Every year features that appear in mid to high-end digital cameras trickle down to entry-level models. This year, though, it was more like a flood. You'll find wide-angle lenses, super-slim bodies, 2.7-inch displays and HD video. Here are a few recently announced models–each priced at $150—that caught my eye.
Panasonic Lumix FP1
This highly-styled camera doesn't look or feel like an entry level model. It has a lens cover that doubles as the on/off switch, takes HD video and has optical image stabilization.
Resolution: 12 MP
Lens: 4x optical zoom (35-140mm equivalent)
Display: 2.7 inches
Video: high definition
Pre-order now at bhphoto.com
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Nikon Coolpix S3000
Measuring a mere 19mm thick, this sleek camera offers a wide-angle lens, "best shot selector" (takes 10 shots and saves the one that has the sharpest focus) and "smile timer" (takes a shot when the camera sees a smile).
Resolution: 12 MP
Lens: 4x wide-angle optical zoom (27-108mm equivalent)
Display: 2.7 inches
Video: standard definition
Buy now at Amazon.com
Olympus FE-4020
This feature-rich camera has auto-focus tracking for keeping your subject in focus, a high-resolution 14MP sensor and "creative art filters" (take photos with a photo effect like fisheye, pinhole or drawing).
Resolution: 14 MP
Lens: 4x wide-angle optical zoom (26-105mm equivalent)
Display: 2.7 inches
Video: standard definition
Pre-order now at Amazon.com
Fujifilm FinePix Z70
Edit and tag your photos and videos for easy uploading to YouTube and Facebook. Plus this tiny shooter has a lens cover that doubles as a power switch.
Resolution: 12.2 MP
Lens: 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent)
Display: 2.7 inches
Video: standard definition
Pre-order now at Amazon.com
Kodak EasyShare M550
An extra long 5x wide-angle lens and easy tagging and uploading to YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Kodak Gallery set this camera apart.
Resolution: 12 MP
Lens: 5x wide-angle zoom (28-140mm equivalent)
Display: 2.7 inches
Video: standard definition
Pre-order now at Amazon.com
From Khürt L Williams on March 25, 2010 :: 6:46 am
These are all excellent choices. I just wish consumers could educated on the megapixel myth. More megapixels != better photography especially when viewed on a 2MP LCD monitor. 6 MP is more than enough to allow for cropping and a high quality 20x30 print. Just like buying a $300 pair of NIke won’t make me play like Michael Jordon, a 12MP camera won’t make me into Ansel Adams.
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