|
Additional research by Jena Ardell
Camera companies recognize that no matter how high-tech a compact digital camera may be, if it clashes with your latest style, it's simply a fashion disaster, dahlink. That's why almost all camera companies now have at least one line of cameras that either boast sleek design, a range of colors, or both.
But while fashion-friendly digital compact cameras may be glitzy, their appeal is more than skin-deep: they range from extremely capable general-use cameras which can deliver fine images in auto mode to high-tech marvels with highly-specialized features and sophisticated image quality control choices for more advanced users. All current fashionable models have at least 10MP sensors, some flavor of face detection, and the ability to record HD video.
Overall, I'd say the current crop of cameras we call "fashion" cameras are not only the best looking yet, but are also the most capable as solid cameras that will deliver outstanding image quality even if you don't know an f/stop from an S-hook.
And, believe it or not, most fashion-friendly cameras are also very affordable.
Of course, you like your homely compact camera, that's OK. There are hundreds of camera-fitted cases (also known as a skin), designed to fit snugly over specific camera models. There may be one available for yours.
If you're serious about both your attire and your photography, the cameras I've selected here won't disappoint you on either count.
And so, here is a selection of cameras that have been chosen for their appeal to the haute couture as well as the bargain-basement fashion crowds. And check out the two unusual (and expensive) novelty cameras all the way at the end. Read on--the runway awaits!
Canon PowerShot 100HS IS Digital Elph
Price: approximately $150. Get current pricing
Overview: The release of the 100HS comes with a price drop, yet still maintains many features of Canon’s higher end models. The 100HS offers a slightly smaller zoom range (4x) starting with a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide angle for closer shots. With a 1.2in focal range, getting close to your subject will not be a problem. This release comes an upgrade to low light shooting with a 3200 ISO capability, although lower ISO settings are recommended for image quality (200 or less). Canon has expanded the capabilities of the 100HS with even more shooting modes (32), allowing the camera to handle almost all situations. A fun and somewhat unique addition to this camera is the Toy Camera Effect. The 1080p HD movie mode allows for higher quality video than many of this camera’s predecessors.
The juicy details: 12.1MP CMOS sensor, 1080p HD video with stereo sound, 28 - 112mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.9 zoom lens, focus to 1.2 inches in macro mode, 3-inch LCD monitor, shutter speeds 15-1/1500 sec, ISO range 100-3200. Face Detection AF also sets exposure based on ideal lighting for faces. Exposure compensation +/- 2 stops in 1/3 stop increments. Shooting modes: P, Auto, Movie Digest, Portrait, Kids & Pets, Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink, Self-timer, Face Self-timer), High-speed Burst, Best Image Selection, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Beach Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Long Shutter, Stitch Assist, Movie (Standard, Super Slow Motion Movie, Miniature Effect for Movies) Photo Effects: My colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin, Darker Skin, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color.
It comes in colors: Silver, Blue, Pink, Orange, Grey.
Who would love it: Anyone who wants a small fashionable camera with extra capabilities such as higher quality video and unique shooting modes. Great for teens.
Casio Exilim Card EX-Z800
Price: Approximately $250. Get Current Pricing
Overview: Some say the Casio TRYX is really a desktop tripod with a built-in camera. That's not entirely true. Yes, the camera's unique oragami-like design includes its own tabletop support system, but it's much more than that. With 12MP resolution and full HD recording capabilities, the TRYX strides the divide between still camera and pocket video camera. The lens/camera rotates independently of the LCD and controls, wile a rollbar-type support rotates out and gives you a different (and, arguably) better way to hold the camera steady. The 21mm (35mm equivalent) non-zooming lens admittedly is limiting, as are the lack of a built-in flash or manual exposure control, but for sheer traffic-stopping looks and the ability to shoot slow-mo videos, slide panoramas and easy social network connectivity, this camera could make you the life of the party.
The juicy details: 12MP back side illuminated 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 21mm f/2.8 lens, focus to as close as 3 inches in macro, Multipattern metering with Program AE. ISO range 100-3200, HDR, Best Shot, Slide Panorama options. 3-inch, 460k touch screen LCD monitor, 1080p HD video capture, Slow-motion 240fps video at lower resolution.
It comes in colors: Well, just in white.
Who would love it: People who like to think differently and get attention, travellers.
Fujifilm FinePix Z90
Price: approximately $110. Get current pricing
Overview:Yup, there’s a bona-fide camera in that sleek, curvy metal object. The Z90’s cute clamshell design and internal zoom lens help this camera stand out in a crowd. But don’t let the bling blind you to its cutting-edge features, which includes a tap-and-sweep touch control 3-inch LCD monitor, HD video, face detection, auto red-eye removal, image stabilization, image rotate, EXR mode (which chooses which group of settings is best for any particular kind of scene) and the ability to recognize when it’s shooting groups, a couple, or just one.
