Engadget Labs: The best point-and-shoot camera for under $400
By Tim Stevens 
posted May 19th 2009 1:30PM
posted May 19th 2009 1:30PM
There are dozens and dozens of cameras intended for casual shooters all the time or serious shooters some of the time, with models suitable for pockets of every shape and size -- and for wallets of equally varying dimensions. So, let's take a look at some of this summer's greatest, and see which comes out ahead, shall we?
The Goal
We can't test every compact cam that's currently on the market, as we do have a site to run here, but we took a break from exchanging witticisms over tea for a moment to determine which of the latest cams were going to be the hottest this summer, setting a hard cap of $400 and then going down from there -- way down, as it turned out. We then set about trying to get a good selection of those players, and, while some of the ones we most wanted to test (like Panasonic's DMC-TZ7) were sadly unavailable, the group of nine we ultimately received cover a broad spectrum of designs, features, and prices, ranging from $125 up to that $400 maximum, with an average price of just over $240.
So, without further ado, let's introduce the players.
Nikon Coolpix S220 - The most compact |
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First impressions are of a simple, small, but by no means cheap feeling camera. Even the packing materials in the box feel like much higher-quality stuff than that found in the more expensive options -- not that it matters after the initial frantic unpacking. The metal body feels cool and solid in the hand, but the lens motor sounds sickly, not inspiring much confidence about this camera's internal durability.
Kodak EasyShare M380 - Kodak's value proposition |
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Out of the box the M380 feels a little lower end than the S220, with its plasticy body and slightly squishy buttons, but the mode-selector wheel on the top makes tweaking the camera quick and easy (even if we kept confusing it for the shutter release) and a dedicated button on top for disabling the flash is a nice touch, too. Also nice is the USB charger, which would mean one fewer AC adapter to pack.
Canon PowerShot A1100 IS - Bulging with batteries |
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In terms of aesthetics the A1100 is one of the cheaper feeling cameras in the group, its two-tone plastic body not turning any heads and that plastic shell feeling flimsy in the hand -- you can hear it creaking and rattling when recording videos. But, it is comfortable to hold, and has room for two AA batteries, making replacement in the field cheap and easy. That battery bulge does leave it looking a little... expectant, however.
Kodak EasyShare Z915 - The big boy |
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If you can get past that, you get specs comparable to the same-priced Canon, but with more than twice the zoom and effective stabilization that makes even the 350mm end of that lens quite usable freehand. It lets in a little less light than the Canon, but again ISO 800 is okay if you don't mind a hint of grain. This one is also packing AA power, and has the hump to prove it.
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 - Big screen sophistication | Return to top |
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Nikon Coolpix S630 - Pretty in pink |
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Samsung SL820 - The high-def heavyweight |
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Like the solidity of the chassis, the controls are also quite reassuring, with the mode wheel conveniently placed on the back and some very clean looking menus that, while slow, make it easy to find whatever you're looking for. Its up/down zoom control is a bit odd, and while the battery door here is similarly adorned with a manual latch like the FS25, this one is much easier to operate and is partially made up for with a USB-based charger like the M380.
Casio Exilim EX-FC100 - Mr. Slow-Mo |
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 - Military-grade |
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The final contender, and the sturdiest, is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. Its MSRP is $400 and so far seems to be selling right at that asking price. Specs are not dissimilar to the other, cheaper cameras, including an unrealistic ISO 1600 maximum (even 400 shows a good bit of grain), but again offering 720p video capture like the last two. The main draw here is the waterproof and shockproof construction, enabling this one to survive at up to 10 feet under water, or handle a 5-foot drop without damage. In other words: it's no coincidence that this one was painted olive-drab. Because of this cam's go-anywhere construction we were expecting a poor performer when it came to image quality, but we were surprised at how well it compared in many situations.
