miliar
brand
There
are
also
under
$1,000, including two
head
competitors
names
more
that
for
less
than
digital SLRs
head-to-
cost $600.
$200.
priced
took
decent
pend
size or
pictures.Your choice
a lot on
extra
whether
photographic
you favor small
will
power
de-
and
flexibility Compact cameras, too big for a
pocket
but
small
enough
to fit easily in a
a section of the image from the
sensor, almost always resulting in a
degraded image.
grow sleeker,
dominates
resolution
LCDs
body
for
the
models
Other
large
include
to save images in
stores
been
file by
That
characteristics
and
the
back
than
that
swing
and
swivel,
traditional
now
lack.
features
models
to
manual
the
captured
processed
the
camera's
maximizes
many
have an LCD that
and
has
ever.
Some
out from
helping
viewfinders
trickling
quite
a few
controls
the
RAW
image
and
converted
built-in
your
ability to
such
as
better
models
the
to
compensate
down
small
and
the
format
before
sharpness
color balance.
Consider a high-priced
SLR-like
trol
over
you
want
camera
if you
exposure
to
shoot
and
close-ups
compact
want
lots of con-
composition
screen
have
camera
many
from
ones
ability
which
it
has
into
software.
control
and
of
distant
a
or
or
36
CONSUMER
REPORTS
0
NOVEMBER
2007
•
Expert·
Independent·
CR BEST BUY The Samsung L77,
resolution, an electronic image stabilizer, and a nonprotruding
7x optical
Nonprofit
zoom-rare
in a camera less than an inch thick.
$250,
offers 7-megapixel
east
7 megapixels.
at l
reso
If you need high
cable quality, c
lution and i
hoose one
of the
mpec-
hig
hresolution compacts or SLRs that h ad
excellent
tests. Shooting at a high erresoluti
out usi ng a comp
JPEG
drive
ca
meras can reco
capa
olution isn' t critical,a model in
with
megapixels of
hig
generally
ha
ndheld shots
flash. Som e mode stly pric
gun
be
3200,
ably
setti
poin
p
articular
caus e of its hi
pe
rfo
s
ure
l
ight
print
or im age quality in
ressed form
can
fill yourmem ory card and h a
mor
e quickly This year;
rd
on a new; h
city card
very
kno
good
wn
as
image qua
resolution shou
Among p
hes
wor
ngs usin
t-an
oint
t ISO light-
bee
n 400, too low to
featu
ring
but
resul ts
se th
d-shoots
-and-sh
sensitivity
in d
im
settings of 1600 or ev
can
be
an those
g SLRs a
. Ifyou're
subc ompact or compact be-
gh
ISO settings, check its
rma
nce
in our
Rat ings
you can
results are
ret
urn
it at n o cost if its low-
disapp
though
SDH
C.Ifhi
lity
oot came
lig
ht
ed
models h ave
grai
ny
sho
t at
nd the
attracted
ointing.
our
on
with -
at
suc
h as
,more
ighe
gh res-
ourRatin
and 6 or
ld be fine.
ras
, t
he
setting has
make
sh
arp
without
en
and
notice-
equi
valent
priciest
to a
and make
rd
gs
These have lower resolut ion and smaller
LCO
s th an the ir high-rated siblings. th e
Canon Powershot A640
(1) and A630 (3).
And neither offers manual controls,
which those models do. But their performance is solid across the board, and
they have a 4x optical zoom, the highest
of the group.
than
Canon PowerShot
A460
r-
7
Competent though slower
Kodak EasyShare C653 (6 MP), $140
Nikon Coolpix
Penta
x Optio M30 (7 MP), $190
Olympus
FE-
LlO
21O
(7
(5 MP), $120
MP
), $140
These willtake decent pictures, but more
most:
slowly than the best models in the Rat-
(1'1,
ings. Shutter lag is 1 second
seconds
for the Kodak). The Nikon is the only
budget su bcompact tested, and it has
a
Kodak
EasyShare
C653
face detection, as does the Penta x. The
Olympus has a built-in help guide, but its
next-shot delay is 3 seco nds, the longest
of the budget models.
