consumer reports buying guide 2013: electronic gadgets
DESCRIPTION
Electronic gadget buying guideTRANSCRIPT
C A M C O R D E R S 15
QuickGuide CAMCORDERS
Camcorders do more than just play back video on a TV. Youcan edit your videos on a computer, e-mail them, or uploadvideo clips to such sites as Facebook or YouTube. Somecamcorders even have 3D capability, GPS, and built-in projectors
Shopping tipElectronic view-finders can helpyou shoot videoin bright lightsituations.
Scan this or see how, page 11
What to look for• An LCD with very goodquality, since most modelsdon't include a viewfinderand you'll need to composeon the display• Long battery life, sincebattery life varies greatly.Also, look for models thatcan be charged via a com-puter's USB port• Although image qualityis the most important factorin our tests, be sure to checkfor audio quality, whichvaries greatly
What to skip• Digital zoom, since thistype of zoom degrades im-age quality
What you'll payFor full-sized HD camcord-ers, you'll spend $300 to$1,500. For pocket camcord-ers, you'll spend $75 to $250.
For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/
I camcorders
Brands model Price Overall score Test results
.a- s .a-2
= s-° =̂ ra= 2 "K a = ~
A HD MODELS
0 100P I F I G IVGl E
Sony HDR-TD20V
Sony HDR-PJ710V
SonyHDR-P1580VE
PanasonicHC-X900MSony HDR-CX580V
Canon VIXIA HFGIO
o 1© ^© 1
© 1
o 1© í
1 ©^ ©1 ©
1 ©
1 ©1 ©
© i© 1© €
© ^
© €© í
1 ©^ ©b ©
^ ©
5 ©
1 ©
© 220© 110
© 120
© 75
© 120
© 113
Page 1 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
16 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 t 3
Brand S model Price Overall score Test results
E
ro *-• ro 4j_ o ro 1^ ro :TZ C: C
o- Q.cr ° o c r - § o - e ^ 2 ^
< 'T=¡ Si ^ ^̂ 'S
! 0 0
F I G I V G l E
in C
A HD MODELS continued
0 70 8
0 100 110 12g 13
~ 15000
16
0 190 20
0 "g 22
0 23
0 240 250 26g 27g 28g 29
Canon VIXIAHFM41
SonyHDR-CX260V
SonyHDR-PJ260V
Sony HDR-XR260V
Canon VIXIAHFM52
Canon VIXIA HF M50
Panasonic HC-V700
Sony HDR-TDIO
)VC Eyerio GS-TDl
Sony NEX-VGIO
Panasonic
HDC-TM900
Panasonic
HDC-HS900
Canon VIXIA HF M31
JVCGC-PXIO
Canon VIXIA
HF M300
PanasonicHDC-TM90Panasonic
HDC-S090
JVCGZ-GXl
Canon VIXIA HFR32
Sony HDR-PJ50V
Panasonic
HC-V500M
Sony HDR-PJ30V
Canon VIXIA HFR30
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair #Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 2 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
C A M C O R D E R S
Brands model Pnce Overall score Test results
-g• S! S
• S sS 5
1 I g i f
0 100
p I F I G i V C l E
A HD MODELS continued30 Sony HDR-CX210
31 Panasonic HC-V500e Oe o e © o o ©
© e 95o o 110
B POCKET MODELS1 Samsung
HMX-W300
2 Panasonic HX-WA2
3 Sony Bloggie LiveHD MH5-T555
eoo
ooo
e io €e 1
1 e5 o^ o
oo•
e©
e
•
o
eee
120
65
125
Guide to the RatingsOveraii score mainly reflects picture quality and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a totalof 100 points. Picture quaiity is based on recorded video images shot in good light at the highestquality setting available. Low-iight picture quaiity is based on recorded video images shot in dimlight at the highest quality setting availabie. Ease of use takes into account ergonomics of the •controls and displays, and user manual readability. Auto focus takes into account speed andaccuracy. Audio quaiity represents accuracy using the built-in microphone, pius freedom fromnoise, image stabiilzer reflects how well the modei reduces the shakes in a scene. Display quaiityrefiects image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast of the LCD. It also includes our judgment of theonscreen informationai displays, the video piayback under bright sunlight, and (if appiicabie) touch-screen usability. Versatility indicates features that increase a camcorder's utility or capabiiities.Stiii camera refers to overall quality of the photo functions of the camcorder, which inciudespicture quality and handiing. Battery iife (min.) is how iong the camcorder can continuouslyrecord images with the LCD viewer in constant use and occasional use of other features such asthe zoom lens. Price is approximate retail.
Page 3 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 4 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , A D V A N C E D 4 3
QuickGuide DIGITAL CAMERAS, ADVANCED
Consumers are placing increasing demands on digitaicameras, and manufacturers are meeting these needsby adding more capabilities.
Shopping tipSLRs have themost features,but they're aisothe heaviest,most expensivecameras.
Scan thi5 or see how, page 11
What to iook for• Wide-angle capability, withsome models able to go aswide as 24 mm• Extended zoom ranges from5x to 42x• An SLR or SLR-like modelwith interchangeable lensesfor the most versatility• Swiveling display for takinghard-to-reach shots• A viewfinder is a plus,though not a necessityFor more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/cameras
What to skip• An extended warranty,because digital cameras havebeen among the most reliableproducts overall in our sub-scriber surveys
What you'ii payFor advanced point-and-shoots, expect to spend $350to $600. For SLR-like cam-eras, expect to spend $450to $1,200. For SLRs, expect tospend $500 to $2,000.
