Polaroid t730 - $149.99

If you''re looking for an affordable digital camera that shoots good 7 megapixel pictures, the t730 is a solid choice. It includes many of the basic features that we used to only see in higher-end cameras. This includes a 3x optical zoom, 7 megapixel resolution, a nice-sized LCD screen (2.5" diagonal) and a movie mode. Beyond that though, you won''t find a ton of additional
features. If you''re looking for a simple camera that doesn''t look cheap, the t730 is a great choice. Image quality is good but not amazing. None the less, most people will be more than happy with the pictures that come out of this Target exclusive digital shooter. The t730 is the perfect starter camera or replacement camera for someone who focuses on taking snapshots without the confusion of a zillion extra features.

Polaroid t730 On The Web




Nikon CoolPix s51 - $229.95

The S51 is a step up from the Polaroid but it''s also gonna cost you an extra $70. Is it worth the extra cash? You decide! The Nikon sports a 3x optical zoom but you''ll notice that nothing protrudes from the front of this pocket shooter. The entire optical zoom stays inside the body of this Nikon camera, a nice feature. The S51 snaps 8.1 megapixel pictures. Will you notice the step up from 7mp to 8.1mp? Probably not! For this review, I''ll stay away from the megapixel argument. The S51 also packs a crisp, large screen on the back, 3" diagonal. The screen is VERY nice and great for people with less than perfect eyesight. The vibration reduction and ISO 1600 shooting speed makes snapping pics in low light conditions a bit more bearable. This means you can shoot more natural looking pictures without using the flash. I also liked the button on the top of the camera that lets you switch quickly between shooting modes and the dial on the back that made flipping through menus a cinch. The S51 is a good pic for those who thrive on a big screen and easy menu navigation. Like most Nikon cameras it takes great crisp pictures with vivid colors.

Nikon CoolPix S51 On The Web


Casio EX-S10 - $249.99

Traditional reasoning says if you spend more money, you''ll get more in return. That holds true with the EX-S10 from Casio. It''s not the least expensive digital shooter at almost $250 but it comes with a ton of very cool features. First and foremost, it''s super slim, the slimmest among the 3 I reviewed for this segment. Casio touts it as the world''s slimmest and smallest 10 megapixel camera. It feels great even tucked away in a shirt pocket. The lens does stick out a bit when you turn it on. It has a 3x optical zoom. The LCD screen on the back is nice and clear. It''s 2.7" diagonal, smaller than the Nikon S51 but larger than the Polaroid t730. the EX-S10 is filled with cool features including face tracking. This means that the camera can adjust the lighting and focus based on the face (or faces) in a shot. So you won''t have to worry about the mountains in the background looking great when you can''t see the people in front of them. The camera looks for the faces and bases everything else on that. You can also tell the camera not to snap a picture until the person is smiling! This is super cool and it actually works. The EX-S10 also has a ton of preset modes including an eBay mode for shooting pictures to upload to online auctions. It also has a You Tube mode if you''re shooting video to be uploaded to YouTube.com. I love the fact that Casio is thinking about how you and I plan on using this camera.

Casio EX-S10 On The Web


If I had to choose one of the three cameras above, I would pick the EX-S10. With that said, it isn''t the right choice for everyone. I''m a gadget geek who loves to mess with cool new features. The EX-S10 clearly has the most features. If you like a camera that isn''t too complex, the EX-S10 may not be the best choice. The Polaroid t730 is a great simple camera that will get the job done without all the bells and whistles. The Nikon is a good choice too, especially for those who really need a big screen on the back with an easier way of navigating all of the menus. My advice is, and always is, go to your favorite electronics store and play play play! Read my reviews but don''t make a decision until you''ve had a chance to get your grubby little hands all over these cameras!