Dave's Picks

A widescreen digicam with broad appeal... (more)

A widescreen digicam with broad appeal The Panasonic Lumix LX2, like its predecessor the LX1, is clearly inspired by the surging popularity of widescreen (16:9) televisions. Employing a unique set of "triple-wide" features, the Lumix LX2 combines a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens, a 16:9 wide CCD, and a 16:9 wide LCD. If you're the type who likes to count pixels, the DMC-LX2 has a 10 megapixel CCD that uses the full resolution of the sensor when shooting at 16:9. The Panasonic LX2 now has a 2.8-inch LCD that lets you see the entire wide-angle shot on the screen without letterboxing. (The LX1 had a 2.5-inch display which letterboxed 16:9 shots.) Other improvements include Panasonic's new LSI Venus Engine III image processor which is designed to lower noise at higher ISOs, and a new Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) system which detects subject movement and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to suit the lighting conditions. Even without these changes, there a lot to talk about with the Lumix LX2 including many impressive manual options and Panasonic's tried-and-true MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), so see our Panasonic LX2 review for full details. (minimize)

With its 28mm lens, the Canon SD870 IS would be a dream camera even without all its other impressive features... (more)

With its 28mm lens, the Canon SD870 IS would be a dream camera even without all its other impressive features For those who love photography, it's the Canon SD870 IS in particular that stands out among Canon's current digital ELPH pocket cameras. Sure, the Canon SD870 has a big 3-inch LCD screen, optical image stabilization, face detection, and high ISO; all the current "must-have" features are there. But the Canon SD870 IS is most appealing for its 28 - 105mm lens. Finding any digital camera with a wide angle view of the world is rare no matter what size camera you choose, but finding one that you can slip into your pocket: now that's a rare gem. Though the Canon SD870 IS exhibits a little more distortion than normal at wide angle than the 35mm lenses on most pocket digital cameras, it's more surprising how little corner softening there is. It seems to be pushed out to where it affects only the far corners, with the rest of the Canon SD870's image relatively sharp. To sweeten the deal the Canon SD870 IS's 8-megapixel sensor serves up images that print well at 11x14 inches from ISO 80 to 400; and even the ISO 1,600 images make a good 4x6. You'll find more of what you want from a digital camera in the Canon SD870 IS, a great pocket digital camera for people who know the value of a wide-angle lens, and don't mind a 3-inch LCD and image stabilization thrown into the mix. Click here for the review of the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. (minimize)

All the quality of past swivel-screen models plus 12 megapixels and a 6x stabilized zoom... (more)

All the quality of past swivel-screen models plus 12 megapixels and a 6x stabilized zoom The Canon PowerShot A650 IS is a digital camera with some great features: An articulated LCD, full manual control, face detection, image stabilization, and a 6x zoom lens that's impressively sharp in the corners. The detail from the Canon A650's 12.1-megapixel sensor is also a treat, making for easy 16x20-inch enlargements at ISO 80 and 100. Battery performance was a surprise, and low light performance was good too, thanks to the Canon A650's f/2.8 lens and larger sensor. But we bumped into a few issues that might bother some digital camera enthusiasts. A light leak that Canon has already addressed with a free repair program spoiled our fun; but more troubling was the noise from the Canon A650's 12.1-megapixel sensor, starting at ISO 200. Our printed tests show that it's not a serious flaw, however, with ISO 200 shots holding up to scrutiny at 11x14 with no trouble. To see our full analysis, read our review of the Canon PowerShot A650 IS digital camera. (minimize)

One of the best long zoom digital cameras on the market converts instantly to a digital camcorder... (more)