Brands modei Price Overaii score Test resuits
0 100
p I F I G I V G i E
A ADVANCED POINT AND-SHOOT
B 1 Canon PowerShotGl2 $450
Panasonic LumixDMC-FZ150Fujifilm FinePixX-SlFujifiim FinePix XIOFujifiim FinePixHS30EXR
10 15 e © e O e 0 2s-mmm
12 20 e o © © e e 25-6OOinm
12 35 e © o © © © 24-624mm12 14 © O © O © © 28-112mm
16 26 © O O O © O 24-720mm
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood 0Fair •Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 5 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brands model Price I Overall score I Testresuits
S, .a 3 75 oo. .^ = .c;.^ o Si ois .g a y
0 tooP I F I G U G l E
A ADVANCED POINT-AND-SHOOT continued6 Canon PowerShot
GIX7 FujifiimFinePixXlOO 1.2008 Leica D-Lux 59 Panasonic Lumix
DMC-tX510 Samsung TiiOO11 Ricoh GR Digital IV12 OiympusXZ-113 Fujifiim FinePix HSIO14 Panasonic Lumix
OMC-FZIOO15 Fujifilm FinePix
HS2DEXR 300
14 20 © O, © O © © 28-112mm
12 17 © © © O © © 35mm
10 10 © O O O © NA 24-90mm
10 10 © O O O © NA 24-90mm
10 13 © © O O © NA 24-72nim
10 8 © © O O © NA 28mm10 10 © © O O O NA 28-U2mni10 28 © © O O © O 24-720mm
14 20 O O © O © © 25-600mm
16 28 O 6 O O © O 24-720mm
B SLR
0 1 Canon EOS 60D 1,050
0 2 OiympusE-5 1,600
0 3 Nil(OnD7000 1,100
0 4 Canon EOS Rebel T3i 750
0 5 Canon EOS 7D Digital 1,850
0 6 Sony O5tR-A58OL 900
Q 7 Canon EOS Rebel T3 500
Q 8 Canon EOS RebeiT2i 650
B 9 Nii(OnD3100 550
0 10 Pentax K-5 1,350
Q 11 Nii(onD5100 700
Q 12 Pentax K-r 650
Q 13 Sony DSLR-A560L 650
Q 14 Nii(onD5000 650
15 Pentax K-x 77016 SonyDSLR-A38OL 800
18-55mma.6)
14-54mm (2.0)
18-lO5mm(1.5)
18-55mm (1.6)
18-I35mm (1.6)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.6)
18-55mm (1.6)
18-55mni (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
18-55mm (1.5)
Page 6 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , A D V A N C E D 45
Brand S model Pnce Overall score Test results
o 100p I F I G I V G l E
roJ2o
B SLR continued
17 Nikon D3000
18 Olympus E-620
19 Sigma SD15
C SLR-LIKE
10 30 O e NA e O e 18-55mm(1.5)
12 28 o © NA e o .© 14-42mm (2.0)
14 42 O O NA O O © 18-50mm (1.7)
SonySLT-A55VL
Sony SLT-A33L
Panasonic LumixDMC-G2KPanasonic LumixDMC-GH2
Olympus 0M-DE-M5
Nikon 1VI
SonySLT-A65VK
8 SonyNEX-7K
16 27 © © © © © © 18-55mm (1.5)
14 27 e © © © © © 18-55mm (1.5)
12 22 © © © © © © 14-42mm(2.0)
16 23 © © © © o © 14-42mm(2.0)
16 25 © o © © © © 12-5Omm(2.O)
10 19 © NA © © O © lC-30nim (2.7)
24 31 O © © © © © 18-55mma.5)
24 20 © © © © © © 18-55mm (1.5)
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on image quality, the presence of useful features, battery life, andweight. Megapixels is the sensor's pixel count, in millions. Weight (oz.) is with battery and memorycard. Image quality combines several tests, including regular photos, low-light photos, and flashphotos as well as resolution, macro, veiling glare, vignetting, and color and geometric distortiontests. Flash photos tests the quality of the built-in flash's output and evenness of illumination.Video quality mostly reflects footage shot in regular and low light, with audio quality and macro(close-up) capability also considered. Ease of use is our evaluation of the camera's controls,manual, response time, and focusing. LCD quality is a judgment of images viewed under variousconditions. Viewfinder is our evaluation of its quality, including accuracy in displaying the framingof the image that will be recorded. Test lens is the kit lens tested. To calculate its 35-mm-equivalentfocal range, multiply the minimum and maximum shown, respectively, by the magnification factor,if shown (in parentheses). Price is approximate retail.
Page 7 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
46 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 t 3
I Brand S model Price Overall score Test results
0 100P I F I G I V G i E
C SLR-LIKE continued
0 910
1112
13
1415
16
17
18
19
20
2122
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
SonySLT-A77VPanasonic LumixDMC-G3KSamsung NX200
Panasonic LumixDMC-GF2KSonyNEX-3K
Sony NEX-5KPanasonic LumixDMC-GXlXPanasonic LumixDMC-GF3KOiympus PEN LiteE-PL3Olympus PEN E-P3
SonySLT-A57K
Nii(on 1 Jl
SonyNEX-C3KPanasonic LumixDMC-GF3XOiympus PEN E-PL2
Sony NEX-5NK
Samsung NXlOO
Pentax Q
Olympus PEN E-PLl
Pentax K-01
Fujifilm X-Prol
24 36 O ©
16 20 © ©
20 19 e ©
12 18 © ©
14 19 © ©
14 19 © ©
16 16 © O
12 16 © ©12 17 © ©
12 19 © ©
16 31 O ©10 15 © O
16 19 © ©
12 13 © ©
12 18 © ©16 18 © ©14 17 © NA12 U © O12 18 © O16 28 O O16 24 O NA
© © ©
© ©
O ©
© ©
© O
© O
© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©O ©© ©© O
© ©
© O© O9 ©O O© OO O0 O
O NA
© NA
© NA
© NA
© NA
© NA
© NA
© NA
© ©
O NA
© NA
© NA
O NA
© NA
O NA
O NA
9 NA
O NA
© ©
18-55mm (1.5)
14-42nini (2.0)
18-S5mm (1.5)
14-42mm (2.0)
18-55mm(1.5).
18-55mm (1.5)
14-42mm(2.0)
l4-42mm (2.0)
14-42mm (2.0)
14-42mm (2.0)
18-55mm (1.5)
10-30nim (2.7)
l8-55mm(1.5)
14-42nim (2.0)
14-42mm(2.0)
18-55mm (1.5)
2O-5Omiïi (1.5)
5-l5rnm (5.5)
14-42mni(2.0)
18-55mm (1.5)
35mm (1.5)
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©PoorD CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 8 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 9 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , B A S I C 47
QuickGuide DIGITAL CAMERAS, BASIC
Most of the models we tested offer Good or VeryGood overall performance and image quality. Mostget 200 to 350 shots per battery charge and havea 2y2-inch display.
