#3: Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)

New Technology for Outstanding Images.
12.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.

Canon’s CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to maximize each pixel’s light gathering efficiency that were first seen with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. It’s an APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm), and there's an effective 1.6x increase in the lens's marked focal length when attached.

12.2 Megapixel APS-C Size CMOS Sensor

DIGIC 4 Image Processor
The improved DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s new 3:2 multiple aspect ratio, in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters, image resizing and provided S2 and S3 image-recording quality are all possible thanks to the DIGIC 4 Image Processor. With dazzling results, the new DIGIC 4 Image Processor also works to capture and process data of images shot at 12.2 Megapixels at 3.0 fps, as well as 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, enhanced Face Detection Live mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral Optimization.

Excellence from Dawn to Dusk.
ISO 100 – 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.

With a broad range of ISO settings, the EOS Rebel T3 enables shooting from sunrise to sunset and helps ensure capture of the finest detail. With enhanced high-sensitivity optimization, subjects can be captured clearly and easily at high shutter speeds without flash, with minimized blur and noise. In bright scenes, especially long exposures in daylight, optimal exposure can be achieved with a fully open wide-diameter lens, no dark filter needed.

High Definition Made Easy.
Improved EOS HD Movie mode with expanded recording [HD: 30p (29.97) / 25p], and with in-camera video editing options.

The EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s expanded repertoire of technologies includes shooting video in brilliantly clear, exactingly sharp high definition for playback on your HDTV! Shooting at 1280 x 720 at 30 (29.97) or 25 frames per second, HD video can be taken immediately through the EOS Rebel T3 camera’s intuitive operation and layout. Parameters for white balance and picture style are already set — just grab and go!

Incredible AutoFocus.
High speed, reliable 9-point AF system utilizing a high precision, f/5.6 cross-type center point.

The EOS Rebel T3 has a high-precision, 9-point AF system utilizing a high-precision, f/5.6 cross-type center point. The 9-point AF system uses both normal and high-precision focus depending on the aperture and available light. The 9 focus points can be chosen automatically or manually selected.

9-point AF

Accurate Metering for Perfect Exposure.
Enhanced metering with a 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system for accurate metering between exposures.

The EOS Rebel T3 features Canon’s newest Dual-layer sensor, with 63 zones. By measuring not only the amount of light, but also taking into account color and luminosity, this new system delivers a very high level of accuracy for better results every time. Since the metering sensor has a color measurement function, exposure errors and focus errors caused by different light sources are minimized; the EOS Rebel T3 gives stable exposure from shot to shot in situations where light changes, such as sports on a cloudy day, or indoor holiday scenes.

Metering zones

Speedy, Precise Operation.
3.0 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 3 JPEGs or approximately 2 RAW.

The EOS Rebel T3 operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive. With instant startup times, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS Rebel T3 is one of the fastest cameras available today. It can shoot up to 3.0 fps (frames per second), in bursts of up to approximately 3 JPEGs or 2 RAW files, so you won’t miss a shot.

3.0 fps Continuous Shooting

See the Image on a Large LCD with Live View Function.
2.7-inch wide TFT LCD monitor (230,000 dots) with Live View function for improved viewing.

The EOS Rebel T3 has a huge, bright 2.7-inch TFT (thin film transistor) LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170°. It’s perfect for Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO, Metering, AF Point selection and flash options. And the maximum brightness of the EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s LCD monitor is about 30% greater than its predecessor, which is a big benefit when you’re using the camera in bright sunlight.

Live View Function
Live View Function enables you to view your subjects directly on the huge 2.7-inch LCD monitor. It’s easy to magnify any part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise manual focus. And now, there are two ways to use Autofocus along with Live View Function in the EOS Rebel T3. You can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping straight lines in your subject straight in your pictures. In the studio, Live View Function can be used remotely via a computer through the EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s USB connection.

Make Your Images As You See Them.
Express your creativity with ease using advanced imaging features like the new Basic+ function, Quick Setting function and Creative Auto.

Basic+ is a new creative imaging feature that makes it easy to create the image effects you want. It can be set with the Quick Control screen in Basic Zone modes. Basic+ provides two options:

Shoot by ambience selection:
Based on the Picture Style and its parameters (sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color tone), the exposure compensation and white balance correction are adjusted to attain the selected ambience. You can also select the strength of the ambience effect.

Shoot by lighting or scene type:
Although the actual parameter set is the white balance, the settings are expressed in more understandable terms.

The EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s Quick Control screen gives you instant access to the most common settings, all in one place! It’s a great way to quickly confirm or change settings while you’re shooting. The Quick Control screen is particularly useful when you’re shooting from a tripod or monopod, with the camera at eye level, because it eliminates the need to view the LCD data panel on top of the camera while changing settings.

For beginners looking to expand their photographic horizons, the EOS Rebel T3 offers Creative Auto mode. While basic settings are based on full automatic operation, shooting guides on the LCD screen enable you to make corrections based on simple to follow guidelines. In essence, with Creative Auto mode, you can learn about photography while taking stunning photographs.

Photography Made Truly Easy.
New Feature Guide offers short descriptions of each function and Quick Control screen for easy operation.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR demystifies great photography by including an in-camera Feature Guide. Appearing on the camera’s LCD, the Feature Guide displays a simple description or advice for the respective function. It is displayed in each shooting mode, during Mode Dial operations, and for Quick Control screen functions (during normal shooting, Live View shooting, movie shooting, and playback). The Feature Guide appears automatically during Mode Dial operations and when a function is selected on the Quick Control screen.

Speedy, Wireless Image Capture and Transmission.
Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

The EOS Rebel T3 uses popular SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Compact, inexpensive and available in increasingly large capacities, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are a perfect complement to the EOS Rebel T3 DSLR’s compact and lightweight body design.

Additionally, the EOS Rebel T3 is compatible with Eye-Fi* SD cards, which are outfitted with a Wi-Fi transmitter (IEEE 802.11b/g) and internal antenna for wireless, high-speed transfer of images. With an Eye-Fi card installed, the EOS Rebel T3 can display the Eye-Fi’s connection status and error notes with ease, for fully functional wireless uploading of images directly from the camera.

