| There are so many things to consider as you | | | | - 3x zoom |
| scour the different online camera resources. | | | | - 2.5" LCD screen |
| Let me put your mind at ease on the issue of | | | | - Video clips recorded at 640 x 480 @30fps |
| megapixels. Although the sensor size is always | | | | (typical of pocket cameras) |
| one of the first things we look at when | | | | - Image Stabilization - this minimizes camera |
| considering a new camera, whether it has 14 | | | | shake when taking pictures and makes it possible |
| megapixels or 7 megapixels is not going to affect | | | | to get crisp, clear shots more often |
| the quality of most photos you take. You can | | | | - Smart Auto - when selected it automatically |
| print a huge photo from a 7 megapixel photo just | | | | makes all the proper settings for you to get the |
| as you can from a 14 megapixel camera. So don't | | | | best photo |
| fret over a few megapixels (even though I will | | | | - Face Detection Self-Timer - allows the camera |
| mention how many each camera has). | | | | to detect an increase in the number of faces in a |
| There are two separate people groups to | | | | scene and make the appropriate focus |
| consider when looking for a great camera. | | | | adjustments. Thus the photographer can come |
| First, you look at what the technical geeks have | | | | into the scene and the camera will adjust to get |
| discovered. These guys take put new digital | | | | her into focus, too. |
| cameras through every test and trial know to | | | | - No Aperture or Shutter Priority control - this |
| man, and they publish their findings on web sites | | | | means the camera is in control of the aperture |
| all over the Internet. What they say has quite a | | | | opening and shutter speed when the picture is |
| bit of merit, but you need to figure out their | | | | snapped (this is totally fine unless you WANT |
| language. What may be a monumental shortfall | | | | control of these settings). |
| for one of them may be inconsequential to you | | | | Panasonic Lumix DCM-TZ5: |
| and me. | | | | - 9 megapixel image sensor |
| Second, and perhaps even more valuable, you | | | | - 10x zoom |
| look at what consumers of the cameras have | | | | - 3.0" LCD screen |
| discovered. Look at the good reviews and the | | | | - 28mm wide angle Leica DC Lens (Leica is a |
| bad ones. Many people will write a review about | | | | trusted name in camera lenses) |
| their experience after buying a camera, and that | | | | - Video clips recorded at 720p HD. This is a major |
| is just when you want to hear from them. Their | | | | difference from the other two cameras in video |
| experience is fresh and they will almost always | | | | size and quality. Video can actually be viewed in a |
| write exactly how they feel without any sugar | | | | TV by inserting the memory card into a |
| coating. Usually there will be common threads in | | | | Panasonic HDTV if it's the right TV. |
| these reviews. For instance, many people will find | | | | - Advanced Intelligent Auto Exposure makes it |
| the same flaw in the design of a camera and rate | | | | easy for the most camera challenged individuals |
| it lower because of that flaw. Pay attention to | | | | to get a great photo - no need to make manual |
| these. | | | | setting adjustments |
| The good news here is that I have read gazillions | | | | - Automatic Face Detection |
| of words about cameras. I have read the geeks' | | | | - Continuous Auto Focus - when you move the |
| reviews, and I have read the consumers' reviews. | | | | camera, it stays in focus. |
| Based on that information, I will be sharing which | | | | - Aperture and Shutter Priority CAN be controlled |
| are the best pocket digital cameras on the | | | | by the photographer. |
| market right now. | | | | Sony CyberShot DCS-W220: |
| There are three cameras worthy of the title: | | | | - 12.1 megapixels |
| Best Pocket Digital Camera in my humble opinion. | | | | - 4x zoom |
| | | | - Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens - Zeiss is one of |
| 1. Canon SD1200 IS Elph | | | | the most respected names in camera lenses |
| 2. Panasonic Lumix DCM-TZ5 | | | | - 2.7" LCD screen |
| 3. Sony Cyber-Shot DCS-W220 | | | | - Video clips recorded at 640 x 480 @ 30fps |
| The qualifications for this category obviously start | | | | (again typical of other compact cameras) |
| with a size that can easily be put into a pocket or | | | | - Auto Face Detection can recognize up to 8 |
| purse. The Canon and Sony are approximately | | | | faces. |
| the same size and weight, while the Panasonic is a | | | | - Double Anti-blur Image Stabilaztion - helps make |
| bit larger and heavier, yet it still qualifies for | | | | blur-free photos. |
| pocket transport. | | | | One more important item would be price, right? |
| Hopefully, the following comments will help you to | | | | Prices are coming down in digital cameras as |
| make a decision about which of these three | | | | quality goes up. The Sony and Canon are in the |
| wonderful cameras is your best choice. | | | | same $$ range at just under $200, while the |
| Canon SD1200 IS Elph: | | | | Panasonic is slightly more at about $220. |
| - 10 megapixel image sensor | | | | |