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By Aimee Baldridge
(3/22/02)
Whether you're looking for a hefty digital SLR or a more compact camera, there's a 5-megapixel model that will fit the bill. Photographers who want to make large prints and capture as much image detail as possible need the high resolution that these digicams provide. But that's not all they offer. Each of these four cameras has a distinctive feature set and design--and they're not all made with the same kind of shooter in mind.
Five-megapixel camera prices have fallen as low as $800, but that's still not exactly pocket change. So before you invest in a high-res camera, read our reviews to find out what sets each model apart from its peers and learn which one will sync with your own photographic style.
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Minolta Dimage 7
The good:
Easy to use; fast mode switching; high resolution; not too heavy; slick looks. The bad: Heats up; grainy viewfinder; short battery life; sluggish autofocus; shutter doesn't always fire when the release is pressed. The bottom line: Some faults mar what could have been a great digicam. Nevertheless, the Dimage 7 has a plethora of excellent features and offers high resolution. |
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Nikon Coolpix 5000
The good:
High resolution; extensive feature set; compact design and comfortable ergonomics; fold-out-and-swivel LCD; compatible with IBM Microdrives. The bad: Some important controls are buried in the menu; lens not as powerful as competitors'; noticeable chromatic aberration and JPEG artifacts in images. The bottom line: Nikon's sophisticated 5.24-megapixel Coolpix 5000 offers advanced photographers an extensive feature set and a compact, flexible design, although not everyone will love the camera's menu-driven operation or be satisfied with its modest lens. Check latest prices |
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Olympus E-20N
The good:
Good interface; lets you trade resolution for speed; well-designed body; high resolution. The bad: Can't focus closer than eight inches; buttons somewhat randomly placed; relatively expensive. The bottom line: Amateur photographers yearning for a digital SLR experience have come to the right camera. Though the pricey Olympus E-20N has some flaws, it also has a feel that enthusiasts will love, and it produces 5-megapixel images that should satisfy most. Check latest prices |
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-F707
The good:
High resolution; powerful optics; excellent low-light shooting features; easily accessible controls; extended video mode; long battery life. The bad: Awkward handling when changing orientation of shots; Memory Stick media currently limited to 128MB per card; no color-saturation controls; limited continuous-shooting ability. The bottom line: If you're looking for a top-notch consumer digital camera, Sony's Cyber Shot DSC-F707 should be on your shortlist, but if an inexpensive semipro model is what you're after, the F707's feature set may not be right for you. |
Associate Editor Aimee Baldridge covers digital imaging for CNET Electronics.
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