Graphics Unleashed's Digital Camera Buyer's Guide

Terms to Understand

5 Megapixel Digital Cameras
4-4.9 Megapixel Digital Cameras
3-3.9 Megapixel Digital Cameras
2-2.9 Megapixel Digital Cameras
Under 2 Megapixel Digital Cameras
Digital Camera Books

Megapixel: First, we need to understand pixels. These are the tiny dots that make up a digital image. Each pixel can be one of 16.7 million colors. So let's say that a camera is capable of taking images at 640 pixels x 480 pixels. A little math shows us that such an image would contain 307,200 pixels or .3 megapixels. Now let's say the camera takes 1024 x 768 images. That gives us .8 megapixels. So the larger the number of megapixels, the more image detail you get.

The real question is whether or not you need all that extra detail. Are you just going to use the images on the Internet? If so, a 1 megapixel camera gives you more than you need. Are you planning to print 8 x 10 prints on your ink jet printer? Then you'll probably want a 2 megapixel camera. But for 4 x 5 prints, the 1.3 megapixel cameras are more than enough. Those that are going to press with large images will need the higher resolution cameras. As you look at the chart below, use the 150 dpi value for ink jet prints and the 300 dpi value for offset printing.

Another thing to consider is that large images take up more space on the memory card. That means fewer total images and more transferring of images to the computer. This isn't very convenient if you have to lug a laptop everywhere you go on your vacation.

Common Image Sizes Created by Digital Cameras

Image Size
Total Pixels
Size in Megapixels
Size at 150 dpi
Size at 300 dpi

640 x 480 pixels

307,200 pixels

.3 megapixels

4.27" x 3.2"

2.13" x 1.6"

1024 x 768 pixels

786,432 pixels

.8 megapixels

6.83" x 5.12"

3.41" x 2.56"

1280 x 960 pixels

1,228,800 pixels

1.2 megapixels
sometimes called 1.3 megapixels

8.53" x 6.4"

4.26" x 3.2"

1600 x 1200 pixels

1,920,000 pixels

2 megapixels

10.67" x 8"

5.33" x 4"

2048 x 1536 pixels

3,145,728 pixels

3.2 megapixels

13.65" x 10.24"

6.82" x 5.12"

2248 x 1632 pixels

3,668,736 pixels

4.0 megapixels

14.99" x 10.88"

7.49" x 5.44"

2240 x 1680 pixels

3,763,200 pixels

4.0 megapixels

14.93" x 11.2"

7.47" x 5.6"

2272 x 1704 pixels

3,871,488 pixels

4.0 megapixels

15.15" x 11.36"

7.57" x 5.68"

2288 x 1712 pixels

3,917,056 pixels

4.0 megapixels

15.25" x 11.41"

7.63" x 5.71"

2560 x 1920 pixels

4,915,200 pixels

5.0 megapixels

17.07" x 12.8"

8.53" x 6.4"

2560 x 1950 pixels

4,992,000 pixels

5.0 megapixels

17.07" x 13"

8.53" x 6.5"

2500 x 2000 pixels

5,000,000 pixels

5.0 megapixels

16.67" x 13.33"

8.33" x 6.67"

2592 x 1944 pixels

5,038,848 pixels

5.0 megapixels

17.28" x 12.96"

8.64" x 6.48"

3072 x 2048 pixels

6,291,456 pixels

6.3 megapixels

20.48" x 13.65"

10.24" x 6.83"

3152 x 2068 pixels

6,518,336 pixels

6.3 megapixels

21.01" x 13.79"

10.51" x 6.89"

Digital Zoom vs. Optical Zoom: You're going to see both of these terms used and they can be a bit confusing. Optical zooming is done with the camera lens. It is a good thing. Digital zoom is done by interpolating pixels. This is similar to upsampling an image in your favorite image editor. It is not nearly as good as optical zoom and can actually be a bad thing.


