The Best Four Thirds Cameras

Back in 2008, digital cameras fell into two basic categories: point-and-shoot cameras, and digital single-lens reflex cameras (digital SLRs or DSLRs). Now, there’s a new camera category that attempts to bridge this divide: Four Thirds Cameras. These cameras combine the compactness of a point-and-shoot camera with the advanced features of a DSLR camera. Depending on who you talk to you, you’ll hear these cameras called “Micro Four Thirds”, “Interchangeable Lens Compacts”, “Hybrid Digitals” or even “EVIL cameras” (Electronic View-finder, Interchangeable Lens).

Basically, the appeal of these cameras is that they are small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, but are capable of taking professional photographs. So, if you want to take high-quality photos while traveling, hiking, or while strolling through the city, these cameras are for you. Because they have interchangeable lenses, they allow for a photographic versatility previously unavailable on a compact digital camera.

Four Thirds Cameras achieve this compactness by doing away with the mirror lens system, and some of the manual controls normally found on DSLRs. Instead, Four Thirds cameras use a LCD viewfinder, and typically have most controls accessible via on-screen menus.

Like DSLRs, these cameras have image sensors that are much larger than point-and-shoot cameras, which makes for better photos, especially in low light.

Right now, only four companies make interchangeable lens compact cameras: Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. Olympus and Panasonic use the Micro Four Thirds standards, while Samsung and Sony have proprietary systems.

Currently, the range of lenses made specifically for these cameras is limited. But you can fit them with older lenses by using a simple adaptor ring. They actually support a wider range of lenses than most DSLRs, because they have a thin lens-to-sensor distance. This means you can make use of lenses from Canon, Nikon, Leica M, Contax / Konica, Contax G, Sony / Minolta A-mount, Olympus 4/3, Olympus PEN, and even cinema C-mount lenses. Note, however, that these lens may be manual focus only and require an aperture ring or control mechanism for usability.

Here is our round-up of the best “Micro Four Thirds” or “Interchangeable Lenses Compact” cameras for under $600:

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Camera

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Camera

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is the Micro Four Thirds camera that has received the most recommendations from experts and buyers. We surveyed reviews on the major camera review sites: Imaging Resource, DPReview, CNET and Amazon.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a sturdy, 12.3-megapixel camera that includes a built-in pop-up flash. You can purchase this camera with a 17mm lens, making for a very portable configuration.

Reviewers say this camera takes great photos, rivaling the quality available from the best DSLR cameras. Additionally, this camera has the Olympus JPEG engine which is regarded in the business as one of the best. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen that incorporates a “Live View” function, replacing a built-in viewfinder.

This camera does have a few drawbacks. Reviewers say the auto focus feature is quite slow, and that the camera has noticeable delays between shots compared to a DSLR (although a firmware upgraded has helped this). Also, the camera has no manual control wheel but instead has menu commands for adjusting aperture, shutter speed and exposure. Those who are accustomed to a control wheel might find this process tedious. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000th sec — most DSLR cameras have max of  1/4000th sec or above.

Also, the battery life is not stellar on the PEN E-PL1. Most reviewers said the camera lasted only one full day of use before needing a recharge (about 290 shots per charge). Some reviewers suggest bringing extra batteries if this is an issue.

Pros:

• Solid, compact construction
• Features a pop-up flash
• Features image stabilization

Cons:

• Delays between shots
• Slow Auto-Focus
• No manual control wheel (for aperture, shutter, and exposure adjustments)
• Battery life is not great
• Maximum shutter speed 1/2000th sec, vs. 1/4000th for most DSLRs

Overall, this is a top-rated, rugged camera that can take gorgeous pictures. The slow auto-focus and menu-based controls may frustrate some. Selling for under $500, this is a great step-up from a point-and-shoot camera, it provides many of the advanced features found in DSLRs.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is available at Amazon for $490. The older Olympus Pen E-P1 with a slim-line 17mm lens is available here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Micro Four Thirds Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens Camera

The Lumix DMC-G2 is another Micro Four Thirds camera that gets top marks from expert reviewers. Like the Olympus PEN PL-1, the quality of the images from this camera are typically stunning, and on par with images from a quality DSLR.

