Top 5 10-megapixel compact cameras
- — 19 June, 2008 13:20
Deciding on a pocket-sized point-and-shoot camera can be a difficult choice. There are plenty of models on the market, and each has its own advantages. We've taken a look at the best cameras above 10 megapixels, across all price points and categories. Click on the links to see an in-depth review of each product.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520 — Best for the Tech Savvy
What's hot: Touch screen, great focusing system, quality zoom lens
Panasonic's most innovative compact camera has impressive credentials — 10.1 megapixels (Mp), 5x optical zoom and a relatively thin casing. Add a 3in touch screen that you can use to manually focus on objects and select different shooting modes, and the DMC-FX520 becomes an early adopter's dream. Pictures are crisp and vibrant, and are more than acceptable for printing at small and medium sizes.
For full specifications and an in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520, click here.
Kodak Easyshare V1073 — Best for Budget Buyers
What's hot: Sharp images, touch-screen interface, good colour balance
At a much lower price point, Kodak's offering also has a 3in touch-sensitive panel. It boasts a 10Mp sensor and a 3x optical zoom, meaning that it's roughly on par with other models on the market but at a cheaper price. You don't get the refined experience of the bigger names, but the camera is more than competent.
For full specifications and an in-depth review of the Kodak Easyshare V1073, click here.
Olympus Tough 1030SW — Best for Budding Travellers
What's hot: Waterproof to 10m, shockproof from 2m, snow- and crush-proof, fairly sharp images, low noise levels
If you're going anywhere that you might need a tough, compact camera, this Olympus is the best bet. It's waterproof to 10m and shockproof to 2m, as well as being impervious to snow and resistant to 100kg of direct weight. Drop it onto concrete from above your head and watch it bounce to the bottom of a diving pool — it will live to take another photo.
For full specifications and an in-depth review of the Olympus Tough 1030SW, click here.
Nikon CoolPix S600 — Best for Happy Snappers
What's hot: Optical image stabilisation, decent image quality, fast start-up time
There are times when you need a camera in an instant to catch that special moment — Nikon's S600 is that camera. It's thin enough to fit into the pocket of a pair of jeans, and light enough that you won't notice it's there. Best of all, the S600 is an extremely responsive unit. Start-up only takes 0.7sec and image capture speeds are as fast as the best other models available.
For full specifications and an in-depth review of the Nikon CoolPix S600, click here.
Canon IXUS 90IS — Best All-Rounder
What's hot: Stylish retro design, sharp images, fast start-up time
If you don't have any specific needs for a camera but want something that is a consistently solid performer, it's a good idea to have a look at Canon's IXUS range. Long considered the benchmark for compact digital cameras, their pictures are crisp, the interface is simple and performance is more than acceptable. The latest IXUS 90IS is Canon's flagship model and should be the standard by which all other compact cameras are measured.
For full specifications and an in-depth review of the Canon IXUS 90IS, click here.