 (331 Customer Reviews)

Transcend 8GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6)

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  • Storage Capacity - 8GB
  • Technology - Secure Digital High-Capacity(SDHC)
  • Manufacturer Warranty - 2 Years
  • - Compatible with all SDHC-labeled host devices (not compatible with standard SD)
  • - Easy to use, plug-and-play operation


 (318 Customer Reviews)

Coby 1.5-Inch Digital Photo Keychain (White)

By: Coby
Our price: $14.98
List price: $29.95
You save $14.97 ( 50%)

  • 1.5-inch CSTN LCD full-color display; stores over 60 photos
  • Displays JPEG, GIF, and BMP image files
  • USB port for fast file transfers
  • Built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
  • Included Photo Viewer software compatible with Microsoft Windows 98SE, 2000, XP, or Vista, and Mac OS X

Product Description

PRODUCT FEATURES:1.5" CSTN LCD full-color displayDisplays JPEG, GIF, and BMP image filesStores over 60 photosIntegrated rechargeable lithium-ion batteryUSB port for fast file transfers


 (115 Customer Reviews)

Sandisk 4GB MicroSDHC Memory Card with SD Adapter (BULK Packaging)

By: SanDisk
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List price: $69.99
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  • SanDisk newest format and capacity to the SD card family: MicroSD High Capacity (MicroSDHC) 4GB
  • PLEASE NOTE AND READ DESCRIPTION - BULK CARD BULK CARD - NOT RETAIL PACKAGING
  • High storage capacity (4GB) for storing essential digital content such as high quality photos and video.
  • Optimal speed and performance for MicroSDHC compatible devices.

Product Description

Another great invention from SanDisk, the microSD is about a quarter of the size of an SD card and is the newest standard of SD flash memory specifically designed for use with ultra-small mobile phones and other devices. Like the miniSD, the microSD/TransFlash is ideal for use in storing media-rich files such as music, videos, and photographs in compatible mobile phones.


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Kingston 2GB Secure Digital Memory Card (SD/2GB, Retail Package)

By: Kingston H. Corporation
Our price: $6.99
List price: $23.99
You save $17.00 ( 71%)

  • Up to 5 MB/sec read speed and 1.5 MB/sec write speed
  • 2 GB capacity offers plenty of storage for your digital images
  • Built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
  • Low power consumption is easy on device's batteries
  • Lifetime warranty

Product Description

Join the many schools, consumers, businesses and government groups that use Kingston's standard Secure Digital cards when using SD-enabled devices. With the built-in write-protection switch to prevent accidental data loss, Kingston's legendary quality assurance and affordable price - you'll get peace of mind and the best price-to-performance value.

Product Description

The Kingston Secure Digital (SD) memory card combines massive storage capacity, blazing data transfer rates, and ironclad security in a memory card no bigger than a postage stamp. With an excellent price-to-performance value, this card is an ideal expansion option for the smallest of devices, including MP3 players, digital cameras, PDAs, smartphones, and more.

An SD memory card reader makes it easy to upload files from an SD memory card to a computer. With a 2 GB capacity, this memory card quickly and easily downloads and transfers digital files between a computer and the Internet, as well as other digital devices.

For added reliability and durability, the solid-state SD memory card is built of nonvolatile memory components and has no moving parts to wear out or break. The Kingston SD card is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.


 (198 Customer Reviews)

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

By: Canon
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  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
  • 4x optical image-stabilized zoom
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen; Face Detection
  • New Easy Mode simplifies operation
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included); powered by AA batteries

Product Description

8-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD screen * real image optical zoom viewfinder * 4X optical zoom (4X digital/16X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 35-140mm * optical image stabilization * top JPEG resolution: 3264 x 2448 *


 (45 Customer Reviews)

SanDisk - Flash memory card ( microSDHC to SD adapter included ) - 8 GB - Class 4 - microSDHC

By: SanDisk
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  • High storage capacity (8GB) for storing essential digital content such as high quality photos, videos, music and more
  • Speed performance rating: Class 2 (based on SD 2.00 Specification)
  • High Quality microSDHC card backed by 5 year limited warranty
  • **** Not all devices support microSDHC 8GB cards. **** Please contact your device manufacturer for details. To ensure compatibility, look for the microSDHC logo on the product or packaging of your new phone or PDA.

Product Description

Another great invention from SanDisk, the microSD is about a quarter of the size of an SD card and is a standard of SD flash memory specifically designed for use with ultra-small mobile phones and other devices. Like the miniSD, the microSD is ideal for use in storing media-rich files such as music, videos, and photographs in compatible mobile phones.