The Lumix DMC-G2 features 12.1-megapixels sensor, and a touch-screen LCD that rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down. Reviewers were very impressed by the build quality and the ergonomics of this camera. They say the camera is quick to start up, and has snappy performance, compared to its competition.

On the negative side, reviewers pointed out that the camera has no image stabilization, and the image quality is poor in ISO 1600 and above. The Lumix DMC-G2 is also not the most compact camera of its kind —  it’s a bit heavier and larger than the Olympus PEN E-PL1.

Pros:

• Fast auto-focus
• Fast start-up time
• Easy-to-use menus
• LCD accurately shows the image you’ll get
• LCD screen can be rotated
• Sturdy build

Cons:

• Not as quite as compact as competition
• Image quality in ISO 1600 and above is not as good as a DSLR
• Delay between photos is 0.5-1 secs

The Lumix DMC-G2 is available at Amazon for $547.

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Camera

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Camera

In response to the Micro Four Thirds cameras introduced by Panasonic and Olympus, Sony has created its own line of compact, lens interchangeable cameras. So far there are only two cameras in this line: the Sony Alpha NEX-3, and the Sony Alpha NEX5. These cameras use E-mount lenses, but other lenses can be used together with an adaptor.

The Sony Alpha NEX-3 is one of the highest rated cameras of its type, priced under $500, and directly competing with the two cameras we reviewed above. Sony’s Alpha NEX3 is even more compact that those cameras. Sony claims it’s the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera. The exact dimensions are: 117 x 63 x 33mm, and it weighs 297g (10.5 oz). Despite its size, this camera boasts a sensor that is 50% larger than the Micro Four Thirds format. This is a breakthrough unique to Sony, and reviewers say this improves image quality overall.

The NEXs don’t have a built-in flash, but come with an attachable external flash, which draws its power from the camera’s main battery.

Sony Alpha NEX-3 With A 16mm Lens

One thing to note — the range of lenses available for this camera is quite limited at this time. You can use A-mount lenses (used by Sony’s Alpha DSLR cameras) by using a LA-EA1 adaptor. This is an optional accessory. The bundled 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 lens has a metal finish and is of excellent quality. However, you will need buy a compact lens if you don’t want to obliterate the camera’s slim profile (see photo above). You can buy this camera with a 16mm lens bundled with it.

Pros:

• High resolution image sensor
• Good ISO performance
• Good build quality
• Tiltable high-resolution screen
• Good point-and-shoot support

Cons:

• Limited lenses available
• LCD hard to see in bright sunlight
• Potentially short battery life (if screen is left on)

The Sony Alpha NEX-5 is very similar to NEX-3, the only important difference is the that NEX-5 supports 1080 HD video recording. It sells for $699 from Amazon.

The Sony Alpha NEX-3 is available from Amazon for $499. The 16mm version is available here.

The Best Underwater Cameras 2011

In years past, capturing the wonder of underwater life was left to those traveling with Jacques Cousteau or National Geographic. Today’s cameras offer the recreational water enthusiast the thrill of capturing their experiences to share with others. With so many camera manufacturers getting in on the underwater photography craze, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for you. The first thing to decide is how seriously you want to dive into underwater photography. If you’re an avid scuba diver with a basic knowledge of photography, you may want to consider investing in a single reflex lens camera (SLR) so you have more control and can purchase upgrades, such as wide angle lenses and strobe lights. However, most us are looking for a compact, point and shoot digital camera that we can trust to take on our adventures or send along with the kids on theirs.

We went in search of what experts across the internet are saying about the best rugged digital cameras. Researching reviews at Cnet, PCMag, LensTip, and Digital Photography Review, we came up with a list of the 5 best underwater cameras that repeatedly got the best marks across the board. You may want to check out LensTip for sample pictures from some of the underwater cameras, while Digital Photography Review offers handy side-by-side comparison charts.

