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Digital Cameras Reviews
Updated October 2007
This ConsumerSearch report covers mainstream digital cameras, from compact point-and-shoot cameras to more advanced, enthusiast cameras. The smallest digital cameras on the market -- called ultra-compact cameras -- fit most easily in a pocket and are less than an inch thick. A separate ConsumerSearch report on ultra-compact cameras covers those models. In general, however, there are usually tradeoffs in such small cameras. Experts say that slightly larger models -- such as those featured in this report -- generally cost less and give shooters more control over their photographs. We also have a separate report on ultra-zoom digital cameras that feature optical zoom lenses of 10X and higher. See our report on digital SLR cameras (DSLRs) for models that use interchangeable lenses. The best and most comprehensive reviews are found on the camera enthusiast websites, including ImagingResource.com, Digital Photography Review, Digital Camera Resource Page and Steve's Digicams. These sites all have exhaustive performance-based reviews, but they differ in presentation and attitude. Reviews at Digital Camera Resource Page and Imaging Resource are easiest to read. Steve's Digicams and Digital Photography Review are more skewed to high-end cameras and more technically savvy readers. Next in quality are the computer and technology magazines, along with websites such as CNet.com and PC World. While these reviews can't approach the depth offered by the enthusiast websites, they are easier to read. Consumer Reports magazine also covers digital cameras, but conclusions are short and not very detailed. In general, reviewers agree that the majority of currently available digital cameras take decent snapshots. The performance gap between the best and worst digital cameras is now smaller than ever. But there are still wide variations in camera performance, including shutter lag and shot-to-shot time, which can determine whether you catch the image you're after or miss it entirely while waiting for your camera to be ready. Note that ALL reviewers say resolution (expressed in megapixels) is not the
most important consideration when choosing a camera. Testers say that when
you print the images, there can be little difference between a 7-megapixel
camera and an 8-megapixel camera, and even a 5-megapixel camera can produce
great 8 x 10-inch printed images. Other factors can affect image quality much
more than the number of megapixels, with shooting performance, image-noise
suppression and lens quality being among the most important considerations.
Build quality, ergonomics and ease of use are also key aspects. Every review
we found agrees: Shop by the quality of the camera, not the number of megapixels
of its sensor. Unfortunately, this point seems lost on most buyers, so the megapixel race
continues unabated. Earlier this year, Sony released the
Cyber-shot DSC-W200
(*est. $320)
, a compact digital camera with a 12.1-megapixel image sensor.
Reviews so far have been mixed. For example, CNet.com's Lori Grunin writes, "I
couldn't have asked for a better example of the evils of sensor-resolution
specmanship." She goes on to say that the "insanely small" pixels
require higher light levels than most other digital cameras for shooting at
low ISO settings and that artifacts (irregularities and blemishes in the image)
can be seen at speeds in some shots. In an article for TrustedReviews.com, Cliff Smith writes that while the Sony
DSC-W200 is a "very good camera," the 12.1 megapixels of resolution
offer no real advantage over smaller image sensors, and -- as noted in the
CNet.com review -- this can hurt image quality when shooting at higher ISO
settings. Smith's conclusion is that "there are better cameras that cost
less money." On the other hand, Steve's Digicams agrees that the camera
is expensive, but their reviewer is more pleased with the DSC-W200 than most.
The site's testers see almost no picture quality issues, as long as you
shoot at ISO 200 and below. It's also noted that the camera is fast and
well built.
... Continued
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
Among entry-level cameras, the Canon PowerShot A-series and SD-series cameras get primarily positive ratings in reviews. Chief among those is the PowerShot A570 IS, a great performing and feature-packed digital camera that's suitable for pretty much anyone. The PowerShot A550 has fewer features, but it sports a lower price and great photo quality. The Nikon Coolpix L10 won't please advanced users, but reviews say it is one of the easiest cameras to handle. The Fujifilm FinePix F40fd is not perfect, but it's the best choice if you often take photos in low light. Among advanced digital cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 gets a great deal of positive recognition, despite some issues with overaggressive noise reduction at higher ISO settings. Keep in mind that we address ultra-compact cameras and ultra-zoom (10X and higher) models in separate ConsumerSearch reports. Advertisement
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© 2008. ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
