Consumer Reports puts some digital cameras through tough tests, like an Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 that claims it’s “even shockproof up to five feet.” Testers dropped it that distance a few times onto a concrete floor.
Elias Arias, of Consumer Reports, says “The Tough 6000 still worked. Now we don’t know how it would do in a lot of falls or harder falls, but if you’re clumsy you may want to consider it.”
The Olympus is just one of 77 digital cameras Consumer Reports tested, everything from subcompacts and compacts to super zooms and S-L-Rs. What’s new? Some cameras now make it easier to wirelessly transfer photos or video directly to your computer. And there was another welcome finding.
Arias says, “We were pleasantly surprised to find that several of these point-and-shoots did rather well in low light without a flash. And that’s not the case with most point and shoots.”
A child’s birthday party is a classic challenge. Testers take photos of this standard test chart to help determine low-light capability without a flash. This computer analyzes the results.
When all the tests were done, the Nikon Coolpix S-610 had the best low-light performance of point and shoots. It’s a subcompact so it’s very portable and costs 220 dollars.
But if low-light shooting isn’t a priority, consider the Canon PowerShot A-590-I-S. It’s a compact so it offers longer battery life. And it’s a Best Buy you can purchase on line at 110 dollars.
Consumer Reports also found a camera to recommend with improved wireless capability so you can download pictures and video directly to your computer. It’s the Sony Cyber-shot model DSCG3 for 500 dollars.
