Digital Cameras > Your Needs

Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Children and Action Photos Under $400

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$369.99 at Amazon

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1 Expert recommends Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
8.1MP Electronic Viewfinder Digital Camera with 18x Optical Zoom
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shutterpro
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is one of the newest additions to the great line of Lumix cameras. The FZ18 is a point and shoot digital camera, meaning that everything that the photographer needs, including the lens is built right into the camera. The FZ18 features Leica optics with an 18x optical zoom…
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Customer Rating: Full-star-1Full-star-1Full-star-1Full-star-1Half-star-1
(from 150 reviews)
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Price $369.99 $299.90 $167.95 $299.99
Rating from CNET.com 7.2 7.6 7.6 -
Rating from Digital Photography Review Recommended Highly Recommended - -
Date Available September 30, 2007 October 31, 2006 March 30, 2007 September 15, 2007
Effective Sensor ResolutionThe Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
Effective Sensor Resolution 		8.1 megapixels 7.1 megapixels 7.1 megapixels 8.1 megapixels
Sensor SizeMost digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
Sensor Size 		5.8 x 4.3 mm 5.8 x 4.3 mm 5.8 x 4.3 mm 5.8 x 4.3 mm
Optical Zoom 18.0x 6.0x 4.0x 10.0x
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent) 		28 mm 35 mm 35 mm 38 mm
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent) 		504 mm 210 mm 140 mm 380 mm
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time) 		0.4 - 0.5 sec 0.5 - 0.6 sec 0.5 - 0.7 sec 0.3 - 1.4 sec
Max Shooting Speed (continuous) 2.0 frames/sec 1.7 frames/sec 1.3 frames/sec 2.0 frames/sec
Image Stabilization AvailableImage stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
Image Stabilization Available 		Yes Yes Yes Yes
Face Detection AvailableFace detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
Face Detection Available 		Yes - Yes Yes
Viewfinder AvailableA viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display.
Viewfinder Available 		Yes Yes Yes No
LCD Screen SizeThe LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
LCD Screen Size 		2.5 in. 2.5 in. 2.5 in. 2.5 in.
Max Aperture (wide-angle)The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
Max Aperture (wide-angle) 		f/2.8 f/2.8 f/2.6 f/3.5
Max Aperture (tele-photo)The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
Max Aperture (tele-photo) 		f/4.2 f/4.8 f/5.5 f/4.4
Camera Format Electronic Viewfinder Compact Compact Compact
Size (W x H x D) 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in. 3.8 x 2.6 x 1.6 in. 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.7 in. 4.2 x 2.7 x 1.9 in.
Weight (with batteries) 14.4 oz - - 13.4 oz
Storage Media SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
Battery Type Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable AA-size (x2) AA-size (x2) Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Battery Life 400 shots 360 shots 400 shots 330 shots

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