Review: Top 10 digital cameras

The Olympus Camedia C-2040 has a 2.11 Megapixel RGB to capture pictures at a high-quality image resolution

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By Tracey Capen

(IDG) -- It's an all-Olympus review this round, with three new models ranging in price from a moderate $599 to a breathtaking $1999. Olympus's budget buster is the Camedia E-10, a monster of a camera with through-the-lens viewing that should grab the attention of nearly all hard-core amateur photographers and many pros. The E-10's large, bright viewfinder, fast operation, and extensive controls make it a digital competitor to 35mm single-lens-reflex models.

Olympus's two other new additions are updates of earlier models. The 3.3-megapixel, $999 Camedia C-3040 is a stepped-up version of the C-3030, and the $599 C-2040 replaces the C-2020. Both new models are relatively minor improvements, with faster f1.8 lenses for better shooting with flash or in low light and an improved USB connection called Storage Class USB. Built into Windows 2000 Pro, Windows Millennium Edition, and Mac OS 8.6+, Storage Class USB lets you connect supported devices to your computer without installing drivers. It's handy if you want to plug your camera into someone else's PC and don't want to carry the driver CD around with you.

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All three of these Olympus cameras seem well constructed and fit comfortably in your hand.

In the next round we'll review new cameras from Minolta and others in the under-$500 category.

Top 10 Digital Cameras

1. Epson PhotoPC 3000Z: This easy-to-use camera has the longest battery life on the chart and allows you to control settings such as flash, aperture, and shutter speed. It comes with Epson's round-the-clock tech support.
2. Nikon Coolpix 880: The Coolpix 880 is a good choice for professionals and serious amateurs who understand the fine points of photography and want the maximum possible control over camera settings.
3. Olympus Camedia C-3040: Though pricey, the C-3040 is a sturdy camera that should fit the needs of digital photographers who like their cameras automatic and those who want some control over their imaging.
4. Olympus Camedia C-2040: For the price, the C-2040 is a solid, general-purpose digital camera that lets you go fully automatic or be manual and creative. If you like enlargements and are picky about fine details, opt for the C-3040.
5. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P1: Innovative design and small size make this camera a great choice for casual photographers and frequent travelers who like their gear simple, functional, and attractive.
6. Olympus Camedia E-10: Consider the E-10 for professional photography, but only if you don't need removable lenses. It will be more attractive to hard-core amateur photographers who have cash to burn and a desire to tweak camera settings often.
7. Kodak DC4800: Producing the best-looking photos on the chart, the DC4800 is easy to use, with versatile exposure settings. For this price, however, it should record audio and video.
8. Casio QV-2300UXplus: With a standard 340MB Microdrive that holds more than 1500 photos, the 2300UX has the most storage of any camera on the chart by far. It also allows super-easy panorama shots.
9. Hewlett-Packard PhotoSmart 912: This is a great choice for photographers who want to move to digital but still love the heft and action of a 35mm SLR camera.
10. Nikon Coolpix 990: The Coolpix 990 includes a vast number of tools for photo enthusiasts, including flexible focus and custom exposure settings. It has an innovative swivel lens and accepts a variety of add-on lenses.

For more information, see full information chart.

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Olympus digital cameras
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