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| Nikon Coolpix S710 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 The Nikon Coolpix S710 may appear to be just another stainless steel fashion cam, but after spending some time with this camera, we think its much more than that. The Coolpix S710's large LCD screen and spinning Control dial made shooting a blast and its packed feature set offered plenty of shot options. The 3.6x optical zoom didn't provide enough enhancement for our shooting needs, but the 28mm wide-angle lens helped us cram more content into our shots. Most importantly, the Coolpix S710 takes beautiful images, even in low light. We can't recommend this camera for full-size, 14-megapixel poster prints with professional results, but for 8x10s and web publishing, the Coolpix S710 will do the job with minimal hitches. Plus, it comes in that sexy maroon color. Release: September 2008. Price: $380.
Pros: Great image quality. Packed with features. Large LCD screen.
Cons: Lacks Mode dial. Zoom toggle needs improvement.
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70%
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| Olympus Stylus 1050 SW |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 The Olympus Stylus 1050 SW failed to impress us on many fronts, and that's not just because the camera died a ghastly death when we submerged it in a block of ice as part of our "Freezeproof" test. The Stylus 1050 SW survived a couple menacing plummets and withstood water and beer. Unfortunately, the Stylus 1050 SW's image quality left a lot to be desired and we were not big fans of its perturbing interface. We're not jazzed about this camera and we don't think you will be either. Release: October 2008. Price: $250.
Pros: Good-looking camera. Survived most endurance tests. Good menu system.
Cons: Failed Freeze test. Less than desirable image quality. Uninviting interface.
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55%
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 Panasonic's first Wi-Fi enabled camera took a major nose-dive in an area that fuels its existence: Wi-Fi image uploading. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 rendered us haplessly flummoxed as we tried and tried to connect to various wireless networks and failed miserably each time. A hefty $120 is the only divide between the Lumix DMC-TZ50 and the Lumix DMC-TZ5, but after days of struggling, we had to throw in the towel. Its 10x optical zoom and above average low light performance are nice features, but they don't justify the purchase. Furthermore, shooting features are minimal and the camera occupies a little more space than necessary. Those who are Wi-Fi-curious should take a look at the Nikon Coolpix S51c, until Panasonic gets things together on this camera. Release: June 2008. Price: $330.
Pros: 10x optical zoom. Decent low light performance. Large LCD screen.
Cons: Wi-Fi mode didn't work. Limited shooting features. Bulky size.
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58%
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| Canon PowerShot SX110 IS |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 At the close of our journey with the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, we have only a few complaints. The camera is more affordable than the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and SD990 IS, yet still manages to stock a bevy of manual controls and other shooting features. We love the spinning Control wheel, oversized Mode dial and large LCD screen. For the most part, image quality exceeded our expectations in most lighting conditions except low light. That's the PowerShot SX110 IS's Achilles heel. We struggled through unforgiving, wintry Maine nights, attempting to obtain a decent exposure without having to skyrocket the ISO. If you really want a 20x optical zoom and swivel LCD screen, then go for the monstrous PowerShot SX10 IS. Otherwise, you'll save a decent chunk of change with the PowerShot SX110 IS. Just don't expect any magic when the lights go down. Release: August 2008. Price: $200.
Pros: Great interface. Solid image quality in bright light. Packed with shooting features.
Cons: Poor low light performance. Larger than most compacts.
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66%
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| Casio Exilim EX-Z300 |
| Full review » Scoreboard » Features » Gallery » |
 The Casio Exilim EX-Z300 is stuck right in the middle of the extensive Exilim family, sporting an average 1/2.3" sensor and a 4x optical zoom, which is slightly generous considering the camera's compact size. We wanted more from the interface and less BS, er, Best Shot modes. There are 38 total on this camera, which is great until you realize most of them utilize the same settings. Low light was an issue with the Exilim EX-Z300, and most images were attacked by some form of noise, fringing or blowing out. The big old LCD screen is nice to have, but not in the sun. We found the Exilim EX-Z300 to be just another average compact, although the Multi-Motion Image BS mode is oodles of fun if you have a tripod and a photographer with a very steady hand. Release: October 2008. Price: $300.
Pros: Tons of beginner-friendly Best Shot presets. Ample LCD screen. Compact design.
Cons: Interface could use a pumping up. All settings are reset after powering off and back on. Weak low light performance.
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59%
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Excellent |
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