(Dec 22, 2009)
Lori Grunin
Senior Editor
Whether you need to be discreet or just want to travel light, a camera's size and weight are important. Our top compact-camera picks run the gamut of megapixel counts, features, and prices, but all the models have two things in common: each fits comfortably into a jacket pocket and weighs 8 ounces or less, even with batteries and media installed. And they're pretty stylish little devices, too.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 (silver)
A full-featured waterproof/shockproof pocket point-and-shoot, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is a near-perfect rugged camera for everyday use.
Price: $307.95 - $409.95 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 27, 2009
Excellent
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Canon PowerShot S90
As long as you're not expecting dSLR speed in a tiny body, the Canon PowerShot S90 is an excellent compact camera for advanced amateurs.
Price: $399.00 - $429.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 12, 2009
Excellent
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Samsung DualView TL225 (orange/black)
The technology-packed Samsung DualView TL225 is the ultimate ultracompact for those who like to be in front of the camera more than they like being behind it.
Price: $239.95 - $349.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 23, 2009
Excellent
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Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR
Don't let its new sensor technology scare you off: the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is an excellent compact camera with shooting features for just about every type of user.
Price: $291.63 - $349.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 16, 2009
Excellent
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is a great, fast-performing snapshot camera that falters on photo quality.
Price: $329.00 - $349.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 30, 2009
Excellent
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 (silver)
With a wide-angle, megazoom lens, a quick AF system, and generally high-quality snapshot photos, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 is a standout compact megazoom.
Price: $235.00 - $279.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 25, 2009
Excellent
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 (blue)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 is an excellent, well-balanced compact camera.
Price: $197.95 - $274.95 (check prices)
Review date: May 19, 2009
Excellent
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 (blue)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 is a first-rate ultracompact party companion that excels at snapshots, but those expecting superb photo quality for its price should pass on it.
Price: $313.95 - $379.99 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 4, 2009
Very good
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Samsung TL320 (black)
The Samsung TL320's myriad shooting options make it a very good dSLR companion, but the photo quality and performance are definitely those of a point-and-shoot camera.
Price: $199.00 - $379.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2009
Very good
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Canon PowerShot SD980 IS (silver)
The Canon PowerShot SD980 IS is a very good touch-screen camera for those on the fence about using a touch-screen camera.
Price: $299.00 - $329.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 13, 2009
Very good
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Canon PowerShot SD940 IS (black)
One of the best ultracompacts available, the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS nonetheless falls short of greatness in performance and photo quality.
Price: $252.95 - $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 16, 2009
Very good
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