Underwater Housing Systems

Ikelite Underwater Camera System

If you already have a digital camera that you’re happy with- compact or SLR- you may just want to get an underwater housing for your camera. Underwater housing is a watertight plastic encasing designed specifically for your camera. A good source for these systems is Ikelite. They offer a wide range of housings for digital cameras, including discontinued models. These high quality housings offer scuba divers more depth, typically 200 feet, and allow for full access to the camera controls. One drawback though is that they can be just as expensive as the camera itself and this setup is just for underwater photography. If you’re looking for a more all-around rugged camera then check out the following 5 picks:

Pentax Optio W90 Underwater Camera

Pentax Optio W90 Underwater Camera

Pentax is not a stranger to making a rugged, waterproof camera. The Optio W90 is the 11th generation underwater camera from Pentax. It’s waterproof up to 20 feet, shockproof up to 4 feet, and coldproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Features include 12.1 megapixels, a 28 mm wide angle 5x zoom lens, and a 2.7 inch LCD screen that can be viewed underwater. You’ll notice three LED lights surrounding the lens which help illuminate macro pictures.

This review by Cnet gave the Pentax Optio W90 an excellent rating with 4 out of 5 stars. They liked the features available for this price point and gave the design a 9 out of 10 rating. Testers at LensTip gave it an 8 out of 10 for underwater picture quality, while Cnet gave it a 7 out of 10. Not perfect, but better than most rugged cameras.  Both sites liked the comfort and size of the controls. This is important for underwater, one-handed shooting or gloved hands. On the downside, the battery life is short and missing from the features is an optical image stabilizer.

You can get it on Amazon for $389.99.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 Underwater Camera

The 14.1 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 won the distinction of PCMag’s editor’s choice for best rugged camera. According to testers at both LensTip and PCMag, the Panasonic blows the competition out of the water, especially when it comes to the detailed quality of both pictures and HD video at depths beyond 10 feet. The Panasonic is waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof from 6 feet, and freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.  It offers the LED light that comes on automatically when light is dim. Another important feature is a power optical image stabilizer which detects hand shake to eliminate blurry pictures. LensTip reviewers also loved the new silicon sleeve that comes with the camera to offer even more protection from scratches and the inevitable fine sand particles that can sneak in.

The Lumix boasts an extended battery life and is one of the first digital cameras to use the high capacity SDXC card for video storage. There were some issues though that testers picked up on. The beach and sand mode was not as brilliant in coloring as the underwater or dry land modes. PCMag, along with a few Amazon reviewers, noted some lens fog under certain situations. Also, the controls were not quite as user friendly as the Pentax with the zoom control being too close to the shutter release. At a list price of $349.95, the Panasonic is one of the more costly choices, but you are paying for better features and picture quality.

Currently sells for $290.63 on Amazon.

Canon PowerShot D10 Underwater Camera

Canon PowerShot D10 Underwater Camera

The 12.1 megapixel PowerShot D10 is the first offering by Canon in a rugged digital camera. By reading reviews at PCMag and Cnet, one would soon learn that this would be a good option if you’re looking for a digital camera strictly for recreational use: snorkeling, skiing, boating, or poolside. Because of it’s bulk, the Canon Powershot D10 doesn’t transfer well to use as an everyday camera. However, the design is well suited if you’re wearing gloves in an underwater setting. The auto settings make it easy to capture high quality images. It’s waterproof to 33 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and shockproof from 4 feet.

The Canon delivers when it comes to fast performance, beating most other rugged cameras in start up time and shutter lag, with the exception of the Panasonic. Reviewers also liked the brilliant LCD screen that stood up to bright light. It does feature an optical stabilizer, however it does not have the ability to shoot HD video, only standard VGA video, which could be a deal breaker if you want high quality video. The Canon PowerShot D10 is one of the more simple cameras to use, good for those who don’t want to mess with settings too much, but not if you’re looking for something with more features. And with a list price of $299.00, you may not feel like you’re getting the most bang for your buck. But if ease of use is your priority while you’re having fun, then the Canon PowerShot is a solid choice.