| The big chart | Return to top |
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Photo
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Video
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Zoom
|
ISO
|
Aperture
|
LCD
|
Battery
|
Price
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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12.1MP
|
640 x 480
|
4X
|
80 - 1600
|
2.7 - 5.6
|
2.5 in.
|
2x AA
|
$190
|
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9.1MP
|
720p
|
5X
|
100 - 1600
|
3.6 - 4.5
|
2.7 in.
|
1300
mAh |
$310
|
||
|
10.2MP
|
640 x 480
|
5X
|
80 - 1600
|
3.1 - 5.6
|
3 in.
|
1020
mAh |
$180
|
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10MP
|
640 x 480
|
10X
|
100 - 1600
|
3.5 - 8.3
|
2.5 in.
|
2x AA
|
$190
|
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10MP
|
640 x 480
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3X
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80 - 2000
|
3.1 - 5.9
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2.5 in.
|
740
mAh |
$125
|
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12MP
|
640 x 480
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7X
|
64 - 1600
|
3.5 - 5.3
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2.7 in.
|
1050
mAh |
$250
|
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12.1MP
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720p
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4.6X
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80 - 1600
|
3.3 - 5.9
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2.7 in.
|
940
mAh |
$400
|
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12.1MP
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848 x 480
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5X
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80 - 1600
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3.3 - 5.9
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3 in.
|
940
mAh |
$250
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12.2MP
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720p
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5X
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80 - 3200
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3.4 - 5.8
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3 in.
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1050
mAh |
$250
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How we tested |
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Macro |
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Liked: Samsung SL820, Kodak EasyShare Z915
Didn't Like: Nikon Coolpix S220
Very, very different interpretations of the color of this bit of ajuga, a little purple plant that resulted in some big differences. As you can see in the gallery each camera seemed to have its own ideas about what shade of violet was appropriate, but it was the Samsung SL820 that came closest to reality, taking a very sharp image with accurate color representation. Kodak's Z915 also did quite good, but was a bit too purply. The other cameras all missed the color too, with the Nikon S220 being particularly artificial looking.
Close |
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Liked: Kodak EasyShare M380, Kodak EasyShare Z915, Casio Exilim EX-FC100
Didn't like: Nikon Coolpix S220, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Bleeding hearts are in bloom and so they were the subject of our predictably flowery shot of a close but not quite macro object. Here the two Kodaks did well, with both the M380 and the Z915 offering vibrant colors and plenty of detail. The Casio FC100 also took a particularly good shot, and honestly all the pictures are quite good, though those from the S220 and TS1 were somewhat pale. The FS25 is worth a mention here as, while it didn't produce the best looking shots, it did have perfect consistency in all three captures.
Fully Wide |
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Liked: Canon PowerShot A1100 IS, Kodak EasyShare Z915, Samsung SL820, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Didn't like: Kodak EasyShare M380
The wide and zoom tests both subject on a wild apple tree in blossom, starting with the wide end to show just how much a given cam can take in. Here again the Z915 impressed, with the Canon 1100 IS doing well also. The SL820 and the TS1 show off their 28mm equivalent zooms, capturing more of the greenery than the other cams. On the unimpressive end the Kodak M380 disappointed with its dull, washed-out pictures. The rest of the contenders came somewhere in between, many offering some very interesting interpretations of green.
Fully Zoomed |
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Liked: Kodak EasyShare M380, Kodak EasyShare Z915, Casio Exilim EX-FC100
Didn't like: Nikon Coolpix S220, Nikon Coolpix S630
Now we go to the other end of the spectrum, fully zooming in to show off the power of the lens and the capability of the optical stabilization (where present). Naturally the Kodak Z915 did quite well here, its 10x, 350mm equivalent lens enabling you to easily pick out individual blossoms. Its compatriot the M380 also did well, making good use of its 5x, 190mm lens. Neither of the Nikons did particularly impressed, with the S220 somewhat crippled by its 3x, 105mm zoom, and though the S630's more powerful 7x, 260mm lens showed plenty more detail, it lacked good color definition.
