Sony Cybershot HX5V-25mm Sony G Lens

The Sony HX5V is one of the more interesting point-and-shoots to have appeared at the beginning of 2010. The 10.2 megapixel sensor and 10x zoom are nice and fine, but the extras are genuinely intriguing. The GPS + Compass feature tags the exact location of each photo. Intelligent Sweep Panorama can blend up to 100 shots into one 270-degree panoramic shot. Along with the Sony TX7, it's one of the first compact cameras that captures 1080i HD video. And Sony has finally relented—all of the Cybershot models launched in 2010 support SD/SDHC cards in addition to the proprietary Memory Stick format. The HX5V will retail for $350 when it hits the shelves in March. Consumers might favor the prettier (though more expensive) TX7, but it will certainly warrant some attention.

• 10.2 megapixels
• 10x optical zoom
• 25mm Sony G lens
• 3-inch LCD display
• 1080i HD video mode (AVCHD)
• 270-degree "press and sweep" panorama mode
• Optical image stabilization
• GPS + Compass
• 10fps burst mode
• Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range for improved low-light performance
• Captures to Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/SD/SDHC memory cards
• TransferJet sharing technology
• Lithium ion battery
• $349.00

Sony Cybershot TX7-3.5-inch Touchscreen LCD

The Sony TX7 is one of the more interesting point-and-shoots to have appeared at the beginning of 2010. The 10.2 megapixel sensor and 10x zoom are nice and fine, but the extras are genuinely intriguing. Intelligent Sweep Panorama can blend up to 100 shots into one 270-degree "press and sweep" panoramic shot. And along with the Sony HX5V, it's also one of the first compact cameras that captures 1080i HD video. It's essentially a sleeker, slimmer, hipper version of the HX5V, give or take a feature or two. It will retail for $400 when it hits the shelves in February. It's pricey for sure, but it's definitely worth a look. And Sony has finally relented—all of the Cybershot models launched in 2010 support SD/SDHC cards in addition to the proprietary Memory Stick format.

• 10.2 megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• 25mm Carl Zeiss lens
• 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD
• Optical image stabilization
• 258-degree "press and sweep" panorama mode
• 10fps burst mode
• Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range for improved low-light performance
• 1080i HD video mode (AVCHD)
• Captures to Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo/SD/SDHC memory cards
• TransferJet sharing technology
• Lithium ion battery
• $399.00

Sony Alpha A900-Full Frame Digital SLR

The Sony Alpha A900 is a truly outrageous digital SLR, with a 24 megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor for better coverage and improved image quality. This is a camera intended for professionals (or at least really advanced amateurs) and the price tag is quite high.

• Full-frame Digital SLR
• 24 megapixels
• In-body image stabilization
• $2,699.00

Samsung HZ35W-Optical Image Stabilization

Samsung pulled out all the stops on the HZ35W. This fun zoomer takes 720p video (nice, but average these days), comes with built-in GPS for tagging (good for a niche crowd); a 3-inch AMOLED monitor (very flashy), and a 15x zoom (now we're talking). This won't be cheap, but out of the pricey compact cameras announced for 2010 so far, this stands out because of the big zoom.

• 12 megapixels
• 15x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• 720p HD video, 30 fps (H.264 format)
• 3-inch active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) monitor
• Built-in GPS for geotagging
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Samsung AQ100-5x optical zoom

The AQ100 has the guts of a regular point-and-shoot wrapped up in a slim, waterproof body. This won't survive a deep-sea dive, but it can go as deep as 10 feet underwater -- perfect for a day at the beach. Like many new point and shoots, it takes 720p HD video as well. Nice.

• 12 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video mode
• Waterproof to 10 ft
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• 
  

Samsung NX10-14.6 megapixels

The Micro Four-Thirds format is barely one year old, and Samsung has already developed the NX10 "hybrid" model, somewhere in between the M4/3 and dSLR formats. It keeps the body size down by forgoing a mirror (like a Micro Four-Thirds) but features a larger, dSLR-sized sensor (like a dSLR—duh!). It's actually been a long time coming: Samsung unveiled the NX series way back at PMA in February 2009 but never confirmed an official model until January 2010, days shy of CES.