Too slow for action-packed
Polaroid T737 (7 MP), $1
This has the biggest
scenes:
80
LCD
of the group,
at 3 inches, but its image quality is fair
to middling. Next-shot delay is a full 5
ated
seco nds, longer than any r
model,
while shutter lag is also on the slow side,
1'1,
seco nds.
at
NO
VEMB
ER
2007 0 www.ConsumerR
eports
.org
C
AN
O N
The biggest model selection. Polnt-and-shoot features, from basic to sophisticated.
Compacts are known as PowerShots. The moderately priced
PowerShot A series is less likely
than the
features such as image
stabilization. (G models use
proprietary batteries;
other
AAs.) Canon's subcompacts are
known as SD ELPHs. The Digital
Rebel series helped define
budget SLRs. Other SLRs
include a host of pro and
"prosumer" models. In
Canon announced two high-end
models, the $1,300, 10megapixel EOSAOD, with a live
preview LCD, and the
21-megapixel
Canon also offers a wider
selection of lenses than
most brands . ..
Sand
G lines to have
most
Canon compacts use
August
$8,000,
EOS
lOs Mark III.
F
UJ1F1L
The budqet A series is the lowest priced. A step up is the F
series, which offers more advanced features. The Z series
are the subcompacts . FinePix models include face detection,
high ISO capabilities, and
ability to fire two quick shots , with and
. new models have.a slot for the expensive xD cards and
another for cheaper SD. Certain models in the SLR-like S
series are larqe, with an optical zoom range of lOx or
greater. The pricey FinePix S Pro series SLRs target pro
shooters. Fujifilm doesn't
Nikon or compatible lenses from
HP (PHOTOS
Inexpensive cameras targeted to the general consumer.
Photosmart compacts, which range from the budget E and
M series to the advanced R series, have a very narrow range
of technical specifications. Some of the more innovative
features offered in this line recently include a slimming
feature, blemish removal, and pet red-eye removal. Most
zooms are close to 3x; no model features image stabilization.
Many models
menu interface for novices. HP doesn't
t1
(FINEPIX
)
practical
offer
features such as the
lenses, but models accept
third-party
MA RT )
offer
practical guides, including tips, in
without
manufacturers.
offer
SLRs.
flash . Most
their
KOD
A K
(EASYS HA RE)
Cameras made simple.
Kodak focuses on ease of
use, as indicated by its brand
tagline and features such as
Smart Scene mode, which
automatically selects
specialty modes. The budget
Cseries includes some of
the cheapest compacts
available. Higher-end Z-,
and newer M-series
compacts have longer zooms
and more sophisticated
features. The V series of
subcompacts offers some of
the most unusual point-andshoot features, including
Bluetooth wireless and
innovative dual-lens/dualsensor designs. Kodak
doesn't
offer
SLRs.
po,
38
CONSUMER
REPORTS
0
NOVEM
BER
2 0
07
•
Expert·
Ind
epend
ent·
Nonprofit
NIK
ON
SLR leader also offers
innovative point-and-
Coolpix compacts
shoots.
and subcompacts are
divided into three
a budget L, step-up S,and
high-end P. Nikon has
introduced more of these
models with wireless
features than any
company. Like Canon's SLR
lineup, Nikon's D series
offer
s cameras for every
SLR user and budget and a
wide range of lenses.
Nikon's SLR bodies are
typically less expensive than
Canon's. In August, Nikon
introduced two high -end
models: the
megapixel D300 with a live
preview LCDand th e
$5,00
0, 12-megapixel D3.
$1,
800
series-
other
, 12-
OL
YMPUS
Groundbreaklng 'technologies in niche markets.
series compacts have built-in help guides and emphasize simple
operation.
technologies in both point-and-shoot lines and Evolt SLRs. High-
end $P compacts have featured ver y long zooms. Select Stylus innovative navigation interface. The GX
subcompacts have been water-resistant, waterproof, shockproof,
and crushproof. All point-and-shoots use the slightly
expensive xD
preview LCDs. Olympus offers a reasonable range of lenses.
