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5. Advanced features
And, as they say on TV, there’s more! Video and sound capture go far beyond the 30-second clips typical on lower-priced digitals. Several also allow you to store RAW image files or uncompressed TIFF files in addition to a variety of compressed JPEG formats.
On the Canon and Olympus models, a zoomed-in section of the image appears to help you focus in manual-focus mode. Nice! The V-1’s Monitor AF continually focuses the camera on whatever it’s pointed at so it’s already close before you touch the shutter.
With the autorotate feature (usually found on digital SLRs but few compacts), vertical images are automatically stored as such on the memory card, saving you from rotating them later on the computer. And at least two of these models let you crop and edit images and movies in-camera.
Are you convinced yet? We think that this class of cameras—and these four in particular—offer more than just good looks and brand names. They’re serious cameras for serious photographers.
CANON POWERSHOT G5 (street: $800)
 
Resolution: Extremely high (V1500xH1550xD1420)
Color accuracy: Excellent (Average Delta E: 7.36)
Highlight/shadow detail: Very good
Contrast: Normal (adjustable)
Noise: Moderately low at ISO 50 and 100; high at ISO 400
Image quality: Extremely high
AF speed: Fast in normal lighting
Vital statistics: 5MP (2592x1944 pixels), 4X optical zoom (35–140mm 35mm equivalent) f/2–3 lens, 4.1X digital zoom, movable AF frame, manual focus, 1.8-inch LCD screen, CF type I and II card slot, 15–1/2,000 sec shutter speeds, up to 8 shots at 2 fps in burst mode, 2.3–16.5-ft built-in flash range, JPEG and RAW storage, lithium ion battery, 4.8x2.9x2.8 inches, 14.5 ounces (body only)
In the box: camera strap, battery charger, AC cord, AV and USB cables, PhotoStitch, Image Browser, FileViewer, and RemoteCapture software
For info: www.usa.canon.com
Hot! Great color and detail, plus RAW storage option extends image-quality control. Advanced AF functions, buttons in the right places, bright f/2.0 zoom, fast burst rate, and larger swivel LCD make this a top performer.
Not! Shadows noisy at higher ISO settings. Main control dial interferes with zoom control, and lens partially
obscures optical viewfinder.
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