One of the best long zoom digital cameras on the market converts instantly to a digital camcorder The 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS digital camera is a moderate update to its very popular predecessor, the Canon S3 IS. The Canon S5 IS maintains many of the S3's strong points, including an image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens (36mm-432mm/35mm equivalent), a wide range of sophisticated features and a solid, digital-SLR-like design. The Canon S5 IS is slightly larger and heavier than the S3, and has been upgraded to include a high resolution, articulated 2.5-inch LCD, a hot shoe for adding an external flash, Face Detection, and a maximum ISO of 1,600. The Canon S5 IS can also serve as a camcorder with a single press of the Movie button. Technically a hybrid digital camera, the Canon S5 IS is capable of recording a movie of up to 4GB in size. There's still no RAW mode and the camera no longer features High Speed continuous shooting mode or an Intervalometer; but the more important questions revolve around the Canon S5's performance and image quality. Click to read our review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS for all the details. (minimize)

It's the Leica optics that push this long zoom digital camera to the top of the heap... (more)

It's the Leica optics that push this long zoom digital camera to the top of the heap With its fine Leica lens, the Panasonic FZ18 digital camera really shines in the long zoom category, delivering amazing corner sharpness across its 28-504mm zoom range. Though the Panasonic FZ18 feels a little too light at first, you quickly come to appreciate its small, lightweight form for all the zoom value it offers in such a small package. We were disappointed in the high ISO performance, especially in tungsten lighting, but for daylight shooting the Panasonic FZ18 is the long zoom you want to have along. The Panasonic FZ18's optical image stabilization helps make up for the loss of high ISO quality, and face detect autofocus will help ensure you're locked onto the right target. Click here for our review of the Panasonic FZ18 ultra long zoom digital camera. (minimize)

An inexpensive, yet feature-rich digital camera... (more)

An inexpensive, yet feature-rich digital camera The Canon PowerShot A580 ranks as one of the less expensive digital cameras on the market. But that was only one target Canon hit with this A-Series digital camera. With 8 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD, the Canon A580 is clearly not a stripped-down digital camera. Canon popped a DIGIC III under the A580's hood to give it enhanced image quality and more than a few cool features. The Canon A580 tracks motion as you compose your shot to determine if it should increase the ISO to avoid blur or lower it to enhance detail. And the Canon A580's face recognition can track any single face through the frame. In the Canon A580's Edit mode, you can even quickly review every face in a group portrait to see who wasn't smiling. The Canon A580 offers a lot for just a little money. Click here to read our review of the Canon PowerShot A580. (minimize)

This small 12-megapixel camera is more than the sum of its pixels... (more)

This small 12-megapixel camera is more than the sum of its pixels Though we expect a lot of noise from a 12-megapixel point and shoot digital camera, we were impressed enough with the Fujifilm F50fd's printed output to give it a strong rating. Features were also admirable, with the FinePix F50fd's Face Detection 2.0 able to crop portraits out of a group picture as a unique skill, and the Natural Light and Flash mode is a smart hedge against a post-snapshot letdown. The FinePix F50fd's 35-105mm equivalent zoom lens's high quality shows with little distortion and a good focus across the range, and its f/2.8 maximum aperture at wide angle gathers some impressive light for such a small digital camera. Sensor-shift image stabilization helps keep things steady in low light at slower shutter speeds, or when out in daylight using the zoom. Indoors, as with all small point and shoots, you're going to need to get close to your subject for flash shots, but you should also try the natural light mode to see just what the Fujifilm F50fd can do. Out in daylight, expect to be amazed at the detail you can capture with the FinePix F50fd at low ISO. The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is a good performer, and is great as a pocket travel or everywhere digital camera. Click here to read our Fujifilm F50fd review for more. (minimize)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm... (more)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm Though the minimalist tribute to the original Canon ELPH has faded, the Canon SD1100 IS is still an impressive digital camera that makes a few significant improvements to one of the most popular digital cameras in recent history: the Canon SD1000. Those improvements only add to the excellent image quality we found on the Canon SD1100's predecessor. Optical image stabilization is the most significant enhancement to the Canon SD1100, offering better performance indoors and at night, with greater assurance that you'll get the shot. The slightly higher resolution is quite welcome, and doesn't impact overall high ISO performance; in fact, it's slightly better than the SD1000, turning out quality 13x19-inch prints. We think the Canon SD1100 will again be incredibly popular, deservedly so. Click here for our review of the Canon PowerShot SD1100. (minimize)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm... (more)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm Though the minimalist tribute to the original Canon ELPH has faded, the Canon SD1100 IS is still an impressive digital camera that makes a few significant improvements to one of the most popular digital cameras in recent history: the Canon SD1000. Those improvements only add to the excellent image quality we found on the Canon SD1100's predecessor. Optical image stabilization is the most significant enhancement to the Canon SD1100, offering better performance indoors and at night, with greater assurance that you'll get the shot. The slightly higher resolution is quite welcome, and doesn't impact overall high ISO performance; in fact, it's slightly better than the SD1000, turning out quality 13x19-inch prints. We think the Canon SD1100 will again be incredibly popular, deservedly so. Click here for our review of the Canon PowerShot SD1100. (minimize)

