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Top 10 Cameras of July by CNET
Note: Results are based on readership and polls conducted with selected retailers (Alan Photo Trading and Cathay Photo Store) in Singapore.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01
The good: Wide-angle (28mm) lens; wide-aspect video recording at 30fps; dual image stabilization; High Angle LCD; uses same battery and charger as FX9 and FX8.
The bad: No manual features or optical viewfinder; slight barrel distortions at 28mm wide angle; chromatic aberrations in the form of blooming and purple fringing; unable to select desired ISO level in High Sensitivity mode.
The bottom line: The Lumix FX01 proves to be a compact shooter that performs, just like its previous incarnations, though it misses the mark in terms of image quality. -
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
The good: Firm handgrip on camera facilitates one-hand shooting; familiar and user-friendly menu interface; 10x optical zoom for still and motion image shooting; travel-related functions.
The bad: Removable lens cap a hassle; lack of manual (aperture- and shutter-priority) controls; can shoot a total of only three frames in Fine image quality; slow zoom startup; noisy images beyond ISO 800.
The bottom line: For users who don't care for manual options on a 10x optical zoom camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 is a good choice. -
3. Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS
The good: Great performance and pictures; effective image stabilization; attractive, comfortable design.
The bad: No aperture-priority or shutter-priority modes; awkward optical viewfinder and power button.
The bottom line: The Canon IXUS 800 IS has practically everything you could want in a compact camera, though you might think the price tag a bit steep. -
4. Casio Exilim EX-Z1000
The good: Sturdy body with an elegant design; simple and intuitive interface; continuous shooting with flash; negligible shutter lag.
The bad: Unusable pictures at high ISO settings; effective 2.5-inch screen estate; slow continuous shooting.
The bottom line: The trendy design and user-friendly features manage to steal some thunder from this high-resolution shooter. However, the Exilim EX-Z1000 is still a basic digicam targeted at users who want a high-resolution camera. -
5. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30
The good: Large 3-inch LCD screen; optical image stabilization; 58MB of built-in memory.
The bad: Bulkier design; flimsy battery and memory stick compartment cover; camera's back tends to retain fingerprints; slow flash recharge cycle; no unlimited continuous shooting mode; noisy images at ISO 800 and ISO 1,000.
The bottom line: The slightly bulkier Cyber-shot T30 (compared with the Cyber-shot T9) is targeted at those looking for a compact-sized shooter with a large LCD screen. -
6. Canon PowerShot S3 IS
The good: Comfortable design; 12x optically stabilized zoom; reasonably fast camera; unlimited continuous shooting mode at 1.5fps; 0cm Super Macro mode; uses AA-sized batteries.
The bad: Lens cap a hassle to deal with; small 2-inch LCD monitor; doesn't support RAW formas; ISO 800 pictures unusable.
The bottom line: Like its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a formidable prosumer with a 12x optical zoom lens and impressive performance. -
7. Olympus Mju 720SW
The good: Solid build quality; waterproof up to 3m and shockproof up to 1.5m; basic onboard image-editing functions.
The bad: No manual controls; no true continuous-shooting mode; noise at higher ISO levels.
The bottom line: The Olympus Mju 720SW is for those who want to carry a snapshot digicam without having to constantly take care of the unit like a baby. -
8. Canon Digital IXUS 60
The good: Excellent image quality; top-notch build quality; quick performance.
The bad: Basic feature set.
The bottom line: Despite its no-frills feature set, the Canon Digital IXUS 60 delivers quality photos and strong performance in a small package. -
9. Fujifilm FinePix F30
The good: Produces usable shots, without digital noise, even at high ISO 1,600 and ISO 3,200 sensitivity levels; aperture- and shutter-priority modes; versatile 2.5-inch LCD.
The bad: Noticeable fringing in photos; lens could be wider.
The bottom line: Low-light shooters will love that the Fujifilm FinePix F30's screen actually lets you see through the darkness and that its high ISOs produce usable photos with acceptable levels of noise. -
10. Nikon Coolpix S6
The good: Great click wheel; slim design; solid color reproduction.
The bad: Irritating top buttons; extremely limited Wi-Fi capabilities.
The bottom line: The Nikon Coolpix S6 is a stylish performer with a handy control wheel, but its Wi-Fi implementation feels almost like an afterthought. -
For more information please visit CNET.