The 14MP camera segment is a hotly contested area among major camera manufacturers. Canon, Olympus and Panasonic have released and have plans to release additional models that have varying features to woo the compact camera consumers.
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While most digital camera users prefer a smaller and lightweight frame that they can simply point and shoot images with, there are many who also prefer the ability to zoom in up close to where the action is or use the camera in. The result is an interesting mix of power and performance all packed into a small frame. Here’s a short review on three of the best-selling 14MP cameras.
| Top-selling 14MP Cameras | Street Price US$ |
|---|---|
| Panasonic SZ20/TZ30 | $349.00 |
| Canon Powershot SZ150 IS | $179.95 |
| Olympus TG-320 | $179.00 |
Panasonic ZS20/TZ30
The Panasonic Lumix ZS20 (known Panasonic TZ30 in Europe and Asia) is essentially a superzoom 14MP camera that comes with 20x optical zoom – 24mm to 480mm in a 35mm format equivalent. It is currently the world’s thinnest compact camera with 20x optical zoom. It has an amazing 1.1″ slim body that makes it a stunningly ultra thin camera.
Panasonic is known for its Venus Image processing engines and the ZS20 comes with an amazing 10 fps performance at continuous shooting modes. It also shoots full HD movies at 60 frames in AVCHD format.
Canon SX150 IS
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The Canon Powershot SX150 is a 14MP digital camera with a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 28–336mm in 35mm format), intelligent image stabilization and a host of other features makes the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS a formidable opponent to beat.
In fact, Canon has gone to some distances to make this model a preferred choice among compact camera crowd. Several shooting modes make composing the shot easier for first time users. The smart auto mode can detect up to 32 different scenes and then apply the correct ISO, exposure and shutter speeds to the shot.
The Canon SX150 IS even allows you to get into the program or manual mode and set your preferred shutter priority, aperture priority and other settings for more control over the shot. It shoots videos in H.264 formats at 720p with stereo sound recorded through the built-in microphones. Because it uses the AA alkaline batteries, you can get a fresh set of batteries virtual everywhere and do not nee to lug along the charger.
Olympus TG-320
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The Olympus TG-320 is a rugged camera beach goers, jungle trekkers and mountain climbers. It has a 3.6x optical zoom equivalent to 28–102mm on a 35mm format. The large 2.7 LCD screen is 230k dots resolution and ISO sensitivity is up to 1600. However, the overall performance of this 14MP waterproof camera in low light shooting or fast action seems a little bit noisy.
The TG-320 is one of the lightest waterproof cameras, so if you do happen to drop the camera in water, the electronics will not die on you. In fact the camera is shockproof and even freeze proof to -10°C giving you shooting opportunities in some of the harshest natural environments.
You can record HD videos in MPEG4 or H.264 formats at 720p and together with the sensor-shift image stabilization system, it captures sharp picture even if your hands are moving. The TG-320 is one of the sturdiest and best performing travel cameras ever.
Overall Thoughts
Each of the above three 14 MP cameras have their own USPs and it is quite difficult to single out one as the best buy. However if you consider actual shooting options available, that including both video and stills, and the price factor then the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS is the one.
Looking for a cheap waterproof camera? Check out the 14MP Finepix XP30.