The next gen of supercharged digital cameras are smaller, smarter, and take sharper pics than ever. ID your style and start shooting. Then start wishing your family and friends were better looking.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50
You’re a world traveler, a party hound—and can’t keep track of a USB cable to save your life. Feast your eyes on the 9.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, one of the first cameras to use wi-fi as more than a gimmick. Connect via public hotspots or T-Mobile nodes to send images to Google’s Picasa, e-mail addresses, phones, and more. As a bonus, its enhanced image stabilization, continuous autofocus, and a smart LCD mean you’ll have pictures actually worth looking at. $450, panasonic.com
Casio Exilim EX-F1
One of the main gripes among film holdouts is that digital cameras just aren’t fast enough. That is, until the arrival of the Casio EX-F1, which can grab still images at the astonishing rate of 60 frames per second or video clips at up to 1,200 frames per second. The fast 12x optical zoom lens and slow-motion monitor capability complete the package to make this the perfect rig to capture skaters in mid-ollie. Or your girlfriend in mid-shower. $1,000, exilim.casio.com
Samsung NV24HD
Hey, we know you love to capture memories, but that Zubaz backpack stuffed with your camcorder and camera isn’t helping you fit in with the locals. Lighten your load with the 10.2-megapixel Samsung NV24HD, which handles still photos and video with equal aplomb. The sleek compact model grabs video at HD quality and easily connects to high-end TVs via HDMI cable. It’s also a serious still camera, with a wide-angle 24 mm lens, contrast control, and a bright OLED monitor. $400, samsungcamera.com
Sony Alpha A300
You’ve been meaning to get serious about photography, but who has time to read an instruction book? The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 hates reading, too. The entry-level SLR can automate everything from lighting balance to cleaning the sensor. As your skills advance, the 10.2 MP shooter will grow with you thanks to broad lens compatibility, image stabilization, a supercool tilting live view LCD, and near-telepathic autofocus. Annie Leibovitz, your days are numbered. $700 [with kit lens], sonystyle.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50
You’re a world traveler, a party hound—and can’t keep track of a USB cable to save your life. Feast your eyes on the 9.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50, one of the first cameras to use wi-fi as more than a gimmick. Connect via public hotspots or T-Mobile nodes to send images to Google’s Picasa, e-mail addresses, phones, and more. As a bonus, its enhanced image stabilization, continuous autofocus, and a smart LCD mean you’ll have pictures actually worth looking at. $450, panasonic.com
Casio Exilim EX-F1
One of the main gripes among film holdouts is that digital cameras just aren’t fast enough. That is, until the arrival of the Casio EX-F1, which can grab still images at the astonishing rate of 60 frames per second or video clips at up to 1,200 frames per second. The fast 12x optical zoom lens and slow-motion monitor capability complete the package to make this the perfect rig to capture skaters in mid-ollie. Or your girlfriend in mid-shower. $1,000, exilim.casio.com
Samsung NV24HD
Hey, we know you love to capture memories, but that Zubaz backpack stuffed with your camcorder and camera isn’t helping you fit in with the locals. Lighten your load with the 10.2-megapixel Samsung NV24HD, which handles still photos and video with equal aplomb. The sleek compact model grabs video at HD quality and easily connects to high-end TVs via HDMI cable. It’s also a serious still camera, with a wide-angle 24 mm lens, contrast control, and a bright OLED monitor. $400, samsungcamera.com
Sony Alpha A300
You’ve been meaning to get serious about photography, but who has time to read an instruction book? The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 hates reading, too. The entry-level SLR can automate everything from lighting balance to cleaning the sensor. As your skills advance, the 10.2 MP shooter will grow with you thanks to broad lens compatibility, image stabilization, a supercool tilting live view LCD, and near-telepathic autofocus. Annie Leibovitz, your days are numbered. $700 [with kit lens], sonystyle.com