All-star digital cameras.(Buyers guide)

Digital cameras keep gaining new and alluring features such as 2-inch-plus LCDs that display more of the picture, image stabilizers, and versatile zoom ranges. Expect those pluses from any camera in this chart of recommended models in three categories. (The choices include both standouts from past tests and fine newcomers. Look for Ratings of more than 60 cameras of all types in our July 2007 issue.) Scores for print quality are based on expert judgments; next-shot delay is the time the camera needs to take its next photo; shutter lag is how quickly the camera can take its first shot once powered up.

CR's take. Any camera in this Ratings will be a fine choice. But three newer models combined a rich set of features and excellent battery life with impressive performance. (They should be easiest to locate, especially in stores, than some older choices.) For a feature-laden compact, consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. It has an image stabilizer, 2.7-inch LCD, manual controls, and 4x zoom with wide-angle capability, and can save images as a RAW file (the type with the most information). For an economical subcompact, there's the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3, which has an image stabilizer and 2.4-inch LCD, and weighs just 5 ounces. (Like other models noted in the chart, this Lumix has a higher-megapixel successor that we also expect to perform well in tests.) For SLR-like capability, consider the advanced compact Fujifilm, which has an image stabilizer, 2.4-inch LCD, manual controls, 10.7x zoom with wide-angle capability, and short shutter lag. It weighs 24 ounces.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

 
Quick Ratings 
Top camera choices 
 
Within types, in performance order. Models with equal scores listed 
alphabetically. 
 
Brand &       Price       Overall score            Test results 
model 
 
                     0                   10C  Megapixels  Print 
                                                          quality 
 
                     P        F  G   VG  E 
 
COMPACTS For 
those who 
want the 
basics at a 
low price. 
 
Panasonic     $400                   75       10          Excellent 
Lumix 
DMC-LX2 
 
Kodak         200                ...