PANASON
.On the move with image
from the top SLR-like FZ series cameras to the budget
. LZ and LS series, has optical stabilization. FX-series
subcompacts feature several modes and auto features;
high-end LX can capture photos in 16:9
while the TZ-series compacts sport superzooms.
t.urnlx cameras
optical image stabilization wlth .lnnovattons such as
intelligent ISO,which automatically raisesthe camera
sensor's sens
faster
.the more reliable point-and-
offer
Olympusre
itivity
shutter
s two L-series SLR bodies and some lenses.
cently offered some groundbreaking inexpensive compact digital cameras. Its
memory
speed. Panasonic has been among
cards. Evolt SLRs were the first wit h Iive-
IC (LUM
offer
great value when they combine
when it detects mot ion, allowing
IX)
stabilization.
shoot
brands. Panasonic
Every Lumix,
'asped
Budget FE . Up-and-comer In compacts and
mor
e Pentax K-series SLRs. Samsung offers a
SO Y
Premium style, premium price. Sony offers innova-
tions at relatively high prices. Cyber-shot compacts
and subcompact s
mode,
screens and sleek bodies; In recent tests, Sonys have
beaten most brands in shutter lag and next- shot delay, .
two comm on complaints. All Sony point-and-shoots
.use proprietary (and pri cey) Memory Stick storage.
The
G-series compacts and premium N- and T-series subcompacts tend to be pricier than
comer to SLRs,Sony offers one series, Alpha, with two
bodies and a reasonable range of lenses.
SAMSUNG
subcompacts.
pricier subcompact NV series includes an
series of SLRs are essentially rebranded
limited selection of lenses.
offer
Wand
Sseries are budget lines. High-end H-and
Has produ ced some very
distinctions such as touch
other
brands. A new-
NOV EMB ER
200
7 0
www
.ConsumerReports
.org
39
image stabilization, and face detection.)
The Fujifilm has very good next-shot delay,
good shutter lag, and an image stabilizer.
For flexible editing and composition:
10
Canon (10 MP)
This has 6x zoom range, excellent next-
shot delay, good
stabilizer, manual controls, manual focus,
optical viewfinder, and face
(Also available: the 12-megapixel Power-
Shot G9,
and 3-inch LCD.)
For a camera
26
The Sonys
quality, excellent
very good
manual controls. The Panasonic has ex-
cellent next-shot delay, very good
lag, wide-angle capability, and an optical
image
lent
lag, wide-angle capability, optical view-
finder, and an optical image stabilizer.
(Also available: the 8-megapixel 5087015
ELPH,
viewfinder.) The Samsung has
next-shot
optical
MPEG4 video.
$500,
20
Sony (10 MP) $310
21
Sony (7 MP)
22
Panasonic (7 MP)
24
Canon (7 MP) $310
Samsung (7 MP) $250, CR Best Buy
shutter
stabilizer. The Canon has excel-
next-shot
$400,
delay, good
zoom, an image stabilizer, and
$500
shutter
with
RAW-file capability
that
fits in a pocket:
$250
$350
both
have excellent
next-shot
lag. The Sony
delay,
very
with
a 3-inch LCD but no
lag, an image
detection.
picture
delay, and
(20)
shutter
good
shutter
very
shutter
lag, 7x
has
good
(j)
'"
COMPACT
1
Canon
2
Canon
[;l
[;l
Canon
~
3
Canon
4
Olympus
5
Fujifilm
6
Fujifilm
~
7
8
Nikon
9
Panasonic
10
Canon
11
Sony
12
Canon
13
Nikon
14
HP
15
Olympus
HP
16
17
Samsung
18
Olympus
Olympus
19
Guide to the
Overall score is based mainly on picture quality, the presence of useful features, battery life, and weight.
Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score.
tion in millions of pixels.
focal lengths.
tance in auto mode with lens at wide angle.
monitor
of images made with each camera's best resolution and compression settings.
cates how many highest-quality photos were taken with the batteries supplied (if they were proprietary
ones) or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride AAs; alternate shots used flash, and the zoom lens was racked in
CAMERAS
PowerShot
PowerShot
PowerShot
PowerShot
Coolpix
PowerShot
Cyber-shot
PowerShot
Coolpix
Photos
Photos
LCD size is measured diagonally. Flash range is the manufacturer's claimed maximum dis-
A640
A710
A630
S3
SP-510
UZ
FinePix
E900
FinePix
F31fd
SIO
Lumix
DMC-TZ3
G7
DSC
TXl
P5000
mart
R927
SP-550UZ
mart
R837
NV7
OPS
FE-200
Stylus
1000
Ratings
Weight includes battery and included memory. Optical zoom refers to the ratio of
IS
-G1
IS
For
$300
270
200
290
240
230
220
250
350
500
600
500
400
260
500
230
260
250
220
G VG
P F
those
who
E
2: 5: 0
want
the
basics
10
7 9 6x
8
6
7
9 9 4x 2
6
6
7 9
10
6 8 3x
7
..
