In this report
What are your priorities?
Camera types
Enlarging images
Zoom & manual controls
Batteries
Speed
Camera compatibility
ELECTRONICS FORUMS
Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone.


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Do you enlarge a lot of images?

Now that you’ve identified the type of camera that’s best, you can determine how you will use the camera most of the time.

If you mainly want to make standard 4x6 snapshot prints, a camera with 6-megapixel resolution should be fine. Such a camera will also let you make an 8x10 print of an entire, uncropped image. But if you plan to enlarge images more than that or to blow up only parts of them you’ll want an 8- to 10-megapixel camera.


Compact/subcompact camera.
 
Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd

  SLR camera.
Compact/Subcompact Cameras
 
SLR-like Cameras
  SLR Cameras


All models will make sharp 4x6 and fairly sharp 8x10 enlargements.
Typical megapixel range: 6 to 10. A few models have 5.


 


Most will produce very sharp 8x10 and 11x14 enlargements.
Typical megapixel range: 6 to 10.


 


Most will produce very sharp 8x10 and 11x14 enlargements.
Typical megapixel range: 6 to 10.


     
See more information about digital cameras, including Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers).

   

STEP 4:

Zoom range & manual controls