Buyer's Guide 2024: Cutting-Edge Compact CameraselptBig features find their way into the smallest of pocket-sized cameras
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By Wes Pitts
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With digital SLRs now widely available at advanced compact prices, you
might be wondering if the ultra-compact cameras are destined to devolve
into an amateur-only plaything. Those of us who have been photographing
for many years remember that 35mm compact cameras were feature-anemic
compared to 35mm SLRs and usually warranted the “point-and-shoot”
moniker.
That’s not what has been happening with digital compact cameras. Unlike
the one-size-fits-all approach of 35mm compacts, digital compact
cameras, even at lower price points, boast robust performance, a
variety of exposure control options and unique features.
There’s a lot of competition in the segment as the market is flooded
with an array of models priced for even the most modest budget, but in
this sea of similarity, the major players also are introducing models
that feature something special to help distinguish them from the pack.
Flip-Out LCD
One of our favorite features on high-end compact cameras is the
flip-out and swivel LCD. The handy design lets you compose unique shots
without having to bend yourself into uncomfortable positions. It also
allows you to adjust the LCD for better viewing in the midday sun. The
Canon PowerShot A95 is one of the few inexpensive and ultra-compact
cameras to offer this feature, usually reserved for pricier models.
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Buyer's Guides 
