Top 10 cameras of August

In last month's chart, we saw only minor changes in the camera rankings, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 still in pole position. This came as no surprise because this popular snapper has been number one on our Top 10 list for almost a year. A quick check with various key retailers in Singapore showed that this shooter is currently out of stock.

That aside, our August listing included a variety of snappers ranging from advanced to long-zoom compacts, with slim shooters proving to be a hit among consumers as well. But it's clear that most of these point-and-shoots on the list have wide-angle lenses of at least 28mm, which is probably one of the preferred features among buyers these days.

Note: Results are based on readership and polls conducted with selected retailers (Alan Photo Trading and Cathay Photo Store) 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 F200EXR       CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Good quality images even at high ISO; reliable automatic EXR mode switches between different settings accurately; wide dynamic range. The bad: Boring design; limited manual exposure function; no HD video-recording feature. The bottom line: Despite minor flaws, we were captivated by the incredible image quality from the F200EXR, considering it is just a point-and-shoot. By far one of the best midrange compacts we've tested. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7   CNET Asia rating: 7.4 out of 10 The good: 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom; AVCHD compression lets users record longer clips; fast burst mode; above-average image quality. The bad: No manual exposure control; AVCHD compression produces uncommon file format. The bottom line: The TZ7 is a good long zoom compact camera that frequent travelers should consider if they want decent picture quality. A pity it doesn't offer manual exposure control. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90   CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Small and stylish; nice, consistent images if a little temperamental in studio situations; HD video recording; optical zoom works while filming. The bad: Slippery to hold without wrist strap attached; fingers can obscure the lens if you hold the camera incorrectly; touchscreen is a little fidgety at times; no wide-angle optics. The bottom line: The T90 packs a lot of features into a pretty stylish case. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Canon Digital Ixus 100 IS   CNET Asia rating: 7.2 out of 10 The good: Sleek styling; HD video function; decent image quality and performance. The bad: Lacks wide-angle optics; small form factor may not go down well with users having larger hands. The bottom line: This petite powerhouse is Canon's smallest ever Ixus camera and its stylish looks should resonate with those who want a capable and tiny point-and-shoot. Review | See full specs | Rate this