Consumer Reports recently tested dozens of digital cameras, and found that while the cheapest are no bargains, consumers don't need to pay top dollar for a good camera either.

The cameras tested ranged in price from $100 to $2,000.

Tester Jim Boyd said the HP PhotoSmart 215 for $130 had trouble with colors.

"The color balance was unpredictable. It changed from moment to moment, sometimes too blue, sometimes too pink. And we had the same problem outdoors," Boyd said.

Consumer Reports said to get a camera with flexibility, get one with a zoom lens and make sure the camera has a viewfinder.

The number of megapixels the camera has should also be considered.

The more megapixels, the higher the resolution, but also the higher the price.

"Two megapixels is a good compromise between price and resolution. You can make very pleasing 8-by-10s with a two megapixel camera," Boyd said.

Consumer Reports gave a top rating to the Olympus Camedia C2040. This two-megapixel camera retails for about $500 and has an optical zoom lens and other helpful features.

Consumer Reports also recommends shopping around online for digital cameras.

Some good sites are PriceSCAN.com, mySimon.com and Shopper.com.

Remember to figure in shipping costs and any sales tax to determine the best deal.