Four steps to choosing a digital camera

If a point-and-shoot digital camera is likely to be on your holiday shopping list, be sure to consult our digital camera Ratings (available to subscribers) before heading for the stores. In selecting a model, keep in mind the following points:

Select the right type. For portability, look for a subcompact. Price and performance should be comparable with a compact’s, though you might find a compact’s controls easier to operate, especially if you have large hands. A compact is also a better choice if you need more manual features and controls, but not a lot of zoom. For sports and nature photography, only a superzoom will fit the bill.

Match performance to your needs. First consider image quality, the most important performance attribute. Our assessment includes the sharpness of the images a camera produces, which depends on a variety of factors in the camera’s design. Among models of varying image-quality scores, the differences in sharpness can be noticeable in prints but are less so if you print mostly 4x6s. If you often take action shots, look for higher scores for first-shot and next-shot delay. If you travel a lot, consider battery life. If landscapes are a priority, look for wide-angle capability and excellent or very good dynamic range.

Downplay megapixels. Don’t pay extra for more megapixels. Virtually every camera available has more than seven, enough for most people.

Consider features. If you often shoot in bright light, look for a viewfinder. Our camera Ratings indicate the few models that have one. For greater control over your images, opt for manual controls and RAW-file capability. If you often shoot above the heads of crowds, look for a swiveling LCD.

Do you have other camera shopping tips to share with other consumers? If so, please post them below. —Jeff Fox

Comments

[Jeffrey Fox]

Paul,
Thanks for the feedback.

As you can imagine, keeping up with the dynamic camera market, while thoroughly testing each model, is challenging.

To put things in perspective, the models you cite are just four of approximately 92 point-and-shoots in our current Ratings.
Our criteria for listing an older model is that it be reasonably available, even if it has been discontinued. The fact that a model has been discontinued doesn't make it any worse a camera and, if its price is reduced, it may be a better value than its successor.

Of course, predicting availability weeks in advance is challenging, but we are often, if not always, accurate.

Consider the four models you cited:

Checking online today, I found that the sd880 does have extremely limited availability. However, the G10 was available at 5 outlets, including B&H and J&R. The F60fd was available from several outlets, including Amazon and J&R. And the sd780 was available at 18 outlets, including B&H, Amazon, Newegg, and Staples. Anyone who wanted one of these three models wouldn't have a hard time buying one.

I hope my explanation makes it clear that we take the currency of our Ratings seriously and strive to include the latest models as quickly as they can be obtained and thoroughly tested to our exacting standards.

Again, thanks for your feedback.

Jeff Fox
Technology Editor

[Paul Rivers]

Unfortunately, if you want camera reviews for cameras you can actually buy, Consumer Reports is the *last* place to go.

It's top rated compact, the Canon sd880, hasn't even been available for over 6 months. It's top rated "compact" model, the Canon G10, has just been replaced by the newer model the Canon G11.

Other outdated cameras include the Fujifilm F60fd (replaced by the f70fd within the last month). The Canon sd780 was just replaced by the Canon sd940. At least the Canon sd1200 doesn't appear to have been replaced.

It is during this month that camera manufacturers are coming out with their newest, latest, greatest cameras. I haven't even mentioned other really cool looking cameras that haven't been reviewed that just came out, like the Canon s90 (at least no other review sites have reviews out on it, either).

Consumer reports, unfortunately seems to have a habit of reviewing cameras just as they're discontinued and replaced with a newer model. I hope I'm proven wrong - I hope Consumer Reports reviews the new models. But being that there's a camera that's been discontinued for over 6 months still on the "newly updated list", I'm afraid I'm not holding my breath. :-(

[C R Ricky Paschall, Jr.]

Since loosing my SLR print film camera, I've been investing in the the point and shoot over the years. Along with the other comments for 'features to look for'; I've discovered (realized) a couple more:
Optical zoom over digital zoom: not sure of the technical reasons, but look for at least 3X optical
Most cameras have scene features, but the indoor one will usually leave you with dark subjects. It has something to doo with ISO setting and the capabilities (auto/manual) of your camera. Remember print film 100 for bright sunlight to 1600+ for candlelight. Most do not or can not adjust appropiately.