You can get it for $279.00 on Amazon.

Fujifilm FinePix XP10 Underwater Camera

Fujifilm FinePix XP10 Underwater Camera

The 12 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix XP10 is our budget pick for an underwater digital camera. You may not get all the bells and whistles as with the other underwater camera entries, but with an easy to swallow list price of $149.00, the Fuji would be a good option for the budget-conscious, occasional water enthusiast. The folks at Lenstip tested this model which offers waterproofing up to 10 feet, freezeproofing to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be dropped from 3 feet. They liked the scratch resistant LCD screen, but noted that the varnish on the front of the camera began to peel off after use.

Though picture quality may not be in the same league as the other choices, it takes decent pictures for the price and does have the ability to shoot HD video. Underwater use is convenient with a well-positioned lens and one-handed operation. However, the menu navigation before getting into the water proved to be challenging for the testers. Features include digital image stabilization and a battery life of 200 shots. It also comes in other fun colors such as green, blue, and pink. If you’re looking for a basic point and shoot to take to snorkeling or just to the beach then the FujiFilm FinePix XP10 is a capable companion.

Currently on sale at Amazon for $119.95.

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 Underwater Camera

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 Underwater Camera

If you need something indestructible to take mountain climbing, cycling, skiing, diving, or to let the kids use, then the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 may be what you’re looking for. Scoring 3.5 stars out of 5 from both Cnet and Digital Photography Review, this ultra-rugged camera is designed for the toughest of the tough, or perhaps the most clumsy, as it’s crushproof up to a weight of 220 pounds and can be dropped from 6.6 feet. Take it underwater up to 33 feet or in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers 14 megapixels with a 5x wide angle zoom lens and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. One handy feature is the built-in user’s manual.

Cnet noted that the buttons are easy to press with gloved hands while underwater. Picture and HD video quality is good overall. However, the major drawback is the Olympus comes in last place against the other choices when it comes to speed performance due to a 4 second start-up time compared to 1.2 seconds with the Panasonic and the Canon. The other drawback is the hefty $379.00 list price to match the hefty packaging, which is ultimately what you’re paying for.

The Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 is currently on sale at Amazon for $289.00.

Best Camcorders Under $300

The best camcorders have made leaps and bounds since those clunky plastic units that held a huge VHS tape. Now there’s countless ways to use some of the best camcorders to record video and get it to the masses. And with these best camcorders accepting formats from HDMI, to DVI, to straight to DVD, there is no shortage of flexibility either. These best camcorders have great new features like stabilization and extreme zoom, there’s little excuse for not capturing action with great detail. With well-known companies like Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and JVC all involved in making the best camcorders under $300, users can rest assured they’re getting a great value.

The 32x Zoom Panasonic VDR-D210 DVD

Best Camcorders Under $300: Panasonic VDR-D210

The Panasonic VDR-D210 is designed to record video directly to a DVD, allowing users to immediately view their shots on a TV. And since this best camcorder can work with DVD-RAM, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, and DVD-R formats, users can purchase whatever discs they prefer. There is also an Optical Image Stabilizer that is intended to lower shaking from a quaky hand. Panasonic also included a soft skin mode in its best camcorder to work better with skin tones.

With a four and a half star Amazon rating this best camcorder is lauded by users for its image quality, as well as its feature set. One user notes that without the included wall charger, however, finalizing DVDs isn’t possible. Overall, users mention it’s a great value, and the ease of use when operating this best camcorder is fantastic.

The Panasonic VDR-D210 is available at Amazon for $279.

The One Touch Burn Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam

Best Camcorder Under $300: Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam

The Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam has a 60x optical zoom, as well as a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens that includes SteadyShot image stabilization for the shakey shooter. This best camcorder also offers users two ways to shoot: record to DVD or record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media. The camcorder features a built-in microphone, playback zoom, and it’s compatible with DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL formats.

