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Top 10 Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Easy to use, point-and-shoot cameras are a great choice for the casual photographer. Here's a look at the ten highest-rated cameras available right now, based on hands-on testing and PC World Test Center evaluations.

Edited by Tim Moynihan

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PCW Rating: 80.9PCW Rating: 80.9PCW Rating: 80.9

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

 BEST BUY!

1. Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 35, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 140, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: For a beginners' camera, the PowerShot A590IS has nice image quality and superb stabilization.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $180 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.1PCW Rating: 80.1PCW Rating: 80.1

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

2. Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Sleek design, superb image capability and intuitive controls make the SD1100 IS a solid buy.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $250 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.7PCW Rating: 79.7PCW Rating: 79.7

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

3. Optio A40

Max. Megapixels: 12Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 37, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 111, Weight (ounces): 5.2, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: The 12-megapixel Optio A40 offers a great feature package in an easy-to-use camera.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $250 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.2PCW Rating: 79.2PCW Rating: 79.2

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

4. Pentax Optio S12

Max. Megapixels: 12Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 37, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 111, Weight (ounces): 4.6, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Perfect for the pocket, the stylish Optio S12 has a solid feel and is exceptionally simple to operate.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $230 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.7PCW Rating: 78.7PCW Rating: 78.7

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

5. Lumix DMC-LX2

Max. Megapixels: 10Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 112, Weight (ounces): 7.8, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: High image quality and widescreen format are this camera's best attributes, though some controls could be easier to use.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $410 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.7PCW Rating: 78.7PCW Rating: 78.7

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

6. Casio Exilim EX Z150

Max. Megapixels: 8.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 112, Weight (ounces): 5.3, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: The Exilim EX-Z150 is a cute, easy-to-use camera, but it's limited by its slow speed and spotty quality.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $200 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

7. Canon Powershot SD880 IS

Max. Megapixels: 10Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 112, Weight (ounces): 6.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Superb design, excellent picture quality and a wide-angle lens make the SD880 IS a divine travel companion.

Full Review • Test Report • Manufacturer Url 		Price When Reviewed: $299 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

8. Nikon Coolpix S210

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114, Weight (ounces): 4.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: This small and solid camera is very straightforward to use, but nothing spectacular.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $180 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.4PCW Rating: 78.4PCW Rating: 78.4

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

9. Fujifilm FinePix F50fd

Max. Megapixels: 12Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 35, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 105, Weight (ounces): 6.3, Media Slots: xD-Picture Card,

Bottom Line: Though it looks dull compared to some of the flasher models we tested, it has all the latest features and takes great shots.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $250 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.3PCW Rating: 78.3PCW Rating: 78.3

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

10. Casio Exilim EX-Z80

Max. Megapixels: 8.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114, Weight (ounces): 4.1, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Menu brings some fun creative modes, but tiny buttons will be a problem for some.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $180 Check Latest Prices
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