Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes. The most pricey – but also the most flexible – are big, bulky and power-packed DSLRs like Canon’s new EOS 7D ($, ♥♥♥♥♥)* or Nikon’s new D300 ($$$,♥♥♥♥), which takes awesome still and video images. I also like Panasonic’s mini-DSLRs, the Lumix G1A ($$$, ♥♥♥) and GFI ($$$, ♥♥♥♥) , which are both smaller than some fixed-lens cameras.
For a compact digital camera, Canon’s mid-range Powershot sx200is ($$, ♥♥♥♥) (pictured above) is a great choice along with fixed-lens superzooms like the FinePix S200EXR ($$$, ♥♥) . For the ultimate in pocketability, choose a supercompact like the Canon Powershot sd1100 IS ($$$$, ♥♥♥) or fun-packed Samsung TL225 ($$$,♥♥♥♥) for its dual-LCD screens.
Today, most still digital cameras can also record video clips, but dedicated camcorders are usually easier to use and produce better results. For a camcorder that can do almost everything – including holiday season escapades – my top picks are Canon’s dual-flash memory-based Vixia HF S10 ($$$, ♥♥♥) or Panasonic’s HDC-TM300 ($$$, ♥♥) . But for sheer fun, I love the Flip Video family of super-simple videorecorders like the Flip UltraHD ($$, ♥♥♥♥) and Kodak’s Z18 ($$$, ♥♥♥♥) .
Digital picture frames are not new, but the latest clutch of “smart screen” desktop devices do much more than the earlier versions. For example, Hewlett-Packard’s Wi-Fi-enabled Dreamscreen 100 ($$$, ♥♥♥♥♥) allows you view photos, videos, music and web content, listen to internet radio, get Facebook updates and check the weather. I also like Toshiba’s rival DMF82XKU digital media frame ($$$, ♥♥♥).
* Dollar signs indicate value for money, hearts – desirability.