Users have called the Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam one of the best camcorders out there. Amazon’s users gave it three and a half stars, noting its feature set and overall detail in its shots are well above par. Some users have noted that the audio quality isn’t amazing, but that’s probably expected with a budget model. Another user mentioned that the camera couldn’t record more than 30 minutes of standard quality DVD without running out of room.

The Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam is available at Amazon for $279.

The Up-scaling Samsung SMX-K40 HDMI

Best Camcorders Under $300: Samsung SMX-K40

With a 52x optical zoom, the Samsung SMX-K40 HDMI features an up-scaling feature that works with HDMI capable HDTV. It can record at a resolution of 720 x 480, but requires a SD/SDHC card to store the footage. There is also an Optical Image Stabilizer included, as well as a bundled Intellistudio program for editing and sharing video. This best camcorder can connect to a computer through a USB cable.

Users found the value of the Samsung SMX-K40 HDMI Camcorder to be great, noting the image quality and the portability of the unit. The video format is fairly easy to edit and work with on a computer, as one user on Amazon noted. Another user mentions that the quality of video when just connecting a standard RCA cable to a TV when playing back off the camcorder is not good, but said that an HDMI cable would probably have made a difference.

The Samsung SMX-K40 HDMI is available at Amazon for $250.

The Compact JVC GZ-MS110B

Best Camcorder Under $300: JVC GZ-MS110B

The JVC GZ-MS110B uses a technology called Everio’s Super LoLux, which is designed to produce better quality shots in very low light environments. There is also a time-lapse recording feature on this best camcorder that lets users record a sunset or any other frame over time. JVC includes a video-editing program for a PC, as well as a 45x zoom. A memory card slot for SDHC/SD is equipped on the unit, and there is even a one-touch button to upload a video to YouTube.

While some Amazon users didn’t like the fact that this camcorder doesn’t take stills or that the LCD preview screen has poor brightness, overall the camcorder is a great value. Users did mention that the night shooting is fantastic, and the zoom is superior to many other similarly priced models.

The JVC GZ-MS110B is available at Amazon for $211.

Best Digital Cameras Under $500

The best digital cameras are packed with features that makes taking the perfect picture in any environment even easier than ever before. With more megapixels available for long shots and super close ups, the detail is astounding on modern cameras. Also, waiting to see your shots has become a thing of the past, as every digital camera now features a preview screen, which allows users to proof their pictures before printing them.

The advent of the computer has made organizing your photos even easier as well, as most of the best digital cameras all connect to computers with a provided cable. With large companies like Kodak, Sony, Canon, and Casio involved in making inexpensive models, it’s easier than ever to buy one of the best digital cameras under $500.

The Affordable Casio Exilim EX-Z750 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera

Best Digital Cameras Under $500: Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Digital Camera

The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Digital Camera features a zoom lens, a frame movie mode, a maximum focal length of around 23.7 millimeters, and a 7.2-megapixel optical sensor resolution. With a 2.5-inch display screen for previewing pictures, you’ll never take a bad shot again. There is also an anti-shake mode that stabilizes a shot before going ahead with it. Another great feature is the Short Movie and Past Movie features that are designed to use the camera’s memory buffer to start recording your videos even prior to hitting the record button, making impromptu movies possible.

One downside of the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 is it needs to be charged on a dock that is included with the camera, making it cumbersome to have to carry around if needed. But with a five star Amazon rating, most users love this best digital camera. They laud the long battery life, and say the overall picture quality is very good. While some could use a bit of tweaking on a computer, most pictures could probably stand to be polished anyways.

The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera is available at Amazon for $499.

The Wide Angle Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera

Best Digital Cameras Under $500: Canon PowerShot SX20IS Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera has tons of features packed into its compact frame. Offering 12.1 megapixels of resolution, as well as an optical image stabilizer built into its 20x wide angle zoom, this camera can grab those hard to reach shots with ease. Using a Voice Coil Motor for its zoom makes the Canon quieter than most cameras. The camera also boasts an HDMI input that allows users to connect to a HDTV to play any video or pictures shot.