Foreground object |
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Liked: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25, Samsung SL820, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Didn't like: Nikon Coolpix S220, Canon PowerShot A1100 IS, Nikon Coolpix S630
This time it's an object in the foreground (a disused fire pit) in front of a sea of leaves, the square edges and contrast of the bricks making a good subject for checking detail. Here the FS25, SL820, and TS1 all took clear, bright, accurate shots, with the Panasonic's shot looking particularly good. The S220 took a good looking shot but the color is off, while the S630's shots were soft. So, too, were the shots from the Canon.
Person |
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Liked: Kodak EasyShare Z915, Samsung SL820, Casio Exilim EX-FC100
Didn't like: Nikon Coolpix S220, Canon PowerShot A1100 IS
All the cameras offer some sort of portrait mode, enabling them to lock into person's faces to ensure they always stay in focus. This made taking the picture itself particularly easy, and the results are generally good -- as you'd expect given the frequency of this kind of photo. The Nikon S220 was a bit soft, as was the Canon 1100 IS, while the Kodak Z915, Samsung SL820, and Casio FC100 all taking particularly good shots -- though it's worth noting that the other two shots from the FC100 looked quite different from this one.
Artificial light |
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Liked: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25, Canon PowerShot A1100 IS, Samsung SL820
Didn't like: Kodak EasyShare M380, Kodak EasyShare Z915
Another test, another set of cameras with color reproductions all over the place. This time it was a dark room with only artificial light illuminating our little test subject, testing to see how well the cameras would self-manage ISO modes. In this case the Kodak Z915's best shot had a blueish hue, but the other shots from this cam had a bright green tinge. The Nikon S220 looks reddish, while its compatriot the S630 had accurate color -- but was a bit too dark. The Kodak M380 required five shots to get one decent one, and even that one was far too soft. The Panasonic FS25 took a bright, crisp shot, with the Canon A1100 IS and Samsung SL820 also impressing.
Low light |
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Liked: Kodak EasyShare Z915, Nikon Coolpix S630, Casio Exilim EX-FC100
Didn't like: Kodak EasyShare M380
This was the toughest challenge of the test, a shot in what would be considered low light for these cams. This picture was taken in a reasonably well-illuminated room, but the subject itself had only some indirect light on it coming through windows with curtains drawn, which gave a number of cameras a fit. In particular the M380 couldn't figure anything out, taking a series of very dark pictures -- even when we enabled the flash. It was only by manually moving to ISO800 that the above, blurry shot could be captured. The FS25 also required manual tweaking of the ISO settings, and nearly all of the cameras showed some amount of grain, but the Z915 did miles better than its fellow Kodak, the S630 lacked color but figured things out well on its own, and the FC100 performing similarly.
Video capture |
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Liked: Samsung SL820, Casio Exilim FC100, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Didn't like: The rest
None of these cameras can do true double-duty work as a camcorder, but the Samsung SL820 comes awfully close. It offers 720p video and is one of only two cameras here that allow optical zooming while video is recording (the Panasonic DMC-TS1 is the other) -- even if it does unfortunately mute the audio while doing so to drown out the noise of the motor. But, at all other times it captures (relatively) great sound to match the video.
And of course we can't talk video without highlighting the FC100, with its bevy of high-speed video modes that are plenty fun to experiment with. Unfortunately, once you're done experimenting you'll realize that the resolution and quality is too low to be of much use, as you can see in the compilation video above, with the skinny 1000fps segments getting stretched such that their subjects are barely recognizable. At high-speeds it is a fun toy, but not the high-quality, high-speed shooter we were hoping for. At a rather more normal 30 fps, however, the 720p video here is good, but a bit murkier than the Samsung, and the lack of zooming while filming is a drag.