 (112 Customer Reviews)

Transcend TS4GSDHC6 4GB SDHC SD 2.0 SPD Class 6 Card

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Our price: $9.37
List price: $27.99
You save $18.62 ( 67%)

  • Storage Capacity - 4GB
  • Technology - Secure Digital High-Capacity(SDHC)
  • Manufacturer Warranty - 2 Years
  • - Compatible with all SDHC-labeled host devices (not compatible with standard SD)
  • - Easy to use, plug-and-play operation


 (93 Customer Reviews)

Transcend 16GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD CLASS 6) with Compact Card Reader

By: TRANSCEND
Our price: $38.46
List price: $64.99
You save $26.53 ( 41%)

  • Protected with a Lifetime Warranty
  • Ultra Performance "Class 6" speed
  • Capture images faster than a standard SD card
  • Includes convenient storage/carry case
  • Write protect switch to prevent accidental image erasure


 (142 Customer Reviews)

SanDisk 2GB SD Memory Card (SDSDB-2048, Bulk Package)

By: SanDisk
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  • Capacity: 2GB
  • High transfer rate for fast copy/download
  • Low battery consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices
  • 5-year warranty
  • Bulk Package SDSDB-2048 (Non-Retail pack)

Product Description

SanDisk Corporation is the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage card products. SanDisk designs, develops and markets flash memory data storage card products used in a wide variety of electronic systems.PRODUCT FEATURES:High transfer rate for fast copying and downloading;Large storage capacity, up to 2GB;Built to last, with an operating shock rating of 2, 000Gs, equivalent to a ten-foot drop.


 (291 Customer Reviews)

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

By: Canon Cameras US
Our price: $158.56
List price: $199.99
You save $41.43 ( 21%)

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
  • 3x optical image-stabilized zoom
  • 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II monitor
  • Face Detection; Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Product Description

Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word, making the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon's Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon's most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture-taking pleasure.


 (169 Customer Reviews)

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

By: Canon
Our price: $659.69
List price: $799.99
You save $140.30 ( 18%)

  • 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
  • DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
  • Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Description

For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.


 (291 Customer Reviews)

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

By: Canon
Our price: $169.56
List price: $199.99
You save $30.43 ( 15%)

  • 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
  • 3x optical image-stabilized zoom
  • 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II monitor
  • Face Detection; Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Product Description

The Canon SD1100 IS Digital ELPH includes an 8-Megapixel 1/2.5" CCD imager and a 3x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, which covers a range of 38-114mm equivalent. Exposure is fully automatic with 2.0EV of manual exposure compensation and four metering modes to handle difficult lighting along with a ties metering to the camera's Face Detection system. 13 scene modes keep the camera approachable for beginners. A long-exposure mode in the Canon SD1100 IS ELPH lets you set exposure times as long as 15 seconds manually, and a 2.5" LCD display for framing images. The Canon ELPH SD1100 IS sports a fairly wide ISO sensitivity range, from 80 to 1600. Shutter Speed - 15-1/1500 seconds, Long Shutter operates with noise reduction when manually set at 1.3-15 seconds ISO Sensitivity - Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent Exposure Compensation - 2 stops in 1/3-stop increments White Balance Control - Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H), and Custom Built-in Flash - Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, and Slow Synchro Flash Range - 12-11 feet/30cm-3.5m (W), 12-6.6 feet/30cm-2.0m (T) Shooting Modes - Auto, Camera M, Portrait, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets) Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Digital Macro, Stitch Assist, and Movie Self-Timer - 2-seconds, 10-seconds delay, and Custom Dimensions - 3.42 x 2.16 x 0.87 (86.8x54.8x22.0mm) Weight - 4.41 ounces (125 grams)


 (229 Customer Reviews)

Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

By: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
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List price: $179.99
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  • Pocket-sized camcorder; Flat back panel with touch-sensitive buttons; 1.5-inch color LCD screen
  • 2 GB of on-board flash memory--records up to 60 minutes of video; 2x digital zoom
  • Internal Lithium-ion battery recharges when built-in USB arm is connected to a computer
  • Connects to TV for instant viewing
  • Built-in software lets you easily edit video files and upload them to video sharing sites

Product Description

Mino is a camcorder that goes anywhere. Simply put it in your pocket! Then easily share your video on the web on MySpace, YouTube, and AOL.