A surprisingly excellent SLR that will take the market by storm... (more)

A surprisingly excellent SLR that will take the market by storm We've been pleasantly surprised with the Nikon D40's excellent performance in low light and its simple grace as a day-to-day shooter. The Nikon D40 is a natural fit in most hands. Its controls are where they should be for easy use, and the D40 is a well-behaved guest at parties with its soft shutter sound. A big, bright LCD is great for reviewing photos from a wide variety of angles. The Nikon D40's low light performance at ISO 1,600 is startling, even without noise reduction turned on. It's so good that we don't really feel like we're pushing the D40 until we jump into ISO 3,200. The Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition -- even those with higher resolution -- with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It's tough to ask for more. The Nikon D40 lives up to our expectations, and even exceeds them. See the full review for more on the superb Nikon D40. The Nikon D40 is one great camera! (minimize)

A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality... (more)

A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality Canon's PowerShot SD950 IS is blessed with image stabilization, a longer zoom lens, and a stunning 12.1-megapixel sensor. We're not usually impressed with increased pixel counts, but Canon tweaked both optical and image quality to handle the higher resolution and output impressive 16x20-inch images from the Canon SD950 IS that frankly blew us away. A new 3.7x lens graces the Canon SD950 IS, offering just a little extra reach; the bright 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is excellent for framing and reviewing shots; and the overall design and layout of the Canon SD950 is user-friendly and hassle-free. If you're looking for a good, take-anywhere camera with great versatility, good color and tonality, and striking printed output, the Canon SD950 IS deserves a very close look. Click here to read our review of the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS! (minimize)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm... (more)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm Though the minimalist tribute to the original Canon ELPH has faded, the Canon SD1100 IS is still an impressive digital camera that makes a few significant improvements to one of the most popular digital cameras in recent history: the Canon SD1000. Those improvements only add to the excellent image quality we found on the Canon SD1100's predecessor. Optical image stabilization is the most significant enhancement to the Canon SD1100, offering better performance indoors and at night, with greater assurance that you'll get the shot. The slightly higher resolution is quite welcome, and doesn't impact overall high ISO performance; in fact, it's slightly better than the SD1000, turning out quality 13x19-inch prints. We think the Canon SD1100 will again be incredibly popular, deservedly so. Click here for our review of the Canon PowerShot SD1100. (minimize)

A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality... (more)

A versatile take-anywhere camera with excellent print quality Canon's PowerShot SD950 IS is blessed with image stabilization, a longer zoom lens, and a stunning 12.1-megapixel sensor. We're not usually impressed with increased pixel counts, but Canon tweaked both optical and image quality to handle the higher resolution and output impressive 16x20-inch images from the Canon SD950 IS that frankly blew us away. A new 3.7x lens graces the Canon SD950 IS, offering just a little extra reach; the bright 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is excellent for framing and reviewing shots; and the overall design and layout of the Canon SD950 is user-friendly and hassle-free. If you're looking for a good, take-anywhere camera with great versatility, good color and tonality, and striking printed output, the Canon SD950 IS deserves a very close look. Click here to read our review of the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS! (minimize)