*Canon cameras are not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions, including wireless transfer. In case of an issue with the Eye-Fi card, please consult with the card manufacturer. The use of Eye-Fi cards may not be available outside the United States and Canada; please contact the card manufacturer for territory availability.

Shooting Made Easy
Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

EF & EF-S Lenses
The EOS Rebel T3 is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as Aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the universally acclaimed L Series lenses, and Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology are featured in select lenses to minimize the effect of camera shake. Through Canon lenses, photographers can truly maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS Rebel T3.

What's In The Box:

EOS Rebel T3 BodyEF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II LensEyecup EFWide Strap EW-200DBInterface Cable IFC-130UBattery Pack LP-E10Battery Charger LC-E10EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals"Great photography is Easy"Booklet and"Do More with Macro"BookletThe Canon 5157B002 includes the EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera and the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS type II Lens. This camera and lens is perfect for photographers ready to make the move to digital SLR photography. The EOS Rebel T3 delivers beautiful photos and video, speed, simplicity and fun. It features a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor for richly detailed images and quick camera response. It has Canon's amazing 63-zone, dual-layer metering for accurate exposures and features Canon's Basic+ function, HD video recording and Live View shooting, plus a convenient in-camera Feature Guide.

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#5: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black)

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618 of 626 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Only for serious picture takers, April 5, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) Pros:
[1] Very advance camera in a small package. Has a lot of the features of the Canon DSLRs.
[2] You can edit the pictures within the camera (color, cropping, filters)
[3] HD video recording is awesome.
[4] 14X zoom plus 56X digital zoom.
[5] GPS
[6] Trigger shooting with smile or wink
[7] Mini HDMI out put
[8] Many modes to choose from. Tv, Av, M, P, Portrait, Landscape...just to name a few
[9] Adjustable shutter up to 1/3200
[10] Adjustable ISO from 100-3200
[11] HS and IS makes this thing worth the money
[12] Menus are easy to navigate (because its similar to the Canon DSLRs)
[13] The mode selector dial goes all the way around without stopping.
[14] Too many to list...

Cons:
[1] Get your finger off the flash. The location of the flash takes a little to get used to
[2] Battery life is terrible
[3] I have big hands so it's hard for me to grip it.
[4] Aperture is only F3.1 wide open
[5] Flash charges slow, but is decent for a point and shoot (I'm so used to my Canon 430 EX ii speed lite on my DSLR)
[6] Shutter speeds of 1 second or longer is limited to only ISO 100.

Final Thoughts:
[1] Canon makes some of the best Cameras if not the best. You get a lot of the DSLR technology compacted into this little thing.
[2] If this camera had a F2 Aperture like the Canon S95, it would be Canon's best point and shoot camera released to date, but there's a trade off when you want zoom. Both cameras are neck and neck in my book with the S95 edging it out by a hair because of the F2.
[3] The biggest difference between the SX230 and SX220 (UK) is the GPS. Why isn't there a SX220 in the US? If you feel like importing one, it's about $80 less.
[4] Love this camera so far. If you have a Canon EOS camera, it will be a sinch to use. I didn't even read the manual. Otherwise, if this is your first time using features like Tv and Av mode, then you'll want to read a book.
[5] The price is just right, but could be just a tad lower. You get a great feature rich compact camera for this price. Don't get fooled by the touch or dual screen cameras. They are only gimmicks. If you don't want to carry around a huge DSLR, this is the one for you.
[6] This camera is for my wife to replace her crappy Sony Cyber Shot. I own a Canon 7D.
[7] The pros clearly out weigh the cons and there are really no deal breakers in the cons so if I were you, I would stop reading reviews on this camera and just buy it.

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189 of 195 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars First Canon with GPS, March 28, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) I bought this camera as a replacement for my Canon SD800IS, where I was very interested in getting the new GPS capabilities. I also have a professional camera with my Canon 7D, so this is more of a family/trip camera.

Overall, I'm very happy the photo quality and manual features offered (control over exposure level, aperture setting, flash level, etc.) Having a single button to shoot video is great. However, the battery life is much shorter than my old camera. I'm getting around 200-220 photos (instead of 600+), with a few videos thrown in, per battery with the GPS feature turned on. Buy an extra battery. For the GPS: it takes about 1-2 minutes for the camera to lock on the satellites once outside. I think it's cool to see exactly where you took a photo and this will be neat for vacations (wish I had it for an Italy trip a few years back).

I recommend this camera for anyone needing a super zoom with GPS. Just note the slightly bulky size and need to carry an extra battery.

Pros:
*Excellent daylight photos
*Very good inside photos w/o a flash, for a compact camera
*GPS feature generally works well, photo locations show fine in Apple Aperture
*Zoom works quickly and they finally show a screen indicator for the zoom position
*HD video works well
*HDMI out is handy, but the cable is sold separately

Cons:
*Battery life is not great with GPS on (about 200 photos/battery). The low battery indicator starts flashing red pretty early (with 25-30% left), so that could be a pro or con.
*Camera is bulky compared to my old SD800IS, so get a case that will hold it. It is 4.16x2.42x1.31in

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145 of 152 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Nice camera but somewhat flawed, March 26, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) Canon needs to stop putting these weak little batteries in thier cameras! It's just not fitting! The SX230 HS sucks up power from that small battery like a drunk at the end of prohibition! They use the same battery that comes with the SX210 IS and it was insufficent on that camera. The SX230 HS is even more power hungry if you are using the GPS for geotagging. I was thinking about taking this camera to Africa with me but I have serious concerns about its rate of power consumption. I may need to three batteries insure I have atleast one that is good to go at all times.

The GPS is sometimes a little slow to aquire a fix outside and offers a rare treat if it picks up your position inside. The indoor GPS performance is well within what I expected. If GPS is on your A list of requirements, Panasonic models with thier built-in geolocation database is better. The GPS implementation is sort of a tack on that Canon put little extra effort into.

