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Digital Cameras (Ultra-Compact) Reviews
Updated November 2007
Ultra-compact digital cameras are one-inch thick or slimmer. They fit easily into purses and pockets, making them great 'go-anywhere' digital cameras. Our regular report on digital cameras includes models that are only slightly larger (but still compact). Other ConsumerSearch digital-camera reports focus on ultra-zoom cameras , which have optical zooms of 10x and higher, and digital SLRs (single-lens reflex cameras), which accept interchangeable lenses, have larger image sensors and deliver faster shooting performance. Imaging-Resource.com and the Digital Camera Resource Page (DCRP.com) take the top spots in our ranking of the reviews because of their measured performance testing, sample photos and detailed, expert critiques. Steve's Digicams and DigitalPhotographyReview.com also perform detailed, in-depth digital camera reviews, and the sites are great for reading news on upcoming new cameras. However, we rate them just a notch lower because Steve's Digicams has not updated its Best Cameras listing in months, and DigitalPhotographyReview.com is more focused on high-end digital cameras than on point-and-shoot cameras. Megapixel.net is also thorough, but it's harder to navigate and doesn't provide an easy way to compare camera ratings. The ultra-compact digital camera reviews at all of these sites are chock full of specifications, performance measurements and sample photos for each of the dozens of reviewed cameras. They are also among the first to evaluate new cameras as they hit the market. The one negative of our top-rated reviewers is that they can be a little overwhelming at first for the uninitiated. CNet.com, on the other hand, covers ultra-compact digital cameras with reviews that are easy to read, but not as detailed as those at dedicated camera sites, making them a great first stop for beginners who don't want to be overwhelmed with technical details. Consumer Reports makes impartial recommendations, but it is too thin on details and is updated less frequently. PC Magazine and PC World have been highly rated in previous ConsumerSearch updates, but either their reviews of current ultra-compact digital cameras are too few to be useful this time around, or they have not updated ratings in many months. While
convenient and stylish, cameras this tiny sometimes entail some compromises.
For example, many reviews note that you usually get better photo quality and
features with larger cameras, some of which are barely thicker than these
smallest models. Also, ultra-compact digital cameras are more expensive than
mainstream digital cameras. Larger (though still compact) cameras cost as
little as $100, while good ultra-compact models start at about $170, with
a sweet spot in the $250 range. Although the camera industry is dominated by a handful of
well-known makers, occasionally an upstart enters the fray. One example is
General Imaging, a new camera maker founded by a former president of Olympus
Imaging. The company has brought a host of new digital cameras to market under
the General Electric (GE) brand -- a curious licensing choice since GE is
more commonly associated with microwave ovens and refrigerators than with
quality photographic products. Given reviewers' significantly less than enthusiastic
reactions to the
ultra-compact GE G1
(*est. $135)
, that probably won't be
changing in the near future. Even the kindest assessments of the G1 ultra-compact digital
camera are lukewarm, and the harshest are as blunt as blunt can be. "Buy
something else," is the recommendation of CNet.com's Lori Grunin. Jeff
Keller at the Digital Camera Resource page is just as direct when he says "spend
your money on something better."
Complaints run the gamut from photo quality to performance to ergonomics and back again. Most reviewers say that the G1 ultra-compact camera can, on occasion, deliver acceptable photos. However, soft images, strange color casts and other defects also crop up. Things are exacerbated by hyper-aggressive noise-reduction, with photos having less detail at lower ISOs than similar ultra-compact cameras. At higher ISO settings (400 and above), reviewers say images are essentially useless for anything but small-sized photos for e-mailing. Megapixel.net notes several operational issues. For one thing, the zoom control on the GE ultra-compact camera gets in the way of the shutter release, making it easy to accidentally change focal length when shooting. The site's editors also note that the lens position in an upper corner makes it easier than normal to accidentally block a shot with your fingers. Everyone says that the GE ultra-compact camera is a very slow performer, with slow startup and shot-to-shot times, particularly in low light. "In practice, I was unable to shoot kids, dogs or people on the move, staples of snapshot photography," writes CNet's Grunin. ... Continued
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our For this version of our report, the Canon PowerShot ELPH ultra-compact digital cameras earn the best reviews for photo quality. While all are very competent performers, the Canon SD-series cameras are not known for their extensive lineup of features. If you take lots of indoor shots, reports say that the Fujifilm F40fd is among the best low-light performers available, and that performance in bright lighting is first rate as well. The Fujifilm Z10fd won't produce the best photos, but it is stylish, inexpensive and feature packed. Other cameras take better photos, but the Olympus 790 SW is waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof (within given ranges).
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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.
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