Wrap-up |
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So, there you have it: lots and lots of pictures with lots and lots of cameras. None of the contenders were complete disappointments, but the Kodak M380 impressed the least. It did well in a few situations, but its overall performance was sub-par. That contrasts with its brother, the Z915, which took consistently excellent shots, but is just a little too big to be a the sort of camera we'd want to take along everywhere. If you have unusually large pockets, though, buy with confidence. For those with small pockets (and pocketbooks) who aren't too hung up on image quality the Nikon S220 is a great little camera, while on the most expensive side the TS1 offered generally average picture quality -- impressive considering it's the only camera here you can not only take to the beach but right down into the water.
The rest were closely matched, but we liked the pictures coming from Samsung's SL820 most consistently. This was a surprise, as it's not the marque we'd have guessed would come out on top before we started testing, but it delivered the most consistently crisp, well-focused shots of the group, offers the highest quality video by a long shot (only Casio's EX-FC100 compares), and feels bulletproof in the hand. Sure, it's a little on the hefty side, but it's still comfortably pocket-sized, is quite a looker, and was the one that we found ourselves reaching for when it came time to take a few holiday snaps on our own.
Update: The initial version of this review didn't give proper credit to the Panasonic DMC-TS1's video capture, which not only also shoots 720p video, but allows optical zooming while doing so.
Which one takes the best dirty pictures?
Depends how much dirt you put on the lens
... i hope you are being sarcastic mushman.
If anyone cares Panasonic DMC-ZS3 beats every single camera listed here and anywhere
Its sold out everywhere too meh, i been reading for 3 full days reviews everywhere and every single website saying ZS3>ALL
Now if only i can get the freaking thing! it even shoot HD 1280X720p60 with optical zoom available for video recording too and focus
And its audio Capture quality is so good, its the perfect camera
Watch video sample here yourself "Click the HD button"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYeBnZ_Cym8
Also i forget to mention Youtube Reduce video quality a bit , real video even better on pc plus youtube limit the frame rate to 30 while playing the video on your pc should be way smoother (60 frame instead of 30) and its for less than 400$ (399$ lol)
Even if you do not care about video capture, still images beat canon latest cameras by a mile, ignore my comment and check image resources.com reviews (Check the picture samples yourself, they take pictures of the same things with every camera)
Somehow I just can't get excited about cameras. I hate being in photos and I hate taking them. It has just never been an exciting techno subject for me.
Maybe you'd prefer a review of plastic surgery options, or dieting.
LOL bit harsh, but it made up for it in funniness
I bet you're the type of person who spends $.99 to answer a TV phone-in poll with "Undecided"
I agree with Nelson; it seems odd that you'd comment on a blog clearly about cameras to say that you're not interested in them.
Thankfully, a lot of us are, and not all of us are looking for SLRs. Thanks, 'Gadge!
An excellent review.
Actually, the review wasn't very detailed in the areas that matter most. I get my camera reviews from http://www.imaging-resource.com. For a camera, most people need a "fast" camera (how many times have you missed the shot of your kid because of camera lag -- it's better now, but still important). I have the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 (older model now), but some of it's newer siblings are still, to me, the best value in a camera. Great zoom, good picture, price is in the sub-$400 range this article targeted....and the key thing: very little lag (from I.R. website, < 0.60 seconds for full autofocus....from a several year old model). Most image issues can be corrected after the fact in software.
I wouldn't call it an excellent review when the title says "The best p-a-s camera for < $400" and doesn't include "arguably?" the best cameras.. the canon SD series. I bought SD400 back in 04/05 and still own it, besides a SD1100is and I lover them and so do a lot of people I know.
Any reason why the SD line is excluded?
pal :)
@ Pal
I agree totally. I have had/used many of the other cameras listed here, but my SD1100 blows any of them away as a traditional point and shoot. I am curious as to why they are left out as I got mine for $150 w/ case and 4GB sd card. I have purchased 5 or so for myself and other people and they are the most durable and beautiful cameras out there.