What to look for• A wide-angle end of thezoom range as low as 28 or24mm, for more panoramiclandscapes or group portraits• An LCD that can swivel forhard..to-reach shots• A touch screen for easy inter-action with menus• An optical or electronicviewfinder, which can helpyou compose when brightlight washes out your LCD• A dedicated video button,which lets you quickly record
Brand & model
video when you're shootingstill images
What to skip• Buying a camera solelybased on its megapixel count,since higher resolution doesn'tnecessarily produce betterphotographs
What you'll payFor basic point-and-shoots,expect to spend $80 to $500.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports,org/canieras
Shopping tipLook for a lenswith a lower"widest angle"number tocapture moreof your subjectwithin the frame.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Price Overall score Test results
• Q. m o m ^ 1X1
E
A COMPACT MODELS
_E
•a
0 100p I F I G I V G l E
0 1 Nikon Coolpix P300
0 2 Nikon Coolpix P310
0 3 Canon PowerShot ELPH 510HS
0 4 Nikon Coolpix S8200
B 5 Nikon Coolpix 58100
0 6 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4
B 7 Canon PowerShot SX130 IS
8 Leica V-Lux 209 Canon PowerShot SX230 HS10 Panasonic Lumix DUC-TS3
12.7 e e e O e 24 24016 7 e e o o o 24 23012 7 e o e o e 28 17016 8 e e o o o 25 25012 7 e o e o o 30 21012 7 e o o e o 28 31012 u e e e o o 28 13012 8 e e o o o 25 30012 8 o o e o o 28 21012 7 o e e o o 28 310
Page 10 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
48 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model Pnce Overaii score Test results
B a:
ES
1 F
100I G I V G l E
. a S - S o 7 5 . Z ' S E 2C 1 . . W = 3 J I : = 3 o = ' — ' ' S
IfIlllsfi^ ̂ " s ¡
A COMPACT MODELS continued
11 Canon PowerShot DIO
12 Canon PüwerShotSX210 IS
13 Canon PowerShot SX150 IS
14 Fujifiim FinePix F80EXR
15 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V
16 Oiympus Tough TG-820
17 Pentax Optio WG-2
18 Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS
19 Pentax Optio I-IO
20 Oiympus Tough TG-620
21 Canon PowerShot A1300
22 Fujifiim FinePix Reai 30 W3
23 Pentax Optio RZIO
24 Fujifiim FinePix XPIOO
25 Fujifilm FinePix XP150
26 Fujifiim FinePix XP50
27 Canon PowerShot A800
28 Canon PowerShot A495
29 Oiympus TG-810
30 Oiympus Stylus Tough-8010
31 Kodai(EasyShareC142
32 nii(on Coolpix S30
33 Kodai(EasyShareC195
34 Kodak EasyShare Spor t C123
12 8 ©14 8 o14 11 ©12 7 ©16 7 O
7 O7 O8 O6 O6 O79
12161612121610141414141010141410101412
O©
© 0 0 0O © O OO © O O0000©©00000000000000000000000000
6 O7 O7 O6 O7 O7 O8 O8 0
6 O8 O7 07 0
© 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 0© 0 0 0O • 0 0O • O 0O 0 O •© • 0 •
35 22028 26028 11027 23025 30028 NA
28 260
28 260
28 250
28 NA
28 220
35 150
28 260
28 300
28 300
28 220
37 300
37 150
28 NA
28 NA
34 200
29 240
33 180
35 250
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS
0 1 Nikon Coolpix SlOO
0 2 Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS
0 3 Canon PowerShot S9S
16 5 © O © O O 28 150
12 5 © e O O © 28 210
10 7 e © © O © 28 200
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood 0Fair •Poor
D CR Best Buy These models offer'the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
bd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 11 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Brands model Price Overall score Testresuits
-5 7Î .S- o .£• S .S- -g. í s S 7 5 o 7 5 ¿ 7 5 ECL4 . - = . £ = = ^ ^ " - 'ro . d c r Cl. O" j j j O" OJ5? .2? eu -C o ¡il Q "ôb
•SíI F
100
G I V G l E
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued
0 4 Nikon CoolPixAWlOO
0 5 Canon PowerShot ELPH110 HS[71 6 Canon PowerSbot SD4000 IS
ELPH
0 7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1
0 8 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZl
0 9 Nikon Cooipix S8000
0 10 Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS
0 11 Panasonic Lumix 0MC-FH8
0 12 Nikon Cooipix S1200pj
13 Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS
14 SonyCvber-shotDSC-TX9
15 SonyCyber-shotDSC-WXlO
16 Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS
17 Nikon Cooipix S6300
18 Canon PowerShot SD140013 ELPH
19 Canon PowerShot SlOO
20 Panasonic Lumix DUC-FH2721 Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS
ELPH
22 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
23 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3
24 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TSIO
25 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78
26 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5
27 Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS
28 Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS
29 Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
30 Nikon Cooipix S80
31 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TXIOOV
32 Sony Cyber-shot OSC-TX55
33 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50
16
16
10
12
16
14
12
16
14
12
12
16
16
16
14
12
16
10
12
14
14
12
16
12
10
10
14
16
16
16
7 © o o
5 © o ©
6 © © ©
7 © O e
5 © © o
6 © e ©
5 © © ©
4 © o ©
7 © o o
7 © o ©5 © o ©6 © © ©56
5
7
6
© e ©© © oo © ©© o ©© © o
7 © © ©
5 © o ©5 o o ©6 © © o5 © o a4 © o o
6 © o o6 o o o
© ©4 © o ©4 © o ©
© oo ©o ©o o© oo oo o© oo oo ©o oo oo ©o oo oo ©o ©o oo oo oo ©o oo oo oo oo oo oo ©o oo o
28 250
24 170
28 250
25 200
25 250
30 210
24 220
24 260
28 220
24 180
25 230
24 360
24 170
25 230
28 230
24 200
28 250
36 150
24 200
35 300
35 300
24 200
28 260
28 230
28 190
28 190
35 150
25 220
26 250
25 240
Page 12 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
50 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model Price Overaii score Test results
S S• a
P I F
100G IVGl E
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
Canon PowerShot A4000 IS
Canon PowerShot A2400 IS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2
5ony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
Samsung DV300F
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20
Nikon Coolpix S5100
Nikon Coolpix SUOOpj
Nikon Coolpix S4300
Canon PowerShot A33OO IS
Fujifilm FinePixT400Samsung WB210
Samsung UV800
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7
Fujifilm FinePixZ900EXR
Samsung ST95
Nikon Coolpix S6200
Canon PowerShot A23OO
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55
Nikon Coolpix S3300
Samsung PL90 .^^_
Samsung PL20
Samsung TL350 flBBSamsung PL120
Samsung ST200F
Panasonic Lumix DMC-Sl
Olympus VR-340
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FPl
Pentax Optio WG-l
$170
140
90
250
170
150
155
150
150
160
160
180
280
235
200
150
230
100
160
120
100
100
[ 240115
200
85
^ 130
120
220
16
16
14
12
16
16
12
14
16
16
16
14
16
10
16
16
16
16
14
16
12
14
10
14
16
12
16
12
14
5 O O5 O O4 e O5 © O5 © O5 O O5 © O6 © O5 © ©5 e ©6 © O7 O ©5 © O5 O O5 © O5 © ©6 O ©4 O O7 O ©
© O© ©© OO o
4 o ©6 O O4 © o6 © O5 O O6 O O
O O OO O Oo o Öo o oo o oQ © o© o o© o o© o oo o ©o o oo o oo o oo o ©o o ©o o ©© o oo o oo o o© o ©© o o© o o© o oo o oo o o© o ©o o oo © ©o o o
28 175
28 190
28 270
24 230
25 NA
25 250
28 200
28 220
26 180
28 230
28 160
24 NA
26 NA
25 230
28 220
26 NA
25 250
28 210
25 310
26 210
28 NA
27 NA
24 NA
26 NA
27 NA
28 240
24 NA
35 300
28 260
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair »Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 13 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , B A S I C 51