At the end of the day, the SX230 HS is a camera so that's the most inportant thing here. The images are good. I was mildly surprised but it will never replace a Canon S95 (which I do have). The 12MP SX230 HS seems to retain about the same level of detail as the 14MP SX210 IS in low light conditions at ISO 800. I also own the SX210 IS. The SX230 seems to be slightly more light sensitive but seems to have more agressive noise reduction than the SX210. The SX210 preserves detail at the expense of more noise. The SX230 also seems to suffer more from color de-saturation at ISO 800 than the SX210 IS. If you think the GPS, faster burst frame rates, full HD and cleaner look at base ISO are important, the the SX230 HS a worthwhile upgrade. Go for it. Otherwise, there just isn't enough newness here to jump on.

I would say that I'm generally satisfied with the SX230 HS and it competes well with other cameras in this segment. Not everything is for everyone.

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#1: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black)

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411 of 416 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't get much better than this for a Point & Shoot, November 15, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) The Lumix DMC-ZS9 is my 7th digital point & shoot and my third Panasonic ( I also own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 (Violet), and a Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 (Black)). After playing with it for a while, these are my thoughts:

PROS
- Features:
I got this camera as a lightning deal here on Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised what all it offers for the price (even when one buys it at regular price it is still impressive). There is the Leica lens, for starters. Cheaper Panasonic cameras usually do not have Leica lenses so I am very happy. Moreover, the wide-angle is 24 mm - very nice as well. Add to that the 16x optical zoom, the Power image stabilization and the ability to shoot with Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Program and Panasonic's own iA mode (Intelligent Auto mode) and a variety of more or less useful Scene modes, the HD video capability, and many other features such as Macro and Macro Zoom mode, and one really gets a full-featured, very compact camera with a quality lens for a very good price.
- Custom Modes:
I like that this camera allows me to assign two of my preferred Scene modes to positions on the dial on top of the ZS9. My DMC-FH20 also has scene modes but I cannot assign them to any buttons, etc. This is definitely progress and appreciated. I tend to mostly photograph landscapes and pets, so my MS1 (stands for My Scene Mode 1) is set to Landscape mode, MS2 to Pet mode. In addition to that, the camera allows the photographer to define custom settings with all sorts of combinations to satisfy users who want more than just take pictures with the pre-programmed scene modes.
- Scene Modes:
These include almost every scene imaginable - from Portrait / Portrait Soft Skin to Food, Party, Candlelight, Landscape, Sports etc. and gimmicks such as Transform which elongates or widens motifs/subjects. There is a scene mode there for everyone, I'm sure of it...
- Auto Focus:
Very fast and accurate. I have not had any trouble to get it to lock, even in low-light, low-contrast situations. This is something I really value in a point & shoot because few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the camera to focus on the motif.
- Easy Operation:
As mentioned above, this is my third Panasonic Lumix, so I am rather familiar with the operation of their cameras. But I think that anyone would find operating this camera rather straightforward, unless the person is a total beginner or has not had much if any experience with digital cameras. Sure, there are always instances where one would have to consult the manual, but every-day point & shoot operation should not require too much thumbing through that. Note that the hard-copy manual that comes in the box only explains the very basics. The complete user manual comes in PDF format on the CD that is in the box.

CONs (if one wants to call it that)
- As with all cameras in this price range/class, I found that image noise and general image quality is very dependent on the zoom setting, even at lower ISO settings such as ISO100. While the camera shoots very well at short focal lengths and low ISO settings, it sometimes does not so well at long (digital) focal lengths. This is not too much of an issue when printing regular 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 prints but enlarging an image that was taken at full zoom will likely be problematic. Even with the Leica lens, I do not see a noticeable improvement in image quality when comparing it to my simpler and older DMC-FH20. While disappointing, this is also to be expected, and image noise is a sensor issue anyway. There is probably not a camera in this class out there that does not have the same problem. I am only mentioning this to be comprehensive.
- Weight & Size. Don't get me wrong - the ZS9 is a small and lightweight camera but it still is bigger and heavier than for example the FH20. It is clear to me that it would have to be a bit heavier and bigger, considering the many more features the ZS9 has in comparison to the FH20. I am mentioning this only in case weight and size is the top priority for a reader. This camera is definitely not shirt-pocket material and I am not sure I'd be too comfortable carrying it in my jeans pocket either. Jacket pockets should generally be OK though ;-).
- The color/surface. Call me nit-picky, but I LOVED the brushed metal surface of my FH20 as well as the fact that it came in several colors (my choice was violet at the time). While the ZS9 looks like it is made of high quality materials, I miss the classy brushed metal look and would have preferred almost any other color over the black. But in the end this is really strictly personal preference.

SUMMARY
I am very happy with this camera. I believe it is the ideal device for my primary purpose, which is using it as a compact travel camera. As a matter of fact, the ZS8 (the almost identical twin to the ZS9) is called TZ18 in Europe, TZ standing for Travel Zoom. This best describes the area where this camera shines. It isn't an SLR and will not produce SLR quality images but for the money, convenience and the quality it provides in its class, I'd be hard pressed to find a better camera.

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76 of 78 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great photos and so easy to use, November 22, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) I wanted a digital camera that I didn't have to mess with all the settings to take a picture. The reviews kept saying how easy this camera was to use so I bought it. I took it on vacation without even reading through the manual and it was so easy to use. My pictures came out so beautiful that I surprised myself. Everyone commented what an amazing photographer I was which made me laugh because all I did was leave it on the "intelligent mode" which basically lets the camera decide what setting it thinks it should use. The zoom is amazing. After 3 different digital cameras I am finally happy with my choice. I would definitely recommend this camera. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

164 of 187 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Poor low light performance, November 12, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) Okay, first off I bought this during the lighting deal at $149. I was concerned with everyone saying Amazon had made a mistake and that this was the ZS8. Well I just got it and it says it is the ZS9. The manual (which is made for the ZS8 and ZS9) appears to suggest the sole difference between the two is that the ZS9 does stereo recording in video while the ZS8 only allowed for mono. So, Amazon did not make a mistake. ZS9 is written write on top of the camera. Found it odd Panasonic's own web site did not mention the ZZ9.

