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by photo.net editors

Graduation: whether it's from that intense 6-year medical school program, 4-year architectural school, intensive Bachelor's degree in fine art photography, visual arts school, your graduating student/friend/coworker deserves an upgrade on their photography gear.

To begin, you can start off their newly graduated status with a three-year gift subscription to Photo.net.

For the Traveler

After graduation comes the great world adventure--perhaps it's a trip around Europe bumming from hostel to train to bus, a down under Australian adventure, an excursion to Patagonia, a scuba diving trip to the Caribbean, the graduate will need travel photo gear to capture those moments. Whether the photographs are for their memory book or journal, or to post on their blog, we have some suggestions for you.

Canon Rebel XSi

Canon Digital Rebel XSi (review), Canon just upgraded their line of Rebel cameras with the latest model, the XSi. This DSLR packs the image power into a small, lightweight package with resolution of 12 MP. Pair this with either an image stabilized Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (review), or the new Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS (review), for your graduate in need of a lightweight all-purpose, highly functional DSLR for the road.

Nikon D60

Nikon D60, 18-55mm VR kit, the latest upgrade from the very popular D40x, the Nikon D60 takes up very little room (and weight) in your carry-on luggage. With 10 MP, a 2.5" LCD screen, and simple user-friendly design, this DSLR has the features you need to take good photos, yet simple enough for the beginner DSLR user. The standard kit comes with a vibration reduction standard lens Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR, good for bright sunny days or with a flash.

Pentax Limited 40mm Lens

Pentax Limited or "pancake" lenses (Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited (review), Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited (review), and Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited (review)), along with a Pentax K10D (review). This is the ultimate kit for travel, as the lenses are so thin, small and lightweight, allowing for unobtrusive photojournalist-style photography on your travels. Also, the K10D has extensive weather and dust seals to protect in all environments.

For the Outdoor Adventure Enthusiast

Whether it's a small point and shoot that's waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof, or protective housing, you want your graduate to be set for their next underwater/desert/extreme adventure excursion. Maybe they'll bring you back some awe-inspiring photos to frame on your wall.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW

Olympus Stylus 1030SW, for any grad requiring a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof point and shoot camera, this is the one to get. The Olympus features 10 MP, a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, and a 2.7" LCD screen.

Pentax Optio W30

Pentax Optio W30, this small compact P&S is capable of photographing underwater without a waterproof case or other accessories. If your grad is planning a scuba diving excursion, the Pentax Optio W30 can withstand up to 2 hours of continuous use at a depth of up to ten feet. The Pentax has 7 MP, 4x optical zoom, and a 2.5" LCD screen.

Underwater housing for Canon G9

Underwater housing for the Canon G9, the Canon G9 is a very popular P&S. Your grad may already have one of these cameras, or you may be considering getting your extreme adventurer a G9, this case will very effectively protect the camera from sea water, sand, snow, rain, or dust.

For the Party-Goer

Graduation parties, summer parties, nights on the town, who wants to be lugging an expensive, heavy DSLR around? We've selected some of the top point and shoot cameras with advanced features, allowing creativity and flexibility in a small lightweight package.

Nikon P5100 CoolPix

Nikon P5100 Cool Pix, this small P&S has the same ergonomic design and similar layout as the larger DSLRs. The Nikon P5100 has advanced features such as a hot shoe mount for an external flash, and the ability to add on converter lenses for more extreme wide-angle or telephoto work. This P&S has 12 MP, 3.5x optical zoom, and extended ISO range to ISO 3200.

Canon PowerShot G9

Canon PowerShot G9, with 12 MP, 6x optical zoom, and RAW mode for extra creative control, the G9 is an advanced P&S allowing for creative photography without the bulk and weight of an SLR. The camera also features optical image stabilization, allowing for steadier photos even in low light.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2, with excellent Leica optics, this small P&S allows for two file formats: RAW or JPEG. You can also choose among 16:9, 4:3, or 3:2 aspect ratios, with the 16:9 aspect ratio allowing for frame-filling viewing on HDTVs. Your graduate would have plenty of creative options with the 10 MP Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2, while being able to slip it into a pocket or bookbag.


Text ©2008 Photo.net Editors. All photos are copyright the photographer, and may not be used without written permission.

Article created April 2008

Readers' Comments


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Hannah Thiem , April 28, 2008; 06:03 P.M.

We hope you find this guide helpful for advice on what to get your grad this year. Please add your thoughts on great gifts for grads in the comments section.

Jerry Litynski , April 29, 2008; 07:37 P.M.

How about a three-year subscription to Photo Net for $55.00 or $60.00?

Grayson McBrickwater , April 29, 2008; 08:22 P.M.

I bought a 70-200 f/2.8L for my graduation gift. Should be here any day now :-)


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