My complaints come from some of the situations the photos were taken in. In particular, the "Fully Wide" test was taken while there were clouds rolling around in the sky. So the Samsung and Kodak M got no direct sunlight (the Samsung actually makes the sky look washed out), and the other pictures were taken when the sun was fully exposed. For that reason alone, paired with the inherent differences in each camera, might be why you witnessed "some very interesting interpretations of green."
@ Pal
I have SD400 also, and it's performance in low light or any situation where flash doesn't go off is plain bad.
Besides that i love my SD400 and its older brother PowerShot S500.
I don't know what the SD1100 IS does, but I have a SD780IS, and I presume they're similar. That little camera is more versatile and more adaptable in lowlight, macro, etc., than my DSLR! Plus it shoots HD video, and is about as thick/long/wide as an iPhone (except a little shorter and narrower). What could beat that?
@ Pal
Completely agree. Canon SD series (Particularly the SD960IS and the SD 780IS) could also be found for less than $400. Both feature HD video and the former also has 4X wide angle zoom. I think they should have been picked for the 'review'
I stopped reading this the moment I saw the selection of cameras.
I was going to ask about Sony. It seems they hit the major manufacturers but no Sony. Yes I'm aware limited budget but I thought that was a glaring omission.
good review - good selection, except they missed all of the ones I usually recommend for slightly more serious shooting [quality + low light]. I believe all / any of these could be purchased for $400 or less.
http://thinkmoreinc.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/82-2/
I have to second the exclusion of both the Canon SD series and the FUJI F series, I have been recommending these for years, and most professional review sites seem to prefer them over the other options...
Is it just me, or wasn't this supposed to be the best point and shoot for under $400. derp!
I suppose $125 is less than $400, but it surely doesn't encapsulate the best from the range at different price points. I'll second the call (or fifth, eighth) for inclusion of the Canon SD line and some of the Sonys.
Seriously, the Canon SD790 IS is decent, or the SX110IS, or the SX10 IS... I'd even throw in there the G9, which can be had for under the price limit since it's been replaced by the G10. Okay that may be cheating a bit, but despite a few flaws, it's one hell of a camera for those who know how to use it.
For those calling this review excellent, I'd suggest a little trip over to http://dpreview.com/ to see how REAL photogs test cameras (other sites are decent as well).
Fraggle
My Canon Sure-Shot has never let me down and the pictures are fantastic looking.
and by the way, i'm not talking about the clunker in this piece but the SD1000 Power-Shot (not the Sure-Shot as previously alluded to)
Awesome article, good job guys!
Is the very warm white balance on the indoor shots intentional?
Canon is always a bit soft, unsaturated and low contrast, but just put vivid on in the filters and it'll do what all the other cameras do. The fully wide shots seem the wrong way around (I know they're not, but the Samsung can't handle those highlights at all).
I sell cameras professionally, and I have to say that your findings very good. Samsung has really done a good job this year making a good camera. Last year, they totally failed with the L100 and L200, so it's good to see a great company polish off another great product.
Good review!!
Problem is that samsung sells different cameras in each country, and even the seemingly same model seems to have different styling per country, so it becomes a bit confusing when it's review time.
In a cursory glance it seems they only sell the SL820 in the US.
It's curious because some countries has far fewer options than others and some have only what seems to be older models, strange stuff.
I now found that in europe the SL820 is called IT-100, why they do that remains a mystery, some manufacturers just add an e to the end of the name, although then too I wonder why there has to be a change in universal devices, apart from the poweradaptors and multi-language manuals, but that doesn't mean you need an e on the device itself.
Would have liked to see something from sony as well to see how it stacks up.
I agree.. it's a little difficult to take a something like this seriously when it excludes one of the largest/oldest manufacturers of digital cameras.
Yeah- sure they're a bit over priced but they look nice to me.
I realize you guys said you couldn't review every p&s camera, but really man, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is getting really good reviews right now. It shines in low light at high ISO, something no other p&s can really do. It costs around $350. It really should have been featured.
