High-End Cameras Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W50 Specifications 6-megapixel CCD sensor; maximum image resolution: 2816 x 2112; 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder; battery form factor: Li-ion (NP-BG1) rechargeable
Our Verdict
The best of the “Shooting Stars” this year was the W50 from Sony. Sleek as hell and built like a brick (we mean that in a good way!), this is one camera that oozes attitude and style. Once you get past the incredible feel of this shooter in your hand, you’ll see it also sports brilliant camera optics.
The W50 produces excellent images-clear and crisp, with great detail. Excellent ergonomics, too. We loved the ultra-large LCD viewfinder-it’s as clear and crisp as the images this beauty captures!
Runner-Up: Samsung Digimax S800
Mid-Range Cameras Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1 Specifications 4-megapixel CCD sensor; maximum image resolution: 2304 x 1728; 3x optical zoom; 1.5-inch LCD viewfinder; battery form factor: Li-ion (NP-FT1) rechargeable
Our Verdict
A cool-looking camera, very sleek, very trendy, beautifully finished. We received the chocolate-coloured version (check our September 2006 issue), and were in love with the gadget immediately. A 4-megapixel spec may seem rather light on paper, but the image quality is superb! The DSC L1 is small and wonderfully ergonomic, and thanks to the full-metal body, build quality isn’t compromised one whit!
Runner-Up: Nikon Coolpix S5
Our Verdict If it’s a budget camera you want, you can’t go wrong with the Nikon Coolpix L4. Sporting a 3.9-megapixel CCD sensor, the L4 gave us some good shots, both outdoors and indoors. Build quality is decent. You get an ultra-crisp 2-inch viewfinder in the bargain, which most entry-level cameras lack, and that only makes the L4 a stronger package. We guarantee satisfaction with this one!
Runner-Up: Premier DC-5370