Brand & model Pnce Overali score Test resuits
P I F
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued
pixe
l
100VGl E
14
10
16
14
16
14
14
16
14
12
16
12
16
12
14
14
14
16
14
10
12
14
14
16
14
12
14
16
16
14
14
14
S.£=DO
i
6
5
5
5
5
4
5
6
6
6
5
7
4
5
4
5
5
6
6
6
6
5
7
5
4
4
4
4
7
4
5
6
na=3CT
^
poo©©
ooooooooo©
oooooaooooaoo©©©0
-2
JC=
POO©©
ooo©©
o©ooo©©
oo©
o©ao©
ooo©
oo©
razsO"o
¡de
oo©©
o©
o©
o©©©©
©
ooooo•©©oo©©
o©
ooo
of US
tu
iS
oooo©
oooooooo©©
oooooooooooo©
ooo©
lual
it
o
o©©
o©©
oooooooooo©©©©©©©
oo©©
o©©©©
O)•a.ro
lest
s
28
25
35
28
25
28
28
28
27
28
25
37
25
28
26
26
26
28
34
35
35
28
37
26
26
27
26
25
25
28
35
28
1—S
260
250
240
NA
180
250
280
220
NA
200
250
240
NA
210
250
NA
NA
190
230
230
170
160
220
NA
NA
NA
NA
220
290
180
NA
200
63 Pentax Optio WG-l GPS
64 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5
65 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7
66 Olympus Stylus 7040
67 Fujifilm FinePix 1Z25O
68 Panasonic Lumix DUC-S3
69 Canon PowerShot A22OO
70 Canon PowerShot A810
71 Samsung PL210
72 Nikon Cooiplx S70
73 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
74 Nikon Coolpix L22 ; .
75 Samsung ST66 "^«ííBS
76 Pentax Optio H90
77 Sony Cyber-sbot OSC-W610
78 Olympus Stylus 5010
79 Samsung SHIOO
80 Canon PowerShot A3400 IS
81 Sony Cyber-sbot DSC-W370
82 Canon PowerShot A3000 IS
83 Fujifilm FinePix Z800EXR .
84 GE E1486TW _
85 Nikon Coolpix L24
86 Samsung PL170
87 Samsung ST90
88 Olympus VG-110
89 Oiympus VG-160
90 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570
91 SonyCvber-ShotDSC-H70
92 Pentax Optio SI
93 Samsung ST80
94 Kodak EasyShare M580
Page 14 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
5 2 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model Price lOverall score I Test results
"S ' - ' á ' - S S ' S - S ' E
0 100. P I F I G I V G l E
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued
' 9596
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109110111112113114115116117U8119120121122123
RatingsD CR
Fujifi im FinePix T300
Sony Cyber-sbot DSC-W53O
Nikon Coolpix 54000
Fujifi lm FinePix Z700EXR
Pentax Optio RSlOOO
Fujifi lm FinePix JZ500
Samsung ES80
Sony Cyber-Sbot DSC-TXIO
Fujifi lm FinePix JX500
Samsung ST65
Fujifi lm FinePix JX25O
Canon PowerShot A1200
Olympus Tough TG-320
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690
Nikon Coolpix 53100
Olympus Stylus Tough-6020
Sony Cyber-shot 0SC-W650
Fujifi lm FinePix JX300
Sony Cyber-shot OSC-TUO
Sony Cyber-sbot DSC-W510
Fujifi im FinePix Z70
GEJ125O
GE E1410SW
Kodak EasyShare Touch M577
Kodak EasyShare M575
GE J1470S
Oiympus TG-31Ó
Kodak EasyShare M53O
Fujifi lm FinePix XP30
Key ©Excellent eVery good
$150 UMÊÊ
120 E S H l100 E^BB130 EnB85 E^H
200 E a ^
300 E ^ H100 E Z H100 EIBB130 EIl^l80 E IH I130 Ean
140 ESIB180 E^^l120 E3BÍ100 EEBB200 BBB90 UMÊ80 E!BBno E3H150 E9B120 EEHI150 EliBi100 E3B140 E^B80 ES i150 EIBi
OGood ©Fair ©Poor
14
14
12
12
14
14
12
16
14
14
14
12
14
16
14
14
16
14
16
12
12
12
14
14
14
14
14
12
14
6
4
5
6
5
6
5
5
4
4
5
7
5
5
4
6
4
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
55
6
OOOoooaoooooooooooooooooooooo
Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price
bd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
ooaoa©aooaooooaaoooaoooaoaeoo
©©O•
o©©aoo©©oo©©o©o•o©o©©
•
©
•
o©oooooooooo©oo©oo©oo©o©©o©©©
©©©o©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©o©©©©©©©©©
28
26
27
35
28
28
27
25
26
27
28
28
28
25
26
28
25
28
25
26
36
35
28
28
2833
28
36
28
All are recommendet
180
250
190
170
210
230
NA
250
170
NA
180
200
NA
220
220
NA
220
180
230
220
165
190
150
200
220
300
NA
200
200
).
Page 15 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , B A S I C 53
Brand S modei Price Overall score Test results
E^ 7 o Eo = > • — '
0 100P i F I G I V G l E
B SUBCOMPACT MODELS continued
124 GEG5WP $160
125 Oiympus Stylus Tough-3000 200
126 GEE1450W 90
127 GEA1456W 80
128 Kodak EasyShare Mini M200 70
129 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 80
130 Fujifiim FinePix XPIO 160
131 Fujifilm FinePix Z90 100
132 Olympus TlOO 110
133 RicoilPX 180
134 Kodak EasyShare Touch M5370 140 WM
135 Kodak EasyShareJS9^ 90 B B
C SUPERZOOiUI MODELS
12
12
14
14
10
12
12
14
12
16
16
14
5 O
6 ©
5 O
0 0
© 0
0 0
0 •
0 0
0 0
O 0
O 0
0 0
6 O 0 •
O O
O 0
O •
0 •
0 0
0 0
0 •
38 180
28 NA
28 220
28 120
29 200
35 170
36 165
28 220
36 NA
28 300
28 200
35 195
Q 1 Nikon Coolpix S9100
2 Nikon Coolpix L120
3 Oiympus SZ-31MRÍHS
4 Fujif i im FinePix F550EXR
5 Panasonic Lumix 0MC-ZS20
6 Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
7 Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
8 Sony Cyber-shot 0SC'HX9V
9 Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
U Nikon Cooipix LUO
12 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15
13 Nikon Coolpix PlOO
14 Fujif i im FinePix F770EXR
15 Samsung WB850F
16 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
17 Olympus SZ-30I1/IR
12 8
14 17
16 9
16 8
14 7
12 8
12 8
16 9
12 23
12 18
12 18
12 7
10 18
16 8
16 9
18 9
16 8
© © ©
© © O
© © O
© © O^
© © O
© © O
© © O
© © ©
© O ©
O © ©
© © O
© O O
© © ©
© O O
© O O
© O ©
© © O
O O
O ©
© O
o ©© o© ©
© ©
o ©o o© ©
o o© oo ©© oo oo oo o
25 270
25 330
25 NA
24 300
24 260
25 230
25 230
24 300
24 380
25 400
28 270
24 260
26 NA
25 300
23 200
25 320
25 NA
Page 16 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
54 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & modei Price Overall score Testresuits
^ "m ^
OD xJ QJ rO i_j C í =ro ^ -C3 LLJ _J fT3 —~E " - > i i £•
0P I F I G IVGl E
C SUPERZOOM MODELS continued
Q 18 Panasonic Lumix 0MC-ZS8
0 19 Leica V-Lux 30
B 20 Panasonic Lumix OMC-ZSIO0 21 Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
22 Fujifiim Finepix F600EXR
23 Oiympus SP-620UZ
24 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HXIOV
25 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
• 26 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HXIOOV
27 Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR
28 Nikon Cooipix P510
29 Fujifilm FinePix S4200
30 Fujifiim FinePix SL300
31 Kodak EasyShare Max Z990
32 Oiympus SZ-1033 Nikon Cooipix S930034 Samsung WB70035 Fujifilm FinePix S450036 Samsung WB150F37 Nikon Cooipix P50038 Oiympus SP-800UZ39 Fujifiim FinePix S295040 Fujifiim FinePix F300EXR41 Oiympus SP-810UZ42 Nikon Cooipix L81043 GEX5
