do?

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37

What sets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 apart from the competition is its excellent Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.4-22mm f/2.8-5.9 5x zoom (25-125mm equiv.) lens. With its impressive 25mm equivalent focal length, it has the extra coverage to meet those situations that most point-n-shoots cannot hope to match. With little or no distortion across the entire range, excellent contrast, plus built-in Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization, you’ll get razor sharp images even at slow shutter speeds. The lens’ only caveat is some image softening in the corners. However, this would only be apparent, and only if you looked closely, in an extreme enlargement, say 16x20 or larger. In real world use, you’ll never see it.

To ease your shooting burdens, this camera comes with a host of useful features including macro focusing down to two inches, ISOs from 100 to 6400, five preset white balance options, plus manual; shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/2000th second, five flash options, +/- 2EV exposure compensation, Intelligent multi-segment metering, a plethora of shooting modes, including Intelligent Auto, which lets the camera pick the mode that best suits the scene conditions; frame rates up to 2.5 per second, five movie resolutions including 720p HD, three still formats (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed for fast image transfers. It, however, lacks full manual control.

All in all, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 is a great little camera, and with its reasonable street price, a deal.

Comparison with Nikon Coolpix S610

A lessor zoom range of 28-112mm (equivalent), 4 sec to 1/1500th shutter speeds and sensor-shift instead of in-the-lens image stabilization relegated this fine little camera to alternate, but still recommended, status. It has a very good lens and produces sharp, low noise images, and with Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting, you’ll get pictures without overly dark shadows or blown-out highlights.

Pros

+
Outstanding lens
+
In-the-lens Image Stabilization
+
Sharp, low noise images
+
Orientation sensor
+
50MB internal storage
+
Price

Cons

-
No manual mode
-
2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD
-
No optical viewfinder

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37

Best Price: $279
See It »
$279 - $440 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (23 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37	2 Nikon Coolpix S610
Customer Rating	4.0 stars (from 23 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 39 reviews)
Price	$279 - $440	$219 - $325
Effective Sensor Resolution	10.1 megapixels	10.0 megapixels
Video Available	Yes	Yes
HD Video Available	Yes	No
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720 pixels	640 x 480 pixels
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	25 mm	28 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	125 mm	112 mm
Max Aperture (wide-angle)	f/2.8	f/2.7
Max Aperture (tele-photo)	f/5.9	f/5.8
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (lens-shift)	Optical (sensor-shift)
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec	1/1500 sec
Min ISO Setting	100	100
Max ISO Setting	6400	3200
Viewfinder Available	No	No
LCD Screen Size	2.5 in.	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	230000 pixels	230000 pixels
Size (W x H x D)	3.7 x 2.0 x 0.9 in.	3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9 in.
Weight (with batteries)	5.1 oz	6.0 oz
Battery Life	310 shots	290 shots

Nikon Coolpix S610

The Nikon Coolpix S610 packs a host of features into its slim (22.5mm) body including a 10.1 megapixel sensor with sensor-shift image stabilization, a Nikon 28-112mm (equivalent) 4x zoom lens, and a 3.0 inch 230,000 pixel LCD with anti-reflective coating. Additionally, it has 16 scene modes, Auto Scene Selector, AF modes that recognize faces or tracks movements automatically, ISOs from 100 to 3200, 45 megabyte internal memory, USB 2.0, and Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting contrast control.

Where to buy

Nikon Coolpix S610

Best Price: $219
See It »
$219 - $325 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 4.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 10.0MP

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lambolina's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (39 reviews)

Straight Talk recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 as Best Compact Digital Camera for Travel Photos Under $400.

2008-08-17T07:23:44-07:00

Overview

Sporting a class-leading 12x zoom lens that is sharp and has a best in class wide-angle view for capturing landscapes, a superb HD movie mode, and good battery life in a sturdy body, this camera is the best-in-class companion when traveling. It is an easy to use camera producing pleasing images in auto mode.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Pansonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (also denoted as TZ7) is latest flagship model in the highly successful TZ (Travel Zoom) series. It packs a class-leading versatile 12x zoom lens with a class leading wide angle view in a sturdy metal body, which is great for capturing landscapes and architectural landmarks.
As usual with other TZ series cameras, the lens admirably still retains its sharpness & produces class leading minimal distortion across the zoom range. The camera is a snappy performer and has good battery life making it great companion for travel. The camera also features a superb HD movie mode that supports using the optical zoom while recording movies (a rare feature among compacts).

