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What would make a better stocking stuffer than a brand new schnazzy point and shoot camera? There are so many great ones for sale, especially at this time of year. It can be a little overwhelming, given that there are many point and shoots to choose from. If your giftee primarily uses a higher end DSLR, they may wish for something pocket-sized but with features and image quality similar to their pro camera (it's a tall order!). Or perhaps the new wi-fi capable cameras would be of interest. Or how about a waterproof/shockproof/freezeproof camera? Very useful for your giftee might be a high-quality cell phone camera. When choosing a point-and-shoot, consider the features over the price. There's something for everyone on your holiday list.

Josh Root, Director of Community and Contributing Editor on Photo.net, and Hannah Thiem, Managing Editor, take a look at this season's best point and shoot cameras.

Compact and Basic P&S Cameras

Nikon Coolpix S610c with Wi-Fi, (compare prices), featuring a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing images rapidly. The S610C features an all-metal body, with a 10MP sensor, a 3" LCD and has an ISO range of 100-3200. The camera has a motion detection mode for tracking moving subjects.

Canon PowerShot SD890IS, (compare prices), packing a lot of features into a small compact body. With a 5x optically stabilized zoom lens, a 10MP sensor, the SD890is also features a multi-control dial like the higher-end digital SLRs. Some of the special features include face detection and face-based white balance. The camera has the same DIGIC III processor as the more advanced SLRs.

Samsung NV24HD, (compare prices), the latest NV camera in the Samsung line, the NV24HD has a 10MP sensor, face detection technology, a self portrait mode for capturing yourself through various phases of life, and an ultra wide-angle 24mm Schneider lens. You can also capture high-def video with this small point and shoot.

Full-featured P&S Cameras

Canon PowerShot G9, (compare prices), 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, and RAW capabilities that are both Windows and Mac compatible.

Ricoh GX200, (compare prices), with a 12MP sensor and a 24-70mm range zoom, the Ricoh takes high-quality images in low light. An electronic level utilizes an acceleration sensor to help with taking level shots, whether horizontal or vertical.

Sigma DP1, (compare prices), A digital camera unlike any other out today. The Sigma DP1 is an integral lens compact camera that sports a 20.7mm x 13.8mm sensor. That is 7-12 times larger than the 1/1.8-inch to 1/2.5-inch image sensors used in other compact digital cameras. In fact, it is only slightly smaller than the sensors used in many DSLRs. RAW format, a full compliment of manual controls, a flash shoe, and multiple metering/exposure modes round out the DP1's impressive feature set.

No product information for panasonic_lumix-lx3, with excellent Leica optics, this P&S allows for two file formats: RAW or JPEG. This camera has a minimum aperture of f/2.0, which allows for no-flash shooting in low-light conditions. You can choose among 16:9, 4:3, or 3:2 aspect ratios, with the 16:9 aspect ratio allowing for frame-filling viewing on HDTVs. This 10MP P&S offers plenty of creative advanced options, while still small enough to be able to slip it into a pocket.

Nikon Coolpix P6000, (compare prices), this small P&S has the same ergonomic design and similar layout as the larger DSLRs. The Nikon P6000 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 camera can take RAW images, although these are windows-only compatible. The P6000 has 13.5 MP, 4x optical zoom, and extended ISO range to ISO 6400.

Waterproof P&S Cameras

Pentax Optio W60, (compare prices) (review), this small compact P&S is capable of photographing underwater without a waterproof case or other accessories. If your giftee is planning a snorkeling excursion, or is a fan of kite surfing, the Pentax Optio W60 can withstand up to 2 hours of continuous use at a depth of up to 13 feet. The Pentax has 10 MP, 5x optical zoom, and includes optical image stabilization, which is great for turbulence on the water. You can also capture HD videos with this camera. Take this on your winter ski trip as well. The Pentax is equally resistant to cold weather.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW, (compare prices) (review), for anyone on your list requiring a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof point and shoot camera, it's a toss up between this and the Pentax camera. The Olympus features 10 MP, a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, and a 2.7" LCD screen.

Cell Phone Cameras

Nokia N82, (compare prices), how about a cell phone camera with a 5MP sensor and a 35mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with a built-in cover? Pretty nice! This cell phone camera has a built-in A-GPS for geotagging, and you can control the sharpness, contrast, color, and ISO settings. What will they think of next?

Samsung SGH-G800, (compare prices), if you're on the go and no time to grab your camera, Samsung helps you stay connected and take photos. This cell phone camera has an optical zoom lens from 35-105mm f/3.8 with a sliding cover. You can also select between macro and landscape focus modes, and make use of the face-detection autofocus. There's not much this cell phone camera can't do.

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If you have questions about the appropriate gear to buy, you can visit our forums and get answers to all your questions.

Text ©2008 Photo.net Editors.

Readers' Comments


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Sid Frisby , November 04, 2008; 10:54 A.M.

No Canon powershot G10??

Renato Marques , November 06, 2008; 09:37 A.M.

The Pentax w60 is the worst camera i've ever tested, It's even worst that the first generation celular phone cameras. Even with iso 50 or 80 you only get a lot off noise and no definition, I buy one but I trade it 2 hours later for the Olympus... this is a good point and shot... the PENTAX I have no words...

Rick Beckrich , December 03, 2008; 12:08 P.M.

BEST BUY just may be the Canon A590 IS - now as low as $109.99 at some sites.

Jan Walker , December 09, 2008; 09:16 A.M.

Could someone do the math on the size of that Sigma sensor? True marketing style -- comparing ratio inches to millimeters. A close look at those numbers seems important before plunking down any cash.


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