Top 10 cameras of September

Last month's chart showed an interesting trend. The top three point-and-shoots were all wide-angle shooters, while two of them offered a certain amount of exposure control. In fact, half of the list's contenders had either manual functions, aperture/shutter priority features or a minimum of 28mm optics. So are shutterbugs getting more savvy or just buying into the latest gimmickry? That aside, stylish digicams continue to appeal. One of Sony's latest T-series shooters got onto our charts not long after being launched, and we think the other offerings seen at Photokina might soon sneak their way in, too.

Note: Results are based on readership and polls conducted with selected retailers (Alan Photo Trading, Cathay Photo Store and MS Color Service) in Singapore.

	1.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3       CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: High-resolution multi aspect ratio image capture; F2.0 optics; highly customizable modes which can be saved; large sensor delivers impressive image quality. The bad: Unable to capture full-resolution images in 16:9 format; use of lens cap may be an issue to some; bundled RAW image-processing software not up to the job. The bottom line: The LX3 is a good camera with an excellent feature set that positions it way beyond any conventional point-and-shoot on the retail shelves today. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Fujifilm FinePix F100fd   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Ultra-high ISO sensitivity of 12,800; wide dynamic range; intuitive face detection; short shutter lag; 5x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens; good image quality. The bad: Relatively heavy; awkward positioning of flash, easily covered by fingers; lacks full manual control. The bottom line: Despite an awkwardly positioned flash unit, the F100fd didn't disappoint with its enhanced feature set and excellent image quality. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	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
	4.	Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS   CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10 The good: Great image quality; minimal shutter lag; speedy performance; optical image stabilization; face detection; optical viewfinder The bad: No manual exposure controls; slow flash recycle time The bottom line: Canon's IXUS 80 IS adds optical image stabilization to last year's hit IXUS 70, while delivering just as impressive image quality. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Samsung NV24HD   CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens; HD-video recording; stylish design. The bad: 3.6x zoom only; no battery charger supplied; proprietary port for charging and data transfer. The bottom line: The NV24HD is a stunning camera, but the performance is only typical of the usual point-and-shoot. Review | See full specs | Rate this