For easy operation it also offers an Intelligent Auto Mode, where the camera sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. There is one intelligent exposure mode too which captures high contrast scenes (typical sunny outdoors) minimizing blown out highlights and at the same time retaining details in shadows.

Panasonic has improved their image processing technology over time, and the ZS3 uses their latest Venus HD processor for the task. This processor also facilitates more efficient compression (in AVCHD Lite format) of HD movie clips. Thus you can record larger clips on the same memory card. The unique sensor design captures full resolution (10 Megapixel) images in all three aspect ratios - 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9, which is commendable.

However stuffing so many pixels on tiny sensors does take its toll, resulting in images which are clean but devoid of low contrast fine details because of noise reduction (smaller pixels are noisy & require higher noise reduction to produce clean images). Nevertheless this is generally true for all cameras in its class.

The LCD resolution is also among the best which is great for checking focus and reviewing captured images.

In nutshell, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 has good image quality with great corner-to-corner sharpness, a versatile best in class zoom range, and a superb movie mode. It’s the best in class camera for travel.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

The Panasonic ZS3 has an edge on image quality & has better movie mode. Nevertheless if you can’t live without Aperture/Shutter priority & Manual modes then Canon SX200IS is the way to go.

Pros

+
Class leading 12x zoom with wide angle view
+
Low distortion lens with good corner-to-corner sharpness
+
Sturdy metal body
+
Class leading LCD resolution (460K dots) that is great for framing and checking focus
+
Good image quality

Cons

-
Lacks useful Aperture/Shutter priority modes.
-
Images lack low contrast fine details because of heavy noise reduction

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Best Price: $399
See It »
$399 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Resolution: 10.1MP
Size: 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.
Battery Life: 300 shots

Want More Opinions? See:

Fotoguy's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (68 reviews)

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Excellent by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	2 Canon PowerShot SX200 IS	3 Olympus Stylus 9000
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 68 reviews)	4.5 stars (from 59 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 19 reviews)
Price	$399 - $399	$329 - $399	$259 - $445
Size (W x H x D)	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.	4.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.	3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 in.
Effective Sensor Resolution	10.1 megapixels	12.1 megapixels	12.0 megapixels
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)	0.3-0.7 sec	0.3-0.7 sec	-
Power to First Shot Time	2.5 sec	2.0 sec	-
Video Zoom Available (while recording)	Yes	No	-
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720 pixels	1080 x 720 pixels	640 x 480 pixels
Max Video Frame Rate (max resolution)	60 frames/sec	30 frames/sec	30 frames/sec
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	25 mm	28 mm	28 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	300 mm	336 mm	280 mm
Optical Zoom	12.0x	12.0x	10.0x
Image Stabilization Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Focus Assist Light Available	Yes	Yes	-
Max Aperture (wide-angle)	f/3.3	f/3.4	f/3.2
Max Aperture (tele-photo)	f/4.9	f/4.3	f/5.9
Aperture Priority Mode Available	No	Yes	No
Viewfinder Available	No	No	No
LCD Screen Resolution	460000 pixels	230000 pixels	230000 pixels
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Battery Life	300 shots	280 shots	250 shots
Image Quality
Corner to corner Sharpness	Very Good	Good	Average
Fine details & colors	Very Good	Good	Average
Low light (High ISO) Performance	Good	Very Good	Average

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS squarely aims at Panasonic’s highly successful TZ line of travel cameras and poses serious challenge. It has a high resolution 12 Megapixel sensor and a 12x optical zoom lens. The lens starts at 28mm focal length which is great for capturing wide angle view of scenery.

Along with an Auto mode, easy mode (automatically selects applicable scene mode), face-detection and a lot of scene modes, it also offers full manual modes (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, etc.) for use by advanced users. Unlike its predecessor it runs on proprietary battery and it is better to carry a spare one while traveling.