44 Pentax Optio RZ1845 Fujifilm FinePix S400046 Pentax Optio VS2047 Samsung WB75O48 Fujifiim FinePix S2800HD49 GEX500
14 7
14 8
14 8
14 23
16 8
16 17
18 8
18 22
16 21
16 8
16 21
14 21
14 20
12 22
14 8
16 8
14 8
14 21
14 7
12 19
14 16
14 17
12 8
14 16
16 17
14 17
16 7
14 21
16 9
13 8
14 17
16 17
© O O © O© O © O O
© O © O Oo © © o o© o o o ©© © o o o© o © o o© o © o ©o © © o o© o o e o© © o o o© © © o o© © © o o'© © o o o© a o o o© o © o oa a © o oa a © o ©a o o o oo a o o o© © ©© © ©a o •
o oo oo o
a a o ©a a © oe e 9 9o o o oa a © oa a o oo o © oo a © o
• © ©
24 340
24 NA
24 260
24 370
24 300
25 NA
24 340
27 450
27 NA
24 300
24 240
24 300
24 300
28 NA
28 NA
25 200
24 NA
24 300
24 NA
23 NA
28 NA
28 300
24 250
24 NA
23 300
27 300
25 240
24 300
28 200
24 NA
28 300
27 300
Page 17 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , B A S I C 55
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on ¡mage quality, ease of use, and versatility, plus LCD, flash,and video quality. Megapixels is the number of pixels, in millions, on the sensor. Weight (oz.)is with battery, memory card, and strap. Image guality combines several tests, including regularphotos, low-light photos, and flash photos as well as color tests, among others. Flash photostests the guality of the built-in flash's light outp'ut and evenness of illumination. Video gualitymostly reflects footage shot in regular and low light, with audio quality and macro (close-up)capability also considered. Ease of use is our evaluation of the camera's controls, manual,response time, and focusing. LCD quality is a judgment of images viewed under various lightingconditions. For widest angle (mm), the lower the number, the broader the vista the cameracan capture. Battery life (shots) is as the manufacturer states. Price is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
DIGITAL CAiVIERAS
Panasonic
Canon ̂ ^ | E !Samsung I B B Q
Nikon ^ ^ ^ BFujifilm • | | m ^ H |
Kodak b a g g i ÉOlympus ^ ^ I ^ ^ M
Pentax • • • «Casio • • • • ESony
Canon
Nikon
4
4
50% 10% 15%
I POINT-AND-SHOOTS
SLRs
Most cameras are very reliable, and fewdifferences exist among brands. That's whatwe found when we asked more than 146,000readers who bought a digital camera between2007 and 2011 about their experiences. Thegraph shows the percentage of, models foreach brand that were repaired or had a seriousproblem. Differences of fewer than 3 pointsaren't meaningful, and we've adjusted thedata to eliminate differences linked solely tothe age of the camera. We lacked sufficientdata to include Pentax and Olympus SLR cam-eras, but they do not appear to have reliabilityproblems. Models within a brand can vary, anddesign or manufacture changes might affectfuture reliability. Still, choosing a brand witha good repair history can improve your oddsof getting a reliable model.
Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Page 18 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 19 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
6 6 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
QuickGuide E-BOOK READERS
Light weight, long battery life, and crisp type make e-bookreaders the best device for reading e-books.
What to iooi( for• A 6-inch screen, for the bestbalance of screen size andportability for most people
• Touch capability to helpyou easily select content andturn the pages
What to si<ip• 3G access to the Internet;while that offers the mostflexibility for obtaining newcontent, models with Wi-Fi-
Brand & model
only access suit most users
and generally cost less
• Color capability. For the
most part, you're better off
buying a tablet to get this
What you'ii payPrices typically range from
$140 to $400, though some
models cost $100 or so.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/ebooks
Price Overali score Testresults
= s ffl
Shopping tipSome e-readersallow you toborrow e-booksfrom publiclibraries.
Scan this or see how. paqe 11
0 100P I F I G IVGl E
A 5-iNCH OR SMALLER DISPLAY1 Sony Reader Pocket Edition
PRS-3505C2 Aiuratei( LIBRE eBook
Reader Pro3 EctacojetBookmini 120
B 6-TO 7-INCH DISPLAY
9 O
e •9 9
© © e
© o e
2 weeks
24 hrs. continuous/30 days standby
O 9 90 hours
1 Barnes &Nobie NookSimpie Touch with GlowLight
2 Barnes & Noble NookSimpie Touch Reader
3 Amazon Kindle Keyboard 3G 1904 Amazon Kindie Keyboard 3G
with Special Offers
5 Barnes SNobie Nook Color 170
Amazon Kindle Keyboard
60 days/30 withGlowLight
60 days
60 days
e 60 days
© Up to 8 hours
© 60 daysPage 20 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
E - B O O K R E A D E R S 67
Brand & model Price Overall score Test results
S S IS.
0p 1 F I G I V G l E
B 6- TO 7-INCH DISPLAY continued
$70n 7 Amazon Kindle WithSpecial Offers
Q 8 Amazon Kindle WIthoufSpecial Offers
B 9 Kobo eReader Touch Edition 100[ • ] 10 Amazon Kindle Touch 3G'—' With Special Offers[ • ] 11 Amazon Kindle Touch 3G
Without Special Offers 13Q 12 Amazon Kindle Touch
With Special Offers EI[ 7 | 13 Amazon Kindle Touch
Without Special Offers El
0 14 Kobo Vox eReader El
0 15 Sony Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-Tl)
16 BeBook Neo
17 Bookeen Cybook Orizon18 Aluratek LIBRE Touch
(AEBK08FB)19 Pandigital Novel
(PR007T10WWH7)20 Pandigital Novel
(PRD07T20WBL1)21 Aluratek LIBRE Color eBook
Reader(AEBK07FS)22 Kobo Wireless eReader
C 8-INCH OR LARGER DISPLAY
30 days
30 days
30 days
60 days
60 days
60 days
60 days
7 hours
> 30 days
a 4,000 pg. furns
a 21 days
a 8-10 hours
6hrs
6hrs
6 hours
10 days
1 Amazon Kindle OX (3rd Gen) 380
2 EctacojetBook Color 500
O a O © a 2-3 weeksO O a O a © 10,000 pg. turns
El Discontinued
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mostly on test results. Readabillty reflects text in various ligfiting conditions.Versatility signifies convenience. Responsiveness reflects speed to turn on, resume from sleep, openan e-book, and transfer an e-book from a computer via USB. Page turn measures how guickly ane-reader can turn to the next page of an e-book. Navigation includes the ability to rotate the screen,bookmark a page, and search for an e-book through an online bookstore. File support scores compat-ibility with typical e-book and file formats. Claimed battery life is as stated by the manufacturer. Touchscreen displays respond to light contact with a stylus, finger, or either. Price Is approximate retail.