10 8 3.5x
8 7
7
7 6
.'
7
6 7
10 6 3x
Picture quality is based on expert judgments on a reference
atalow
12
4x
12
4x
18
12x
15
lOx
3x
7
lOx
9
lOx 3 13.8
13
6x
lOx
9
3x 3 15.6
16
18x
3x 3 13.5
10
7x
5x
U
---'
price oradvanced
2.4
13.8
2.5
11.5
2.4
13.8
2
17.1
2.4
14.8
12.1
2.4
21.3
2.5
17.7
2.4
13.1
3.4
9.2
1.8
6.6
2.4
26.2
2.4
14.8
2.4
2.7
8.2
2.5
17.1
ro
s:
0:: en
ee
(/)
features.
0 0
c::
eeeo
oe
~
e
eo
0 0
eo
~ o
e
oo
0
o e
eo
e
oo
e
~ e
e e
00
e
0
oeeo
O~
oeo
e~
e o
e~~
O~O
Battery
O
e
e
e o~e
e
o
oo
19
OO~~
o
~
Megapixels is the resolu-
z E «
•
·
•
·
·
·
•
·
·
·
·
·
life indi-
40
CONSUMER
REPORTS
0
NOVEMBER
2007
•
Expert·
Independent·
Nonprortt
20
21
22
23
24
25
I3
fm
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
and out. Mode ls that shot at least 513were rated excellent; 256, very good; and 128, good. Shutter lag is
how qui ckly the camera can take its fir st shot once powered up. The faste st were virtually instantaneou s;
the slowest took 1second or longe r.
Models at least as quick as 1 second were rated excellent; 3, very good; 5, good ; and 7, fair.
shows which have th at steady ing feature. AA batteries denotes cameras that use that size; most of
lizer
those
don't
shows which have a lens that zooms as least as wide as a 28-m m-equivalent film-camer a lens. Manual
controls
include a charger. Cameras with pro prietary batterie s always include a charger. Wide angle
refers to settings
~
that
let you adju st shu
I
I
"
..
,
..
·
·
·
·
·
·
,
Next-shot delay is how quickly the camer a can take its next
6 3.8x
10
7 6
7 5 3x 2.8
10
6
7 6
6 5 3x
8 6 3x 2.4 9.8
4
7
10
6
8 5 3x
7
6
7
5
7
5 3x 2.4
7 6
7 5
tter
speed and lens opening. Price is approximate retail.
2.4
3x
2.4 16.7
7x
2.4 11.
3x
2.4
7x
2.4
2.4
3x
2.4 13.1
3x 2.8
2.4
3x
2.4
3x
3
3x
2.4
5x
2.4
1
3.1
5
12.8
14
.8
7.2
11.5
11.
8
16.4
11.2
19
.7
6.2
12.5
12.5
photo
Image stabi-
repaired or had a serious problem. Diff er-
ences of less than 3 points are not meaning -
ful. Models within a brand might vary, and
change s in design or manufacture might
affect reliability. Still, choosing a brand wit h
a good repair history can improve your odds
of getting a reliable model.
DIGITAL
Panasonic
Sony
Ol
ympus
Kodak
Canon
Sarnsuno
Fuj
i!Fujifilm
HP (Hew
lett-
Pac
kard)
Nikon
Ca
Pentax
Vivitar
.
Data are based on more than 221,00 0 reader responses
about digit al cameras t o the Annual Product Reliability
Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports Nation al
Research Cente r.Data are adjuste d to eliminate d
ences linked solely to the age and use of the product.
PO
CAMERAS
Fewer
+-
repairs repairs
sio
0% 5% 10% 15%
INT&SHOOTCAM
ERAS _ SLR
.... More
20%
CAM
ER
iffer-
NOV EMB ER 20 07
0
www.ConsumerRepo
rts.org
zoom while recording video, but they are
fairly heavy. The Fujifilm (40) has excel-
lent picture quality, very good shutte r lag,
and excellent next-shot delay. If high reso-
lution trumps speed, tr y the newer Fuji-
film (42), which has very good picture
quality and very good next-shot delay but
only fair shutte r lag.
