The best compact digital cameras 2010: Top ten compact digital camera reviews
- Fri, 25 Jun 2010
The best compact digital cameras 2010
As every manufacturer refreshes their camera range every six months it can be difficult to pick a model to purchase before the replacement hits the shelves. For almost every requirement, whether it's zoom, movie recording or manual controls, a compact digital camera has the features you'll need.
Best compact digital camera for low light
Fujifilm F70 EXR
Even though it's been replaced by the F80 EXR the F70 EXR is still the better camera thanks to less aggressive pixel smoothing. The EXR chip can take two images at once at different exposure levels and combine into a HDR-style photo without the user needing to bother with Photoshop. The 10x zoom and 10MP sensor help hugely as well, with the lack of HD video being the only real downside.
Read full review of the Fujifilm F70 EXR
Best compact digital camera for long zoom
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5
With a 10x optical zoom the Sony HX5 may not have the longest magnification available, but the manner in which still takes sharp, well exposed shots is impressive to say the least. Add to that the likes of HD video and a superb sweep panorama mode, along with GPS for Geotagging, and the HX5 is a well built compact packed with features.
Read full review of the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5
Best compact digital camera for toughness
Panasonic DMC-FT2
Tough compacts are some of the most specialist cameras available, insuring the lens, battery and memory card compartments are protected from the likes of water and sand. The Panasonic FT2 manages to combine these facets with being a decent compact camera as well, making it the perfect companion for going swimming, mountain biking or even travelling to colder climates thanks to the -10 degrees freeze proof.
Read our toughness test results, and verdict for the Panasonic DMC-FT2
Best compact digital camera with pro controls
Canon Powershot G11
One of the most highly recommended cameras for any photographer looking to avoid lugging a whole DSLR kit around, the PowerShot G11 has all the manual controls a pro would need. Add to that a 5x optical zoom and 28mm wide angle lens, as well as generally superb optics and some highly impressive low light performance, and the Canon PowerShot G11 is one of the most impressive cameras made.
Read full review of the Canon Powershot G11
Best compact digital camera for landscapes
Ricoh GRD III
It's not always easy to sell the benefits of a fixed lens camera, but Fuji's GRD III virtually sells itself with some superb optics and full manual controls. The lack of versatility from having a zoom is more than compensated for by the end image quality, which is uncompromised by the limited amount of glass with the lens.
Read full review of the Ricoh GRD III
Best compact digital camera for good design
Canon IXUS 980 IS
The IXUS range offers a metallic body, often resulting in some excellent looking cameras. The 980IS not only has jaw-dropping looks, but offers the image quality and features to make the camera a substantial performer on every front. The only real downside is the price, although style like this rarely comes cheap.
Read full review of the Canon IXUS 980 IS
Best compact digital camera as a DSLR backup
Canon PowerShot S90
Anyone after a small compact to take away when a DSLR is just too big would have trouble going too far wrong with the Canon PowerShot S90. A pocketable camera with excellent build quality and all the manual controls a serious photographer would need, this powerful compact does everything asked of it and more besides.
Read full review of the Canon PowerShot S90
Best compact digital camera for a budget
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7
For around the £100 mark the choice of digital cameras isn't exactly vast, but in the Panasonic DMC-FS7 there's an impressive package capable of taking some impressive images. The 4x zoom and slight frame make it versatile as well, so even for those with a limited amount of cash have the opportunity to take some top images.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumi DMC-FS7
Best compact digital camera for gadgets
Sony DSC-WX1
A pocketable digital camera with the kind of features that would put a DSLR to shame, the WX1 offers all a gadget fiend could ever ask for. A 5x optical zoom, 24mm wide angle lens, HD video, panoramic sweep, smile shutter and far more besides make this little compact a feature-packed marvel.
Read full review of the Sony DSC-WX1
Best compact digital camera for underwater use
Canon PowerShot D10
Those out for a scuba holiday or engaging in a touch of diving in the pool would be advised not to take a normal compact within a few feet of the water, which is where Canon's D10 comes in. This underwater specialist gives the user the chance to go up to 10m underwater without issue, and takes some excellent shots while down there.
See our waterproof compact test featuring the Canon PowerShot D10
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 19 09:29
SteveA
Having owned a Canon Ixus 750 for over 4 years it is still going strong 10/10 for reliability. Now it is time to replace the camera not becasue of the impressive 7.1mp but because I want a compact with better HD movie and zoom capability. Sounds like you were unlucky with your canons.
April 24 21:58
Loosecanon
My Canon Powershot has just given up on me with lines over the screen. Disappointed as I had Olympus, Nikon and Pentax 35mm that were trouble free. Will probably get a Nikon
August 31 15:38
c
(see underwater camera review 2009) absolutely lvw. COme on WDG! Remove this, or update to a history narrative attached to 2011.That said - the tough test group - 2011 is excellently laid out and undertaken. One major quibble... no point, methinks, in doing a water test to 4m. If you drop a camera from a pier or boat, it will be at 10m before you can take your wristwatch off! If you're a diver, 10m is the min test. Lets have a compact camera and a test to min 20'- 30m Now you''re talking! ps why does my screen go black when I try to write here? Can't blimmin see!
November 13 18:43
Dan
The Panasonic FT2 is a great little camera for underwater shots. However it does not come with any Mac software. Which makes it a real pain when downloading photos. If you own a Mac avoid Panasonic.