• 14.6 megapixels
• "Hybrid" format
• mirrorless body with a dSLR-sized sensor
• Electronic viewfinder
• 720p HD video
• 3.0-inch active-matrix organic LED (AMOLED) screen
• ISO 100-3200
• HDMI output
• 0.78 pounds (without card and battery)
• 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.6-inch dimensions

Pentax X70 12-megapixels Camera

• 12-megapixels
• 24x optical zoom
• HD Video (720p, 15fps)
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• SD/SDHC memory storage
• $379.99

Pentax Optio E90 10 megapixels

The E90 holds up the bottom end of Pentax's product line for 2010. It's an ultracompact, so there's not too much to say about the picture quality. But like the rest of this year's Optio line, the aesthetics are pretty cool. The E90 has a rubber covering for a grippable texture, available in wine red and black.

• 10 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• Anti-shake mode
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• Video mode
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• AA Batteries
• $99.95

Pentax Optio H90

The Pentax H90 is another stab at a compact camera from a company that's mainly known for their quality dSLRs. The guts are pretty standard for the price, but the funky coloring and design gives it a bit of personality. It's might be worth a look, but we get the impression that it will primarily be of interest to Pentaxians who need a point-and-shoot to complement their dSLRs.

• 12 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $173.94

Panasonic Lumix ZS7

This camera looks awesome. It has built-in GPS for geotagging, including a database of about half of a million landmarks all around the world for even more precise tags. 12x zoom, 720p HD in AVCHD lite format, full manual controls, and it's small enough to fit in any small pocket. We're eagerly awaiting this one, due in mid-March for $399.

• 12 megapixels
• 12x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video (AVCHD lite format)
• Venus Engine HD II image processor
• Full manual controls
• Built-in GPS for geotagging
• Captures to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $399.95

Panasonic Lumix LX3

Meant for users looking for a high-end point-and-shoot or a supplement to their existing professsional SLR setup, the Panasonic LX3 emphasizes quality and power over everything else. Though it only has a very small 2.5x optical zoom, the LX3's image processing and design is tailored for advanced, high-quality shooting. It also comes with a 720p high-definition movie mode.

• 10.1 megapixels
• 2.5x optical zoom, 24mm ultra wide-angle lens
• JPEG and RAW file formats
• 720p high-definition movie mode
• 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios
• ISO 80 - 3200 (6400 high sensitivity mode)
• 3.0-inch LCD display
• Lithium-ion battery
• Secure Digital memory card storage (50MB internal)
• $355.00

Panasonic Lumix FS15

• 12.1 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
• 29mm wide-angle lens
• MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization
• Movie mode with sound
• Lithium-ion battery
• Secure Digital memory card storage (50MB internal memory)
• $165.99

Olympus SP-590UZ

Olympus offers a new option for those seeking the ease of a compact digital with the control of an SLR, and packs a 26x optical zoom, the longest lens on the market. The SP-590UZ features 12-megapixel resolution that allows users to create their own photo-quality, poster-size prints. A 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom also ensures that users will be able to get up close to the action without sacrificing photo quality. Additionally, the SP-590UZ's tough construction protects it from anything the elements can throw at it. A 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen makes taking and reviewing photos easier than ever.

• 12 megapixels
• 26x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
• 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
• Uses xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)
• $339.00

Olympus PEN E-P1 3-inch LCD Display

• Micro Four Thirds camera
• 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Live View LCD
• TruePic V Image Processing
• ISO 100-6400
• 3-inch LCD display
• Intelligent Auto and Full Manual controls
• 720p high-definition video recording (AVI format)
• Secure Digital High Capacity memory storage
• Dimensions: 4.7" x 2.7 X x 1.4"
• $595.00

Olympus SP-800UZ with 2GB of Built-in Memory

The Olympus gives us the SP-800UZ with an absolutely whopping 30x optical zoom. This is the largest zoom we've ever seen on a fixed-lens camera (a distinction shared by the new Fuji HS10), and the $349 price tag is still lower in many cases than that of last year's 18/20x superzoomers. It's still relatively compact, too, and like a bunch of Olympus' 2010 cameras, has a generous 2GB of built-in memory. We'll have to wait until March to see how the picture quality and image stabilization fare before we can make a fair analysis (the Fuji HS10, for example, has a higher-quality sensor, but is also much more expensive), but at first look, this seems to be a very cool camera.

