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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: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

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: $150 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 81.8PCW Rating: 81.8PCW Rating: 81.8

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

2. 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: $200 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.5PCW Rating: 80.5PCW Rating: 80.5

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

3. Pentax 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: $230 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.2PCW Rating: 80.2PCW Rating: 80.2

Last Rated: December 01, 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: $200 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.6PCW Rating: 79.6PCW Rating: 79.6

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

5. 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: $180 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

6. 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: $160 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.6PCW Rating: 78.6PCW Rating: 78.6

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

7. 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: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5PCW Rating: 78.5

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

8. 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: 78.2PCW Rating: 78.2PCW Rating: 78.2

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

9. Sony Cybershot DSC-W170

Max. Megapixels: 10.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 5X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 140, Weight (ounces): 6, Media Slots: Memory Stick,

Bottom Line: The DSC-W170 is a high-quality camera with nifty features that are worth the extra cash.

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

PCW Rating: 77.7PCW Rating: 77.7PCW Rating: 77.7

Last Rated: December 01, 2008

10. Pentax Optio V20

Max. Megapixels: 8Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 5X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 36, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 180, Weight (ounces): 5, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: The whopping LCD and ease-of-use make the V20 a solid midrange buy, but scene modes and auto functions are lacking.

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