Digital camera best buys
By CNET staff
A little birdie--otherwise known as intensive market research conducted over a period of weeks or even months--told us that digital cameras will be the top gift given by CNET readers this holiday season. We're betting most of you don't want to drop a bundle, but budget digital camera buying can be a dangerous proposition. You might end up with no-name cameras that can't be trusted for more than a few weeks, or worse, brand-name cameras that turn out to be duds. Shop smarter. We've picked five highly rated digital cameras that offer the best value for your money. Before you buy, make sure to check out our list of the top 10 mistakes to avoid when buying a digital camera. See? Don't you feel more prepared now?
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Canon PowerShot A75 The high-speed capture, very good image quality, and manual exposure controls of this low-cost Canon will appeal to snapshot photographers who like to get creative. |
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1S The FZ1 offers unparalleled telephoto reach to snapshot photographers who don't mind its relatively low 2-megapixel resolution. |
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Kodak EasyShare CX7430 Intuitive, well-placed controls and fast operation are the most remarkable aspects of this budget-priced 4-megapixel compact camera. |
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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P72 The DSC-P72 delivers both quick shooting and vivid snapshots--perfect for the mainstream photographer on a budget. |
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Canon PowerShot A70 Even though the A70 is targeted at the snapshot crowd, enthusiasts will love the Canon's advanced features--and price. |





