Just in time for summer photo-opportunities, Consumer Reports' Annual Photo Guide has the latest tests and Ratings on 81 cameras from pocket-sized subcompacts to high-end, near-professional models.

The special guide, found in the July issue of Consumer Reports, Ratings of online and in-store photofinishers, advice on inkjet and snapshot printers and printer inks, and tips on how to take great summer pictures.

Digital Cameras

For its latest tests and Ratings of digital cameras, Consumer Reports found that small is bountiful, and big is also booming. And in between those poles are mainstream compact cameras too big to pocket but small enough for most handbags and glove boxes. Among those, too, features such as image stabilizers and manual controls are trickling down from high-end cameras. CR notes that prices typically range from $200 to $400, so these midsized models continue to be fine values. Consumers will find that 5- megapixels or more is the norm for new cameras. A growing number of digital cameras allow for better quality, longer video clips.

Consumer Reports notes that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 ($220) and the Canon PowerShot A520 ($170) are the best values for most people among the cameras tested. Both of these compact cameras had excellent picture quality and battery life in CR's tests. Both have been designated a CR Best Buy.

CR suggests that consumers consider the following when choosing a small and simple camera:

-- Confirm that you want a compact or subcompact camera. These provide superb pictures in most conditions. More serious photography generally demands a more advanced camera than these.

-- Weigh the price of pocketability. The smallest, lightest cameras tend to cost more than compact models and offer fewer advanced features.

-- Flexibility to enlarge images. For anything larger than an 8x10 print, or enlargements of cropped images, photographers will want a 6- to 8-megapixel camera.

-- Battery type and life. CR suggests that it's more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. This allows for the use of economical rechargeable cells that can be easily replaced if they run down in the middle of a day's shooting.

-- The other camera. Many consumers are adding a camera to the lineup or trading up. CR suggests considering a camera that uses the same type of memory card or battery so you can share them between cameras-or use your old ones.

Serious shutterbugs demand a serious camera, one with the versatility and power to readily capture fast action or to create photographic art under the most demanding light conditions. Consumer Reports divides serious cameras into three basic types.

-- Advanced compact cameras for control. They are best for challenging lighting, such as sunsets and low light. They have versatile controls, long zoom, ability to store RAW images, and some are as small as regular compacts. A drawback is that some of these cameras are relatively large and heavy. They range in price from $280 to $840. CR recommends the Kodak EasyShare P880 ($490), the Fujifilm FinePix E900 ($360), and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 ($450); all are good choices for photographers who need more than the basics.

-- Super-zoom cameras for versatility. They are best for travel photography, nature, and sports. They have a very long zoom range with powerful telephoto settings. These cameras tend to be larger, bulkier, and heavier than a compact model. They range in price from $250 to $720. For photographers who want a long zoom range, CR recommends the Canon Power Shot S2 IS ($360), the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 ($355), and the Fujifilm FinePix S5200 ($315), a CR Best Buy.

-- SLR cameras for versatility & power. Best for artistic photography, they have instant startup, minimal shutter lag, interchangeable lenses, large image sensors, allow for fast continuous shooting, store RAW images, and have excellent battery life. These cameras are large, heavy, and expensive. They range in price from $600 to $1,400. CR recommends the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT ($900.)

Photofinishing

Although the do-it-yourself days aren't over for digital photography; home photographers will take more digital images to photofinishers this year than they print themselves. CR's experts point out that using a photofinisher can be cheaper than printing at home. They can also help you avoid paper jams, depleted ink cartridges, and other annoyances. Photofinishers can be a major time saver for large photo batches and they can print on items that would be challenging or impossible on a home printer.

Based on Consumer Reports tests of 12 online services and eight in-store services at retail chains, consumers are more assured of getting high-quality prints online. However, features for sharing and managing images online vary by site. At retail chains, service was speedy, as promised. But testers said other customers could too easily view images on terminal screens. Consumer Reports recommends Kodak EasyShare Gallery (15 cents photo/$2.49 shipping), Target Photo Center (15 cents photo/$2.29 shipping), and Yahoo Photos (15 cents photo/$2.29 shipping) as the best online choices overall. Among the in-store choices Wal- Mart minilabs is the best choice for most people.

The complete Annual Photo Guide which includes Ratings on 100 digital cameras and photofinishers, tips on taking great summer photos, and advice on printers and printer inks is also available on www.ConsumerReports.org. The July 2006 issue of Consumer Reports goes on sale June 6, 2006 wherever magazines are sold.

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