Dads And Grads Digital Camera And Photo Gift Guide

This guide was originally published in 2008 but we’ve updated it for 2010 with new camera recommendations as well as information on all the new HD video options, Micro Four Thirds cameras and the latest waterproof point-and-shoot digital cameras.

Few gift-buying occasions are more filled with cliches than Father’s Day and high school graduation. For dads, there’s the ubiquitous necktie – ugh! And for grads, cash is almost an expected rite of passage.

Want to shake things up a bit?

Everyone loves photos. And there are hundreds of camera and photo-related gift-giving possibilities — from cameras to digital picture frames to personalized chef’s aprons perfect for Dad’s summer barbecuing.

Take Me Straight To:
Digital SLRs
Compact System Cameras
Point-And-Shoot Cameras
Digital Camera Software & Accessories
Digital Photo Frames, Prints, and Books
DIY Photo Gifts

Digital Cameras For Dads & Grads
Does your dad or grad need a new camera? If they are still using film, or a camera with less than 8 megapixels of resolution, chances are good that they’ll appreciate an upgrade. Digital camera performance has made outstanding progress in the last couple of years, with resolution going up, speed improving and prices coming down. It’s now possible to get a great little point-and-shoot for less than $200, a higher-end compact camera for under $500 and an honest-to-goodness digital SLR just like the pros use for less than $1,000.

Real men don’t use point-and-shoots. Well, okay, they do – but serious photographers would rather play with their big – ummm – lens. Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras offer better image quality, more speed, and interchangeable lenses.

The Nikon D3S – the current king of the DSLR world.

The Nikon D3S is the current Ferrari of cameras. At a retail list price of $5,2000, the D3S is the ultimate professional digital SLR, with a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, unrivaled low light shooting ability, 720p HD video and Formula One-worthy auto focus. Since that $5,200 price tag is for the camera body only, you’ll need to buy a lens, too. If you can afford to buy Dad a D3S you obviously have no budget worries so go big and set him up right with the same glass the pros use – the new Nikon AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VR II and AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lenses. Chances are, he’ll never need to buy another lens.

The alternative to the Nikon D3S is Canon’s 16-megapixel EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR. With a 10 FPS burst rate and lightning-fast auto focus the 1D Mk IV is built for action shooting. It also has “full HD” 1080p video resolution. The little brothers to the Nikon D3S and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV are the 12-megapixel Nikon D300s and the 18-megapixel Canon EOS 7D. They offer much of the performance of the more expensive cameras, including HD video, in a smaller body and for less than half the price ($1800 and $1700, respectively). If $1800 is still out of reach, consider the new Canon EOS Rebel T21 / 550D digital SLR, which has the same 18-megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video performance as the Canon EOS 7D for under $1000.

Digital SLR Recommendations
Click on cameras to compare prices, read reviews, or learn more

Nikon D3S Price: $5,200

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Price: $5,000

Canon EOS 7D Price: $1699

Nikon D300s Price: $1799

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Price: $799

 
All the major camera companies make excellent digital SLR cameras. Look for Canon’s EOS, Olympus E-Series, Nikon D-Series, Sony Alpha, and the Pentax K-Series cameras. The truth is – there are no bad digital SLRs anymore. If you’re buying one to replace a point-and-shoot, they’re all wonderful. All of the cameras above can capture video as well as still photos. If Dad isn’t interested in video, here are some less expensive DSLRs for still photography:

More Digital SLR Recommendations
Click on cameras to compare prices, read reviews, or learn more

Olympus E-620 Price: $699

Pentax K-x Price: $649

Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Price: $649

 
next page – Compact System Cameras >>