**Update 11/19/11. Camera continues to work well. I have never expected much from flashes on point and shoot cameras but this one seems to have less output than most. If you plan on shooting with a lot of flash I am not sure this would be the best camera (though I try to never use the flash anyway). I also learned that firmware on some of the Panasonic cameras (and I believe this one) prevent the use of third party less expensive batteries (ugh). If you are like me and stock up on cheap extra batteries you may want to look into this as an issue. The Panasonic battery runs about $33 bucks while one can usually find third party batteries around the $10 range.

**Updated 11/26/11. After having enough time with the camera I decided that the flaws, at least in my situation, made this a camera not suited for my use. My house tends to be darker with a majority of the lighting coming from incandescent light. The low light photo quality was just not very good. Even when using the flash on auto the camera would sometimes set an ISO of 800 which I could not understand. At ISO 800 the pictures have noticeable noise. I would say that the low light quality even with flash would be best for facebook, etc. I would be afraid to blow them up to anything maybe beyond a 4x6. I also had an opportunity to review the video quality. I had once tried a Canon 230 HX and that quality was simply great. I did not see anywhere near that quality indoors - but perhaps it is a light issue once again. If you are planning on mainly shooting in the outdoors I am sure this may be a great option. However, if you are looking for a small camera that can be used in all lighting conditions a back sided CMOS camera may be a better option. I am still trying to find that perfect fit between my old Canon ELPH and my Canon T1i SLR. Still looking for something that fits right in the middle.

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#4: Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

Don't let the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera's slim profile and good looks fool you. This slick little device may stand out from the crowd, but it'll also deliver brilliant still images, ultra-detailed 1080p Full HD video, serious functionality, and a wealth of effects and automatic settings. You'll be surprised how much is packed into such a slim point-and-shoot. Let your imagination run wild, and let Canon's HS SYSTEM, a 24mm lens, 5x Optical Zoom, and 12.1 Megapixels help you snap great photos everywhere.

The ELPH 300 HS is less than an inch deep and weighs less than 5 ounces. Ultra wide-angle 24mm lens and 5x optical zoom on board. Canon's HS SYSTEM improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash, and lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

At less than an inch deep and weighing just under five ounces, the PowerShot 300 HS will fit right in your pocket, but it packs plenty of power into its sleek point-and-shoot body. A 24mm ultra wide-angle lens with a powerful 5x optical zoom gives you the versatility to shoot in any number of situations, and the optical image stabilizer keeps things from getting too shaky when you're zoomed in tight. Whether you're out partying or just walking around town, you don't need to sacrifice style for power--the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS has got you covered for capturing great photos effortlessly.

Canon's HS SYSTEM improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash, and lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

The Canon HS SYSTEM takes the frustration out of low-light shooting, delivering clear, blur-free shots with all the ambiance intact, and freeing you from the sometimes unwanted effects of using the flash. Beautiful low-light shots are possible at both low and high ISO speeds, and the dynamic range is expanded to retain maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas.

The system is the result of two technologies brought together in this compact PowerShot. The first is the 12.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, which positions the light-receiving surface for optimal light reception. More light means clearer, blur-free images with plenty of detail and nuance, even in dark areas. Working together with the CMOS sensor to deliver the HS SYSTEM is Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor, which actively reduces noise and delivers high speed image processing.

Canon’s HS System provides dramatically greater sensitivity than your average camera with identical or greater megapixel counts.
Click here for a larger image

There's more to megapixels. Canon's HS System provides dramatically greater sensitivity than your average camera with identical or greater megapixel counts. That means you don't need excessive megapixels to achieve spectacular images with minimal noise, and you get equally impressive results out of the 12.1 megapixel ELPH 300 HS.

Experiencing the brilliance of HD video in a Canon PowerShot ELPH digital camera has never been easier. With the convenient dedicated movie button, you'll be able to instantly record everyday moments in high-definition detail at the push of a button. Record in Full 1080p HD with stereo sound, and pick up the optional HTC-100 HDMI cable for viewing your footage directly on your HDTV.

You can also use the optical zoom while shooting video, so you can get in nice and close--plus, no need to worry about shaky footage thanks to dynamic image stabilization to keep your videos steady!

Capture video in Full 1080p HD resolution, and add an optional HDMI cable for enjoying directly on your HDTV.

Sometimes, the action just won't stop for you. The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS comes equipped with a High-Speed Burst Mode that can capture eight frames per second. Just hold down the shutter button and catch rapid-fire action sequences--perfect for sporting events!

You can also add a fun slow motion effect to your videos, using Super Slow Motion Movie. Super Slow Motion Movie will record your clips at a high speed, so that when you watch your videos, they'll play back in slow motion--a great feature for analyzing sports play-by-play, or just for creating fun visual effects.

The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera takes the quality of your still images and videos to a whole new level--automatically. The camera's advanced Smart AUTO system detects a wealth of information about the scene you're shooting, then automatically selects the optimal settings for you. Now with an expanded range of 32 shooting scenarios, the camera handles a wide variety of situations, freeing you up to concentrate on composing your shot and capturing the moment you're looking for. From portraits to landscapes to action scenes, the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera has you covered, whether you're shooting stills or videos.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 FunctionsCanon PowerShot ELPH Series Feature Comparison
Smart AUTO
The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity.P Program
Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically.Movie Digest Mode
Records a video clip before capturing a still image and then combines one day's worth of clips into a video.Portrait
The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject pop.Kids & Pets
Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.Smart Shutter
The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame.High-speed Burst
The camera shoots continuously at a high speed of approx. 8.2fps while you hold down the shutter.Best Image Selection
The camera takes five photos in succession, and then chooses the best one out of the bunch.Handheld Night Scene
Suppresses image blur even without the help of a tripod.Low Light
For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly-lit situations.Fisheye Effect
Add a classic photo distortion without a fisheye lens.Miniature Effect for Movies & Stills
Emphasizes perspective for a miniature effect by blurring upper and bottom portions of videos and stills.Toy Camera Effect
Simulates photos taken with "toy" or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effect.Creative Light Effect
Transform background bright spots to stars, hearts, music motes and more.Monochrome
Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or Blue.Super Vivid
Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors.Poster Effect
Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrasts.Color Accent
Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome.Color Swap
Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects.Beach
Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.Foliage
Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.Snow
Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.Fireworks
Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.Stitch Assist
Build awe-inspiring panoramas by neatly aligning sequential images.

