Hi-tech xmas: digital cameras

Olympus E-410 Twin Kit, $1299 For those who want to take their creativity and control further than a compact camera will go, we expect to see a lot of entry-level digital SLRs under the tree. Nikon's D40x bundle with an 18-135mm lens is a hot shot if you can get a discount, but there's no beating the Olympus E-410 twin kit on price. As well as the 32 shooting modes and 10-megapixel sensor, this compact DSLR has wide-angle (14-42mm) and telephoto (40-150mm) zoom lenses for about $1500 after a $200 cashback promotion. For more information go to www.olympus.co.nz

Canon IXUS 75, $395-$455 I keep coming back to Canon's IXUS family. Canon, in turn, keeps making each model better. The IXUS 75 is a delightful point-and-shoot camera that's perfect to slip into a purse or pocket. The sculpted metal case contains a sharp 7.1-megapixel lens with 3x optical zoom and modern niceties such as auto-focus face detection, automatic exposure, 10 scene modes and red-eye correction. Shots can be reviewed on a high-resolution 7.6mm screen. For further information, see www.canon.co.nz.

Sony DSC - T200, $700 This Sony 8.1MP model is a pocket-sized digital camera with an extra large 3.5-inch LCD touch-screen that you use to change settings. Sony has packed a lot into this compact camera, but it has made it a bit too compact, and the small buttons and oddly placed lens make it awkward to use. The picture quality, however, is very good, with the fantastic picture clarity, sharpness and soft tones you'd expect from professional gear. It also has a neat feature that will automatically shoot the photo when the subject smiles (and won't shoot if they're not, even if you press the button), though many people will end up switching this feature off. --Diego Opatowski

Canon Powershot TX1, $750 The TX1 is a cross between a 7.1MP digital camera with 10x zoom and a high-definition camcorder. It does both pretty well, but not as well as dedicated cameras and camcorders do their respective things. It's also fiddly to use for photos, since you have to fold out the 1.8-inch LCD screen before you can shoot, and the buttons are in an awkward position. You'll be hard pressed to find a high-definition camcorder for this cheap though, especially one that takes photos of this quality, so if you can live with the awkward design you'll get a lot of value for your money. --Reuben Schwarz

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Canon IXUS 75, $395-$455

I keep coming back to Canon's IXUS family. Canon, in turn, keeps making each model better.

The IXUS 75 is a delightful point-and-shoot camera that's perfect to slip into a purse or pocket. The sculpted metal case contains a sharp 7.1-megapixel lens with 3x optical zoom and modern niceties such as auto-focus face detection, automatic exposure, 10 scene modes and red-eye correction. Shots can be reviewed on a high-resolution 7.6mm screen. For further information, see www.canon.co.nz.

Sony DSC - T200, $700

This Sony 8.1MP model is a pocket-sized digital camera with an extra large 3.5-inch LCD touch-screen that you use to change settings. Sony has packed a lot into this compact camera, but it has made it a bit too compact, and the small buttons and oddly placed lens make it awkward to use. The picture quality, however, is very good, with the fantastic picture clarity, sharpness and soft tones you'd expect from professional gear. It also has a neat feature that will automatically shoot the photo when the subject smiles (and won't shoot if they're not, even if you press the button), though many people will end up switching this feature off. --Diego Opatowski

Canon Powershot TX1, $750

The TX1 is a cross between a 7.1MP digital camera with 10x zoom and a high-definition camcorder. It does both pretty well, but not as well as dedicated cameras and camcorders do their respective things. It's also fiddly to use for photos, since you have to fold out the 1.8-inch LCD screen before you can shoot, and the buttons are in an awkward position. You'll be hard pressed to find a high-definition camcorder for this cheap though, especially one that takes photos of this quality, so if you can live with the awkward design you'll get a lot of value for your money. --Reuben Schwarz

Panasonic HDC-SD5, about $1800

It's looking like a high-definition Christmas and many amateur moviemakers will be making the move to HD video. The quality of the HDC-SD5 belies its tiny size and image stabilisation eliminates the wobbles usually associated with lightweight camcorders. With a super-sharp 3CCD sensor (used in professional broadcast cameras) capturing 1920 x 1080 high-definition, colours are true to life and it does justice to home movies when shown on a large-screen TV set via HDMI. You'll want to invest in a high-speed SDHC Class 4 or Class 6 memory card: allow about $80 for a brand-name card, which is good for 40 minutes of footage. Battery life is rated at one hour between charges. Go to www. panasonic.co.nz for more information. --David Flynn