Page 21 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 22 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
P R I N T E R S , A L L - I N - O N E 91
QuickGuide PRINTERS, ALL-IN-ONE
if ail you do is print, you can save money and space bypurchasing a dedicated printer. But if you want to copy orscan, or even fax, it's worth investigating an all-in-one.
What to iook for• If you don't need to print incolor or scan color photos, anall-in-one laser for superiorquality, faster print speed,and a lower cost per page• An all-in-one inkjet, if youwant color printing and amodel that excels at printingyour photos• A built-in duplexer to printon both sides of the page
What to skip• High ink- or toner-cartridge
costs, which can make abargain-priced printer a baddeal in the long run• An inkjet with a single colorcartridge, because separatecolor cartridges may be moreeconomical, depending onyour photos
What you'ii payAll-in-ones are actually gettingless expensive and more ver-satile. Inkjets cost $60 and up.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/printers
Shopping tipIf you're printingphotos, a memorycard readeror PictBridgecompatibility canbe helpful.
Scan this or see how, page It
Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits
o. o
o 100p I F I G I V C l E
O o
I so Q.
O
S
A BLACK AND WHITE LASER K/IODELS1 Samsung
SCX-3405FW2 Canon imageCLASS
MF5950dw
3 Dell 2355dn
4 Brother M FC-7360N
s HP LaserJet Pro
MI212nf
6 BrotherMFC-7460DN
7 HP LaserJet ProMl2l7nfw
Page 23 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
92 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Overallscore Testresults
fi3 '.S
cr 3O
0 100p I F I G I V G l E -
A BLACK AND WHITE LASER MODELS continued
8 Brother DCP-7060D $1609 Brother
MFC-7860DW10 Canon imageCLASS
MF3010U OKÍMB46012 Panasonic
KX-MB203O13 Panasonic
KX-MB2000
B COLOR LASER MODELS
©
E, W
E
E
E
Dell2155cnBrotherMFC-9970CDWHP LaserJet ProCM1415fnwDell 1355cnDell I355cnwHP LaserJet ProM275nw
C INKJET MODELS
1 Canon PixmaMG8220
2 LexmarkOfficeEdge Pro 4000
3 Canon PixmaMG6120
4 Lexmark Pro 9J5
5 HP PhotoSmart 75106 HP OfficeJet Pro
8600 Plus
11.4
5.9
11.2
12.4
9.2
5.3
e©
©©©©©©©©
o©©
©o©© ©
© © © ©© © © o
© © © © • © © ©
E,W
E,W
È,W
E,W
W
E,W
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©PoorQ CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.E Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 24 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
P R I N T E R S , A L L - I N - O N E 9 3
Brand S model Pnce Overall score Test resuits
m ro ra '>= = = S
a"g
100 ™F I G I V C I E -
C II«!KJET MODELS continued0 7 BrotiierMFC-J825DW $100
fTI 8 Brother
MFC-J69100W
0 9 Lexmarif Pro 715
0 10 HP PhotoSmart 6510
r 7 | 11 Canon PixmaMG6220
0 12 BrotherMFC-J5910DW
0 13 HP PhotoSmart 5510
0 14 Canon PixmaMX892
0 15 Canon Pixma MX51216 Lexmari< Genesis
S815
17 Epson Artisan 725
18 HP OfficeJet 6600
19 Brother MFC-J6250W
20 HP OfficeJet Pro8600
21 HP OfficeJet 7500A
22 Canon PixmaMX882
23 HP PhotoSmart 5515
24 Epson WorkforcePrüWP-4540
25 EpsonWori<force 845
26 Lexmari(Interpret S405
27 EpsonWorkforce 635
28 Lexmari(Intuition S505
29 Kodait HERO 9.1
30 Epson Artisan 837
© O © O a O
© o © ö a o
a a a © © oo e e e e e
eee© o a o a o
E,W
E.W
E,W
W
E,W
E.W
W
E,W
E,W
W
E,W
W
W
E.W
E,W
E,W
W
E,W
E,W
W
E,W
W
E,W
E,W
Page 25 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
94 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S modei Price Overaii score Testresuits
P I F
100 _2
G IVGI E -
vO CD
t:r t r t x - • +^ ^
I I I I '̂ §
ii^lKJET MODELS continued
31 KodakESP Office 2170
32 Canon PixmaMX432
33 Canon PixmaMG532O
34 Kodak HERO 7.1
35 Epson Artisan'730 100
36 Kodak HERO 5.1 130
37 Epson WorkforceWF-7510
38 DeiiV725W39 Epson Artisan 835
40 LexmarkInteract S605
41 HP OfficeJet 6700Premium
42 Kodak OFFICEHERO 6.1
4 3 Canon PixmaMX420
44 Canon PixmaMG4120
45 Canon Pixma
MG3120
46 Canon Pixma MX372
47 Canon PixmaMP280
48 Canon PixmaMP495
49 Canon PixmaMG2120
50 HP Envy UO
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair 9POOI
D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 26 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
P R I N T E R S , A L L - I N - O N E 95
Brand S model Pnce Overall score Testresuits
0 100 JP I F I G I V G l E -
C INKJET MODELS continued51 Brother
IVIFC-J6510DW5 2 Brother IVIFC-J430W53 Epson
Workforce 435
54 Kodak HERO 3.1
55 Epson Stylus NX430
56 HP Deskjet 3050
57 Brother MFC-J220
58 Epson Stylus NX420
7.9
7.3
1C.6
8.6
10.5
12.6
11.1
12
© o o o a© © © © ©
a e
e e
e aa a9 aa o
© O6 9 • ©
o a9 aa aa aa oa aa ao a
o ao ©e eo a© ©e mo © •© Ô NA W
• E,W
• W
• w
w
. ww
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on speed and quality of print, scan, and copy functions, plus ease of use.The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Ink and paper/month is estimated cost (indollars) for ink and photo paper in a month of typical use, based on our tests and how our readerstold us they print. For inkjets: 23 text pages, 9 graphics pages, 2.4 large photos, 3.6 small photos,and 3.5 photos on plain paper. For lasers: 62 text pages, 24 graphics pages, 1.7 large photos, 1.9small photos, and 2.3 photos on plain paper. Photos cost the most, text documents the least, soyour results may vary from these figures, but they are useful for comparing models. Photoquality reflects a photo's appearance. The 4x6 photo time score reflects how quickly the modelcan print one 4x6 photo on photo-quality paper. One minute or less is excellent; 1 to 2 minutes isvery good; 2 to 4 minutes is good; 4 to 6 minutes is fair; and longer than 6 minutes is poor. The8x10 photo time score reflects how quickly the model can print one 8x10 photo on photo-qualitypaper. Two minutes or less is excellent; 2 to 4 minutes is very good; 4 to 6 minutes is good; 6 to 8minutes is fair; and longer than 8 minutes is poor. Text quality assesses clarity and crispness ofblack text. Text speed score reflects how quickly the model can print text on five pages of plain, ,letter-sized pages. Thirty seconds or less is excellent; 31 to 60 seconds is very good; 61 to 90 sec-onds is good; 91 to 120 seconds is fair; and longer than 120 seconds is poor. Graphics quality as-sesses the appearance of color graphics produced by the printer. Black and white lasers were iudgedon black and white graphics. Scan quality is for color photos, graphics, and text scanned at eachmodel's default settings. Copy quality is for graphics and text. Power savinq indicates how wellthe printer conserves power between uses. For networking, E indicates the model can networkusing wired Ethernet; W indicates wireless capability. Price is approximate retail.