Use the touch panel LCD for easy, fun operation.  Ultra wide angle lens gets more in your shot
Take this camera everywhere!  Full HD, cool scence modes and Smart AUTO make shooting a breeze!
Value in price but not in features.  The HS SYSTEM, full HD Video in a small, compact frame, five colors
Touch Panel, F2 lens, HS SYSTEM, HD Video, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO
Slim and Sexy! Ultra compact, and  ultra wide angle, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest
Value price, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO

The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS gives you a variety of resolution options for shooting movies, depending on your needs. Shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps for up to 14 min. 34 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in HD (1280 x 720) at 24 fps for up to 20 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps for up to 43 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip and QVGA (320 x 240 at 30 fps) for up to 1 hour 58 min. and 19 sec. or 4GB per clip.

Super Slow Motion Movie

Record your clips in high speed (approx. 240fps), and then watch your videos in slow motion. (Watch a video of Super Slow Motion Movie Mode at the top of the page, just below the product image.)

Miniature Movie Mode

Miniature Movie Mode enhances perspective to make large scenes like cityscapes or landscapes appear to be in miniature proportions. (Watch a video of Miniature Movie Mode at the top of the page, just below the product image.)

Putting together a video containing highlights from family vacations, important occasions and other special events is now easier than you might imagine. Using the Movie Digest Mode, you can have the camera automatically record a short video clip (up to approximately 4 seconds) every time you shoot a still image. The camera will then combine an entire day's worth of clips into a single video. No editing required--Movie Digest Mode does all the work, so you can sit back and enjoy your video!

Two new scene modes, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome, add an artistic look to your photos.

Toy Camera Effect

Add some vintage nostalgia with Toy Camera Effect, which recreates the classic look by darkening the edges to make them appear as if they were photographed through a pinhole lens, and amping up the contrast.

Monochrome

Monochrome lets you stray from the usual black and white, letting you choose from three single-toned effects: Black & White, Sepia, or Blue, to really give your photos the effect you're looking for.

PowerShot ELPH 300 HS (Black), Battery Pack, Battery Charger, Wrist Strap, AV Cable, USB Interface Cable, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, Documentation

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#6: Kodak EasyShare MD55 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

KODAK EASYSHARE MD55 Digital Camera

Overview
The camera that brings everyone together. With a wide-angle lens for impressive group shots, HD video at the ready, and the power of the Share button at your fingertips, keeping close is easier than ever. Sleek and small yet we even found room to add a dedicated HD video button for capturing those crazy nights out on the town.

Only KODAK Digital Cameras allow you to simultaneously share to multiple social networks and e-mail1.

Kodak’s Share button makes sharing your videos and pictures as simple with One Button Upload:
• Just press Share when in review mode
• Choose your favorite sharing destinations: FACEBOOK, e-mail, KODAK Gallery and KODAK PULSE Digital Frames2, and other popular sharing sites
• Connect your camera to your computer or insert your memory card and your videos or pictures are automatically uploaded to the destination(s)1

Kodak’s exclusive Share Button:
• Automatically shares when you connect to a PC1
• Tags to the largest number of social networks3
• Uploads friend tags to FACEBOOK1

Features: 
• Blur reduction: Reduce blur caused by subject movement or fast-action situations to deliver clearer, sharper pictures.
• 2.7 in. bright LCD: Brighter, more vibrant details thanks to KODAK Color Science
• Never miss a moment: Get energy that lasts with the power of the included Li-Ion rechargeable battery and in-camera charging
• Face detection: For great shots of friends and family, face detection locates faces and automatically adjusts camera settings
•Share your world big and bright with 14 MP: More megapixels means you can crop and enlarge and still have great picture quality. Make stunning prints up to 30 x 40 in.
• 5X wide-angle optical zoom lens: There is plenty of room for all your friends with the crisp focus of 5X wide optical zoom while the 28 mm wide-angle lens gets the whole crew in without cutting anybody out

Shoot video with ease:
• Convenient, dedicated video record button captures 720p HD video
• Enjoy video print options including 9-up prints, plus view and share single frames

Scene and color modes:
• Get great shots time after time with multiple scene modes, including sport, portrait, bright, fireworks, and backlight
• Have fun with five different color modes: vivid, full, and basic color, black & white, and sepia

Creative modes and artistic effects
•   Get great shots time after time with multiple scene & color modes, including auto, sport, portrait, bright, fireworks, and backlight.
•   Film effects: Add a classic flair to your pictures—KODACOLOR, KODACHROME, EKTACHROME, TRI-X, T-MAX, or Sepia.
•   Post-capture effects: Make your pictures even more personal with effects such as spot color, photo captions, borders and tints.
•   Photobooth mode: set to photobooth mode for fun and memorable shots you’ll want to share
•   Picture-enhancing and editing features: Achieve your perfect shot with on-camera features such as cropping, undo-delete, picture rotation, and self-timer.

