Review: Top 10 digital cameras for under $500

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By PCWorld Staff

(IDG) -- Three elements determine the cost (and value) of the digital cameras we tested for April's sub-$500 chart: pixel count, features, and storage. But contrary to what you might expect, this month's new models offer neither cut-rate prices nor fancy new features.

Minolta takes the old-fashioned upgrade approach with its Dimage 2330 Zoom: Throw in more pixels. Its 2.3 megapixels are plenty to produce sharp pictures and moderate enlargements, but our test camera took dark images that omitted detail in shadows (and created shadows where none existed).

The camera also suffered from some poor mechanics, including a horribly imprecise zoom and tough-to-use control buttons. If Minolta had shipped all those pixels at a rock-bottom price, it might have had a chance at making our chart, but the 2330 Zoom costs $450, near the top of our sub-$500 ceiling, and thus fell short.

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We also tested two new Sony digicams, the $399 MVC-FD75 and the $499 MVC-FD87. Both incorporate an on-board 1.44MB floppy drive for storing images, a strategy that Sony has used successfully for several digital cameras over the past few years. But as digital cameras steadily increase in pixel count, the floppy drive approach may be losing steam. The MVC-FD75, Sony's least-expensive floppy-drive model, captures only 0.35 megapixels per image, not even enough to produce a passable 4-by-6-inch print, and offers very few advanced features.

The more expensive MVC-FD87 can capture 1.3 megapixels, enough to make some attractive images in our tests. But cameras half the price capture the same number of pixels. Worse, you can fit only six 1280-by-960 images on a floppy disk. If Sony were to increase the pixel count of its cameras, even fewer images would fit on a floppy.

We think the MVC-FD87 is a far better camera than its less-expensive sibling, but neither made our Top 10 chart. Still, the MVC-FD87 could be a worthy choice for people who like to hand their pictures to others rather than download them to a computer.

Fujifilm's FinePix 1300 holds on to the top spot on the sub-$500 chart for the second time, and Kodak's sharp-shooting DC3400 continues in the number two position.

Olympus's Camedia C-2040 Zoom jumps from number four on the over-$500 chart to the same position on the sub-$500 chart, thanks to a $100 price drop. Next month we'll see what camera slides into its spot on the pricier chart, and we'll test a new Nikon model.

Top 10 sub-$500 digital cameras

1. Fujifilm FinePix 1300: A fine, if somewhat no-frills camera for anyone who wants to take quick snapshots but not spend a pile of cash. It's a good starter camera if you are just getting into digital photography.

2. Kodak DC3400: : Impressive images and a solid, rugged feel highlight the Kodak DC3400. A fine choice if you're looking for a tough, all-purpose snapshot camera with zoom and simple controls.

3. Olympus Camedia D-360L: With its extra exposure controls, accurate colors, and low price, the D-360L would make a great choice for anyone taking simple photos for work, or for beginners who want a camera that they can grow into.

4. Olympus Camedia C-2040 Zoom: 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. Fujifilm FinePix 2400 Zoom: The FinePix 2400 offered superior overall image quality for a sub-$500 digital camera. A good choice for anyone looking for a solid, general-purpose snapshot camera with a relatively low price tag.

6. HP PhotoSmart 618: Nifty features give you the ability to group pictures into categories inside the camera, create watermarks, and add audio memos.

7. Olympus Camedia D-490 Zoom: The 2.1-megapixel Olympus Camedia D-490 Zoom offers impressive quality for its price. Shutterbugs willing to spend a little more will get a versatile camera with solid color reproduction.

8. Epson PhotoPC 650: The quintessential point-and-shoot camera, Epson's PhotoPC 650 is best for anyone who wants to take digital images but has no desire to learn the finer points of photography.

9. HP PhotoSmart 315: For the price, the PhotoSmart 315 is an easy-to-use, basic snapshot camera for anyone who wants to keep picture-taking very simple.

10. Kodak DC3800: Consider the DC3800 if small size and light weight are at the top of your wish list, and you are willing to live with the camera's limited options.

Beyond the Top Ten

 • Minolta Dimage 2330 Zoom: The $450 Dimage 2330 Zoom is priced comparably to other 2-megapixel cameras, but its execution falls far short. You can get much better image quality and features by spending the same or less money.

 • Sony MVC-FD75: Sony's floppy-disk cameras should appeal to people who want to share their images with others without worrying about getting expensive media back. But the Sony MVC-FD87 costs only $100 more and takes much better pictures.

 • Sony MVC-FD87: The MVC-FD87 would be useful for business professionals who take pictures that they want to give away -- for example, real estate brokers who want to give their clients a lasting image of a property they just viewed. However, you can get a smaller camera with greater resolution for the same money.

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Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc.
Eastman Kodak Co.
Olympus America Inc.

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