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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Many of the travelers I talk with want a point & shoot camera they can set and forget. With Lumix’s simple operation and ease-of-use, the FS20 is my top pick for a travel camera.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20
With an effective sensor resolution of 10 MP, you can make enlargements of your travel photos up to 30”X 40”. Equipped with a 4X optical zoom Leica lens, you can zoom in on family enjoying themselves while in the pool. This camera captures more of a landscape scene than most cameras in this class due to its 30 mm wide-angle lens.
Another nice feature of the Lumix DMC-FS20 is its large 3” LCD screen with 10-step automatic brightness control. Whether in a dark tropical rain forest or a white sand beach, the LCD screen automatically adjusts as ambient lighting conditions change so you always see your scenes or images clearly. Finally, with Panasonic’s MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Intelligent ISO, your pictures are blur-free. Image stabilization stops movement from holding the camera while Intelligent ISO stops subject movement ensuring your travel images are crisp and clear.
Comparison with Nikon Coolpix S550
While both have similar features such as image stabilization, Face-Detection, high ISO and Red-Eye correction, the Lumix has the 3” LCD screen that automatically adjusts to the ambient light making seeing your images under a variety of lighting conditions easy. The Coolpix screen is 2.5” and while a 1/2” doesn’t seem like much, the larger screen on the Lumix makes a world of difference. The other plus is Lumix’s 30mm minimum wide-angle focal length compared to Coolpix’s 36mm. Having a wider minimum focal length allows capturing more of a scene width-wise and provides more of the scene in focus both in front of and behind the subject.
Comparison with Sony Cybershot DSC-W120
The biggest comparison between these two cameras is the effective sensor resolution. The Lumix has 10 MP compared to the Cyber-shot’s 7.1 MP. Because both have similar prices, features and technology, I would choose the Lumix with the larger resolution. The images have more detail and I can make larger prints than I could with the Cyber-shot.
Pros
- +Bright LCD
- +Wide minimum focal length
- +Noise reduction
- +Advanced technology
Cons
- -Boxy shape makes it uncomfortable to hold for long periods
- -Multiple menus can be confusing to figure out which menu controls which function.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20
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Best Price:
$299
See It »
Specifications
- Zoom: 4.0x
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Size: 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
- Battery Life: 310 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 21 reviews)
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(from 214 reviews)
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(from 211 reviews)
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| Price | $299.95 | $399.95 | $129 - $199 |
| Size (W x H x D) | 3.7 x 2 x 0.9 | 3.5 x 2 x 0.9 | 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 in. |
| Weight (without batteries) | 4.2 oz | 4.2 oz | 4.3 oz |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The 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.
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10 megapixels | 10 megapixels | 7.2 megapixels |
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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.
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30 mm | 36 mm | 32 mm |
| Optical Zoom | 4.0x | 5.0x | 4.0x |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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3.0 in. | 2.5 in. | 2.5 in. |
Nikon Coolpix S550
With a Nikkor 5X optical zoom lens, Vibration Reduction image stabilization and a maximum focal length of 180mm, just to name a few, the Coolpix S550 is large on features but small in size. About the same size and weight of a deck of cards, this camera is chocked full of features that only a short time ago were found only in cameras costing much more. One great feature of the S550 that stands out is D-lighting. While in Playback mode, the camera senses when an image is underexposed which happens often when shooting in snow or a white sand beach. On those images, the camera automatically makes a copy of the image and adjusts the lighting and detail as needed creating a properly exposed image. Already properly exposed images remain unchanged. As a result, more of your travel images end up looking great.
Comparison with Sony Cybershot DSC-W120
Both the Coolpix S550 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 have image stabilization, however, the S550 has 10 MP resolution compared to the Cyber-shot’s 7.2 MP. Also, this Nikon, with its 5X optical zoom lens, allows you to zoom in tighter on a subject than you can with the Cyber-shot’s 4x optical zoom.
Pros
- +Internal stabilization
- +D-lighting technology
Cons
- -Noise at higher ISOs
- -Everything menu driven - no dials
Where to buy
Nikon Coolpix S550
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Best Price:
$399
See It »
Sony Cybershot DSC-W120
Someday image stabilization will be as common in point & shoot cameras as autofocus is today. With the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120, that someday is now. With Super Steady-shot image stabilization and high ISO, you capture more crisp, clear images without using the flash thereby capturing more images before having to recharge the battery.
Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD750
Both the Cyber-shot DCS-W120 and Canon Powershot SD750 have Face Detection technology, but the Sony Cyber-shot, with its image stabilization, is a better value for the little bit of extra money it costs.
Where to buy
Sony Cybershot DSC-W120
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Best Price:
$129
See It »
- $129 - $199 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 4.0x
- Resolution: 7.2MP
- Size: 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
- Battery Life: 420 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot SD750
The 7.1 Megapixel Powershot SD750 uses Canon’s new DIGIC III processor with Face Detection and Red-eye Correction technology, not red-eye reduction like most cameras in this price range. With Face Detection, the camera automatically detects faces in the scene, selects the best focus point, and adjusts exposure and flash for optimum face illumination. When in Playback mode, the Red-eye Correction feature looks for red-eye in images and automatically corrects it. With this camera with you on your next trip, you can create stunning images of your next vacation that you’ll be proud to show friends and family.
Pros
- +Face Detection/ Red-eye Correction features
- +Bright scratch-resistant 3" LCD
Cons
- -Some noise in low light
- -Small recessed on/off buttom
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot SD750
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Best Price:
$345
See It »
- $345 - $539 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.0x
- Resolution: 7.1MP
- Size: 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 in.
- Battery Life: 210 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