Kodak's Smart Capture feature: Beautiful pictures, more often-automatically
Become a better photographer with a smarter camera. Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature automatically identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for a great picture in just about any environment.
• Intelligent scene detection—analyzes the scene to give you better pictures under various conditions
• Intelligent capture control—automatically sets camera settings for clear, sharp pictures even in low light and challenging situations
• Intelligent image processing—reduces noise and clears up dark shadows for vibrant, crisp details and true-to-life colors

What’s In the Box: Everything you need to shoot and share
•    KODAK EASYSHARE Camera / MD55
•    KODAK Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery KLIC-7006
•    KODAK USB AC adapter for in-camera charging
•    Wrist strap
•    USB cable
•    User Guide

1 All Kodak digital still and video cameras manufactured in 2011 or later.
2 KODAK PULSE Display and KODAK Gallery support still pictures; video not supported.
3 Sharing sites vary by region

Specifications

Standard features
Megapixels    14 MP
Zoom     5X
Display size    2.7 in. color display
Face Recognition    Yes
Smart Capture    Yes

System requirements
WINDOWS
• WINDOWS XP SP2, VISTA, WINDOWS 7 or later
• INTERNET EXPLORER 6.0 or higher
MACINTOSH
• MACINTOSH 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 or higher
• SAFARI 1.1 or higher

Hardware
• PENTIUM 4, 2.8 GHz processor or higher
• 1 GB RAM and 64 MB video RAM
• 300 MB hard drive space available
• CD-ROM drive
• Available USB port (1.1 or higher)
• 1024 x 768 display resolution

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#10: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

511 of 518 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Only for serious picture takers, April 5, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) Pros:
[1] Very advance camera in a small package. Has a lot of the features of the Canon DSLRs.
[2] You can edit the pictures within the camera (color, cropping, filters)
[3] HD video recording is awesome.
[4] 14X zoom plus 56X digital zoom.
[5] GPS
[6] Trigger shooting with smile or wink
[7] Mini HDMI out put
[8] Many modes to choose from. Tv, Av, M, P, Portrait, Landscape...just to name a few
[9] Adjustable shutter up to 1/3200
[10] Adjustable ISO from 100-3200
[11] HS and IS makes this thing worth the money
[12] Menus are easy to navigate (because its similar to the Canon DSLRs)
[13] The mode selector dial goes all the way around without stopping.
[14] Too many to list...

Cons:
[1] Get your finger off the flash. The location of the flash takes a little to get used to
[2] Battery life is terrible
[3] I have big hands so it's hard for me to grip it.
[4] Aperture is only F3.1 wide open
[5] Flash charges slow, but is decent for a point and shoot (I'm so used to my Canon 430 EX ii speed lite on my DSLR)
[6] Shutter speeds of 1 second or longer is limited to only ISO 100.

Final Thoughts:
[1] Canon makes some of the best Cameras if not the best. You get a lot of the DSLR technology compacted into this little thing.
[2] If this camera had a F2 Aperture like the Canon S95, it would be Canon's best point and shoot camera released to date, but there's a trade off when you want zoom. Both cameras are neck and neck in my book with the S95 edging it out by a hair because of the F2.
[3] The biggest difference between the SX230 and SX220 (UK) is the GPS. Why isn't there a SX220 in the US? If you feel like importing one, it's about $80 less.
[4] Love this camera so far. If you have a Canon EOS camera, it will be a sinch to use. I didn't even read the manual. Otherwise, if this is your first time using features like Tv and Av mode, then you'll want to read a book.
[5] The price is just right, but could be just a tad lower. You get a great feature rich compact camera for this price. Don't get fooled by the touch or dual screen cameras. They are only gimmicks. If you don't want to carry around a huge DSLR, this is the one for you.
[6] This camera is for my wife to replace her crappy Sony Cyber Shot. I own a Canon 7D.
[7] The pros clearly out weigh the cons and there are really no deal breakers in the cons so if I were you, I would stop reading reviews on this camera and just buy it.

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163 of 168 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars First Canon with GPS, March 28, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) I bought this camera as a replacement for my Canon SD800IS, where I was very interested in getting the new GPS capabilities. I also have a professional camera with my Canon 7D, so this is more of a family/trip camera.

Overall, I'm very happy the photo quality and manual features offered (control over exposure level, aperture setting, flash level, etc.) Having a single button to shoot video is great. However, the battery life is much shorter than my old camera. I'm getting around 200-220 photos (instead of 600+), with a few videos thrown in, per battery with the GPS feature turned on. Buy an extra battery. For the GPS: it takes about 1-2 minutes for the camera to lock on the satellites once outside. I think it's cool to see exactly where you took a photo and this will be neat for vacations (wish I had it for an Italy trip a few years back).

I recommend this camera for anyone needing a super zoom with GPS. Just note the slightly bulky size and need to carry an extra battery.

Pros:
*Excellent daylight photos
*Very good inside photos w/o a flash, for a compact camera
*GPS feature generally works well, photo locations show fine in Apple Aperture
*Zoom works quickly and they finally show a screen indicator for the zoom position
*HD video works well
*HDMI out is handy, but the cable is sold separately

Cons:
*Battery life is not great with GPS on (about 200 photos/battery). The low battery indicator starts flashing red pretty early (with 25-30% left), so that could be a pro or con.
*Camera is bulky compared to my old SD800IS, so get a case that will hold it. It is 4.16x2.42x1.31in

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125 of 130 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Nice camera but somewhat flawed, March 26, 2011 This review is from: Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 14x optical zoom (Black) (Camera) Canon needs to stop putting these weak little batteries in thier cameras! It's just not fitting! The SX230 HS sucks up power from that small battery like a drunk at the end of prohibition! They use the same battery that comes with the SX210 IS and it was insufficent on that camera. The SX230 HS is even more power hungry if you are using the GPS for geotagging. I was thinking about taking this camera to Africa with me but I have serious concerns about its rate of power consumption. I may need to three batteries insure I have atleast one that is good to go at all times.

The GPS is sometimes a little slow to aquire a fix outside and offers a rare treat if it picks up your position inside. The indoor GPS performance is well within what I expected. If GPS is on your A list of requirements, Panasonic models with thier built-in geolocation database is better. The GPS implementation is sort of a tack on that Canon put little extra effort into.

