Most Popular Digital Cameras of December 2006

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday. We're getting back in the swing of things and gearing up for the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas where we'll see new cameras from a few manufacturers and get briefed about upcoming cameras. This list of cameras shows you what visitors of DigitalCameraReview.com looked at over the past month. The rankings are determined by the number of times a particular product page is viewed by our users.  The rankings below are from the entire month of December 2006.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S500 continues to be popular on our site, taking over the #2 spot from the Canon Powershot SD800 IS. The Pansonic Lumix DMC-FX50 and Canon Powershot A630 were new additions to the list that pushed out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2.

For additional help while choosing a camera, you can register for our forums and ask as many questions as you want.  If you're looking to buy, the best place to start is our Digital Camera Buying Suggestions forum.  If you need help with your current camera, then we have forums for each brand of camera.       

	1. Canon Powershot SD600 (previously #1) - One of three new Digital ELPHs introduced last February, the SD600 features 6 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and a very nice 2.5 inch LCD.  Online prices right around $200 makes this compact camera a pretty good buy.  Canon Powershot SD600 Reviews | Canon Powershot SD600 User Opinions
	2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S500 (previously #4) - This 6 megapixel budget-oriented camera also features a 3x optical zoom and 2.4 inch LCD. It also has the great battery life and quick operation that Sony cameras are known for. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S500 Reviews | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S500 | User Opinions
	3. Canon Powershot SD800 IS (previously #2) - This 7.1 megapixel update to the Canon SD700 IS features the same image stabilization system and compact form factor. It features a new wider angle lens and new DIGIC III processor. Canon Powershot SD800 IS Reviews | Canon Powershot | SD800 IS User Opinions
	4. Canon Powershot A540 (previously #7) - The Canon Powershot A540 features 6 megapixel resolution, a 4x optical zoom, and 2.5 inch LCD. It's place on the list is attributed to its price (under $200 currently at online retailers). Canon Powershot A540 Reviews | Canon | Powershot A540 User Opinions
	5. Canon Powershot A710 IS (previously #3) - The A710 IS is the first camera in Canon's A series to include optical image stabilization. It shoots at 7.1 megapixels, has a mid-range 6x optical zoom,a 2.5 inch LCD, and manual exposure modes. Canon Powershot A710 IS Reviews | Canon | Powershot | A710 IS User Opinions
	6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 (first time in top 10) - The FX50 is a "slim & sleek" model from Panasonic. It's a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3.6x optical zoom and 3 inch LCD. Since it's a Panasonic, it also features their MEGA O.I.S image stabilization system. The FX50 also features Intelligent ISO Control which allows the cameras to automatically adjust the ISO (sensitivity) of the camera in order to adjust the shutter speed, as needed, depending on subject movement. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 Reviews | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 User Opinions
	7. Canon Digital Rebel XTi (previously #9) - The XTi (also know as the EOS 400D) is Canon's replacement to the almost ubiquitous Canon Digital Rebel. The XTi features 10.1 megapixel resolution, a 2.5 inch, 230K pixel LCD, dust reduction system, and 9 point auto focus system. Also, a relief for some, the XTi still takes CompactFlash media. Canon Digital Rebel | XTi Reviews | Canon | Digital Rebel XTi User | Opinions
	8. Canon Powershot S3 IS (previously #8) - Announced in February, the S3 IS is an update to the S2 IS.  It features a 6 megapixel sensor, 2 inch flip out, rotating LCD, and a 12x stabilized optical zoom.  Canon Powershot S3 IS Reviews | Canon Powershot S3 IS User Opinions
	9. Canon Powershot A630 (first time in top 10) - The 8 megapixel A630 is one of the more advanced cameras in Canon's A series of cameras. The A630 has a 2.5 inch flip-out, rotating LCD and a 4x optical zoom. It also has a full complement of shooting modes, incluing manual exposure modes. The camera is powered by four AA batteries. It's sibling, the A640, takes 10 megapixel images. Canon Powershot A630 Reviews | Canon Powershot A630 User Opinions
	10. Canon Powershot G7 (previously #5) - The G7 is the most advanced non-SLR digital camera that you can get from Canon. It has 10 megapixel resolution, with a 6x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and the new DIGIC III processor. If you need an advanced camera, but don't new RAW support or interchangeable lenses, the G7 is a great option. Canon Powershot | G7 Reviews | Canon Powershot G7 User Opinions

Falling out of the top 10 most popular cameras from the previous month are the:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 (previously #6)
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 (previously #10)

To see our last ranking, see Most Popular Digital Cameras of November 2006.

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