The juicy details: 14MP sensor, 5x optical, internal-zoom 28-140mm f/3.9-4.9 internal zoom lens, red-eye correction, group self-timer (camera waits for photographer to get into the picture) anti-blur mode for sharper shots, intelligent flash balances flash and ambient light for more natural results, auction mode for uploading shots to eBay. 720p HD video recording. 3-inch LCD 230k resolution monitor, ISO 64-1600, program autoexposure, macro focus to 3.5 inches. Face detection can finds faces in a scene, sets the camera to optimum combination of focus, exposure and color balance for flattering results.
Special shooting modes: Natural light, Snow, Beach, Natural light & with flash, Sports mode, Night mode, Flower, Sunset, Portrait enhancer, Motion panorama, Text, Party/indoor, Night (tripod), Portrait mode, Landscape.
It comes in colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Red, Purple.
Who would love it: Anyone who takes lots of people pictures but is plagued by lack of proper focus. And teens!
Nikon Coolpix S80
Price: approximately $250. Get current pricing
Overview: Nikon's internal-zoom, pocket-sized S80 (the "S" is for style) is backed by a big touch-screen 3.5-inch, 819k dot resolution LCD monitor that makes this both fashionable and way-cool. To add braun to its beauty, the S80 can record 720p HD videos with stereo sound, has image stabilization and can record 14MP high-resolution images and 720p HD videos. As a camera, it's solid; on the runway, it's slim and seductive.
The juicy details: 12MP resolution, 5x optical internal zoom (35-175mm, 35mm equivalent), Optical image stabilization, 720p HD movie with stereo sound and voice recording, ISO range 80-6400 (although we don't recommend shooting higher than ISO 400), BSS Best Shot Selector, smile and blink warning, in-camera red-eye fix, second-generation face-priority AF, D-lighting (lightens dark shadow areas), Auto image rotation, Scene Effect Adjustment (touch-screen sliders can be used to modify exposure visually), subject tracking, skin smoothing, EV compensation +/-2EV, and the very impressive Scene Selector, which automatically chooses the most relevant scene mode for any shooting situation.
Scene modes: Handwritten Memo, Food, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close-up, Panorama Assist, Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy or Back Light modes.
It comes in colors: Gold , Red , Black , Blue, and Silver/Brown.
Who would love it: Anyone who takes lots of people pictures at parties and other occasions and wants to be the subject of fashion envy.
Olympus Stylus VR-320
Price: approximately $140. Get current pricing
Overview: Ultra-slim and uber-stylish, the VR320 slips into a pocket or purse but its all-metal exterior exudes quality. The zoom lens starts at an unusually wide angle (24mm, 35mm equivalent) so you can get group shots in tight places like crowded nightclubs. Olympus put its Magic Art Filters on board, so you can add artistic special effects in camera. You can shoot HD movies, and the camera's Intelligent Auto figures out the kind of light in the scene you're shooting and chooses all the best camera settings automatically. If you aren't sure what to do, there are in-camera help guides that describe the camera's features and settings as you go.
The juicy details: 14MP sensor, 12.5x optical zoom lens (24-300mm, 35mm equivalent, f/3-5.0), 3-inch LCD monitor with 230K dot resolution, shutter speeds 4-1/2000 sec, ISO range 100-1600, Face Detection autoexposure, Exposure compensation +/-2EV, auto-stitch internal panorama, 720p AVI Motion JPEG movies.
24 Shooting Modes: Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, Magic Mode, Scene Modes (1. PORTRAIT, 2. LANDSCAPE, 3. NIGHT. 4. NIGHT+PORTRAIT, 5. SPORT, 6. INDOOR, 7. CANDLE, 8. SELF PORTRAIT, 9. SUNSET, 10. FIREWORKS, 11. CUISINE, 12. BEACH & SNOW, 13. DOCUMENTS, 14. PET), HD Movie Magic Filter (Pop Art, Pinhole, Fisheye, Drawing, Soft Focus, Punk, Sparkle).
It comes in colors: Black, Blue, Red, Silver.
Who would love it: If you have a taste for elegance but still expect high performance operation and the flexibility of a long-range zoom, this camera is ideal.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5
Price: Approximately $120. Get Current Pricing.
Overview: Sporting an eye-catching flat body design with internal zoom lens, the elegant, 14-megapixel Panasonic FP5 offers touch-screen operation with a touch shutter, touch Autofocus and touch operation in Ai mode, plus four physical control buttons, giving it a sleek look and feel. Under the hood, however, this camera is no lightweight: It offers fast focus speed, face-detection, a variety of white balance and common scene modes, a high-performance imaging engine for fast start-up and minimal shutter hesitation, image stabilization for stills and video, and has the ability to record 720p HD videos at 30 frames per second.
The juicy details: 14MP sensor, 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.9 internal-focus periscope lens, macro focus to approx. 6 inches, Face Detection, touch area AF metering, ISO range 80-1600, boosts to 6400 (not recommended), additional white balance settings for portrait, sports, etc.; 3-inch 230K dot touch screen, 5.5 fps burst mode. Shutter speed 8-1/1600 sec, plus long exposure to 60 sec (“Starry Sky Mode”)
Scene Modes: Portrait, Transform, Self Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, High-speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic (Standard, Art, B&W), Photo Frame
It comes in colors: Blue , Pink , Silver.
Who would love it: Fashionistas with slim profiles and/or limited carry space.
