As the holiday season approaches, one tool you may find helpful for finding just the right camera gift at just the right price to fit your budget is my list of the best cameras at various price points.

I recently compiled a new list: The best inexpensive cameras under $250, which includes the Kodak EasyShare Z950 (pictured here).

Some sub-$250 cameras lack in one particular area versus $300 and $400 models -- such as the Casio Exilim EX-S12's 3X optical zoom lens -- but the sub-$250 cameras still have a very nice collection of all-around features. The EX-S12, for example, includes 12.1 megapixels of resolution and measures only 0.58 inches in thickness.

I even found one sub-$250 camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 that can be purchased with an underwater housing ... a feature that isn't found with many cameras that are more expensive.

Whether you want to emphasize style or substance, these sub-$250 cameras should make very nice holiday gifts.

Photo courtesy Kodak

Those who want the flexibility of a DSLR camera but the small size of a point and shoot camera will want to take a close took at the latest slim DSLR camera from Panasonic.

The Lumix DMC-GF1 camera is small and lightweight, and it contains a built-in flash, which makes it far different than most DSLR cameras. However, with its interchangeable lenses, the DMC-GF1 carries the flexibility that advanced photographers want. This model, like other Lumix G cameras, does not use a pentaprism mirror, as do most DSLR cameras.

Several automatic features are included with the DMC-GF1, which should make less experienced photographers a little more comfortable with this camera. You can shoot HD video with this model, reviewing your shots on a 3.0-inch LCD. Look for the DMC-GF1 to ship with one lens for about $900. (Compare Prices)

Photo courtesy Panasonic

2009 has been a very good year for digital cameras, with plenty of innovations. As they have for several years, prices continue to drop, giving photographers more value for their dollars.

Having had a chance to fully test and review dozens of cameras during the year, and having had a chance to informally test and consider several more models, here are some of the best cameras I've seen during 2009.

• Samsung DualView TL225 (about $300-$350). The DualView TL225 (pictured here) will turn heads of your friends and neighbors, thanks to its LCD screens on both the front and back. Unlike some cameras that look really great but have no power, the TL225 carries several strong and easy-to-use photography features, too.

• Nikon D5000 DSLR (about $600-$750). Few entry-level DSLR cameras can match the features and performance level of the D5000.

• GE A1250 (about $90-$150). The A1250 is probably my favorite low-priced, budget camera that was released in 2009. It provides a lot of value for your dollar.

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 (about $240-$300). If you want a cool design in your camera, the T90 is a great option, thanks to its unique look and touch screen LCD.

If you want to find some of the best cameras for 2009 that give you good value for your dollar, there are some great options in my best cameras for under $300 list.

Hopefully the 2010 list of camera models will feature as many innovations and great deals as the best cameras for 2009!

Photo courtesy Samsung

A big zoom lens plus a small camera body equals a pretty solid camera model, as my review of the Casio Exilim EX-H10 camera shows.

The EX-H10 is one of those point and shoot cameras that you don't see every day. It includes a 10X optical zoom lens that also includes some wide angle options. Few sub-$300 cameras can provide such a wide range of telephoto and wide angle capabilities.

The EX-H10 does have a few drawbacks, especially in its low-light shooting performance, but its very strong lens means it deserves to be on the short list for photographers looking for a big zoom lens in a small camera body.

Photo courtesy Casio