I hope it's a hell of a lot better than the Z100fd. I love the form factor, but the picture quality is a huge disappointment. My woot! Vivitar 8600s takes much better pictures, and I never considered that a high-quality camera...
How do you have this test without any Sony Cameras?
Agreed.
I completely agree with this guy, I came to say the exact same thing. I riffle through alot of my friends pictures taken with canons and casios and kodaks but i almost always find my moms sony with the best shots. And i hate Sony the company as much as the next guy.
Sony should be excluded from any reviews and should be banned by all consumers until they start supporting SD cards.
I used to care about the type of card a camera used (I only got Canon because they used CF), but I then I realized it doesn't matter since I just get a big @ss card and leave in the camera forever and unload pics via USB. After I put in the card I never see it again.
Now I find the most important thing I want standardized in cameras is the connector. It's turns out Canon wins in this regard since they use mini USB in everything (AFAIK) while other cameras all have their own weird connector. I have a mini USB cable semi-permanently plugged into my Mac and I can use that one cable for three cameras, an audio recorder, portable HD, etc.
I like my Sony T900, the picture quality has been fantastic wherever I've used it. Haven't used the video feature extensively but from I've tried it's worked well.
YES! I just got mine last week and the quality is great, low light takes some adjustment but pics still come out amazing! I got silver? I wanted black but the front slider wasn't brushed metal like the rest of them are and got fingerprints very quickly
I wonder where the Canon Powershot SD990IS would have placed? At $309 on Amazon it is well below the $400 cap and delivers some stunning images, along with a huge feature set or auto mode for the casual.
Would have rather seen a PowerShot SD series rather then the A series. I think it would stack up a little bit better.
I know you could test all cameras, but what about the Canon powershot SD780 IS? It would have done better than the canon you tested. I picked one up a couple of weeks ago and love it. Shoots 720p video, takes great pics, and its tiny. Definitely a step up from my casio elixim IMHO. Readers check one out if you get a chance.
I just got an SD780 last week. Great camera if you are looking for something pocketable that you actually won't mind taking with you basically everywhere. The 720P video looks excellent in good light. The interface is great and easy to use. Pictures are generally good for sharing on the internet even if you just leave it on auto. Some cool face detection stuff. My complaint would be that they kicked the megapixels up too high, leading to more noise in low light shots (all P&S are pretty bad here, but past 8MP it starts to really go downhill). Also the jpeg compression and noise reduction the camera does are a bit aggressive and there is no way to change it.
why is Canon's SD line conspicuously absent?
Yeah, I love my Cannon SD770 I bought recently. I got the camera on amazon pretty cheap and it has taken fantastic shots. My parents got an "A" series, and I must say, the build quality looks much better on the SD series cameras.
You guys excluded the Canon SD1100. :/ That's a pretty important camera in this segment.
How can you have a shootout like this with ZERO Elphs!?!?!?
aka Ixus (in other markets)
Agreed!
The bulge in the Canon gives it the best grip, check it.
I have to agree -- I have one of the much older 3.2 megapixel canons, one with the nice flip out screen on the back. That battery bulge gives a nice, solid area to grab.
I agree with the point that it makes a good grip. In fact, I prefer the models with four AA's which make the grip even more obvious. Sure beats fumbling around with fingers scrunched up.
Cool review and all, but why no DMC-TZ7? That's the one I'm most interested in!
My question exactly (i.e. bhy not the TZ series?). I do have a DMC-TZ5, and it takes excellent 720p video in normal light. The main difference between the TZ5 and TZ7 is the audio...the TZ7 does Hi Def audio now (in stereo I believe). The TZ5 only has 8bit, and it is sensitive to wind noise. The stabilization is very good.
Picked it up for $199 though...