• 14 megapixels
• 30x optical zoom
• Dual image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video mode (MP4 format)
• HDMI output
• 2GB built-in memory
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $349.99

Nikon P90 Nikon's Smart Portrait System

• 12.1-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
• 24x optical wide-angle (26-624mm) Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens
• 3.0-inch Vari-Angle LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
• Nikon's Smart Portrait System
• Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• $279.95

Nikon D5000 12.3 Megapixel DX CMOS Sensor

• 12.3 megapixel DX CMOS sensor
• 720p HD D-Movie mode
• 2.7-inch Live View LCD display, variable angle
• Secure Digital memory storage (SD/SDHC)
• $549.95

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

The coolest thing about the S1000pj is the built-in projector. Everything else is rather standard, but the projector is what makes this innovative camera stand out from the crowd. The projector can display photos or videos taken with the S1000pj on a wall or other surface at sizes up to 40-inches. That's impressive. It's also very expensive, as most first-wave technologies are.

• 12.1 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom, wide-angle lens
• Built-in projector can display images up to 40-inches in size
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital card memory storage
• $359.00

Kodak Easyshare M550

Here's another Kodak point-and-shoot, announced at CES 2010. It's similar to the M575, but with a smaller 12 megapixel sensor. We'd love to be wrong, but based on the user feedback we've received on most Kodak point-and-shoots over the years, we're going to guess that this will be less-than-impressive.

• 12 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom
• 28mm wide-angle lens
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• Smart Capture/Smart Share one-button uploading to social networking services
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Lithium ion battery

Kodak Easyshare M530

Here's another Kodak point-and-shoot, announced at CES 2010. It's similar to the M550, but with a smaller, 3x optical zoom. We'd love to be wrong, but based on the user feedback we've received on most Kodak point-and-shoots over the years, we're going to guess that this will be less-than-impressive.

• 12 megapixels
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• Smart Capture/Smart Share one-button uploading to social networking services
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Lithium ion battery
• $129.95

Kodak Easyshare Z981

The Z981 has a heck of a lot of zoom in that lens--26x, to be specific. It's very similar to last year's Z980, the most notable upgrades being that slightly enlarged zoom (up from 24x) and a slightly bigger sensor (14 megapixels, up from 12). Of course, those extra pixels will go to waste if the chip is the same, but we'll have to see how it performs. This has the potential to be one of the most solid models in the Kodak lineup this year, with some other attractive features like a slew of manual controls, 720p HD video, and a vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip for portrait-oriented shots.

• 14 megapixels
• 26x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD display
• 720p HD video mode
• Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries included
• $329.95

Fuji FinePix S1600 Extended Zoom

The S1600 is Fuji's low-end bridge model for 2010. This type of camera is Fuji's strong suit, combining a big zoom with sharp imaging, though the cheaper models like this fall closer to the extended zoom category dominated by Panasonic. Regardless, this looks like a solid camera, with a 15x zoom lens, 720p HD videos, and speedy continuous shooting all for $250. Not too shabby.

• 12 megapixels
• 15x optical zoom
• Dual image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD monitor
• Electronic viewfinder
• 720p HD video
• Continuous shooting up to 8 fps
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• 4x AA batteries
• $249.95

Fuji FinePix S2500

The S2500 is Fuji's top bridge model for 2010 -- a big 18x zoom that shoots HD video. Though it's not as slim as some other extended-zoom cameras from competing manufacturers, Fuji does have a good reputation with this genre. If you want a huge zoom for $250 and don't mind a chunky body made of cheap plastic, give the S2500 a look. The only difference we can discern between this model and the slightly cheaper S1800 is that this one has an HDMI output--if displaying your HD videos on a TV matters to you, this is probably worth the extra money.

