Top 10 Compact Digital Cameras of 2012

1. Fujifilm Finepix XP150/XP100

The XP100 and XP150 are intended for the hardcore adventurer. Both feature a 14MP CMOS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD, 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) and 1080p HD video capture. As per Fujifilm, the new XP-series cameras include a new dual-locking system for the battery and card slot covering door. Both the cameras are shockproof to 6.5 feet, waterproof to 33 feet and freeze proof to 14 degrees F. Furthermore, the XP150 adds built-in GPS functionality. As a follow up to the extremely successful XP-Series and its ultimate “4-Way Protection,” every camera has been redesigned to deliver faster auto focus speeds, enhanced ergonomics, a brighter LCD screen and superior functionality for all weather conditions. FinePix XP150, XP100 cameras will have a price tag of $255 and $100 respectively. The XP100 will come in black, orange, blue, silver and green colors while XP150 will be available in black and orange only.

2. Olympus TG-810
Olympus TG-810 is real tough water-resistant camera with rugged body. It features 14 megapixel resolution and 5x wide angel optical zoom to capture high quality images. This camera works underwater up to 6.6 feet deep, temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 220 pounds of force. You do not need to worry about where you can use it, because you can use it anywhere even in the rain, snow, dirt or mud. The door of the battery compartment is safe and secure. One more feature of the Olympus TG-810 is that it is equipped with 2 GB internal memory, so you don’t need any memory card for storing photos because it is enough to store a wide range of shots. It comes with a rechargeable battery that takes 200 shots on a single charge. The rice of the gadget is $350.

3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3/DMC-TS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 camera is particularly designed for being used outdoors. It is shockproof (up to 6.6 ft), waterproof (up to 40 feet), freezeproof (up to 14ºF/-10 degrees C) and dustproof. It weighs 197g and measures 4.07 x 2.52 x 1.04 inch. It comes with 2.7 inch LCD display with a resolution of 230K-dot and 4.6x optical zoom. The in-built flash memory is just 19MB, so you need a memory card. It features 12.5 megapixel high-speed CCD sensor along with the Venus Engine FHD processor of the company. So, you can capture photos at about 3.7 fps in full resolution and view full HD movie in AVCHD format. It is available in 4 colors including orange, silver, red and blue with a price tag of $300. The same dive is known as DMC-TS3 in the US.

4. Samsung PL120
Samsung PL120 sports a 14.2MP sensor with 5x optical zoom and 26mm wide angle, Dual image display. This camera has an extra 1.5 inch LCD screen on the front so that one may take self portraits. This is a really great feature for lonely travelling people, or a couple who might be a little scared to trust a stranger with their gadgets. On switching to the Children mode, it shows animations so that the children get attracted with it and see the camera, hence you can get nice pics of your angels. Comprehensive ranges of image effects, a video mode and an in-camera editing function all add to what is a very fun camera to use. The camera is available at a price of $115 (or £85 approx.).

5. Canon IXUS 230 HS
Canon IXUS 230 HS comes with a 12.1MP CMOS sensor and 8x image stabilised zoom. It is a handy, slim, stylish, metal bodied and super powerful digital camera. The DIGIC 4 processor found in other Canon HS cameras works along with the CMOS sensor to produce cleaner, sharper images, faster response times and good dynamic range. The screen of the device is simply superb with a 3 inch super crisp display. The speed of the camera is among its best features; you can shoot as soon you switch on the camera. It allows really high standard video capturing. Full HD videos of 1080 pixels may be captured using this device. The videos can be recorded via the direct recording button on the rear and you may also use a selection of art filters that expand creative opportunities. The real specialty of the snapper is its low light shots which is made possible by some of its amazing night shooting modes. This amazing camera is available for a price tag of around $300 which indeed a little expensive.

6. Nikon Coolpix S3300
Nikon Coolpix S3300 is a slim, metal bodied camera with 16MP CCD sensor and 6x optical zoom. The 19.5mm thick camera is ideal for being carried in the pocket. A set of 18 scene modes are included in the camera settings for common picture taking scenarios. It has a bright 2.7 inch LCD monitor and comes with the optical VR Image Stabilization system that minimizes the effects of camera shake. You can record 720p HD movies at the touch of a button. Some of its ‘real camera’ features include a powerful flash, ISO settings up to 3200 and photo effects and nice playback mode along with different retouch and editing tools. You can store images and movies in 42MB of built-in memory or on removable Secure Digital cards, including SDXC and SDHC types. It is packed with EN-EL19 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery that provides battery life of around 210 shots on a charge. This Coolpix is priced at around US $120 or £115.

7. Canon IXUS 115 HS
Canon IXUS 115 HS is one of the lowest priced Canon’s HS models. It looks like a basic model, but produces excellent quality images in low light. This is due to the combination of image processing by the DIGIC 4 engine and a high sensitivity CMOS sensor. This camera comes with a 12.1MP CMOS sensor and 4x optical zoom. The 4x zoom range covers a useful wide angle, equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera and includes image stabilization. It allows full HD video recording at 1080 pixels. Since, there is no internal memory supplied with the camera but images and videos are recorded to SD, SDHC or SDHC memory card. This camera is available with a price tag of around $145.

8. Panasonic FZ48/FZ47
Panasonic FZ48 (Known as the FZ47 in the US) carries a 1/2.33 inch 12.1 megapixel sensor. This camera has a 24x zoom range that covers the 25 – 600mm range (in 35mm equivalent). The stabilized lens is quite bright on the wide side opening the aperture all the way to F/2.8, but at the long end, you only get F/5.2 as a maximum aperture. It allows up to 1080p video recording in both MP4 and AVCHD formats. On the back, it possesses a 3 inch LCD display with 460K dots. The other interesting bit about it, is its 3D photo capturing capabilities. This mini SLR style camera provides a wealth of exposure modes for casual snappers and experienced photographers alike. Raw file formats are not supported by the device. Since, its autofocus speed is faster, this makes it a good option for sport and action photography, especially coupled with the 3.7fps burst mode. For this camera, you have to pay about $435.

9. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V sports an 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and 30x optical zoom lens (27-810mm in 35mm format) with 60x digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution. It has a lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight and 0.24 seconds in low-light at 3 EV. The Extra High Sensitivity technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities. The gadget has a 3 inch LCD display with 921k dot resolution. Dual-Record allows capturing 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video. It includes full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling. Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options are provided for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video. It is equipped with Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function. This camera is available in the stores for $480 (or around £470).

10. Olympus SZ-31MR
Olympus SZ-31MR features a 16MP CMOS sensor with 24x optical zoom. Videos can be recorded at up to 1080p and 60fps. The 3 inch touchscreen has a crystal clear 920,000-dot resolution. This camera lacks GPS support. There’s no manual exposure control, but it is equipped with a variety of clever shooting modes. HDR captures a shot at many different exposure settings and combines them for a wider range of shadows and highlights. Panorama mode captures a panorama shot just by rotating the camera. It has an ability to capture 1080p 30fps videos and 16 MP photos simultaneously. There are few labeled buttons, but it has a wheel for quick menu navigation and setting adjustment. Selecting P (for Program) on the dial reveals onscreen icons for the 8 most important settings. These are reasonably quick to navigate, especially now when pressing the right button on the pad goes to the control your used last. $400 is price of this snapper.