Although we've been advocating that megapixels aren't everything when it comes to choosing a point-and-shoot, there are occasions when those few extra pixels will come in handy. For a start, you can print larger photographs with a higher-resolution image. Also, there is more leeway when you crop the pictures on the computer.
Just a year ago, 12 megapixels was considered the paramount for point-and-shoots, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 with a 13.6-megapixel sensor was viewed as gargantuan. Just when we thought it would stop there, Panasonic and Samsung have announced new higher-resolution compact shooters. Will this fray never end?
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX180
Panasonic has this thing for ultra-wide-angle shooters as we've seen in the 25mm-wide Lumix DMC-FX520, and this popular feature has been imported to its new 14.7-megapixel shooter. Besides the usual slew of features like iA (Intelligent Auto) and optical image stabilization, it also has full manual control and RAW format capture. Pity the Lumix has only 3.6x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. If these specifications were ramped up, this shooter would be one gadget to not trifle with.
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Samsung NV100HD
What the NV24HD did, the new NV100HD seems to do better. Resolution has been bumped up to 14.7 megapixels and the display is now 3 inches. Samsung has improved on the interface and this shooter now sports Smart Touch 2.0, which allows for touchscreen operation. There is optical image stabilization to counter shaky hands, while features like blink and smile detection help to snap shots easier. However, unlike the NV24HD which has a 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens, the NV100HD has only a 28mm lens.
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300
CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10
The good: High 13.6-megapixel resolution; titanium-coated body; responsive face detection and Smile Shutter; optical image stabilization; low noise level even at high ISO.
The bad: Lack of wide-angle lens; average time-to-first-shot; uses only Memory Stick Duo storage media; relatively pricey for a point-and-shoot.
The bottom line: Although we like the features and image quality of the W300, it lacks a wide-angle lens which has become a must-have for a premium shooter. While other alternatives in the market may not offer as high a capture resolution as the Sony, they do make up with other features.
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Fujifilm FinePix F100fd
CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10
The good: Ultra-high ISO sensitivity of 12,800; wide dynamic range; intuitive face detection; short shutter lag; 5x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens; good image quality.
The bad: Relatively heavy; awkward positioning of flash, easily covered by fingers; lacks full manual control.
The bottom line: Despite an awkwardly positioned flash unit, the F100fd didn't disappoint with its enhanced feature set and excellent image quality.
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Canon Digital IXUS 960 IS
This shooter may be the most senior of the batch (it was released last year), but Canon loyalists are still clamoring for it. Underneath the sleek and stylish façade, the IXUS 960 IS houses a 3.6x optical zoom and loads of features to satisfy even advanced shutterbugs. However, being the eldest of the lot also means that its features are somewhat lacking--like the 2.5-inch LCD.
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