• 12 megapixels
• 18x optical zoom
• Dual image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD monitor
• Electronic viewfinder
• 720p HD video
• Continuous shooting up to 8 fps
• HDMI output
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• 4x AA batteries
• $249.95

Fuji FinePix S1500 2x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom

The Fuji S1500 is the latest offering in Fuji's FinePix series, and is an excellent choice for those looking for the ease of a point and shoot and the control of an SLR. Featuring a 12x wide-angle optical zoom with dual image stabilization and 10.0-megapixel resolution, the S1500 let's you get close to the action from any angle without losing picture quality. Face Detection and Auto Red-eye Removal ensure that every picture comes out perfect. Finally, a 2.7-inch LCD screen with Micro Thumbnail View makes taking and reviewing pictures a breeze. The S1500 comes with 23 MB built-in memory and utilizes SD/SDHC memory cards for easy sharing and storage.

• 10.0-megapixel resolution for large, photo quality prints
• 12x wide-angle optical zoom
• dual image stabilization
• Face Detection with Auto Red-Eye Removal
• ISO 6400
• 2.7-inch LCD screen with Micro Thumbnail View
• 23 MB built-in memory
• capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• $165.00

Casio Exilim EX-F1 High Speed Video Recording

A truly groundbreaking piece of machinery, the Casio Exilim EX-F1 offers high speed video recording at up to 1200 frames per second for extreme slow motion shots. It further allows for smooth HD video recording at 1080i and 720p. Its 6-megapixel sensor is paired with a 12x optical zoom lens, and sensor-shift image stabilization helps to produce clear, sharp images. Full manual control over exposure and focus will be a great draw for serious amateur still photographers as well.

• 6.0 megapixels
• 12x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
• Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization
• 1080i and 720p HD video recording
• High speed video recording from 60-1200 frames per second
• Auto and manual exposure
• Auto and manual focus
• 2.8-inch LCD screen
• Secure Digital and SDHC storage
• Lithium-ion battery
• $899.00

Casio Exilim Z2000

This 14.1 effective megapixel model comes with a wide-angle 26 mm 5X optical zoom and a 3.0-inch Super Clear LCD screen with a high resolution of approximately 460,000 pixels in a compact, thin body. The camera comes with CCD-shift image stabilization and HD Movie function, as well as a long-life battery, making it possible to take 580 shots on a single full charge. With this model, Casio has also realized a fresh new digital camera design, creating an innovative form finished in natural curves.

• 14.1-megapixel resolution
• Wide-angle 26mm 5x optical zoom
• 3.0-inch Super Clear LCD screen
• Newly developed EXILIM Engine 5.0
• Make composite images of different moving images with Dynamic Photo
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• $229.99

Casio Exilim Z550 4X Optical Zoom

This camera features a wide-angle 26 mm 4X optical zoom lens and a clear 2.7-inch LCD screen. A 14.1 effective megapixel model, it is equipped with CCD-shift image stabilization and HD Movie function.

• 14.1-megapixel resolution
• 4x wide-angle optical zoom
• 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Newly-developed EXILIM Engine 5.0
• Make composite images of different moving images with Dynamic Photo
• Art Shot Function
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• $169.99

Canon Powershot SD780 IS

• 12.1 megapixels
• HD Movie mode with sound (1280 x 720 resolution, 30 minutes / 4GB)
• JPEG file format
• 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
• Lens-shift image stabilization
• Face-detection auto focus
• ISO 80-1600
• 2.5-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital memory card storage
• Lithium-ion battery
• HDMI output
• $189.95

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

The Canon SD1200 is an extraordinary camera, blending high-quality photography with a simple, easy-to-use interface. The SD1200 IS has 10-megapixel sensor and an average 3x optical zoom; on the surface, those don't seem like blockbuster specs, but when you're using this camera, you'll understand why it's one of the most popular ultracompacts ever made.