Good looks and good shots combine with great features to make a smart choice... (more)

Good looks and good shots combine with great features to make a smart choice With a big lens and a stack of features, the Sony W170 is a digital camera that's made to please. Its relatively large lens opening stands out, as does the optical viewfinder window, rare on such a small digital camera. The Sony W170's big 5x zoom is image stabilized, and starts at a nice, wide 28mm equivalent setting, essential for real travel photography. What's more, the Sony W170 automatically enters Macro mode when its subject is close, something so obvious it should be on all digital cameras. Dynamic Range Optimization has been brought over from the Alpha digital SLR line to improve the Sony W170's highlight and shadow retention, and Sony's Face Detection is smarter, able to find smiles and differentiate between children and adults. More importantly, its 10.1-megapixel sensor is capable of producing prints that look great at 13x19 inches. Click here to find out more about the Sony Cyber-shot W170! (minimize)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm... (more)

Popular digital camera gets a makeover but doesn't lose its charm Though the minimalist tribute to the original Canon ELPH has faded, the Canon SD1100 IS is still an impressive digital camera that makes a few significant improvements to one of the most popular digital cameras in recent history: the Canon SD1000. Those improvements only add to the excellent image quality we found on the Canon SD1100's predecessor. Optical image stabilization is the most significant enhancement to the Canon SD1100, offering better performance indoors and at night, with greater assurance that you'll get the shot. The slightly higher resolution is quite welcome, and doesn't impact overall high ISO performance; in fact, it's slightly better than the SD1000, turning out quality 13x19-inch prints. We think the Canon SD1100 will again be incredibly popular, deservedly so. Click here for our review of the Canon PowerShot SD1100. (minimize)

A digital SLR for people who are serious about photography.... (more)

A digital SLR for people who are serious about photography. Nikon's D300 is easily one of the finest digital SLR cameras on the market. Its 12.3-megapixel sensor delivers stunning images up to ISO 6,400, and its 14-bit A/D conversion means you can get better quality in your JPEG and RAW images with the Nikon D300. Out-of-the-box, the Nikon D300 will shoot six frames-per-second, and track a moving subject by combining data from its AF system with information from its metering system. The Nikon D300's big, bright viewfinder is easy to use and its LCD is gorgeous for both menu and photo viewing. Its Live View modes leave something to be desired, but they're nice to have nonetheless. The Nikon D300 feels solid, and is designed with the serious photographer in mind. In fact, being a serious photographer is a requirement with the D300, because there's a lot to learn, and no hand-holding mode to just let you shoot it like an instamatic. You have to think, you have to pay attention; and if you do, the D300 will reward you with terrific pictures. Click here to learn more about the Nikon D300, an extremely capable digital SLR camera. (minimize)

The great just gets better: the 40D is a rock-solid choice among digital SLR cameras.... (more)

The great just gets better: the 40D is a rock-solid choice among digital SLR cameras. In many ways the Canon EOS 40D seems a bit behind the market, coming late to the 10-megapixel game. But the image quality speaks for itself: Canon was right to wait until they could do it very well. Images captured from ISO 100 to 800 are essentially no-compromise when printed at 13x19 inches. Canon added a lot of new technology along the way, making the Canon 40D's spec sheet seem pretty flashy. But the camera itself is more about capturing great images for its owner than being the latest bit of bling around someone's neck. Its Live View mode doesn't just provide "gee whiz" flash, it actually helps you focus on that 3.0-inch LCD, and the 40D's new electronic first curtain cuts the noise of capture in Live View to half, great for low-impact wildlife photography. From its 6.5-frame-per-second continuous mode speed to its larger buffer and long list of custom functions, the Canon 40D is built with the intermediate to professional photographer in mind. Of course, it'll serve anyone who wants a reliable, well-built camera that will bring home great shots time after time. To see our extensive review of the Canon EOS 40D, click here. (minimize)

