A compact digital camera.
The majority of compact digital cameras are point-and-shoot types, meaning they are fully automatic in terms of focus and exposure controls. They fall between the super compact pocket digital cameras and the standard SLR (single lens reflex) cameras that have manual controls. These cameras are small enough to fit in a coat pocket or purse. Compact cameras can also have heavier, higher quality lenses.
Canon
Canon has an extensive line of point-and-shoot digital cameras known as PowerShots. Its budget line, the A-series, is made up of compact cameras such as the A3100, which has a 4x zoom and a 12.1-megapixel sensor. It sells for about $130.
Nikon
Nikon has a series of point-and-shoot models, known as Coolpix cameras, which are divided into a budget L, step-up S, and high-end P series.The Nikon CoolPix S1000pj is the first compact digital camera with an integrated projector, which means just about any flat surface becomes a projection screen. It has 12.1-megapixel resolution and sells for around $170 as of 2010.
Panasonic
Panasonic produces a line of compact digital cameras called Lumix. The highly rated and versatile model FH20 features a 14.1-megapixel sensor, an 8x optical zoom, HD video, image stabilization, and a 2.7-inch LCD display. The model costs from $139 to $179 as of 2010.
Olympus
Olympus is the maker of the Stylus series of compact digital cameras. The Olympus Stylus 1000 is a 10-megapixel weatherproof camera that is good for use in the rain or at the beach. This model features digital image stabilization and bright capture technology meant for shooting in dim light. It also includes a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen. It retails for $399 as of 2010.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm makes the FinePix series compact digital cameras. FinePix series cameras include features such as the ability to fire two quick shots, with and without flash. Fujifilm has recently developed a 3D series of point-and-shoot cameras which capture 3D photographs for display on special 3D frames and prints.The Fuji FinePix F80EXR features a 12-megapixel sensor, a 10x zoom and 3-inch LCD, and also shoots 720p HD video. It sells for around $220 as of 2010.
Sony
Sony Cybershot DSC-TX7 was selected as the best camera of 2010 by Laptopmag.com. It features full HD recording and burst shooting at 10 frames per second, a 4x zoom with optical steady shot image stabilization and a 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD. It retails for about $285 as of 2010.
Tags: digital cameras, compact digital, compact digital cameras, image stabilization, 1-megapixel sensor
