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Digital cameras and camcorders
Whether you've got gift bucks to burn or want perfection for a pittance, one of the cameras or camcorders on this list should tickle the fancy of your favorite digital-imaging enthusiast. As always, we recommend finding a way for the recipient to try before you buy--especially with the pricier items. Remember: 'tis better to give than to receive, but 'tis better to give the right gift than the wrong one.
Editors' top pick
The bottom line: The Canon PowerShot SD 850 IS has just about everything you'd want in a point-and-shoot.
The bottom line: Nikon scores big with the D80, its new 10-megapixel, sub-$1,000 dSLR.
The bottom line: A great HD camcorder for deep-pocketed leisure shooters, as long as you like the Sony Handycam HDR-HC7's touch screen interface.
The bottom line: The hard-drive-based analog of the HDR-HC7, the Sony Handycam HDR-SR7 finally delivers a cutting-edge HD video experience, complete with great video and compatibility frustrations.
The bottom line: A very well-executed megazoom camera, the Canon PowerShot S3 IS reminds you why dSLRs still have competition for photo enthusiasts' hearts.
The bottom line: With a shiny new interface, fast performance, and great pictures, the DSC-W80 sits on the top of the budget snapshot heap.
The bottom line: Canon's A series continues to deliver tons of bang for the buck, this time including optical image stabilization, 6X optical zoom, and solid image quality in a midsize compact camera with a stylish design update.
The bottom line: With improved video quality, a slightly trimmer design, and upgraded software package, the Flip Video Ultra is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the emerging low-end digital camcorder category.
The bottom line: A solid hard-drive based HD camcorder, the Canon HG10 nevertheless has its share of annoying quirks.
The bottom line: The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd should please most snapshooters and its above-average exposure controls should appeal to advanced photographers, too.
The bottom line: Kodak's EasyShare Z712 IS is a nice superzoom, especially for the price, though its image quality does falter at higher ISOs.
The bottom line: Delivering high-quality MiniDV footage and decent still images, the Panasonic PV-GS320 should appeal to advanced amateurs searching for a tape-based camcorder.
The bottom line: If you need a camera that you can take snorkeling or skiing, then the Stylus 790 SW might be just the ticket, but you can find better image quality elsewhere for the same price.
Thanks,
The CNET TV Team