Another impressive SLR with the full-frame vision that will make 35mm photographers feel right at home... (more)

Another impressive SLR with the full-frame vision that will make 35mm photographers feel right at home Full-frame purists with more modest budgets or unwilling to lug around the daunting weight of a 1Ds Mark II will find an awful lot to like in the 5D. It's also a more approachable camera for the casual shooter, thanks to its Picture Styles (think of them as film types, one more suited to portraits, one more suited to landscape shots, etc) and slightly more aggressive in-camera sharpening. The bottom line is that the 5D is a better camera if you really want to use JPEGs from the camera as the final file format (without processing after the fact on a computer). Shooters only just now making the move from traditional film-based SLRs may find that the 5D offers a much more comfortable transition than would a sub-frame model. We encountered the opposite side of this in shooting with the 5D, as we found ourselves having to really re-think framing and focal lengths after our long immersion in the sub-frame world. Moving from a film SLR to the 5D would be a relatively painless change, as all your lenses would behave exactly the same as they did on your film body. We expect to see Canon continue their evolution of full-frame d-SLRs, and also work more on their L-glass lenses to bring lens performance into line with the demands of full-frame digital sensors. Our guess is that this will ultimately be the way a lot of the SLR market will go, at least in the fullness of time. In addition to all the test results and analysis, we did notice something intangible in the images coming from the Canon EOS 5D. Others have mentioned it too: greater detail in the shadows, and a finer tonal range that give the images a special glow that you don't get from a 20D or 30D. We do notice a difference in the tonal curves on the 5D, which might account for the unique flavor 5D images seem to have. We highly recommend the Canon EOS 5D as a full-frame d-SLR option, but do counsel readers to consider their sub-frame options carefully before taking the plunge with a 5D. (minimize)

Canon updates a classic "enthusiast" model, delivers a real winner!... (more)

Canon updates a classic "enthusiast" model, delivers a real winner! Sometimes, you just don't have the space or patience to lug along your SLR and several lenses, but still want good image quality, and plenty of manual control and flexibility to let your creativity express itself. That's where a camera like the Canon G9 comes in. The Canon G9 is the latest in one of the most famous product lines in the digicam industry, stretching all the way back to the original G1 first introduced in the Fall of 2000. The most recent G7 model drifted from its enthusiast-oriented roots a little bit, dropping RAW file capability, but that's been restored in the new G9. Old G-series fans will miss the original swivel-screen, but the big, bright 3" LCD on the G9 may console them a little. What most impressed us about the Canon PowerShot G9 though, was its image quality: Great color with loads of resolution. Like many high-megapixel cameras these days, it suffers a little from image noise at low ISO settings, but its important to keep in perspective just how fine-grained that noise will be at any reasonable print size. We found that even ISO 400 & 800 shots made surprisingly decent-looking 8x10 inch prints. Talk about detail: Who'd have imagined being able to make great-looking 16x20 prints from a "pocket" digital camera even a few years ago? There's a lot to this camera, way more than we have room for here: Get on over to our Canon G9 Review for all the details: We think this one's going to be under a lot of trees this Christmas! (minimize)

Long zoom, high res digicam delivers great prints... (more)

Long zoom, high res digicam delivers great prints Panasonic's Lumix FZ50 takes the company into new territory in terms of resolution, matching the resolution of many popular SLRs, and exceeding their zoom abilities with one very long 12x, 35-420mm Leica zoom. Though the Panasonic FZ50 is as big as an SLR, there are a few tradeoffs in terms of image quality. The sensor's smaller size means that the noise suppression systems have to work harder to erase the considerable noise that occurs even at the Lumix FZ50's lowest ISO setting. That's the story for all 10-megapixel sensors in digicams, though. The good news is that the Panasonic FZ50's print performance is quite good, producing nice 13x19 inch prints. Our favorite feature is the FZ50's mechanical zoom mechanism, which does more to equal the framing control offered by an SLR. It also allows quiet zooming while capturing video, a little-noted problem for most long zoom digicams. It's all wrapped up with a refined Panasonic menu system with enough automatic and manual exposure modes to please all types of shooters. For those looking for a great all-purpose digicam and don't mind the extra heft and size, the Panasonic FZ50 is a great choice, and a sure Dave's Pick. (minimize)

