If you've been waiting for technology to catch up with your point and shoot film camera, it has arrived. Not inexpensive at $250 to $480, the following digital cameras feature some type of vibration reduction, 6 - 8 megapiixels of resolution and a large (2.5” diagonal) monitor (except Casio). Some have a viewfinder for easy viewing in bright sunlight and while all models have built in flash, their range is limited.

The feature of image stabilization enables you to capture a sharp picture in dim light without using the flash or when a telephoto lens setting is needed. Every one of these digital cameras are capable of producing ultra sharp 4 x 6s and great 11 x 17 enlargements.

My choice is the Pentax A10. It has the sharpest monitor, the most effective image stabilization and the best flash range. The DIVx movie mode is also a plus. However, you may have other priorities to help you decide on a model. The Sony features a terrific slide show with music but is pricey for 6MP. The Casio is low priced and thin, but hard to see in bright light. The Panasonic has a nice optical view Finder and is reasonably priced. The Canon has the longest zoom but is overpriced. All have a ple

thora of special features but the one you will use most is the dial marked 'AUTO'. If the video capability is important to you then buy the largest SD or MS Card available (2GB). For regular still photos a 256 or 512 megabyte card is enough. Some models include many manual settings for the advanced amateur so further research may be called for.

Camera View RES Zoom Card LCD Thickness Flash Price*

Casio Exilim EX S600 NO 6MP 38 - 114 SD .6" 85K 9 ft. $273.00 Canon SD 700 IS YES 6MP 35 - 140 SD 1.0" 173K 11.5Ft. $479.00 Nikon Coolpix P4 NO 8MP 36 - 126 SD 1.2" 150K 13Ft. $340.00 Olympus Stylus 710 NO 7MP 37 - 111 XD .8" 115K 13 Ft . $283.00 Panasonic DMC FX9 YES 6.4MP 35 - 105 SD .9" 207K 12 Ft. $256.00 Pentax A10 NO 8MP 38 - 114 SD .8" 232K 15 Ft. $273.00 SonyCybershot DSCFX9 NO 6MP 38 - 114 MS Pro .8" 230K 9 Ft. $375.00

*Lowest Internet Quote

 Previous      Next