• 10 megapixels
• Movie mode with sound (60 minutes / 4GB)
• JPEG file format
• 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
• Lens-shift image stabilization
• Face-detection auto focus
• ISO 80-1600
• 2.5-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital memory card storage
• Lithium-ion battery
• $148.77

Canon Powershot S90 IS

The Canon S90 is a versatile, powerful compact camera, intended for serious photographers who desire high control and high performance in a small, easy-to-tote package. The S90 excels in low-light performance, with ISO settings up to 12,000.

• 10 megapixels
• 3.8x optical zoom
• Manual control ring
• Excellent low-light performance
• RAW + JPEG file formats
• SD/SDHC memory card storage
• $395.00

Sony Cybershot HX1 9 Megapixels Camera

The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 is looking to make a real splash this year, pairing a long-range 20x optical zoom lens with full HD video recording. That's an impressive set of features, and a nice return to form for Sony, who have lagged behind competitors like Olympus and Panasonic in the extended zoom category they once were so strong in. The HX1 is a solid, powerful digital camera for people who are serious about their photos and want a versatile tool backing them up.

• 9 megapixels
• 20x optical zoom
• 28mm wide-angle lens
• 1080p Full HD video mode
• 3.0-inch tilting LCD display
• Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo memory storage (11MB internal)
• $449.00

Sony Cybershot TX1 Exmor R CMOS Sensor

The Sony Cybershot TX1 is a challenge to Fuji's traditional strengths: low-light performance. Poor low light performance is a perennial complaint for casual photographers, and the TX1 aims to resolve it with their Exmor R CMOS sensor, which they claim provides stunning, superior image quality in environments lacking sufficient light.

• 10.2 megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• "Exmor R" CMOS sensor: superior low-light performance
• HD movie mode (720p)
• 3.0-inch LCD display
• $319.95

Sony Alpha A850 Dual BIONZ Processors

The Sony Alpha A850 boasts some impressive technical specs at a relatively affordable price, though it's still clearly intended for professionals and super-serious amateurs. This is Sony's second 35mm, full-frame dSLR, featuring a whopping 24.6 active megapixel sensor, in-camera image stabilization, continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second, and a 3.0-inch LCD all in a moisture and dust-resistant magnesium-alloy shell (no movie mode, however). It's quite similar to the A900, but several hundred dollars less expensive, so this could be a good purchase.

• 35mm full-frame sensor
• 24.6 megapixels
• SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization
• Dual BIONZ processors
• 3 fps continuous shooting
• 9-point auto-focus with 10-point assist
• JPEG and RAW formats
• Moisture and dust-resistant magnesium-alloy shell
• Captures to CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo media
• $1,999.00

Samsung CL80 AMOLED touchscreen display

Samsung pulled out the stops on the CL80, packing a 14.2 megapixel sensor, 7x optical zoom, 31mm wide-angle lens, 720p video AND WiFi and Bluetooth antennae into a thin body with a 3.7-inch active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) touchscreen. There have been WiFi cameras before (including the Samsung CL65, a similar model that seems to have slipped under the radar), but never in such a good-looking body. This is the official version of the rumored ST5500 that we wrote about a few weeks ago. No word on pricing, but we bet it will be expensive. For a cheaper model with the same lens and sensor, check out the TL420—aside from the AMOLED screen and antennae, its almost identical.

• 14.2 megapixels
• 7x optical zoom
• 31mm wide-angle lens
• 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display
• 720p HD video mode
• Wireless connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth
• Captures to microSD memory cards
• Lithium ion battery

Samsung DualView TL225 Touch-Screen LCD Display

• 12.2 megapixels
• 720 HD video
• 4.6x optical zoom
• 3.5-inch rear touch-screen LCD display
• 1.5-inch front LCD display
• Dual image stabilization
• Smart Auto Feature
• 27mm wide-angle lens
• $247.05

Samsung SL202 10.2-Megapixel Resolution

The Samsung SL202 is an excellent camera with a number of stunning features at a low price. A 3x optical zoom with dual image stabilized zoom and high quality 10.2-megapixel resolution allows you to get up close to the action without sacrificing picture color or sharpness. Additionally, Face Detection, Smile and Blink Detection and a range of other camera modes ensure that you're pictures are never a second too late. A 2.7-inch LCD screen makes taking and reviewing photos easier than ever. The SL202 allows you to save to SD/SDHC/MMC cards for easy storage and sharing. Samsung may not be a big name in digital cameras yet, but with this, the SL30, and the Dualview models, they're making headway.