Control and high photo quality in a small and lightweight package... (more)

Control and high photo quality in a small and lightweight package Nikon's flagship enthusiast digital camera, the Coolpix P5100 borrows a few features from its dSLR brothers: 12 megapixels, a 2.5-inch LCD, a simple Command dial, and a menu system that's easy on the eyes. The combination will make Nikon shooter feel right at home with the Coolpix P5100, while remaining simple for newcomers. There isn't a button on the back we didn't use, and the Shutter button was right where it should be. The Coolpix P5100's 3.5x zoom lens is a bit restricting, but screw on an adapter and attach a wide angle or a telephoto converter for a good deal more versatility. The Nikon P5100's built-in hot shoe will allow you to get great flash shots using any of Nikon's Speedlights, all of which read the Coolpix P5100's lens and ISO settings. The Nikon P5100 loses the P5000's silver and chrome in favor an all black body but does it overcome the P5000's shortcomings in autofocus and shutter lag? Click here to read our review of the Nikon Coolpix P5100 digital camera to find out. (minimize)

One of the best long zoom digital cameras on the market converts instantly to a digital camcorder... (more)

One of the best long zoom digital cameras on the market converts instantly to a digital camcorder The 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot S5 IS digital camera is a moderate update to its very popular predecessor, the Canon S3 IS. The Canon S5 IS maintains many of the S3's strong points, including an image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens (36mm-432mm/35mm equivalent), a wide range of sophisticated features and a solid, digital-SLR-like design. The Canon S5 IS is slightly larger and heavier than the S3, and has been upgraded to include a high resolution, articulated 2.5-inch LCD, a hot shoe for adding an external flash, Face Detection, and a maximum ISO of 1,600. The Canon S5 IS can also serve as a camcorder with a single press of the Movie button. Technically a hybrid digital camera, the Canon S5 IS is capable of recording a movie of up to 4GB in size. There's still no RAW mode and the camera no longer features High Speed continuous shooting mode or an Intervalometer; but the more important questions revolve around the Canon S5's performance and image quality. Click to read our review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS for all the details. (minimize)

This small 12-megapixel camera is more than the sum of its pixels... (more)

This small 12-megapixel camera is more than the sum of its pixels Though we expect a lot of noise from a 12-megapixel point and shoot digital camera, we were impressed enough with the Fujifilm F50fd's printed output to give it a strong rating. Features were also admirable, with the FinePix F50fd's Face Detection 2.0 able to crop portraits out of a group picture as a unique skill, and the Natural Light and Flash mode is a smart hedge against a post-snapshot letdown. The FinePix F50fd's 35-105mm equivalent zoom lens's high quality shows with little distortion and a good focus across the range, and its f/2.8 maximum aperture at wide angle gathers some impressive light for such a small digital camera. Sensor-shift image stabilization helps keep things steady in low light at slower shutter speeds, or when out in daylight using the zoom. Indoors, as with all small point and shoots, you're going to need to get close to your subject for flash shots, but you should also try the natural light mode to see just what the Fujifilm F50fd can do. Out in daylight, expect to be amazed at the detail you can capture with the FinePix F50fd at low ISO. The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is a good performer, and is great as a pocket travel or everywhere digital camera. Click here to read our Fujifilm F50fd review for more. (minimize)

With its 28mm lens, the Canon SD870 IS would be a dream camera even without all its other impressive features... (more)

