Top 5 cameras with 8 megapixels

Are megapixels all that important?

Admittedly, extra pixels are helpful when it comes to cropping in on smaller details. Or if you need to print large.

However, the image sensors used in compact cameras are much smaller than those used in dSLRs with the same pixel count, hence each pixel is that much smaller on a compact camera. This means noise and lower dynamic range tend to worsen.

But if you are looking for a little more leeway during cropping at reasonable prices, these guys fit the bill.

Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Impressive performance and image quality; optical image stabilization; face detection. The bad: No manual exposure controls; no optical viewfinder. The bottom line: While the Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS doesn't have an optical viewfinder or manual exposure controls, it captures beautiful images with its wide, 3.8x optical zoom lens and ranks among the top compact cameras we've seen. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Sony Cyber-shot T200   CNET Asia rating: 7.4 out of 10 The good: Great design; nice, large 3.5-inch screen; touchscreen. The bad: Iffy accuracy for Smile Shutter; no custom white balance; slight noise even at ISO 400. The bottom line: It's a perfect camera for someone who prizes style and gimmicky features over performance and control. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33   CNET Asia rating: 7.4 out of 10 The good: Competent automatic mode; minimalist looks; relatively speedy performance; wide-angle lens. The bad: Very average optical zoom; no real option for switching to manual mode. The bottom line: If you really crave a literal point-and-shoot capability in a camera, minus the hassles and flaws that come with most compact cameras, the FX-33 would possibly be your best bet so far. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Nikon Coolpix S51c   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Built-in wireless 802.11b/g; easy-to-use scrollwheel; decent image quality. The bad: Pokey performance; no built-in Internet browser. The bottom line: If Wi-Fi is what you need in a camera, this is it since there isn't much competition. But if you don't want Wi-Fi, the wireless-less S51 might be what you need instead. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Sony Cyber-shot T2   CNET Asia rating: 7.4 out of 10 The good: Peachy design; 4GB built-in memory; optical image stabilizer. The bad: Requires special cable for USB; on-screen controls not terribly clear; Smile Shutter accuracy not spot on. The bottom line: The Cyber-shot T2 may look like a decent performer, but its sibling camera, the T200, will prove to be a stiff rival. Review | See full specs | Rate this