• 10.2 megapixel sensor
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.7-inch LCD screen
• Digital image stabilization
• Perfect Portrait System: Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Beauty Shot
• Capture images to SD/SDHC/MMC cards (not included)

Pentax Optio I-10 5x Optical Zoom Camera

The Pentax Optio I-10 has the guts of an average point-and-shoot in the body of a classy old SLR. Aside from a few interesting features (like a handy picture-in-picture, so photographers can reference an ideal shooting angle, for example) the camera looks quite average on paper (we have a review lined up in the future, so we'll get back to you on that one), but it is a nice design that more than a few Pentaxians will be attracted to.

• 12 megapixel
• 5x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video, 30 fps
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $299.95

Pentax K-7 14.6 Megapixels Digital Camera

• 14.6 megapixels
• JPEG and RAW file formats
• PRIME II Image Processor
• 720p/1080i HD video
• Pentax KAF3/KAF2/KAF/KA mount lenses
• ISO levels up to 6400
• 3.0-inch live view LCD display
• Lithium-ion battery
• Shake reduction
• Weather-sealed, magnesium/steel alloy body & stainless-steel chassis

Pentax K-x 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor

• 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor
• 720p HD video
• Shake Reduction
• Pentax K/KA/KAF/KAF2/KAF3 mount lenses
• HDR image capture
• Includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens
• 2.7-inch live view LCD screen
• AA lithium batteries (NiMH and alkaline compatible)
• Captures images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included)

Panasonic Lumix ZR1 8x Optical Zoom

The Panasonic ZR1 is a compact point-and-shoot camera with an impressive 8x optical zoom lens and 12.1-megapixel sensor, providing a robust image-taking experience. That lens, while long, is also wide, with 25mm wide-angle capabilities as well. The ZR1 also has a high-definition movie mode capable of shooting video clips at 720p, 30fps.

• 12.1 megapixels
• 8x optical zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens
• Panasonic POWER O.I.S.
• HD movie mode (720p, 30fps)
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• SD/SDHC memory storage
• $214.95

Panasonic Lumix GF1

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 offers the speed and customization of a SLR system camera in a compact and highly portable form factor. Boasting a professional 12.1 megapixel imaging sensor, the DMC-GF1 captures photos and HD video with stunning detail and life-like color.

• Micro Four Thirds camera
• 12 megapixel
• Lumix G Vario 14 - 45 mm F3.5 - F5.6 ASPH.Mega OIS lens
• HD movie mode (720p, AVCHD format)
• JPEG and RAW
• Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
• SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• $786.99

Panasonic Lumix FZ35

• 12.1-megapixels
• 18x optical zoom
• 27mm wide-angle lens
• High-definition movie mode, AVCHD Lite format, 720p (1280 x 720) resolution
• 2.7-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital / SD High Capacity memory storage
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $309.00

Olympus E-520 10 Megapixels Camera

• 10 megapixels
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• TruePic III image processor
• Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust cleaner
• RAW and JPEG file formats
• 4/3 standard lens mount
• Auto and manual focus
• Auto and manual exposure
• ISO 100-1600
• 2.7-inch LCD
• Compact Flash and xD-Picture Card Digital card storage
• Lithium-ion battery
• $349.95

Olympus Tough 8000 Waterproof Camera

The Olympus Tough 8000 has a durable construction in a camera that is waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof, shakeproof, and all around lifeproof, but early reviews aren't happy with image quality. Tough is one way to put it. Indestructible might be better. Either way, Olympus' new Tough 6000 can take whatever you got. 12-megapixel resolution and a 3.6x wide-angle optical lens ensure that every photo you take is just as sharp and crisp as you remember it, while a 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen makes taking and reviewing pictures easier than ever.

