Camera Reviews | Digital Camera Reviews

The Samsung NV7 OPS is built to give the user more control over pictures than they would have with a standard point-and-shoot camera. It features a 2.5-inch LCD display, 7X optical zoom, and a myriad of modes, settings, and controls.

This camera has rows of unlabeled buttons surrounding its display, which may appear more than a little daunting to the novice user. The buttons are left blank because their functions change depending on what you’re doing, which can be confusing at times, but only adds to the device’s potential once you get the hang of things.

The NV7 OPS offers no less than 11 picture modes, including Fireworks, Sunset, Text, Beach & Snow, and so on. In addition to these presets, it also features a self-timer, double self-timer, two continuous modes, super macro, manual exposure, and six colour effects. It also has five ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 1000, five distinct flash settings, and numerous features to prevent your photos from looking blurry.

The 7X optical zoom lens doesn’t retract, which makes the camera somewhat bulky, but allows you to deftly zoom in on subject matter without sacrificing quality.

Samsung’s NV7 OPS also acts as a video recorder, and can capture VGA movies with sound at either 15 or 30 frames per second. The zoom and stabilization features work for video as well, allowing you to capture home movies you can be proud of, and later email around the world in AVI format.

Overall the NV7 OPS involves quite a learning curve, but its still a great option for the relatively advanced user who isn’t quite ready for a digital SLR.

If you’re looking for an easy to use digital camera that takes high quality pictures and lets you edit them to perfection, the latest addition to HP’s R-series might be the device for you.

The Photosmart R927 boasts an 8.2-megapixel (3296×2480 pixel) resolution, along with an unusually strong suite of picture editing tools, allowing you to apply a “slimming” effect to people in your photos, or stylize images to look like a cartoon. All this can be done from directly on the camera, thanks in part to its easy menu navigation and crisp 3-inch LCD display.

The R927’s design is somewhat bulky and won’t be winning any awards, but space is used quite effectively with dedicated buttons for flash, playback, and video mode.

At a cost of $399, this camera might not be best for the budget-conscious customer, but it does offer good value for those seeking some extra bells and whistles.

Product Type: Digital Camera
Resolution: 8.2-megapixels
Price: $399*

This 4-megapixel Sony digicam comes with a very competitive price tag, and manages to edge out most competitors in almost every way.

It features a high-quality Carl Zeiss lens, maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds, 2.5-inch LCD display, and great all round design. A special dial is provided to let you select the best of seven scene modes, while an AF Monitor does a good job of pre-focusing your pictures.

The overactive flash has an annoying tendency to overexpose macro photos, but aside from that, image and color quality is consistently good both indoors and out.

Video is also top-of-the-line for this price range, with 640×480 resolution, and frame speed of 16 FPS.

Product Type: Digital Camera
Resolution: 4-megapixels
Price: $199*

The Optio S60 packs a lot of high-powered functions for 4.8 ounce camera, but is easy to use, and includes on-screen help prompts that explains all the functions, and lets you leave the instruction manual behind.

A 3X optical zoom, six-megapixel resolution, and bright 2.5-inch LCD display will all be helpful in getting the sharp and well-lit picture every time.

If you are looking for an automatic camera with a lot of advanced features, which doesn’t require too much technical knowledge, the Optio S60 is definitely a good bet.

Product Type: Digital Camera
Resolution: 6.0-megapixels
Display: 2.5-inch LCD
Weight: 4.9 ounces (139 grams)
Price: $299*

This cool little camera boasts a super-thin 0.6-inch body, with a curvy and stylish overall design.

Casio has managed to pack in a 3X optical zoom lens, along with an impressive host of manual controls, and 33 distinct Best Shot modes.

A 2.2-inch LCD display is great for previewing your photos, as well as flashing back a few seconds with the handy continual video recording function.

An anti-shake system is another welcome addition that keeps your pictures clear, even in live-action shots.

Product Type: Digital Camera
Resolution: 5.0-megapixels
Display: 2.2-inch TFT LCD
Weight: 4 ounces (113 grams)
Price: $399*