Do you want more than the ability to make scrapbook sized prints from your digital photos? Every digital camera on the market can produce images of good enough quality to create 4x5 prints if you use the highest quality resolution setting in the camera. However if you want to use your camera to create larger size 8x10 inch or larger then you need to have a camera with higher resolution CCD’s in the range of 4 mega pixels or better.
If you are using high end photo processing software such as Photoshop, or Fireworks you can create some really sharp, good looking images suitable for framing.
You can go for the full sized SLR style camera, favored by high end professionals, but there are many good cameras on the market that have 4 mega pixels or better and are much more affordable than the high end SLR cameras. Let’s take a look at some of the top choices on the market right now that range in price from $299 to $499.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10PP-S
First up on the list is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10PP-S which features a fast 12X zoom lens with a good feature set built into the camera. While the FZ10 has a user friendly design which provides good performance the image quality is only in the middle of the range for this level of camera. It features a slightly larger LCD screen than its prior model, the Lumix DMC-FZ1S.
The down side of the camera is the slightly lower image quality and its poor ability to auto-focus in dim lighting conditions.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10PP-S sells for $480
Buy the FZ10 here
Read the CNet Review of this camera for the full scoop
Canon PowerShot A80
Canon has a wide range of digital cameras to choose from in the consumer marketplace including one of the best choices in the digital SLR range of cameras, the Canon Rebel. Here we look at a more affordable option for consumers interested in quality, the Canon PowerShot A80.
The PowerShot 80
The good: Speedy and efficient; accepts accessory lenses. The bad: Small LCD; Memory compartment has a flimsy-feeling cover. The price: $299
A great mainstream camera for snapshooters who want room to grow creatively. Though it's not the cheapest of Canon's A-series PowerShot models, the 4-megapixel A80 delivers the best combination of features, image quality, performance and price that we've seen in any recent camera. The A80 improves on the A70 in almost every way while maintaining a great balance between snapshot ease and room-to-grow sophistication. Just don't let the many options scare you away..
Buy the Canon here Read the expanded review on Cnet here:
Canon PowerShot S410
Our next choice for you to consider is the Canon PowerShot S410 Editors' rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Small; low-shutter-lag Quick Shot mode; excellent image quality. The bad: Small viewfinder; few manual controls. The price: $399
This pocket camera offers few manual controls or special features but delivers solid image quality and performance. Although the Canon PowerShot S410 lacks the manual controls that serious photographers demand and some of its competitors offer, it has enough shooting options to please those in the point-and-click crowd who just want a good basic feature set and high-quality snapshots. This 4-megapixel PowerShot's major new feature is a Print & Share button for easier direct printing.. Buy the Canon PowerShot S410 here
Read the expanded review on Cnet here: Canon PowerShot S410
Nikon Coolpix 4300
Editors' rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Ergonomics; versatile battery options; accepts lens converters. The bad: No audio in video mode; many settings hidden in menus. The price: $350 The Nikon Coolpix 4300 warrants strong consideration by sophisticated snapshooters looking for high quality and versatility at a reasonable price. Easy operation, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent photo quality make the Nikon Coolpix 4300 an appealing buy. The camera offers more than simple point- and-shoot functionality. If you like to rely on your camera to take care of the basics but want the flexibility of fine-tuning your photos, the feature- rich Nikon Coolpix should be on your short list...
Buy the Nikon Coolpix 4300 here
Read the Cnet review here:
http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/digital.html
