Examples of SLR-like cameras

Here are some high-value SLR-like cameras:

Kodak P880 (24-140/2.8-4.1 lens). The 24mm widest setting on this lens gives great dramatic wide angles than the standard 35mm widest setting. The sensor records 8 megapixels which are perfect for poster-sized prints.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS (36-430/2.7-3.5 lens; slightly unresponsive). Not that great for wide angle photography yet very good for super telephoto (birds, sports), especially with the built-in image stabilizer.

Panasonic DMC-FZ50 (35-420/2.8-3.7 image-stablized lens).

Sony makes a couple of higher-end SLR-like cameras that have very good lenses, but the $750+ price makes you question whether you wouldn’t be better off buying a real SLR. The latest is the DSC-R1, which has the same APS-C size sensor found in the true digital SLRs.

A larger sensor means exceptional performance in low light (though not as good as the Canon Digital Rebel and Nikon D-series). The DSC-R1 has a 24-120/2.8-4.8 lens that would be an expensive addition to a digital SLR. The R1 rounds out its bid for “best digital camera” with a very responsive processor.