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Cameras and camcorders for dads

Step up from smartphone snapshots and videos or get creative when capturing all the great family moments with one of these great cameras.

Joshua Goldman
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Joshua Goldman
Lori Grunin
Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-FZ200_35374662_10.jpg
1 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

A megazoom camera that's excellent for both pictures and movies, the FZ200 features a lens and shooting performance that makes it better for shooting indoors than competing models. Definitely for the dad that likes full control over results, but doesn't want to mess with changing lenses.
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2 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Drift HD Ghost action camera

Many action cams require you to buy add-ons and accessories that the HD Ghost does straight out of the box. It's waterproof without requiring an additional housing; it has built-in Wi-Fi for controlling the camera with a smartphone; has a built-in LCD for changing settings, setting up shots, and reviewing your results; and it has a standard tripod mount and rotating lens so mounting it is a breeze.
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3 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

For the dad who wants a lot of zoom, but doesn't want to be weighed down with a big camera, the SX260 HS is an excellent choice. The update to this model, the SX280 HS features the same 20x, f3.5-6.8, 25-500mm lens and 12-megapixel resolution, but has improved shooting performance and built-in Wi-Fi letting you share your captured moments through your smartphone and straight to Facebook.
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4 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nikon D5200

For the soccer dad who's there to photograph all the action at the kids' games, the D5200 delivers the image quality and performance necessary to capture the winning goal.
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5 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Olympus OM-D E-M5

If your budget can stretch a lot, the E-M5 is a great pick for the active dad with an interest in photography. An interchangeable-lens camera that's weather sealed and fast, it's a great option for the sporting shooter.
Sony_Cybershot_DSC_RX100_35326410_01.jpg
6 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

A not-inexpensive but all-around excellent compact camera for the dad who appreciates a nice build quality in his consumer electronics.
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7 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Alpha NEX-6

A compact interchangeable-lens camera with the prowess of a dSLR, the NEX-6 is a great choice for the father who's into photography and wants great photos of the kids at play and vacations, but doesn't plan to tough it out it in the rain and snow.

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