Page 27 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 28 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
96 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
QuickGuide PRINTERS, REGULAR
Ini^jet and laser printers have become moreaffordable and increasingly full featured.
Shopping tipA printer withan EnergyStar label willconsume verylittle power whennot printing.
Scan this or see how, page 11
What to iooit for• A iaser printer, if you wantfast, low-cost, top-qualityblack-and-white text• An inkjet, if you want themost versatile printer. Youcan print color photos andgraphics, as well as text• Features such as a memory-card reader, PictBridge sup-port, or a wireless interface,if you want to print photoswithout a computer
What to skip• Color laser printers, which
are more costly than theirmonochrome counterpartsand unsuited for photos• Snapshot printers, mostof which didn't provide thephoto quality of the best reg-ular Inkjets in our tests
What you'll payColor inkjets can cost as lit-tle as $50, and monochromelaser printers less than $80.For rnore buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/printers
Brands model Price Overallscore Testresults
:§ E e :^ s s .EOJ .-tí
o ox: szCL CL
r: î<
QJ oí)
£ ¿5•a t;
y s s
0 100p I F I G I V G l E
A BLACK AND WHITE LASER MODELS
HP taseijet ProPlóOódnHP Laserjet ProPU02WSamsungMt-2955DWBrotiierHL-5370DW
Lexmark E260dnHP LaserjetP2O55dnBrother
HL-2270DW 150
NA E
NA W
E,W
NA E.W
NA E
NA E
E,W
Page 29 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
P R I N T E R S , R E G U L A R 9 7
Brands model Price Overallscore Testresults
— H E
3 g
re ¿
•Q- o- ^ " ^ IP
s '5 ~ gÏ *2 •? S — •§
100
P I F I G IVGI E -
A BLACK AND WHITE LASER MODELS continued
8 SamsungML-2165W
9 DelllBOn
10 0KIB411dn
11 SamsungML-3712DW
12 Dell235Odn
B COLOR LASER MODELS
5.6
5.5
3.1
2.3
3.5
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA ©
NA ©
NA ©
NA ©
NA ©
© O
© O
© O
© O
© ©
©
aa©
a
NA
NA
NA
W
E
E
E,W
E
1 Dell 1250c
2 Lexmark C540n
3 HP Laserjet ProCPlO25nw
4 BrotherHL-4570CDW
5 BrotherHL-3040CN
6 OKI C330dn
7 Konica MinoltaMagicolor 1600W
8 BrotherHL-3075CW
9 SamsungCLP-325W
C INKJET MODELS
250
200
13.3 a NA © a a © a
7 o NA © © © © o
11.3 o m ^ ^ e ^ e
6 © © © © © © ©
10.5 © NA © © © a o
10.5 © NA © © © a o
8.5 o NA © © © a o
9.3 # © © © © a a
11.1 © © © © © © a
3Z]
Z]ElZl
1
2
3
4
5
Epson WorkforceProWP-4010Epson StylusR2000
HP OfficeJet 6100
HP OfficeJet 6000WirelessCanon PixmaPro9OOO Mark II
7.7 © © © a © a ©
10.7 m m e e • e e
6.2 a © a a © e ©
11.8 © © © a o
E
E,W
E,W
E,W
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
Lid Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 30 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
98 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brands modei Price Overall score Test resuits
•E ra
^ s s s -a^ O CL Q. ¿J
rö •= s, O
S 'S S
I F I G I V G l E -
C INKJET MODELS continued6 Canon Pixma
ÍX65207 HP OfficeJet Pro
81008 Canon Pixma
ÍP49209 Canon Pixma
ÍP2702
10 Epson Artisan 50
U HP Deskjet 3000
12 HP OfficeJet 100Mobile
13 Epson Artisan 1430
14 EpsonWorkForce 30
15 EpsonWorl(force 60
16 Epson StylusPfioto R2880
120
600
11.7 e ^ ^ e e
5 O a © a ©
11.8 a © © o ©
10.7 e e e e e
13.4 © o © o o
12.9 © a o o a
11.2 a o o © ©11.1 o o a o ©11.8 o o o a ©
8.6 o o o o ©
9.7 © o © © •
o ©
o ©
a ©© ©
© ©
a ©
a ©
a ©
E,W
• w
• i '¡• E.W '
i• ' j 'ri
-3 r
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on speed and text/photo guality. The displayed score is out of atotal of 100 points. Ink and paper/month is estimated cost (in dollars) for ink and photo paperin a month of typical use. For inkjets: 23 text pages, 9 graphics pages, 2.4 large photos, 3.5 smallphotos, and 3.5 photos on plain paper. For lasers: 62 text pages, 24 graphics pages, 1.7 largephotos, 1.9 small photos, and 2.3 photos on plain paper. Photo quality reflects a photo's appear-ance. The 4x6 photo time score reflects how quickly the model can print one 4x6 photo onphoto-quality paper. One minute or less is excellent; 1 to 2 minutes is very good; 2 to 4 minutesis good; 4 to 6 minutes is fair; and longer than 6 minutes is poor. The 8x10 photo time scorereflects how guickly the model can print one 8x10 photo on photo-guaiity paper. Two minutes orless is excellent; 2 to 4 minutes is very good; 4 to 6 minutes is good; 6 to 8 minutes is fair; andlonger than 8 minutes is poor. Text quality assesses clarity and crispness of black text. Textspeed score reflects how quickly the model can print text on five pages of plain, letter-sizedpages. Thirty seconds or less is excellent; 31 to 60 seconds is very good; 61 to 90 seconds isgood; 91 to 120 seconds is fair; and longer than 120 seconds is poor. Graphics quality assessesthe appearance of color graphics produced by the printer-or black and white graphics for blackand white lasers. Power saving indicates how well the printer conserves power between uses.For networking, E indicates the model can network using wired Ethernet; W indicates wirelesscapability. Price is approximate retail.
Page 31 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 32 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
S M A R T P H O N E S
QuickGuide SMART PHONES
Smart phones are getting smarter every day. They're not only greatfor texting, e-mail, anci social networking, but they can also playmusic, shoot photos and video, and direct you via GPS navigation.
Shopping tipMake sureyou can readthe phone'sdisplay Inbright sunlight,especially fortexting and Websurfing.
Scan this or see how. page 11
What to looK for• The phone's operating sys-tem, which dictates its fea-tures and capabilities• How many apps are avail-able and what they cost• The keyboard—phones withvirtual keyboards tend to beless bulky than models withphysical keyboards, but it'seasier to type on a physicalkeyboard without looking
What to skip• Phone insurance and ex-tended warranties, which arenot worth it when you factor
in the extra expense, highdéductibles, and low chanceof using them
What you'ii payPhone prices with a two-yearcontract, including rebates,range from about $50 to $300.Smart phones purchased un-locked without a contract cancost significantly more, start-ing at $500.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/ceirphones
Brand & model Price Overallscore Testresults
: Srmilar models,i in small type,
are comparableto te iU 'd model .