With its 28mm lens, the Canon SD870 IS would be a dream camera even without all its other impressive features For those who love photography, it's the Canon SD870 IS in particular that stands out among Canon's current digital ELPH pocket cameras. Sure, the Canon SD870 has a big 3-inch LCD screen, optical image stabilization, face detection, and high ISO; all the current "must-have" features are there. But the Canon SD870 IS is most appealing for its 28 - 105mm lens. Finding any digital camera with a wide angle view of the world is rare no matter what size camera you choose, but finding one that you can slip into your pocket: now that's a rare gem. Though the Canon SD870 IS exhibits a little more distortion than normal at wide angle than the 35mm lenses on most pocket digital cameras, it's more surprising how little corner softening there is. It seems to be pushed out to where it affects only the far corners, with the rest of the Canon SD870's image relatively sharp. To sweeten the deal the Canon SD870 IS's 8-megapixel sensor serves up images that print well at 11x14 inches from ISO 80 to 400; and even the ISO 1,600 images make a good 4x6. You'll find more of what you want from a digital camera in the Canon SD870 IS, a great pocket digital camera for people who know the value of a wide-angle lens, and don't mind a 3-inch LCD and image stabilization thrown into the mix. Click here for the review of the Canon PowerShot SD870 IS. (minimize)

Canon answers the competition with Live View, image stabilization, and higher resolution... (more)

Canon answers the competition with Live View, image stabilization, and higher resolution Sporting a new look, the Canon Rebel XSi showcases many new technologies, currently besting the semi-pro camera in the line in several areas. Its 12.2 megapixel sensor exceeds the resolution of the EOS 40D, the new Live View mode uses phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocus modes, and the Rebel XSi's kit bundle comes with a good quality image-stabilized lens. The large 3-inch LCD makes viewing your images easy, and the new Live View mode can help in difficult shooting situations. The Canon XSi's high ISO performance is really impressive, especially for a 12-megapixel camera. The Canon XSi's redesigned body is simple and handsome, and the grip has a little more room for medium-sized hands. The real story is in the Canon Rebel XSi's image quality, and there's plenty to tell. Click here for our full review of the truly excellent Canon Rebel XSi. (minimize)

As good as its predecessors, the Nikon D60 adds an image-stabilized kit lens and dust reduction... (more)

As good as its predecessors, the Nikon D60 adds an image-stabilized kit lens and dust reduction Though it's quite similar to the Nikon D40x, that's only one more reason to give the Nikon D60 a Dave's Pick - it more than upholds the D40/D40x tradition. The Nikon D60's 10.2-megapixel image sensor turns out great quality images, made better by the new optically stabilized 18-55mm VR kit lens. Like its predecessors, the Nikon D60 is so easy and fun to use, it's almost immediately become one of the most popular SLRs on the market. Its soft shutter sound speaks quality, and its simple control interface doesn't intimidate. At the same time, sophisticated users will fine plenty of picture-taking control. A sophisticated dust reduction system inside the Nikon D60 further impresses, by blasting a jet of air at the sensor with every shutter release, making it more likely that dust won't plague your images. Read our Nikon D60 review, for more on this great camera: A near-ideal model for those making the move to their first SLR - Or for more advanced users looking for an attractively-priced second body with great image quality. (minimize)

The E-510 is a well-rounded SLR with more than a few tricks up its sleeve... (more)

The E-510 is a well-rounded SLR with more than a few tricks up its sleeve With just the right combination of features and a mature set of lenses, the Olympus E-510 gives the Four-Thirds system a strong contender in the ongoing battle of the digital SLRs. No longer trying to forge new body shapes, Olympus has crafted the E-510 to fit the hand well and lead the pack with innovative features. While matching the competition's standard specs of a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.5 inch LCD, and 3.1 frames per second, they've included their second generation Live View technology and sweetened the deal with sensor-shift image stabilization. As the Olympus E-410 wooed us with is svelte figure, the E-510 set about making better quality images and proving itself a fit rival for a place in your bag. As with all cameras, there are a few issues, but we were most impressed with the Olympus E-510's edge-to-edge image sharpness, thanks to the good quality kit lens; and its high ISO shots fared well against larger sensor designs. Live View, for its part, can easily be misunderstood, but its virtues are worth discovering, and make the E-510 a compelling choice for the creative photographer. Read the full review of the Olympus E-510 for more. (minimize)

