Which Camera Should I Buy?

The "hot" cameras lately are in the DIL (digital interchangeable lens) camera category. DIL cameras are similar to DSLRs, in that they offer interchangeable lenses, but DIL cameras are smaller than DSLRs because they use a mirror-less design. You'll find the best DILs in the $500, $750, and $1,000 price ranges.

• Best DIL camera. The Olympus PEN E-PL1 (pictured here) is a very nice inexpensive DIL camera with a cool, retro look.
• First runner-up. The Samsung NX10 is one of the best DIL cameras you'll find, but it has a slightly higher price than the PEN.
• Second runner-up. You can set the focus with the touch screen on the award-winning Panasonic DMC-GH2.
• Third runner-up. The DMC-G2 is another great DIL from Panasonic that's a lot of fun to use.

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Even with the surge in DILs, DSLR cameras remain very popular, as shown in this DSLR camera buying guide. DSLR cameras provide amazing performance and interchangeable lenses, such as DSLR lenses from Canon. The best DSLRs can be found in the $750, $1,000, and $2,000 price ranges.

• Best DSLR camera. The Nikon D5000 (pictured here) is a slightly older model, but it is a great option.
• First runner-up. Canon's EOS Rebel T2i is another great model, and I wouldn't argue too much if you wanted it to flip spots with the D5000.
• Second runner-up. Those new to DSLRs will love the award-winning Sony Alpha a55, which technically is a "hybrid DSLR" because of a new mirror technology.
• Third runner-up. The Pentax K-r looks like an outstanding newer DSLR camera.

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A fixed lens camera, also called a large zoom camera, offers a large optical zoom lens, making it a good choice for nature and wildlife photography. You'll want to purchase a tripod to avoid camera shake with these cameras, which appear in the $300, $400, and $500 price ranges.

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If you have room in your budget for an advanced point and shoot camera, you'll be pleased. Advanced cameras typically include large zoom lenses, HD video, and great response times. The best advanced cameras appear in the $250, $300, $400, and $500 price ranges.

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Budget-priced cameras don't have to feel like inexpensive, cheap digital cameras. Shop around, and you'll find some desirable features, such as are available in the models I've listed here. The best budget cameras appear in the $100, $150, $200, and $250 price ranges.

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Children's cameras should be easy to use, fun to use, inexpensive, and safe. However, keep in mind that, for the most part, they don't take great photos. Children's cameras typically don't carry enough resolution to allow for large prints. If your child is more serious about photography, consider a budget point and shoot model.

• Best children's camera. One of the best children's cameras that I've had a chance to review is the U-Turn from Digital Blue (pictured here). It allows kids to morph the photos to apply special effects, and the segmented camera body can be twisted to allow for easy self-portraits.
• Runner-up. The V-Tech Kidizoom camera has some drawbacks in photographic features, but it's fun to use for young children.

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Tough cameras can handle a variety of shooting conditions, from fluctuating temperatures to harsh environmental conditions to shallow water.

• Best tough camera. If your definition of a "wow" camera involves a model that offers almost everything -- style, image quality, overall performance, "tough" features, and low price -- then the Fujifilm FinePix XP10 fits the bill. The XP10 (pictured here) looks pretty cool, and it works surprisingly well for a sub-$150 camera.
• First runner-up. I honestly liked the "tough" features of the very rugged Pentax Optio W90 better, but its slightly higher price just places it behind the XP10.
• Second runner-up. Panasonic's Lumix TS10 is a promising tough camera, with a very nice feature set.

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I'll never understand why so many camera manufacturers stick to the basic black and silver with their cameras. These colorful cameras are a lot more fun.

• Best colorful camera. I had a chance to review the Jason Wu Create camera, and it's very easy to use. Two design schemes are available -- metal or leather. The metal body colors (pictured here) are white, black, gold, red, yellow, blue, and green, while the leather colors are white, black, and gray.
• First runner-up. DSLR cameras rarely offer cool body colors, but the award-winning Pentax K-x is offered in chocolate, beige, olive green, light green, pink, purple, blue, orange, red, black, and white.
• Second runner-up. The Pentax RS1000 includes changeable "skins" for an always fresh look.

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Most point and shoot cameras are pretty easy to use, but there are a few that take "ease of use" to a new level.

• Best easy to use camera. Cameras with touch screen LCDs are among the easiest to use, and one of the least expensive touch screen cameras is the surprisingly good HP CW450t (pictured here).
• First runner-up. Samsung's PL90 has a built-in USB connector, which means you don't have to search for a USB cable when downloading photos.
• Second runner-up. Kodak's EasyShare M580 digital camera lives up to its "EasyShare" name. Kodak has given the EasyShare M580 plenty of photo-management features, making it easy to sort photos before uploading, and sharing with social networking sites is easy as well.

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Finally, if you would like a camera-related gift, but you don't want to buy an actual camera, or you don't have a large budget, you can consider camera accessories. 

• Digital photo frames. Kodak's Pulse digital photo frame (pictured here) is an award-winning option, in both 7-inch and 10-inch versions.
• Underwater accessories. Many companies make underwater camera accessories that are great for enhancing the versatility of your camera.
• Memory cards. Every photographer can use an extra memory card, and Eye-Fi memory cards can transmit data wirelessly.

For more ideas, read the recently updated camera accessories buying guide and DSLR camera accessories buying guide.

Before you buy a digital camera, it's important to do your homework. By taking a little time to prepare before you buy, you'll greatly increase your chances of success.

• Camera shopping checklist. Talk to friends, learn the digital camera jargon, and figure out how you want to use the camera, and you'll be prepared when you enter the store.
• Set your budget. Figure out how much you can spend and look for the best camera in your price range. Then you won't be tempted to spend more than you should, no matter how cool the more expensive camera looks.
• Read camera reviews. Once you've narrowed your list to a few different cameras, read some reviews to learn which is the best model for you, such as my review of the Samsung NX10 (pictured here).

You've spent hours studying your digital camera purchase and listening to mind-numbing sales pitch after sales pitch. Even after selecting a model, though, you have one more sales pitch coming before your credit card goes through the machine. Should you buy an extended warranty for your camera? Learn about your warranty options here.

• Manufacturer's warranties. Every new camera has a standard warranty to cover basic problems. For example, the manufacturer's warranty on the Casio EX-H10 (pictured here) is one year, which is a common warranty length.
• Extended warranties. These go beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty, offering longer and additional coverage.
• Additional warranties. Other types of warranties may apply to your camera, too.