Thanks to its DIGIC IV processor, the high ISO image quality is among the best with minimal noise and noise reduction artifacts. The camera is snappy performer too. The movie mode has improved and the camera now can record HD movie clips too. Its pop-up flash does better job at minimizing red-eye phenomenon while taking portraits in low light. However the images suffer from higher instance of purple and green color fringing and corner softness (.e. blurred fine details in corners of image), which mar this otherwise excellent camera.

Nevertheless versatile 12x zoom range, manual modes and compact size makes it best travel camera for someone who loves advanced controls.

Comparison with Olympus Stylus 9000

More zoom, better movie mode & better image quality especially in low light.

Pros

+
Good image quality with good resolution
+
Useful Aperture/Shutter priority modes
+
versatile 12x zoom range
+
wide angle view
+
compact size
+
HD movie mode

Cons

-
optical zooming not possible while shooting movies
-
images suffer from color fringing and corner softness

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

Best Price: $329
See It »
$329 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Resolution: 12.1MP
Size: 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.
Battery Life: 280 shots

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (59 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Olympus Stylus 9000

At the time of launch this camera was promoted by Olympus as smallest 10x zoom camera. At 1.2” thickness this camera is indeed slimmer than competition. However it disappoints on image quality front. Compression artifacts are on the higher side even at base ISO leading to smudging of fine details especially in shadows. High noise (spattering of random color pixels) at ISO800 & above makes these settings useless for practical purpose.

Pros

+
compact size
+
good zoom range

Cons

-
compression artifacts
-
noisy sensor
-
corner softness in images

Where to buy

Olympus Stylus 9000

Best Price: $259
See It »
$259 - $445 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 10.0x
Resolution: 12.0MP
Size: 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 in.
Battery Life: 250 shots

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (19 reviews)

Fotoguy recommends Canon PowerShot G10 as Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Overall Under $500 with Manual Controls.

2009-04-24T13:51:42-07:00

Overview

If you’ve outgrown that old auto, do-everything-for-you point-n-shoot with its not-really-sharp, noisy images, and are desiring more control over how your pictures are taken and what they look like, but really aren’t ready for the bulkiness, weight and cost of a DSLR, then the feature-rich, prosumer Canon PowerShot G10 might just be the camera for you.

My Best In Class Pick

Canon PowerShot G10

The Canon PowerShot G10 is the third incarnation of the now famous G-series that was revived when Canon debuted the completely redesigned G7 in 2006. The G’s comfortably filled the gap between the ubiquitous auto-everything point-n-shoots and the entry-level DSLR kits by combining the best features of both. The G10 continues that legacy.

An incremental upgrade to the very popular G9, the G10 sports a new 14.7 megapixel CCD image sensor, a 28-140mm (equiv) f/2.8-4.5 5X zoom lens, and along with the DIGIC IV image processor delivers sharp, finely detailed images that are surprising for a small sensor type camera. Noise is very well controlled being virtually absent at ISOs 80 and 100, and only lightly present at 200 and 400. Even at 800, though noise is readily apparent, images are still usable being sharp with only a slight loss of fine detail. At 1600, the highest ISO, noise is objectionable, sharpness and fine detail significantly reduced, but quite surprisingly images are still usable for small prints or the web.

Besides the improved hardware, the G10 is not lacking in features with ten Shooting modes, twelve Scene modes, six White Balance presets plus Custom, Face Detection autofocus, selectable on/off lens-shift Image Stabilization, three movie clip formats as well as full manual or auto capabilities. Additionally, it has shutter speeds from 15 to 1/4000 second, macro focusing to 1 cm, a built-in flash as well as a hotshoe, an optical viewfinder, a three inch, hi-res 461,000 pixel TFT LCD, and a durable magnesium metal body.

Of course, the G10 is not without its flaws. The primary one being battery life. In average use, the camera barely makes 300 images on a full charge. Well less than the advertised 400. The second is that even though durable and well built, the camera is bulky and heavy for a compact. Lastly, there’s the price. For less than a $100 more, you can buy an entry-level DSLR kit that is vastly superior, but of course bigger and heavier.