JR
Engadget had a review of sorts a while ago. I have the TZ5. You don't need any additional review (beyond what is available on digital camera review sites), the Lumix TZ7 is a must-buy. :-D
I just got the Panasonic Lumix T27/ZS3 for $400, and it is /amazing/. 12x zoom, HD movies, crisp pictures at any zoom, can zoom in/out while filming, face recognition (not just "Oh, that's a face"; it'll be like "Hey, that's Bob!" and give that person priority), etc. Not to mention it is still a point-and-shoot, small, and light =D. I highly suggest checking out reviews of it.
how come there is no mention of FUJI P&S. I have Fujifilm FinePix F40fd, it is cheap and it takes really good picture.
Good article, but should have done more research before the comparison
Canon SD880, hands down is the BEST point and shoot
28mm wide lens
4x zoom
FAST FAST FAST FLASH recycle time
those three facts alone sell this camera
the SD960 is the "upgraded version"
it is lighter by 10g, 2mp more, and is smaller, but the picture quality and flash are weaker
BUY THE SD880 you will not be disappointed
Great info, Richard! I was disappointed to see the Canon SD line missing from this comparison.
How would the new SD780 compare to those two models that you listed? I've been looking at it and I love the slim black form factor.
Gotta upgrade my old SD, I forget the model number but it's 5.0MP and it's been a fantastic camera!
Agreed, why in the world would the Canon SD/Elph series be excluded from a review like this?
I just got a new SD790IS - metal body, 10 megapixel, rechargeable battery that lasts forever, and the best combination of picture and video quality I have seen in something this compact.
i have to add my voice to this cause, Canon's Digital Elph line is by far the best among point and shoot cameras. I've owned an S330 and SD450 (which i still have after 4 years) and am continuously amazed by the quality of photos it takes.
Ditto on the SD880 IS FTW!
Sorry for the late reply guys
The way the canon powershot 28mm family goes is
sd800 sd870 sd880 sd960
The sd870 is the best bang for the buck
the sd960 is the most advanced, but reviews say the pictures in the sd880 are better
if you have the money go for the sd880
if you want the best point and shoot for the price go with the sd870
I own two sd870's ( yes the camera is that good, I have a replacement)
Got the SD960 IS. its cool... the 720p video is really neet. As for image quality, its a point and shoot. I got my 20D for any serious work.
Its a family camera, and I think its the best!
Great review; nicely timed for me!
This is sooooo obvious who paid for this article. SAMSUNG!!!!! This article is written to advertise Samsung cameras. How about putting proper cameras against each other. Comparing Canon A1100 to Samsung SL820 is the same as comparing Mercedes C class to Lexus GS. Why not compare Canon SX10 IS to Samsung SL820? or Canon SD970 IS? While we are at it let's compare Mercedes S class to Chevrolet Impala. I am very VERY disappointed in Engadget.
so.... why no Sony? they've got some good ones under 400...
DMC-ZS3 (TZ7) should be the top of your list!!
+1
Excellent review. I wish you would have had some offerings from Canon's slim ELPH Powershot line. Between my office and friends, my recommendation for this model line has sold over a dozen of them - and everyone seems to really love their camera. I've been able to take some mind blowing underwater pictures from a SD850 IS. I have a 50D and a couple L-series lenses, but for light weight point-n-shoots, I've never been let down by the higher end ELPH Powershots.
couldn't agree more, everyone who uses my sd770 loves it
can you guys do same round for DSLRs ??
That gets tricky. There are even more variables - how does it do with JPG, how does it do with RAW, how does it do with lens xyz? Then there are the different sensor resolution groups of cams.
Dig a bit over at http://www.dpreview.com - that's how I selected my Canon 40D last summer. Very happy with my APS-sized sensor cam. Great lens selection with Canon, too. It depends on what you're after in a camera, and I love how thorough they are at DP Review.