Canon updates a classic "enthusiast" model, delivers a real winner!... (more)

Canon updates a classic "enthusiast" model, delivers a real winner! Sometimes, you just don't have the space or patience to lug along your SLR and several lenses, but still want good image quality, and plenty of manual control and flexibility to let your creativity express itself. That's where a camera like the Canon G9 comes in. The Canon G9 is the latest in one of the most famous product lines in the digicam industry, stretching all the way back to the original G1 first introduced in the Fall of 2000. The most recent G7 model drifted from its enthusiast-oriented roots a little bit, dropping RAW file capability, but that's been restored in the new G9. Old G-series fans will miss the original swivel-screen, but the big, bright 3" LCD on the G9 may console them a little. What most impressed us about the Canon PowerShot G9 though, was its image quality: Great color with loads of resolution. Like many high-megapixel cameras these days, it suffers a little from image noise at low ISO settings, but its important to keep in perspective just how fine-grained that noise will be at any reasonable print size. We found that even ISO 400 & 800 shots made surprisingly decent-looking 8x10 inch prints. Talk about detail: Who'd have imagined being able to make great-looking 16x20 prints from a "pocket" digital camera even a few years ago? There's a lot to this camera, way more than we have room for here: Get on over to our Canon G9 Review for all the details: We think this one's going to be under a lot of trees this Christmas! (minimize)

A widescreen digicam with broad appeal... (more)

A widescreen digicam with broad appeal The Panasonic Lumix LX2, like its predecessor the LX1, is clearly inspired by the surging popularity of widescreen (16:9) televisions. Employing a unique set of "triple-wide" features, the Lumix LX2 combines a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens, a 16:9 wide CCD, and a 16:9 wide LCD. If you're the type who likes to count pixels, the DMC-LX2 has a 10 megapixel CCD that uses the full resolution of the sensor when shooting at 16:9. The Panasonic LX2 now has a 2.8-inch LCD that lets you see the entire wide-angle shot on the screen without letterboxing. (The LX1 had a 2.5-inch display which letterboxed 16:9 shots.) Other improvements include Panasonic's new LSI Venus Engine III image processor which is designed to lower noise at higher ISOs, and a new Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) system which detects subject movement and automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to suit the lighting conditions. Even without these changes, there a lot to talk about with the Lumix LX2 including many impressive manual options and Panasonic's tried-and-true MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), so see our Panasonic LX2 review for full details. (minimize)

A capable all-around digital camera with high-end features at a great price... (more)

A capable all-around digital camera with high-end features at a great price Canon seems to offer a digital camera for every kind of customer, and the Canon A720 IS was made for those who want all the performance at a low price. With an 8-megapixel sensor, a 6x zoom, optical image stabilization, face detection, high ISO, and both a 2.5-inch LCD and an optical viewfinder, the Canon A720 IS has just about everything. Minor compromises are the low-resolution LCD and a slow flash-recharge cycle. The Canon A720's excellence is in the lens: While it's a 6x zoom, it is impressively sharp in the corners, and chromatic aberration is kept relatively low. As a result low ISO images from the Canon A720 print well at 13x19 inches, and even ISO 1,600 shots are usable at 4x6. Good shot-to-shot times and good shutter lag numbers mean that the Canon A720 will be a good no-nonsense digital camera for kids and pets, one that will double as a good video camera with 640x480 recording at 30fps. Click here to read more about the Canon PowerShot A720 IS! (minimize)