Pentax Optio RS1500
Price: approximately $100. Get current pricing
Overview: While all the other cameras listed here come in a rainbow of colors, you can only choose one. The Pentax Optio RS1500, however, is the only one that lets you change the camera's color and design to match your outfit. The front plate is removable and interchangeable, and the camera comes with 10 fashionable options; you can also create your own using included software and a blank front plate. There's even a DC Comics action figures theme set of covers! The camera itself is slim, light and pocketable, but underneath its changeable skin is an impressive array of technology that lets you get great shots.
The juicy details: 14MP sensor, 28-110mm f/3.5-5.9 (35mm equivalent) optical zoom lens, ISO 100-1600 with a boost to 3200 and 6400 at reduced resolution, 4-1/2000 sec shutter releas. Sensor-Shift SR, Pixel Track SR, digital sensitivity boost SR, Face detection. 3-inch 230k resolution LCD screen. 720P HD video. Up to 7.5 fps in fast burst mode at lower resolution (up to 16 frames), 3.2 fps at full resolution (up to 10 frames).
Scene Modes: Mode selection: Auto Picture (Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Standard, Flower, Sport, Candlelight, Blue Sky, Sunset, Text, Group Photo, Portrait x Blue Sky, Portrait x Sunset, Portrait x Backlight), Program, Natural Skin Tone, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Movie, Landscape, Blue Sky, Sunset, Flower, Sport, Digital SR (ISO 3200-6400 5M), Kids, Pet, Portrait, Food, Candlelight, Surf & Snow, Half Length Portrait (3M), Frame Composite 3M), Text, Digital Panorama (2M)
It Comes In Colors: White, Silver.
Who would love it: Creative spirits who embrace change but want to take great snapshots.
Samsung PL120
Price: approximately $160. Get current pricing
Overview: Some people are just very self-conscious: They always want to look their best and before you can take their picture, they have to primp and prep. Now, they have a digital mirror, in the form of a 1.5-inch front-facing LCD monitor showing the live view of what the camera sees. Now they can know instantly if they’re ready for their close-up. Meanwhile, the back is dominated by a generous-sized 3-inch touchscreen LCD monitor that lets you navigate through the controls at the touch of a finger. The camera has Smart Auto, which chooses the best scene mode for whatever shooting situation you’re in, while image stabilization keeps the shots steady and a Frame Guide helps you compose your images. 720p HD Video at 30 fps.
The juicy details: 16MP sensor, 1.5-inch LCD front, 3-inch LCD back, 26-130mm f/3.5-5.9 (35mm equivalent) lens, close focus to approx. 3 inches in Macro mode. 8-1/2000 sec shutter speeds, ISO range 80-3200, 720p HD video at 30fps possible. Optical/digital image stabilization, Smart Album for image organizing, smart Face Recognition, Frame Guide, Perfect Portrait System optimizes settings for portraits, special in-camera effects using Magic Frame feature include Wall Art, Old Film, Ripple, Full Moon, Old Record, Magazine, Holiday, Classic TV.
Modes: Mode Dial: Smart Auto, Auto, Program, Dual IS, Beauty shot, Night, Scene, Smart Movie Front LCD (Hot Key) - Easy Self Shot: Front LCD (hot Key): Front Mode Self Shot Mode Long Key Self Shot Front Mode: Normal, Self Shot, Children mode, Jump shot Front Mode Setting Tap: Smile on / off, Children Smile on / off, Children Sound, Front Display demo; Smart Auto: Portrait, Night Portrait, Backlight Portrait, Night, Backlight, Landscape, White, NaturalGreen, BlueSky, Sunset, Macro, Macro Text, Macro Color, Tripod, Action, Fireworks Scene: Magic Frame, Object Highlight, Landscape, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Back Light, Beach&Snow
It Comes In Colors: Elegant Black
Who would love it: Party shooters, Narcissus.
Sony Cybershot DSC-TX100V
Price: Approximately $330 Check current pricing.
Overview: Don't let the Sony TX100V's slim, simple design look you: Behind this fashionista-friendly digicam is some of the most sophisticated technology you'll find in a compact camera. It is backed by a touch-screen OLED monitor that lets you control the camera at the touch of a finger, and can shoot panoramas, 3D still images, "Natural Flash" which makes flash portraits not look like they were shot in a coal mine, the ability to blur the background like you do with an SLR, smile shutter, face detection and skin smoothing modes, and full HD capture, all in the palm of your hand.
The juicy details: 16MP sensor, 3.5-inch, 1,229,760 pixel resolution LCD touchscreen monitor. ISO range 125-3200, 5x optical zoom lens focuses to within 1/2 inch of subject. 1080/60i HD video mode. 3D still image capture, backlight correction, automatic recognition of appropriate scene mode. Noise reduction lowered via 6-shot layering technology.
Scene modes: High Sensitivity / Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Soft Snap / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Hi-Speed Shutter / Underwater/ Gourmet / Pet / Soft Skin / Handheld Twilight / Anti Motion Blur / Backlight Correction HDR
It comes in colors: Red, Black.
Who would love it: Techno-heads with good fashion sense.
|
