Let's cast aside the importance of a compact point-and-shoot's ability to capture quality still images and video and hone in on sexiness for our official infoSync World Sexiest Compact Pageant '09. Some of the cameras we selected can actually shoot, but the deciding factor here is style. Those of you who are just aiming to fatten up that facebook or flickr account and look hot while doing it will want to take a gander at our top picks. If image quality and manual controls lie at the forefront of your photographic necessities list, then check out our Best Performance Compacts article.
Simplicity is the name of the game, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900's minimalist design and alarming lack of external controls translates to ultimate style by any stretch of the red carpet. We like its sleek sliding faceplate and swanky brushed aluminum construction. In back we're greeted to a generous 3.5-inch fully touch-screen LCD, and the camera even retains a shutter button zoom toggle on top. Manual controls are a rare breed on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900, but the camera stocks a nice little library of auto controls, including Face Detection and Touch Focus. It shoots 720p HD video, and we found its performance to be quite impressive. The camera's image quality was definitely not the best in its class, but if you're looking for an incredibly thin, sexy camera, the Cyber-shot DSC-T900 will make you a facebook star in no time.
Not only did Canon revamp many of its PowerShot cameras for 2009, but the company also succeeded in raising the image quality bar and stocking its compacts with a formidable force of manual controls, all in one fell swoop. The Canon PowerShot SD960 IS was one of the most unconventional designs we had seen all year, due to its gothic arch-like architecture and minimal external controls located in back. All we were given was a pair of oval buttons that bookended a spinning Set dial—the whole setup resembled a firepower flower from Super Mario Bros. However, an extensive set of manual controls lurked within the PowerShot SD960 IS, including a shutter speed that could submerge itself down to the depths of 15 seconds. The camera also exhibited exceptional still image and HD video quality, compared to all the other contenders in its class. The best part? The Canon PowerShot SD960 IS ships in a delightful array of pastel colors.
We haven't had much luck from Olympus point-and-shoots this year in terms of image quality. The Olympus Stylus 1040 had its moments, but we'd place it in the same circuit as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 when it came down to a pixel-for-pixel battle. What the Olympus Stylus does bring to the table is an ultra compact, sexy body with an interface that strays from the pack. We were not too keen on the Stylus 1040's flat panel of buttons located in back, but from a style perspective, who could deny the hotness of the tantalizing brushed aluminum and LED concoction? The Stylus 1040 also offered a decent set of manual controls and was packed with additional features like In-Camera Panorama and a nice little library of Scene modes. No HD video on the Olympus Stylus 1040, and we'd only suggest this camera solely based on its looks, as there is a superior model hovering above this camera in every other district of the forest.
Last but not least, the Casio Exilim EX-FC100 was actually the first Casio that didn't leave us with a vacuous feeling after we tested it. The camera actually blends fashion and technology to prove that nerds can be sexy too. The camera's high-speed still image capture was actually rather impressive, but the high-speed video capture was too much of a gimmick, due to the tiny resolutions. This camera is packed with features, but it also includes a plethora of Best Shot modes for a variety of shooting environments. The Casio Exilim EX-FC100 might not be the cup of tea for most shooters, but it has definitely etched a spot within the glamorous landscape of the fashion cam world.
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