Weighing in at just over three ounces, the remarkably slim yet powerful Flip Video Mino raises the bar for high-quality, portable, and easy-to-use video. Smaller than most cell phones, Mino fits neatly into a jeans pocket to capture life's stories whenever and wherever they happen ? at a party, a concert, the beach, even on a bike ride. The Mino also features Flip Video's built-in software that lets you simply plug the camcorder's signature flip-out USB arm into any computer for immediate editing and sharing. For the first time, the Flip Video software lets you easily upload video directly to MySpace as well as to YouTube and AOL Video, making it even easier to share video. In addition to quickly posting videos on sharing and social networking sites, they can email videos and video greeting cards; create custom movies with their own music; capture still photos from video; save and organize videos on the computer; and, for the first time, seamlessly order and send DVDs anywhere in the world. Custom editing of movie mixes, with the option to set them to your own music Capture of still photos from video Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world TV connection for instant viewing (cable included) Tripod mountable Internal rechargeable battery delivers up to 4 hours of use between charges Unit Size is only 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 HWD


 (214 Customer Reviews)

Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System

By: Nikon
Our price: $6.25

  • A simple lens-cleaning system
  • Small, pen-style design easily fits in any camera bag
  • Soft brush retracts into pen body to stay clean
  • Removes fingerprints, dust, and other debris that may compromise your image
  • Works with all types of cameras (digital and film), as well as binoculars, telescopes, and other optical products

Product Description

Your binocular or telescope uses highly precise optics. It's important to keep them as clean as possible to assure the best performance. Nikon makes it really easy and simple with the Lens Pen Cleaning System.


 (413 Customer Reviews)

Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60 & D80 Digital SLR Cameras

By: Nikon
Our price: $14.20
List price: $23.69
You save $9.49 ( 40%)

  • Slim wireless remote instantly triggers shutter without disturbing camera
  • Ideal for subjects that are difficult to approach or for minimizing vibrations
  • Includes pouch
  • For use with Nikon D70, N65, N75, F65, Pronea S, Nuvis S, Lite Touch 110s, and 130 ED cameras
  • Also used as replacement or spare for Nikon Coolpix 8400 and 8800


 (375 Customer Reviews)

SanDisk 2 GB SD Memory Card ( SDSDB-2048-A11, Retail Package)

By: SanDisk
Our price: $12.99
List price: $29.99
You save $17.00 ( 57%)

  • Fast transfer rate for reliable copy/download/backup
  • 2GB of storage capacity
  • Low battery consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices
  • User selectable mechanical write protect switch on the exterior card casing
  • Operating shock rating of 2,000Gs, equivalent to a 10-foot drop to the floor

Product Description

The Sandisk SDSDB2048A1 Secure Digital Memory Card expands the memory capabilities of your portable digital products. Whether you're listening to music on an MP3 player, storing numbers & contact on a cellular or smart phone, moving photos from a camera or camcorder, you have a huge amount of storage waiting for you here -- in a convenient, easy-to-carry size and format.


 (68 Customer Reviews)

Olympus 2 GB xD Picture Card Type M 202170

By: Olympus
Our price: $24.26
List price: $37.99
You save $13.73 ( 36%)

  • A reusable digital media that works with most manufacturers' xD-compatible devices
  • The only xD cards that support the Panorama function found on most Olympus digital cameras
  • Meets the memory capacity needs of today, and readily available to fulfill the increased memory capacity needs of tomorrow
  • Designed for maximum durability
  • An exceptionally compact design--about the size of a postage stamp

Product Description

The development of advanced video-recording functions in digital cameras and the desire for higher digital picture quality means a demand for large memory. The Olympus 2GB Type M xD-Picture Card packs 2GB of memory in to an ultra-compact media card. Using an 8 mega-pixel Olympus digital camera in HQ mode, the card will allow you to take and store approximately 1000 shots.The Type M xD-Picture Card is not only ultra-compact and has the exclusive Olympus Panorama facility, it can now deliver a further dimension to your digital photography with Art Function effects including 3D, oil painting, cartoon and watercolor. Have fun turning your photographs into works of art - the Type M cards even come with a pair of 3D glasses in the box.When used in Olympus Digital Voice Recorders with removable media, the 2GB xD-Picture card will increase recording time to over 700 hours used in LP mode - making recording time almost unlimited!This product features:ID protection functionPanorama function


