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Camera Labs Buyer's Guide:
the best point and shoot digital cameras
If you’re shopping for a compact digital camera, you’ve come to the right place! At Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.
So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.
If you find our reviews useful and would like to support Camera Labs, please use our price-checking service next to each camera below. This will let you find the best prices for that particular model from reputable stores, so it's a win-win situation which saves you money and keeps us up and running. We really do appreciate your support and once you’ve bought your new camera we’d love to hear what you think in the Camera Labs forums!
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 - full review / video tour in HD |
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| Panasonic’s Lumix TZ7 (or ZS3 as it’s known in North America) is the successor to the enormously popular Lumix TZ5, and like that model, packs a super-zoom range into a compact form factor. This time the TZ7 / ZS3 zooms a little wider and a little longer with an impressive 12x range, and despite the small dimensions, the quality is very respectable. Like the TZ5 before it, you can record HD movies in 720p, but now have the choice of Motion JPEG or AVCHD encoding along with stereo sound. The already capable automatic mode has been enhanced and there’s also an HDMI port. Easily one of the best compacts around.
Pros: 12x stabilised zoom with 25mm; HD video; great auto mode.
Cons: Little manual control. HD mode no match for a camcorder.
Overall: One of the best compacts just got better.
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| Canon PowerShot SX200 IS - full review |
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The PowerShot SX200 IS is Canon’s first attempt at creating a pocket-sized super-zoom camera, and it’s certainly hit the ground running. With the SX200 IS you get the flexibility of a 12x optically-stabilised zoom, automatic scene detection or full manual control over the aperture and shutter, a 3in screen, HD movies and an HDMI port, all packed into a small and discreet body. It may be a little too chunky to squeeze into the smallest pockets, but it’ll easily slip into bags or larger pockets and never be a burden. It’s an impressive camera with some great features, but compare closely with Panasonic’s TZ7 / ZS3.
Pros: 12x stabilised zoom with 28mm; HD video, HDMI port.
Cons: No optical zoom when filming; flash always raised when on.
Overall: An impressive compact, but the TZ7 / ZS3 is a big rival. |
| Canon PowerShot A2000 IS - full review |
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Canon’s PowerShot A2000 IS is a good value 10 Megapixel compact with a longer than average 6x optical zoom range and very effective image stabilisation. It may be lacking the 28mm wide angle coverage of some models, but it’ll outgun most at the price in the telephoto stakes, zooming into an equivalent of 216mm. This is ideal if you find yourself frustrated with the maximum reach of other compacts. The image quality is also good, delivering detailed, consumer-friendly photos under a variety of conditions. A great choice for the money, but if you can stretch a little further, the SD 880IS / IXUS 870IS is a classier model.
Pros: 6x optical zoon, AA battery power, 3in screen.
Cons: No 28mm wide, slow flash recharge, low viewing angle.
Overall: A good choice at the price, but consider 880IS / 870IS. |
Camera Labs Buyer's Guides
Budget DSLRs / Mid-range DSLRs / Semi-pro DSLRs / Compacts / Premium Compacts / Clearance bargains
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