At the end of the day, the SX230 HS is a camera so that's the most inportant thing here. The images are good. I was mildly surprised but it will never replace a Canon S95 (which I do have). The 12MP SX230 HS seems to retain about the same level of detail as the 14MP SX210 IS in low light conditions at ISO 800. I also own the SX210 IS. The SX230 seems to be slightly more light sensitive but seems to have more agressive noise reduction than the SX210. The SX210 preserves detail at the expense of more noise. The SX230 also seems to suffer more from color de-saturation at ISO 800 than the SX210 IS. If you think the GPS, faster burst frame rates, full HD and cleaner look at base ISO are important, the the SX230 HS a worthwhile upgrade. Go for it. Otherwise, there just isn't enough newness here to jump on.

I would say that I'm generally satisfied with the SX230 HS and it competes well with other cameras in this segment. Not everything is for everyone.

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#9: Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Black (2nd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

Takes an impact. Makes an impact—in full HD.
Share your most extreme moments simply. The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 delivers full 1080p HD with a rugged design that's shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof up to 10 ft underwater.

If you're going to live with no limits, you need a digital video camera that can deliver the goods in full 1080p HD. The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 is up for the challenge. We built it to take on the most extreme lifestyles with an insanely tough design—we're talking shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof to a depth of 10 ft. And built-in image stabilization smooths out even the roughest ride. Whether you're carving up the mountain or pulling stunts in the skate park, the PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 is up for anything. And with a touch of the Share button, shocking your social network couldn't be simpler. Show the world why you're So Kodak. We dare you.

Go anywhere, do anything, fearless design

Waterproof*
Take the plunge up to 10 ft under water for up to 2 hours Don't get the blues—underwater white balance mode gives true-to-life colors in the pool or under the wavesDustproof**
The muddiest, dustiest, sandiest conditions are no match for the PlaySport's rugged designShockproof***
Bumps and bruises go with the territory—the PlaySport can even take a fall from 5 ft* IEC 60529 IPX8 compliant. ** IEC 60529 IP6X compliant. ***MIL-STD-810F, shock equivalent (onto plywood).

Just press to impress
The world's only cameras with 3-step sharing!1

Kodak's Share button makes sharing your videos and pictures as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Step 1—Just press Share when in review modeStep 2—Choose your favorite sharing destination, e-mail address, or Kodak Pulse Display2Step 3—Connect your camera to your computer or insert your memory card and your videos or pictures are automatically uploaded to the destination(s)Only Kodak Cameras:
Let you simultaneously share to multiple social networks, e-mail and Pulse Display1,2Automatically share when you connect to a PC1Tag to the largest number of social networks: Kodak Gallery, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, FLICKR, ORKUT, YANDEX, and KAIXIN0011,3Show them what you're made of—in HD
Full 1080p high definition captures your adventures in amazing detailEasily switch to still camera mode to catch 5 MP, 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures Choose the resolution that works for you:
1080p—great for stunning playback on your HDTV—HDMI cable included!720p at 60 fps—for fast action and super slow motion playback 720p at 30 fps—ideal for general recording in high definitionWVGA—perfect for conserving space on your memory card or smaller files sizes for web useSmooth, stable, and always able
Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in digital image stabilizationCapture your friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology—the camera detects and locks onto faces, then ensures great exposure around themGet great close-up shots with macro mode (automatic detection or user selectable)See more details and accurate colors with incredible low-light performanceThere's always room for more—record up to 10 hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB) 4Don't let sun glare ruin your recording
The bright 2.0 in. LCD automatically adjusts to the lighting conditions around youSee your screen even in ultra-bright sunlight—simply turn on the LCD Glare Shield feature Simple on-camera editing
Trim your video to just the right moment and save it as a new videoMake a picture from a video frame Cool capture effects give a new look to your scenes
Black and whiteSepiaHigh saturation—bright, bold colors'70s film—muted colors, slightly greenish cast, and a little graininess for a retro lookGreat video editing software comes on-board the PlaySport Camera

Download the software when you first connect it to your computer5 to:
Edit and trim videosAdd a voice-over to narrate your footage Add pictures and music to your videos to make cool mashupsGrab and edit still images from video frames to get that perfect shotMake a colorful statement
Comes in a variety of colorsSoft rubberized feel for a secure gripRounded ergonomic design Ready for the big screen
HDMI port gives you the option to debut your videos in full glory on your HDTV6It doesn't matter if you own a MAC or a PC—the Kodak PlaySport is compatible with bothThe optional remote control makes it easy to comfortably enjoy your videos and pictures Ready to go—right out of the box
Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5Adapter and cable for battery chargingWrist strapUser Guide ARCSOFT MEDIA IMPRESSION Software for Kodak and Kodak Share Button App (both on-camera, PC only)All models of digital still and video cameras manufactured in 2011 or later.Kodak Pulse Display and Kodak Gallery support still pictures; video not supported.Sharing sites vary by region.Record about 20 min per 1 GB at 720p HD at 30 fps. Actual results may vary.On-board software for PC only.HDMI cable is an optional accessory. Receive a FREE HDMI cable when you register your PLAYSPORT and pay Shipping and Handling.

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Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black)

Helpful Customer Reviews292 of 295 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't get much better than this for a Point & Shoot, November 15, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) The Lumix DMC-ZS9 is my 7th digital point & shoot and my third Panasonic ( I also own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 (Violet), and a Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 (Black)). After playing with it for a while, these are my thoughts:

PROS

- Features:
I got this camera as a lightning deal here on Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised what all it offers for the price (even when one buys it at regular price it is still impressive). There is the Leica lens, for starters. Cheaper Panasonic cameras usually do not have Leica lenses so I am very happy. Moreover, the wide-angle is 24 mm - very nice as well. Add to that the 16x optical zoom, the Power image stabilization and the ability to shoot with Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Program and Panasonic's own iA mode (Intelligent Auto mode) and a variety of more or less useful Scene modes, the HD video capability, and many other features such as Macro and Macro Zoom mode, and one really gets a full-featured, very compact camera with a quality lens for a very good price.

