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WEIGH ZOOM
TRADE-OFFS
above 3x,
som
e as hi
gh
as 5x,
enough
to
BEST
TIMES
TO
BUY
Another
fe
atur
e to consider carefully
make
a
distant
figure fill
the
frame
. SLR-
C
amera
prices
don
't flu
ctuate
sea
son-
is
an
optical zoom
range
that's
greater
like
cameras
typically
have
a lOx to 12x
ally,
but
most
new models r
each
the
mar-
than
the
3x
found
on
most
cameras.
(A
zoom
range. As
with
an
SLR,
they
allow
ket
during
two p
eriods
:
March
through
zoom lens's
rang
e is
the
ratio of its highest
precise
zoom
and
focu s
control
using
a
May
and
Septemb
er
through
November
.
tel
ephoto
focal l
ength
to its
lowest
wid e- l
en
s ring.
An
SLR's zoom range
depends
During
those
times
, m
any
older
models
angle
length
. For ex
ample
, a z
oom
lens
on the
lens
mounted
on it;
the
typical kit
are
replaced
by more cap
able
ones
that
that's
considered
equi
valent
to a film
l
ens
sold
with
most
m
odels
offers
the
often
cost
about
the
same
.
camera's
35-mm
to lO
5-mm
lens
ha
s a equivalent of about 3x
magnificat
ion
,
To
catch
th e wave of
the
lates
t
mod
-
r
ange
of3x.)
though
upgraded
kit
len
ses offer more.
els,
buy
between
November
and
Greater
zoom
means
greater
weight
F
ebruary
or May
and
August.
Durin
g
and
bulk,
though
a few
pricey
compacts
FORGO THE
EXTENDED
WARRANTY
those
periods,
older
models
might
be
manage
to
squ
eeze lOx into a
package
Overall, digit al cameras
have
been
di
scounted
befor
e
they
disappear.
(A
just
a few ounces heavier
than
many
basic
among
the
most
reliable
products
in
our
camera
isn't
long
for
this
world
if
the
compacts
and
slightly
larger
than
man
y
subs
criber
surv
eys
.
About
5
percent
of
manufacturer
off
ers
a
limited-time
re-
subcompacts
.
Don
't compromise
price
,
those
purchased
betwe
en
2004
and
2007
bate.)
Scrutiniz
e
offers
that
are
too good
size,
and
wei
ght
for a zoom
range
greater
have
ever
been
r
epair
ed or
had
a
seriou
s to be
true
.
Some
deal
ers
use
them
to
un
-
than
3x
unless
you often
shoot
dist
ant
problem.Yet in
our
latest
electronics
buy-
load
refurbished
cameras.
If
you're
com-
subjects
such
as wildlife
and
sporting
ing
survey,
more
th
an
70
percent
of digital
fortable
with
refurb
ished
and
the
price
is
events or
need
a very-wide-angle
lens
for
camera
buyers
w
ere
pitched
an
extended
right
fine.
But
remember
that
the
latest
l
andscapes
or
group
portraits.
warranty
in
stores
and
15
percent
bought
model,
even
without
a
steep
discount
A
greater
proportion
of
this
year
's
one
.We
think
it
doesn
't
pay
to
buy
an ex-
might
be as
good
a v
alue
because
it
has
compacts
and
subcompacts
have
a
range
tended
warranty
for a digital
camer
a.
more
capabilities
.
These nine brands are generally lines. If you don't see a model
reliable and either made a
in our Ratings, these profiles
showing in our Quick Picks this
can help you learn about the
issue or have major product
manufacturer's lineup.
C
AN
O N
F
UJ1F1L
t1
(FINEPIX
)
KOD
A K
The biggest model selection. Polnt-and-shoot features, from basic to sophisticated.
(EASYSHA RE)
Compacts are known as Power-
Shots. The moderately priced
The budqet A series is the lowest priced. A step up is the F
series, which offers more advanced features. The Z series
Cameras made simple.
Kodak focuses on ease of
PowerShot A series is less likely
than the
Sand
G lines to have
features such as image
stabilization. (G models use
proprietary batteries;
most
other
Canon compacts use
are the subcompacts. FinePix models include face detection,
high ISO capabilities, and
practical
features such as the
ability to fire two quick shots , with and
without
flash . Most
. new models have.a slot for the expensive xD cards and
another for cheaper SD. Certain models in the SLR-like S
series are larqe, with an optical zoom range of lOx or
use, as indicated by its brand
tagline and features such as
Smart Scene mode, which
automatically selects
specialty modes. The budget
Cseries includes some of
AAs.) Canon's subcompacts are
known as SD ELPHs. The Digital
Rebel series helped define
greater. The pricey FinePix S Pro series SLRs target pro
shooters. Fujifilm doesn't
offer
lenses, but models accept
Nikon or compatible lenses from
third-party
manufacturers.
the cheapest compacts
available. Higher-end Z-,
po,
and newer M-series
budget SLRs. Other SLRs
include a host of pro and
"prosumer" models. In
August
Canon announced two high-end
models, the $1,300, 10-
megapixel EOSAOD, with a live
preview LCD, and the
$8,000,
21-megapixel
EOS
lOs Mark III.
Canon also offers a wider
selection of lenses than
most brands . ..
HP
(P
HOTOS
MA RT )
Inexpensive cameras targeted to the general consumer.
Photosmart compacts, which range from the budget E and
M series to the advanced R series, have a very narrow range
of technical specifications. Some of the more innovative
features offered in this line recently include a slimming
feature, blemish removal, and pet red-eye removal. Most
zooms are close to 3x; no model features image stabilization.
compacts have longer zooms
and more sophisticated
features. The V series of
subcompacts offers some of
the most unusual point-and-
shoot features, including
Bluetooth wireless and
innovative dual-lens/dual-
sensor designs. Kodak
doesn't
offer
SLRs.
Many models
offer
practical guides, including tips, in
their
menu interface for novices. HP doesn't
offer
SLRs.
38
CONSUMER
REPORTS
0
NOVEM
BER
2 0
07
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