There are enough digital cameras and camcorders out there to make the clued up, keen-eyed technophile wince. So, we've narrowed down the field a bit to make your Father's Day gift shopping a little bit easier.
Point and shoot. Nowhere is the array of choice more bewildering than in the point and shoot digital camera scene. If you avoid the entry-level models, it's hard to find a dud out there. Similarly though, there aren't many that truly catch the eye either. Amongst the 2008 litter, Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FS20 caught our eye — it takes great shots but, more importantly, is well suited to absolute beginners or technophobes. Canon's IXUS 860 IS also produces excellent images for a compact shooter, while the Olympus Tough Lite 850SW wins a guernsey thanks to its sturdy construction, allowing it brave shallow water and snow, as well as being dropped.
Digital SLR. The plummeting prices of digital SLRs in recent years has put near-professional grade quality imaging within range of us mere mortals. With digital SLRs, Canon and Nikon are the heavy hitters, offering the widest selection of not just cameras but also lenses and accessories. We've selected the Canon EOS 400D and Nikon D40 because both provide a great of way getting into SLR photography in a not-too-pricey package.
Camcorder. With low-end high-def camcorders now approaching the price of high-end standard-def models, it's becoming more difficult to recommend standard-def units. That's partially why we've gone with the Panasonic's SDR-SW20 which, while not the last word in standard-def image quality, is rugged enough to stand a trip to the beach or get soaked by the rain. Sony's Handycam HDR-SR12, meanwhile, is not only the bees knees in high-def image quality but is packed to the gills with features and reasonably easy to use. Those wanting to save a bob or two can opt for the smaller capacity, but otherwise identical, Sony Handycam HDR-SR11.
