We want compact cameras that come with easy-to-use
controls, take great pictures and feel comfortable in the hand. Here are several that make the grade.
PANASONIC LUMIX FX65
$499
FEATURES 12.1 MP, 2.7” screen
HANDLING It has the most comfortable controls of the lot. The zoom toggle is convenient, as it sits around the shuttle release button. The small buttons on the directional pad are raised and separated, and easy to press. The mode dial, on the top right corner of the camera, is a little hard to turn. Otherwise, it’s a breeze to use. Its auto-focus tracks faces and focus quickly – the
best we’ve tried in a compact point-and-shoot camera.
PHOTO QUALITY Beautiful, with rich and lively colours. Compared to the Canon IXUS 120 IS, it is less grainy at higher ISO settings, but slightly less clear.
VERDICT Great overall performer: well-placed buttons, with an effective face recognition function
CANON IXUS 120 IS
$499
FEATURES 12.1 MP, 2.7” screen
HANDLING The shutter is fast and responsive, and the face-detection function is competent at fi nding and focusing on faces. The zoom toggle is conveniently placed below the shutter release button. However, the directional pad is a tad small for those with larger thumbs. The screen menu is less intuitive than previous Canon compacts.
PHOTO QUALITY Gave the sharpest and cleanest photos of all. Colours are bright and saturated. Photos taken at an ISO800 setting are clear.
VERDICT Clear photos with vibrant colours
PHOTOGRAPHY WINSTON CHUANG ART DIRECTION & STYLING KATHLEEN CHAN