 (643 Customer Reviews)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

By: Canon
Our price: $89.84
List price: $150.00
You save $60.16 ( 40%)

Product Description

Lightweight and affordable, the Canon EF 50mm lens--which offers a fast f/1.8 aperture--is an excellent lens for people who prefer a fixed focal length. Canon's lightest EF lens at a mere 4.6 ounces, the lens boasts a traditional Gauss-type optical design that delivers a sharp performance even when wide open. As a result, the lens provides an image that's extremely close to how your eye perceives a subject, making it excellent for portraits and images that require a natural depth of field. In addition, the lens focuses as close as 18 inches, helping you take extreme close-ups. Finally, the lens offers an excellent color balance. As with all Canon lenses, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

  • Focal length: 50mm
  • Maximum aperture: 1:1.8
  • Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
  • Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees
  • Focus adjustment: Overall linear extension system with Micromotor
  • Closest focusing distance: 1.5 feet
  • Filter size: 52mm
  • Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter, 1.6 inches long
  • Weight: 4.6 ounces


 (87 Customer Reviews)

Sony DVC-60 PR/5 Premium Minidv Videocassette (5-Pack)

By: Sony
Our price: $11.39
List price: $29.44
You save $18.05 ( 61%)

  • Quality at an exceptional value
  • Advanced metal evaporated tape technology
  • Diamond-like carbon protective layer improves durability
  • Five individually wrapped tapes

Product Description

With the boom of the information age, there is a growing demand for higher-capacity, faster, more dependable media products. Sony quickly responds to your needs through highly reliable media that safely and accurately stores ever-increasing volumes of data. Sony's line-up of data media makes use of the latest technology to accommodate a wide range of applications. With Sony media, you can be sure that your every storage need is met with the highest level of quality.


 (25 Customer Reviews)

Sandisk Ultra II SDHC 4GB SD Memory Card (SDSDH-4096, BULK Static Pack, No Reader)

By: SanDisk
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  • 4GB SDHC Card ULTRA II High Speed
  • Supports SDHC compatible host devices
  • Low power consumption
  • Each card individually packaged in an anti-static bag

Product Description

SanDisk is proud to announce our newest format and capacity to the Ultra II SD card family: SD High Capacity (SDHC) 4GB card.To support the higher capacity needs, SD cards are now requiring a different design. The new SD 2.0 specifications - which supports 4GB and up - is called Secure Digital High Capacity(SDHC). The SD Association has created and defined 3 speed classes to help you identify speed and performance capabilities/minimum requirements of SDHC cards and their SDHC host products. Details on the SD 2.0 specification: http://www.sdcard.org or SanDisk.com/SDHC Cards address data (read and write) at numerous speeds. Many factors impede this performance. SDHC guarantees a minimum read and write speed necessary to handle recording high quality video and audio. The maximum card speed may vary, but you can always depend on SDHC cards to meet your SDHC host product's high quality performance requirements. Each card individually packaged in an anti-static bag


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Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black)

By: Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
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List price: $149.99
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  • Simple to use, pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom
  • Holds 60 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
  • Convenient USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy viewing and sharing
  • Built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, upload to YouTube and AOL, and capture still photos from video
  • Watch videos instantly on TV with included cable

Product Description

records high-quality MPEG4/AVI video to built-in 2-gigabyte memory * holds approximately 60 minutes of footage * 1-1/2" LCD screen * 2X digital zoom (no optical zoom) * high-speed USB port (via flip-out USB arm) *


 (224 Customer Reviews)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

By: Panasonic
Our price: $237.07
List price: $349.95
You save $112.88 ( 32%)

  • 9-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
  • 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens; Face Detection
  • New Panasonic Venus Engine IV improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects
  • 3.0-inch LCD; Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO
  • Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Product Description

Now you can fit sweeping landscapes into a single frame with the 28mm wide-angle setting. Pull in subjects from far away to capture even subtle