Dads And Grads Digital Camera And Photo Gift Guide

Point-And-Shoot Digital Cameras
Real men sometimes do eat quiche and they definitely use point-and-shoot digital cameras. (So do high-school graduates – lots of ‘em!) If a pocket-sized, easy-to-use, relatively inexpensive camera sounds like the ticket, you’ll find point-and-shoot models from all the major manufacturers in the $100 to $400 price range. Look for 8 megapixels or higher, a 3x or better optical zoom and multiple exposure modes and changeable ISO settings. Some more advanced options are “rugged” waterproof and drop-proof point-and-shoots; superzooms, which have 10x or longer zoom lenses; and high-end compacts with manual controls and RAW format support.

Additional useful features include image stabilization, face detection, HD video, burst mode, a self-timer and a 2.5-inch or larger color LCD monitor. The following cameras are recommended because they offer a lot of power and versatility in a small package:

Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras Recommended By The Editors
Click on cameras to compare prices, read reviews, or learn more

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
pocket superzoom
Price: $399

Fujifilm FinePix HS10
superzoom
Price: $499

Canon PowerShot S90
high-end pocket camera
Price: $429

Waterproof Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera Recommendations
For the avid outdoorsman – here are some waterproof and shockproof digital camera recommendations. The Sony and Panasonic also record HD video! For more on waterproof digital cameras, read our Outdoor & Waterproof Digital Camera Guide and 2010 PMA Waterproof Digital Camera Report.