Point-and-shoot Digital Cameras Focus on Features Instead of Megapixels

Although some camera manufacturers have continued increasing megapixel counts in their latest point-and-shoot digital cameras, most at the PhotoPlus Expo held in New York City last week were been promoting a number of other features, some of them quite useful.

Two of Sony’s 8-megapixel subcompacts, the 3x optical zoom Cyber-shot DSC-T70 and the 5x optical zoom Cyber-shot DSC-T200 (Click image at right for a larger view), were generating lots of grins (as well as a few grimaces) on the show floor. The reason? Both cameras have a Smile Shutter mode that takes face detection technology one step further by shooting a photo of the subject when he or she smiles.

Related information

• Official PhotoPlus Expo Web site
• Consumer Reports' Buying Advice: How to choose a digital camera
• Ratings: Point-and-shoots (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)

Sony had one of these cameras hooked up to an HDTV screen to show how it worked. The four-frame photo sequence on the right (Click on the image at right for a larger view), which I took at Sony's exhibit, shows one of the new cameras and how Smile Shutter works:

1. A shot of the Cyber-shot DSC-T70 itself
2. I press halfway down on the shutter button and the camera recognizes my face by placing a square around it
3. The camera fires when it detects my smile
4. The resulting snapshot.

The Cyber-shot DSC-T70 lists for around $300 and the 5x optical zoom Cyber-shot DSC-T200 lists for around $400.

Increased optical zoom continues to show up in new models. Pentax exhibited its 8 megapixel Optio Z10 subcompact (Click on the image at left for a larger view), which sports a 7x optical zoom lens, comparable to 7x point-and-shoot models introduced by Casio and Samsung earlier this year. The Optio Z10 will cost around $230.

In the bulkier compact category, Olympus showed the 8-megapixel SP-560 UZ (Click on the image at right for a larger view), a successor to its 18x optical zoom SP-550 UZ compact. Like the earlier model, it has an 18x optical zoom, but also includes face detection. The new Olympus ultrazoom will run about $450.

Nikon has been one of the most aggressive companies in producing wireless digital cameras, which allow users to send images through a wireless network or print wirelessly from a digital camera to a printer. Nikon’s latest wireless point-and-shoot is the 8-megapixel Coolpix S51c (Click on the image at left for a larger view), which also features a large, 3-inch LCD and a 3x optical zoom lens. It will go for around $330.

At the high-end of the point-and-shoot market, Canon displayed the 12-megapixel PowerShot G9 (Click on the image at right for a larger view), which includes a 6x optical zoom. But it’s not so much the megapixel count that is getting it noticed. This camera lets photographers save their pictures in the RAW file format, a feature found on all SLRs, but uncommon on point-and-shoots. RAW files store the captured image before it has been processed, maximizing your ability to control characteristics such as sharpness and color balance. The PowerShot G9 will cost around $450.

Lastly, Kodak had on view three point-and-shoots--the $300 EasyShare Z812 IS (on the left in the image at left), the $225 EasyShare Z1275 (on the pedestal on the right) and the $300 EasyShare V1253 (right)--all of which the company claims have high definition video capabilities, a rare feature on point-and-shoots.

-- Terry Sullivan

Comments

[Simon]

From what I've read on one of the Kodak forums(http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1011) I frequent, the 712 and the 812 aren't that much better than the 612. in fact some believe they may be worst. I don't know as I don't own any of them (Own a P880, P712, DX7590, and a DX7630), but I've read nothing but glowing reviews of the Z1012. From its low light performance to its high ISO shooting modes, it seems to be a very good camera.

[sheri]

can anyone tell me which of the easyshare Kodak digital cameras
are worth it. I have beeen looking at the Z712 IS and the Z812 IS and the Z1012 IS. I would like to stay with a Kodak as I have
the dock from owning a Z612...thanks

[chris]

I say don't waste your money on the Mavica. Buy a new point and shoot for around $200 or so and you'll be much happier. Don't worry too much about megapixels. Anything over 6 is going to do you just fine. Unless you're planning on making really large prints. Canon has a great line up of new cameras. I just bought an SD 870 and it's leaps and bounds over anything I've had before. It's on the high end of the price range for a point and shoot, but there are other scaled down models in your price range.

[barbara bailey]

I am considering purchasing a "Sony Mavica" from a friend. She had it for about 5 years. It is in excellent condition however you have to replace the cd instead of memory cards. I am wondering if this is a good buy. She is asking $150 for it. She has the case,the software that hooks up to your t.v and computer and has the book. I am wondering if it is too out of date. It is some what larger than most digital cameras. It is about the size of the cannon you were advertising. Thank you for your time.