Digicams: New Little Megapixel Monsters, Part II
Conclusion
| Model | PowerShot S230 / Ixus V3 | EX-M2 | Dimâge Xi | PDR-T30 | DSC-U10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CaNo | Casio | Minolta | Toshiba | Sony |
| Price, US | $499 | $399 | $449 | $449 | $200 |
| Price, Europe | 599 € | 399 € | 599 € | 549 € | 299 € |
| Sensor | CCD 3.2 megapixels | CCD 2.1 megapixels | CCD 3.3 megapixels | CCD 3.2 megapixels | CCD 1.3 megapixels |
| Max. image resolution | 2048 x 1536 | 1600 x 1200 | 2048 x 1536 | 2048 x 1536 | 1280 x 960 |
| Image file format | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG, TIFF | JPEG | JPEG |
| Memory included | 16 MB CF | 12 MB, internal | 16 MB, SD | 16 MB, SD | 8 MB, Memory Stick |
| Focal distance | 5.4 - 10.8 mm | 7.5 mm | 5.7-17.1 mm | 5.8-11.6 mm | 5 mm |
| 35 mm equivalent | 35-70 mm (2x) | 36 mm | 37-111 mm (3x) | 38-76 mm (2x) | 33 mm |
| Aperture | f/2.8- f/4.0 | f/3.2 | f/2.8 - f/3.6 | f/2.8 - f/4 | f/2.8 - f/8 |
| Shutter speed | 15 to 1/1500 | 1/4 to 1/6400 | 2 to 1/1000 | 4 to 1/1000 | 1/30 to 1/1000 |
| Sensitivity | 50 to 400 ISO | NC | 50 to 400 ISO | 100 to 400 ISO | 100 to 320 ISO |
| Autofocus | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cradle provided | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| LCD screen | 1.5" | 1.6" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 1" |
| Connectivity | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Multimedia functions | Video | Video, MP3 | Video | Video | Video |
| Power supply | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | 2x AAA NiMh |
| Dimensions | 87 x 57 x 27 mm | 58 x 55 x 12 mm | 85 x 72 x 20 mm | 105x54x30 mm | 85 x 48 x 29 mm |
| Weight (w/o accessories) | 180 g | 90 g | 155 g | 170 g | 118 g |
This was a test of five cameras but of two types of product, one micro and the other mini. For the micros, the Sony U10 is an easy winner over the Casio Exilim EX-M2. For the minis, Canon wins by a short head over Minolta because of its colors. But if you want a powerful zoom, then the Dimage Xi should be your choice. The Toshiba PDR-T30 takes nice photos but could do with new ergonomics.
In any event, whether you choose micro or mini, buy an extra memory card. You will not go far with the 8 to 16 MB supplied. If you have fallen for a Casio or Sony, then get a 32 MB card at the same time. And if you go for Canon, Minolta or Toshiba, we advise you to get a 64 MB card at least.
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