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Digital Cameras
September 5, 2008
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Expert Camera Advice from Our Editor
It's not all about megapixels, although some pocketable digital cameras now offer resolutions up to 13 megapixels. Unless you're planning on making huge prints or blowing up small parts of an image, however, you may want to look at a camera's other features before making your buying selection. The newest point-and-shoots offer tricks such as smile detection (which snaps a shot automatically when a subject in the frame smiles), face detection (which adjusts exposure settings automatically to enhance facial features), impressive image stabilization, a range of color options, the ability to shoot high-definition video, and direct-to-YouTube uploads. And that's just the pocket cams; advanced point-and-shoots, which are a bit bulkier, now offer up to 20x optical zoom and manual settings that rival those of digital SLRs. Speaking of digital SLRs, there's never been a better time to buy one, especially for novice users: prices are dropping, and point-and-shoot features such as live-view LCDs and easy presets are finding their way into professional-level models.
Top Ranked Point-and-Shoot Digicams
For a beginners' camera, the PowerShot A590IS has nice image quality and superb stabilization.
Sleek design, superb image capability and intuitive controls make the SD1100 IS a solid buy.
The 12-megapixel Optio A40 offers a great feature package in an easy-to-use camera.
Top Ranked SLRs
The Rebel Xsi provides a strong range of capabilities, but it may cost more money than entry-level buyers want to spend
Tiltable LCD and real-time, fast live view previews; camera is very well designed, in both ease of use and ergonomics
This SLR offers many advanced features for the price, though some sophisticated functions can be difficult to access.
Top Ranked Budget Digicams
Offers controls such as exposure compensation, and has a super macro mode, though you're limited to ISO 400.
The L10 is sleek and offers custom white balance, panorama mode, and face recognition auto focus. But the LCD is small.
The C653 is easy to use, delivers high-quality photos, and offers in-camera panorama stitching. But battery life is low.
How PC World Tests Digital Cameras
Read More About Cameras on PCWorld
Reviews, announcements and tips on digital photography.
Digital Photography and Printing
Join the crowd: Step up from a digital point-and-shoot to a more powerful, more affordable digital SLR.
What file format to use, when and how to save your images, and understanding the JPEG format.
Check out our methods for evaluating digital point-and-shoots and SLRs.
Buying Guide
Digital photography keeps getting better with higher resolution, more sophisticated controls, and better technology. From resolution to storage and from exposure control to white balance, we'll explain the digital camera terms you need to know.