For an
easy-to
-use SLR:
47
Nikon (10 MP) $
48
Olympus (10 MP) $800
51
Nikon (6 MP) $600, CR Best Buy
800
All three are compact and lightweight for
an SLRand are very easy to use,with very
good image quality and excellent battery
life. Both Nikons include in-camera image
correction, such as cropping and filter
effects, plus software-based dust removal.
Theyalsofeature a 2.5 percent spot meter
and use the same metering system astheir
pricier sibling, the Nikon (44), a fine and
rugged 10-megapixel model that accepts a
wide variety of lenses. The main advantages of the Nikon (47) over the Nikon
(51) ,
aregreater resolution;theability to shoot 3
framesper second, instead of 2.5, continuously for up to 100 JPEGimages;and a low
ISO setting of 100 instead of 200. The
Olympus includes through-the-Iens live
view with autofocus, with up to lOx magni-
fication with manual focus.It alsofeatures
hardware-based dust removal, fully customizable
RAW+JPEG
, spot metering with
a shadow- and highlight-based spot, and
unlimited continuous shooting on a fast
EG
card with HQ-quality JP
42
CO
N S U M.ER R E P O R
.
TS
0 NO
VEMB
ER
SLR
In
performance
cameras
order. Blue key numb ers indicate Quick
Picks
.
Features
.
~
(])
.0
E
::J
C
>-
(])
'"
43
Canon
EOS-30DDigital[jJ $1
44
Nikon
080[jJ 1,000
45
Sony
alphaOSLR-Al00K
46
Nikon
0200
!D
47
Nikon
D40X 800
48
Olympus
Evolt E
49
Canon DigitalRebelXti 800
50
Pentax Kl0D
!;l
lj
51
Nikon
040
52
Pentax
K10
0D
53
Sigma
SO
14
m 1,200
II
Priceisfor
bod
yonl
Guide
to
Overall
bility,
score.
maximum
taken at the best resolut ion and compression and viewed on a reference monitor, and on objective analytical test
data.
uses aproprietary size, or
stabilizer
batt eries. ISO
with a high-quality,50 -mm same-brand lens. Kit lensescommonly bundled are:Canon 18-55 mm EF-S, (Nikon D
AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135 mm, Sony 18-70 mm DT,(Nikon
AF-S OX Zoom-Nikkor 18 -55 rnrn, Olympus 14-42 mm, Pentax DA Zoom 18-55 rnrn, and Sigma 18
2007
• Ex
the Ratings
score
is for th e body only and is based on imag e qua lity, versatility, weight. ease of use, zooming capa-
battery
life, and useful
Megapixels
claimed
Battery
life
reflects the
shows models with that steadying feature. AAbatter
settings
pe
r t · In d e
pendent
-----
P F G VG E
.000
800
1,700
-410
800
800
600
600
y.
featur
is in milli ons of elements.
for
a well-light ed SUbject. SLR image
indicates
es. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in
numb
er of high-resolution photos taken
with
rechargeable nickel-metal hydride AAs;
the
sensitivity range.
· Nonprofi
t
100
I
I
I
I
..
Weight
Q;
~
~
(])
N
Q)
'"
S
X
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ro
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'w
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s
8
28 12.1
10
24
10
22
10
33
19 14
10
10 16
20
10
10
28 10.2
18 14
6
23 14
6
4.65 28
is for th e body only, includino battery.
quality
ies denotes models using those.
Price
is approximate retail (with lens). Models were tested
D200)
AF Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-55 mm, (Nikon
ro
0-
C
~
-5i
eo
l;::
12.1
11.
11
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12
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e 0 0
10
0 0 e
is based on expert
with
the batteries supplied, if the cam era
250
or more was judged excellent.
.'::'
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;;;
a
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ro
E
judgments
(])
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ro
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order
of precise overall
Flash
Charger
-50
0-
C
Q;
~
2'
ru
0
s:
~
U
100-
3200
100-3200
100-1600
100-1600
100-3200
100-1600
100-1600
100-1600
.
20
0-32
00
200-3200
1
00-1600
range
is th e
using images
Image
is for the
80
D40
x, D40)
mm.
)
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