With a four and a half star rating from Amazon, users don’t have enough good things to say about this best digital camera. While some users state that the camera does over compress the JPEGs at times to the point of being too low resolution, this is really only in certain settings. Most users agree that the camera really shines overall, and while support for TIFF format would be great, they’re pleased with their purchase based on the value.

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera is available at Amazon for $350.

The Steady Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 12 MP Digital Camera

Best Digital Cameras Under $500: Sony Cyber Shot Digital Camera

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 12 MP Digital Camera gives users optical SteadyShot to help lower streaked images caused by movement. With a 12.1 megapixel resolution, thin design, and 4x optical zoom, this best digital camera is a great buy. It features an Intelligent Scene Recognition feature that literally reads the environment based on lighting and alters its picture mode for optimal shooting. It even has a face detection mode that can reduce blur in a target.

With a five star Amazon rating, users obviously see a lot they love about this digital camera. Many users mention the battery life is sort of low, and many suggest buying extra batteries for around $10. Also, some users note the loss of resolution when making a picture larger, but that’s pretty standard for any camera.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 12 MP Digital Camera is available at Amazon for $359.

The All-Terrain Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Camera

Best Digital Cameras Under $500: Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Digital Camera

The Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Camera is made for the extreme sport athlete on the go. With a rugged casing and the ability to be submerged in 10 feet of water while still recording video or taking pictures, this camera can go anywhere. With an LCD glare setting, sunlight won’t cause any annoying white spots in your lens when taking shots. It also features an HDMI cable for connecting to HDTVs to show off your videos and pictures.

With a four star Amazon rating, this best digital camera is well received by users. Some have noted that the low light videos and pictures were a bit less quality than expected. Also, there’s no flash included for stills, which can cause some problems. Overall, it’s a great buy for the price point, as many users noted.

The Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Camera is available at Amazon for $150.

The best source for in-depth digital camera reviews is Digital Photography Review. They have a useful buying guide, where you can specify exactly what type features you want in a camera. The reviews are often ten Web pages or more in length, and feature product views, sample images, features discussions and evaluations on everything from shutter lag to movie recording to button placement, leaving virtually no stone unturned.

If you are just looking for a quick overview of top-rated digital camera, check out Consumer Search. They compile recommendations from a number of different review sources, and offer “Quick Picks”.

Pentax is introducing a compact digital camera, called the OptioWP, that can be used to shoot underwater. The camera won’t be available until March, 2005.

The seams in the camera are protected with rubber sealant and an interlocking design to resist dust, pressure and moisture. Inside, an internal 3X optical zoom captures images as close as 0.36 inches without protruding from the camera body. A water-tight locking mechanism secures the camera’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery and SD memory card slot.

It can shoot “continuously for up to approx. 30 minutes underwater at a maximum depth of 1.5m.” It is recommended to rinse wash it afterwards. Good for those who snorkel, ski, sail, surf or just like to shoot near water.

The OptioWP is 5 Megapixel Camera with a 3.3X optical zoom. A 2″ LCD screen is on the back. It’s size is 102x51x22mm (WxHxD).

More details: Imaging Resource

It can be a frustrating search for quality digital camera for under $200.

Many entry-level cameras are poorly built, have terrible image quality, or will only deliver acceptable results under perfect daylight conditions. Against that background, the Olympus D-540 Zoom really stands out, with great color, great flexibility, a 3.3 megapixel CCD coupled with a nice 3x optical zoom lens, and great ease of use. That said, this is an entry-level camera, so you’ll have to accept a few tradeoffs, mainly in the form of some softness in the corners of its images, and in its somewhat leisurely shutter response and shot to shot cycle times. For the price though, it’s a tough act to beat, just the ticket for new users to get their feet wet with digital.

Available from: (Search for Olympus D-540 Retailers)

Or these retailers: Amazon ($159) or B&H Photo & Video ($155)

See more digital camera reviews at Imaging Resource.