Pentax’s Optio M900 camera is fairly cheap which means its range of features is basic. That said, it includes a 12-megapixel resolution, wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 28-140mm on an old film camera), plus adequate visibility on the rear 2.7in screen that’s used for composing and reviewing pictures (it has no viewfinder). The camera is available in an all-black or burgundy red body.
Having a long lens that can zoom from wide-angle to close-up makes a camera useful for everything from portraits to panoramas. A good example is the Olympus SP-800UZ which has a 30x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 28-840mm lens on an old 35mm film camera.
We’ve already seen one or two cameras that take 12-megapixel images for less than £100, but the new Finepix JV100 from Fujifilm goes even further, with advanced features such as high-definition video recording and a ‘panorama’ mode.
Eyespy247 is, as the name suggests a surveillance system. It comes in two parts: a camera, which connects through your home network to the internet and a website that allows you to manage the camera and view recorded footage. A basic camera costs£110, but we tested the Eyespy247 PTZ model at £190.Thiscan spin to look up, down, left and right, and includes lights for use at night. Buying a camera gets you 512MB of storage space on the website for photos and videos.
Canon’s PowershotA495, replacing the A480 model, is about as cheap as the company’s cameras get. It feels plastic but image quality is what counts and we found the results from this pocket camera were comparable with the better-built, more expensive.
This pocket camera, with a retro design, is at first underwhelming but it has a good resolution of 12.1 megapixels and a longer-than-average 5x optical zoom lens, the equivalent of 28-140mm on an old film camera.
Keeps a finger resting on the zoom control and there’s the ability to extend the reach to 6.5x using cropping to zoom in on the middle of the picture, which reduces the resolution to seven megapixels.
Generally speaking, dirt and moisture are best kept away from digital cameras. The Pentax Optio WS80 is one attempt to improve the relationship between technology and the elements.
The sporty styling and small construction suggest it’s good for adrenaline junkies wanting pictures of their exploits. Waterproofed to a depth of 1.5m and dust resistant as well, snapshots benefit from a 10-megapixel resolution and a 5x optical zoom lens. The lens is protected because at no point does it extend proud of the glossy plastic body.
This Canon camera is o killer in the entry-level segment. Without too much effort, you will get good images for your album. It has an easy to use interface, bigger controls and numerous automatic modes. A few of the latest features are borrowed from its siblings in the higher IXUS range. These include the Smart Auto (detects the surroundings and changes the camera settings automatically), Smart Flash Exposure (automatically triggers the flash when the light is low), Face Self Timer, automatic red eye correction (remember to activate it first via the on-board menu screens).
Specs: 10 MP sensor; 3x optical zoom,- 2.5-inch LCD; SD memory card, SDHC memory and Multimedia Card support; standard alkaline battery; 135 gm
Clad in a matte black finish (also available in glossy white and steel silver color), this digicam’s sophisticated styling and minimalist design will make people nod their head in appreciation. The spec sheet looks boring at first glance 10 MP sensor, 3.8x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD but its capabilities get unfurled once you start using it. The latest HS system and the better F/2.0 lens capture great images even in low light. This compact has the usual auto modes like Indoors, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Portrait, Smart Shutter, while those who would like to fiddle around with the settings would be pleased with the efficient Program mode.
Specs: 10MP; 3.8x optical zoom; 3-inch LCD; SD and MMC card support; 3648 x 2736 pixels; HD recording; Fish-eye and Miniature effect; 175 gm
This compact camera is a revolution in its category since it bestows on the user the power to capture images in 3D. This camera hides within its very slim form a 3D processor which can capture depth in shots. It requires switching to the 3D mode, and sweeping the camera as you would when capturing a panorama shot and it’s done. 3D images can be seen on the camera’s crisp 3.5-inch touchscreen or on a compatible 3D television. Apart from 3D it can take some nice stills as well. The easy-to-use features and excellent smile shutter make this camera stand out in the crowd.
Spec: 12.8 MP sensor; 4x optical zoom, – 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD; 1080p video recording; 3200 ISO; 133 gm