- Custom Modes:
I like that this camera allows me to assign two of my preferred Scene modes to positions on the dial on top of the ZS9. My DMC-FH20 also has scene modes but I cannot assign them to any buttons, etc. This is definitely progress and appreciated. I tend to mostly photograph landscapes and pets, so my MS1 (stands for My Scene Mode 1) is set to Landscape mode, MS2 to Pet mode. In addition to that, the camera allows the photographer to define custom settings with all sorts of combinations to satisfy users who want more than just take pictures with the pre-programmed scene modes.

- Scene Modes:
These include almost every scene imaginable - from Portrait / Portrait Soft Skin to Food, Party, Candlelight, Landscape, Sports etc. and gimmicks such as Transform which elongates or widens motifs/subjects. There is a scene mode there for everyone, I'm sure of it...

- Auto Focus:
Very fast and accurate. I have not had any trouble to get it to lock, even in low-light, low-contrast situations. This is something I really value in a point & shoot because few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the camera to focus on the motif.

- Easy Operation:
As mentioned above, this is my third Panasonic Lumix, so I am rather familiar with the operation of their cameras. But I think that anyone would find operating this camera rather straightforward, unless the person is a total beginner or has not had much if any experience with digital cameras. Sure, there are always instances where one would have to consult the manual, but every-day point & shoot operation should not require too much thumbing through that. Note that the hard-copy manual that comes in the box only explains the very basics. The complete user manual comes in PDF format on the CD that is in the box.
CONs (if one wants to call it that)

- As with all cameras in this price range/class, I found that image noise and general image quality is very dependent on the zoom setting, even at lower ISO settings such as ISO100. While the camera shoots very well at short focal lengths and low ISO settings, it sometimes does not so well at long (digital) focal lengths. This is not too much of an issue when printing regular 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 prints but enlarging an image that was taken at full zoom will likely be problematic. Even with the Leica lens, I do not see a noticeable improvement in image quality when comparing it to my simpler and older DMC-FH20. While disappointing, this is also to be expected, and image noise is a sensor issue anyway. There is probably not a camera in this class out there that does not have the same problem. I am only mentioning this to be comprehensive.

- Weight & Size. Don't get me wrong - the ZS9 is a small and lightweight camera but it still is bigger and heavier than for example the FH20. It is clear to me that it would have to be a bit heavier and bigger, considering the many more features the ZS9 has in comparison to the FH20. I am mentioning this only in case weight and size is the top priority for a reader. This camera is definitely not shirt-pocket material and I am not sure I'd be too comfortable carrying it in my jeans pocket either. Jacket pockets should generally be OK though ;-).

- The color/surface. Call me nit-picky, but I LOVED the brushed metal surface of my FH20 as well as the fact that it came in several colors (my choice was violet at the time). While the ZS9 looks like it is made of high quality materials, I miss the classy brushed metal look and would have preferred almost any other color over the black. But in the end this is really strictly personal preference.
SUMMARY
I am very happy with this camera. I believe it is the ideal device for my primary purpose, which is using it as a compact travel camera. As a matter of fact, the ZS8 (the almost identical twin to the ZS9) is called TZ18 in Europe, TZ standing for Travel Zoom. This best describes the area where this camera shines. It isn't an SLR and will not produce SLR quality images but for the money, convenience and the quality it provides in its class, I'd be hard pressed to find a better camera.
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106 of 116 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Poor low light performance, November 12, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) Okay, first off I bought this during the lighting deal at $149. I was concerned with everyone saying Amazon had made a mistake and that this was the ZS8. Well I just got it and it says it is the ZS9. The manual (which is made for the ZS8 and ZS9) appears to suggest the sole difference between the two is that the ZS9 does stereo recording in video while the ZS8 only allowed for mono. So, Amazon did not make a mistake. ZS9 is written write on top of the camera. Found it odd Panasonic's own web site did not mention the ZZ9.
**Update 11/19/11. Camera continues to work well. I have never expected much from flashes on point and shoot cameras but this one seems to have less output than most. If you plan on shooting with a lot of flash I am not sure this would be the best camera (though I try to never use the flash anyway). I also learned that firmware on some of the Panasonic cameras (and I believe this one) prevent the use of third party less expensive batteries (ugh). If you are like me and stock up on cheap extra batteries you may want to look into this as an issue. The Panasonic battery runs about $33 bucks while one can usually find third party batteries around the $10 range.
**Updated 11/26/11. After having enough time with the camera I decided that the flaws, at least in my situation, made this a camera not suited for my use. My house tends to be darker with a majority of the lighting coming from incandescent light. The low light photo quality was just not very good. Even when using the flash on auto the camera would sometimes set an ISO of 800 which I could not understand. At ISO 800 the pictures have noticeable noise. I would say that the low light quality even with flash would be best for facebook, etc. I would be afraid to blow them up to anything maybe beyond a 4x6. I also had an opportunity to review the video quality. I had once tried a Canon 230 HX and that quality was simply great. I did not see anywhere near that quality indoors - but perhaps it is a light issue once again. If you are planning on mainly shooting in the outdoors I am sure this may be a great option. However, if you are looking for a small camera that can be used in all lighting conditions a back sided CMOS camera may be a better option. I am still trying to find that perfect fit between my old Canon ELPH and my Canon T1i SLR. Still looking for something that fits right in the middle.
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34 of 34 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great photos and so easy to use, November 22, 2011 This review is from: Panasonic DMC-ZS9 14.1MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 21x Intelligent Zoom Function (Black) (Electronics) I wanted a digital camera that I didn't have to mess with all the settings to take a picture. The reviews kept saying how easy this camera was to use so I bought it. I took it on vacation without even reading through the manual and it was so easy to use. My pictures came out so beautiful that I surprised myself. Everyone commented what an amazing photographer I was which made me laugh because all I did was leave it on the "intelligent mode" which basically lets the camera decide what setting it thinks it should use. The zoom is amazing. After 3 different digital cameras I am finally happy with my choice. I would definitely recommend this camera.
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