Best Digital Cameras

Do you love taking photos but feel overwhelmed when it comes to buying a digital camera? Consumer Reports tested 77 digital cameras, everything from subcompacts and compacts to superzooms and SLRs.

Some tests were really tough. The Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 claims it's "even shockproof up to five feet." Testers dropped it that distance a few times onto a concrete floor. The Tough 6000 still worked. Testers didn't test it in a lot of falls or harder falls, but if you're clumsy, you might want to consider it.

What's new? Some cameras now make it easier to wirelessly transfer photos or video directly to your computer. If you need that, Consumer Reports recommends the Sony Cyber-shot model DSC-G3 for $500.

Another welcome finding, several of the point-and-shoots did rather well in low light without a flash. Testers take photos of a standard test chart to help determine low-light capability without a flash. Then they use a computer to analyze the results.

The Nikon Coolpix S610 had the best low-light performance of point-and-shoots. It's a subcompact, so it's very portable, and it costs $220.

But if low-light shooting isn't a priority, consider the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. It's a compact, so it offers longer battery life. And it's a Best Buy that you can purchase online for $110.

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