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. Read more