Overall, the Canon Powershot G10 is the without peer, all-in-one camera for those who want more camera and are willing to pay a little extra to get it.

Pros

+
Full Manual or Auto
+
Finely detailed, low noise images
+
Lens
+
Image stabilization (lens-shift)
+
RAW image format
+
3" Hi-res TFT LCD
+
Build quality

Cons

-
Price
-
Size and weight
-
Average Battery life

Where to buy

Canon PowerShot G10

Best Price: $457
See It »
$457 - $699 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
Resolution: 14.7MP
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available: Yes
Easy to Use: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

Straight Talk's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (176 reviews)

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Canon PowerShot G10
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 176 reviews)
Price	$457 - $699
Effective Sensor Resolution	14.7 megapixels
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	28 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	140 mm
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (lens shift)
Manual Focus Available	Yes
Min ISO Setting	80
Max ISO Setting	1600
Aperture Priority Mode Available	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	Yes
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available	Yes
Face Detection Available	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	461000 pixels
Battery Life	300 shots
Size (W x H x D)	4.3 x 3.1 x 1.8 in.
Weight (with batteries)	13.8 oz

Fotoguy recommends Fujifilm FinePix F60fd as Best Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $200 with Manual Controls.

2009-04-21T17:52:19-07:00

Overview

The Fuji Finepix F60fd is an economical, feature-rich point-and-shoot with manual overrides, if you need them, that is suitable for the less serious amateur shooter, who requires a little more quality in a camera and the images it produces.

My Best In Class Pick

Fujifilm FinePix F60fd

It is unusual to find a compact camera in this price range that has Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Aperture/Shutter Priority, and a three inch 230,000 pixel LCD, but the Fuji Finepix F60fd has all that. And with fourteen Scene Presets, five Autofocus modes, shutters speeds from 8 to 1/2000 seconds, ISOs from 100 to 6400, and two 30 fps video modes, it will be the rare situtation that it can’t capture images.

Its Fujinon 3X 8-24mm f2.8-5.1 lens, while modest in zoom range (35-105mm 35 equivalent), is quality glass with very low distortion across the entire zoom range. It focuses to 17.7 inches in normal mode and 2.75 in macro. Mated with Fuji’s own 12 megapixel (effective) SuperCCD HR VII image sensor, it produces sharp, contrasty images with good color balance and little, if any, digital artifacting at lower ISOs. Noise is well controlled and unlike most small sensor point-n-shoots, images are very good up to ISO 800. However, above that noise increases and resolution falls dramatically to the point of uselessness, and should only be considered for emergencies.

So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive, well built digital camera that delivers good image quality even at higher ISOs, and is small enough to carry all the time, but not so small that it’s uncomfortable to operate, then the Fuji Finepix F60fd should be considered.

Pros

+
Price
+
Low image noise
+
Build Quality
+
Face Detection AF
+
Aperture/Shutter Priority
+
3" LCD
+
Battery Life

Cons

-
Auto white balance poor indoors

Where to buy

Fujifilm FinePix F60fd

Best Price: $169
See It »
$169 - $382 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 3.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: No
Resolution: 12.0MP
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available: No

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (9 reviews)

Website Reviews (2 reviews)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Fujifilm FinePix F60fd
Customer Rating	4.0 stars (from 9 reviews)
Price	$169 - $382
Effective Sensor Resolution	12.0 megapixels
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	35 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	105 mm
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (sensor shift)
Min ISO Setting	100
Max ISO Setting	6400
Aperture Priority Mode Available	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	Yes
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available	No
Video Available	Yes
Max Video Resolution	640 x 480 pixels
Face Detection Available	Yes
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0 EV
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	230000 pixels
Size (W x H x D)	3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
Weight (with batteries)	7.2 oz
Battery Life	230 shots

Fotoguy recommends Samsung TL320 as Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $400.

