Novemb ER

at least 7 m egapixels.

If you n eed high resolu tion an d impec cab le quality, choose one of the high re solution com p acts or SLRs that h ad exc ellent print or im age qua lity in our tests. Sh ooting a t a high er resolution with ou t usi ng a com p ressed forma t such as JP EG can fill your me m ory card and h ard drive more quic kly Thi s year; though, more ca meras ca n r ecord on a n ew; higher capacity ca rd known as SDHC. If high re s olution isn' t critical, a mo del in our Ratings with very good image quality and 6 or 7 m egap ixels of resolution should be fin e.

Among p oint-and- shoot ca me ras, the hi ghest ISO lig h t -sensitivity setting has ge n er ally been 400, too low to make sh arp h a ndheld shots in dim light with out a flash. Som e mo de stly pric ed mod els h ave b egun featu ri ng settings of 1600 or even 3200, but resul ts can be grainy and n otice ab ly worse th an th ose shot a t equival en t se ttings u sing SLR s and the priciest point - an d-shoots . If yo u 'r e attr acted to a p articular su bc om p act or com p ac t b e ca us e of its h igh ISO se ttings, check its performan ce in our Rat in gs and make sure you ca n return it at n o cos t if its low light results are disappointing.

Canon PowerShot A460

Kodak EasyShare C653

These have lower resolut ion and sma ller LCOs th an the ir high-rat ed siblings. th e Canon Powershot A64 0 (1) and A630 (3) And neith er offe rs manual controls which t hose model s do. But their pe r formance is solid across the boa rd, and they have a 4x optica l zoom, the highest of the group.

Competent though slower than most:

Kodak EasyShare C653 (6 MP), $140 Nikon Coolpix LlO (5 MP), $120 Pentax Optio M30 (7 MP), $190 Olympus FE-21O (7 MP ), $140

These will ta ke decent pictures, but more slowly than the best models in th e Rat ings. Shutte r lag is 1 sec ond (1'1, seco nds for the Kodak). The Nikon is the only budget su bcompact test ed, a nd it has face det ect ion, as does th e Penta x. The Olympus has a built-in help guide, but its next-shot de lay is 3 seco nds, the longes t of the budget models.

Too slow for action-packed scenes:

Polaroid T737 (7 MP), $180

This has th e biggest LCD of the gro up at 3 inches, but its image quality is fair to middling. Next-sh ot delay is a full 5 seco nds, lon ger than a ny rated model while sh utt er lag is also on th e slow side at 1'1, seco nds.

2 0 07 0 www.ConsumerReports .org

L77 specifications

The Nikon L77 is a remarkable addition to Nikon's lineup of compact digital cameras, designed to cater to both photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. With its blend of advanced features, intuitive design, and impressive optical performance, the L77 stands out in a crowded market.

One of the standout features of the Nikon L77 is its impressive 24-megapixel sensor, which delivers stunning image quality with exceptional detail and vibrant colors. The camera’s powerful image processing engine ensures that images are clear and sharp, even in challenging lighting conditions. Low-light performance is enhanced by advanced noise reduction technology, allowing users to capture beautiful photos without the need for a flash.

The L77 boasts a versatile zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 24mm to 120mm. This range allows for a wide variety of compositions, from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits. The lens features optical image stabilization, which minimizes the effects of camera shake, ensuring that photos remain crisp and clear even at extended zoom ranges.

Another highlight of the Nikon L77 is its user-friendly interface. The camera is equipped with a large, bright LCD screen that makes composing shots and reviewing images a breeze. The touchscreen functionality allows for quick navigation and easy access to settings, making it simple to adjust parameters to suit various shooting conditions.

In addition to still photography, the L77 offers impressive video capabilities, including Full HD recording. The camera supports various video formats and frame rates, enabling users to create stunning videos with smooth playback and rich detail.

For those keen on creativity, the L77 includes a range of built-in filters and effects, allowing users to add artistic touches to their photos directly in-camera. The simplicity of these features encourages users to experiment and explore their creative potential.

Connectivity is another strong point for the L77, featuring built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This enables easy sharing of images and videos to smartphones and tablets, making it simple for users to upload their favorite shots to social media or send them to friends and family.

Overall, the Nikon L77 combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use, making it a versatile companion for any photography adventure. Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, family gatherings, or spontaneous moments, the L77 delivers high-quality performance and stunning results, appealing to photographers of all skill levels. With its thoughtful design and robust features, the Nikon L77 stands as a valuable tool for documenting life’s most memorable moments.