Thanks to our 24/7 society it seems that these days Christmas is always around the corner. No sooner have we put the wrapping paper in the trash then we have to start planning next year's gifts. So if you're in a bind about what to get your nearest and dearest, why not consider a digital camera?
Digital cameras are now cheaper and more accessible than ever, and cater to beginners as well as professionals. Depending on the age and ability of the person you're buying for, there are a range of exciting types of cameras to choose from. For example, compact cameras may suit younger budding photographers, whilst the new user-friendly Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR's) will be best for amateur enthusiasts.
With this in mind here is my top five list of Digital cameras for Christmas 2009.
5) Compact Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5 (best price 2009 $272)
If you're after a point-and-shoot style camera, that doesn't require hours of trawling through a manual the size of a telephone directory, the Panasonic is ideal. The Lumix DMC TZ5, released in 2008, is a reasonably priced $272 and is ideal for children and young teenagers who are interested in photography. The compact size of the camera means they will be able to use it comfortably, whilst adults can also fit it in their pockets for travel or nighttime photography.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5 boasts an impressive 9-megapixel resolution, which can capture reproductions up to A3 size. It also has an excellent quality Leica lens made from durable high-grade glass. The lens is a 10 X optical zoom (equivalent to 28-280mm in 35mm format), which will gives a good zoom capability. The 28mm low end of the optical range means that the camera is also capable of wide-angle shots. This allows the user to capture stunning landscapes as well as interesting low-angle perspective compositions, such as an 'insect eyes view'.
The Lumix also has the ubiquitous face-detection technology and redeye reduction; perfect for parties and special occasions. Lightweight, easily portable and easy to use thanks to the large 3-inch LCD screen, the Lumix DMC TZ5 is a great first camera.
4) Best Travel Compact Camera: Canon Powershot G10 (best price 2009 $483)
If the person you are buying for is a little more experienced, or is already an enthusiast in need of a back-up travel camera, the G10's perfect. While not possessing the Hollywood good looks of some of its counterparts, the G10 fulfils its role with aplomb.
Designed to be a point-and-shoot camera, the rugged design of the G10 belies a subtle sophistication and range of useful features. Together with the usual face detection and redeye correction, the G10 boasts image stabilization, intelligent image contrast and a high 14.7 mega-pixel CCD processor. These features reduce camera shake (especially useful for subjects that are moving and close-up macro shots of flowers etc) and correct under and over exposure. This feature is excellent if you are on vacation and visiting churches or dark indoor buildings. It will eliminate dark shadows and give a truer sense of detail in stone
architecture and night photography.
The G10 also shoots in the RAW image format, which gives the user shots without JPEG compression. This results in clearer and sharper images and complete creative control when editing.
The G10 has more of a professional feel than smaller compacts and also has an optical viewfinder. This tried and tested feature is a great addition, as bright sunshine can cause a glare on LCD screens, making it difficult to see the subject. The G10 has an in-house Canon 6 X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35mm 210mm in 35mm format), which will cater for most shooting eventualities. It also has manual exposure, shutter speed and ISO settings, allowing the user to be more creative. Overall the G10 is a solid all-rounder for beginners and even professionals looking for a travel camera.
3) Compact Super Zoom: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38 (best price 2009 $318)
Released in 2009, the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38 represents a new trend in compact digital cameras - the Super Zoom format. This has crept steadily upwards from 10X optical to the present 18X optical of the Lumix DMC FZ38. This is a staggering 27-486mm (35mm equivalent format), which amongst DSLR lenses would cost a small fortune. Being the main selling point of the DMC FZ38, the zoom performs well, with a limited amount of barrelling at the 486mm limit.
A beautifully designed camera, its good looks are bettered only by its versatility. The catchy named DMC FZ38 is capable of macro, landscape and sport photography, and has a dedicated movie capture facility.
2) Entry level DSLR: Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm VR lens (best price 2009 $529)
Not so long ago DSLR's were the sole preserve of the professional photographer, due to their prohibitive price tag and their lack of point-and-shoot features. However, big manufacturers have taken note of the increase in demand for user creativity, at the amateur enthusiast end of the photography market, and released more accessible DSLR's. These cameras have all the use-right-out-of-box features of compact zooms, coupled with the improved image control of DSLR's. The pinnacle of this marriage between the two markets is the Nikon D3000, released in the summer of 2009.
The Nikon D3000 borrows much of the technology from its successful predecessor, the D60. This includes features such as dust removing technology to limit dirt entering the internal mechanism when changing lenses. The D3000 also has an impressive 10 mega-pixel DX format image sensor that sets it apart from smaller compact cameras, as it is able to capture more detail in a greater range of light conditions.
The D3000 is extremely compact, so will be popular as a travel camera, and with the 18-55mm VR (Vibration Reduction lens) limits camera shake. Another versatile feature is the 11-point auto-focus system, which allows the user to follow movement more intuitively without blurring shots. Coupled with a split second shutter release (mostly lacking in compact cameras) this means that you'll never get a distorted action shot again.
The unique selling point of the D3000 is the innovative menu system, known as the Guide Mode. This new feature to DSLR's suggests aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings whatever situation you find yourself in. So if you you're in bright sunshine the camera's menu may suggest lowering the ISO and lowering the shutter speed for example.
With such versatility coupled with user-friendly application, the D3000 is set to be a sell-out in 2010.
1) Best Enthusiast/Amateur Camera: Nikon D90 with 18-105mm VR lens (best price 2009 $1,097)
The Nikon D90 represents a step up in image quality and range of features from the D3000. With a 12.3 mega-pixel CMOS sensor, 4.5 frames per second capability and 11-point auto focus, it is capable of reproducing superb shots. It would be a suitable camera for amateur enthusiasts who are looking to expand their knowledge and creativity and range of photography.
With all the usual face detection and Active D-lighting, the D90 also introduces the first true HD movie feature. However, it is with image quality that the D90 really comes into its own. The D90 will produce crisp shots in a much wider range of scenarios than any other recommended camera.
Other great cameras you might want to consider include the Nikon D5000, with the multi-angled LCD flip screen, as well as the price competitive Sony Alpha A200. What should always be remembered though, is that the best camera is the one that does what you want and need it to do. You don't need to spend a fortune on a camera with complicated features if you only require a point-and-shoot.
Whatever camera you decide to buy for Christmas 2009, the choice has never been better.