2009-04-12T16:11:40-07:00

Overview

The Samsung TL320 (AKA outside the U.S. as the WB100) with a 24-120mm (35 equivalent) 5X zoom lens, 12.2 megapixel image sensor, dual image stabilization (optical and digital), 720p HD video, 3 inch, High Definition, Organic LED screen; excellent build quality and small size make this camera my Best-in-Class pick.

My Best In Class Pick

Samsung TL320

With the introduction on the TL320 of the power efficient, Active Matrix Organic LED (AMOLED) technology, Samsung says the poor battery life that has always plagued all ultra-compacts will be a thing of the past. (We’ll see.) The one thing that is known about OLED screens versus LCDs are that they are brighter with more vibrant color, and images stay clearly visible even when viewed at extreme angles. Add to that 460,000 pixel high resolution and you have a fantastic image display that can be seen even in the brightest sunlight.

But that new screen is only as good as the camera it’s attached to. And Samsung hasn’t failed there either incorporating an effective 12.2 megapixel image sensor and an excellent Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan 4.3-21.5mm f/2.8-7.3 5X zoom lens. Couple that with Samsung’s own optical and digital Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection AF, a host of modes and presets including full manual–there’s even a custom-setable User mode, and you’ll get impressive, sharp, blur-free images even in the most difficult shooting situations.

Even though quite small, the TL320 is easy to operate and has an uncluttered control layout that is intuitive. The addition of a rubberized grip for the right hand makes it easy to hold and helps prevent errant fingers from covering the lens or flash.

All told, the Samsung TL320 will be a useful and worthwhile addition to anyone’s pocket or purse.

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

If Samsung’s new technology OLED screen doesn’t impress you, and a conventional 3 inch LCD is just fine, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 with similar specs and features as the TL320, and at about a third less the price, would make an excellent alternative.

Pros

+
Lens
+
Dual Image Stabilization
+
Manual Control Options
+
720p HD video
+
Hi-res 460,000 pixel OLED
+
Size

Cons

-
Image noise

Where to buy

Samsung TL320

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 24mm (46% wider)
Resolution: 12.2MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (2 reviews)

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Samsung TL320	2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500
Customer Rating	4.0 stars (from 2 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 54 reviews)
Price	$379.99	$209 - $399
Weight (with batteries)	not available	6.2 oz
Effective Sensor Resolution	12.2 megapixels	10.1 megapixels
Video Available	Yes	Yes
HD Video Available	Yes	Yes
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	24 mm	25 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	120 mm	125 mm
Image Stabilization Type	Dual	Optical (lens shift)
Min ISO Setting	80	100
Max ISO Setting	3200	6400
Aperture Priority Mode Available	Yes	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	Yes	Yes
Full Manual Exposure Mode Available	Yes	Yes
Manual Focus Available	Yes	No
LCD Screen Size	3.0 in.	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	460,000 pixels	230,000 pixels
Size (W x H x D)	3.8 x 2.4 x 0.8 in.	3.7 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
Battery Life	Not Available	280 shots

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 is a slim, lightweight ultra-compact that will easily fit into a pocket or purse, and is very suitable for those who want to keep a camera handy at all times. With an effective 10.1 megapixel sensor, in-the-lens optical image stabilization, ISOs from 100 to 6400, plus, a plethora of modes and settings, including manual overrides, the camera produces sharp, detailed, blur-free images. And with its top quality Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.4-22mm f/2.8-5.9 5X (25-125mm equivalent) zoom, you be able to see more in your pictures than what a typical ultra-compact usually delivers.

All in all, an excellent point-n-shoot.

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

Best Price: $209
See It »
$209 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Straight Talk's Recommendation, lambolina's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (54 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Fotoguy recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 as Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera Overall Under $250.

2009-04-12T12:59:54-07:00

Overview

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a lightweight, fit-in-your-pocket, take-anywhere, durable, metal body ultra-compact with a 10.1 effective megapixel sensor, a 25mm - 100mm (35mm equivalent) 4X zoom lens, optical image stabilization, Intelligent Auto Exposure control, 720p HD video, and my Best-in-Class pick.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35

In the world of ultra-compact auto cameras, it is rare to find one with a zoom lens that begins at a very wide 25mm (35 equivalent) when most ultras start at the mid-30s at best. But Panasonic has succeeded with the excellent Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.4-17.6mm f/2.8-5.6 4X zoom lens specifically designed for the DMC-FX35. And what a lens it is, coupled with Panasonic’s own in-the-lens MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization, a 10.1 megapixel (effective) image sensor and the Venus Image IV image processor, you’ll get sharp, blur-free, vibrant color images with no more effort than just pressing the shutter.

