Top 5 Advanced Digital Cameras

These cameras typically offer more manual controls and more powerful features than point-and-shoot models. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Eric Butterfield
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Bottom Line: Many control buttons, a 12X zoom, and swiveling LCD make the S3 IS a pleasure to use--plus it offers image stabilization.
PC World Rating: 86 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Very Good
  2. Max. Megapixels: 6
  3. Optical Zoom: 12X
  4. Zoom Range Min. (mm): 36
  5. Zoom Range Max. (mm): 432
  6. Weight (ounces): 14.5
  7. Media Slots: SD Card
  8. Price When Reviewed: $349
  9. Rated on: May 09, 2007
Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom
Bottom Line: A long zoom lens and strong image quality make this a good pick for beginners who need to get close to the action.
PC World Rating: 83 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Superior
  2. Max. Megapixels: 6.1
  3. Optical Zoom: 10X
  4. Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38
  5. Zoom Range Max. (mm): 380
  6. Weight (ounces): 14
  7. Media Slots: xD Picture Card
  8. Price When Reviewed: $380
  9. Rated on: November 28, 2005
Olympus SP-350
Bottom Line: The compact SP-350 delivers top-notch image quality and long battery life, but has few control buttons.
PC World Rating: 84 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Superior
  2. Max. Megapixels: 8
  3. Optical Zoom: 3X
  4. Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38
  5. Zoom Range Max. (mm): 114
  6. Weight (ounces): 8.2
  7. Media Slots: xD-Picture Card
  8. Price When Reviewed: $325
  9. Rated on: November 06, 2006
Samsung Pro815
Bottom Line: Pro815 lives up to its name, with many controls, a huge 3.5-inch LCD, and massive 15X zoom. No image stabilization, though.
PC World Rating: 87 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Superior
  2. Max. Megapixels: 8
  3. Optical Zoom: 15X
  4. Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28
  5. Zoom Range Max. (mm): 420
  6. Weight (ounces): 30
  7. Media Slots: CompactFlash
  8. Price When Reviewed: $699
  9. Rated on: May 09, 2007
Fujifilm FinePix S5200
Bottom Line: A snappy autofocus and top-notch image quality make the S5200 hard to beat. It shoots at ISO 1600, but images looked noisy.
PC World Rating: 86 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Superior
  2. Max. Megapixels: 5
  3. Optical Zoom: 10X
  4. Zoom Range Min. (mm): 38
  5. Zoom Range Max. (mm): 380
  6. Weight (ounces): 16.8
  7. Media Slots: xD-Picture Card
  8. Price When Reviewed: $285
  9. Rated on: November 06, 2006

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