Start with the basics

Identify the cameras that deliver the basic capabilities you need. Then find out how they actually perform in the trenches.

I recommend: PC Magazine and Digital Photography Review provide product reviews along with specs and pricing for dozens of digital cameras.

Digital cameras with video

Most new digital cameras let you record video. You can’t expect the sharp images that you would get from a video camera, but their image quality is improving.

I recommend: If you want to shoot more than a 30-second snippet of high-quality video pick a camera such as Samsung’s DIGIMAX S800 whose video output is 640 x 480 resolution, 30 frames per second (fps).

Edit photos in your camera

When time is tight, you’ll be grateful for a camera that lets you change the size of your photos and perform other editing functions without having to download the images to your computer.

I recommend: Nikon’s D40, like many of today’s cameras, gives you a good selection of photo editing options. HP’s Photosmart R837’s editing tools are particularly handy if you photograph people. In addition to eliminating red-eye, you can quickly re-touch portrait shots and even make your models look thinner.

Wireless image transfer

Another feature to consider if you shoot photos on the go, is the ability to send photos to customers and colleagues directly from your camera to their computer or other device.

I recommend: Kodak pioneered the wireless consumer camera with its EasyShare-One. Canon’s PowerShot SD430 also gives you the freedom of wireless transfer, including the ability to wirelessly send the image files to certain Canon printers.

Shoot close-ups of tiny items

Do you need to photograph a cell phone keypad or go in tight on a beaded necklace? To take clear shots of the tiniest details, you need a camera with a macro function.

I recommend: With the Olympus SP-550 UZ, your camera can be less than 1/2 inch from the item you’re shooting. With Samsung’s DIGIMAX S800 you can get as close as 1½ inches.

Be still my digital camera

Some newer cameras incorporate an image stabilizing feature to help you keep the camera steady and eliminate blurry photos.

I recommend: Most experts say that optical image stabilization does a better job than digital image stabilization. Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20K includes an optical image stabilization feature. It also lets you switch from auto to manual mode when you want more control over the camera’s settings.