The DMC-FX35 is a auto-only camera–that is, no manual setting of exposure or focusing–which some might consider a drawback, but with Intelligent Multiple Auto Exposure Control, 9-point TTL autofocus with Face Detection, +-2 stop Exposure Compensation, 22 Scene Modes and a plethora of other settings, the average user will never notice. Additional features include four White Balance presets, plus auto and manual; ISOs from 100 to 6400; Normal 2.5 frames/sec. and High-speed Burst mode for up to 10 frames/sec., Quicktime movie and 720p HD video.

But what of its flaws? There are some. Ironically, the small size is one. There’s a dearth of space available for controls and such. If you have big hands, the FX35 might be unsuitable for you. All it would take is one misplaced finger covering the flash or the lens or microphone to ruin a shot or video. The one caveat that is significant, however, is image noise, but this is an inherent problem plaguing all small, high density image sensor cameras and not just something particular to the FX35. What really matters is not that there is noise, but how well it is controlled without adversely affecting the image. In this respect, Panasonic has done a good job–better than most–reducing noise while preserving image quality. And that’s what counts. The camera produces excellent, well-saturated images with little noise at ISOs less than 400. At 400 and 800, noise is apparent, but images are still sharp and usable. Speeds above 800 should only be used for emergencies as images are very noisy, soft, and smeary.

So, if you’re in the market for an auto camera that is small and light enough to comfortably carry in your pocket, and won’t put too much of a dent in the ol’ budget, then the Panasonic DMC-FX35 is the camera for you.

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

The DMC-FX500 is for all practical purposes an FX35 internally–same image sensor, same image processor, same features and settings, etc.–but with just a few external improvements, namely, a 5X zoom lens (25-125mm equivalent) instead of 4X, and a 3 inch touch-operated LCD. It is also slightly larger, a little heavier, and more money. However, the image quality from either camera is the same.

Pros

+
Lens
+
Intelligent Multiple Exposure Control
+
720p HD video
+
Quicktime movie format
+
Size
+
Metal Body
+
Build quality
+
Price

Cons

-
Image noise
-
Small 2.5" LCD

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35

Best Price: $399
See It »

Specifications

Zoom: 4.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews 4.5 stars (22 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35	2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500
Customer Rating	4.5 stars (from 22 reviews)	4.0 stars (from 54 reviews)
Price	$399.99	$209 - $399
Effective Sensor Resolution	10.1 megapixels	10.1 megapixels
Image Stabilization Type	Optical (lens shift)	Optical (lens shift)
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	25 mm	25 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)	100 mm	125 mm
Shutter Lag Time (pre-focused)	0.01 sec	0.01 sec
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)	0.6 sec	0.6 sec
Max Shooting Speed (continuous)	2.5 frames/sec	2.5 frames/sec
Min ISO Setting	100	100
Max ISO Setting	6400	6400
Face Detection Available	Yes	Yes
LCD Screen Size	2.5 in	3.0 in.
LCD Screen Resolution	230000 pixels	230000 pixels
Battery Life	300 shots	280 shots
Size (W x H x D)	3.7 x 2.0 x 0.9 in.	3.7 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
Weight (with batteries)	5.6 oz	6.2 oz

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

Introduced about 3 months after the FX35, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 built on the former’s attributes, but added a couple new hardware features of its own while keeping the camera small, light and easy to use. If you like the FX35, but need a larger, touch-controlled LCD and a longer zoom range lens, the FX500 is a good alternative.

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

Best Price: $209
See It »
$209 - $399 Compare Prices »

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Straight Talk's Recommendation, lambolina's Recommendation

Customer Reviews 4.0 stars (54 reviews)

Website Reviews (1 review)