0 IOO
P I F I G IVGI E
"^^ "^ 'r^ '— ™ •;« .SS s ¡Í.E S
A AT&T SMART PHONESIITI 1 Samsung Galaxy S III
(16GB) (AT&T)
0 2 HTCOneX 2000 3 Samsung Galaxy S II
Skyrocketp ] 4 Samsung Galaxy
Note0 5 LG Nitro HD0 6 HTC Vivid0 7 Samsung Galaxy S II
(ATST)
O e 4.8 And.
e e 4.7 And.
o © 4.5 And.
O 9 5.3 And.
Q © 4.5 And.
O O 4.5 And.
O © 4.3 And.
Page 33 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
118 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Overaii score Test resultsSimilar models,in small type.IK coniparableIn issted model.
ë" s i" :s «'S S & &
p I F I G IVGl E
A AT&T SMART PHONES continued
[̂ 10
0 11
0 12
0 13
0 14
0 15
16
0 17
18
19
Motoroia Atrix 2 4GAppie ¡Phone 4S(16GB) ATSTiPilone 4S (64GB) ATST.iPilone4S(32GB)AT8TSamsung GalaxyExhilarateNoitia Lumia 900HTC Titan IISony Xperia ionSamsung Focus 2Samsung RugbySmartApple iPhone 4(8GB) AT&TBlackBerry Torch9810Appie iPhone 3G S(8GB)Pantech Crossover
100
100
0
^ Q ^ e o e e e o a 4.3 And.
© a a © o a o a a © 3.5 ¡os
© © © © o a o o © a 4 And.
a © © © o a o © OO4.3WPa © © a o a o o o o 4 . 7 w pa a © © o a o a o a 4.6 And.a a © a o a o a © © 4 wp
a © a © o a o o © a 3.7 And.
© a o © o a o o a © 3.5 ¡os
a © a © o a o o o a 3 . 2 BB
© a o a o a o © o a 3.5 ¡os
a a o o © o o a me 3 And.
B SPRINT NEXTEL SMART PHONES
[ 7 { 1 Samsung Galaxy S III(16GB) (Sprint)Galaiy s III(32GB) (Sprint)
0 2 HTCEV0 4GLTE0 3 SamsungGalaxySIl
Epie 4G Touch0 4 LG Viper
0 5 Samsung Epie 4G0 6 Apple iPhone 4S
(16GB) SpriiitiPiione4S (32GB) Sprint.iPiione4S (64GB) Sprint
7 Apple iPhone 4(8GB) Sprint
o © o a o a 4.8 And.
o a o © o a 4.7 And.
© © a o a o a o a 4.5 And.
© a o o © a 4 And.o a o • © o 4 And.
a o © o a o a a © 3.5 ¡os
a o © o a o o a © 3.5 ¡os
Ratings Key ©Excellent averygood OGood ©Fair •Poor
Q CR Best Buy Tiiese modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.
bd Recommended These are high-performing modeis tiiat stand out.
Page 34 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
S M A R T P H O N E S
Brands model Price Overall score Testresuits5imilar models.in small lype,are comparableto tested mode!.
DûUISMO
S
qual
it
raCL
qual
itoic
eho
nin
a-
Batt
tu >.
Imag
qual
it
recû
:Vid
equ
aüt
2ro
Pon ag
on;
ze(in
S.
ting
oP i F ! G !VG! E
B SPRINT NEXTEL SMART PHONES continued8 Samsung Conquer
4G9 BlackBerry Torch
985010 LG Optimus Elite
U ZTEFurv12 Motorola XPRT
U HTC Arrive14 Samsung Replenish
C T-MOBILE SMART PHONES
e
e © o o e oe o © o e oe o e o o oe o e o e oe o o o e oe o e o e ©e © o o o o
oo©oo©o
e 3.5 And.
e 3.7 BB
© 3.5 And.e 3.5 And.o 3.1 And.o 3.6 WP© 2.8 And.
1 Samsung Gaiaxv S III(I6GB) (T-Mobiie)Galaxy s III (32GB) (T-Mobilc)
2 HTC One S3 SamsungGalaxvSll
(T-Mobiie)4 Samsung Gaiaxv S
B!aze4G5 HTC Amaze 4G
6 T-Mobile Sidei<ick 4G7 T-Mobile mvTouch
4G8 HTC mvTouch 4G
Slide9 BlackBerry Bold
9900 4G10 HTC Radar 4G11 T-Mobile Prism12 BlackBerry Bold
9780
20
110 Oe O e O e Oe © e © o o
D VERIZON SMART PHONES
1 Motorola Droid Razr , „ 0Maxx ^"^
2 SamsungGaiaxy S ! l !(32GB) (Verizon) 250Galaxy s m (16GB) (Verizon)
3 Motorola Droid Razr 200
e o e 4.3 And.
e o e 4.8 And.
e o e 4.3 And.
Page 35 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
120 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brands model Price Overaii score TestresuitsI similar models,I insnialliype,.
are comparableto tested model.
tu DO DO
tv ro
QJ *il t. i CT i i .2 .a
m wSg.
P I F I G IVG l £
D VERIZON SMART PHONES continued
4 LG Spectrum5 Motorola Oroid 46 Samsung Galaxy
Nexus7 Samsung
Stratosphere8 LG Lucid9 Samsung Droid
Charge10 Apple iPtione 4S
(16G8) Verizon¡Phone 4S (64GB) Verizon,¡Phone 45 (3ÍGB) Verizon
U Apple IPhone 4(8GB) Verizon
12 Casio G'zOneCommando
13 BlackBerryBoid9930
14 Sony EricssonXperia Play
15 HTC Trophy
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on test results. Ease of use indicates how easy it is to accessfeatures and modes, such as phoning, messaging. Web browsing, the camera, etc. Messaqinqassesses keyboard ergonomics, e-mail readability, attachment capabilities, and text-messagingfeatures. Web browsinq assesses browser capabilities. Display quality represents overall picturequality, contrast in normal and bright lighting, and color accuracy. Voice quality incorporateslistening and talking in noisy and quiet settings using live phone calls. Phoninq considers the step-saving functions for making and receiving calls, speed dialing, and more. Battery life was testedunder strong and weak cell network signals, and considers tasks that involve voice, data, standby,and other factors. Camera: Imaqe quality evaluates resolution, dynamic range, coior accuracy,and yisual noise. Cannera: Video quality judges recorded video images shot at the highest qualitysetting available. Portability represents advantages and disadvantages based on dimensions andweight. Display diaqonal size (in.) is to the nearest tenth of an inch. Under operatinq system, Ais for Android; B, BlackBerry; i, iOS; W, Windows Phone; wOS, web OS. Price is approximate retail.
Page 36 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 37 of 37Consume Report Buying Guide 2013