• 12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
• Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof
• 3.6x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
• 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
• Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards (not included)

Olympus PEN E-PL1

The PEN E-PL1 is Olympus' third camera in the Micro Four Thirds format. For those that are still unfamiliar with it, Micro Four Thirds is a format somewhere in between dSLR and point-and-shoot, meant to achieve high-quality photos (like a dSLR) in a compact body (like a point-and-shoot). The first handful of M-4/3 models from Olympus and Panasonic are great cameras, but still designed more like mini-dSLRs than true compacts. The E-PL1 is the first truly compact model and the first with a built-in flash and it's the cheapest Micro Four Thirds yet ($600). Early reports indicate that the picture quality is still stellar.

• 12 megapixels
• 2.7-inch LCD monitor
• 720p HD video
• RAW + JPEG file format
• Built-in flash
• Accessory port for electronic viewfinder, microphone
• In-body image stabilization
• 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens included
• Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• $599.00

Nikon D90 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX CMOS sensor

The Nikon D90 is the world's first digital SLR to feature a movie mode, and it's capable of shooting high-definition clips that make use of a variety of versatile Nikon lenses. This camera is meant to be the best of both worlds, taking some advanced features from the upper-echelon Nikon SLRs and mixing them with the user-friendly, approachable design of the entry-level SLRs. Keep an eye on the D90.

• 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX CMOS sensor
• D-Movie mode (with 720-HD resolution)
• 3-inch Live View LCD
• Secure Digital memory storage
• HDMI output
• $729.00

Nikon D3000 Semi-Professional Camera

The Nikon D3000 is the newest entry in Nikon's line of user-friendly, entry-level dSLRs. It's meant to be a less daunting and less expensive version of the Nikon D300S. For advancing photographers looking to step up to a serious, semi-professional camera, the D3000 should offer the same ease-of-use and comfort that made the D40 and D80 models so popular in the past.

• 10.2 megapixel DX-format sensor
• Nikon EXPEED image processor
• 3.0-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital / SDHC memory storage
• $399.95

Nikon D300S 12-Megapixel CMOS Sensor

The Nikon D300S is a substantive mid-level dSLR for advanced photographers looking for a little extra power in their photos. The D300S has a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and is also capable of shooting high-definition video clips at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, at 24 frames per second.

• 12 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Nikon EXPEED image processing
• D-Movie mode, 720p resolution, 24 frames per second
• 3-inch Live View LCD display
• SD/SDHC memory storage
• $1,699.95

Kodak Slice Touchscreen Camera

Kodak unveiled a couple of promising products for their Spring 2010 collection, one of which is the Slice. It's the company's first touchscreen camera, packing a decent 14 megapixel sensor, 5x optical stabilized Schneider-Kreuznach lens, a generous 2GB of internal storage, and 720p HD video. At $350, it's on the (very) pricey side for a point-and-shoot—similarly-spec'ed cameras often cost under $300—and it pays to be skeptical of any Kodak digicam these days, but it's turned our heads more than anything we've seen from them in a while. At the very least, it's a step in the right direction.

• 14 Megapixels
• 5x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization
• Schneider-Kreuznach lens
• 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD
• 720p HD video
• 2GB internal storage
• Kodak Smart Capture/Face Recognition
• Lithium ion battery
• One-button upload to social networking services
• $349.95

Kodak M381 12-megapixel Digital Camera

The Kodak M381 is a fairly run-of-the-mill camera from a manufacturer recently known for making shoddy products. The 12-megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom are nice, but what really matters is the image processing and if recent history is any indication, the M381 probably won't satisfy.

• 12.4 megapixels
• 5x optical zoom
• Smart Capture "intelligent" auto mode
• 3.0-inch LCD display
• Secure Digital memory storage
• $114.99