A bit unfair on the Lumix, why not give the similar priced but higher performaning Lumix dmc-zs3 rather than the tz1? 12x zoom at same price point; and better picture quality.
no panasonic zs3/tz7 on the list? that's a pretty popular camera at the moment? 12x zoom, very compact, 720P with dolby digital stereo sound, successor to the ultra popular and excellent reviewed tz5....
and is under $400
Thank you for the detailed review. Even dedicated camera sites don't go into such detail when they review multiple cameras. I would definitely use this review if I was in the market for a new point and shoot.
This is why I read engadget.
I agree, this review or roundup is flawed without any representation from SONY.
So, am I the only one thinking $400 is a bit ridiculous for a Point and Shoot?
I'd like to see a comparison between the Lumix DMC-TS1 and PowerShot D10 and if anyone knows of others of this kind, please share.
Why no Disney Pix Click Hannah Montana Digital camera... I'm dissapointed in you Engadget.
Indeed. This shows how awfully inadequate Engadget's budget and coverage is. :(
White balance needs to be stated for each one of those photos. I would imagine that the photos would look closer when white balance is adjusted for each camera for each scene.
I'm surprised at the choice of cameras. I would like to see one of the Canon SD series in there. I purchased an SD770 about a year ago for about $200 and it is clearly one of the best compact digital cameras out there. It may not take hd video or super slow motion but it takes damn good pictures, even in low light settings and is amazingly quick as well.
Why no SD780 IS....? Really strange cause i would say it one of the most popular cameras in this class, if not the most popular.
You're right. The SD780 IS is the best point-and-shoot camera at the moment. It's the slimmest Canon camera. It does HD movie and it has HDMI out at about $270.00.
And my DMC-TS1 also does 720p video with optical zoom and sound the entire time. My old SD850IS might have taken stills slightly better in a few situations, but the TS1 is pretty amazing, let alone it should last longer than any of my canon SD's ever did...
Engadget you should update the test that the TS1 does allow optical zoom during video
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TS1/TS1A.HTM
Im sorry but where are the Fuji cameras no other camera can beat a fuji in low light with photos & video (very good low light video), or can they you should include all major camera makes
I have a Panny DMC - FS5 after looking at reviews for a point and shoot used when I went to africa to compliment nikon d90. It takes sh**ty pics, I am waiting til the 2 years is almost up on the best buy warranty and breaking the thing. I have owned 2 other canon sureshots and though they took good pictures, bit lense mechanisms broke, so I went elsewhere.
How come there is no fuji f40/50 fd or the dmc tz7? these cameras are around 350$ and are really good...
TZ7 looks pretty sweet, but I went to check it out at a store and it's in no way a pocket cam, it's just too darn big to actually be a "take everywhere" cam.
Kappy is correct. I absolutely love myTZ5 but it is not the same form-factor as the others being tested.
Panasonic Lumix TZ7
Yeah, what's up with the absence of PowerShot SD-series?
Basically, you have three manufacturers who somehow managed to get 2 of their cameras into this one review. The superfluous cameras should have been removed (3x), therefore allowing three other cameras from different brands in to compete with the rest.
I'd Say Sony, Fuji, and Olympus are definitely deserving of those spots.
How they got excluded in the first place is really confusing.
I fully agree porkchop. Where is the Olympus Stylus 1010?
Nice review, next time set your depth-of-field so the all of the cameras are in focus in the beginning group shots.
I like most readers here you should have done another canon camera you had 2 of every thing else but only one canon
I'v owned a few olympus kodak sony and current user of 2 canon cameras -- s3is and sd1100is -- by far a lot better than the mentioned cameras
please add more canon
Although I appreciate the review, I feel that putting compact point and shoots under the DSLR performance testing is a bit overkill. My biggest concerns with compacts for me is how fast they can take the shot, how well their battery life is, and how easy the controls are to navigate.
I plan on getting the DMC-TS1 because I want to take my compact to the beach or to the slopes, concerts and everywhere I can. So its gonna get used and abused, which to me is why you buy a compact. I don't want to by a new compact every 2 years and have to treat them like disposables either.
Also,
Waterproof = Beerproof